Looking for bold flavors and plant-based Mexican food in Chicago? Penelope's Vegan Taqueria delivers just that. As the city’s first fully vegan taqueria, it’s a hit with both vegans and meat-eaters. Here’s why it stands out:
- Top-rated on TripAdvisor (5.0/5) and HappyCow (153 reviews).
- Signature tacos like the Baja Taco and Al Pastor con Soya, priced at $5-$7.
- Affordable meals: Taco Dinner (3 tacos, rice, beans) for $21.
- Drinks like horchata and tequila cocktails to complement the menu.
- Vibrant atmosphere with colorful murals and friendly staff.
With locations in Andersonville, Pilsen, and River North, Penelope’s combines authentic Mexican recipes with plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or just curious, this spot offers a flavorful, satisfying experience.
Restaurant Background and Locations
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria was born out of a family-driven passion. Named after the owners' daughter, Penelope, the restaurant reflects their deep-rooted commitment to a plant-based lifestyle, inspired by their journey of raising her vegan. The idea took off after a successful Vegan Street Food Chicago pop-up event, where the overwhelming response highlighted a strong local craving for high-quality vegan Mexican cuisine.
Plant-Based Mexican Food Approach
Chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez brings the rich flavors of his heritage to the table, drawing inspiration from his childhood in Guanajuato, Mexico. His philosophy isn’t about modernizing Mexican cuisine - it’s about honoring its origins. Chef Ramirez recalls that many traditional recipes he grew up with were naturally plant-based. By leaning on those ingredients and techniques, he crafts authentic salsas, marinades, and even a signature horchata that pay homage to his roots.
This ethos shapes Penelope's menu, which is built on an 80% plant-based foundation. By replacing meat with plant-based proteins and sticking to time-tested methods, Chef Ramirez creates dishes that are unmistakably Mexican - just without animal products.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality extends beyond the food. Every new dish is rigorously taste-tested by family, friends, and staff to ensure it appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
"We have a lot of [non-vegan] customers who are regulars and love the flavor of our food and how it makes them feel."
This balance of authenticity and creativity has fueled Penelope's growth across Chicago.
3 Chicago Locations
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria now serves three vibrant Chicago neighborhoods - Andersonville, Pilsen, and River North - making plant-based Mexican cuisine accessible to more diners across the city.
The River North location, nestled in downtown Chicago, is particularly popular with office workers and tourists. Known for its cozy vibe, it features a vibrant mural, welcoming staff, and a lively atmosphere that reviewers rave about. One reviewer described it as:
"Penelope's Vegan Taqueria is an outstanding establishment... The atmosphere was pleasant, with colorful decor and lively music. All of the waitresses were super helpful, friendly, and attentive... And the food was absolutely amazing." - Kartik K
Across all three locations, Penelope's maintains its high standards for food and service. The colorful interiors, upbeat music, and friendly staff create a warm, inviting experience for every guest. This family-owned business has successfully expanded while preserving the personal touch and authenticity that made its original pop-up such a hit.
Menu Analysis
Penelope's menu is a testament to Chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez's commitment to delivering plant-based Mexican dishes brimming with authentic flavors. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating on DoorDash and over 500 reviews, it's clear the restaurant has struck a chord with diners [6].
Chef Ramirez takes a thoughtful, feedback-driven approach to crafting new dishes. As he explains:
"Whenever I am ready to introduce a new dish, we have at least 10 people - family, friends, and team members - try the dish. Based on feedback, we either make changes or add the dish to the menu immediately."
Let’s dive into some of the standout items, starting with their signature tacos.
Signature Tacos
Priced between $5.00 and $7.00, Penelope's tacos showcase a variety of bold, plant-based options. The Baja Taco is a crowd favorite, featuring fried avocado, red salsa, spicy aioli, habanero mango pico de gallo, red cabbage, roasted corn, pickled onions, and cilantro. This taco delivers a vibrant mix of heat, sweetness, and crunch that keeps customers coming back [5][6].
For a simpler offering, the Beyond Asada Taco sticks to the basics with cilantro, onion, and green salsa [6]. While some diners rave about its flavor [2], others feel the plant-based meat tastes too processed for their liking [5].
