Gracias Madre
Enjoy your summer nights with a plant-based menu and signature cocktails. The dinner menu includes chorizo nachos, coconut tacos, enchiladas verdes, guava cheesecake, and more. The restaurant recently started weekday lunch service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in addition to weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy $6 tacos on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Or catch happy hour on other weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, https://www.graciasmadre.co/
Chicana Vegana
Inspired by the owner’s passion for animal rights and Cali-Mexican roots, this restaurant offers vegan tacos, sopes, nachos, burritos, burgers, and desserts. The nacho cheese and sour cream is made from cashews. The tres leches cake is topped with strawberries and sweet “cream” made with nuts and coconuts. 113 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, https://chicanavegana.com/
Màs Veggies Vegan Taqueria
A spin-off of Veggie Grill, this vegan taqueria offers tacos, burritos, salads, nachos, and bowls. Their proteins include plant-based chicken, fish, and carne asada. You can also opt for the smokey mushrooms in any dish. Can’t decide? Try a variety taco six-pack. 13786 Jamboree Road, Irvine, https://www.eatmasveggies.com/
La Vegana Mexicana
Chef-owner Loreta Ruiz began experimenting with plant-based recipes when her daughter became vegan and soon came to the realization that many Mexican dishes are naturally plant-based and the ones that are not could be modified with a vegan twist. La Vegana Mexicana has tamales, tostadas, pambazos, desserts, and aguas frescas. Tostadas and tamales are completely house-made and do not use any soy, mock meats, or processed ingredients. 201 E. 4th St. Santa Ana, https://www.laveganamexicana.com/
Vegan by El Zamorano
What started as a pop-up restaurant became the first vegan taqueria in Orange County. The menu includes breakfast burritos, tacos, tortas, classic burritos, and plates. The restaurant offers a variety of house-made corn tortilla tacos such as chorizo, chicken, sauteed hibiscus, and more. Weekly specials are 2 for $6 Taco Tuesday, and Torta Thursday which includes a free small agua fresca with the purchase of any torta. Check out their Instagram for seasonal specials. 3011 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, https://www.veganbyelzamorano.com/
