There is a term you say in Hawai'i that when something is good, it "broke da mouth." AND THIS VEGAN Mexican dinner by El Cocinero BROKE MY MOUTH! I recently tried out El Cocinero's food at an event that they catered to. As a person who eats meat and is not restricted, I would come here for the good food. The vegan al pastor had chunks of pineapple and it is seasoned and cooked to taste just like the meat version. The texture is just a little bit different but it does resemble a lot like meat. The vegan pastor also tastes just like the meat version, just less "smoky" and the texture is softer. The rice is flavorful and fluffy. The beans are seasoned just enough to have flavor but not compete with the other dishes. The creamy chipotle sauce was perfect topping the rice and beans. I do like vegan food but the only reference I had with Mexican vegan are places that try to add fake cheese and lean heavily on beans and rice. This business shows that you can still have all the flavors and not rely on cheese and meat. They focus on the flavors and not what would make non-vegans feel comfortable. Initially, I was going to give this first time experience a 4 star review so that it encourages me to go check out the restaurant so I can add the service and the ambiance. However, I was lucky enough to bring home leftovers and as I was eating it, the food tastes better. Had to add the extra star! read more

El Cocinero - A plate of Spanish rice, beans, vegan asada and vegan al pastor with the chipotle sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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First time at El cocinero, planning on coming back again and again and again!!!!!!! I was informed it was all and everything is vegan which I love tacos and to find a vegan Mexican spot that is all vegan came in clutch. This place had everything you'd need and tastes so good for a vegan spot. You would be able to fool me and tell me this is actual meat and I'd believe it. That's how good it was! I got the quesadilla (half asada, half al pastor) omg that was the best thing I have ever had. The cheese melts and pulls just like regular Cheese. The meat was so juicy and good flavor. I'd get it again and again But I'd probably try the tacos next time along with the quesadilla tbh. I also got the flan which was tbh less sweeter than a regular flan. But hey I still loved it, I don't complain about it. It was still delicious. (Funny incident, I ordered the flan at the front and paid for it.i wasn't told anything else by the guy at the register. SoThen went back to the table and Waited and waited and waited for a good 20 minutes, till I asked about it and was told that I can just grab it out of the refrigerator!!!! Smh, as much as I was upset as much as I for some reason just found it funny. So don't do the same mistake I did and just go grab it right after you pay for it.) Overall, I loved everything and all the things about this place. Nice seating areas, nice environment , helpful workers,convenient parking! And most importantly, delicious food. Definitely be visiting this place again! read more

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The BEST BEST BEST vegan Mexican food spot I've ever ever had in my life not even just vegan like in general the best Mexican food spot I've ever been to and I love me some Mexican food lol I went a week ago and I literally have not stopped thinking about it since. I'm pretty sure I saw god the second I tasted their food. I'm being so fr I've had DREAMS about this place since going lmao I happily spent like $70 on my first visit bc I couldn't decide on what to get and I don't regret it at all. I'm bringing my boyfriend here tomorrow and I literally plan to spend our life's savings here lol I don't even live near the area I'm like over an hour away but idc it's way too good to not go back 10/10 recommend I cannot believe they're not more popular like I know they're not overlooked but they should fr be recognized as the best vegan Mexican restaurant in all of LA read more

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The pastor was way too intense. The chix and asada were okay. Maybe I'm just not used to this stuff! A for the effort though!

