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Guide to New York

Vegetarian queso

A meat-free lifestyle shouldn't mean missing out on the comfort of a warm bowl of queso.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mamasita Bar & Grill image 1
Mamasita Bar & Grill image 2
Mamasita Bar & Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small space with tables close together creates an intimate, cozy setting. Loud music and family-friendly vibes fill the air, while a friendly dog adds warmth. Outdoor seating offers shaded comfort, and live sports often play on screens.

An entire vegetarian section on the menu offers an abundance of clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options. Combo entrees let you try multiple dishes from purely vegetarian foods.

Queso here stands out as homemade and fresh, not the usual Velveeta style. The version with ground beef is especially notable and pairs well with tacos and drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was awesome."

"I found the vegetarian options here to be great and clearly labeled."

"You have to try the queso; it's homemade and really good."

Good to know

1

Monday through Thursday from 4โ€“8 PM they have happy hour featuring $10 MamaRitas and $5 tacos.

2

The restaurant has monthly margarita specials.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for groups of 4 or more.

02
Playa Bettyโ€™s image 1
Mexican restaurant

West coast beach vibes fill a colorful, casual space with central bar, heated outdoor seating, and 80's new wave music. Festive and lively atmosphere blends California style with a spacious patio. Tables sit close together, creating an energetic, bustling environment.

Many vegan options stand out here, including vegan enchiladas and a plant-based burrito. Staff often ensure vegan meals meet expectations with care and attention.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with chips and guacamole as a starter. It comes with a hot sauce selection that complements the dish nicely.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially with attentive service."

"I thought the queso here was to die for."

"Jeanice made sure our vegetarian friend had great food options."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular choice.

03
Carla image 1
New American restaurant

Modern space with pink decor and a cat-themed robot creates a cozy vibe. Vegetarian tacos shine with bold flavors, complemented by rich queso that pairs perfectly with wings. Spacious seating keeps the atmosphere fun and inviting.

Lots of vegetarian and vegan options mix Mexican, American, and Vietnamese flavors. The vegetarian tacos stand out as especially tasty, paired well with guacamole and chips.

Queso stands out for its rich flavor and thick, creamy texture. It pairs well with wings and avoids the watered-down taste common elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"The staff during Happy Hour were so friendly and attentive."

"The vegetarian food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available at the bar.

2

Certain cocktails during happy hour are priced at $10.

3

The happy hour menu includes small plates with the most expensive plate priced at $7.

04
Jajaja Mexicana image 1
Vegan restaurant

Classic tiny NYC spot with Mexican flair and colorful decor creates a cozy, buzzing atmosphere filled with neon lights and loud, fun music. Seating includes comfortable indoor booths, bar, and an outdoor patio on the corner. The place welcomes dogs and offers a lively vibe even when not crowded.

Fully vegan Mexican dishes feature vegan steak that tastes like meat, along with chorizo tacos and quesadillas. Unique drinks like the Coconut Coquito add to the plant-based menu.

Crunchy chips come with layers of flavors in the beans, queso, and sour cream. The vegan queso stands out with its rich taste, especially in the coconut queso quesadilla and verde enchiladas.

People are saying

"The vegetarian Mexican dishes here are out-of-this-world delicious."

"I loved the smoky mezcal cocktails, they were perfectly balanced."

"The vegan queso here is yummy and to die for."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan.

2

If you plan on dropping in during the evening, make sure you have a reservation.

3

$15 for two regular/average tacos.

05
Ursula Brooklyn image 1
Restaurant

Small space with charming Southwest decor and visible kitchen creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Backyard seating with heaters offers a pleasant outdoor area. Atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during busy times, reflecting a strong sense of community.

Vegan burritos come smothered in green sauce and stand out as a highlight. The menu features vegan queso and vegan breakfast burritos that draw consistent praise for their flavor and quality.

Chilaquiles come with vegan queso that stands out for its rich, creamy texture. Chips with queso and homemade nachos pair well, making the vegan queso a memorable part of the meal.

People are saying

"The red and green chili here are hot and flavorful."

"I enjoyed one of the best breakfast burritos in the city."

"The vegetarian breakfast burrito was bomb."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait as the restaurant is small and popular.

