The Backyard Gardener nachos at Off the Wall Café

You may have had some of Off the Wall’s great coffee or tea concoctions, perhaps one of their creative cocktails, or maybe even their avocado toast, muffins or sandwiches, but have you ever had their nachos? Not to overstate things, but we can honestly remember the first time we tried them. They were that memorable.

Sitting outside on their Main Street patio with a group of friends at sunset last summer, brew in hand from the neighboring Beer on the Wall, being completely blown away by a dish that — let’s face it — eateries generally either do well… or not so well.

Off the Wall has a build-your-own option with a lengthy list of fresh ingredients, or you can choose from one of four popular combinations. … Remember, nachos taste better when you share them. Difficult as that may be in this case.

Off the Wall has a build-your-own option with a lengthy list of fresh ingredients, or you can choose from one of four popular combinations. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed whichever path you take, but the Backyard Gardener — loaded down with beer cheese, mozzarella, cojita cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapeños, chipotle cream and cilantro is the upgrade we go with most often.

Add on chicken to make it even better, and then grab some wine or a new IPA and settle in with your favorite board game. And remember, nachos taste better when you share them. Difficult as that may be in this case.

104 Main Street in Park Ridge. WeHaveGreatCoffee.com

— Trent Modglin

The Thai chicken wrap at S&T

S&T (formerly Sweet & Tart) boasts a fun menu, full of delectable small plates, sandwiches, salads, wraps and flatbreads. We’ve fallen in love with S&T’s mac and cheese, chicken salad and margherita pizza, among other items, but there’s just something about the Thai chicken wrap that makes it so difficult to pass up.

There’s just something about the Thai chicken wrap’s addictive blend of complementary flavors. … Bring your appetite — and your napkin. And thank us later.

A soft tortilla is filled with tender chicken, shredded cabbage, bell peppers, scallion, peanuts and a homemade peanut dressing to create an addictive blend of complementary flavors. Bring your appetite — and your napkin. And thank us later.

“We came up with it from teamwork,” says owner Meghan O’Neill. “I always go to the amazing folks who work here for what they like and what they think will work. Everything at S&T is a collaboration. We would not be where we are without them.”

112 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge. SweetAndTartShoppe.com

— Trent Modglin

Vampire tacos at Yard House

The vampire tacos have become a family favorite at Yard House in The Glen shopping district in Glenview. The casual sports bar is the perfect home for these unique tacos, as well as their newest addition, the poke nachos, and their classic firecracker shrimp.

I have to say, every time I go to Yard House, I tend to begin craving these vampire tacos well beforehand. I mean, can you blame me?

I have to say, every time I go here, I tend to begin craving these vampire tacos well beforehand. I mean, can you blame me? It’s a deep-fried, cheese-crusted tortilla filled with carnitas, bacon, crushed avocado, salsa roja and cilantro. Served with spicy rice and pinto beans and topped with feta cheese, they are to die for. I’ve never had anything like them before, and they went above and beyond my expectations.

Talk about the perfect cure for that fried-and-filling craving we all get. We’re not claiming Yard House invented this wonderful taco creation, but I would say this is the only place I’ve seen anything like it. These simple yet fantastic dishes are the perfect pub grub for your next night out.

1880 Tower Drive in Glenview. 847-729-9273. Yardhouse.com

— Natalia Kuppers