Jajaja Mexicana — Restaurant in New York

*WARNING * When I went with two friends, unknowingly that everything was vegan (I love vegan food), I ordered the 'nachos' dish. On the menu it was labeled as chips with 'tumeric queso fundido dip' - nothing about it being vegan cheese - or cashew cheese. I asked the server if there were nuts in it and he responded no - but he could tell I was worrying/something was happening. I began to go into anaphylactic shock, and I asked and he said 'no' to the nuts, realizing what was happening to me he stated 'well there are some nuts in the cheese - but not that much'. The cheese was literally cashew cheese. I have been vigilant about asking/reading menus my entire life - and have not had a reaction for nearly 15 years. I knew there was a fire station close by and I was rushed to the ER via ambulance - where I was admitted overnight - something that is not common for a 'minor food allergy'....I nearly died on several accounts because I was literally eating globs of cashew cheese. What really irritates me other than the server telling me there was no nuts until after I was choking in the restaurant - is that while one friend went with me, my other remained at the restaurant terrified and WAS STILL CHARGED for the remaining bill, as we had just ordered the nachos as an appetizer. The restaurant has now since changed the entire menu - my friend went in afterwards to double check the menu as they had literally just replaced the old ones, but he managed to take one of the old ones. I have also had friends who have been since that enjoy the restaurant and stated that the servers notify of allergies with orders sometimes now as well. I have tried reaching out to management - with no response. Really sad that this place nearly cost me my life with negligence by both...

The setup outside was super cute and I loved how they gave us our own private area outside. In my opinion not everything on their menu tasted good. I have to agree they have the best #vegannachos in the city. I have never tried nachos that are so flavorful. The #chorizo was on point and the fermented beans and the sauces and guacamole was just perfect. I have heard their chorizo #burrito is supposed to be good but we decided to order their tacos as the nachos already had chorizo. We got their Spicy Birria Tacos which did not taste good and flavors were completely off. I guess it is an acquired taste and we were not a fan. We also got their chipotle sweet potato tacos that tasted ok but nothing extraordinary. The Buffalo flower Tacos tasted brilliant and had perfect crisp and balance of flavors and sauces tasted super delicious. The #veganchurros served with coconut sauce are absolutely delicious and i think the best vegan churros I have tried.

Overall I have mixed reviews for this restaurant. This was my 3rd visit to this restaurant and every time I come out feeling the same way. Tips:

1. If you visit this restaurant you must get their nachos and churros as they are outstanding
2. If you get a chance go for outdoor seating as the setup is super cute 3)Make reservations through @yelp at least 1 week ahead and if more than party of 6, you can email them directly
3. I have visited both locations in the city and I like the East Broadway location better for food quality
4. The nachos are going to fill you up so plan on sharing the entrees

My personal rating (scale 1-5 with 5 being the best) Ambience: 5 Taste: 4 Service: 5 Overall rating: 4 Cost: $$$$

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Where vegans and flavor both win, and no one has to pretend jackfruit tastes like sadness.

This place rocks, full stop. If you told me ten years ago that my favorite vegan Mexican spot would be tucked under the Manhattan Bridge, I’d have laughed politely, then sprinted toward the nearest carnitas. But JaJaJa flipped the script, and seasoned it to perfection.

The food? Fresh, imaginative, and so good it makes you question everything you thought you knew about plant-based cuisine. The tacos don’t whisper “I’m healthy,” they shout “I’m delicious,” while doing a little salsa dance on your tongue. Fan favorites include the chorizo burrito, beet and pumpkin empanadas, and the coconut queso quesadilla. And yes, the churros taste like redemption.

The drinks are honest, no syrupy nonsense, just well-balanced cocktails with mezcal, local Mexican-style lagers, and enough flair to make you forget you’re still in the Lower East Side. The service? Professional, friendly, efficient, like they actually want you to come back. Which I did, many times, like a moth to a mezcal flame.

The vibe is part vacation, part curated cool, with Latino music, neon accents, and a crowd that’s equal parts brunch enthusiast and tequila scholar. They serve brunch all day, every day, with chilaquiles and mimosas that don’t judge your life choices.

It’s not my favorite Mexican spot overall, but it is hands down my favorite vegan Mexican spot, and that’s no small feat. JaJaJa proves that plant-based doesn’t mean flavor-free, and that you can still have a good time without queso that comes from a cow.

Love it. Still do. And if they ever bottle that mole sauce, I’ll be first in line, reusable...