For an off-the-cuff lunch or dinner, especially when sharing with friends, nachos are king.

It’s a full meal on a plate — carbs (chips), vegetables (I mean, no less than salsa or tomatoes), dairy and protein. Plus, in case you’re having a gathering (or simply a gathering of the minds), it’s great to have something you’ll be able to nosh on casually when another person is talking.

Great nachos should have loads of cheese, be it shredded or in queso form, but additionally a protein, be it meat, beans or each. House-made chips are definitely a bonus, but not strictly mandatory if the toppings are ok.

Listed here are the most effective versions I’ve found around town. If I missed your favorite, let me know at eat@pioneerpress.com.

Nico’s Tacos

These are, hands-down, the most effective nachos I even have ever eaten. House-made chips, whole pinto beans, phenomenal queso, stellar salsa, guacamole and crema are layered so well that you just get a bit little bit of all the things with every bite without even trying. Truthfully, these are what all nachos should aspire to be.

They’re obviously crafted with care by someone who knows, and loves, good nachos. We had the chicken, but you’ll be able to select your individual adventure — all of the proteins at Nico’s are fabulous. Get a margarita whilst you’re at it. Nico’s serves a few of our favorites.

• Nico’s Tacos: Three Twin Cities locations, including 2260 Como Ave., St. Paul; 651-450-8848; nicostacobar.com. $13 at lunch or dinner.

Pajarito

Although these beauties can be found only at comfortable hour, they’re price an early visit to this West Seventh Street eatery.

The home-made chips listed below are a few of my favorites on the town, and the salsas are just about unmatched, so this little boat of happiness was sure to be a winner in my book. The chips are topped simply together with your selection of protein (we selected the tender, tasty chicken tinga), a stellar, creamy house-made queso, pickled jalapenos and a bit pico for freshness. A stunning roasted tomato salsa is served on the side for extra heat and flavor.

• Pajarito: 605 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-340-9545; pajaritorestaurant.com. $8, comfortable hour only (Monday-Tuesday, 4-6 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.)

Juche

Nachos at a Korean place? Yes. Are they delicious? Also, yes!

This addictive plate starts with the restaurant’s killer Korean-spiced chips, that are layered generously with nacho cheese, lettuce, sour cream, pickled jalapenos and a bit Korean hot sauce. We added the smoky, umami bulgogi bacon, and there have been zero regrets across the table (and likewise zero leftovers).

Juche, in the previous Cook St. Paul space on Payne Avenue, keeps recuperating — and busier — with good reason. Chef Chris Her knows how one can make craveable food.

• Juche: 1124 Payne Ave., St. Paul; 612-490-3380; juchestpaul.com. $12; add bacon bulgogi for an extra $4. Dinner only.

Urban Growler

I’ve long been a fan of those nachos, which start with house-made chips and a smooth beer cheese created from the brewery’s flagship Cowbell Cream Ale. Pickled jalapenos, pico, sour cream and a roasted tomato salsa finish things off nicely. We added the flavorful chicken tinga, but bacon, pork and black beans are also options.

Urban Growler: 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul; 651-340-5793; urbangrowlerbrewing.com. $12, add chicken, pork, bacon or black beans for an extra $3. Dinner only on weeknights, lunch and dinner Friday-Sunday.

Homshuk

I’ve got to say I’m a bit sad this latest Apple Valley Mexican restaurant with its adjoining market and deli isn’t closer to my home. Still, it’s price a bit road trip for authentic, soulful dishes and craft cocktails served in a contemporary space.

All the things we tried here was phenomenal, including these nachos, loaded with refried beans, house-made queso, pico, guacamole, salty cotija cheese and fresh red serrano chiles.

• Homshuk: 6999 W. 152nd St., Apple Valley; 651-300-1380; homshukmexicankitchen.com. $14, includes selection of meat. Lunch portion, $10.

Iron Ranger

This Grand Avenue restaurant and bar is one among my favorite spots to fulfill friends for drinks — especially throughout the summer months, when we are able to sit on the lovable, sprawling patio.

And what goes higher with drinks than nachos? True to brand, the nachos listed below are topped with the restaurant’s very tasty, very Iron Range porketta in addition to spicy, pickle-y giardiniera, black beans, corn, cheddar and principally all the things however the kitchen sink. The portion is ginormous — 4 of us split a half order last time I used to be there — and $3 off during comfortable hour, which ends at 5 p.m. day by day except Saturday.

• Iron Ranger: 1085 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-203-7096; homshukmexicankitchen.com. $17.25 lunch or dinner. Half order, $12.59.

Habanero Tacos

We’re loving this latest addition to Snelling Avenue, with its expansive menu of Mexican favorites. The nachos start with house-made chips (excellent) and canned nacho cheese (not so excellent). We’re willing to forgive the neon orange sauce, though, as the opposite toppings are plentiful and good, including meaty carne asada, refried beans and guacamole.

• Habanero Tacos: 80 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651-666-3961; habanerotacosstp.com. $16 lunch or dinner.