Vegan in the Hamptons: Cilantro's Mexican Takeout
Address | 138 Division St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
One of the joys of spending summer in the Hamptons is the abundance of small, locally loved eateries tucked away in unexpected places. From coastal seafood shacks to farm stands brimming with just-picked produce, there’s always something fresh and seasonal to enjoy. While the Hamptons aren’t traditionally known as a vegan hotspot, with a little research and a lot of curiosity, you can find delicious plant-based meals in nearly every town. One of our most satisfying recent discoveries is Cilantro’s Mexican Takeout, a casual spot perfect for when you’re craving comforting, flavorful, no-fuss Mexican food — and want to keep it vegan.
Cilantro’s is exactly what the name suggests: a takeout joint, plain and simple. There's minimal seating, just standing room at the counter if you can’t wait to dig into your order. But truly, this is the kind of food best enjoyed at home, unpacked at your kitchen counter or outside on your deck with an ice-cold drink and good company.
When ordering vegan at spots like this, communication is key. We made sure to kindly but clearly let them know we were ordering vegan, and asked that no cheese, sour cream, or any dairy-based toppings be included. They were friendly and accommodating, confirming with us that they’d make sure our order came out exactly as requested.
What We Ordered:
Veggie Fajitas
If you’re looking for a hearty, customizable option, the Veggie Fajitas are a fantastic choice. The dish came with a generous helping of warm sautéed veggies: soft, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and juicy chunks of tomato. Alongside the vegetables, the order included soft flour tortillas, black beans, rice, lettuce, and a scoop of guacamole. Everything you need to build your own satisfying bite.
We especially appreciated how the beans were seasoned simply and not overly salted, and the rice was cooked perfectly — fluffy but not mushy. The guacamole was fresh, creamy, and bright with lime, adding just the right richness to the wraps. While these fajitas didn’t include the traditional sizzling skillet presentation you'd find at a sit-down restaurant, they didn’t skimp on flavor.
To assemble, we layered the warm veggies into the soft tortilla, added a spoonful of black beans, a scoop of rice, crisp lettuce for crunch, and finished with guacamole and a splash of hot sauce. Each bite delivered that familiar fajita combination of smoky vegetables, creamy avocado, and soft tortilla, with the hot sauce providing the perfect kick.
Veggie Burrito
The Veggie Burrito was another winner. Wrapped up neatly in a soft flour tortilla, it was packed with peppers, onions, corn, black beans, and rice. No complicated ingredients here, just straightforward, fresh, well-cooked components that hit the spot.
What made this burrito really shine was its balance: the sweetness of the corn against the earthiness of the black beans, the slight char from the peppers and onions, and the comforting base of rice to tie it all together. As with the fajitas, we double-checked to ensure no dairy would sneak its way in, and they delivered on that promise. The burrito was filling, flavorful, and exactly the kind of meal that feels both healthy and indulgent.
The Hot Sauces
Cilantro’s offers two standout house-made hot sauces: red and green. We tried both, and honestly, we couldn’t pick a favorite — they’re each delicious in their own right.
The red sauce brought a smoky, rich depth with just the right amount of lingering heat. It paired perfectly with the fajitas and burrito alike, adding that extra layer of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the vegetables.
The green sauce leaned brighter and zestier, with a tangy, herbal quality that complemented the guacamole beautifully. A little drizzle of this on the lettuce in the fajitas gave a fresh contrast to the warmth of the sautéed veggies.
If you’re a fan of hot sauce, don’t skip out on asking for both. They truly elevated the meal from good to great.
Why We Recommend Cilantro’s for Vegan Takeout
In a region where vegan dining options can still feel somewhat limited — especially when it comes to takeout — Cilantro’s stands out for its flexibility and flavor. While it’s not a vegan restaurant per se, they’re happy to accommodate plant-based eaters, and the menu offers solid options that require minimal adjustment to make them fully vegan.
There’s something really satisfying about finding a neighborhood spot where you can get a reliably good meal without a lot of fuss. Cilantro’s delivers on that. It’s quick, affordable, and hits the craving for something warm, filling, and comforting.
Beyond that, it’s worth mentioning how friendly and easygoing the staff were. They took our vegan requests seriously, didn’t make us feel like we were being difficult, and double-checked everything to make sure our food aligned with our dietary preferences. In a busy takeout environment, that attention to detail is appreciated.
Tips for Ordering Vegan at Cilantro’s:
Be Clear: When ordering, let them know up front that you’re vegan. Confirm no cheese, no sour cream, and ask about any hidden dairy in rice or beans (at Cilantro’s, the black beans and rice were vegan-friendly).
Customize: Don’t be shy about asking for extras like more lettuce, extra guacamole, or additional hot sauce. They’re accommodating and happy to make adjustments.
Hot Sauces are a Must: Both the red and green sauces are fantastic. Grab both if you can.
Take it Home: While there’s technically space to eat inside at the standing counter, this food really shines when enjoyed at home — whether that’s on your porch, at the beach, or curled up on the couch.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro’s Mexican Takeout may not scream “vegan destination,” but it’s a perfect example of how a little communication can open up delicious possibilities at even the most unassuming places. The portions are generous, the flavors are fresh and satisfying, and the overall experience is exactly what you want from a local takeout joint: easy, reliable, and delicious.
Whether you’re a full-time vegan or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based meals during your Hamptons stay, Cilantro’s offers an approachable and affordable option for those craving classic Mexican flavors without the animal products. It’s one of those spots we’ll definitely return to — not just because it’s vegan-friendly, but because it’s good.
So next time you’re in the Hamptons, craving fajitas or burritos without the fuss, you know where to go. Just remember to grab extra hot sauce.
