Best Guacamole In San Francisco
Guacamole has not always been a given in Mexican restaurants in America. One has to remember that the commercial production of avocados did not really get started until the 1930s. As recently as the 1950s, avocados were sometimes only available in specialty markets. Even when avocados were available, guacamole was a mere shadow of what it has become. Being born in Southern California, we made frequent trips across the border to Tijuana and even there, guacamole was just mashed avocado with a bit of lime juice. Guacamole has since blossomed into a rich and rewarding culinary delight with chefs priding themselves on their special twist. Below are but a few of the eateries serving outstanding guacamole in San Francisco.
Chilango
235 Church St,
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 552-5700
www.chilangorestaurantsf.com
Chilango is far from being your typical Mexican restaurant. All meals are cooked fresh to order, be it the organic chips or the grilled meat entrees. But the guacamole stands out on its own. This guacamole is a delectable blend of fresh, ripe organic avocados, lime juice, onion, cilantro and Serrano chilies. Served with Chilango's organic, fresh chips, salsa rojo and salsa verde, it makes a delectable starter, an enhancing snack with your drinks or even a satisfying light lunch.
Colibri Mexican Bistro
438 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 440-2737
www.colibrimexicanbistro.com
Located in San Francisco's Theater District, Colibri is way more than your typical Mexican restaurant. Don't expect to find a combo plate with a burrito, taco, a scoop of rice and a helping of muck called re-fried beans. This upscale eatery takes Mexican food one step beyond and caters to a thoroughly urbane clientele. It's a perfect place for a pre-theater dinner or post-theater drinks and a snack. Made right at your table, Colibri's guacamole is the perfect prelude to your superb dining experience or snack to enjoy with drinks during the happy hour.
La Palma
2884 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 647-1500
www.lapalmasf.com
Established in 1953, La Palma is a full-service establishment featuring not only a traditional restaurant, but also a Mexican delicatessen, full catering service and a taco truck. The non-pretentious restaurant offers all your favorites in a comfortable no-nonsense manner. It is renowned for its fresh, hand-made tortillas and its guacamole, both of which are available at the deli.
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Tortilla Heights
750 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-4531
www.tortillaheights.com
Any restaurant that calls itself Tortilla Heights has to be serving up great Mexican fare. It's a fun place to eat, provides excellent food and its guacamole is absolutely outstanding. Made from the freshest, ripe avocados, this guacamole is always prepared with the perfect ingredients that add not only great flavor, but the perfect texture a favorable guacamole should have.
Nick's Crispy Tacos
1500 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 409-8226
www.facebook.com/Rouge.Nicks
Nick's Crispy Tacos is a laid-back, friendly establishment dedicated to serving good food at reasonable prices. As the name implies, it specializes in crisp tacos, but that in no way means that its guacamole is to be sniffed at. Fresh, zesty and chunky with just enough lime and cilantro, the guacamole is as great as an enhancement to the tacos or chips as is your cerveza.
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Geraldine Duncann is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
