Vegan
Fast food
Delivery
Take-out
Mexican
Catering
An all-vegan Mexican restaurant serves a large variety of dishes and beverages. Open Mon-Sat 12:00pm-9:00pm, Sun 12:00pm-8:00pm.
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- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 27 Aug 2024 by KatelynCollin
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Added by Degu on 01 Apr 2022
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131 Reviews
First Review by ExploreV
FrankEsposito
Points +16
Just ok but solidly vegan. - Edit
The food was ok, nothing fantastic, and rather expensive. But realize it is in an expensive neighborhood too.
Read morePros: Vegan restaurant in Chicago
Cons: Have to use your phone to see the updated menu , Have to pay for parking $5/hr
Guest
kmoffatt
Points +168
Hit and miss - Edit
We ordered the taco dinner (3 tacos with rice and beans on the side) which wasn’t a good order. Although great value, the tacos became soggy due to being on the same plate with the beans. Both the rice and beans were extremely bland and lacking salt. Some of the tacos were delicious but some were just ok, and the jackfruit taco was really not good with watery, undercooked and bland jackfruit inside. On the plus side: the chips and salsa, pulled oats taco, baja taco and margarita were great. Excellent friendly service too.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-04-10
Pros: Service
Cons: Taco dinner plate
Guest
BenitaB
Points +30
Great Mexican food - Edit
The service was incredibly nice! I couldn’t decide on what to get, so I asked for the taco dinner (the three tacos being chosen by the waitress since I was so indecisive). All three tacos were impeccable. I was not a huge fan of the bean and rice as they were a bit bland, but the three tacos were so filling it’s best I didn’t finish the side.
Read moreGuest
theCorrector
Points +94
Amazing! - Edit
Awesome vegan food with great staff and service! Best vegan Mexican in town! Highly recommend! Michelle was a great waitress and extremely friendly!
Read moreGuest
KKumarK
Points +32
Perfection. - Edit
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria is an outstanding establishment. When I called to make a reservation for my birthday party, I told them I would have a group of 16. I was worried they would turn down this request, but they happily complied even though the default max reservation size online is only 10 people. When we arrived, there were two 8-person tables set up for us at one end of the restaurant. The atmosphere was pleasant, with colorful decor and lively music. The prices were reasonable for Chicago. All of the waitresses were super helpful, friendly, and attentive. They brought out all of our orders quickly and in an organized manner. And the food was absolutely amazing. It was even better than Gracias Madre (a highly-rated vegan Mexican restaurant in California). The combination of the service, atmosphere, and food made Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria one of the best restaurants I have ever been to and a very memorable birthday experience. And to top it all off, I just found out that the owners are a vegan couple/family. As a long-time vegan, I love to support ethical businesses run by ethical people.
Read morePros: Food, Ambiance, Service
Guest
ohgeorgia
Points +660
Yuuuuuuuum - Edit
10/10 no notes.
Read moreBut since there's a character requirement I'll say that the baja taco is out of this world; I'd eat it for every meal if I could. Good cocktails, delicious elote, everything is sufficiently spicy. New favorite spot for sure!
Pros: all vegan, friendly staff
Cons: cramped interior
Guest
Yvonne108
Points +102
Mexican Andersonville - Edit
Comparable to Don Bucio’s in Logan Square. Large portions, but very spicy! Great staff!
Read morePros: Large menu, Elote street food was awesome
Cons: Too spicy (unless if you like spicy)
Guest
andyjng
Points +5166
Outstanding Vegan Mexican in Chi - Edit
There are only a few fully vegan restaurants in Downtown Chicago and I'm so glad that Penelope's is one of them! Their menu is more than just a bean burrito or guac that most taquerias offer as a plant-based option. No no, they do it much better here.
Read moreI loved the music and the vibes inside Penelope's. The walls were colorful and bright, staff were very friendly and informative, and it was such a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a fantastic meal.
We started with the Cauliflower El Ceviche ($13.50), a wonderful tangy appetizer accompanied with chips (which were quite salty). Next we had the Quesabirria ($16), three amazing mushroom tacos accompanied with veggie broth where you dip and bite. This was my favorite hands down. We also had their Torta ($12.50) stuffed with veggies and potatoes and this sandwich was both filling and satisfying.
Everything here was great and I'm happy to see that they are around to offer some wonderful plant based options in Chicago.
Pros: All vegan, creative menu
Guest
kellifer10
Points +110
Amazing All-Vegan Taqueria - Edit
The Margaritas and Palomas were great!!! Loved the salsa, such a unique flavor. All the tacos I got were really good. The favorite taco among the table was the Baha Taco. My least favorite was the Cauliflower Pastor taco, way too cinnamon tasting, I didn't finish it. Guacamole was great, tortilla chips nice and flaky!!
Read morePros: Baha Taco
Cons: Smell of sewer wafting thru door
Guest
Total_Liberation
Points +28
Healthy and delicious - Edit
The three fried tacos main dish was delicious but it was hard to choose, they all sounded so good. We will go back to try more dishes. The food was extremely fresh!