2

Expect to wait 45 minutes if you donโ€™t have a reservation.

3

There is no indoor seating available.

06
Toloache image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic decor with outside seating protected from weather and upstairs space for large groups. Atmosphere is loud and chaotic during busy hours, with tables packed closely together. Drinks include complex margaritas and fresh fruit cocktails.

Vegetarian options include vegetarian tacos and other dishes that are consistently well received. Drink and meal suggestions cater well to vegetarian and nonalcoholic preferences.

Queso comes as a melted cheese dish with a salty and slightly sour flavor. The version with chorizo is rich and served with corn tortillas.

People are saying

"The guacamole here is so fresh and delicious."

"The vegetarian tacos were simple yet delicious."

"You have to try the queso fundido with chorizo."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is always packed.

2

The restaurant gets crowded on Fridays before the Broadway show starts.

3

Expect a wait if everyone is drinking, especially during busy hours.

07
Maizal Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hidden garden patio and cute bar offering well-crafted cocktails. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, decorated with art, plants, and small vases, creating a romantic and vibrant vibe. Music ranges from lively to comfortable, encouraging dancing and socializing.

Menu includes vegan enchiladas verde and a vegan mole poblano option. Multiple dishes can be made vegan by removing cheese and sour cream, offering gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.

Sartรฉn de chorizo y queso stands out with its decadently rich and memorable flavor. This dish highlights the bold combination of spicy chorizo and melted cheese.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"Their vegan enchiladas verde were a go-to choice I ordered multiple times."

"The sartรฉn de chorizo y queso was decadently rich and memorable."

Good to know

1

The price of the skirt steak entree is $34, while the special is $35.

2

Parking can be challenging; you may have to walk a couple of blocks.

3

Ample street parking is available nearby.

08
Guac Time Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with nice decor and bright lighting creates a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Music adds to the good vibes, making it a great place to hang out. Seating is ample despite the size, supporting a relaxed, social energy.

Offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options with a focus on cauliflower as a key protein choice. Provides many dishes suitable for those avoiding meat.

Loaded nachos come with honey chipotle chicken and a lot of queso blanco that tastes really good. Burrito bowls feature plenty of queso and stand out compared to similar options elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"I found lots of good vegetarian options here."

"The chips and queso were really tasty."

Good to know

1

Burritos are BOGO (Buy One Get One) on Uber Eats.

2

There is no restroom available.

3

Good for maybe two people as there are limited seating.

09
Guac Shop Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with about three tables offers a clean, modern setting and lively music. Family-friendly vibe suits quick lunches or casual dinners. Known for fresh guacamole, hearty bowls, and seasoned burritos that stand out among fast casual Mexican options.

Bowls feature chickpeas and Mexican sweet potato as solid vegetarian options. The VEGAN bowl includes tofu, brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, and guac for a hearty meal.

Queso stands out as rich and flavorful but adding it costs $3, which can raise the meal price. Guacamole also tastes great but comes with a $4 charge.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always on point."

"The Mexican food here is fantastic and made with super fresh ingredients."

"The queso here is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Guac Shop Mexican Grill only offers takeout and has no tables.

2

The prices for adding guacamole and queso are extremely high.

3

The portions are extremely large for the price.

10
Alta Calidad image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, modern space offers cozy indoor seating and a nice outdoor area with live music nearby. Atmosphere feels light and fun, with a tasteful, well-lit design that suits casual dining. Cocktails, especially mezcal-based, stand out as a highlight.

Vegetarian options include spicy cauliflower small plates and tacos with pea shoots. Vegan tacos were once a highlight but have been removed, replaced by beet and mushroom tacos that differ in taste.

Dipable queso fundido stands out with options like halloumi cheese and short rib versions. The queso is consistently tasty and a favorite to order again.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the tacos; they were cooked perfectly."

"I loved the spicy cauliflower small plate; it was vegetarian."

"You'll love the queso fundido; it's the best dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 PM to 6 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Expect high prices, with two tacos costing around $16.

11
MEXiCUE image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and lots of greenery creates a welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds casual space, while strong, flavorful margaritas complement the menu. Small, closely arranged tables make the space feel cramped but lively.

