By Lexington Souers

[email protected]

Aspiring to be “nacho” average Tex-Mex restaurant, The Macho Nacho is adding its own flair to local eateries. Located on the corner of Euclid Avenue and High Street, Chevy Chase’s newest restaurant is focusing on creating artful Tex-Mex cuisine.

“The Macho Nacho started with the idea that a Tex-Mex or Mexican place should deliver,” owner Aaron Rothke said. “We’re not there yet. We’re focusing on in-house service now and then we’ll step into delivery to campus, downtown, the hospitals, and to Chevy Chase.”

Rothke said that he felt the traditional Mexican experience could be improved upon, without making patrons over-pay. He said the price is no different than a typical Tex-Mex restaurant, even though the presentation is.

“The chefs really are artists, so I want to let them shine, even if you don’t every get to see that person,” Rothke said.

Overall, Rothke said his goal is to change how Lexingtonians perceive Tex-Mex cuisine.

“The food, the standard is crave ability,” Rothke said. “It has to be something that draws you back, so when you’re not here, it’s like I want the queso, I really want the Barbacoa Tacos.”

The Macho Nacho’s margaritas are made with hand-squeezed limes and homemade simple syrup. Rothke said that while the restaurant doesn’t depend solely on local products, but celebrating Lexington is a priority. One way of doing that is by showcasing the eight Lexington beers that are on tap.

“Just like our cooks are artists, our bartenders are artists,” Rothke said.

There are also a multitude TV’s throughout the restaurant for viewing collegiate and professional sports like basketball, football, and mixed martial arts.

Overall, it’s not Rothke’s goal to create a true Mexican experience. Instead he said he wants the environment to be a more American, allowing patrons to sit down, relax and enjoy their meals. 

“I want them addicted to good Tex-Mex and delicious drinks,” Rothke said.

As for the name? Rothke said he wanted something bold, humorous and unforgettable.

“I think we’ve got a great thing here,” Rothke said. “I really like what we’ve got going.”

The restaurant cures it’s own bacon in-house, which in turn goes into many of the menu items, like the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. The bacon also makes it into the Tex-Mex mac and cheese.

The Macho Nacho is open from 2-11 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weeknights. Happy hour specials are from 2-7 and offers $1 off bottles of beer and draft, half priced wells, $4 margaritas, and half priced shareables.

A delivery service should start in a few months as the restaurant continues to grow. The Macho Nacho caters to private groups as well.