Nacho Matrix is not your typical Mexican restaurant because what are usually considered starters at other places are the main attraction here.

The Menu

There are plenty of variations on nacho toppings, tacos, quesadillas, tacos and burritos. Nearly everything can be eaten by hand. The exceptions are the salad and soup of the day.

Among the available proteins are grilled chicken, carnitas, ground beef and grilled steak. There are plenty of vegan options.

Critic’s Tips

Don’t worry about making a mess — there’s no dignified way to eat nachos otherwise. Be prepared to go through a lot of napkins. There were plenty of extras on the table, which was a good thing.

On the Table

We started with the dip trio ($12) of guacamole, queso and roasted tomato salsa. We had a lot of leftover queso and salsa. Fortunately, we like leftovers. The roasted tomato salsa was especially tasty thanks to its smokiness and subtle sweetness. It was all about the fruit, not heat. The queso had some spice, but not enough to overwhelm the palate. We liked the guac. It was simple just as it was meant to be.

Although we enjoyed the trio, we could have skipped this as a starter. Depending on which nachos are ordered, queso, roasted tomato salsa and guacamole are elements already included on some of the variations. Also, the dips came with a basket of tortilla chips, which were the foundations for the nachos, so we had way too many.

There were 11 “Signature Nachos” possibilities and half a dozen “Street Eats” on the menu.

All but two of the nachos choices featured tortilla chips; the outliers used wonton chips. Our carnitas nachos ($16) were loaded with pieces of tender, braised pork, pickled onions, sliced jalapenos, diced onions and black beans smothered in queso. Everything was dusted with cojita cheese and diced cilantro.

The chicken and green chile quesadilla came with small containers of guacamole, sour cream and green chile salsa. There was plenty of eye-watering goodness from the ample amount of chile featured with the shredded chicken and gooey melted cheddar between the toasted flour tortillas. Sour cream tempered the heat without eradicating the overall flavors.

Perhaps the most unusual nacho offering was the one with ahi tuna ($18) wonton chips, wasabi aioli and nori among a few other items. We were tempted by this mashup of cultures, but will wait to try it on our next visit. 

The Venue

Nacho Matrix is located in the repurposed Lincoln School. The restaurant is divided into two rooms, with a nice outdoor seating area looking out at the parking lot. One room, with a lot of black accents, features the bar while the other has a blue mural with mostly food-related maxims. This was the quieter of the two rooms, but also felt isolated from the action.

Afterthoughts

Nachos are great for sharing, so this is a fun place to go with friends. Once we got over the idea that nachos are a snack, we embraced the idea that at Nacho Matrix they include a lot of different elements. Each tray of nachos is packed with food, so it’s unlikely anyone will walk away hungry.

Know Before You Go

Nacho Matrix

Mexican street fare and more

Location: 2127 N. Cascade Ave., Suite 105 

Contact: 719-920-5349; nachomatrix.com

Entrée Prices: $8 to $23

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. 

Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi. Alcohol. Patio.

Favorite dishes: Carnitas nachos.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: 52of 56 items in compliance.