Cuban-Caribbean vegan kitchen located within the Eats on Madison commissary food hub. Self-service menu offers takeaway selections like picadillo, hot wings, yucca fries, vegan bacalao over rice, and tostones doubled fried (plantain). Uses different imitation meats. A dessert option is arroz con leche. The food hub has seating for eating there. Est. 2015 in on Florence Ave in Inglewood and relocated here in late-2019. Relocated from 55 S Madison Ave and reopened March 2023. Please verify if a shared kitchen with meat is used. Reported closed September 2023.
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358 W 38th S, Los Angeles, California, USA, 90037
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 05 Sep 2023 by hypercubes
Update business info -
Added by Caro Leona on 19 Jun 2015
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71 Reviews
First Review by JcRodriguez
BrianJacobs
Points +270
Too much richness and mock meats - Edit
We found the food too rich, over priced and fake. Go easy for its over salted.
Read morePros: Dessert ok. Too too sugary
Cons: Way over priced for cheap ingredients. , Mock meats like old Chinese style meats , Over rated
Guest
casedud
Points +42
God bless this place - Edit
I had pretty low expectations of this spot when I saw it from the outside (the food court looks a little bit like a cute modern prison cafeteria) but I think I can safely say this is one of the better meals I’ve had in recent memory. And that’s from someone who has lived in LA for more than 10 years as a vegan. Got the Cubano and a casero plate and split with my Omni boyfriend and we were marveling over how good as hell the potato balls and chocolate cupcakes were too. If you are a current lover of one of the chefs here please give them a tender kiss on my behalf
Read moreGuest
LukeB1995
Points +44
So glad this location opened! - Edit
I love this place, but usually had to drive super far if I wanted it so very glad to have this option. This is in a food court type place with tablets to order on and is pickup only, so don’t expect a dining experience - just delicious food.
Read moreCaro Leona
Hola! Just wanted to let ya know that although this is a "Pick-up" type location, there is seating available for at least 20 people on site?thanks for the review and for the support!
Read moreGuest
Ken.thompson
Points +439
Fantastic! - Edit
Walked here from LAX (that part not advisable) during a long wait between flights. Was delicious! Chicken wings are spicy, beware! Would absolutely go back.
Read morePros: Vegan close to LAX, I'm canadian and never had vegan cuban, Relaxed vibe & cool patrons
Cons: Pricier than I was expecting, It's LA, so not walkable or near anything.
Guest
grasshole
Points +36
It's good food. - Edit
This is one of the first places I visited in LA. It's delicious vegan Cuban food, The perfect line up I recommend is the mustard agave wings, el cubanaso and the arroz con leche. Definitely get the cafecito if Carol (the owner) will make it for you, the revolving door of new employees makes it hard to know if the espresso will be good otherwise. There's no bathroom and the seating both inside and outside leaves something to be desired but you will come for the food again and again.
Read moreGuest
knowahking
Points +82
Yuuummmmmmm - Edit
I loved the yuca fries! The cubano was nuts! Everything is so delicious. The faux meats are heated and flavored well. The tamale was so bomb. The wrap was ok but that's probably due to my over eating. Would eat yuca plate again and again. Will go back for arroz y leche and Cuban coffee
Read morePros: Diverse options, Well flavored
Cons: Bit of a wait but worth it
Guest
cammyschinner
Points +158
Make sure to call ahead - Edit
I came 25 min before closing - enough time considering it's a tiny fast food joint. The server didn't explain why they were closed, but they were just sitting in there on their phone. Call ahead to avoid disappointment in case this happens again.
Read moreAnyway, the last time I came here, to be honest, i wasn't super impressed with the food. I'm hoping that the cubanso is good as everyone says - it looks bomb - i will come back just to try that.
Guest
Brenda763
Points +164
Cuban - Edit
Small little restaurant with no bathroom, not very good service, but the best Cuban food!
