Cocina Michoacana Oakdale: Vegan Menu Review

Vegan taquitos served with refried beans, Mexican rice, lettuce, tomato and shredded vegan cheese at Cocina Michoacana in Oakdale.

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Vegan Mexican food in Oakdale!

Cocina Michoacana in Oakdale is not only a restaurant I repeatedly visit but also a spot I regularly recommend (proof here on my first Good Day Sacramento spot). The casual Mexican restaurant is located off Highway 108 and just outside Oakdale’s historic downtown. It was founded by Gracie Gutierrez in 1998, and the word “Michoacana” means “a woman from Michoacán,” hence the restaurant name.

Cocina Michoacana’s Vegan Menu

In 2018, Cocina Michoacana added a dedicated “Vegan & Vegetarian Menu” alongside their traditional menu. (Have I been visiting since then? Yes.) From standard tacos and fajitas to specials like tortas and taquitos, this is one of the most extensive vegan Mexican menus I’ve had the pleasure of ordering from. Mexican food can traditionally made with hidden animal ingredients like chicken stock and lard, which means I can typically expect to find maybe one vegan-friendly dish. So a full menu, including appetizers, at a Mexican restaurant that isn’t fully vegan, is impressive AND appreciated.

My Vegan Order at Cocina Michoacana Oakdale

Regardless of how many times I come back, I have to order the taquitos. I am just obsessed with those potato-filled tortilla roll-ups! When topped with salsa and guacamole, it’s the perfect combination of citrus and salt. While I always choose the potatoes, I believe you can substitute any of the vegan proteins listed on the menu for your filling, such as beans or soy meat (think imitation ground beef). Additionally, entrées are served with vegan-friendly rice and beans, and the option to include vegan cheese and/or sour cream as toppings.

I cannot stress enough that you HAVE to order the vegan bean dip appetizer. Whether you go standard or skillet style, both are delicious, and you won’t miss a thing! This time we ordered the vegan “Skillet Bean Dip” that comes sizzling hot and topped with chile verde sauce, cheese, and sour cream – yes, you can sub for vegan, and we did! Served alongside chips and salsa, this alone is worth the visit. The only difference between the standard and skillet dip is that the skillet version comes sizzling hot for just $2 more.

Drinks & Dining at Cocina Michoacana

Cocina Michoacana is also home to the “Mega Margarita,” a 32-ounce frozen margarita available in several flavors. I had the strawberry, which was refreshing and MASSIVE. They often run happy hours and drink specials, making it a great place to stop for after-work drinks and shareable apps. They also have a dog-friendly patio that is shaded and perfect for group dining.

Let me know, have you tried the vegan menu at Cocina Michoacana?