El Quinto Sol was such a pleasant surprise to find in Laredo. As an all-vegetarian restaurant, it…read moreimmediately stood out to me because I don't always expect to find places like this outside of larger metro areas. But this visit reminded me that smaller cities can have really diverse, inclusive, and thoughtful food scenes too.
The menu has so much to choose from. There are plenty of classic plant-based American-style dishes, but what I loved most was the large selection of Hispanic-inspired options, including tacos, burrito bowls, and other dishes that felt connected to the region. I ordered the fishless tacos, which came with three tacos filled with soy-based "fish," purple cabbage, avocado, and chipotle sauce, served with a bowl of lentil soup. It was a massive and very filling meal, especially with the protein, avocado, and soup.
The space itself was clean, spacious, and inviting without being overdone. It was pretty busy when I went for lunch on a Friday, which was great to see. They also brought out a small complimentary appetizer with chips, nopales, spicy tomato salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese, which was a fun and flavorful start to the meal.
Needless to say, I couldn't finish everything. I ate the tacos but had to leave some of the lentil soup because it was just so much food. They also have frozen yogurt and desserts, plus an area with packaged products you can buy to take home. I even noticed advertisements for El Quinto Sol at the airport, so it seems like they're a well-known local staple. I'm really glad a restaurant that caters to vegetarian diets is thriving in the community, and I think it's a huge asset to Laredo.