The Al Pastor con Soya brings a plant-based twist to a classic with soy marinated in guajillo sauce, topped with pineapple, cilantro, onion, and red cabbage [6]. This dish highlights Chef Ramirez's ability to reimagine traditional recipes with plant-based ingredients.
Another standout is the Mushroom Chimichurri Taco, which combines sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and chimichurri sauce, served alongside a grilled serrano chili pepper [2][6]. This taco is perfect for those craving earthy, herbaceous flavors.
One detailed review ranked the tacos in this order: Baja, Al Pastor con Soya, barbacoa, Mushroom Chimichurri, carnitas, and asada [5]. The Baja and Al Pastor options clearly leave a lasting impression.
But tacos are just the beginning - Penelope's menu offers a wide range of plant-based Mexican classics.
Other Menu Items
The Taco Dinner, which includes three tacos with rice and beans for $21.00, is the most popular item on DoorDash [6]. Close behind is the Burrito, a customer favorite that combines hearty, plant-based fillings with bold flavors [6].
The menu also features creative takes on traditional dishes. Diners can choose soy al pastor or crispy soy chorizo, while more inventive options include carnitas made from marinated pulled oats or cauliflower al pastor cooked in the restaurant's signature guajillo sauce [4].
Chef Ramirez credits his childhood in Guanajuato for inspiring these creations:
"Growing up in Guanajuato as a child, I was used to eating a lot of grains, vegetables, fruits, and meat products on certain days based on the occasion. Eighty percent of our recipes were considered plant-based when I was a child, and now I can keep using those ingredients without compromising on flavor, from our salsas to the bases we use to marinate our plant meats and our horchata recipe." [4]
Drinks Menu
The drink offerings at Penelope’s are carefully crafted to complement its food. The horchata, made with Chef Ramirez's family recipe, stands out as a must-try. It retains the rich, traditional flavors while being entirely plant-based [4].
The menu also includes palomas and tequila-based cocktails, which pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the tacos. Together, the drinks and dishes reflect Penelope's seamless blend of traditional recipes with a modern, plant-based twist.
Taste and Quality Assessment
The real measure of any vegan restaurant is how well it captures authentic flavors - especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Penelope's Vegan Taqueria takes on the challenge of recreating classic Mexican dishes using plant-based ingredients, staying true to its mission of delivering bold, traditional flavors in a completely vegan way.
Flavor Accuracy
Chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez brings his Mexican heritage and a deep connection to traditional recipes to the forefront of Penelope's menu. As co-owner Paloma Piña-Ramirez explains:
"We are recreating recipes from our mothers and grandmas, simple recipes that include simple ingredients, that if you use them right you'll get the best flavor." [7]
This philosophy shines through in every bite. Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger describes the dishes as offering "a decent simulacrum of the real thing" - a high compliment for vegan interpretations of Mexican classics [1]. For instance, the carnitas, made with pulled oats and soy-based chorizo, do a "credible job" of mimicking the texture and flavor of the original [1]. The Baja taco, featuring crispy fried avocado slices, is another standout example of how the team creates the same satisfying textures and bold tastes that traditional tacos are known for [1]. Instead of relying on simple substitutions, the kitchen reimagines ingredients to craft vibrant, familiar flavors that remain true to their roots.
As Piña-Ramirez puts it, the goal is to maintain authenticity "without compromising our authenticity and flavor" - a mission that diners clearly appreciate [7].
Diner Feedback
The proof is in the reviews. Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has managed to win over both hardcore vegans and skeptical omnivores alike. On TripAdvisor, it boasts a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews, with food quality also earning a flawless 5.0 [2]. On HappyCow, the restaurant has been named Top Rated in Chicago, with 153 glowing reviews [3].
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Individual reviews highlight the restaurant’s broad appeal. One TripAdvisor reviewer, who visited in March 2022, confessed:
"Honestly, I do not usually go for Vegan food but this is some of the best Mexican food I have ever had." [2]
Another reviewer from April 2023, who was just beginning to explore plant-based eating with their spouse, shared:
"I was surprised at how delicious the food was and how nice everyone was from the owner to all the staff working there." [2]
Even diners who were initially skeptical left impressed. One HappyCow reviewer noted their partner "couldn't believe everything we had here was vegan. It was so good!" [3]. Another diner enthusiastically stated, "Penelope's Vegan Tacos has changed my perspective!" [2].
