Tio's Tamales

For those of us lucky enough to get Statehood Day off, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to do a nacho event at Tio's Tamales.  If you haven't been to Tio's yet, you are missing out on some of the best Mexican food on the island! The restaurant is super tiny with only about 12-14 chairs to sit on but they also do to-go orders. Tio's is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7am to 2:30pm and is BYOB. They also do catering, just ask them for a catering menu.  The owner, Ray, is a registered New Mexico green chile importer which makes his Mexican food super authentic and so so tasty.

It's a good thing we scheduled this nacho event for a time when a lot of people had to work because we took over the entire restaurant once we all arrived. Sorry to anyone else who was trying to dine in at the same time as us. The nachos were universally loved by all with many people giving them a 5, the highest score possible. This is a big deal from our group of friends LOL.  We are professionals when it comes to eating nachos and rating their deliciousness.Way to go Tio's Tamales!

A couple people ordered the smothered carne asada fries which are basically nachos. One lady was even visiting from San Diego. We were hesitant to have her join us for Mexican food in Hawaii since it is sub par to anything you get in San Diego, but even she raved about it! I always get a chile relleno ala cart when I eat at Tio's. He puts a unique twist on it where the chile and cheese is completely enclosed, kind of like an eggroll but different wrapper. Smother that in the chile verde sauce and you will be in heaven. The only thing I haven't been able to try yet is the breakfast. One day I will get up early enough and stop in before the office.

NACHOS - Layered in cheese, beans, choice of meat, chile verde, pico, creama, guacamole - $10.50 for large, $8.75 for small

 

Mark (4) – PRESENTATION: Very inviting, sour cream drizzle, and guac presented nicely, loads of toppings. RAD: Chunky guac. LAME: Not salty enough.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 3, could use a few more chips, fork ready. Great little effective stand with some seating.

 

Nacho Soul (Solid 5) – PRESENTATION: It's a big plate of nachos. Very heavy feeling to hold. I was surprised at that. There's so many toppings I can barely see the chips. RAD: Everything is freshly made, even the chips.  LAME: There's so much toppings that it's hard to pull a chip out.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: I was unsure at the start, but these were a solid 5 on toppings to chip ratio. You could tell everything was made in house and was delicious. Small shop, but great service and awesome food.

 

Jim & Rene (4.5) – PRESENTATION: Good color with drizzled sour cream. RAD: Small and homey local atmosphere. LAME: Disposable plastic containers and utensils. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: PERF! Lots of toppings. AWESOME!

 

Nacho Libra (5) – PRESENTATION: They're very colorful! RAD: Tons of fresh toppings! Real melty cheese! The beans and carne asada are ono. The sopapilla was perfect to sop up the extra nacho toppings, but they are EVEN BETTER with the honey.  LAME: They're not open every day and my lips are on fire from the fresh jalapeno. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, so much toppings. Practically perfect.! BYOB is great!

   

Shananigans (4.9) – PRESENTATION: The container is HEAVY which means it must be piled high with delicious ingredients. I ordered the small and there is no way I am going to be able to eat all this. Super fresh! That carne asada smells so good! RAD: The chile verde sauce is spicy and flavorful, the carne asada is delicious, lots of real cheese melted all over the homemade, super crunchy chips. LAME: I can hardly ever come here because of the hours of business (not open for dinner). I would love some fresh jalapenos on top, but I ordered mine without pico so it's my own fault. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, loaded with fresh and delicious toppings. These are near perfection, you can't get much better. Tiny yet cozy restaurant. 

Lizzy (5) – PRESENTATION: Looks great! Lots of toppings! RAD: The chips look amazing! The chips taste amazing! I found the cheese and it was so good. LAME: Had to dig for cheese, wish there was some melted on top too. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, it was perfect for my plain nachos. I gave the husband a couple chips to help get all his toppings. SO good! I would totally eat these again. Small place, but friendly and laid back.

  

Kimi (9, 5 is too low) – PRESENTATION: Wow! Perfect! RAD: Topping distribution. LAME: The shop is super tiny.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5 is too low, 7! Get it to go.

Wammy (5, fantastic nachos) – PRESENTATION: Lots of meat! Guac has chunks of jalapeno in it! RAD: Huge portions, even on a small order. LAME: Usually I end up with a ton of naked chips left over, but I actually needed a few more chips this time. My own fault though.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, great flavors all over. Carne asada is tender, guac is amazing, chips are fresh. Small place, but if I lived closer I would take it to go.

Nacho Granny (4.5) – PRESENTATION: (Carne Asada fries) So plain. Just how I like it! RAD: The carne asada is very tasty and tender. Also potatoes are rad. LAME: Needs more sour cream. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, pretty good. I did get the sauce on the side though. 4.5 overall because only a unicorn can be a 5. This place is a little small for groups, but I will definitely be back for lunch or breakfast.

Mrs. E. (4.5) – PRESENTATION: Ordered carne asada fries with chile verde sauce on the side, the steak looks great! RAD: Simple yet yummy, the carne asada tasted smoked and marinated well.  LAME: A bit warm inside and salsa isn't free. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4, needs more sour cream. The chile verde is yummy but I like to portion it out.  

 

 

 

Post Nacho bliss

BYOB means Patron shots!

Happy birthday Rene!