9 California Vegan Taco Spots That Rival The Real Thing
I’ve always been a taco lover, and when I switched to a plant-based lifestyle three years ago, I thought my Taco Tuesday traditions were gone for good.
Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
California has become a haven for vegan tacos, where creative chefs transform classic recipes with fresh, plant-based ingredients that rival—if not outshine—the originals.
From smoky mushroom asada to tender jackfruit carnitas, these spots prove you don’t need meat to experience true taco bliss.
1. Veggie Y Que’s Street Food Revolution
My taco-loving heart found its match at this East LA gem where plant-based meets street food authenticity. The jackfruit al pastor tacos here changed my cousin’s mind about vegan food entirely – he now drives 45 minutes just to get his fix!
Owner Maria crafts her own seitan and tempeh in-house, ensuring flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance the jarabe tapatío. The tiny storefront might be easy to miss, but the line of hungry customers usually gives it away.
They serve their tacos on these gorgeously charred handmade tortillas that smell like a corn field after summer rain. Their salsa bar features eight different options ranging from mild tomatillo to a habanero concoction that should come with a warning label. Worth. Every. Tear.
2. Doomie’s NextMex: Where Comfort Meets Innovation
Holy guacamole! Doomie’s NextMex in Hollywood serves up what I can only describe as vegan taco sorcery. Their “fish” tacos – made with drink-battered hearts of palm – fooled my seafood-obsessed brother so completely that he ordered a second round before I told him the truth.
The restaurant has this punk rock vibe with Day of the Dead décor that makes the dining experience as memorable as the food. Their homemade hot sauces come in little skull bottles that I may or may not have tried to sneak into my purse.
What really sets Doomie’s apart is their commitment to recreating those comfort food flavors we all grew up with. The owner once told me they tested their nacho cheese recipe 37 times before getting it just right. That dedication to deliciousness shows in every bite!
3. Cena Vegan’s Food Truck Phenomenon
Chasing this food truck around Los Angeles has become my favorite weekend sport. Cena Vegan’s plant-based carne asada tacos have a smoky, mesquite-grilled flavor that haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
Last summer, I waited in a 40-minute line during a heatwave just to get my hands on their barbacoa tacos. The tender seitan chunks are simmered in a rich adobo sauce that would make any abuela proud. Their homemade cashew nacho cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
The coolest part? They sell their plant-based meats in local markets, so I can attempt (key word: attempt) to recreate the magic at home. Their nacho boat isn’t technically a taco, but it deserves an honorable mention – those house-made chips topped with all their meats and fixings could unite vegans and carnivores worldwide.
4. Sugar Taco’s Celebrity-Backed Delights
Brainchild of celebrity vegans and environmental activists, Sugar Taco on Melrose isn’t just pretty Instagram bait – it’s the real plant-based deal. My meat-eating dad, who normally scoffs at my “rabbit food,” accidentally ate three of their chorizo potato tacos before asking what was in them.
The women-owned establishment has this vibrant, colorful aesthetic that lifts your mood before you even take a bite. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu – even their straws and containers are eco-friendly.
What keeps me coming back (besides their addictive cashew queso) is their seasonal specials. Last fall they served a butternut squash and sage taco that was basically Thanksgiving wrapped in a tortilla. They also make these coconut-bacon bits that should be illegal – I’ve been known to ask for extra just to snack on them later.
5. Tu Madre’s Fusion Flavor Explosion
Stumbling into Tu Madre after a concert changed my vegan taco game forever. Their Korean BBQ jackfruit tacos with kimchi slaw create a flavor explosion that had me speaking in tongues. The fusion approach here isn’t just trendy – it’s genuinely innovative.
The Los Feliz location has this amazing little patio where my dog Pickle has become something of a regular. The staff knows him by name and always brings him a water bowl without asking. Their house-made agua frescas are the perfect complement to the spicy kick of their tacos.
My carnivore roommate swears their buffalo cauliflower tacos with vegan blue cheese are better than any buffalo wing she’s ever had. Bold claim, but after trying them myself, I can’t disagree. Pro tip: ask for their secret menu items – the tempeh bacon breakfast taco is worth setting an alarm for.
6. Trejo’s Tacos: Hollywood’s Plant-Based Pioneer
When action star Danny Trejo launched his taco chain, I didn’t expect the vegan options to steal the show. Yet here I am, a devoted fan of their young jackfruit tacos that capture the essence of slow-cooked meat without harming a single animal.
The Hollywood location has this cool, industrial vibe with Trejo movie posters and a patio perfect for celebrity spotting. Last month I sat two tables away from Billie Eilish while munching on their cauliflower tacos with cashew cream – a surreal LA moment indeed!
What makes their plant-based offerings special is the attention to texture – something many vegan spots overlook. The jackfruit has that perfect pulled-meat consistency, while their fried avocado taco offers a crispy-creamy contrast that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Their house-made hot sauces range from mild to “machete” level spicy – a nod to Trejo’s famous film character.
7. Sky’s Gourmet Tacos: Soul Food Meets Mexican
Tucked away on Pico Boulevard, Sky’s Gourmet Tacos blends soul food flavors with Mexican traditions – and their vegan options are pure genius. Their plant-based “shrimp” tacos made with marinated konjac root had me questioning everything I thought I knew about vegan seafood alternatives.
The family-owned spot has been around since 1992, and their secret spice blend (which they call “sassy sauce”) elevates everything it touches. When I brought my skeptical uncle here last Christmas, he insisted on taking a jar of the sauce home to Alabama.
The restaurant itself isn’t fancy – just a few tables and counter service – but the food transcends the simple surroundings. Their cornmeal-crusted oyster mushroom tacos with vegan remoulade sauce should be considered a Los Angeles landmark. Don’t sleep on their sides either – the vegan mac and cheese makes a perfect taco topper!
8. Chicas Tacos: Eco-Conscious Creations
Sustainability never tasted so good! Chicas Tacos sources local, organic ingredients for their plant-based creations, making my environmentalist heart as happy as my stomach. Their cauliflower al pastor taco with pineapple salsa recreates the classic flavor profile so perfectly I got emotional on my first bite.
The Downtown LA location has this gorgeous living wall of plants and uses entirely compostable packaging. I once witnessed the owner gently correcting a customer who tried to throw their container in the trash instead of the compost bin – that’s dedication!
Beyond their amazing food, Chicas partners with local schools to teach kids about sustainable eating. Their seasonal vegetable tacos change based on what’s available from nearby farms, making each visit a new adventure. The hibiscus flower tacos sound weird but trust me – the sweet-tart flavor with spicy arbol chili sauce creates magic that’ll convert even the staunchest carnivore.
9. Guisados: Traditional Techniques, Plant-Based Twist
Guisados might be known for traditional stews, but their vegan options prove plant-based can be just as soulful as their meat offerings. My first encounter with their calabacitas taco – summer squash simmered with corn and tomatoes – transported me straight to my imaginary Mexican grandmother’s kitchen.
Their Boyle Heights location, the original, has this wonderful mural outside and the constant bustle of a beloved community spot. The tortillas are made fresh before your eyes, thick enough to hold their generous fillings without falling apart – a true taco engineering marvel.
What makes Guisados special is their commitment to slow-cooking methods that develop deep flavors in their plant-based options. The mushroom and soy chorizo taco has this incredible umami depth that develops from hours of simmering. Pro tip: order the sampler plate with mini versions of all their vegan options – it’s the only way to avoid serious food envy!