Several vegetarian and vegan options stand out, including vegan nachos with cashew queso and a wild mushroom quesadilla. The menu also caters well to gluten-free and other dietary needs.

Brisket tacos come with poblano queso that is very good and served in generous portions. Vegan nachos feature a cashew queso that stands out.

People are saying

"The tacos here are really, really delicious."

"The vegetarian wild mushroom quesadilla was the best I've ever had."

"I loved the poblano queso and brisket enchiladas."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM.

2

Margaritas are $8 during Happy Hour from 3 PM to 6 PM.

3

Wednesday is the busiest day of the week.

12
Rosa Mexicano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and tucked away seating areas creates a lively atmosphere. Excellent margaritas and cocktails complement the space, which includes heated outdoor seating ideal for people watching.

Vegetarian options include chile relleno and fajitas. Mains have limited vegetarian choices, but vegetarian quesadillas seem possible.

Queso Fundido stands out with its rich, melty cheese and optional chorizo. The queso dip pairs with crema, queso fresco, and salsa, though tortillas can get soggy.

People are saying

"The food here is always tasty and fresh."

"I loved the queso dip, especially with chorizo."

"They had good vegetarian options like fajitas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6 PM, which isn't stated anywhere online.

2

Tacos are 50% off on Tuesday.

3

The last call for drinks is at 11 PM on Saturday nights.

13
Amor Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with chic decor and live drag performances creates an invigorating atmosphere. Music plays loudly, adding to the lively vibe. Seating includes a bar for groups and lacks chairs with backs, contributing to a casual feel.

Vegetarian cauliflower tacos offer strong flavors. The vegetarian empanada stands out as a notable option. Several vegetarian dishes are available.

Queso shines in several dishes here, especially the Queso Birria Empanadas and Birria Queso Tacos, both packed with flavor and cooked well. The queso fundido stands out as a delicious appetizer that pairs nicely with other items.

People are saying

"Our server Rose was so attentive to our food and drinks."

"The queso fundido appetizer was great and flavorful."

"I found the vegetarian options here to be really good."

Good to know

1

The Sunday drag brunch starts at 1:30 PM and requires food purchase for bottomless drinks.

2

Happy hour ends at 6 PM, with drinks priced at $14 and up afterward.

3

The kitchen closes at 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

14
Yard House image 1
New American restaurant

Sprawling multi-story space with big screens and three-story cooler creates a lively, pub-like atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet loud, filled with sports fans watching games on numerous TVs. Tables feature self-service kiosks for easy ordering, enhancing the energetic dining experience.

Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options exist with allergens clearly listed. Dishes like the vegan mashed potatoes and steak bowl show variety and care for plant-based diets.

Queso comes with vegetables or chips and offers a flavorful, rich taste. It sometimes lacks corn chips when served with cucumbers and can be priced over $30.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious and thoughtfully prepared food."

"I was happy to find plenty of great vegetarian options."

"The queso dip here is spicy and cheesy."

Good to know

1

The open bar is available until 1 o'clock on New Year's evening.

2

Guests are asked to leave the building after the party ends at 12:30 AM.

3

Expect a crowded venue during happy hour and game nights.

15
Hometown Bar-B-Que image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers authentic wood-smoked BBQ with live jazz and country music enhancing the experience. Outdoor seating overlooks a historic waterfront, creating a relaxed vibe. The space features high-top bar stools and a lively bar area with easy service.

Solid vegetarian and vegan options include two broth choices: a curry broth and a water-based veggie broth. Both vegetarians and vegans find suitable dishes here.

Brisket queso stands out with its rich flavor and is often paired with Brisket Tacos or potato salad. The Texas queso Mac n cheese and cornbread with pickles also complement the creamy queso well.

People are saying

"The brisket and ribs here are melt-in-your-mouth American BBQ."

"You have to try the brisket queso; it really stood out."

"The vegetarian cauliflower wings are crispy and deeply satisfying."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends, up to 1 hour.

2

The price for a 1/2 lb of meat and two sides is around $50.

3

Lunch is served at 5pm, and dinner can sell out quickly.

