#3 Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden, Lakeview, IL

It was only fitting that the first official review was at the bar where this idea all started, Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden. I rallied up a dear friend to accompany me on the first review and below are the results. 

Presentation- 4 

The nachos were not directly on the dish, but on top of a checkered plastic sheet that was fitting for the BBQ style nachos we opted for and it makes cleanup 1000 times easier. Few things are worse than scraping burned cheese and condiments off of a platter.

Dish- 3 

They used a round silver serving dish/platter thing that held the thick layered nachos in well; nothing special but not terrible.

Spread- 4 

Nachos and condiments filled the plate to the brim and the plate held them in. Condiments were evenly dispersed and no chip was left without toppings on it.

Temperature- 3

Not scorching hot but could have been a little warmer; didn't affect the overall eating experience.

Volume- 4

Just enough to fill up two hungry people, both of whom are former swimmers, akin to eating lots of food.

Average Bite Size- 3

Some bites were too big and others too small; just about what you'd expect. Could only be better if every bite fit perfectly in your mouth.

Ingredients:

Chips- 5 

Blew my mind. They used to use the standard tortilla chips, but have switched to using BBQ dry-rubbed crispy potato chips. Added next-level flavor, held all toppings without breaking apart and showed no signs of getting soggy as the meal went on.

Cheese- 3

It could have only been better had shredded cheese been added; cheese was melted in a queso way but it wasn't super spicy like queso or super bland like the cheese from sporting venues; it was just right.

Meat- 3

The fact that the meat was brisket propped this score up a bit; the volume of meat left much to be desired, but the pieces on it were full of flavor. Pulled pork and pulled chicken were other options.

Veggies- 2

Loaded up on the Jalepenos which is good if that's your game. However, when they're all over and the tomatoes and olives are lacking, the score dips.

Extras- 4

You can see the Guac right on top and it tastes just as good as it looks. Despite being whalloped on top-center, there was plenty of Guac to be had right up until the end. BBQ sauce was all over which was a great touch; lack of salsa dips keeps it from being a 5.

Chip-to-condiment ratio- 3

Roughly about even considering the only condiments left were jalepenos. Did have to use a fork to finish the last few bites, which isn't terrible but keeps this score from being a 4

Bang-for-buck- 4

At $12 for the brisket nachos pictured that fills you and a friend up to the brim, this might turn out to be one of the best values in the city, as it won't break the bank getting a high quality nacho dish.

Overall Nacho Score: 45

Still one of my favorite dishes in the city; they might win the whole damn bracket. If you have yet to check out the bar, come with an empty stomach, get a Three Floyds, and ask for the brisket nachos. Then thank me later.