Where to Go for Nachos in Whistler

For me, nachos embody the nature of après. Nothing caps off a day in the mountains like tackling another kind of mountain – a pile of carby, cheesy deliciousness that’s as much a social event as it is a meal. Whether paired with a cold beer, a fresh cocktail, or a crispy Coke, nachos represent what a day in Whistler is all about: sharing with great friends. From refined twists to simply massive platters, Whistler’s nacho scene has it all. 

Originally a Tex-Mex invention, nachos were created in a small Mexican border town by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya while improvising for some American customers who appeared when his cook was nowhere to be found. That spirit of creativity thrives in Whistler’s nacho offerings, where local spots put unique spins on this classic dish – sometimes even replacing the corn chips and cheese with other delicious ingredients.

Whether you’re after a classic pile of corn chips, cheese and toppings, or you’re curious about a creative twist on an après favourite, here are five spots in Whistler to get your nachos fix. 

For a Lively Atmosphere: Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub

For those looking to round off their day at a high-energy après spot, look no further than the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, located right at the base of the Whistler Gondola, and offering daily live music throughout the winter season. It’s a classic Irish-themed pub, with charming details throughout, the whole place having been designed and built in Ireland and transported piece by piece across the pond to Canada. 

The nachos at Dubh Linn Gate feature a generous toppings-to-chip ratio, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavour. A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese melts perfectly with fresh tomatoes, banana peppers, spring onions, and olives, all served with salsa and sour cream. Optional add-ons include guacamole, Cajun-spiced chicken, and BBQ pulled pork.

For a Refreshing Take on Nachos: The GLC

Also located at the base of the Whistler Gondola, The Garibaldi Lift Company Bar & Grill, simply known as The GLC, offers stellar views and unbeatable après-ski vibes. With its large patio equipped with heaters and propane fires, it’s the perfect spot to watch skiers wrap up their day in winter or bikers take on the trails in summer. And if you’re looking for a fresh spin on nachos, The GLC serves up a dish worth trying: Ahi Poke Tostones.

Created by Chef Jordano Palacia, originally from Brazil, the dish is a delicious reimagining of traditional nachos. Chef Palacia, bored of preparing countless nachos orders, drew inspiration from his roots to craft something extraordinary. Instead of tortilla chips, it starts with crispy plantain chips, a Brazilian snack staple, making a crunchy and interesting base.

The plantains are loaded with a colourful mixture of shredded cabbage, peppers, jalapeños, sweet pineapple, and pickled ginger, creating a delicious medley of tropical flavours. On top, a generous portion of sushi-grade ahi tuna is added, finished with a drizzle of wasabi aioli which adds a subtle kick. To round it out, the dish is served with a complimentary side of guacamole.

This creative spin feels lighter and fresher than traditional nachos – quite literally providing a refreshing take on a well-known après snack. 

For a Touch of Refinement: The Mallard

If you’re in the Upper Village seeking a classy yet casual après spot, the Mallard Lounge in the lobby of Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the place to be.

At the Mallard, you’ll sink into plush armchairs and unwind in a setting that’s both lively and relaxing. Cocktail enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this spot, as the Mallard is renowned for its extensive and expertly crafted cocktail list (check out our feature of the Mallard in the blog Whistler’s Must-Try Winter Cocktails for more details). I opted for a local craft beer, served in a signature Mallard glass featuring artwork of the Fairmont and an ergonomic thumb groove – a thoughtful detail that, honestly, made the beer taste even better.

But while the drinks are important, we’re here to talk about nachos. At the Mallard, you’ll find a classic take on this après staple. I appreciated that they come with complimentary sides of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, but there is no avocado surcharge here. For an upgrade, you can add spiced beef or chicken, or go all in with the grande size. The layers of mozzarella cheese are evenly levelled throughout the corn chips, and the dish is topped with a fresh pico de gallo. Olives make an appearance throughout, and jalapeños add a zesty kick. 

For Something Different: Stinky’s on the Stroll

Stinky’s on the Stroll offers a casual, cozy sports bar vibe in Whistler Village North, just a short stroll from Whistler Olympic Plaza. The walls and roof are decked out with more sports paraphernalia than you can count – flags and jerseys from nearly every Canadian team and many American ones too. A favourite hangout for locals, Stinky’s also boasts a solid lineup of local craft beers and tempting après plates, including their Tatchos – tater tots reinvented as nachos.

This dish puts a fun spin on the classic nachos formula, swapping out tortilla chips for a base of crispy tater tots. Topped with tomatoes, black olives, banana peppers, mixed cheeses, and green onions, it comes with sides of salsa and sour cream for dipping, and optional add ons including smoked meat, roasted or jerk chicken, pulled pork or donair meat. The plate may look smaller than a traditional mound of nachos, but don’t be fooled – the hearty potato base makes it surprisingly filling. It’s a satisfying and delicious twist, and to be honest, who doesn’t love fried potatoes?

For meat lovers: Dusty’s Bar & BBQ

If you find yourself  in Creekside and you are hungry for some après fare, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is located at the base of Creekside Gondola, and it is a legendary spot that features regular live music, including performances by the iconic Hairfarmers. Dusty’s specializes in smoked meat and their Famous BBQ Nachos showcase this expertise, loaded with smoked brisket, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce.

I opted for the classic nachos, and they truly live up to their name. The Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese combo was perfectly melted, with some crispy edges that added a satisfying touch. Toppings included the usual suspects: jalapeños, olives, and banana peppers, all complemented by a side of spicy salsa fresca and sour cream.