SANTA BARBARA, CA
I love my vegan community. So much so that I’ll gladly spend my last dollar on a meat-free burrito and dairy-free horchata. To me, it’s an investment in the future I want so damn badly, a future in which planet-friendly, animal-loving businesses are the norm—not a novelty.
So every chance I get, I cruise north on the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway for a taste of what’s new at Rascal’s Vegan.
A Mexican Makeover
In the spring of 2023, Rascal’s Vegan ditched its nomadic ways—pop-ups and rented spaces—for a permanent abode at 432 E Haley St. in Santa Barbara.
For chef and owner Dalan Moreno, this move had to feel like a long time coming. With his very own space, he’s now free to fully express his influences and interests. And what did he choose to showcase? Mexican cuisine, drinks, and decor.
The man’s got talent. He absolutely killed it with the Esquites (featured image), like Mexican street corn but without the cob or animal products. The steamed yellow corn is mixed with Follow Your Heart Vegenaise and dusted with crushed Takis and almond parmesan.
El Menú
Another dish I’ve devoured and loved (more than once): the Burrito Bowl, with chorizo potato, rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo, Moreno’s delicious cashew crema, and chipotle mayo.
Also on the new menu are tacos, tortas, Rascal’s popular Spicy Elote, and mains like the Asada Sopes and Gringa: a loaded quesadilla with al pastor, fried pineapple, onions, cilantro, and cashew crema.
Oatmilk Horchata? Bomb! Asada Chimichanga with Nacho Cheez dinner special? Bomb! Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca? Bomb! Breakfast Sandwich? Bomb!
You get the idea.
Lunch with Momma
Please show Rascal’s Vegan some love and drop by for a lip-smacking good time. I promise you. You won’t regret it.
For more deliciously kind food in Santa Barbara, check out all-vegan Mesa Verde, Oliver’s, and Fala Bar.
Exploring the City
The Funk Zone: A wonderland for beer and wine lovers
Take a short 0.7-mile walk from Rascal’s Vegan to The Funk Zone for your pick of breweries and wine bars. Of course, you don’t have to settle on just one. Have a round at two, three, four… I’m not one to judge—I rather like a person who can keep up with me.
In this 13-block neighborhood, there are 16 wineries and a bevy of taprooms, including Topa Topa Brewing Company, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., and Validation Ale.
Something else I love about Santa Barbara—the gorgeous sunsets!
I believe the Snowy Egret would agree. Standing at the water’s edge, with a breathtaking backdrop of blended pastels and sailboats bobbing on the gentle waves, we breathed easy as the sun dipped below the horizon. 💕 Life is good, we thought.
