Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
Beer/Wine
Delivery
Take-out
Mexican
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Vegan options include chile rellenos, quesadillas, chimichangas, salads and more. Uses Upton's and Daiya cheeses. Nice comfortable atmosphere. Open Tue-Sat 4:00pm-9:00pm, Sun 11:30am-9:00pm.


Venue map for El Nuevo Mexicano
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15 Reviews

First Review by ·X·

roseleavesrian

Points +28

Vegan
25 Feb 2024

Amazing vegan options

Went here for the first time and was surprised by how good the vegan options were but also how they had more than two vegan options. The food was very good and the atmosphere is also very nice We will be returning

rjmarciniak

Points +649

Vegan
26 Jan 2024

Excellent options and dedicated menu

El Nuevo Mexicano has excellent, well labeled vegan options on its menu. It is a great place for mexican food, especially if you are going somewhere with non-vegans.

We went for Chicago Restaurant Week, and it was offering a 4-course meal that included a vegan option for each of the courses.

The food was excellent and we will be coming back!

millyc29

Points +36

Vegan
22 Feb 2022

Yum!

Popped in with some friends and really enjoyed the experience. Plenty of vegan options that were labeled and it was all delicious.

valentinasophia

Points +16

Vegan
03 Oct 2021

Great Vegan Options

Good vegan tacos and enchiladas. The spanish rice flavored quinoa was terrific!

Daynecism

Points +120

Vegan
14 Apr 2019

So many options!

Always good to see a labeled vegan section of the menu so that you're sure there won't be any surprise ingredients. The enchiladas were good and cheesy, although I might skip the fake chorizo next time I go

Pros: Lots of options, Decent prices

em.ily

Points +32

Vegan
05 Sep 2018

Yummy vegan Mexican food

This is a cozy, little restaurant that surprisingly has a separate vegan section on their menu. I ordered the vegan enchiladas which were delicious. The sauce was standout. They used daiya cheese on them as they do on most of their vegan dishes, which I’m not a huge fan of, but the meal still was very satisfying. Service was excellent - everyone was very friendly and attentive

Pros: Vegan section on the menu, Great chips and salsa , Excellent service

Alisha35

Points +125

Vegan
29 Aug 2018

Omg

This place is so delicious. Best vegan Mexican I’ve had. Lots of vegan options, including dessert! Happy hour is 4-6p M-Th and is such a good deal. Highly recommend.

KarenG

Points +185

Vegan
26 Jul 2018

Very good!

Has a separate section just for vegan. I usually get the fajitas which are very good, and very filling!

nicoleraethompson

Points +20

Vegan
14 Mar 2017

Wonderful vegan options

My husband and I are in Chicago and went here last night. It was fantastic!!! They have a separate section for vegan dishes and there's seven to choose from. They use Upton's chorizo in their dishes, which is made in Chicago. I had the chiles rellenos - they were delicious. I loved it.

Jlezell44

Points +24

Vegan
17 Sep 2016

excellent.

Great service. Clear section for vegan options. Was a great find.

Amandajwhitlow

Points +84

Vegan
21 Jul 2016

wonderful

Wonderful vegan selection. Very tasty!

WayneFranklin

Points +24

Vegan
06 Aug 2014

Flavorful Chile Relleños!

Went with non-Vegan friend and we both had a great meal. At least 6 items on the menu clearly labeled as Vegan. Upton proteins and Non-Dairy cheese. Great flavor! Great service. Outdoor seating in the back. Will be back to try other items on the menu.

Pros: variety, service, flavor

veganmiss

Points +540

Vegan
21 Jul 2012

Vegan Mexican Food!

El Nuevo has vegan menu options throughout (marked "V") and they use Daiya cheese as well as local seitan heros, Upton's Naturals (chorizo seitan and chicken variety).

For appetizers, one could start with guacamole and chips. When I went, I asked them to make vegan quesadillas for an appetizer (as they had regular on the menu and I knew they had vegan cheese) and these were good although it's a lot of Daiya. I'd recommend splitting with a friend for sure!

The quinoa that came with the entrees was spiced like Mexican rice so it has a kick to it, be warned! I prefered the white rice instead. It is nice they offer another type of grain other than rice, though. I do like that the entree's generally come with a spring salad mixture of mango and jimica. It gives the meal some lightness to it, especially if one gets the fried entree's. The flautas were really good, although I am not a huge fan of chipotle! Another dish used Upton's Naturals chicken style seitan that was marinated and put into the mini tortillas with some vegetables. I really liked these! I just wish I could find it on their menu online. Perhaps it was a new item when I went there.

Pricing is a bit on the moderate side especially if one gets appetizers and drinks. I would prepare to pay at least $60 for a total bill of two people with appetizers, entree's, and drinks. If you want a nice Mexican dinner, though, I very much recommend El Nuevo Mexicano!

For a complete review, please see my blog here: http://veganmiss.blogspot.com/2012/06/vegan-chicago-restaurant-review-of-el.html
Updated from previous review on Saturday July 21, 2012

Pros: vegan menu, uses local companies, high quality

Cons: moderately priced

veganese

Points +40

Vegan
26 Jul 2011

Decent little Mexican place

I had the vegan quesidillas w/ 'chorizo'. It was pretty decent for Chicago Mexican food. But being originally from the SW, its hard to be unbaised. I felt the portion size was a bit on the sparse side too. The beer is extra pricey for some reason. I don't see myself rushing back there anytime soon but will always consider it a good option if I'm in the area. Kudos to the owners for making a vegan menu.

Pros: good location, decent food, vegan menu

Cons: alcohol prices

·X·

Points +17394

Vegan
06 Jun 2011

Separate vegan menu!

A fancy pants Mexican restaurant with a separate vegan menu! Well it's fancier than your typical Mexican joint and the employees are very friendly. I really disliked Mexican food until yesterday - perhaps my dislike may have had to do with the lack of vegan options or the uncertainty as to whether what I was ordering was vegan. Well those problems are nonexistent at El Nuevo, there are so many options you won't know what to order. I ended up with the Flautas de Verduras con Papa y Chorizo Vegano - OMG so good! The dish is comprised of 3 flautas filled with potatoes, veggies, Daiya cheese, and Upton's chorizo over a zesty chipotle salsa - YUM! The salad that came with it (mango salad) was surprisingly tasty as well. My bf loved his dish too and it's safe to say that this is our favorite Mexican place. They even have a patio in the back, so if it's nice outside be sure to get yourself seated out there. Be sure to ask for the vegan menu! 4.5 Cows!




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