Nachos in Paradise: Tapas Restaurant and Lanai Bar

The Nacho Friends were recently spoiled with a most magnificent nacho night at Tapa's Restaurant and Lanai Bar. One of the bartenders there, Cory, challenged his boss /owner/chef to create special nachos just for us. They don't even have nachos on the menu so we were very excited. When we arrived, they had the dining room set up for us with one long table. The room was small, but cozy and quaint with white linen tablecloths and table settings for 20. Once all the nacho friends arrived, the nachos began to come out plate by plate. We were surprised that he plated everyone their own, individual nachos. They looked delicious and to say they were is an understatement! Homemade chips, tangy cheese sauce, spicy kim chee, melt in your mouth BBQ chicken, and a citrus sour cream all blended together for a flavor explosion party in your mouth. We took advantage of the $5 tequila special enough that I am sure our server, Ty, got his 10,000 steps in, even in such a tiny place. Not only was the tequila $5, but they have the best pickle back I have tried yet. If you have not experienced tequila with a pickle back, you must. I kept ordering shots, just for more of the pickle juice.

All of the staff at Tapa's took incredible care of us. They even brought us a round of dirty named shots that tasted like heaven. After nachos, we sang and danced to karaoke not wanting the night to end. We were all very impressed by the nachos, with many nacho blog veterans exclaiming they were definitely in the top 5 or 10 on the island. Just writing this blog, my mouth is watering to taste that combination of deliciousness in my mouth right now.

Tapa's Restaurant and Lanai Bar is located on Seaside Avenue, just off Kuhio on the 2nd floor. The bar is open 2pm to 2am on Monday through Friday, 10am to 2am on Saturdays, and 9am to 2am on Sundays. Dinner is from 5pm to 8pm on Monday through Friday, Lunch is from 11am - 1:30pm on Saturdays, and Brunch from 9am to 12:30pm on Sundays. There are weekly specials that change all the time and a standing menu of homemade meals. I highly recommend checking out this little hole in the wall. You will not regret it!

Ooey gooey deliciousness

Special Korean nachos created just for us and complimentary of the ingenious chef. Corn chips homemade, koren bbq chicken marinated overnight and then tossed in extra sauce, ko-chu jang korean sauce plus nacho cheese, kim chee with all the water squeezed out, sour cream with lime juice and lime rind, green onions.

Nacho Friends

Brando (4) – PRESENTATION: There I was, at the head of the table, the last to be served. My first impression came from the impressions of others, which could only be described as a scrumptious delectable, toothsome menagerie of nacho neuroticism. RAD: The chicken was marinated as if it had been serenaded by Aphrodite herself, or her half sister, Bunquita, who loves nachos. LAME: No beans. I ate so many beans growing up I would hate them, but they are essential to the nacho. This inform was handed down to me, the guero, by my frijolero friends south of the border! TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, a solid numbe3r, no odd man or woman out. There was a topping for every chip. It felt like communism…if it worked. I would give it a 5, but I am reserving my 5 for a plate of nachos that expands my mind and body, and I think those mushroom toppings are only served in Amsterdam. Service was amazing, atmosphere was astounding, good friends, good nachos, and although I will eat pretty much anything free, I would have stopped eating if they were bad. I ate the whole plate.

Kimi (4) – PRESENTATION: I think those are homemade chips. RAD: Kimchi!!! LAME: It's not on the menu. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 3. Girls will love this 'cause it's fun. (Girls just wanna have fun.)

Nacho Nacho (5) – PRESENTATION: Looks really well crafted. Plated beautifully. This chef cares about his nachos. RAD: The mix of sweet and spicy was rad. Loved the kimchee. LAME: Didn't feel like the cheese matched completely the other ingredients. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, perfect ratio. Loved it, thanks Tapas! Nachos were really good. Staff was super great.

Chip (4) – PRESENTATION: One color. RAD: Kimchee was a nice surprise, unexpected, but delicious. Crispy chips delish! Sweet. :) LAME: Needs more color. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: Perfect. Wonderful service!

Don Juan Frijoles (3.5) – PRESENTATION: Good pile of chips and toppings. Loved the drizzle. RAD: Cloth table coverings and a fun atmosphere. Great service. LAME: Not enough spicy level for a spice freak. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, but no cheese could be on purpose. How many nacho virgins does it take to screw in a light bulb? It's nacho problem.

Julia Goolia (3) – PRESENTATION: Colorful. RAD: They made veggie ones for us. LAME: No beans. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: Not enough toppings. Service was great!

The 5^th Virgin (Josh B.) (4) – PRESENTATION: Nice white plate with nice size chips. A couple layers of full chips filled up to the top. A pleasant green color made by chives. Secret orange sauce is darn amazing!! RAD: White drizzle sauce run long ways from end to end like long laps passing over the entire nacho plate. Cream your pants shot for all. LAME: One or two empty chips which may have just been a small oversight due to the volume of nachos delivered to party. More spice. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: So much toppings the chips couldn't handle them. Bring your fork or chopsticks to clean up all the good stuff. Homemade chips keep the crunch with every bite. Avocado would have made them a 5. Service was great, friendly, and welcomed all. Nice sparkly lights, full size and stocked bar available. Warm soft cloth napkins.