My Forever Favorite -- Vegan Mexican Magic Let's be clear--El Cocinero is him. I've been pulling up here for years and the love is still real. Everything about this place just hits: the flavor, the vibes, the service. It's the kind of spot that makes you feel like family from the jump. Seasoning? On point. Portions? Always generous. The kind of comfort food that wraps you up and feeds your soul. Whether I'm posted up alone or bringing friends for the first time, it's always a win. Now if you really know, you know--my go-to cheat code is adding rice on top of the fries or the nachos. Game. Changer. Vegan or not, this place delivers every single time. Real ones know: El Cocinero been that guy. read more

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First time eating vegan Mexican food. I gotta say the flavors were very good. I came with my brother's family and we got a few different things to try. We got burritos, nachos and tacos. They all tasted the same, cause they all have the same ingredients. It was busy here so I'm assuming vegans love this place. Clean restaurant and friendly service. A good spot to check out if you are vegan. read more

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Worth the drive! This place is soo good. Accommodating and friendly customer service. All vegan menu! The nachos were possibly the best I've had. I was allowed to choose three proteins, the guy recommended asada, al pastor, and chicharron. They were all good, but will still try the others next time. The chik'N looked good. My brother really enjoyed his burrito and he is not vegan. He was also allowed to choose three proteins. There were plenty of table and counters to sit and eat at. Free parking and clean restrooms, too! read more

I visited this place coz it came as a recommendation from a friend. So while we ordered jackfruit taco and corn on the cob we ask the person how much for guacamole and chips and he says $4 then when the order arrives there is no chips. So we ask for chips and they say it's an extra $2.70 which is really annoying since we asked the guy the price for both chips and guacamole then we order. Do they think we just want to eat a bowl of guacamole by itself. Was annoyed how they gave no chips and charged more for simple chips. Jackfruit was too salty. Corn on cob was boiled with cheese and mayo. They need to make some changes. I wouldn't recommend it yet. read more

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Fire!!! Normally don't eat vegan but it was delicious. Come by this place if you're interested in vegan food or not. read more

El Cocinero - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

The absolute best Vegan Mexican food I've ever had! I've been following them since they were doing little pop-ups as Vegatinos and I'm glad to see they're still going strong. I love their al pastor, especially on nachos. In the couple of times I've visited their restaurant, I've had a good experience and friendly service. It has a very classic Mexican restaurant feel with a good amount of seating for dining in. Their nachos really can't be beat and I'd say it's well worth the drive and price. read more

El Cocinero - Al Pastor Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

Bienvenidos! To over 5 years of El Cocinero. No puedo decir y I still can't say enough great things about this Van Oaks gem. Located in Van Nuys/ just above the Sherman Oaks border, this Sepulveda Boulevard must is the best 100% vegan Mexican food in California as well as Los Angeles. They have dine-in seating with tables and chairs throughout, but it's very limited and if you've been, you know they stay busy from the moment they open at 11am until close at 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Their service is flawless con un equipo perfecto (a perfect team) managing the flow from the moment you order to the moment you pick up for dine-in, takeout and/or delivery. For comidas, you should absolutely devour the entire menu: All the tacos Al's/Alex Super Burrito (3 "meat" proteins) - massive Breakfast Burrito (I always ask for ketchup inside) Burrito Bowl Ceviche Elote aka Street Style Corn Mulitas Papas a la Bestie (Beast Fries) Quesabirria Tacos v Sopes Super Nachos Tortas The plant based meat is insanely good, all and I do mean all my vegan, vegetarian and non-vegan peoples love it all. The Al Pastor, Asada, Birria, Chicarron, ChikN, Jackfruit Carnitas, "Shrimp" and Soyrizo. Additionally they have incredible Flan, Agua frescas, Jamaica,Horchata and Natural Sodas like Mexican Coke and/or Diet Coke, Topo Chico Mineral Water as well as Alkaline Water. Love coming here to support them as much as possible with bae and/or the squad. My friends Mike and Derrick eat here a lot as well as order out and they're not vegan, but have been incorporating more plant-based meals into their life over the years. El Cocinero is also gluten friendly with loaded of gluten free options like their nachos, bowls, and majority of their proteins. The sides are stellar as well from the beans to the rice, chips and salsa, so many great things. They greet you and thank you every time and are all welcoming. Enjoy a tailgate/car meal, cool off inside when seats open up or bring it all back home for a fun feast. Easy parking in a shared plaza lot behind the old CVS (now a Spirit Halloween) at Sepulveda Blvd/Erwin Street. El Cocinero has some great catering meals a few of which I'm considering for the holidays and/or my big milestone birthday (40), also around the holidays. 25 platter of tacos, half tray of nachos and five tray burritos (cut in half) all are calling my name, but you don't need a special occasion to enjoy the magica de El Cocinero, six days a semana/week. read more

