• Mother's Cantina - Philadelphia

  • (48)
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  • White Veg-options
Lacto
Ovo
Beer/Wine
Mexican
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Mexican style bar and restaurant seating at the bar, tables, and booths. Some vegetarian choices, of which several can be made vegan (at additional charge), including the veggie burger and portabella fajitas. Reported to offer vegan cheese as a substitute - ask. Open Mon-Sun 4:00pm-10:00pm. Hours subject to change. Check Facebook for updates.


Venue map for Mother's Cantina - Philadelphia
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48 Reviews

First Review by vegangirl87

VeganbyChoice

Points +1432

Vegan
08 Jan 2024

Mexican Vegan Food

Friendly service. 1st time here. Parking available in lot. Place was packed and it seems like it’s packed on the regular because they even have a sign that speaks to waiting to eat there. Guac and chips were good. We ordered vegan mushroom fajitas with rice and beans. Delicious food. Everything is made fresh to ordered and they will modify to make it vegan for you. I would come back here next time I am in the area.

Update January 2024:
Back again and this place did not disappoint. It’s January so there was no crowd and line to wait in. The service was the same. Food quality the same … kept me wanting more. I really appreciated the consistency and look forward to returning.

Updated from previous review on 2023-08-25

Pros: Good portion size, Several vegan options, Tasty food

MM2029

Points +57

Vegetarian
11 Jun 2023

Ocean City location!!

Excellent food and service! Lots of vegan and vegetarian options!

Pros: Portabella Fajitas!! Excellent!, Lots of options, Friendly fun service

Cons: Almost missed the listing on Happy Cow, Should be a five star! Most vegan options in OC

MycalaKembring

Points +819

Vegan
30 Apr 2023

Excellent food, knowledgeable staff

Mothers has a lively bar atmosphere. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and various options. I got the portobello tacos and they were spiced like chorizo-- super good. The salsa was fantastic, as well as the guacamole. Hands down, the best vegan Mexican food we have had at a restaurant.

Pros: The food was excellent quality , Our waitress was happy to explain options , It was 7 pm on a Friday and we fot our food fast

GunnerTrees2002

Points +13

Vegetarian
19 Feb 2023

BEST Mexican Food BEST Vegetarian in Ocean City Beach

We had so many options I got nachos and tacos all vegan with vegan cheese and really delicious. All the sides are vegan, you can get anything topped in vegan cheese. I recommend a variety of veg tacos, shroom tacos, beans, rice, margaritas...all great. Definitely made from scratch the tortillas are also the best I've every tasted they make them in the front of the restaurant.

Pros: Real just made tortillas, Options, Margaritas

Cons: Small wait

Alanabenter888

Points +13

Vegetarian
19 Feb 2023

Wish I could give 5 stars

No 5th star since they are not vegan! They have a LOT of options for vegan meals. I got enchiladas with mushrooms and spinach, beans and rice on the side - all with vegan cheese. We got guacamole with vegan grilled veggie nachos with vegan cheese. All amazing. Also vegan margaritas - most places use egg white in powder mixes but they make their sour mix in house here. Really true to their mission.

Pros: Great vegan options with vegan cheese, Really nice, knowledgable server, Huge portions

Cons: Can't give 5 stars

vtravel

Points +56

Vegan
28 Jan 2023

Update: Much improved at the second location.

I'm not sure if we just got there on a bad day, but after a lengthy wait for a table in, everything ordered tasted horrible, straight out of the can/freezer with no seasoning, stale chips (of the few vegan options they had). Even the margarita was mixed terribly, and the water was soapy. We were starving after the beach and ate some of what we paid for and left quickly!

Updated from previous review on 2022-04-02

Cons: food unseasoned/poor quality , limited vegan options

Kitkat1105

Points +176

Vegan
08 Oct 2022

Good vegan options

Mother's offers to veganize certain menu options and is clear what is vegan on its menu. I really appreciate this as it gives me confidence that the food is really vegan. My favorite is the black bean tacos with vegan cheese, the guacamole appetizer, and a side of pico. As for other items, the taco salad is okay (I prefer romaine) and the veggie fajitas are huge cuts (I like my veggie cut smaller) but the seasoning is good. Be sure to ask for a side of jalapeños. It's not offered on the menu but they are availabe and are yummy with the vegan food items.

Updated from previous review on 2022-10-08

Pros: Vegan menu available , Offers option to veganize certain items

RiaCapece

Points +60

Vegan
26 Jul 2022

Worst disappointment of my whole life

Yeah Um when you’re traveling out of state and are so excited for vegan food but find out you’re better off with a crappy pub veggie burger
They don’t answer the phone
You show up
You have to order online with a QR code
You struggle to find how to make the food vegan
The 13 year old kid at the front shrugs and says idk
You try to ask him to take your phone and show you
He doesn’t
Says there’s an option you’re missing
Ya there wasn’t
Cool thanks for nothing

Pros: Legit no pros

Cons: Expensive , No vegan options , Confusing online (I’m 24 I’m rarely confused)

ToniellKeeney

Points +33

Vegan
18 Jul 2021

Vegan Meal

I had the portobello fajitas with vegan cheese and corn shell (I’m gluten free). It was delicious. The vegan cheese is not on the menu so you have to request.

