Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is a fully plant-based Mexican taqueria where everything on the menu is vegan, from the tacos to the horchata. There’s no animal product anywhere in the kitchen, which makes it a straightforward choice if you’re eating vegetarian or vegan in Chicago. It’s the third location from the team behind Chicago’s first 100% plant-based taqueria, and the Pilsen spot brings that same approach to one of the city’s most vibrant Latino neighborhoods on W 18th St.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria

Everything is vegetarian and vegan. The entire menu runs plant-based, so you don’t have to interrogate the server or scan for asterisks. Tacos are the headliners: you’ll find options like soy al pastor, cauliflower al pastor, mushroom chimichurri, jackfruit barbacoa, and soy chorizo. Beyond tacos, the kitchen turns out burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, quesadillas, tortas, and molletes. Sides include street-style elote, loaded nachos, asada fries, ceviche, and guacamole. The drink menu covers horchata in multiple flavors (strawberry and butterfly pea are fan favorites), along with Mexican beers, mezcal, and tequila cocktails. Dessert shows up too, with cake slices from Pie, Pie My Darling available when they’re in stock.

Signature dishes to order

Start with a round of tacos. The soy al pastor and mushroom chimichurri show up repeatedly in reviews as the standouts. If you want something more substantial, the Mexi-Burger and the Tacos Dorado Dinner are both worth ordering. The street-style elote is a solid add-on, and the Takis Elote version adds a crunch. For drinks, the horchata is not an afterthought here; the strawberry and butterfly pea flower versions have developed a following. If you’re going with a group, the Party Taco Box covers the table without a lot of individual decision-making.

How to order

The Pilsen location is walk-ins only, no reservations needed. That’s different from the River North location, which takes reservations through Tock. Hours are Monday and Tuesday noon to 9pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday through Saturday noon to 9pm, and Sunday noon to 8pm. Delivery is available through Uber Eats and Grubhub if you’d rather eat at home. Tacos run $5 to $7 each, mains like the burrito land around $13.50, and bigger plates like enchiladas and asada fries are in the $17 to $19 range. It’s affordable for a sit-down meal, especially given the portion sizes reviewers describe.

What to watch out for

Wednesday closures catch people off guard, so check before you head over. The Pilsen location is the newest of the three, which means it has fewer published reviews than the River North flagship right now. The kitchen is entirely plant-based, so cross-contamination with meat or dairy isn’t a concern, but if you have a gluten sensitivity you’ll want to confirm specific dishes since flour tortillas appear on the menu alongside corn options. The space is described as quick-service in style, energetic and casual, not a long-lingering dinner spot. That’s a feature for most people, but worth knowing if you’re planning a slow evening out.

Is Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria worth it?

Yes, especially if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just curious what plant-based Mexican food actually tastes like when it’s done well. The River North location earned a Travelers’ Choice Award on TripAdvisor and landed a 5.0 rating across review platforms, and the Pilsen outpost is drawing the same crowd. The owners, Paloma and Lisandro, built this out of a food truck concept before opening in River North in 2022, and the Pilsen location reflects the same family-run energy that earned the brand its following. It fits the neighborhood: colorful, community-rooted, and unpretentious. If you’re eating in Pilsen and want a meal that’s filling, affordable, and fully plant-based, this is a reliable stop.