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Yum!! My favorite vegan Mexican food! The loaded fries and my favorite!! Even my meat loving husband always need to get some! When I came in there was loads of parking available and seating tables read more

El Cocinero - Seating area - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

This used to be my favorite place for a burrito until they hit us with shrinkflation. The price for Al's Special Burrito went up $2 while the size decreased by about 50% (see photos taken just two weeks apart). I was fine with previous price increases since costs have gone up everywhere and the portions stayed the same. But charging more while serving half the portion isn't a price adjustment, it's a downgrade. Paying more for significantly less just isn't worth it, especially with an hour round trip. There are closer options for me, like Cena Vegan, that still offer generous portions. read more

El Cocinero - Same burrito last week. - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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We ordered nachos with al pastor and some tacos with al pastor, birria, and asada. Nachos - Beans, sauce, guacamole, and tortilla chips were good. Al pastor meat was good but overtly seasoned that it hurt my stomach. I might just have a sensitive stomach so would definitely aim for something more gentle next time even though it was tasty at first. Tacos - the tortilla is not great quality, or made in house. In addition, there was no place to add toppings for your tacos. I like mine with mexican pickles, radish, lime juice, onions, salsa and cilantro. When you make the order they ask if you want all ingredients (cilantro & onion) yet they are minimal on the taco. I would invite them to have a taco topping bar! The birria was good, asada a bit dry (hence the need for lime on the side), and al pastor was overtly seasoned. The space was nicely lit, and a lot of seating available. read more

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This is my favorite restaurant. Five stars isn't enough for this place. THE BEST VEGAN FOOD IN SFV. I wake up every morning and go to sleep thinking about their al pastor burrito. I also recommend the birria tacos. AMAZING. The pozole 10/10. If i could eat here everyday I would. I recommend this restaurant to everyone vegan, vegetarian, or not. The food is just THAT good. Service is amazing. This place deserves all the success in the world. read more

Holy f'n smokes. This spot hit we have vegan spots back home but not like this . That's delicious read more

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I've been coming here for a while and really enjoy their food! I like that they continue to offer new items. I appreciate that they now provide water upon request! This is a sweet family business and the mother has been decorating seasonally! My go to is the 3 meat burrito which must include some form of jackfruit and the nachos with fries instead of chips. I crave these things like once a week! Their serve good size portions! I always leave stuffed. They have a few tables and stools for dine in. It's a rather casual atmosphere where you order and grab your food from the cashier. read more

El Cocinero - Burrito! - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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My all time favorite Mexican / Vegan food Their Birria tacos with consome is to die for and their Flan and Horchata is the best ! The Cashier who helped me " Pedro " is super kind and has amazing customer service , Definitely coming back ! read more

El Cocinero - My All time favorite Mexican / Vegan restaurant , Birria Tacos & consome & Vegan flan for dessert!! Definitely recommend 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

I tried the burrito with my 6 year old in December. We loved it. I went back for the tres durrado tacos birria style! Add the orange spice and you have one of the best flavors ever to reach American streets! Amazing! Best vegan taco ever and it's truly hard to beat Vegatinos but this one hits! I'd say this is my favorite Mexican vegan! read more

