Chicana Vegana — Restaurant in Fullerton

I'll start by saying that I actually enjoy the food and general vibe of this place. Been there twice now and the food has been great both times. I really liked the carnitas tacos and the Cali Dreamin burger was good. And they play pretty good music, my friends and I were enjoying the vibe. My one gripe with this place happened at this last visit. My wife and I got there early to meet up with some friends and picked out a table to sit at. I felt bad just sitting there without ordering yet, and I saw they had some shirts on the side. I settled on getting a shirt, as I also like supporting vegan spots I like when I can. I paid and the cashier didnt give me a receipt for the shirt and i didnt think much of it. Our friends got there a little after and we ordered food, ate, and had a good time. As we were leaving though, a different cashier than the girl who helped me with the shirt asked if I had paid for the shirt. I replied that I had paid for it already and stepped out. The cashier a few seconds after asked me if I could come back in and confirm that I paid for the shirt. I didn't think it was a big deal so I headed back in and walked to the register with my card in hand to confirm the purchase. The cashier was asking when I had paid and was talking about having some issue with the register not working earlier or something because she wasn't seeing the purchase. I replied that I was certain that I paid for it already when we had gotten there. The cashier was tapping on her display looking for the purchase, and my wife came back in wondering what the hold up was. Once we clarified with the cashier that I had paid when the previous cashier had been there, suddenly she was able to find the purchase that had been made. I had asked before that if she needed my card to check the number for the purchase, but she didn't ask for it until after my wife had come in and after we'd noted when the purchase had been made. I felt weird about the whole interaction, and I would hate to think that I was being racially profiled in some way, but the thought had crossed my mind. Really, I'd like to believe that the cashier was just worried about someone walking out with merchandise while she was at the register. I guess if you could take anything from my little experience, just make sure to ask for a receipt for any purchase or have it emailed to yourself, save yourself the trouble and embarrassment of having to be called back in like you were stealing something. Despite the awkwardness, I believe I would...

I typically don't write bad reviews, especially not of places I used to love going to... Unfortunately my past couple of visits I think are enough to keep me from coming again.

I started visiting the restaurant a few years ago. I used to come here pretty often because the food is so great. It's a bit expensive, but I felt it was worth it.

My most recent visit, I placed an order for dine-in at the patio and waited nearly an hour before I got my order. I actually got a text saying my food was ready 30 minutes before I received it. I didn't think it made much sense to run to the front of the building to check if it was ready when I informed the server that I was going to be at the patio and she could be out at any minute for all I know. 20 minutes after I got the text, I saw the server that took my order sit outside and eat her lunch. I don't know if she didn't remember taking my order or didn't care, but about 10 minutes later, a couple of people that just sat outside got their order and I had to ask about my order. Thankfully, they were kind enough to get it and I was finally able to eat my soggy fries and cooled burger.

This isn't the first time this happened though. Last time I was here, I placed a phone order and received a text saying my food was ready so I paid in person and asked if my food was ready. I was told I would need to wait because it wasn't ready yet so I waited (as I looked at a brown bag on the counter that I felt could be mine). I waited about 10 minutes and asked to double check. I was told my order might be out in a few minutes... So I waited another 10-15 minutes. Then someone came in to check if their phone order was ready and the server finally checked the brown bag and realized it was mine after about 30 minutes of waiting... It all could have been avoided if the server actually looked at the name on the bag when I got there...

So I gave this place a second chance and I guess this is what happens. I don't like to rant or be negative, but I think I'm done with this spot. Great food, but these past couple visits put me off for sure and I won't...

Update 3/2024 I have been coming here a couple of times now and the food is still as tasty as always, still highly recommended. I still love the Wild Western Burger. I also recommend the carnitas nachos are pretty good

YES 100% VEGAN

Food was so good! Portions are fair to the price (although I wouldn't find a few extra fries like how Healthy junk gives with their Burgers 😆) My favourite has been the Wester burger! The place is so beautiful inside! Lovely mural inside! There are plenty of seats inside and they are working on their backyard patio seating, they also have a table and chairs out front too.

My server was so kind, loved her energy, was so welcoming and helped me out with my order with every step. She gave great recommendations and did an amazing job! I wouldn't mind coming back just to receive this amount of great service again!

If you are hungry, vegan, or in the area, I highly recommend you stop by!

Note for business though, it would be amazing if you could extend your hours, closing at 8pm this close to downtown doesn't mix well. There are so many times I am in the area craving food from here but I check and see that it is already 8pm and I am left disappointed. Hence why I have only been here 2 times despite being in the area almost weekly. Your sign is bright pink and can definitely attract many people! If hours cant be changed all 7 days, perhaps just the weekends would...