I have a confession: I’m kind of obsessed with finding out why this restaurant is called Condado.
Not in a normal “oh, I wonder” kind of way, but in a “I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time Googling this” kind of way. Because condado just means “county” in Spanish. County! Like, the most boring administrative division you can imagine. I keep thinking there must be some great story behind it — maybe the founders met at a county fair? Maybe they really love parks and recreation departments? — but so far, nothing. (If anyone from Condado is reading this and wants to end my suffering, please send answers.)
History
The chain started in Columbus, Ohio in 2014, which seems random until you remember that sometimes the best food ideas come from the most unexpected places. Their whole thing is creating “neighborhood hangouts,” which is what every chain restaurant says they want to do, right? But here’s the thing: Condado might actually be pulling it off. And trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.
Let me back up. I’m generally suspicious of chain restaurants. They tend to have that same vibe everywhere — you know the one I mean — where everything is fine and the food is acceptable and you leave thinking, “Well, that was perfectly adequate.” No soul, no personality, just corporate consistency. But Condado does something clever: they hire local artists to create murals for each location that tell stories about the neighborhood. It sounds like a marketing gimmick (okay, it probably is a marketing gimmick), but it works. The walls actually make each location feel different, like it belongs where it is. As they say on their website, it’s “unmistakably Condado” but also unmistakably somewhere, if that makes sense.
The Main Attraction
The food is pretty solid. I usually order two tacos with their Thai chili tofu or veggie chorizo (they have both!), double protein because I’m not messing around, black beans, and basically every topping they’ll give me. It’s filling, it’s satisfying, and here’s the miracle: doubling the protein doesn’t cost as much as a car payment. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but asking for extra protein at most places these days requires taking out a small loan.
That said — and I really hate admitting this because I want to love everything about this place — the quality can be inconsistent. Not always, but sometimes you get perfectly seasoned, crispy tofu that makes you want to high-five the kitchen, and other times it’s just… there. Doing its job. Showing up. I’m guessing it’s a training thing (when you’re expanding the way they are, keeping everyone on the same page has to be tough), but it’s noticeable enough that I feel like I should mention it.
Service (not always) in a Hurry
The service situation is complicated.
The staff are really nice — like, genuinely nice, not fake-nice — but they’re clearly understaffed. I can’t be certain if this is company-wide, or just local to the locations I’ve visited. I’ve watched this play out enough times to understand what’s happening: when you’re perpetually short-handed, you have to pace yourself or you’ll completely burn out. So sometimes there are three people waiting at the host stand while the lone server finishes a few other tasks first. It’s not ideal, but I get it. The alternative is constant turnover and nobody who knows what they’re doing. (Though I’ll admit, some days my patience is better than others.)
But there are uncommon things to celebrate, too.
Their menu labeling is chef’s kiss. V for vegan, Veg for vegetarian, D for dairy, GF for gluten-free. Everything is clearly marked, and because they build everything fresh, you can easily leave things off or substitute.
You can get tacos, burritos, bowls, salads — there’s a whole section of different guacamoles, chips and salsa, and if you’re into margaritas, they have over 80 tequilas. (I haven’t tried all 80. Can’t quite do tequila – sorry.) For plant-based proteins, they offer veggie chorizo, Thai chili tofu, and the standard rice and black beans. It’s not the longest list in the world, but it’s respectable, and more importantly, it tastes like someone actually cares about making good vegan food rather than just offering “options.”
As for how things look when they arrive, well, we need to be realistic here: tacos and anything similar in form are inherently messy. In the restaurant, they come on simple trays — nothing fancy, just straightforward presentation that fits the casual vibe. For takeout, everything’s wrapped up tight, which is the only sensible way to transport tacos unless you enjoy cleaning your car. This isn’t the kind of place where food needs to look like art; it just needs to taste good and be easy to eat. Mission accomplished.
Look, nothing here is perfect. The service can be slow. The food quality isn’t 100% consistent. If you’re looking for a flawless dining experience, this might not be your place. But here’s what Condado is doing: they’re making Mexican-ish plant-based eating accessible and affordable at a scale that almost nobody else has figured out. They’re creating spaces that actually feel local despite being a chain. They’re making it genuinely easy to customize everything to be vegan without making you feel like you’re asking for the moon.
I keep going back. I keep telling people about it. Because even with the quirks and the occasional off night, they’re doing something right. Just go in knowing what you’re getting into — expect some wait time, maybe have a backup plan if your tofu isn’t perfectly crispy that day — and you might find yourself with a new favorite spot.
Still not sure about the name, though.
Condado
Condado
Detailed Ratings
- Food Quality 9.0/10
- Service 7.5/10
- Ambiance 8.5/10
- Value 9.0/10
- Presentation 8.5/10
Pros
- Decent selection of different protein options; lots of customization that can be done
- Generally high-quality, well-seasoned food
- Funky locally-inspired ambiance you don't see everywhere
Cons
- Service can be lackluster, a little laidback
- Website has glitches occasionally, app is a little over-styled for ordering from