Borreguitas

Borreguitas is a family-run vegetarian and vegan Mexican restaurant located along the South Garey Avenue corridor at 977–987 S Garey Ave in Pomona, California. Known across the eastern San Gabriel Valley and western Inland Empire for transforming traditional Mexican comfort dishes into 100% meatless meals, the kitchen specializes in grilled stuffed cactus paddles (nopal relleno), loaded chilaquiles, artisan tortas, and plant-based street tacos. Travelers, local university students, and plant-based diners seek out this casual counter-service cafe for scratch-made salsas, house-seasoned soy and mushroom proteins, and generous portions at neighborhood-friendly prices.

What to Expect at Borreguitas

Stepping inside Borreguitas reveals a relaxed, welcoming dining room with colorful Mexican folk accents, casual table seating, and an open ordering counter where dishes are cooked to order. Unlike standard taquerias where vegetarian diners are limited to rice and beans, the entire menu at Borreguitas is built around vegetarian and fully vegan recipes. Guests can choose between dairy cheese and eggs or completely plant-based cheeses, vegan crema, and tofu-based scrambles across nearly every plate, making it straightforward for mixed groups of vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores to dine together.

The culinary approach emphasizes fresh vegetables, heirloom Mexican herbs, and textured plant proteins such as marinated vegan carne asada, vegan al pastor, soy chorizo, and citrus-cured cauliflower. Morning service centers on hearty Mexican breakfasts including red or green chilaquiles, nopales a la Mexicana, and two-handed breakfast burritos stuffed with crispy country potatoes, beans, and house salsa. By lunch and dinner, the focus shifts to crispy potato tacos, thick handmade sopes, steaming bowls of hominy-rich vegan pozole, and loaded fries topped with melted dairy-free or traditional cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

• Nopal Relleno (Stuffed Cactus): A tender, de-spined prickly pear cactus paddle grilled and stuffed with seasoned plant-based asada, sautéed vegetables, melted vegan or dairy cheese, and bright house salsa.
• Ceviche Tostadas: Crisp corn tostada shells layered with lime-marinated cauliflower ceviche or soy ceviche mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cucumber, and fresh avocado slices.
• Vegan Wet Burritos & Tortas: Toasted telera bread sandwiches and oversized flour tortillas packed with refried beans, rice, choice of vegan pastor, chorizo, or asada, smothered in red or green enchilada sauce.
• All-Day Chilaquiles & Breakfast Burritos: Lightly fried corn tortilla strips simmered in salsa roja or salsa verde, topped with crema, onion, cilantro, and optional egg or tofu scramble alongside hearty morning burritos.
• Crispy Potato Tacos & Vegan Pozole: Golden folded corn tortillas filled with seasoned mashed potatoes, shredded lettuce, and salsa, paired well with a bowl of traditional red hominy pozole soup.

Borreguitas at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Because every order is prepared fresh on the flattop grill, weekend brunch between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM and Friday or Saturday evening hours can draw a steady line of regulars. If you are on a tight schedule, call ahead or place an online pickup order via the official Borreguitas website before arriving. When ordering at the counter, specify whether you want the 100% vegan preparation (with plant-based cheese and vegan sour cream) or the vegetarian preparation (which may include dairy cheese or eggs on breakfast plates). Cash and major credit or debit cards are accepted, and dress is completely casual.

Drivers can reach the restaurant easily from the CA-60 freeway (exit Reservoir Street or Garey Avenue heading north) or I-10 (exit Garey Avenue heading south), with free parking available in the adjacent storefront lot and along nearby streets. Transit riders can take Metrolink’s Riverside Line or Amtrak’s Sunset Limited to the Pomona Downtown Station and walk 15 minutes south down Garey Avenue, or hop on Foothill Transit Bus Line 291, which stops right along South Garey Avenue. The single-story storefront offers step-free ground-level access from the sidewalk and parking lot, movable dining chairs, and an accessible restroom. After your meal, walk 10 to 15 minutes north into the Pomona Arts Colony and Antique Row along East 2nd Street to browse vintage markets, independent galleries, and historic venues like The Fox Theater Pomona and The Glass House Concert Hall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours at Borreguitas and when is the best time to visit?

Borreguitas opens daily at 8:00 AM, closing at 3:00 PM on Mondays, 8:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For the shortest wait and immediate table seating, visit on weekday mornings between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM or mid-afternoon between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Is everything on the Borreguitas menu 100% vegan, and what do meals cost?

The kitchen is 100% meat-free, offering both strict vegan dishes and vegetarian options that use dairy cheese or eggs; simply inform the cashier that you want your order fully vegan so they use plant-based cheese and crema. Prices fall into the single-dollar-sign ($) tier, with individual tacos, sopes, and tostadas starting around $4 to $7 and full combo plates, stuffed cacti, and burritos averaging $11 to $16.

How much time should I budget for a meal at Borreguitas?

Plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes if dining in, as dishes like the nopal relleno and chilaquiles are cooked to order rather than held on a steam table. Travelers picking up phone or online takeout orders typically spend 15 to 20 minutes on site.

Is Borreguitas wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with kids?

Yes, the restaurant sits on the ground floor with step-free entry from the parking area, standard table seating that accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, and casual family-friendly counter service. Mild, non-spicy plates like cheese enchiladas, loaded fries, potato tacos, and bean-and-cheese burritos work well for children.

When planning your Pomona travel guide or browsing verified mexican restaurant in Pomona, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sycamore Canyon Park, The Rookery Alehouse and Grill, Ganesha Park, and Pomona Arts Colony (0.6 km away).