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Jajaja Mexicana
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Jajaja Mexicana
8.7
Plant-based Mexican plates and mezcal-forward cocktails anchor this lively West Village outpost of the Jajaja group. Expect vibrant vegan tacos, birria-style plates, and a packed bar scene that runs from brunch through late night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Our Birria Tacos, Taco Tazón, Mezcal Margarita
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume, fully plant-based Mexican with serious cocktail game.
Who should go: Vegan and flexitarian diners who still want mezcal.
When to visit: Evenings for peak energy, brunch for slower pacing.
What to order: Our Birria Tacos, Taco Tazón, Mezcal Margarita.
Insider tip: Bar seats are easier to snag for walk-ins than tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically tight in the West Village, especially after 6pm. Paid garages available within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Trendy casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean stylish for the West Village nightlife crowd.
Noise level: Lively. Conversation is doable at smaller tables, but the bar area gets loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for walk-ins; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian by default; nearly all items qualify.
Vegan options: Yes—Jajaja is entirely plant-based, so all dishes are vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several GF dishes available, including tacos on corn tortillas; not a dedicated GF kitchen, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The colorful plates, mezcal cocktails, and lively-but-not-chaotic energy make it a fun first-date pick. Go early evening if you want easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but expect a wait during peak dinner or brunch times. Bar seats are your best walk-in option and usually move faster than the dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (8+) who enjoy flavorful, plant-based dishes. No kids’ menu, limited stroller space, and the noise level trends high during peak service.
Best For
Better for: Vibrant vegan Mexican plates, mezcal-forward cocktails, and a high-energy scene that outperforms most plant-based competitors in ambiance and drink quality.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, traditional non-vegan Mexican fare, or strict gluten-free protocols.
Jajaja Mexicana
8.4
Jajaja’s West Village location serves a fully plant-based Mexican menu—think chorizo-style tacos, nachos, and enchiladas—backed by a serious mezcal and tequila program. The intimate room and late weekend hours make it a popular choice for vegan-friendly nights out and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grande nachos, Hongos quesadilla, Enchiladas verdes
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A plant-based Mexican spot where tacos, nachos, and cocktails stay lively until midnight on weekends.
Who should go: Vegan or veg-curious diners who still want a scene
When to visit: Thursday to Saturday after 8pm for peak energy
What to order: Grande nachos, hongos quesadilla, enchiladas verdes
Insider tip: Book later seatings on Fridays or Saturdays if you want a louder, bar-adjacent vibe rather than a quiet dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; scarce after 6pm, especially on weekends. Nearest paid garage is typically a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Trendy casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish given the cocktail-forward scene.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak evening hours; conversation is doable but not ideal for soft-spoken diners.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this location is primarily an evening/night destination and rarely has daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — the menu is fully plant-based, with all dishes naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several GF dishes available, but not the entire menu; request guidance from staff to avoid flour tortillas and breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, cocktails, and lively vibe work well for casual first dates, though the volume can rise later in the night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes before 7pm on weekdays; after 8pm or on weekends, expect a wait unless you booked ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space is small, tables are tight, and the energy skews adult-oriented, especially after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Best for plant-based diners who still want a buzzy, cocktail-forward Mexican night out.
Skip if: Skip if you want traditional meat-focused Mexican dishes or a quiet, conversation-first environment.
Jajaja Mexicana
8.4
This plant-based Mexican restaurant turns tacos, nachos, and enchiladas into vegan comfort food backed by a serious mezcal and cocktail program. Late weekend hours and a high-energy room make it a go-to for groups seeking lively, meat-free late-night tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plant-based chorizo tacos, Grande nachos with cashew queso, Enchiladas verdes
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A fully plant-based Mexican spot where tacos and cocktails run late.
Who should go: Vegan or veg-curious groups who still want a scene
When to visit: Thursday–Saturday 9–11pm for peak buzzing energy
What to order: Chorizo-style tacos, grande nachos, enchiladas verdes
Insider tip: Check out Bar Nena in the back on weekends for extended drinks and snacks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically difficult after 6pm around the South Village bar corridors. Nearest reliable option is the 24-hour garage at 272 Spring St.
Dress code: Trendy casual; most guests lean stylish—think elevated streetwear, casual dresses, or polished jeans.
