Seemor

Rico Rico VeganoB+Worth Trying

Name: Rico Rico Vegano
Address: 677 Rand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, Oakland, United States
Rating: 4.8

677 Rand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 · Vegan restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (251 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Vibrant all‑vegan Mexican street food with standout tacos, fair prices, quick counter service, and limited outdoor seating; go for asada, coliflor, and tinga, but expect occasional order mix‑ups and variable spice/salt levels.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Rico Rico Vegano delivers vibrant, flavorful vegan Mexican fare with creative execution and fair pricing for generous portions, supported by friendly, knowledgeable service. However, occasional seasoning inconsistencies and order mix-ups prevent higher placement, while limited indoor seating and sidewalk-only comfort constrain the overall experience. A solid neighborhood favorite that exceeds typical casual dining standards without reaching destination-level distinction.

Restaurant Summary

Street-side tacos arrive on bright magenta tortillas, and the vibe feels casual and friendly with quick counter ordering and a short wait. Guests rave about flavors that pop and colorful plating—one enthused, "the asada tasted like the real thing"—though a few note limited indoor seating and occasional order hiccups. The cooking leans plant-forward Mexican with creative reworks of classics: seitan asada that satisfies meat-eaters, hibiscus al pastor, and crispy cauliflower with chipotle crema. It is more about fresh ingredients and balance than heavy mock-meat tricks, and spice levels vary by salsa. If ordering via apps, double-check customizations to avoid mix-ups. Families do well here thanks to a dedicated kids menu and familiar standbys like rice, beans, and quesadillas. Corn masa options help gluten-free diners, and the straightforward tacos make it easy for selective eaters; more adventurous choices—like konjac shrimp or mushroom tinga—are great if your crew likes to explore.

At a Glance

Vivid, flavorful all‑vegan Mexican with standout tacos
Fair prices and generous portions for plant-based fare
Limited indoor seating; mostly sidewalk tables
Online-order customizations sometimes missed
A few food safety complaints; not widely corroborated but monitor

What Sets It Apart

all_vegan_mexican_menu
pink_pitaya_tortillas
creative_plant_proteins

What People Love

Joyful pink tortillas and presentation
Convincing vegan asada and crispy coliflor
Helpful staff explaining proteins and spice
Value-forward combos and filling portions
All-vegan peace of mind

Points of Concern

Limited or no indoor seating; sidewalk tables can feel cramped or uneven
Delivery/app orders: occasional wrong items or missed customizations
Seasoning variability reported: some find items too salty or bland at times
A small number of food poisoning claims; not broadly echoed but noteworthy

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$22-32 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Start with a 3 Taco Combo (asada, coliflor, tinga) plus beans and rice.
Gluten-free diners: choose corn masa quesadillas or tacos.
For lighter fare, add Ceviche de Coliflor ($7) and Sopa del Dia ($7).

Perfect For

Casual vegan lunch near Lake Merritt
Colorful taco night with friends
Quick bite before or after the farmers market
Mixed groups of vegans and omnivores

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Grand Lake/Lakeshore corridor near Lake Merritt; weekend farmers market vibe with casual foot traffic.

Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked by day; standard urban awareness advised, especially evenings.

Nearby: Near Lake Merritt, shops, cafes, and the Grand Lake Farmers Market; shared footpath seating along sidewalk.

FruitvaleFruitvale is known for its vibrant Latino culture, community-oriented atmosphere, and an emerging dining scene featuring authentic Mexican and Latin American cuisines alongside new vegan and fusion options. The area is lively with local markets, murals, and community events, offering an accessible and culturally rich dining environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →