Are you on the hunt for the best glorious green stuff to dollop on your chip?
Look no further than these five Atlanta favorites for your next Taco Tuesday, Thursday or any day, really.
1186 North Highland Ave. Northeast, Atlanta
Radish and queso fresco garnishes with a Serrano pepper profile? It's just the kind of innovation that gives this Fifth Group restaurant its great reputation. This family-friendly Virginia-Highland spot is all about one-of-a-kind dips. You can scoop the chili-lime dusted chips into their whole salsa bar of delicious flavors like el domonio (seriously hot habanero, mango and onions) or rosesco (old world style salsa with peanuts, charred tomato, fresco, bell peppers and garlic), your guac is in good company. We hear their sister restaurant Alma Cocina downtown uses a similar recipe. For jet setters, they also have two locations in the Hartsfield-Jackson airport.
PURE Taqueria
Locations in Brookhaven, Alpharetta and Inman Park.
Any given Friday, the funky gas station-style taqueria draws in crowds for all kinds of reasons listed on their menu, but the guacamole y tostadas is always a solid place to start. Spiced up with some jalapeno, this dish's secret may actually be guacamole's best ally: the El Milagro totopos that deliver the green stuff to your mouth. Although with six Atlanta area locations, it's not much of a secret anymore – but we deem their dishes worth the wait anyway.
245 18th St. NW, Atlanta
An anchor to Atlantic Station's restaurant scene, this fine-dining Mexican spot – like so many Atlantans – is a transplant to the city, but it's one that guac fans welcome. Originally started in New York circa 1984, their Guacamole en molcajete makes us feel fancy; it's prepared freshly tableside to your taste, and served with warm tortilla chips and salsa. By the way, this is a mega-molcajete the size of your head. They say it serves 5; we say be selfish.
Pancho's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
If you've ever dreamed of eating in a tree house, then head to Pancho's, an authentic Mexican dining on Buford Highway. The keyword here is authentic. The colorful draped flags, flower balls and drink specials add to the appeal, but first try their fried tortilla rolls with the good green stuff and we dare you to disagree how special this place really is. The festive back porch isn't exactly a tree house, but you can use your imagination (their monster margarita helps with this vision).
800 Peachtree St NE, Suite #F1
Fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, cilantro and lime sound like the classic recipe for a bowl of guacamole, but the dish at Escorpión comes with a side of people watching along Peachtree Street, is washed down by top-notch margaritas and followed by their tasty tacos and more. This Midtown staple by Chef Riccardo Ullio (of Fritti, Sotto Sotto) holds a special place in our hearts. Instead, we'll put it like this: If you haven't had their guacamole yet, what are you waiting for?
