Nacho Hippo north location a hit, so far

Setting the Table

Much of the Grand Strand rejoiced when the news of a new Nacho Hippo location was announced. The original location in the Market Common and oft forgotten about location in the Myrtle Beach International Airport were not enough, so undoubtedly the newest addition in North Myrtle Beach will garner a lot of attention.

How this new northern counterpart of the popular Tex-Mex restaurant stands out is obvious by just walking up to it. Except for the store, kitchen, and bathrooms, the entire restaurant can be considered outdoors. The main dining room, where the bar is also located, does have vinyl walls that can enclose the area for the cool days and nights.

The fire pit surrounded by chairs is a fun addition to the restaurant, and very fitting. With it right at the entrance, Nacho Hippo makes sure its guests know to expect a friendly atmosphere that encourages relaxation.

Similar to the original location, the atmosphere is fun and casual, with bright colors found from the lights to the tables. There are even a few swinging benches, further cementing the idea that Nacho Hippo is the place to go for a fiesta.

Down the Hatch

The menu is the same as the first location, with favorites like their Grilled Corn on the Cob, Chimi-Chimi-Bang-Bang, and the Banging Shrimp Taco all accounted for. And of course, they haven’t forgotten the nachos. The restaurant wouldn’t be complete without them.

Along with the delicious and decently priced food is the great drink menu and daily deals that go along with them. For instance, during football season, Nacho Hippo has drink specials Friday through Sunday with $3 tequila shots and $15 buckets of Bud Light aluminum.

Even at only a few weeks old, the restaurant seems to have found its groove. It didn’t take very long for the food to come out along with typical Nacho Hippo deliciousness. Some of the dishes and platters include yellow rice and/or black beans. Guests can pay extra for other options like plantains, vegetables, or even french fries.

With or without the sides, the main dishes such as a quesadilla or Chimi-Chimi-Bang-Bang were large enough to be filling. The tacos, both hard and soft shell, were wonderful and easily overpowered the need for the sides that come with a platter.

Check, Please

The first location of Nacho Hippo in the Market Common quickly became known for its fun, party-like atmosphere, great food, and good prices. The new North Myrtle Beach location is on the same track, and nacho-lovers everywhere are rejoicing.

A meal for one without any alcohol but including a tip was around $15, and ultimately a party of four still paid less than $50 total. Of course, it could have easily and happily been much more expensive, given the temptation of dessert and beverages that help make a good time even better.

Nacho Hippo remains the go-to place for families and friends who want to have a fun time without worrying. With great food, great deals, live music on the weekends, and regular events and specials, the North Myrtle Beach location helps prove beyond a doubt that this cantina is definitely the máximo.

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 6:52 AM with the headline "Nacho Hippo north location a hit, so far."