Torchy’s Tacos: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Torchy’s Tacos treats vegetarians as more than an afterthought. The made-to-order taco menu includes a dedicated veggie section with two real tacos in it, plus queso, guacamole, and breakfast eggs to round out the order. Mike Rypka started the chain from a single food trailer in Austin in 2006, and it’s grown past 130 restaurants since, mostly across Texas.

What to order at Torchy’s Tacos

The Fried Avocado taco is the signature, layering fried avocado over refried beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, a mixed cheese blend, and poblano sauce on a corn tortilla. The Fo Sho taco stacks avocado, refried beans, Mexican rice, grilled onions and peppers, and corn relish for something heartier. At breakfast, the Migas taco and the Potato, Egg and Cheese taco are both lacto-ovo vegetarian. Add Green Chile Queso and Chips or Guacamole and Chips on the side. The Torchy’s Mexican Rice on its own is both vegetarian and vegan, if you want a simple side to round things out.

What to watch out for

The refried beans in both veggie tacos contain dairy, which knocks the Fried Avocado taco out of vegan territory, and the Fo Sho needs a check for the same reason. If you want to stay vegan, build your own taco instead: a corn tortilla with Mexican rice, vegetables, avocado, and a vegan sauce clears the bar. Torchy’s doesn’t publish a full plant-based menu, so a few items, like the guacamole and the Airstream Salad without protein, are marked Check rather than a confirmed yes.