Vegan Mexican Food in NYC: 7 Spots for Tacos, Burritos & More

I don’t know about you, but I’ll never turn down a massive order of cashew queso-covered nachos or spicy buffalo cauliflower tacos. Honestly, I don’t think there’s another cuisine that knows how to pack colossal flavor and fun together in one! No one gathers around a bowl of noodles like they do nachos, right?

And if you’re in NYC, you’re in for a Mexican vegan food feast!

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting NYC countless times, and there are a couple of spots I must visit each time — no matter how many times I’ve gone, it never gets old. No matter if you’re exploring the trendy streets of Manhattan or the eclectic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, you’ll find a diverse array of vegan and vegan-friendly eateries that beckon food enthusiasts with their creative interpretations of traditional Mexican dishes.

So, get ready to savor everything from jackfruit tacos bursting with tangy salsa verde to hearty bowls of plant-based pozole in NYC!

#2 Bar Verde

65 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Gluten-free (and Celiac) friends, this Mexican spot has your name all over it! This green spot not only ditched animal products, it also kicked gluten to the curb (they also have nut and soy-free options) — hooray! The menu features a mix of colorful dishes that highlight a delicious blend of Mexican and Latin American flavors.

#3 Mamasita Bar & Grill

 818 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
If you’re in the school of thought that an order of tacos isn’t complete without a margarita, well, Mamasita is your place! I am willing to go out on a limb and say that this spot must have the most extensive margarita menu in NYC, and its home to the original 60 oz Fiesta Bowl margarita — I have a brain freeze just thinking about it. No matter if you’re going for a baby margarita or killer, you might have a hard time deciding on a flavor — there are over 25 flavor options, and you can combine them!

Once you figure that out, you’ll want to grab their vegan/vegetarian menu for something delicious to eat. After all the margarita talk, it may come as a surprise that on the food side, they focus on making healthier Mexican cuisine packed with plenty of veggies. Almost all of the dishes on the veggie menu can be made vegan, from sizzling veggie fajitas to stuffed spicy bean burritos.

#5 Lupe’s East L.A. Kitchen

110 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013
As I scanned their menu, I almost clicked back, but one more scroll finally landed me on their vegan menu! This casual spot has a great mix of traditional dishes you’d expect to find, along with a few creative ones that I haven’t found at other vegan or vegan-friendly spots.

For something unique, check out the vegan cazuelitas, little fried corn cakes filled with chili verde and back beans, then topped with vegan cheese and salsa — super yum! On the traditional front, you’ll find delicious tamales filled with veggies, spinach and cheese quesadillas, chili verde stuffed burritos, and more.

#6 Mictlan México

17 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Right down the street from other vegan behemoths (Urban Dessert Lab & Orchard Grocer) is this vegan-friendly Mexican spot — maybe their veggie-pushing neighbors brushed off on them! From the colorful papel picado hanging from the ceiling to the fresh flavors, your senses are in for a treat!

Their vegan menu is filled with so many great options — seitan fajitas, al pastor tacos (seitan), enchiladas, and more. One thing you’ve got to order is their elote vegano — a delicious street corn made with a creamy mayo-based sauce and covered in a tangy lime tajin. It’s a memorable mix of textures and flavors that you can’t find (vegan) everywhere!

Your Might Be Curious: What’s the Difference Between Tex-Mex & Mexican Food?

Mexican and Tex-Mex are often used interchangeably, but they’re different. Mexican cuisine, rooted in indigenous, Spanish, and other influences, emphasizes fresh ingredients like corn, beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers. It features a diverse range of dishes with regional variations, showcasing a balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

In contrast, Tex-Mex cuisine emerged along the Texas-Mexico border, blending Mexican and American culinary influences. It often incorporates processed ingredients such as yellow cheese, canned beans, and flour tortillas, resulting in bolder and heartier flavors. Tex-Mex dishes like chili con carne, nachos, and fajitas tend to be more indulgent and simplified versions of Mexican classics, catering to American tastes with their emphasis on cheese, meat, and spice.