The Nacho Mama's crew certainly know what they're doing. If you go after 7 p.m., you're guaranteed to find a huge crowd in and around the cramped Canton bar and restaurant. With its Pink Flamingoes, Cal and National Bohemian paraphernalia adorning the walls, Nacho Mama's has much of a local feel as you can expect to get in a Mexican-themed restaurant with an Elvis statue out front.
It's easy to see why people are willing to wait two hours for a table. Mama's serves a mix of cheap Tex-Mex influenced dishes, from the chips and salsa in a real live hubcap on the house to the quesadillas, tacos and burritos which average about $5 a plate.
You don't have to get the most elaborate item on the menu for a good meal. My personal favorite is the basic cheese quesadilla. For $5.25, you get melted cheese and salsa stuffed between two toasty flour tortillas the size of a dinner plate with sour cream on the side.
That's one cheap dinner, folks! You'll have plenty left over for the $1.50 bottles of Natty Bohs and the $4 salt-rimmed margaritas. In fact, if you come to Nacho Mama's, you're expected to drink.
The first time I went to Nacho Mama's, I recall how shocked the server was when my group headed out after only one round of drinks.
Nacho Mama's also offers a selection of non-Mexican choices, from the crab balls appetizer ("Where East Bawlmer meets Mexico") to the Filet Mignon entree. Non-Mexican entrees average about $10 a piece. I've heard some of the salads, such as the spinach salad, are good. I wouldn't know, though. Seriously, if you went to Nacho Mama's and got the meatloaf, you've totally missed out on the whole experience.
Take a close look at the menu while you're there. Check out not only the "mama" jokes but the South Park and Elvis jokes as well. Rules are carefully delineated: Natty Boh will not be served in a glass, for one.
If you're a repeat customer, expect to be on a first-name basis with the staff. Last time I was at Nacho Mama's, I was mistaken repeatedly for the hostess. Sitting in by the door in my khakis and sipping on a Natty Boh, I was doing exactly what the hostess is expected to do.
Everyone I know loves Nacho Mama's, and not just for the food. I don't personally know the Zagat survey crew, but they love it too. Certificates representing Nacho Mama's numerous awards line the front entrance. The reason is simple: If you add enough fatty, cheesy ingredients to a cramped, down-home feel, it'll probably come out good.
Oh, and don't worry. Same-day service is guaranteed.
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