Read moreGuest
Plantbasedpeace
Points +68
I miss how it used to be - Edit
This used to be my favorite restaurant in all of LA. I am so hurt. I’m cuban from Miami and this used to be amazing for me as a vegan for 11 years. My bf and I were looking forward to this and I just don’t know what happened. They also use disposable plates now so the food doesn’t even stay warm. I couldn’t finish my food it was so bad.
Read morePros: Coffee has good flavor
Cons: Lechon was undercooked and had no texture, Sandwich meats changed and it wasnt pressed well, Black beans and cafe were watery
Guest
bduboff
Points +1400
The worst vegan in LA - Edit
Landed at LAX and after a $19 taxi ride over we told that it was against the law to bring our luggage in! It was about 2 pm and the place was nearly empty and the hostess (owner) was so rude and brisk with us it was shocking. Had we not been starving and with our own car, we certainly would have left immediately. There was plenty of space to either slide the bags up against the building or simply move some chairs away from the table to allow our bags to sit underneath and out of the way. We ended up crammed in the waiting area at a very narrow counter and on uncomfortable stools ... with our luggage tucked under the counter. In my whole life I've never been treated so badly at a restaurant especially a vegan one that promotes kindness and compassion. I wish I could say that food was fantastic and it made up for the horrible service, and yet I cannot. We were in the greater LA area for 2 weeks and ate exclusively at vegan places and this was absolutely the worst we were served. Greasy, bland and mushy would be my overall impression with nothing green, fresh or crunchy at all. We were so excited to try vegan cuban as they brag that they are the only one on the country ... perhaps the mediocre food and terrible service hasn't inspired any competition for this place. With so many great vegan options in LA, do yourself a favor and skip Equelecua Cuban Cafe. As a dedicated vegan, it makes me very sad to write this review. I should have read the many other 1 star Google reviews complaining about the incredibly rude owner. They simply do not deserve your business and they act like the don't want it. **Tried to give 1 star but HC added a star for them being vegan - normally I'd agree but here I'd insist - one star.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2019-09-24
Pros: vegan food, near LAX
Cons: RUDE STAFF, not accommodating for travelers, bland mushy greasy food
Guest
alextw36
Points +34
Great restaurant - Edit
I got El Cubanaso, which was their take on a classic Cuban sandwich, and it was great. I would certainly recommend it to anyone going here. This place was definitely worth checking out.
Read morePros: All vegan!, Reasonably priced
Guest
LynAngieNosliw
Points +19
Finally had a chance to eat here - Edit
I ordered for delivery because I was o ly staying in LAX for a few hours. I got my food and was amazed by the fricase de pollo... there are certain dishes I miss since going vegan and this was one of them. I also ordered the Cuban sandwich but havent eaten it yet I will when I get on the plane. Amazing food keep up the amaIng work that you do.
Read moreGuest
ajpacella
Points +33
Great lunch place - Edit
Wonderful staff and service.
Read moreMy only reason for limiting to 4 stars is many dishes are prepared with added oils and artery clogging saturated coconut
Pros: Veggie wrap is amazing
Cons: Reliance on added oil, Veggies would be healthier if not cooked so much
Guest
pmesman
Points +327
First time Cuban vegan for me - Edit
It was delicious! Small restaurant, but good and tasteful food! Really nice to eat at a Cuban vegan restaurant!
Read moreGuest
grace lorraine
Points +245
Worth an Uber! - Edit
Stranded in the airport area, hungry for something good and reliable—in addition to edible food—I made the investment in a rideshare to try my luck with this cafe. I was SO grateful for the fast, friendly service! Also I appreciated that the food was delicious and not excessively expensive. I’m glad I took the chance and highly recommend this to anyone.
Read morePros: Vegan , Delicious
Cons: No restroom
Guest
lulu-c
Points +156
Delicious food you will find nowhere else - Edit
For one, the area around LAX is unfortunately not a great place to find food, and is especially lacking in vegan friendly restaurants. In the middle of that sits the only vegan Cuban restaurant I’ve ever seen. If you like spicy, tasty and miraculously probably still healthy food, this is your place. I’m especially fond of their fire agave wings, their tostones and their rice pudding.
