PETA’s Picks for Latinx-Owned Vegan Restaurants Across the U.S.
Note: At the time of publication, many businesses are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve tried to ensure that all information is current as of September 8, 2020. Please contact the companies for more information as businesses around the country continue to reopen fully.
Mixing rich, vibrant Latinx culture with vegan cuisine is a wonderful way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, although enjoying flavorful Latin American food can- and should- be done all year ’round. For an authentic dining experience that celebrates veggies, here are some Latinx-owned vegan restaurants that will ignite your taste buds!
Atlanta, Georgia
What it offers: all-vegan Mexican cuisine
When to visit: Friday, 6–10 p.m., and Saturday, 2–10 p.m.
Mayra Peralta opened the food truck Calaveritas with the goal of bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to vegan foodies in the Atlanta area. The truck serves meals that draw upon the owner’s childhood, honoring the traditional Mexican recipes that her grandmother served at home. Some of our favorite dishes are the Taco Trio with Mushroom Carnitas and the Taco Platter with Soyrizo Tacos and Mushrooms. You can get a taste of these appetizing “home-cooked” meals on weekends at the Atlanta Food Truck Park & Market.
Miami, Florida
What it offers: all-vegan Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine
When to visit: Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. –11 pm.; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. –12 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. –11 p.m.
If you visit The Cocinita Miami, you’d better come with a serious appetite, because you won’t be able to resist ordering everything on its all-vegan menu. What used to be Gianluca Mitrano’s local food truck is now a thriving hot spot, serving mouthwatering fan favorites that attract vegan and nonvegan foodies alike. Try some of our top choices, including the Burrito, Extra Choripan, Portobello Taco, Cowly Taco, Cocinita Burger, Mr. Mitrano Burger, Guaca Burger, and Cheesy Burger. If you want a taste, The Cocinita Miami is open seven days a week for dining in and takeout.
Portland, Oregon
What it offers: all-vegan Cuban cuisine
When to visit: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
When Valerie Espinoza brought her cooking expertise to Portland, she noticed a lack of genuine Cuban cuisine—that’s when Miami Nice, her all-vegan Cuban restaurant, came to fruition. The Miami Nice mantra is “Food So Good You’ll Swear It’s Bad,” because once you get a taste of its signature vegan flan or croquetas, you won’t want to share!
San Antonio, Texas
What it offers: all-vegan and gluten-free Tex-Mex cuisine
When to visit: Monday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
As San Antonio’s very first vegan, gluten-free Tex-Mex restaurant, Viva Vegeria has been a staple of the community for nearly 10 years. The restaurant was originally founded by chef Fred Garza-Guzman, who aimed to preserve Latino culinary traditions with a plant-based focus, and is now owned by Gabriela Estrada. Grab a quick bite with its Nachos del Picadillo, topped with vegan queso, picadillo, quinoa, guacamole, salsa verde, pickled carrots and onion, local soy beans, and avocado ranch. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, go for the Tacos al Carbon or Tacos al Pastor.
Los Angeles, California
What it offers: mostly vegan Salvadoran and Guatemalan cuisine
When to visit: takeout only, Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mama’s International Tamales is an L.A. staple for vegan tamales, street tacos, and empanadas, brought to the plate with a unique touch by owner Claudia Lopez. At Mama’s International Tamales, you can make any dish suit your taste with an assortment of vegan cheeses and sauces. Some of our favorites are the Desayuno, Mexican Tamales, Pupusas, and Salvi Tamales.
Dallas, Texas
What it offers: all-vegan Tex-Mex cuisine
When to visit: Wednesday to Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
If you want a bite of vegan bliss, look no further than Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill. Originally founded by Aurelio “Nuno” Arias Jr. with the mission of bringing all kinds of foodies together to share a vegan plate, it has been dominating the vegan comfort food game for years now. The Mexican-inspired cuisine offers all sorts of delectable dishes, including the Bandera Enchiladas and Tacos, Birria Tacos, Bistec Ranchero Tacos, Cowboy Torta, and Nunos KrunchWrap.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What it offers: all-vegan Puerto Rican cuisine
When to visit: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Drawing on the culinary traditions of Old San Juan, Bar Bombón is the place to go for a fun atmosphere and plant-based Puerto Rican cuisine. Grab a date for a drink and some menu favorites, such as the Cauliflower Tacos, Cheesesteak Empanadas, Nachos, and Spanish Meatballs.
Orlando, Florida
What it offers: all-vegan Puerto Rican cuisine
When to visit: takeout only, Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon–7 p.m.
Owned by Javier Muniz, The Earthy Kitchen refuses to compromise when it comes to flavor. All the menu items are made with plant-derived, locally sourced ingredients that truly make each dish taste home-cooked. Try some of our favorites, including the Alcapuria, Beefless Steak Plate, Empanadas, Quesitos, Tofu Scramble, and Tripleta Sandwich.
Berkeley, California
What it offers: all-vegan and gluten-free Mexican cuisine
When to visit: Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon–7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 noon–6 p.m.
Flacos chef and owner Antonio Magana won’t tolerate boring burritos—that’s why his Mexican restaurant loads gluten-free tortillas to the brim with all sorts of vegan ingredients. Making old family recipes new with a vegan twist, Flacos won’t disappoint. Try the Banana Leaf Tamale Plate or the Taquitos Tray to satisfy your hunger.
Luna Verde Vegan Mexican Restaurant
Bradley Beach, New Jersey
What it offers: all-vegan Mexican cuisine
When to visit: takeout and delivery only, Thursday to Tuesday, 12 noon–9 p.m.
Eager to share their love for vegan Mexican cooking, the Hidalgo family opened Luna Verde, a family-owned vegan and gluten-free restaurant in Bradley Beach. It has the neatest takes on classic Mexican recipes, including elotes and fiesta tacos.
While you can enjoy our favorite Latinx-owned vegan restaurants at any time of the year, it doesn’t hurt to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a delicious vegan meal. Tag us on Twitter @PETA to share some of your favorite Latinx-owned vegan restaurants!
