We were going to try a restaurant in our neighborhood for brunch the other day, but the wait was too long. We left, and on our way to another spot we walked past Taco Chulo. We decided to take a peek at the menu just to see what vegan options were available. To our delight, there were a number of items on the menu listed as vegan. Rather than continue on to where we had planned on going, we decided to give it a try. We are so glad we did. The space is large with plenty of seating. However, it should be noted that there is nothing to help absorb sound, so it can get loud in there. This is not a place to come for atmosphere, but rather for some really tasty Mexican food.
The largest sections of the menu is where you will find the vegan options: Signature Tacos & Burritos and Classic Tacos & Burritos. Each dish can be order as a taco or burrito. Each of the tacos in the “Signature” section come piled high on 2 soft tortillas, so you can easily make two tacos from each order. As there are 3 taco/burritos on the menu listed as vegan, we chose to try one of each as tacos and one burrito. The Signature Conejo comes filled with whole pinto beans, cabbage, salad, guacamole, rice, salsa fresca, tofu sour cream. This is the one we also got as a burrito. When you order as a burrito, you get the option of using rice or potatoes in the filling. I decided to stay traditional and go with the rice. This was one of the best burritos I have ever had. Typically I find burritos to be over filled with rice and under filled with everything else. This was the reverse: a little rice and lots of fillings. The veggie mix inside was fresh and crisp, the beans were soft and creamy. The salsa and sour cream were in perfect proportion so as not to drown everything and make a mess, but enough to add some great flavor. I have NEVER eaten a burrito so easily. Often times, because of the excessive amount of rice, I find eating burrito laborious. Not this time. This was all about the freshness of the ingredients and the wonderful play of textures. The other “signature” item we tried was the Santa Cruz, this was only done as a taco. The Santa Cruz comes with sautéed spinach, black beans, avocado, lettuce, salsa fresca, tofu sour cream.
From the “classic” menu we tried the Napolitos, a soft tortilla piled with marinated baby cactus, red peppers, garlic. This one has some kick to it.
L to R: Santa Cruz, Conejos and Nopalitos.
For a drink, Ethan couldn’t pass up the Horchata, homemade rice and almond “milk” scented with cinnamon and vanilla. He loved it. Speaking of drinks, it must be said that they offer a wide selection of Margaritas, beers, cocktails and tequila flights. Each tequila flights is a sample of 3 different tequilas. These flights are great to do with another person so you can each order one and then try 6 different tequilas.
Horchata
We cannot wait to come back here. Only next time, we will start with some chips and salsa, split the two signature tacos and wash it down with a margarita.
Taco Chulo
318 Grand Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
718-302-CHULO (2485)