I stopped here to get a takeout order to eat on the drive home. When I walked in, it wasn't clear where to go so I got in line after a customer being helped at a lcounter on the left. After waiting, the employee told me that I was in the pickup line and needed to order at the counter on the right. I ordered the Al pastor burrito without pico de gallo. I asked for lettuce or extra cabbage instead, but I think they forgot. I used the bathroom while I waited and just in the time it took me to pee (and I pee quick), it was already ready. I went to the pickup counter (again) and they offered me sauce. I requested mild and they gave me 3! The burrito was delicious! They didn't cut in half for me so I had to use a pocket knife to cut it. So if you're sharing yours, make sure you ask them to cut it for you. I like that it's all vegan so I'm giving them 5 stars for caring about animals. They had indoor seating but I didn't see any outdoor seating. read more

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Carne Asada Sope was delicious!!! I want to come back to try other things. Service was friendly! read more

El Cocinero - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

Absolutely delicious burritos and elote!! Service is fast and parking is easy. A must-go when you're in Van Nuys. read more

El Cocinero - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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All I have to say is, food quality and portions have gone down. The first couple of times I've eaten here I was impressed in the quality of food and how they had flavor but as the time has gone by so has the quality and the flavor. I gave this spot hope but all it's given me back is extremely explosive bowel movements. As far as the ambiance, dude whoever they hired to change the paint on the walls had no idea what they're doing, the place went from looking and feeling super cozy and welcoming to colorless and lifeless. Cleanliness: 7/10 Vibe: 6/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 Speed: 8/10 Value: 5/10 read more

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this place really impressed me. The vegan tacos were full of flavor, and everything tasted fresh and made to order. Even my non-vegan friend loved it. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to when I'm craving Mexican food. read more

Go here now! We got the pastor vegan nachos and now I can never get them anywhere else. These were so good I've devoted my vegan nachos eating life to them. Forever and ever. The rice was everything you want it to be. We got 5 tacos to eat at home later and I couldn't even wait to try them to write this review, the nachos were so good I had to publicly praise them immediately. read more

El Cocinero - Super Nachos Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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I wanted to love this place but they overloaded my tacos with onions and I had indigestion afterward. I tried one of each of the fake meat options. The staff seemed friendly but the extra onions made me think maybe they don't want my business due to my demographic or whatever. Generally most vegan spots are inclusive so not sure what's up here. They are out of the way for me and I had been wanting to check out this place for over 1yr. I won't go out of my way for this place but if I'm in the area I'll give them one more chance. I think I liked the fake chikn and jackfruit the best. My partner liked the pastor. We both thought the asada was eh but it wasn't bad. I wish I had gotten a burrito and the menu has other interesting choices I just did a sort of sampler plate as an introduction. They could also up the wow factor by having some better salsas but that's just me a good salsa can have me hooked on a place. read more

El Cocinero - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

Amazing vegan Mexican food. I think the prices could be lower but the food is great. The place should be open later than 8 PM. It was really busy up until close. I would definitely eat here at 11 PM vs Taco Bell. read more

I am no longer vegan but when I was this was my go to place and it's still an establishment I frequent. When they first opened I was in the long line always and continued to come here through the years. Glad they're still in operation. I finally took a picture of my meal to leave a review after coming here for many years now, I live close by and when I feel like I want a really good burrito I come here. It's the crunchy cabbage and the very flavor mock meats that do it for me every time. The staff is quick with pushing out orders when they're busier and I'm glad they have some seating inside now because a couple years ago they did not. read more

El Cocinero - big burrito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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A great taqueria / taco spot located in a strip mall in the valley that specializes in vegan/ plant based 'meat' options. The spot isn't huge and it feels cozy. The folks here are friendly and the order/service style is more of a fast casual where you order from the counter and they bring you your order. I came here looking for the 'carne' guisados taco, but they don't have that every day. Not a big deal at all. I ended up getting a three taco order - "carne asada", jackfruit "carnitas", and mushrooms. Each were very delicious in their own way. I am actually not a vegan, but I must say the flavors and textures of these tacos are on point. I actually had this place bookmarked on a few of my Yelp collections (including a vegan/ vegetarian list as well as a couple of taco lists). I can see why this placed is loved by so many. Parking was pretty easy since the lot was pretty sizable and the strip mall itself wasn't crazy busy (at least on a Sunday afternoon) read more

