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Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
Master Critic Review
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
8.3
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria, opened in 2022 by chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez and Paloma Piña-Ramirez, runs a fully plant-based Mexican menu built on tacos, pambazos, pozole, and horchata. Locals treat it as Chicago’s flagship vegan taqueria for hearty plates, micheladas, and late-ish nights on the Chicago Avenue corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Pambazo Sandwich, Vegan Pozole
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Chicago’s first fully vegan taqueria, run by a family team leaning into regional Mexican flavors without meat or dairy.
Who should go: Mexican food fans who want everything truly meat-free.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the room and bar are lively.
What to order: Quesabirria tacos, pambazo, a side of elote or pozole.
Insider tip: Plan on sharing a mix of tacos and mains, then split a slice of carrot cake if it hasn’t sold out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Chicago Ave and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours. No on-site valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but peak nights can feel energetic near the bar.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on event traffic in the area.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian and built around plant-based Mexican dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — the concept is fully vegan with no meat or dairy used in core dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free (e.g., corn tortilla–based tacos), but there is not a fully separate prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or fun first dates — the space is lively and colorful with shareable plates and drinks, better for relaxed conversation than quiet, intimate dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially for small parties, but expect a wait on weekend evenings. Reservations are recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with older kids or teens who enjoy bold flavors; limited space and evening bar energy may be less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, fully vegan Mexican comfort food with tacos, pambazos, pozole, and drinks in a lively, social setting — especially for groups or friends who want plant-based options that still feel indulgent.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, formal dinner, strictly gluten-free dining with dedicated prep, or traditional meat-based taqueria flavors.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm