Dishes · Dinner · Clásicos
Nachos, and the man named Nacho
Nachos were born in Piedras Negras, Mexico, just over the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, and the Nacho in the name was a person.
Cantina Rooftop
Dinner menu · Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm
Clásicos
- Nachos Locos$18
Loaded with Chihuahua cheese, beans, pico de gallo, crema & jalapeños. Protein not included
Add al pastor, chorizo, chicken, steak or birria 6
- Quesadillas$18
- Quesa Birria$20
- Caesar Kale Salad$18
- Picadera para Dos$38
Brunch menu · Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
Melted Chihuahua cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, tomatillo sauce & chile de árbol sauce
Add al pastor, chorizo, chicken, steak or birria 6
Please tell your server about any food allergies.
A missing cook, 1943
The story most people tell: in 1943, Ignacio Anaya, known as Nacho, was the maître d' at a restaurant in town when a group of women from the US Army base across the river came in and he couldn't find the cook. He put cheese and jalapeños on fried tortilla pieces and served them. The town later put up a bronze plaque in his honor.
Those first ones were built chip by chip. Today's plate is a pile, which means the top is loaded and the bottom isn't. Work in from the edges and share fast, because they go soggy if they sit.
We make two. At dinner, Nachos Locos have Chihuahua cheese, beans, pico de gallo, crema and jalapeños. At brunch the plate is just called Nachos, with melted Chihuahua, black beans, pico de gallo, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, tomatillo sauce and chile de árbol sauce. Meat is an add-on for both.
Nachos Locos: questions
Who invented nachos?
Ignacio Anaya of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, by the usual account, around 1943. Nacho is a common nickname for Ignacio.
Are nachos Mexican?
Yes, by birth, though they grew up on the border and became a Tex-Mex staple. Piedras Negras faces Eagle Pass, Texas, across the Rio Grande.
What's in the nachos at Cantina Rooftop?
At dinner: Loaded with Chihuahua cheese, beans, pico de gallo, crema & jalapeños. Protein not included. At brunch: Melted Chihuahua cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, tomatillo sauce & chile de árbol sauce. Tell your server about any allergies when you order.
How much for the nachos at Cantina Rooftop?
$18 on our menu right now. See it on the full menu.
When can I order the nachos?
It's on our dinner menu (Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm) and our brunch menu (Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm). We're at 605 W 48th St in Hell's Kitchen. Book a table.

