Chicago has a reputation as a foodie city to uphold. For vegans and vegetarians, it’s no different. As more vegan options pop up on menus, Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria decided to open up a second location, this time in Andersonville.
Penelope’s has a long enough menu that most vegans would find it cumbersome to look through if it were at a traditional taco spot with limited options for noncarnivores.
Located at 5204 N. Clark, the new restaurant’s unassuming exterior could be easily missed if not for its hot pink paint job. New twists on classic Mexican fare provide endless options for diners to pore over and try, from flavorful chilaquiles and molletes to eye-catching enchiladas and pozole.
The menu offers lots of gluten-free options as well, with more than half of the tacos (which start at $4.50) on the menu currently being gluten-free. Amid the fresh new takes, like cauliflower ceviche, are more commonly seen classics such as elote (or even Takis elote!) and Jarritos soft drinks. (It’s BYOB, with a table fee of $8.)
With a bright interior lined with decorated skulls, or calaveras, and velvety chairs to match the River North location’s aesthetic, each table is adorned with a sweet little cactus in lieu of the typical candle or vase of flowers.
Penelope’s also offers a much wider floor plan than many other north-side restaurants, making it a welcome addition for groups looking to grab a bite during a night out in Andersonville or Edgewater.
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria
Tue-Sat noon-9 PM, Sun noon-8 PM, 5204 N. Clark, 773-754-7192
Menus and information about River North location at penelopesvegantaqueria.com
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