Watch CBS News

Top Guacamole In Philadelphia

To the Aztec culture of Mexico from at least the 16th century, the avocado sauce known as guacamole was a traditional component of their fare. Made by crushing fresh avocados and adding sea salt, along with other vegetable and spice ingredients, the Aztec word was "ahuacatl," which simply means "avocado sauce." As with many Aztec-Mexican dishes, guacamole was introduced to the U.S. and to Europe, where it quickly found a following. And while Philadelphia may not be geographically close to Mexico, the tradition of guacamole is alive and well in the City of Brotherly Love.

Xochitl Restaurant
408 S. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 238-7280
www.xochitlphilly.com

With guacamole, margaritas and a wide selection of Aztec-Mexican-inspired cuisine, Xochitl is a comfortable, relaxing, romantic and friendly place. Its dinner menu features an excellent guacamole sauce with house tortilla chips, and many of its dishes include a side of guacamole. A favorite option is the molcajete dinner for two, which allows diners to design their own tacos.

Related: Top Spots With Happy Hours Every Weekend In Philadelphia

El Vez
121 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com

Guacamole tops the menu at El Vez, located on 13th Street. "The Original" features a recipe of tomato, jalapeno, onion, cilantro and lime. Its brunch menu features dishes such as huevos y chorizo tacos featuring scrambled eggs, flour tortillas, black beans, guacamole and other ingredients. Or try the verde chorizo and goat cheese omelet with avocado tomatillo salsa, served with yucca. Many of El Vez's menu items include guacamole and avocado-inspired dishes; there is even a guacamole sampler.

Tequilas Restaurant
1602 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-0181
www.tequilasphilly.com

Established in 1986, Tequilas was created by David Suro, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, and his wife, Annette Suro, of Philadelphia. Designed to provide authentic Mexican cuisine, guacamole is a staple on the menu at Tequilas. Its lunch menu features pescado al mango, which includes grilled, lightly breaded fish stuffed with guacamole and served with a mango and ginger sauce. Or try carne asada a la tampiquena, featuring grilled steak and served with guacamole, tamal, refried beans, rice and chicken taquito.

Guacamole Mex-Grill
4612 Woodland Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 307-3162
www.guacamolemexgrillphilly.com

A bright, colorful establishment, the Guacamole Mex-Grill features favorite Mexican dishes, including Mexican street food, appetizers, soups, salads, side orders, desserts and more. Offering takeout and delivery service, its beloved guacamole includes chips and salsa. Many of the main dishes and apps also include guacamole, such as the loaded fries made with fresh cheese and cream guacamole. The torta Mexicana features toasted Mexican bolilo, served with mayonnaise, lettuce, onions, cheese, tomatoes, beans and guacamole, along with a side of fries.

Las Bugambilias
148 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3190
www.lasbugambiliasphilly.com

A traditional Mexican restaurant, located in a brick row house in Center City, Las Bugambilias features a comfortable, colorful and stylish dining room. Opened in 2007 by Carlos Molina and his wife Michelle Zimmerman, the fare is influenced by cuisines from Vera Cruz, Mexico City, Puebla and the Yucatan Peninsula area. The restaurant specializes in meals such as mole from Puebla, tlalpeno from Mexico City and others. From guacamole to avocado-infused dishes such as torta vegetariana, the fare is fresh, original and beautifully presented.

Related: Dog-Friendliest Work Places In Philadelphia

 Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.