Everyone loves a celebration (or rather, fiesta in this case), so get ready for September 16, National Guacamole Day! Show your love for this avocado-based dip at these restaurants the whole family can enjoy. Go traditional or with a twist — it’s all right here. Save some room for your meal, though, because there are lots of other Mexican menu items to try.
Mexicue: Southern barbeque meets Mexican food at this unique restaurant. Using traditional cooking techniques and new, unexpected flavors and ingredients, the food (and guac) here will provide a meal to remember. Choose from multiple chips and guac starters, and move on to the pulled chicken, green chili brisket burrito, or the smoky carnitas. There are vegetable plates and salads for the non-meat eaters, too. Don’t forget to try a side of their green chili mac & cheese! Plus, click HERE for a yummy Mexicue guacamole recipes! Locations in Midtown West and Times Square, mexicue.com
Toloache: This restaurant prides itself on seasonal ingredients and brings Latin food to life. Celebrate guac by ordering their “Trio de Guacamoles,” or choose from mild, moderate, or spicy guac. Round out your meal with Paella de Quinoa, Enchiladas Borrachas, and a side of cactus fries. Locations in Midtown West, the Upper East Side, and the Village, Toloachenyc.com
Jolie Cantina: It’s not often you find a restaurant boasting a French and Mexican menu, but at Jolie Cantina, here it is. Their Gonzaga Guacamole is made to order, tableside. Add some Chicken Tinga Chilaquiles, Seared Spicy Coconut Cakes, or French Onion Soup for a meal that will tickle your tastebuds. 241 Smith Street, Brooklyn, Joliecantina.com
Rosa Mexicano: This tried-and-true restaurant has been making their guac table-side since 1984, ensuring that you can specify just how you want it. While you’re there, try the Tacos de Mahi Mahi, Baha tacos, or Red Bean Chorizo Chili. Locations in Union Square, First Avenue, and near Lincoln Center, Rosamexicano.com
AG. Kitchen: Chef Alex Garcia, a native Cuban, serves up tropical twists on Latino food, including table-side guac, in flavors like pineapple and pomegranate, and papaya and mint, in addition to traditional guac. Order up some Wild Mushroom Tacos, Samba Chicken, or Bacon Wrapped Dates to get the full experience. 269 Columbus Avenue, agkitchen.com
Dos Caminos: You knew this one was coming, right? Their guacamole, made to order, comes in flavors like shrimp, chorizo, and roasted tomato, and bacon, chicharron, and pickled jalapeno. If you have any room left after chips and guac, check out the Oaxacan-style Shrimp Quesadilla, or the El Mexicano Burger. Picky eaters can enjoy twists on familiar favorites like Mac and Chorizo, Chile Lime Fries, and Sweet Plantains. Various locations in the city, Doscaminos.com
Santa Fe Restaurant: This Upper West Side restaurant has been combining Southwestern and Mexican flavors for more than 25 years. Their guacamole has a touch of garlic, giving it a unique flavor. You can’t go wrong with their Fish Tacos, or try something new like Shrimp Chipotle or Yucatan Chicken. 73 West 71st Street, santafe71.com
Mole: Mexican food comes to life here, and if you’re really hungry, you can ask for a large order of spicy guacamole to be made table-side. But don’t worry, you can also get a small portion. Continue the guac love with Carne Asada or Tacos Arrachera, and add some grilled cactus on the side. Various locations, Molenyc.com
Yerba Buena: Food is infused with pan-Latin flavor at this restaurant, serving up chunky guacamole with queso fresco. One cannot live on guac alone, so order their Empanadas (with butternut squash!) or Black Cod, and try their watermelon fries. Locations in East Village and West Village, Ybnyc.com
Fonda: This Mexican restaurant serves made to order guacamole, served with hand pressed tortillas along with the chips. Pasilla de Oaxaca is also served with it. For your meal, try their Vegetarian Enchiladas, Pork Adobo, or Chile Relleno de Espinacas. Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Fondarestaurant.com