When we venture out for a night out, I always scour the area for vegan-friendly restaurants. Although there are plenty of all-vegan restaurants around Phoenix and Scottsdale, sometimes we like to try other restaurants in our area. Joyride Taco, although not a vegan restaurant, has great vegan options! In fact, we fell in love with many vegan items on Joyride Taco's menu in Gilbert, Arizona.
First, let's talk about going out to eat and staying compliant with whatever plant-based plan you follow. We go out often, and regardless of where we go, we are always able to eat and follow our plan. What are my tips? Simply tell your server what you can't have. For instance, if you follow an oil-free plant-based lifestyle, tell the server you can't have oil.
Joyride Taco, for instance, was happy to comply with every one of my requests, and we had a fabulous vegan meal! In fact, I would highly recommend anyone who follows a plant-based diet to try it out.
WHAT IS VEGAN ON JOYRIDE TACO'S MENU?
GUACAMOLE
pico gringo, chile de arbol, tajin, cotija, roasted corn
small 7 large 11 (skip the cheese)
SALSA TRIO
habanero, tomatillo, pico gringo 5
ENSALADA FILA
kale, jicama, mandarin orange, cherry tomato, avocado, pinto beans, corn, crunchy peas, queso fresco, quince vinaigrette 10.5 (skip the queso fresco)
VEGGIE TACOS (3 WITH A CHOICE OF SIDES)
market veggies, mushroom, guacamole, Mexican slaw, pico gringo, cilantro, white magic 3.5 (skip the white magic)
VEG-OUT BURRITO
butternut and chayote squash, spinach, mushroom, avocado, rice, corn, queso, tomatillo salsa, pico gringo, white magic 11 (skip the queso and white magic)
ENCHILADAS
veggie, chicken or carne asada served with rice, beans, cotija, salsa verde, guajillo chile enchilada sauce 14 (choose veggie no cotija)
PINTO BEANS 3 (side)
And, if you're into happy hour, veggies tacos are $2 each!
HAPPY HOUR: WEEKDAYS 2 PM-6 PM
TACO TUESDAY: 2 PM-CLOSE
VEGGIE
JOYRIDE
BLOOD ORANGE
CUCUMBER-SERRANO
THE TROPICALE
PRICKLY PEAR
STRAWBERRY HIBISCUS
PINEAPPLE MOJITO
11 AM-5 PM
$5 MARGARITAS
PITCHERS OF BEER
WINES BY THE GLASS
SPIKED AGUAS FRESCAS
WEEKDAYS, 11 AM-2PM
TWO TACOS + one of the following
ANY SIDE
1/2 SALAD
Since we went to Joyride Taco on a Saturday, we shared a large Ensalada Fila and skipped the cheese and shared veggie tacos and guacamole. Of course, we also took advantage of the $5 til 5 specials.
THE JOYRIDE VIBE?
How do I describe the cool exterior and interior? It's almost like Urban meets art deco! Vibrant colors and large copper lights adorn the bar. Light blue, red, and white leather back chairs line the bar and tables. This open concept restaurant with its wrap-around bar and patio has as beautiful an outside area as it does an inside area.
Shaded by trees on the patio, even the summer months are comfortable outdoors. And, in the winter, fireplaces and heaters provide additional warmth. Seat surround trees with sitting areas around them. Of course, beautiful lights brighten up the entire patio in the evening.
RECOMMENDATION
So, if you are planning a trip to Gilbert, and you're looking for a vegan spot to grab a bite, give Joyride Taco a shot! Even though Joyride Taco isn't a vegan hot spot, it has great vegan options, and the food was fab!
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Taylor
Thank you Kathy!! This is so helpful.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Taylor, thank you for reaching out. I love Joyride Taco. Postinos has a lot of vegan options as well and the same great happy hour.
Samantha
Great list of options. Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely be checking them out now. Do you happen to know why their white magic sauce isn’t vegan? Thanks again!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Samantha, the white magic sauce is sour cream-based. Thank you for reaching out.