Read moreHowever, although they have a small comfortable patio there are no bathrooms and if the restaurant is busy there’s almost nowhere to sit. Therefore, I’ve had a more comfortable experience eating takeout than sitting in.
Pros: Unique & delicious menu
Cons: No bathrooms, limited space
Guest
TofuTyrant
Points +143
Damn good - Edit
This place is top notch. The food is spectacularly delicious. Not that it needs to, but it could fool the meat eater.
Read morePros: 100% vegan , Freaking delicious , Big menu
Guest
Roxyib
Points +34
Amazing - Edit
Omg came across this Cuban restaurant and honestly their food is to die for! My sister told me about this place and I’ve been meaning to try it out and tonight was the night and I’m in awe.
Read moreGuest
Tom1973
Points +480
Wings are amazing! - Edit
Small vegan joint not far from the LAX airport/hotels that has flavorful Cuban food. The mustard wings are a must!
Read morePros: Wings are crispy , Friendly staff/cool vibe , Reasonably priced for location
Cons: Outdoor area was closed , Small eat in space
Guest
JustinWillis
Points +28
First time ever eating Cuban food. This was truly amazing. So flavorful! - Edit
Would eat here again
Read morePros: All vegan!, Great flavors, Lots of creativity
Cons: None
Guest
Chickadee
Points +151
Order extra for later! - Edit
Sweet little space serving delicious dishes packed with flavor. Main dishes are just the right size for a meal but if you're like me you'll want to order a few things. Very nice staff and outdoor patio seating with sun and shade options and heaters for cooler days in the back.
Read morePros: Totally vegan, Nice staff, Flavor packed
Cons: No bathroom
Guest
Katht
Points +32
Awesome! - Edit
This is a true gem. Incredible food and lovely service. Don't hesitate. The courtyard was closed due to weather but the front room was cosy and casual. Hop over to three weavers for a beer afterwards. You can takeaway and eat there.
Read moreGuest
Skye
Points +1267
Great food, great service, outdoor only seating. - Edit
We loved this place but happened to be here when weather was cooler and thank goodness they had heaters outside.
Read morePros: Great options, Price, House Made sodas
Cons: Outdoor only seating, No alcohol ( they do have byob policy)
Guest
HeatherFrancois
Points +92
Quite Disappointing - Edit
My family was there this summer and we ordered 5 different dishes plus some Alitas. My husband is Dominican (cooking style is very similar to Cuban) so we were super excited to try this place. Absolutely everything we ordered was awful- I would even say my food was close to inedible (Bacalao). I read several reviews that this food is very authentic Cuban, and that was not our opinion at all. It was a whole bunch of relatively poor quality mock meat with limited seasoning, and the maduros were burnt (black!). The service was not very good either, the waitress seemed irritated by our presence and the food took a long time even though there was only one other table with patrons. I really hope they adjust their menu and their service so they can succeed.
Read morePros: All Vegan
Cons: Low Quality, Bad Service, Food lacks flavor
Guest
fjeanbaptiste08
Points +17
One of our faves! - Edit
Equelecua Cuban Cafe never disappoints! My boyfriend come here a few times a month and have yet to find a dish we didn't like. The vegan arroz con pollo, the vegan wings and the vegan cuban sandwich are our absolute favorites.
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan options, Decent sized portions
Cons: Slow service, Minimal inside seating
Guest
Janayegranberry0704
Points +44
A gem close to home - Edit
I enjoyed the food here. I took my sister in law, who isn’t vegan, and she liked it too. They make their own sodas too. It was flavorful; I was very pleased with my meal.
Read morePros: Good, Affordable, Close to home
Cons: Not open Monday despite signage, yelp & Happy Cow
Guest
nico.stubler
Points +485
Indigestion - Edit
Owner (or manager) was incredibly friendly. Also, the food was very authentic Cuban. However, far too meaty for me - perhaps good for someone transitioning into veganism, but as a long time vegan the mock meats were unsettling. Worst of all, my friend and I were making frequent stops to the toilet for the next two days - really did a number on our stomachs.
Read moreGuest
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