Montana's BBQ & Bar has three locations in New Brunswick and many locations across Canada. Montana's specializes in BBQ - ribs, steak, etc... but they do have nachos on the menu that I try from time to time. In the past, I have had decent to mediocre nachos, but they had never blown me away or made me a "regular" customer there. We visited again in 2021 for some nachos, one year after having them, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I want to mention that in 2021 (most of the time) we are with our "wingman" who usually spills the beans that I am the nacho blogger. I think you should know this before reading the review because I think it is in the same category as asking for extra cheese on the nachos. It is not the 100% normal experience. Perhaps this will keep restaurants on their toes in the event that the nacho blogger visits their restaurant! We have talked about getting t-shirts with the URL on it and a picture of nachos, but we have nothing yet (September 2021).
By looking at the pictures, you can see that our last experience was in May 2020. If you remember back to that time, restaurants were just opening after being in the hard red phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, we were in the green phase which was "back to normal" and thus, my reviews are back to normal and I am probably going to be a little more Simon (objective) and less Paula (sugar-coating).
Distribution of Toppings
If you have read some of my reviews where the distribution of toppings was lacking, you would see a picture of the empty chips left over. At Montana's in August 2021 there is no such picture. In other words, there was plenty of cheese and toppings with every bite.
Quality
In the past, I mentioned a lime spice on the chips, but they were plain this time. I think they should bring the lime spice back to add more flavor to the nachos. The chips and toppings were fresh and there was enough dip for our chips. We ordered the extra 1/4 lb of cheese and they really delivered on that cheese. There were a lot of jalapeños to add some spice and lots of tomatoes so that you can get some nutrition while eating a towering mountain of tasty nachos.
Value
The nachos are priced at $19.99 including the meat which is either beef or pulled pork. If you add guacamole it is $1.99 extra and if you add 1/4 lb of cheese it is $3.99 extra. Unlike previous visits, where I said that we ordered the extra cheese and they provided normal cheese, this time I feel like we got the extra cheese. This time, the value of the nachos is justified because of the quality, distribution of toppings, and they match the average price of nachos in the area.
Quantity
These nachos with the extra cheese were enough for two people to share for a meal. Without extra cheese or with more than two people, I would recommend ordering additional items.
Conclusion
Montana's nachos have come a long way in the past year. They have improved on their distribution of toppings, the quality, the value, but kept the quantity the same. I would add a spice to the nachos to add more flavor and increase the portion size. In addition, I would provide more options for dips and meats. Given this review, I think Montana's deserves to climb the ladder of excellence that is the top ten nachos in Saint John. I think a letter grade increase is warranted.
Nacho Blog Rating: B+
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| Montana's Beef Nachos - August 2021 |
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| Montana's Beef Nachos - August 2021 |
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Montana's Nachos - May 2020
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| Montana's Beef Nachos - January 2019 |
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| Montana's Beef Nachos - January 2019 |
Distribution of Toppings
If you have read some of my reviews where the distribution of toppings was lacking, you would see a picture of the empty chips left over. At Montana's in August 2021 there is no such picture. In other words, there was plenty of cheese and toppings with every bite.
Quality
In the past, I mentioned a lime spice on the chips, but they were plain this time. I think they should bring the lime spice back to add more flavor to the nachos. The chips and toppings were fresh and there was enough dip for our chips. We ordered the extra 1/4 lb of cheese and they really delivered on that cheese. There were a lot of jalapeños to add some spice and lots of tomatoes so that you can get some nutrition while eating a towering mountain of tasty nachos.
Value
The nachos are priced at $19.99 including the meat which is either beef or pulled pork. If you add guacamole it is $1.99 extra and if you add 1/4 lb of cheese it is $3.99 extra. Unlike previous visits, where I said that we ordered the extra cheese and they provided normal cheese, this time I feel like we got the extra cheese. This time, the value of the nachos is justified because of the quality, distribution of toppings, and they match the average price of nachos in the area.
Quantity
These nachos with the extra cheese were enough for two people to share for a meal. Without extra cheese or with more than two people, I would recommend ordering additional items.
Conclusion
Montana's nachos have come a long way in the past year. They have improved on their distribution of toppings, the quality, the value, but kept the quantity the same. I would add a spice to the nachos to add more flavor and increase the portion size. In addition, I would provide more options for dips and meats. Given this review, I think Montana's deserves to climb the ladder of excellence that is the top ten nachos in Saint John. I think a letter grade increase is warranted.
Nacho Blog Rating: B+