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It's sad we are limited to 5 stars here. People often give 5 stars when they get very good value/service and everything is nearly perfect. There is nothing "nearly" about El Cocinero's perfection. I was looking for something...anything to be wrong so I could have some point of reality. Nope. We came here for my wife's birthday because she's vegan and we'd never been. They have 8 different kinds of "meat"......EIGHT. That's insane. My wife hasn't tasted anything even remotely pork-like in forever, so she didn't know they would taste like. The guy behind the counter just said we could sample the four out front that interested us the most (probably could have tried all 8 but we didn't need to. I am moving over to vegetarian but it wasn't that long ago I ate meat regularly. I usually have a "95% rule" on fake meats. If it's 95% as good, it's good enough to not commit murder. This passed the 100% test, 99% for the Asada. The Al pastor, carnitas, and chicken looked, felt, and tasted exactly like their mean counterpart. Asada was 99% only because I've had enough asada to know it won't get cut up as finely as that, but the feel and taste was spot on. $16 for Super Nachos we had them do with fries instead. I was slightly worried just looking at the containers because they were a little smaller than most I've seen. Then I picked it up. I do not believe I have ever felt the amount of weight in a take out container I felt with these. Open them up and they are PACKED. I came in very hungry. I'm about 225 pounds. I left stuffed and at least half of them left. Thank you leftovers. The store was clean, people were friendly, insane portions, and one of the best fries I've had in my life, vegan or not, and I usually dislike vegan cheeses. I wish I lived a little closer, but probably should be happy I don't because I would be there a lot more often than I should. One note: these are not gringo salsas. The green is a little citrusy and very flavorful. The red is hot. LEGIT hot. Even if you are a big spicy person, you might want to taste this first - this is a lot spicier than normal. Tastes fantastic, but if you're even a little shy about something too spicy, go with the green. If you're close and like Mexican, you MUST try this place. Being vegan totally optional - this stands up to the best real meat places, and the pricing is absolutely reasonable. Get stuffed, feel good about less murder. Perfecto! read more

El Cocinero - My birthday wife. We forgot to them then to take the jalapeños off - totally on us. - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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Delicious and fun!! This local vegan Mexican restaurant makes creative dishes that are both tasty and filling. I ordered a mandarin flavored Jarritos soda and the quesabirria tacos dorados with consome. This came with a hearty portion and the service was fantastic! The team brought my entree and drink right to my table. The entire restaurant was spotlessly clean and I loved the festive ambiance. There was a whole section dedicated to holiday cheer, with life-sized grinch dolls and tree table toppers throughout. I enjoyed my meal and had a great time dipping the sumptuous quesabirria tacos into the rich consome broth. A delight! read more

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Vegan Mexican food that is SO tasty!! They have multiple vegan meat styles and they all blow the sad animal versions away! On my most recent visit I ordered asada tacos w rice and refried beans, tamales, and flan. Everything is SO flavorful. Prices are reasonable. And, I cannot get over the flan. The sauce is perfect, and the texture of the flan is literary drool worthy. Run, don't walk ...to El Cocinero!! read more

El Cocinero - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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i would (and have) drive all the way from san francisco for their food! the quality is amazing, it's so consistent, portions are huge, staff is so friendly, food comes out so fast! personally love the al pastor, it's my fav. love the new menu additions too, everything they make is delicious could not recommend it more!!! read more

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This vegan Mexican restaurant is the bomb. I enjoyed their food when they were part of a pop-up and I am thrilled to know they now have a permanent physical location. Tacos Dorado Birria and consommé were crispy and piping hot. Incredibly flavorful as if it had simmered for hours. Limited table seating but lots of high top against the wall around the perimeter. Absolutely spotless. Very friendly service. read more

