“Vegan” and “Mexican food” rarely share the same sentence. Al pastor, barbacoa, carne asada … it’s all about animal products when it comes to Mexican cuisine, or so it usually is. Tacotarian, a new plant-based restaurant in southwest Las Vegas, is hoping to change that perception.
Tacotarian’s odds of “turn[ing] Vegas vegan one taco at a time” aren’t in its favor, but you could try convincing your meat-loving relatives to share a round in this cute neighborhood joint. Just tell them Carlos Santana is a regular.
Tacotarian’s claims of offering the most vegan tacos in the universe might be tough to verify, but it does serve an impressive 14 different varieties. The $3 gabacho (with seasoned Beyond Beef) and chili-braised jackfruit “barbacoa” ($2.50) will get you close to your favorite non-vegan street tacos, and portabellos are given the “carne” treatment ($2.50), delivering bold, meaty flavors minus the guilt.
The deep-fried Dorado taco ($2) is Tacotarian’s cheapest and simplest option (mashed potato, crema, lettuce and pico). Load up on them every Wednesday for just $1 each, then spring for the popular Takis elote—corn on the cob slathered in vegan chili-lime mayo and prepared with Takis tortilla chips.
Tacotarian also features a vegetable stock-based fideo soup ($3.50), flautas ($11), burritos ($11), quesadillas ($8) and enchiladas ($11). Pair your entrée with horchata or a tamarind margarita and you’ll wonder why you didn’t give Vegan Mexican food a chance sooner.
Tacotarian 6135 S. Fort Apache #402, 702-979-9329. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