16
Tacobee's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a build-your-own burrito concept in a bright and cheerful space with great music that creates a heartwarming atmosphere. Seating is roomy and the interior is simple and clean, encouraging a fun and enjoyable dining experience.

Menu includes diverse vegetarian options with vegan choices like a fresh, tasty burrito bowl and flavorful tofu dishes.

Spicy queso melts in your mouth with a rich, creamy texture. Warm, perfectly salted homemade tortilla chips pair well with this fresh, flavorful dip that outshines chains like Chipotle and Qdoba.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I had."

"I found some really good vegetarian options here."

"Their queso is the best I've had compared to other chains."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a buy one get one free promotion for burritos and nachos on UberEats.

2

The restaurant is halal, ensuring no cross-contamination for Jewish customers.

3

You don't have to pay extra for guacamole.

17
Toro Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant Mexican restaurant with sugar skull murals and an updated, uniquely Mexican decor. Atmosphere buzzes with lively music and interactive performers, complemented by a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for relaxing. Bottomless brunch cocktails and authentic dishes like birria and Al Pastor tacos add to the energetic vibe.

Several vegetarian dishes stand out, including cheese enchiladas and cauliflower vegan tacos. The menu offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options like enchiladas, nachos, and a cauliflower bowl.

Chips and queso come really tasty and pair well with drinks served in a super fun glass. The spicy queso fries stand out as a flavorful option alongside classic chips and queso.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I thought the spicy queso fries were the real deal."

"I loved the vegetarian options, especially the cauliflower bowl."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation for the drag brunch to secure your spot.

2

The brunch includes a drag show that starts at noon.

3

Happy hour drinks are available before the brunch at great prices.

18
Vida Verde - Tequila Bar image 1

Three floors plus a rooftop deck create a vibrant, festive atmosphere filled with loud music and a young, lively crowd. A DJ and bar dancer add to the energetic vibe, while colorful, edgy decor enhances the space. The setting encourages socializing despite the high noise level.

Menu includes vegan and vegetarian options clearly listed. Dishes like vegetarian tacos and rice and beans bowl taste good. Staff stays friendly and accommodating to vegetarian diets.

Queso stands out with its rich, creamy texture and pairs well with chorizo for added flavor. It complements the guacamole and other dishes like birria tacos effectively.

People are saying

"The cocktails were creative, balanced, and made with care."

"The queso and guacamole were the best I had."

"I loved that they had so many delicious vegetarian options."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to be seated at a table.

2

The bottomless brunch is offered until 5PM on Saturdays and until 8PM on Sundays.

3

Customers only have 1 hour to eat during busy times.

19
Yellow Rose image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, intimate Tex-Mex restaurant with southern cozy vibes and tasteful Texas-inspired decor. Noise level is high, creating a lively atmosphere that fills the packed dining area. Strong frozen margaritas and nostalgic touches like tube TVs playing classic films add to the unique experience.

More vegetarian options than typical Tex-Mex menus appear here. The vegan queso and potato tacos stand out as solid choices. Staff accommodate vegetarians well.

Beer queso and vegan queso stand out for their rich flavors and generous portions. The queso dip pairs well with chips and complements other dishes like tacos and cornbread.

People are saying

"I loved the flavor and ingredients in their tacos."

"I enjoyed the tasty breakfast tacos and cold brew."

"The vegan queso here is seriously so delicious."

Good to know

1

It is advised to make a reservation on Resy.

2

The restaurant closes at 10 PM but stopped seating new customers at 9:25 PM.

3

On Mondays, the restaurant turns into a burger spot, offering great classic burgers.

20
Mezcali image 1
Mexican restaurant

Two-level Mexican restaurant offers a large space with an inviting, cozy vibe on the lower floor and a loud, party atmosphere upstairs. Amazing music plays throughout, creating energy but making conversation difficult. Open windows add a unique touch to the lively setting.

Good vegetarian options include a stuffed Poblano pepper, vegan tacos, and a burger. A vegetarian burrito can be delivered quickly, and vegan churros are available.

Crab queso stands out as a delicious and highly recommended appetizer. It pairs well with other dishes like elotes and quesadillas, adding a rich, flavorful touch.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible and served quickly."

"Tรจa's vegan recommendations made my experience amazing."