El cocinero offers all the tasty Mexican specialties you know and love but vegan. They have basically every type of meat as a vegan option, which is great for trying the traditional flavors. I like to get the bowl. The portions are large and can be saved for a second meal. My only complaint is the lack of actual veggies - it's mainly fake meat, beans and rice. I'd love a little onion and pepper or something to green it up. Prices are moderate - about $18/pp. They are quite busy during meal times so try to come during the shoulder. read more

El Cocinero is my favorite vegan Mexican restaurant by far. They offer a variety of flavorful plant based meats with several options to combine them, such as: tacos, burritos, fries, nachos, and mulitas, plus a few others. My favorite vegan meat is pastor; I just love a mix of anything sweet and semi-spicy, so this was definitely a hit for me since day one. I've also tried their flan dessert and it's literally perfect in terms of consistency and flavor. Drinks are also on point. Service is usually fast. Having everything warm and ready is a great advantage for everyone. Of course, fries (which I order pretty often) do have to be made on the spot, but they usually only take a few extra minutes given that everything else only needs to be packed and you're ready to go! Employee's are friendly and tend to make sure everything is ok with your order and ask if you need anything else before you leave. I always get carry-out, but they do have indoor seating. Don't second guess the area. This plaza used to seem pretty dead before COVID hit (only a few cars parked), and soon after COVID (around the time they opened) the parking lot started getting full. That's how good this place is, and I am now one of those parked cars, lol! Either way, parking is never an issue since the parking spots are stretched out throughout the plaza. I am delighted with this place, and although they don't serve guac, I still give it 5 stars. I do hope they incorporate it one day. It would be even more awesome! read more

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Absolutely amazing! I am obsessed with the chicharron but all the proteins are amazing. Delicious salsas and agua frescas. About time LA had a 10/10 vegan mexican spot that keeps giving. If you're vegan or just love a damn good taco, you have to try it. read more

This is the top or one of the top LA vegan Mexican places year in and year out and it's deserved. I wish I lived closer to here but that just helps me enjoy it that much more for when I can get out here. I've tried many things and have enjoyed all of them very much. But if you're looking for a recommendation, try the surf and turf burrito. The food here is just amazing. The place itself is welcoming and there is some seating for indoor dining. If you are a bit anti-social and/or like to plan in advance, then get their app and order ahead for the most convenient and easy pickup. I've only been here twice and they weren't super busy but they are in sort of off hours so maybe you'll have to wait a bit but trust me, the waitlist is worth it! read more

I've been following this restaurant on Instagram for years and finally got to try it yesterday. I live in Orange County and wish we had a location here. My friend (eats meat) and I (vegetarian) both ordered nachos with half Al Pastor and Asada. The flavor of the Al Pastor was amazing. The sauces were so good and the portions were huge! They don't go easy on the toppings. We couldn't even see our chips! We both couldn't stop talking about how good the food was. The service was great and fast. The parking lot was easy to access and there were multiple spots when I got there. I hate dealing with parking in LA, but I didn't have issues here. The store was very clean. Overall, fantastic experience. If it was closer, I'd go weekly. read more

El Cocinero - Al Pastor and Asada Nachos (10/10, amazing) - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

We were on our way to grab boba at Boba Time and pick up some veggies from 99 Ranch when we stumbled upon this spot. As a taco lover, I had to give their vegan tacos a try! I got the 5-taco combo for $17.50 to sample different flavors, and wow -- the al pastor and one of the crunchy "meat" tacos (not sure what it was, but so good!) really stood out. Each taco was served on two small tortillas and overflowing with meat, and the salsa was delicious. You honestly wouldn't even think they're vegan! We came around 1 PM and there were quite a few people waiting for orders. It took a little longer than expected, even though the vegan meats looked prepped buffet-style, but it was totally worth it. Definitely recommend this place -- can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! read more