Pros: Vegan cheese was soft , Corn shells were fresh, Big portions for left overs

Mma13

Points +1098

Vegan
03 Aug 2020

Good vegan option for OCMD

I was impressed with my food from mother’s! They have delicious vegan cheese and you can get spinach, broccoli, portabellos, black or pinto beans as a vegan filling for any taco/burrito. I had a black bean and spinach burrito that was fantastic! The guacamole is good too. However, there are no vegan options in the online order system, so you have to call in carry out. Also, our food took about 1.5 hours, so plan on a long wait.

Pros: Lots of vegan options, Delicious vegan cheese, Staff knowledgeable about vegan options

Cons: Can’t order vegan online for carry out, Long wait for food, $3 up charge for vegan cheese

veggie666

Points +618

Mostly Veg
18 Jul 2020

so

Their online ordering there is no way to ask for vegan cheese or sour cream

Also there IS a box to customize your order with " no japs" which is a racist slur. And it doesn't make sense as everything else is spelled out and its not even a common abbreviation for anything.

I called the restaurant and asked for vegan cheese and sour cream. They said they did not have vegan sour cream.

It took 90minutes for them to prepare my PICK UP ORDER. the cheese was not vegan.

Also my fajitas were over $20 and nothing special.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: pricey

Xenith

Points +34

Vegan
11 Sep 2019

Potential cross contamination

I was delighted to hear the staff seemed knowledgeable about the specifics for vegans. They can veganize most anything, and have vegan cheese. However the cheese is a $3 upcharge. I got a mushroom chimichunga which was good. However it had a distinct fish taste... I didn't think to ask if my food might touch animal flesh or fluids in some way. Not crazy about this. Plus side, the guac is authentic and delicious!

Pros: Veganizes most anything, Vegan cheese, Nice ambiance

Cons: Potential cross contamination, Massive veggie cheese upcharge

VeganVegabond

Points +177

Vegan
23 Aug 2019

Fantastic vegan friendly Mexican

Mother’s Cantina! They’ll veganize anything. The Portabella fajitas were fantastic with vegan queso blanco. Everything is scratch made and super fresh. We’ll be back!!

Pros: Lots of vegan , Fresh and flavorful , Scratch made vegan tortillas

Cons: The long wait is worth it!

CaplanBZ

Points +28

Vegan
21 Aug 2019

Great for vegans

Ordered the portabella fajitas with vegan cheese. The meal was excellent including the cheese! The waitstaff was very informed about vegan diets as well. Definitely recommend this restaurant.

Pros: Many vegan choices, Informed staff

Cons: Long wait for table in summer

VeganCarley

Points +72

Vegan
23 Jun 2019

Amazing

I come here every summer for the fresh mexican cuisine, house made vegan cheese and tortillas plus tons of vegan friendly filling options for your tacos or burrito. Huge portions. Long wait at times for seating but atmosphere is worth it...but also has to go options. You must try it!

Pros: Flavorful, Large portions, Vegan cheese homemade

Cons: Busy, Long wait for seating at peak hrs

realisticveganism55

Points +18

Vegan
19 Jun 2019

Vegan with a price!

I got the 3 taco platter with portabella mushrooms. They do offer vegan cheese but you have to ask for it! Be aware that it's an extra 3 dollars for vegan cheese which they don't tell you about until you get your receipt. The food was delicious and there was plenty there, as well as their homeade flour tortillas which are vegan as well. Also, they are a no plastic straw environment which is great!

Pros: Vegan options, ability to customize. , Ability to get a full vegan meal.

Cons: Hidden charges,

Laurenveronica7

Points +1247

Vegan
09 Jun 2019

I wish I could give no stars

First off, our service was absolutely horrifying. After we were never checked in on, we had to sit through 2 hours of hell. We had a large party, but then sat at two different tables. We were sitting on opposite sides of the “no hard liquor” side of the restaurant. We were then unable to split checks even though being sat on opposite sides of the restaurant. 1 check for 11 people on opposite sides of the restaurant. It only got worse from there, when asking my waitress if the black beans were vegan she assured me yes and then they came out smothered in cheese. The cook would constantly slink about the restaurant instead of being in the kitchen yelling at wait staff which was his other m.o. To not be forgotten, even through we were on the “no hard liquor” side of the restaurant we were able to order margaritas, a brief glimpse of hope. Sadly, our hope was shattered when the margaritas were UNDRINKABLE, bitter sugar water. Continuing on with the shattered dreams of the night, our tall margarita glass fell over and broke on our table. Our waitress brought over two dish towels and removed the cup, but left bits of broken glass and brought us no napkins. My taco was ok, but the portobello was overly peppered. We left after having to pay our “partial payment” check.

