2 Filtered Reviews of Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria

The reviews below were either questionable or violated our site terms. They therefore are not factored into this business's overall star rating.

Check out the Review Guidelines | Review Removal.

01nataliam

Points +158

Vegan
11 Apr 2022

Ok

Honestly as a Latina I think it’s overhyped. I’m accustomed to flavorful spicy Mexican food but this had no spice and was a little bland. The beans were canned and the rice was unseasoned😒I really wanted to like it but it’s definitely a super white version of Mexican food... Service was extremely slow and food was way too expensive for what you got. I would not recommend, and I prefer other restaurants like Quesadilla la Reina del Sur!

Updated from previous review on 2022-04-11

Pros: Completely vegan

Cons: Expensive, Bland , Service was slow

Penelopesvegan

11 Apr 2022

Hello Natalia,

Thank you for your feedback. I am so sorry you were not satisfied with the food. I do want to share that beans are made fresh in-house every day, and they are not canned. The rice is also made fresh every day without any preservatives, and we only add natural coloring and flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and salt. You’re probably used to the yellow/red Mexican Rice that gets seasoning colored packets added. The business is Owen by myself, and my husband, both Mexican raised in little village. We catered to broad and multicultural clientele and not just Mexicans, so I am not sure what you mean by your comment? Please explain “Not targeted towards Mexicans”. We are not trying to target a specific culture or race.

In regards to prices, as you may know, everything in 2022 has gone up, and Veganism is not a cheap lifestyle. $4 for a taco is very reasonable. La Reyna del Sur is a great restaurant but does not have a full vegan menu, FYI, as they do offer dairy products. Hopefully, you can find a lower-cost vegan restaurant to meet your needs and cultural vision. TacoBell and Chipotle also offer some Vegan Options perhaps try the big chains. Have a fantastic week!

01nataliam

11 Apr 2022

Hi! Thanks for your reply. 3 stars is extremely generous for $16 enchiladas (small serving) that tastes extremely bland and canned black beans (exact taste and texture). To answer your question, the food had no spice or discernible seasoning and there was also no salsa. Of course I have no problem paying that price for good food and good service! I know how much a vegan lifestyle is, as I’ve been vegan the majority of my life. Thanks for the clarifications. But unfortunately this was not it. Sharing my experience is what this app is for of course! Plenty of good Mexican vegan food out there, this really isn’t one of them in my opinion :)

Have a great day!

01nataliam

11 Apr 2022

Also, if you suggest Taco Bell as Mexican food, that may be part of your problem😉

Best wishes!!

01nataliam

12 Apr 2022

I gave a very generous review at first so I had to modify it upon seeing how the restaurant takes constructive criticism. Traditional Mexican food has spice and flavor, so I am sure what’s racial about that! White version of Mexican food simply means inauthentic, and I 100% stand by that statement. Unless you’re not a Mexican restaurant?

While I love spending money on good vegan food, you actually might have a point the $1 Taco Bell menu has better flavor. However, your fixation on my price comment reveals just how classist and elitist your establishment is— something I cannot ethically tolerate.

And don’t worry, I won’t be needing a refund. Keep the money, I see you’re very preoccupied.

Best of luck on your restaurant :)

Linajohnson

12 Apr 2022

Hello Natalie I run a food/lifestyle Blog Best defined as a digital content,Not that it matters to you I'm sure.. but the reason, why I say this to you, is because I recently did a story for this place.. and I can tell you that their food is authentic and fresh I can also guarantee you that their beans are not canned..all of the food that was made for my blog was prepared fresh, and continues staying the same real ingredients were also used. By the way it's very low of you and rude to make comments of this matter! (it’s a super white version of Mexican food)... I'm part Latina/Caucasian sounds like you have a problem with the white race.. since you are assuming that all white people are trying to be "Mexican" Not Only are you offending other Caucasian's Perhaps you should be more Cautious young lady with your reviews since they are a bit aggressive, and ignorant You also mentioned on how the meals were too expensive for you?! I would love to donate you a few visa gift cards that way you can dine out Comfortably and check out other restaurants since Penelope's prices were a bit high for your budget... Sending blessings your way... ✌🏼

01nataliam

13 Apr 2022

Lina— the food was bland, and I did not think it was worth the price. My original review stated exactly that and I still generously gave 3 stars. I am white (Mexican is not a race) so I don’t know how I “have a problem with the white race”. Also, assumptions and comments you make about what I can and cannot afford are classist, elitist, discriminatory, and flat out ignorant. Sending many prayers your way

Veganchitown90

13 Apr 2022

“White” version of Mexican food simply means inauthentic.. Quote from your review.. (First and foremost how rude!) sweetie it’s 2022 what does Race gotta do with a fine dine dish? 🙄 Us Caucasian’s know fine gourmet Mexican food when we see it! I visited Penelope’s today and the food was amazing, service was outstanding and portions were very generous. You mentioned that portions were “small”?? Well perhaps next time try the “Mexican Buffet” lol. Have you ever dined in a River North restaurant? 🤣 This restaurant is not your typical “hood” joint. Like those restaurants in back of your typical neighborhood “Carniceria” .. yes I said it and I won’t take it back! Stop being a cheap skate! I can’t stand people like you.. I bet you probably didn’t even tip a 20 percent gratuity and blamed your cheapness on “lack of service” shame on you! Next time just buy yourself an impossible whopper with no fries or drink. Stop bashing up and coming restaurants Latina Karen lol

01nataliam

13 Apr 2022

I actually did tip full 20% and you should probably rethink before you comment things racializing and degrading “the hood” and restaurants that most people can afford. I suggest you take some time to check your privilege and blatant prejudice against those less fortunate than you. Unfortunately I will no longer be responding to elitist posts as comments like these are the reason vegans get so much hate! I truly hope you find some peace

Linajohnson

13 Apr 2022

Natalie as a former foodie and diner next time you are not happy with your meal you should definitely ask for a refund or simply get your food remade.. instead of bashing a place the way you did with racial comments and being aggressive about things, maybe you don't see it that way? But others do, try to be more cautious with your words.. just a bit of advice. I also did not mean to offend you in any way with what you can and cannot afford! But you were complaining about the prices and portions of meals, I'm not sure exactly what do you mean when you are complaining about the prices $$$everywhere you go there will be maybe higher prices I think the meal portions are fair Unless you are dining at the "Les Nomades" then that's a different story. Again we are not here to bash one another let's be more peaceful and spread more kindness.. best wishes to you for your next dining ✌🏼

Linajohnson

Points +20

Vegetarian
12 Apr 2022

Molletes,vegan burger must try

If you are looking for tasty Mexican authentic Meals.. Definitely give this place a try.. all of the meals are fresh they use clean Ingredients I run a Lifestyle Blog/Digital content.. I recently visited Penelope's for my Blog and I can tell you that they are super clean and friendly. This place is great for every foodie who love's taking pictures of their meal haaaa! Also the vibes are great mural is awesome Prices are reasonable if you are willing to spend on great quality food $$$$$ this place is for you..don't forget the Chips and salsa that's a great starter.. Oreo ice-cream was yummy! Also it's BYOB which is a plus