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Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
7.8
A colorful Andersonville room that translates taqueria cravings into vegan form without turning it into a lecture—think saucy, satisfying tacos and a menu built for shareable bites. Order like you would at a traditional spot: one standout taco style, one rich add-on, then stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cauliflower al pastor tacos, Mushroom chimichurri tacos, Quesabirria
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Vegan tacos that still deliver the saucy, satisfying taqueria feel.
Who should go: Vegan diners and mixed-diet groups
When to visit: Dinner for the liveliest vibe
What to order: Cauliflower al pastor, mushroom chimichurri, quesabirria
Insider tip: Split two taco styles across the table instead of ordering one of everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark Street; availability tight during dinner hours, easier on side streets a few blocks west.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are common, but the room leans polished and colorful rather than ultra-casual.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at off-peak times, slightly louder during prime dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes—fully vegan menu with multiple taco, appetizer, and drink options.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some tacos and small plates can be made gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—colorful, upbeat energy and shareable plates make it easygoing without feeling too loud or rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings; weekends are busier, so expect a short wait or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and bold flavors, though the vibe is more adult-social than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Vegan tacos that feel indulgent and social rather than health-forward, especially for mixed-diet groups.
Skip if: You want traditional meat-based tacos or a quiet, low-energy dining room.
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
8.0
A vegan taqueria that’s strongest when you order it like a taco shop, not a health menu—go for the punchier builds and keep the meal focused. It’s a smart pick when you want Mexican flavors with plant-based swaps that still feel filling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria, Baja Taco, Cauliflower Al Pastor
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Plant-based tacos that keep bold, taqueria-style flavors front and center.
Who should go: Vegans and curious taco people
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid the rush
What to order: Quesabirria, baja taco, cauliflower al pastor
Insider tip: Pick one “big” item (like quesabirria) and two tacos—best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark and nearby side streets; availability drops after 6pm, but turnover is steady earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes—fully vegan kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some taco fillings are gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; best to ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something casual and low-pressure—the food is interesting without being fussy, and the room feels relaxed rather than awkwardly quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a short wait on weekend nights; going earlier makes it much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—tacos and quesadillas work well for kids, though the menu is better suited to school-age kids than very young toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Bold, vegan-friendly Mexican flavors that still feel indulgent rather than diet-focused.
Skip if: You want traditional meat-based tacos or a quieter, sit-down Mexican dinner experience.
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
8.0
A plant-based taqueria that holds up as a real happy-hour tacos-and-drinks play, not a compromise meal. The best results come from ordering the “big” signature (like quesabirria) plus two tacos, keeping textures and salsas in the spotlight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan quesabirria, Cauliflower al pastor taco, Baja-style taco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Happy-hour pricing on vegan tacos that still eat like taqueria food.
Who should go: Vegans and curious taco people
When to visit: Mon–Thu happy hour, early evening
What to order: Quesabirria, cauliflower al pastor, baja taco
Insider tip: Pick one “signature” item and two tacos—don’t scatter across the whole menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark St; usually manageable early evening, tighter after 6:30pm on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed dinner fits are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during happy hour but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min during peak dinner hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully plant-based menu.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan across the menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas and some fillings are gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space is stylish but relaxed, food is approachable even for non-vegans, and happy-hour pacing keeps things low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and earlier evenings; weekends after 6pm can mean a short wait, especially during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens who are open to bold flavors; there’s no kids menu, but tacos and quesadillas are easy shares.
Best For
Better for: Vegan tacos that feel indulgent and bar-ready, with happy-hour pricing that actually competes with non-vegan taquerias.
Skip if: You want traditional meat tacos or a very quiet sit-down — this shines more as a casual, social happy-hour stop.
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
8.0
A 100% plant-based taqueria that eats like a real taco shop—bold salsas, satisfying textures, and a menu that rewards picking one signature item and two tacos instead of ordering everything. It’s best as a focused tacos-and-sides run with a fast, street-food rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Cauliflower al pastor taco, Nachos Locos
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A fully vegan taqueria that prioritizes texture, spice, and real taco-shop energy.
Who should go: Vegans and curious taco people
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest pace
What to order: Quesabirria, cauliflower al pastor, nachos
Insider tip: Pick one “big” signature plus two tacos—don’t turn it into a menu tour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; usually manageable but tighter after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed streetwear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes—100% vegan menu with no substitutions needed.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas and bowls are workable, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something casual and upbeat—great food, fast pacing, and no pressure to linger too long.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, though short waits are common during weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—kids who like tacos or simple flavors will do well, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Bold, street-style vegan tacos that don’t feel like a compromise—strong textures, spice, and fast turnaround.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, sit-down dining experience or a broad menu to sample extensively.
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria
8.0
A vegan taqueria that eats like a real taco shop—bold salsas, satisfying textures, and a menu that rewards picking one signature item rather than scattering orders. The best run is quesabirria (or a loaded plate) plus two tacos, keeping the textures and sauces in the spotlight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria, Cauliflower al pastor taco, Nachos locos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Vegan tacos built around texture and salsa, not substitutes.
Who should go: Vegetarians craving real taqueria energy
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest pace
What to order: Quesabirria, cauliflower al pastor, nachos
Insider tip: Pick one “big” signature plus two tacos—don’t order the entire menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark St and nearby side streets; can be tight during evening dining hours but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are common; no need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still workable for conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak early evening; faster later at night.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan across the menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some fillings and plates are gluten-free, but tortillas and cross-contact make it imperfect for strict GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual first dates — the food is interesting without being intimidating, and the vibe stays relaxed rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly; arriving earlier in the evening helps avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and bold flavors; no specific kids menu, but simple taco orders work well.
Best For
Better for: Vegan tacos that actually feel like taqueria food — strong textures, layered salsas, and satisfying portions without tasting like substitutes.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, sit-down dining experience or highly customizable dietary accommodations beyond vegan.