Vegan Food @ MEXICAN RADIO (Schenectady & Hudson, NY)

Kristin | On 18, May 2017

If you’re seeking awesomely veganized Mexican fare definitely plan a visit to Mexican Radio – a restaurant with two locations in upstate, NY – Schenectady and Hudson.

With dozens of vegan and veganizable options on the menu—think flautas, quesadillas, fried plantains with coconut cream sauce, and chili pie—there’s SO much more than just the anticipated and often boring rice and beans option.

I had a the pleasure of checking out their location in Schenectady, New York back in April and was blown away by the warm and inviting decor, vibrant color scheme, and interesting artwork and decor throughout.

They’ve got two large dining areas: the one main dining room on the first floor, a second floor bar and dining, and a jazzy back room and bar with cool mood lighting. In summer months Mexican Radio opens their patio up for live music and outside dining.

Co-owner and executive chef, Lori Selden walked me through some of their vegan options. She explained that she herself has been vegetarian for more than 20 years and as her restaurant business grew (having started back in 1996) so too did requests for fully-vegan options.

By the time she and her business partner opened their upstate NY locations they were incorporating more and more vegan items on the menu. Lori noted that this was due in large part to the local vegan communities support and encouragment.

The following from top to bottom include: vegan chili pie (appetizer size) – this comes with vegan chili and beans, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, cilantro, guacamole, tomato, and cashew cream, with hunks of chewy seitan (they make their own Mexican inspired seitan, in-house)!

Next are the deep fried apple tortillas featuring local apples, Earth Balance vegan butter, and sugar rolled into a tortilla with agave and coconut cream. Then you’ve got the wild mushroom, spinach, and avocado quesadillas (Toasted on the outside with Daiya vegan cheese!).

We’ve got the fan favorite, Baja no fish tacos – filled with house made seitan, deep fried, and topped with shredded and diced veggies, chipotle vegan mayo, and lime.

Next are their vegetable flautas filled with assorted roasted veggies and guacamole, topped with coconut cream, on a bed tomatillo and jalapeño tomato sauces, split down the middle!

Finally we’ve got some caramelized savory plantain fritters topped with agave and served with coconut cream sauce; and their signature coconut jalapeño margarita (it’s sooooo good!!).