There are many vegan places in the City and Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas in the West Village seems to be very popular. Definitely, the is a bit of a hype vibe there and their outdoor patio is a nice setting for lunch or dinner.

This place serves tequila, mezcal and Mexican beer, with some interesting take on classic cocktails like their Oaxacan Old Fashioned, made with Cazadores reposado, mezcal, agave and chocolate bitters.

Serving Mexican food, they have classics: guacamole, enchiladas, tacos, etc. with descriptions that are quite mouth watering. But I admit that, after two visits, I was not that impressed with their menu. I know, I am a non-vegetarian, so going to a vegan restaurant seems a bit out of place, but, even classic dishes like the guacamole were not that well done: it was simply watery.

Guacamole at Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas in the West Village

Then, I found that the tacos and their stuffed homemade tortillas had too much on it, not only making it difficult to eat, but having too much going on and being a bit mushy. The mezcal mushroom tacos that are made with beet and paprika tortillas, red pepper, pico de Gallo and sour cream (not sure how they make it but their vegan sour cream is quite good) were just ok for me and did not like at all the Barbacoa tacos that are made with yuba, adobo, guajillo and ancho chili, coconut feta cream, serrano pepper. This dish was quite spicy, as advertised, but it is the taste of the Yuba that I did not like at all.

We also tried the Gorditas that is made of two stuffed tortillas, beans, serrano pepper, shiitake bacon and sour cream. The fried tortilla was crispy, but again, too much going on in it.

Gorditas at Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas in the West Village

But not everything was not great: the elotes or Mexican street corn were delicious and slightly spicy. This is always a crowd pleaser.

Mexican street corn at Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas in the West Village

Or the coconut quest quesadilla, made with spinach and basil pesto, serrano, king mushroom, pico de Gallo and sour cream: creamy and tasty, this was my favorite with the corn from all the dishes I have tried.

Coconut queso quesadilla at Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas in the West Village

Last is of course dessert and their churros are superb. They come with a coconut dulce de leche that I did not care for and can be eaten without it, being quite addictive.

So, the meals there were ok. I would go back there only if someone I know wants to go there, being vegan, vegetarian or curious. And I would then get the corn, the quesadilla and, of course, the churros! They are quite creative and their dishes are colorful, but this is not for me…

Enjoy (…)!

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Jajaja Plantas Mexicanas - 65 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

I Just Want To Eat!