The praise keeps coming. HappyCow users have described the street tacos as "some of the best vegan street tacos I've ever had" and "some of the best Mexican food (not just vegan) I've found in the area, period." [3][8]. Many reviewers also commented on the generous portions, with one noting, "the portions are enormous, everything is super tasty and indulgent." [3].
What stands out most is that Penelope's dishes don’t just succeed as vegan food - they succeed as exceptional food, period. For many diners, the experience goes beyond expectations, proving that plant-based Mexican cuisine can hold its own without any qualifiers.
Dining Experience Details
Penelope's doesn’t just serve food; it creates an experience that combines bold flavors, welcoming vibes, and thoughtful service - all while keeping prices accessible.
Pricing and Daily Deals
Penelope's makes enjoying plant-based Mexican cuisine easy on the wallet. Individual tacos are priced between $5.00 and $7.00, and heartier options like the Taco Dinner - featuring three tacos with rice and beans - are available for $21.00. Most main dishes fall in the $14-$18 range, with options starting at $13.50 and going up to $21.00. Appetizers begin at just $4.50 for Salsa & Chips, while larger shareable dishes like the Loaded Nachos, priced at $17.50, are perfect for groups. Drinks are affordably priced between $4.00 and $7.50, and first-time DoorDash customers often enjoy $0 delivery fees. These prices make it easy to indulge without breaking the bank.
Restaurant Atmosphere and Staff
Step into Penelope's, and you’re greeted by a colorful, art-filled space that celebrates Mexican heritage. The restaurant’s pink exterior gives way to an interior adorned with breathtaking murals of tropical flowers and birds, inspired by the legacy of Frida Kahlo. As HappyCow reviewer KellyJC described:
"This is a fun and colorful restaurant clearly inspired by the art and Mexican heritage of Frida Kahlo... Inside, the walls are covered with large murals of tropical flowers and birds that were clearly created by a talented muralist and that set a perfect tone for the colorful and exciting dishes on the menu."
The vibrant decor consistently wows visitors, with Grace K. enthusiastically stating:
"Hands down one of the coolest murals I have ever seen. I cannot wait to go back!!!"
The service at Penelope's is just as memorable as its ambiance. With a 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor, the staff is praised for their attentiveness and warmth. Emilio and Rad were singled out for making the experience "extra special", while Piwa was described as "so so nice and so helpful." Matthew Coomber also highlighted the team's accommodating nature:
"Waitstaff was helpful and kind with our neurodivergent family's needs and many questions."
Visitor Information
Penelope's offers casual dining with quick service, though short waits can occur during busy hours. Reservations are recommended for larger groups. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or dining with a family that has unique needs, the restaurant’s inclusive approach ensures everyone feels welcome. With its affordable pricing, lively atmosphere, and dedicated service, Penelope's delivers a dining experience that keeps guests coming back.
sbb-itb-8621021
Chicago Taco Scene Context
Over the past decade, Chicago's taco scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, and Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has been at the forefront of this change. As the city's first plant-based taqueria[4], Penelope's has redefined what vegan Mexican cuisine can be, blending authentic, time-honored flavors with a modern, plant-based twist. This review places Penelope's within the broader evolution of Chicago's taco culture, showcasing its significant role in reshaping the local food landscape.
One of the secrets to Penelope's success lies in its approach to menu development. Before introducing new dishes, the team tests them on non-vegan diners to ensure the flavors resonate with a wide audience. This careful balance between broad appeal and authenticity has been a key ingredient in their growing popularity.
Penelope's rise is part of a larger trend in Chicago toward plant-based Mexican cuisine. As more diners lean into health-conscious and sustainable eating, restaurants like Penelope's are stepping up to meet the demand. With a perfect 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor and a spot in the platform's top 10%,[2] Penelope's commitment to reimagining beloved family recipes has struck a chord with locals and visitors alike. One TripAdvisor reviewer, Saif Alzyoud, shared their experience:
"Penelope's Vegan Tacos exceeded expectations! I've always been hesitant when it comes to vegan food because I am a meat eater but Penelope's Vegan Tacos has changed my perspective!"