Cons: knows nothing about veganism, Terrible service , Looooong wait time

RichardBean

Points +18

Vegan
27 May 2019

Vegan Friendly Local joint

Been coming to Mother's for their happy hour specials for a while but after my our diet change that didn't stop us from returning because they are super accommodating to vegans. They recently switched from Daiya cheese to another cheese that they have to import in and it's pretty awesome. Guacamole is a great go-to and so is their chips and salsa. For tacos I typically get the black bean or the mushroom taco (both are great). They have a homemade green salsa that is pretty addicting and I put it on everything, great addition to any dish. Curious if other dish's can be made vegan? Ask, they are pretty accommodating.

Pros: Local Joint, Happy Hour Specials, Amazing Tacos

Cons: Sometimes there can be a long wait

FrancisBuxton

Points +461

Vegan
21 Apr 2019

Vegano

Great Mexican food when they get it right. Tons of vegan options but you have to check everything before you dig in. My food comes out vegan about 50% of the time. There’s one chef who can answer questions but most of the staff isn’t sure about vegan offerings.

Pros: Vegan cheese, Margaritas!

Cons: Servers rush orders and get them wrong often. , Menu doesn’t have vegan options labeled.

.aym.

Points +493

Vegan
19 Apr 2019

Good Food

Quite vegan-friendly, but you do have to ask. I got a veganized combo plate with mushroom tacos, a spinach enchilada, rice and beans, with vegan cheese. Everything was really tasty, and there was plenty of food. A good place to eat in OCMD, especially since there aren't a lot of options for vegans there.

Pros: Tasty food, Very vegan friendly, Helpful staff

Cons: Gets really crowded, may have to wait

stonecat

Points +715

Vegan
22 Oct 2018

Friendly Laid Back Bar

My husband and I sat at the bar and loved the laid back vibe. I had the mother's guacamole and just opted for no cheese. I'm not a huge fan of vegan cheese, so I didn't see paying a $3 upcharge. My husband got a combo platter and asked for the taco to come as the mushroom taco on a separate plate for me (he's a meat eater). They were happy to accomidate. The mushroom taco was much better after I added some of my guac and salsa to it. Really enjoyed the salsa. My only disappointment was the "fresh cut" fries which were definitely frozen and not cut in house. If you're picky about your fries, like me, skip them.

JamieLynne

Points +44

Vegan
09 Sep 2018

Amazing Mushroom Tacos

Vegan-friendly. For an upcharge, you can add vegan cheese to any dish. The mushroom tacos were amazing. I don't usually like portabella meals because they tend to feel like an afterthought - "oops, we need a vegetarian dish... just give them this mushroom!" but Mother's Cantina's mushroom tacos were anything but an afterthought! The margaritas were enormous and cheap. The house chips and salsa were also delicious. Highly recommended.

PokVEG

Points +24

Vegan
23 Aug 2018

Good food

Vegan chimichanga was great

Pros: Good vegan option , Friendly staff

Cons: Not cheap , Slow service- (they were slammed though)

JuneOk

Points +240

Vegan
08 Aug 2018

Good!

Server was very friendly and helpful. We ordered the Mother's Guacamole with vegan cheese (additional $3) it came with chips and salsa. Tasted good but there was barely any cheese and was definitely not worth the extra 3 bucks (just ask to omit the cheese) I ordered the chimachanga with vegan chesse and it was served with cheese inside as well as on the black beans served on the side. Everything was well seasoned and tasted great. Would visit again!

Pros: accommodating staff

Cons: additional cost for vegan cheese

TomScholfield

Points +26

Vegan
20 Jul 2018

Great Options!

We love Mother’s! It is a very expensive charge adding vegan cheese! Chef came out and greeted us and made sure we were set with the vegan options. Lots of things on menu can either be made vegan. Our kids got vegan quesadillas with Teese Vegan cheese!

Pros: Optional Vegan Cheese!, Knows What Vegan Food Is, Kids Options

Cons: Expensive $4.00 Uncharge Per Vegan Item, No Free Chips & Salsa, Very Busy!

EyeEatVeggies

Points +32

Vegan
20 Jul 2018

Love Mothers

We really love Mothers. They currently use Teese vegan cheese. They made kid quesadillas, beans on the side and roasted broccoli on the side. All was delicious! I had 3 tacos with beans (I’m gluten free) and my partner had the burrito without sour cream, sub vegan cheese. The chef even came out and it 2 seconds pulled up the Teese ingredients on his iPad to check with us. There was zero ambiguity and we felt our food was safe. Their beans are delicious and we didn’t need any “fake meat “ to feel satisfied!

Pros: Food tastes great, Chef is very knowledgeable and friendly , Good portions

Cons: Vegan cheese is $3 up charge, Guacamole has sour cream in it

dknh

Points +31

Vegan
08 May 2018

Love it

The chef was super helpful. Ordered the happy hour portobello taco with vegan cheese. I forgot to ask if the vegan cheese was nut based (I have nut allergy). The chef came out and made me a new taco. Super accommodating and gracious!

Pros: Vegan cheese available (cashew based), Gluten free options




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