We ranked all 11 types of guacamole at NYC's new guac-themed restaurant

New York got the perfect gift for National Guacamole Day this year: a new guacamole-themed restaurant in the East Village.

Guac Tacos + Tequila opens today at 179 Avenue B and features an impressive 11 different takes on the Mexican staple—from sweet mango to smoky bacon varieties. (It also offers ten different types of tequila and more traditional takes on the regional cuisine with Elote Asado and Tacos.) Never one to pass up a challenge, I recently tricked three friends into joining me there on a preview night and forced them to try every single type of guacamole on the menu. We're no experts on Mexican cuisine, but we did spend a lot of time at Blockheads during college.

Check out the results, and the final ranking from best to worst, below.

ROUND ONE

Photograph: Will Pulos

 

Roasted Sweet Corn 

"I feel like the corn kind of made it bland. It changed the texture in a way I didn’t like."—Will 5/10
"Not sure corn has a strong enough flavor to add much."—Zach 6/10
"Needed more salt and lime. Good consistency."—JoAnne 5/10
"Was hoping the corn would add some more texture to the guac than what was present. A little bit of spicy aftertaste."—Ben 5/10
Score: 5.25 

Smoked Chipotle

"The chipotle balanced the avocado flavor. It’s lively, but not overpowering."—Will 9/10
"Chipotle is not a particularly subtle flavor, but if you like smokiness you will be pleased with this guac."—Zach 8/10
"Good, but would never order. Smoked chipotle flavor is very strong and not what I’m looking for in my guac." —JoAnne 5/10
"A very smooth consistency, but it could use a little more texture. Really enjoyed the chipotle aftertaste." —Ben 7/10
Score: 7.25

Fried Golden Bacon 

"It had more of a smoked meat flavor taste than bacon. Smoky, delicious. Surprisingly great!"—Will 9.5
"Probably not what you’re expecting, and probably better. If you’re looking to try something fun this is a great choice."—Zach 10/10
"Bacon adds more of a smoky flavor that is really good. A bit to spicy for me, though." —JoAnne 9/10
"More of a smoky flavor than bacon flavor, but balanced well with the spice. Almost tasted spicier than the habanero guac." —Ben 8/10
Score: 9.13

Photograph: Will Pulos

ROUND TWO 

Tradicional Guacamole

"Not as exciting as a lot of the other options on the menu. Especially when you have so many choices."—Will 6/10
"This guacamole is smooth and rich. Nothing too exciting, but will please those looking to play it safe with their guacamole."—Zach 7/10
"A little plain, needs salt and lime. Good guac consistency."—JoAnne 7/10
"Could definitely use some salt and lime, but the texture was great.—Ben 6/10
Score: 6.5

Tequila Habanero

"Incredibly spicy, and the onions are very prominent. Great consistency, though."—Will 7/10
"This tastes strangely of spice and onion. Good but not particularly subtle."—Zach 7/10
"I like the flavors and the chunky consistency. Right amount of spiciness score."—JoAnne 7/10
"A very high jalapeño and onion ratio that balanced the flavor well. Enjoyed the consistency, it was very smooth."—Ben 8/10
Score: 7.25

Tradicional Scampi

"Well balanced and not too fishy. Not too spicy."—Will 8/10
"The shrimp flavor here is light and delicious. Definitely a guaca-winner."—Zach 9/10
"Liked this one a lot. Flavors are very balanced, not too tangy."—JoAnne 9/10
"Good spiciness level that balances out the flavor. Has a nice, tangy aftertaste."— 7/10
Score: 8.25

Photograph: Will Pulos

ROUND THREE

Queso Fresco

"Good taste, but wish the cheese was blended in more."—Will 6.5
"The cheese adds a nice touch to the traditional guac. Good for those looking to branch out with their guac without being too daring."—Zach  8
"The cheese adds some saltiness and the flavor complements the guac. I lke this one, too."—JoAnne 7/10
"Queso made it creamier tasting. Enjoyed the chunky texture mixed with creamy guac flavor."—Ben 6/10
Score: 6.88

Exotic Mango

"A little too sweet for me. Tastes almost like candy."—Will 6/10
"Great if you’ve got a sweet tooth—if not, the mango overpowers the flavors a bit."—Zach 5/10
"The mango adds an unexpected sweetness that’s a little weird, but I also like this one. If you don’t want sweet in your guac, don’t get it."—JoAnne 6/10
"The mango made it a little too sweet."—Ben 4/10
Score: 5.25

Manzinalla Green Olive

"Too much olive, almost tastes more like a greek salad. But I love greek salads so..."—Will 7/10
"Very heavy on the olive, so super high salinity. Strictly for the olive lover."—Zach 6/10
"Way too overpowering. Also, too spicy! Olives do not belong in guac."—JoAnne 6/10
"A little bit too much of an olive flavor. I enjoyed the heat to counter-balance the olive."—Ben 4/10 
Score: 5.75

Photograph: Will Pulos

ROUND FOUR

Crispy Chipotle

"Didn’t get very much chipotle flavor at all in this one."—Will 5/10 
"The fried chipotle peppers add a nice texture, but if you’re looking for big flavor in your guac go with the smoked chipotle."—Zach 6/10
"Chipotle adds a little to the flavors, but not enough to differentiate it too much from traditional guacamole."—JoAnne 4/10
"Good smooth consistency, but did not taste the chipotle flavor until a little after. Spice level builds over time."—Ben 6/10
Score: 5.25

Asado Formotillo

"An awesome, delayed bite. Similar to the traditional but with more of a kick. Really well balanced."—Will 10/10
"Definitely the most subtle and sophisticated of the bunch—delicious!"—Zach 10/10
"Good spice level, right amount of chunkiness to creaminess. Good consistency and flavors. I like this one!"—JoAnne 8/10
"Great texture and surprisingly spicy. By far my favorite for the night."—Ben 9/10
Score: 9.25

Photograph: Will Pulos

FINAL RANKING

1. Asado Formotillo 9.25

2. Fried Golden Bacon 9.13

3. Tradicional Scampi 8.25

4. Smoked Chipotle 7.25

5. Tequila Habanero 7.25

6. Queso Fresco 6.88

7. Tradicional Guacamole 6.5

8. Manzinalla Green Olive 5.75

9. Roasted Sweet Corn 5.25

10. Exotic Mango 5.25

11. Crispy Chipotle 5.25