Final Review Summary
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria has carved out a unique spot in Chicago as the city’s first fully plant-based taqueria. With a flawless TripAdvisor rating and recognition as a Travelers' Choice destination, it’s clear this spot has won over both vegans and omnivores alike [2]. The secret? A dedication to bold, authentic flavors paired with satisfying portions.
What sets Penelope's apart is its ability to deliver the rich, traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine - entirely plant-based. The menu is filled with creative dishes that balance taste and presentation beautifully. Portions are notably generous, with many diners mentioning they ended up ordering more than they planned simply because of the ample servings.
The service is another standout feature. Guests consistently praise the staff for their warm and attentive care, whether it’s a cozy meal for two or a larger gathering. In fact, the taqueria has successfully hosted events for groups of 16 or more, earning accolades for its ability to handle such occasions seamlessly [2]. The lively atmosphere, combined with the value-packed happy hour from Tuesday to Thursday (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM), adds to the overall appeal. That said, some diners have mentioned that the music can get a bit loud during busy times.
"Not sure why you would go anywhere else for Mexican - SO delicious. Great service too. Truly wonderful and creative. Thank you!" - duece8 [2]
Penelope's is not just a restaurant; it’s a game-changer in Chicago’s taco scene. It offers more than just innovative dishes - it reimagines what vegan dining can be. Whether you’re committed to a plant-based lifestyle or just curious about trying something new, this taqueria promises a memorable experience. With three convenient locations across Chicago, it’s easy to see why this spot has become a favorite for so many.
"This place is amazing! I'm vegetarian and am always checking out vegan spots whenever I travel; this place is in my top 5 vegan spots (and I'm used to Portland, OR vegan options)." - Jessie R [2]
FAQs
What makes Penelope's Vegan Taqueria unique among vegan Mexican restaurants in Chicago?
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria: A Plant-Based Take on Mexican Classics
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria proudly holds the title of Chicago's first fully plant-based taqueria, delivering a menu that reinvents traditional Mexican dishes with a vegan flair. Their standout offerings include savory carnitas crafted from marinated pulled oats and crispy beer-battered avocado tacos that pack a satisfying crunch.
What makes this spot truly special is its dedication to preserving authentic Mexican flavors while appealing to both plant-based enthusiasts and adventurous eaters. With its lively atmosphere, vibrant decor, and friendly ambiance, Penelope's has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors diving into Chicago's vegan dining scene.
How does Chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez create authentic Mexican flavors with plant-based ingredients?
Chef Juan Lisandro Ramirez infuses his plant-based creations with the soul of Mexican cuisine by relying on traditional ingredients and time-tested cooking methods. Every spice, herb, and texture is chosen with care to honor the essence of classic Mexican recipes, ensuring his dishes remain deeply connected to their origins.
Through skillful substitutions of animal-based ingredients with vegan options, Chef Ramirez creates meals that capture the authentic flavors of Mexico. His approach celebrates the vibrant heritage of Mexican cooking, all while keeping every dish completely plant-based.
What are the best dishes to try at Penelope's Vegan Taqueria for someone new to plant-based Mexican food?
If you're exploring plant-based Mexican cuisine for the first time, Penelope's Vegan Taqueria in Chicago is a fantastic place to start. Their menu features some standout dishes that are sure to impress. The Soy Al Pastor Tacos, with a sweet and tangy pineapple kick, are a crowd-pleaser. For something more filling, go for the Mushroom Quesabirria, which delivers deep, savory flavors in every bite. And don’t skip the Chimichanga - it’s stuffed with soy chorizo, potatoes, and beans, then served with a side of fresh pico de gallo for that perfect touch.
If you’re in the mood to share, the Nachos Locos are packed with soy chorizo and guacamole, making them an ideal appetizer. To complement the bold flavors of your meal, grab a glass of Horchata, a refreshing and slightly sweet classic Mexican drink. These dishes highlight the delicious and inventive side of vegan Mexican cuisine, making Penelope's Vegan Taqueria a must-visit spot.
