ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Whether you like it chunky, spicy, citrusy, or a little on the creamy side, guacamole is one of those dishes that can make or break your meal.
We scoured the Stateline to find the most mouthwatering guac around. Here are the Top 10 spots where the avocado magic happens.
Rankings were determined by online ratings and public feedback.
1. Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant – Rockford
Signature Guac: Guacamole RancheroMade fresh to order in an authentic Mexican stone bowl, this gluten-free guac blends mashed avocado with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and seasonings.5855 E. State St., Rockford
2. Lucha Cantina – Rockford
Signature Guac: Classic starter guacServed with chips and two salsas, Lucha’s guacamole is a fresh and flavorful way to kick off your meal.1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
3. Mexico Clasico – Rockford
Signature Guac: Tableside guacamolePrepared with a mortar and pestle right at your table, this guac is as fresh as it gets.3929 Broadway, Rockford, IL
4. Taco’n Madres – Loves Park
Signature Guac: Quesabirria with guac dipThis vibrant food truck park favorite serves up bold flavors, with fresh guac as the perfect sidekick to their famous tacos.5723 N. Second St., Loves Park
5. Taqueria Azteca – Beloit, WI
Signature Guac: Fresh table-side guacamoleThis Beloit gem serves up fresh guac with a side of authenticity.1910 Shopiere Road, Beloit
6. The Rock Bar & Grill – Beloit, WI
Signature Guac: Prime tib tacos with guacWhile the guac isn’t the main event, it’s the perfect complement to their generous taco servings.101 Maple Ave., Beloit
7. Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian – Beloit, WI
Signature Guac: Avocado spread with Italian flairThis upscale spot adds a modern twist to avocado-based dishes, perfect for those who like their guac a little fancy.500 Public Ave., Beloit
8. 27 Aluna – Rockford
Signature Guac: Filipino-American fusion guacThis unique fusion spot offers a bold take on guacamole, blending Filipino flavors with Latin flair.124 N. Main St., Rockford
9. Taco Express – Rockford, IL
Signature Guac: Fast-casual guac with street tacosDowntown Rockford’s quick-service gem serves up tacos, quesadillas, and nachos with fresh guac on the side.202 W. State St., Rockford
10. Franchesco’s Ristorante – Rockford
Signature Guac: Fusion guac with Italian influenceWhile not a traditional guac spot, Franchesco’s offers avocado-based appetizers that blend Italian and Latin flavors.7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Food truck features
- Olivo Taco – Known for their world-famous steak tacos and fresh guac.330 College Ave, Rockford
- Sabores Mobile Kitchen – Famous for loaded tots and flavorful guac.3222 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
- The Taco Shop 815 – Birria tacos with a guac twist.6125 E. State St., Rockford
Honorable mentions
- Marrufo’s Tacos – Known for their Quesabirria tacos and flavorful guac.3222 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
- Alchemy – Known for its smoky guac twist and creative seasonal dishes.1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
- Social Urban Bar & Restaurant – Seasonal guac made with locally sourced ingredients.509 E. State St., Rockford
Classic guacamole recipe
We asked AI to give us a classic guacamole recipe and here’s what we got.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove, minced)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the avocados:Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Mash it up:Use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocado to your desired consistency—chunky or smooth.
- Add flavor:Stir in the lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Mix in the fresh stuff:Fold in the diced tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Taste and adjust:Add more lime juice or salt to taste. For extra heat, add more jalapeño.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for just about anything.
Sept. 16 is National Guacamole Day…