Read morePros: Ambiance , Delicious fresh food, Playlist
Guest
XoxoVeganGirl
Points +154
Best taqueria in chicago! - Edit
My husband and I tried this place today for lunch, and boy was it amazing! Reasonably priced, especially for such a downtown location. The texture of my chimichanga was crispy and filling, and the taste was to die for. I asked if they make their own sour cream, and the chef says he does! I knew it was too good to be store bought. Not to mention, was this thing huge - so I’m currently eating the other half at home while i write. My husband says the tacos were extremely authentic, he was worried it was real meat for a second!
Read moreThe murals throughout the restaurant are beautiful, and they play a mixture of Hispanic and American pop music. We went around 4:00pm on a Wednesday and we were the only people in there for a while, but as soon as we were leaving, the place filled up immediately! Parking is not terrible, there is street parking with a limit of 2 hours which costs about $10. They have one gender neutral bathroom in the back which is very clean.
The staff were super great and we thanked the chefs on our way out - they gave us a sweet goodbye!
My husband and I will definitely be back to try more menu items, everything looks so good!
Updated from previous review on 2023-05-04
Pros: Food, Staff, Art (murals)
Cons: Music was a tiny bit loud
Guest
freak42
Points +227
Great Vegan option nearby - Edit
Everything is vegan and tasty. Has a long menu and friendly staff
Read morePros: Menu options, Staff
Cons: A little bit noisy. Music is too loud
Guest
WesleyA
Points +60
Best quesadilla I’ve ever had, and fully vegan too! - Edit
Fully vegan restaurant is awesome. Best quesadilla I’ve ever had, vegan or otherwise. Everything was great
Read moreGuest
jenq
Points +60
Best vegan mex! - Edit
I ordered the dorados tacos and they were amazing! Every other item we ordered was equally delicious. I hope this place thrives and then expands to TX. Will for sure re-visit next time I'm in Chicago.
Read morePros: Fresh and authentic , Fast service
Guest
rjmarciniak
Points +751
Amazing vegan Mexican food - Edit
Title says it all. Food is delicious! Salsa is spicy but very flavorful. Will absolutely be coming back to try more!
Read moreGuest
DeanWilhelmi
Points +23
Yum - Edit
Horchata was amazing and so were the nachos 😍😍😋😋
Read moreGuest
Amyladedada1
Points +618
Delicious - Edit
Delicious vegan Mexican food. Really glad I tried this spot since I was only in Chicago for a short visit.
Read moreGuest
KindredChoices
Points +1129
Taco flights - Edit
Penelope’s is my go to lunch spot any time I’m in Chicago. If you can get a friend to go along for taco flights, it’s worth the shared experience!
Read moreBut it holds up well as take out, too and would probably be an incredible catered lunch for an event.
Updated from previous review on 2023-09-24
Pros: Variety of tacos, Fully vegan, Still good as takeout
Guest
emilyaj22
Points +58
BEST VEGAN TACOS EVER - Edit
Best vegan tacos I’ve ever had! So flavorful and a great variety to choose from
Read moreGuest
Kinetic_Ken
Points +63
Tiny store with a big personality - Edit
Adorable little pink store that serves incredible margaritas and instagram-worthy nachos!
Read moreGuest
alyssa1999
Points +103
Loved it! - Edit
A must if you’re in Chicago. Had some tacos one night and they were all good but my favorite was the Al pastor. Went back again and had the chimichanga and loved that too. Everything is very flavorful. Matcha horchata is super good too
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-09-18
Guest
Taylorvegan
Points +89
Wow! Favorite restaurant from our whole trip! - Edit
I took my vegan family and vegan mother and Omni father here and it was a total hit! Portions are large and food was soooo flavorful. Definitely my favorite of the trip. It’s worth noting that in the heat wave when it was 102, we were all profusely sweating inside. So maybe pick a day where it’s not that hot
Read morePros: Options, Flavor
Cons: Air conditioning
Guest
ashholdridge
Points +355
Highly Recommended - Edit
Come with an appetite the portions are huge!! We tried the baja taco, the chunky quesa taco, and the barbacoa taco; all three tacos were delicious. The quesadilla grande dipped in guajillo was my favorite. I also recommend the asada fries and a horchata.
Read moreGuest
rebaaron
Points +200
New Chicago favorite - Edit
The food is outstanding! My wife and I had 6 different tacos between us and they were all amazing. Traditional Mexican food made vegan. I can't wait to go back!
Read moreGuest
chicagodesi
Points +31
Great choices - Edit
Small place with great vegan Mexican dishes and margaritas . Had various types of tacos, chimichanga, and black bean pico with chip.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-08-19
Pros: Taco options, Drinks, Atmosphere
Cons: Prices are little higher than most places
Guest
harjog90
Points +401
Great tasting Mexican food - Edit
Enjoy the food. Everything was very tasty. Nachos were excellent, had flavor, and great toppings. First time seeing radish added and it gave a nice touch. Chimichanga was excellent as well. Highly recommended!
Read morePros: Nachos, Chimichanga
Cons: Small tables
Guest
HampusBlomberg
Points +48
Delicious vegan tacos - Edit
We had tacos, salad, side of guacamole and margaritas. Perfect taste and spice, wonderful staff, and cozy vibes
Read morePros: Varied menu, Guacamole, Tacos
Guest
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