Austin may be famous for its barbeque, but this cosmopolitan Texas capital has a huge variety of menus and cuisines. There’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that cater to vegan and vegetarian tastes. Being deep in the heart of Texas, Mexican and Tex-Mex food is a must. If you get the urge for a vegan taco – you’re in luck in Austin!
The challenge is choosing the best vegan tacos in Austin. Let’s start with the places that have vegan or vegetarian-only menus:
Arlo’s Food Truck, 900 Red River St., 1700 E. 6th St., or 2908 Fruth St.
Specializing in comfort food, Arlo’s is one of the most well known vegan spots in Austin and so it is often first on everyone’s checklist. Try their street or Chik’n tacos have house-made or seitan crumbles with grilled pico de gallo, lettuce and chipotle sauce. The trucks are located near popular bars and gathering spots in Austin, perfect for a case of the munchies!
Counter Culture, 2337 East Cesar Chavez St.
Counter Culture offers a full menu of anything a vegan could want, from breakfast food to pizzas and sandwiches and a chocolate brownie to die for. Almost everything they serve is either made from scratch by them or is locally sourced, and you can feel the love that goes into this popular Austin eatery. The raw butternut tacos with creamy cashew cheese and walnut chorizo will feature as one of your favorite meals in Austin.
Nissi Vegan, 1106 East 11th St.
Nissi Vegan stands out as the perfect location for those craving an authentic Mexican food experience. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but the carne asada tacos are very tasty. Tacos are among the vegan Mexican entrees this food truck offers, but it also has burritos, chalupas, nachos, and flautas. It’s open Thursday through Saturday.
ATX Food Co
This restaurant is dedicated to providing sustainable and healthy food to its customers and it doesn’t skip on flavor either. The lucky squash taco features kabocha squash and zucchini along with pickled cabbage served on spelt tortillas. The building broccoli taco has broccoli, of course, along with red onions and cauliflower. Substitute mushrooms for broccoli and you have the Wild Mushroom Taco.
Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey Rd.
Enjoy crispy and soft tacos surrounded by a jungle of plants. At Casa De Luz the entrees change daily, but tacos are often on the list, along with other Mexican specialties. You’ll need plenty of napkins for these mouth-watering treats.
Mr. Natural, 1901 E. Cesar Chavez or 2414A S. Lamar Blvd.
This family-owned restaurant and mini-grocery has one of the largest selections of vegan tacos in Austin with a dozen on the menu. The taco flaco and the fish seitan are two must-try items on the menu. Mr. Natural lunch and dinner offers a wide variety of vegan Tex-Mex specialties created to satisfy the mind, body, and spirit.
Curcuma, food truck at 2207 E. Cesar Chavez St.
“Food with intention” is the motto at Curcuma. Their creation process is steeped in Aryuvedic principles and they focus on locally sourced, ethical ingredients. On top of all that, their food is also mouthwatering. The raw pecan meat taco with red onion and avocado is a favorite. Better get there early. They sell quickly!
The Vegan Nom, food truck at 2324 E. Cesar Chavez St.
If you have been looking for a good vegan queso, this is the best place for it in Austin. The Vegan Nom is an entirely vegan food truck that is essential for any vegan foodie, with so many options on the menu it’s hard to choose where to begin. The Korean BBQ taco is well-loved by any frequent flyer here but make sure you stop by for breakfast where you can satisfy your Migas taco craving. It is located conveniently close to Cap City Bakery, where you can satisfy all of your vegan dessert needs afterward.
Cool Beans, food truck at 2908 Fruth St.
You can find authentically flavored vegan al pastor here and their corn tortillas are some of the best in town so be sure to try one. It’s almost impossible not to get a side of street corn as well, it will definitely have you coming back for more. This truck is also conveniently located behind Spider House, a popular bar among the Austin student community. Grab your tacos and a beer and soak up the sun in the back patio full of eclectic found items.
Veracruz, 5 locations in and around Austin.
The menus vary a little among the five trucks, but vegan breakfast and regular tacos are always available. Try the veggie tacos or be tempted to make your own with freshly made ingredients like cactus. Their focus on providing high-quality food shows, even the guacamole is the best I’ve ever had. Veracruz has won multiple awards including being recognized as serving one of the best 5 tacos in America by the Food Network.
Nasha, 1614 E. 7th St.
At Nasha you will find a truly unique taco experience. This Indo Tex Mex infusion will have you hooked immediately and the best way to try it is the tofu tacos. Although specializing in Indian Cuisine, the restaurant also offers Tex-Mex that includes vegetarian chili relleno plates.
Guero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S Congress Ave.
This south Austin hot spot is perfect for when you are eating with your omnivore friends. They have a separate menu for vegan food that doesn’t disappoint. Try the tacos de salud with sautéed vegetables or vegan soy chorizo. The vegan menu also includes a breakfast taco, plus burritos, enchiladas, and chalupas.
Bouldin Creek Cafe, 1900 First St.
You will find renditions of all of your favorite meals but vegan at this beloved local vegetarian cafe. Herbivores and omnivores alike wait patiently for their seats here. Fantasy tacos are a specialty on the lunch menu. Tortillas are stuffed with roasted potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and peppers and topped with a pumpkin seed pesto.
TacoDeli, multiple locations in Austin.
TacoDeli is a popular spot for everybody in Austin, it’s rare to find a location without at least a short line. The freakin’ vegan is the best choice on the menu, it’s a simple refried bean, avocado, and pico de gallo taco. If you are there for breakfast they will do their vegetarian mushroom taco, the space cowboy, in a vegan edition, which is delicious. To avoid the lines, you will find a lot of cafes and small grocery stores stock the freakin’ vegan taco fresh in the morning.
About the author: Rachael Baihn is a food and lifestyle writer for LawnStarter, who can often be found trying new hikes in Austin or swimming at her local pool. She is known for having the best tips for happy hours and vegan food spots everywhere you go.
The opinions expressed in this write up are solely those of the author, and not of HappyCow or the restaurant.
