Food Fight: Chicago's best guacamole
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Guacamole and chips from Mi Tocaya Antojeria. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
As the Super Bowl approaches, we're prepared with our awesome lists of best local wings, nachos and pizza. But there's still one important thing left to do: Fight about our favorite guacamole!
Justin's pick: If you're like me and take your Super Bowl viewing seriously, skip the party and order guacamole from Mi Tocaya in Logan Square. It features muddled garlic, serrano peppers and chile ash.
- The only drawback is that the portion is too small and too expensive ($12.60) to serve your Super Bowl guests. But damn, it's good.
- Mi Tocaya's chef Diana Davila was just named a semifinalist for this year's James Beard Awards.
Monica's pick: A younger me would've said Burrito Beach, whose guac I dubbed the best fast-food version in the city back in 2007. But I've eaten some better guacamole in the last decade and a half — believe it or not.
- The best came from Frontera Grill in River North, where I indulged in the appetizer sampler for lunch last fall and fell hard for that fresh, chunky, tart and rich avocado whip ($13.50).
- Or make the guac at home with chef Rick Bayless' recipe.
We also scooped up a bunch of tasty guacamole recommendations from our readers:
Frances M.: "The special guac at Más Allá del Sol on the North Side with pomegranate seeds, jicama, and mango is well worth it. A healthy portion too.
"Layoneth R.: "My guac fave is a place called La Oaxaqueña, probably one of the most authentic Mexican places in the world. Ask for the tlayudas and the child’s rellenos that are to die for.
"Margret-Ann M.: "Hear me out. I wouldn't say it's the best or most authentic guacamole in Chicago, but the Jewel Osco guacamole is the best for parties with its price point and flavor.
- "Guests are always stunned when I tell them the guac they are enjoying is from Jewel."
Kevin I.: "My vote for best guacamole in Chicagoland would be Margaritas Restaurant in Oak Park. Their tableside guacamole is the best I've ever had. I'm hungry just thinking about it."
Karen G.: "The best guacamole for your Super Bowl house party is Good Foods Chunky Guacamole and Avocado Salsa."
Denny H.: "Flaco's Tacos. Super fresh plus awesome just-made chips."
Jason G.: "The prepared guacamole from Cermak Fresh Market stores has been our family go-to for years, especially for feeding a crowd. They offer mild and hot (and it's actually hot and has some kick with chunks of fresh jalapeño!)."
Patrick C.: "You may be surprised to discover that not everyone loves guacamole. I wrote about it in 2018. I realize it's a minority view, but surely journalistic fairness demands it be heard."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add reader recommendations.