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Holy Mole: A review of Guacamole Mex-Grill on Woodland Ave.

December 16, 2011

At long last, Guacamole Mex-Grill (Facebook page) has opened its brightly painted storefront at 4612 Woodland Avenue. Judging by yesterday’s noontime crowd, the eat-in/take-out taqueria has already become a popular choice for folks who live and work in the area around the University of the Sciences of Philadelphia. Guacamole is owned and operated by the de Luna family, whose food expertise stems from their grandmother’s mole (pronounced MO-lay) business in Mexico. As a mole aficionado, I’d been looking forward to trying it. The quality food, quick service, and colorful setting will no doubt draw a dedicated following.

In casual style, you order at the register — the food arrives quickly and packaged to go. With only 15-18 seats in the dining room, there is not a lot of room to sit, so if it’s peak lunch or dinner, don’t rule out take-out. Tacos, tortas, tostadas, and gorditas come with one of four basic fillings, priced from $5.50 to around $7.50. We ordered carne asada tostadas ($6.50 for two) and gorditas al pastor ($6.50). The grilled beef carne asada was flavorful, but the al pastor — marinated, grilled pork chopped with pineapple and chiles — was a revelation. It was seriously delicious, and next time I’ll order torta al pastor: mexican pork sandwich on a Portuguese roll. The mole poblano on the chicken enchiladas ($8.50, platter with rice, beans and salad) was rich, dark, and deeply flavored. Enchiladas also come with red or green sauce, and all the variations on the taco/tostada theme are available with grilled vegetables. The chips ($.75) are real, deep fried, crunchy/salty tortilla chips, and the guacamole ($2.50) is about as good as the packaged kind from Trader Joe’s. If it’s your favorite topping, order it, but don’t come to Guacamole specifically for the Guac. Come for the mole.

Guacamole Mex-Grill features rich flavors but not intense spice. Order extra salsa if you need more heat. You can choose from a range of sodas, juices, or bottled water, but plain tap water is not served. The Mex-Grill is primarily a take-out joint, with a straightforward and familiar menu. Though some of us like to go BYO, Guacamole is not that kind of place. After less than a week in operation, the menu will continue to adapt to the tastes of the neighborhood, and is subject to change. For the time being, it’s great to have a locally owned, small scale alternative to the “mexican” chain restaurants.

– Jen

Guacamole Mex-Grill, 4612 Woodland Ave., tel.215-823-6777
Food: Mexican; Vegetarian
Hours: Monday-Thursday – 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
BYOB: No
Take Out: Yes
Kids-friendly: Yes

7 Comments For This Post

  1. Timoteo Says:

    Mmm. A mi me gusta la comida mexicana.

  2. Kathleen Says:

    This was an excellent choice for take-out dinner last night. Our order included carne asada tacos, chicken quesadillas, and the al pastor filling for tostadas and a burrito. All were delicious, but the al pastor is definitely a special treat. Portions were very generous (yum, leftovers for lunch!). They do have a printed menu at the counter now.

  3. Ruckus Says:

    I’m a transplanted San Diegan and have been here for close to two years and can’t find real mexican food anywhere…is this place the real deal? Did I see carne asada ? Do they have chorizo, adobado, etc? If so..my next few paychecks are bein deposited here

  4. Anonymous Says:

    Anyone know if they take credit cards?

  5. Jen Says:

    It’s cash only for the time being.

  6. Allen Says:

    They take credit cards now!

  7. Anonymous Says:

    Finally a mexican restaurant in WP

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