Monday, February 8, 2010

Drifters Visit Heats Debate on the Geometry of Nachos

Posted by Carrington Fox on Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 5:43 PM

This week's dining review features Drifters, the latest installment in restaurateur Matt Charette's east side eating empire. Our experience with Drifters' slow-cooked meats was a little uneven -- we had an excellent Saturday evening supper, balanced by a lackluster late-afternoon lunch. None the less, we concluded that the overall food quality coupled with the easygoing atmosphere and festive patio seating will make Drifters a happy Five Points landmark for beer and ribs.

One item on the menu piqued a curious conversation among our tasters: barbecue nachos. At first glance, Drifters' nachos appeared to be a bountiful pile of tortilla chips with chicken, cheese, et al. But the pyramidal presentation overlooked one of the fundamentals of nachos: The taller the pile, the more naked chips you get. In fact, our tasters each got about one loaded nacho before we ran out of toppings and were left with a lifeless leaf pile.

So, a word to nacho-makers everywhere: It's not the height of your tower, it's the toppings that have the power. Go low, nacho.

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We ran into a group of friends and my brother at this place while at an art show next door and I have to say this review does not fit in with our experience at all. The wife had the fish and she loved it. Friends had the Nachos and they said it was the best ever ! The fries are awesome too! We just found a new meet and eat place.

Posted by Kevin Groce on | Report this comment

I concur with my brother... being a late twenty something I have been looking for a place that is not as crazy, loud, and has good food. If this were a fine dinning I could expect lack luster reviews, but if you want decent food and good beer, go for it... Staff was great, food was awesome, fries are good, and those nachos are just right... FYI pile high nachos make a mess... they were just right!!!! :)

Posted by Gavin Groce on | Report this comment

Uhmm, what place are we talking about? Drifters BBQ or Drifters Fries???
I think a rebranding is in order. Tubers BBQ anyone?

Posted by restaurant tycoon on | Report this comment

It's all about layering the toppings. It doesn't have to be bare on the bottom. It's so easy: Layer of chips, layer of toppings, repeat. Duh.

Posted by Lee on | Report this comment

Even in the context of bar food, this place is awful. They charge an extra $1.50 if you want ice in your liqour, by the way.

Posted by dorito sneeze on | Report this comment

I agree with the review, in regard to inconsistency; I have noticed improvement on the last few visits though. It is what it is. I am just glad that there is another option in the area for convenient take out. At least they are nice and the service is good- a refreshing change from several of the 5 Points businesses.
BTW, dorito, I will bet they are charging you for extra liqUor in your rocks drink. That is a tired complaint that has been going on for years. Do you just expect that extra 1/2-1 ounce of liquor for free?

Posted by 5 Points Regular on | Report this comment

Liquor is way overpriced.
They charged me $1.50 for ice each time I ordered a new drink.
Are you kidding me?

Posted by Anonymous on | Report this comment

5 Points Regular, I'm telling you, they charged for ice. So thrilled you're just happy to have another "convenient take out" option. That doesn't reall cut it with me, though, if the food I'm conveniently taking out is lousy.

Posted by dorito's knees on | Report this comment

Dullrito's knees,
Why does my "convenient take out" option carry no weight, met only with sarcasm? Meanwhile, your "lousy" opinion is clearly golden, in your mind, despite the fact you are too stupid to understand a restaurant check.
Went tonight, ordered a sapphire tonic, and a sapphire rocks. Wouldn't you know, there was 1 charge for ice, or "rocks," as listed on the check.
Meanwhile, you don't have to like it. I don't care. Just don't go and assume your opinion is more important than mine. After all, you can't even question your check to your server when you think you are being charged 1.50 for ice, as opposed to liquor. Wanna buy a bridge? I'll sell you Woodland St. for 2500.00...

Posted by 5PR on | Report this comment

5PublicRelations,
Server was questioned. Ice was the explanation. Maybe she was being a smart-ass (not a good indication of service, if so)? Again, thanks for the assumptions.
Meanwhile, you don't have to dislike it. I don't care. Just don't go and assume your opinion is more important than mine. Oh, wait, I'm too "stupid to understand a restaurant check", despite having owned 3 restaurants in California.

Posted by Doritorious Needles on | Report this comment

as a bartender, we know that a 'rocks' pour is different from a standard pour. a rocks pour is a bit heavier, usually in the 2-2.5 oz range, where as a normal pour is around 1.5 oz. whether or not the server knew this is questionable, but you were not being charged for ice. that would be ridiculous. i guess they do things differently in california...

Posted by east side love on | Report this comment

ive only gotten the best food and service here. bbq, corndogs, nachos, ...whats not to like here?

Posted by reagan on | Report this comment

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