The Best Guacamole in Alexandria

Let’s face it – all things avocado have hit the US market in a big way and it seems around every corner there is another avocado inspired dish. But I have been obsessed for almost 9 years and the going gets better every day.

I’ve been on a mission since arriving in this area last August to find the best guacamole the city has to offer. However, after pounding the pavement and adding a few more inches to my waistline, I decided I couldn’t compare apples to oranges and have thus decided to divide the District and Alexandria on this one. Plus, that means I get to rave about even more guacamole. In the coming weeks I hope to tackle Arlington as well, but more research has to be done on that one. Poor me – such a hard job.

The following are the most talked about and tried guac spots in Alexandria:

Los Tios (Del Ray) – This was one of the first spots recommended to us, but one of the last we have tried. Though Los Tios is a fantastic happy hour location and has decent dinner dishes, I found the chips to be the best part of the guacamole. Aesthetically pleasing, but after 2 chips the guacamole was gone. But for $7.95, it is less expensive than most other places in the District, though I believe you get what you pay for.

Taqueria Poblano (Del Ray) – After stumbling in for brunch on a random Sunday morning, we decided that every brunch should include a side of guacamole other than just on my Huevos Rancheros.  Taqueria Poblano is also a fan favorite in the area, but again – we felt the guacamole wasn’t the best dish of the day. It was presented well and to the untrained palette is a decent attempt. However, I’m willing to overlook the slight lack of flavor for 5.75!! Such a steal. I loved the cheese and tomatoes that brightened up the dish, but the guacamole itself was on the watery side and tasted as if it had been prepared well before arriving on our table.

The Majestic (Old Town)  – Though The Majestic is not a traditional Mexican restaurant, that doesn’t prevent Chef Shannon from crafting an alternative to the typical guac. I’ll be honest – $13.95 and I’m expecting greatness. I’ll tell you what I loved, and that is that the guacamole is prepared fresh and tableside. However, the dish lost its appeal when prepared with homemade tortillas that were soft and flimsy. I need crunch with my guacamole, and while I respect the approach, I found myself distracted by the flavor and texture of the tortilla and had to use a spoon to even taste the guacamole. Not bad by itself, but we would have loved if they had kept it in the original molcajete and had regular chips as an option.

Los Cuates (Old Town – To be fair, Scott and I tried Los Cuates just days after opening its doors.  The newest Mexican spot on King Street, we had high expectations and were over the moon to have a guacamole spot in walking distance. The service was disappointing, but we attributed it to grand opening kinks and nerves. The guacamole here is not table-side, but appears to have been made on the spot in the kitchen and is served without frills in a traditional molcajete (points).  I felt it was a solid guacamole at the time, but as I write this I find it forgettable. And I NEVER find guacamole forgettable.

Austin Grill (Old Town) – On one of my first visits to see Scott last year, we stopped into the Austin Grill in DC so I could try one of the jalapeno/pork fried avocados (ahhhhh soooo good).  However, Old Town’s Austin Grill was not a place we would frequent, as it felt chain-y and the food was sub-par at best. Austin Grill took the cue and recently renovated and revamped the entire place, including the menu which now includes table-side guacamole (small/$7.50 and large/$10.00). You can order it to taste, but they offer traditional, spicy, and sweet – which I have yet to try. The guacamole was a huge departure from their previous attempt, and the flavor was surprisingly well rounded for just-prepared guac. We’ve been back twice now just for a large guac, and haven’t been disappointed yet. (I still need to go back for better photos – it’s so dark in there the guacamole photos never turn out…)

My personal Alexandria favorite?? Surprisingly – Austin Grill. I know, I know – a departure from what others may say. But now that it is table-side and made to order, I find it leading the pack in Alexandria. Flavorful, well prepared, and a good amount of bang for your buck, it’s now our standby on the nights when I need a quick fix and I’m out of avocados at home.

Where have you been and where do I still need to go? Tell me all, friends.

-Al