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours; conversation is possible but raised voices are common.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for groups without a reservation between 8:30–11pm.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully accommodated—every dish is vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes—entire menu is designed to be vegan-friendly with no substitutions needed.
Gluten-free options: Moderate selection; several tacos and mains can be made gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, colorful room with strong cocktails and playful food. Not ideal for quieter, more intimate conversation since the energy runs high after 8pm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—walk-ins are common. Expect a wait on weekends after 8:30pm, but smaller parties can usually grab seats at the bar or high-tops faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Early hours work for families, but the room shifts to a high-energy, cocktail-heavy scene at night. Best for ages 10+ before 7:30pm; not suitable for strollers in peak hours.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest options for plant-based late-night tacos with a high-energy vibe and a deeper mezcal/cocktail program than most vegan spots.
Skip if: If you need a quiet room, strict gluten-free controls, or traditional meat-based tacos, consider alternatives.
Jajaja Mexicana
8.5
Opened in 2019, Jajaja Mexicana’s Carmine Street outpost spins plant-based Mexican plates and mezcal cocktails into one of the neighborhood’s most stylish happy hour hangs. Happy hour specials, a full bar, and a patio pull both vegans and omnivores for tacos, nachos, and drinks that feel more downtown cocktail bar than traditional cantina.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit carnitas tacos with salsa and cilantro, Loaded vegan nachos with housemade queso, Chorizo-style mushroom tacos with guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A vegan Mexican cocktail bar where happy hour feels like a design-forward night out.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and cocktail lovers sharing small plates.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening for patios and drink specials.
What to order: Jackfruit carnitas tacos, loaded vegan nachos, a mezcal cocktail.
Insider tip: Target earlier happy hour slots for shorter waits and a better chance at an outdoor table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Carmine Street; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual with a trendy lean — stylish tops, casual dresses, and clean sneakers fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are doable indoors but quieter on the patio.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, especially during happy hour rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early afternoons are the calmest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian-friendly — the entire menu is plant-based.
Vegan options: Extensive options — almost everything is vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free; corn-based items are safest, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The design-forward room, cocktails, and shareable plates make it a strong pick for casual-but-impressive first dates, especially on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during peak happy hour and weekend evenings. Arriving before 6pm improves your chances of being seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids, but the vibe skews adult due to cocktails, tight tables, and louder evening crowds. Not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners, stylish cocktails, and design-focused ambiance compared to more traditional cantinas in the area.
Skip if: You want classic meat-based tacos, very quiet dining, or the cheapest happy hour options in the neighborhood.
Jajaja Mexicana
8.4
Opened in 2019, Jajaja’s West Village outpost turns plant-based Mexican into a cocktail-heavy happy hour scene, with mezcal drinks and vegan street tacos in a highly designed room. It’s less about bargain plates and more about catching patio or bar seats for meatless tacos that feel like a night out, not a compromise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezcal mushroom tacos, Chipotle sweet potato tacos, Jackfruit carnitas tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A fully vegan Mexican cocktail bar where happy hour pairs mezcal drinks with plant-based tacos that feel as indulgent as the originals.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and cocktail lovers sharing plates.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening for bar and patio seats.
What to order: Mezcal mushroom tacos, jackfruit carnitas, nachos.
Insider tip: If the waitlist is long, put your name down and plan to start with margaritas at the bar—the tacos travel well between bar and table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically tight after 5pm on Carmine Street. Expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on 6th Ave.
Dress code: Trendy casual—fashion-forward but relaxed. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean stylish for the bar and patio.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; bar area can be lively but you can still hold a conversation at a table.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer if aiming for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are standard and quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—100% of the menu is vegetarian-friendly by default.
Vegan options: Yes—nearly the entire menu is fully vegan with plant-based proteins and dairy substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free plates and tacos available, though not a dedicated GF kitchen; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its stylish interior, creative cocktails, and shareable vegan plates make it a fun and upbeat first-date setting, especially if you can snag a patio two-top.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for 1–3 people, but expect a wait during happy hour or dinner. Put your name in early and grab bar seats while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are allowed, but the space skews adult with cocktails, tight seating, and louder energy. Best for families with teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambience, vegan Mexican dishes that don’t feel like substitutions, and one of the stronger mezcal cocktail programs in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want traditional meat-based tacos, large-group seating, or a quiet sit-down meal—nearby spots with bigger dining rooms or classic menus will suit better.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 11pm
Friday11:30am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm