Kenosha Eats: Garage Nachos

Fun Fact: The automotive theme of this restaurant is inspired by its proximity to the old American Motors property and Auto Workers Drive.

The Flavor and The Story:

The Garage is exactly what it claims to be. When you walk in and find a seat at the workbench-topped bar or tables, you’ll look around to see corrugated aluminum walls, tool shaped overspray, car parts and countless nods to Kenosha’s automotive history. 

This is one of several great local restaurants owned by the Grease & Honey restaurant group. While the other locations focus on fine dining and craft cocktails, The Garage is the outlier with its casual atmosphere and pub-style menu.

Don’t let that concept fool you, however. The creativity and quality at The Garage is shaped by the same culinary minds as Sazzy B and The Apis, which leads to approachable, yet incredibly unique versions of bar food favorites. 

The Garage Nachos (or “Garachos” to those who know) are made just a little differently than you’d expect and are a spectacular example of this concept of familiar yet exciting.

The first surprise is the biggest. The Garage does not use tortilla chips as a base. They use thin, pub-style potato chips that are fresh fried in house. While this might upset the traditionalists, the result is a crunchy base that’s never crumbly or soggy. The chip’s freshness maintains some softness in the center, but they are strong enough to lift even the heaviest load of toppings … and you’re going to appreciate that as we move forward

The first layer of flavor is standard nacho cheese. While this is expected, it’s the quantity that will shock you. There is the perfect amount of cheese layered over the entire base, never leaving you with a cheeseless chip.

Next comes the protein. Rather than the common additions of seasoned steak or chicken, Garage Nachos are loaded with the house barbeque pulled pork. This sweet and succulent meat is perfect for nachos since there are no chunks of meat to overload one chip and ignore another. The shredded presentation can be divided up easily with a scoop of a hearty pub chip.

While the rest of the toppings are similar to expectation, they are done just a little bit better due to fresh preparation. The tomatoes are diced fresh, the shredded lettuce is crisp and the avocado is sliced to order rather than the common pre-bagged avocado spread many restaurants resort to.

If, like me, you like some heat, the pickled jalapenos are a nice spice level and plenty are provided. If hot peppers aren’t your thing, they can be left off or ordered on the side. And, if you forget or are sharing, they are conveniently located atop the pile for easy avoidance.

All of this is then drizzled with sour cream to complete the perfect flavor combination of creamy, meaty, spicy, cheesy heaven that is the Garage Nachos.

One last thing that truly sets this order apart is its sheer size. The serving size of these nachos is more than incredibly generous. Two of us split this order and left very full and very happy without being able to clean our plate.

If you really want to get crazy, chips can be subbed out for tetris shaped tater tots for the even more indulgent experience of the Garage Totchos.

Garage Nachos are available every day and priced at $12. 

The Garage is currently open for dine-in service as well as curbside, carryout and local delivery. View the full menu and order online at GarageBarKenosha.com