Barrio
Barrio delivers a plethora of guacamole options with a twist, but the Tuscan guacamole ($7.50) hits just right with balsamic vinegar that sets it apart from other versions on the menu. Paired with goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and basil, it’s a unique combination punctuated by a sweet and salty tang. “We make it every day and we really only use fresh ingredients,” says Antonietta Liccardi, Barrio’s brand and marketing manager. Various locations, barrio-tacos.com
Bomba Taco & Bar
The craft-your-own guacamole ($8.50) begins with a traditional base made with avocado, tomatillos, lime juice, cilantro and red onion. From there, guests can pile on seasonal toppings for 50 cents each such as grilled corn, roasted garlic, chipotle honey and pickled jalapenos. “People have become more savvy and experimental with food, so we let them create their own,” says Joe Tis, Bomba’s chef and director of culinary operations. Various locations, bombatacos.com
Crave Cantina
At first glance, it’s a perfect pairing: crisp bacon, creamy blue cheese and spicy pickled jalapeno. But paired together in guacamole ($6.50 small, $10.50 large), it becomes a smooth, refreshing dish that keeps you coming back for more. “We like to try and push the envelope a little bit but kind of make it comfortable and creative at the same time,” says chef Eric Cifelli. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000, cravecantina.com
Momocho The goat cheese guacamole ($9.50), made with 2 1/2 ounces of goat cheese, tomatoes, an extra pinch of salt and fire-roasted poblano chiles, pairs well with a pineapple margarita. “While we’re making our guacamole to order, the chef turns around and drops fresh, raw corn tortilla chips in the fryer and we cook those to order as well,” says owner and chef Eric Williams. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar Tossed with a pink jelly made from spicy habanero peppers and sweet red peppers, the habanero jelly guacamole ($8.90) sticks to your tongue long after you’ve finished. “It does have a little bit of spice to it but because the sweetness is so strong from the sweet peppers, it takes that hotness down,” says owner Lisa Hirt. 1000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-737-1000, nuevomodmex.com
