Best Guacamole In Orange County

Guacamole is an amazing condiment -- so amazing in fact that Freddy Fender wrote a song about it. It's simple to prepare, and yet the blend of flavors and spice is virtually irresistible. If you get a craving for guacamole, here are some of the best places in our fair county to find this wonderful condiment.

Before you even try the guacamole at Taco Loco, you realize that it's done right. It contains all the things guacamole should have, including large chunks of avocado. One taste of it and you realize why cilantro is an essential ingredient in guacamole. The tomato and onion lend an irresistible sweetness to it. It's not a spicy guacamole, but that's what makes it so easy to recommend to everyone.

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Guacamole is one of those things that has a standard recipe, but the modifications are what make it great. At El Cholo, you can control the recipe. The ingredients will be brought to your table and you can select how much avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno you'd like in your guacamole. If you don't want the table-prepared guacamole, the house guacamole is very good with just the right amount of every ingredient.

The first thing you notice about the guacamole here is that it has large chunks of avocado in it. The chips to dip into the guacamole are thick and sturdy, and they need to be so you can scoop up some of the guacamole without breaking the chip. The cilantro, onion and tomato are added in good proportions to the avocado. This has a nice spice to it that is not at all overpowering. Even people whose idea of spice is salt will be able to handle it.

It would be really easy to drive by Baja Fish Tacos several times and not even be aware of it as it is tucked away in a shopping center near South Coast Plaza. However, once you find the place, you'll find your reward. The guacamole here is not pureed, but has a creamy texture. The flavors are very well-balanced and this has a nice mild spice note that lingers on the palate without feeling like your mouth is on fire.

El Toro Bravo's guacamole is a little less chunky than others, but it is an excellent mix of flavors. A fair amount of salt is added to the guacamole here, which contrasts the sweetness of the chunks of tomato and onion. The citrus flavor enhances the cilantro, which is used in good proportion. This guacamole has a little spicy kick to it that lingers on the palate and really wraps up the mix of flavors.

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Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.