"You have to try the crab queso; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

3

The happy hour offers delicious drinks and appetizers at reasonable prices for NYC.

21
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lower Manhattan image 1

Smaller theaters create an intimate atmosphere with comfortable, reclining seats that invite relaxation. A bar area offers a casual spot to unwind before screenings, while food and drink service enhances the movie experience. The space feels clean and cozy, though some rooms may feel cramped.

Endless popcorn refills come without butter for vegan options. The menu offers many vegan choices and snacks that taste good.

Chips and queso come with great flavor and a delicious, creamy texture. The queso ranks among the best in the city and pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"I loved the in-theater food service during the movies."

"The vegetarian options here are surprisingly cozy and quiet."

"I loved the chips and queso; they were everything I wanted."

Good to know

1

Tickets are $10.99 all day on Tuesdays, making it a great deal.

2

Karaoke night occurs during a 9 pm movie show on Thursdays.

3

Arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy preshow content related to the movie.

22
Hot Peppers BK image 1
Restaurant

Small and charming restaurant with an authentic atmosphere built with care. Offers a toppings bar for full customization and serves affordable, flavorful bowls with fresh ingredients. Known for great value and clean, vegetarian-friendly options that stand out from typical fast-casual spots.

Vegan options are clearly marked, making it easy to find what fits. The menu includes at least one solid vegetarian choice.

Creamy queso comes with chips and includes free guacamole at no extra charge.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot is a great value, filling and fairly priced."

"You get free queso and guacamole with no extra charge."

Good to know

1

The cheapest bowl costs $11 and offers a generous portion.

2

The $10 lunch special is a good value and satisfies hunger.

3

Hot Peppers BK does not charge extra for guacamole or queso.

23
Bill's Bar & Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious, bright burger joint with a full service bar and multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet busy, with a fun American vibe. Tables and seating encourage quick turnover, fitting a lively, casual dining experience.

Vegetarian options include a plant-based burger that looks very realistic and tastes good. The menu offers several vegetarian burgers that satisfy even mostly vegetarian eaters.

Chips come with a cheddar-style cheese topped with pico, not traditional queso. The dish works well as a starter and pairs with milkshakes.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be excellent and generous."

"I found the vegetarian burger super tasty."

"The queso and chips are a really good starter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended during the Christmas holiday season.

2

The restaurant's happy hour only applies to the bar area, not to tables.

3

The happy hour offers reduced beer prices and half-priced starters.

24
Pink Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Two-story Mexican restaurant with live DJs and Day of the Dead theme creates a lively, comfortable atmosphere. Large windows offer city views while interior stays dim and cozy. Margaritas and sports on big screens add to the energetic vibe.

Vegetarian options include seasoned tofu and cauliflower tacos with solid flavor. The OG vegetarian paint tacos stand out as a popular choice late at night.

Queso stands out as a fantastic dip and a hidden gem worth ordering with chips. It ranks among the best queso experiences, pairing well with other items like guacamole and street corn.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and flavorful."

"The OG vegetarian tacos were delicious and seasoned tofu tasted really good."

"I found the queso delicious and the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is until 7:00 PM with great deals.

2

You need to tell the staff you are ordering off the happy hour menu to avoid full price.

3

The actual party starts at 6 PM during events.

25
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Brooklyn image 1

Spacious movie theater combines leather reclining chairs with food service at seats and a bar area for drinks. Atmosphere mixes vintage film clips before movies with occasional talking and phone use during screenings. Seating shows wear but overall environment stays clean and cozy.

Menu includes vegan and gluten-free options with dishes like Buffalo Vegan Cauliflower Bites and vegan chocolate chip cookies. Vegan choices are solid and varied, covering snacks and main items.

Chips come with thick yellow green chile queso that cools quickly, resembling nacho cheese. The loaded fries and chips & queso stand out as solid choices.

People are saying

"The seats here are so comfortable for watching movies."

"I loved the vegan options, especially the Buffalo Cauliflower."

"The chips and queso were very good."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays before 5, movies are $11 total with tax.

2

The restaurant offers movie-specific specials for food and drinks.

3

You cannot be late to the movie, nor can you pull out your phone during the movie.

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