Donte (5) – PRESENTATION: Plated really well, looks very cheesy. RAD: Sweet and spicy, was absolutely delicious. No one flavor overpowered the other. LAME: Kimchee didn't mix very well with other ingredients. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5.

Caroline (3) – PRESENTATION: So sweet that they accomodated the vegetarians. Nice green onions, cheese, colorful. RAD: The cheese sauce is WOW! Chips are homemade! LAME: Needs beans for the veggies, we love beans! TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 3, not enough toppings. I would have bumped it up to 5 if they get veggie nachos. Thank you for being so lovely and hosting Nachos in Paradise.

Tango Tango (4) – PRESENTATION: Artfully served! Plated well, artfully done, sour cream drizzle. Portion is for one. RAD: CREAM IN YOUR PANTS SHOTS. LAME: Temperature. Bring 'em in hotter maybe a little more meat and cheese? TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, homemade chips OMG! They stay crispy!! Variety is fresh, spicy, twangy. Ratio almost perfect. Wow! I underestimated this place. I will be stopping in more frequently and for dinner now too!

Nate (5) – PRESENTATION: Great presentation. Nice colors and good topping distribution. The Korean style chicken and kim chee mixed with the zest make a great combo. RAD: Unique Korean taste. Nice thick chips. The mustard zest is a great addition. LAME: Honestly…nothing. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4.5, almost perfect! Really there is absolutely nothing wrong. Great service! I was even dressed in my sexy pants and tank top and no overly invasive stares. Respect.

Nacho Tequila (5) – PRESENTATION: Great plating, looks amazing, neat Korean twist on nachos. RAD: The spice and savory flavor is on point! LAME: The plate needed more nachos on it and to be bigger, because they were so good. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, perfect. Every chip had stuff on it. I want to come back and actually order these. Service was great. Atmosphere was great. You should really put these on your menu.

Nacho Slayer (3) – PRESENTATION: Good presentation, all well layered and good color. RAD: Loved the spicy cheese. LAME: The chicken was too contrastingly sweet for the nachos. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, great ratio with crispy chips. Service was great, love!

Connie (4) – PRESENTATION: Very pretty, nice touch with the white sauce. RAD: Spicy after kick. Kimchee. cream in your pants. LAME: A little cool. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, great, tasty looking, yummy. Ty was very attentive, great service, fun atmosphere, everyone was friendly.

Shananigans (4.8) – PRESENTATION: Wow! Individually plated!! RAD: Wow!! Delicious flavors. Crispy chips, that chicken though, so much flavor. Kimchee is DELICIOUS. LAME: It's not on the menu and it needs to be. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, every chip had just the right amount of toppings and flavor explosions in the mouth. Ty rocked it! Totally took care of our large and demanding group with a sexy smile. Definitely one of the top 10 nachos I have had in my life, and I have had a lot of fucking nachos in my life. Great job Tapas!!!!

Nacho Anonymous (4) – PRESENTATION: A bit messy. RAD: Too much meat!! LAME: Could use more spice - also no cheese - though a good pairing would be tough - smoked gouda? TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5+.

Nacho Libra (5) – PRESENTATION: Lovely personal plates, bright sauces! RAD: Real cheese! Love the spicy kimchi!! That Korean mustard sauce is amazing and has a kick! The chips are hearty and crunchy! LAME: Can't order these all the time. :( TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, well layered! Every chip has plenty of toppings! Personal plates, but a lot of nachos. These nachos were a great creation. Incredible flavor. They should serve them during games. Ty was great! He was so on top of it even though we were such a big party,. Corey was also awesome! So accommodating. Love this dinner space…more parties?? Thank you Tapas for everything!! What a memorable nacho night!

Miss Stupendous (4.2) – PRESENTATION: Nice look, lots of color. RAD: Kimchee, I don'k know what it is but I like the sweet peppers. LAME: No queso! It's all about queso. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, because every chip had something and no leftovers on plate. Great because they made our own nachos. I learned that kimchee is pretty amazing.

Brian (4.59) – PRESENTATION: Beautiful! If your nachos were people, I would marry them. RAD: Skateboards and these nachos. LAME: Working all day! TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4.4, more chips please. Needs more seating, service is 5 stars!

Larena Pepiada (5) – PRESENTATION: Looks like nachos, green onion adds nice color, are there enough toppings? RAD: Taste pad-thai-ish. LAME: Where's the cheese?? TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 3.5. Good times!!!

Naughty Monkey (4) – PRESENTATION: Beautiful! RAD: I don't like chicken but this was freakin awesome. LAME: I would like more sour cream. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, very generous with the chicken but needs more sour cream. Ty is da bomb. Shannon is da bomb. Portions are huge!!

The aftermath

As is tradition, Autumn did not partake in the nachos but instead reviewed another item on the menu. Usually it is a loco moco, but since the special was pasta carbonara, she got that! No pics though, sorry. Sounds delicious! I want to go try it:

Nacho Granny (4) – PRESENTATION: That's not nachos! RAD: Bacon. LAME: No peas. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: Well mixed pasta, lots of parmesan. Love Tapas! Always have!