I’d heard that Philadelphia is one of the great U.S. vegan-friendly cities, and it did not disappoint on my recent visit. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite in between sight-seeing or shopping, or looking for a place suited for a more romantic dinner, here’s my list of faves for the City of Brotherly Love.

Special thanks to friends on the Cruelty-Free Faves Facebook page who offered up suggestions.

Dinner

Vedge

Upscale, lively vegan tapas place. This place is such a treat, I decided to write a separate piece about the experience, just so I could include a bunch of tantalizing pictures from our meal. So check back at the end of this week for a full report on The Vedge.

Upscale, lively vegan tapas place. This place is such a treat, I decided to write a separate piece about the experience, just so I could include a bunch of tantalizing pictures from our meal. So check back at the end of this week for a full report on The Vedge. New Harmony

All-vegan in Philadephia’s Chinatown. The atmosphere is casual, but the extensive menu (including mock meats) gets rave reviews. Once my husband Seth heard that there was a vegan dim-sum nearby, New Harmony became his destination of choice. Vegan pork buns, shrimp dumplings, sesame chicken. No surprise, I loved the steamed spinach dumplings.

Vegan Philly Steaks

Blackbird Pizzeria

The first place we head to when we arrived — thanks to multiple suggestions. You can buy pizza by the slice here, and some of the combinations look absolutely delicious; but we were steered to the Seitan Cheesesteak and — what can I say? — it’s a must. I hear the Cubano sandwich is pretty amazing, too. We also sampled the chick pea “tuna” salad and cajun coleslaw, both delicious. Cupcakes from Vegan Treats available if you have room for dessert. Cool piece of trivia: the owner of Blackbird previously worked at Blossom in NYC.

Hip City Veg

Not far from Rittenhouse Square, Hip City Veg features an all plant-based menu. The burgers and sandwiches are soy and grain-based, but there are delicious salads on the menu, too. Of course, I had to try the Philly Steak — I loved all the grilled onions and tomato on Hip City’s version of the classic. Sweet potato fries with black bean chipotle and a vanilla shake (soy milk, soy ice cream) rounded out this highly indulgent meal. Thankfully, I’d been walking around all day… and did a lot more walking afterwards.

Lunch

Mi Lah (Dinner /Lunch)

This vegan restaurant has a very tempting dinner menu: African Peanut Stew in Tomato Curry Sauce. Brazilan Seitan Feijoado with Pan Seared Red Curry. Grilled Oyster Mushrooms on Brandy-Tequila Tomato Sauce with Vegan Chorizo. Or how about Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, and Potato Cashew Gratin in a Lemon Beurre Blanc? Next time I’m in town, I will be there for dinner. However, on this visit, I stopped in for lunch — an altogether different menu. I opted for the Vietnamese Hoagie with marinated tofu, chili vegenaise, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. So good. And, if you’re up for ordering a side, I recommend the battered mushrooms served with agave mustard.

Reading Terminal Market

One of oldest (since 1893) and largest farmer’s markets in the country, this market should be on any visitor’s agenda. I spent a couple of hours in here just wandering around, taking in the abundance of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts. You’ll also get a glimpse of Pennsylvania’s Amish, who are among the vendors here. Although this is an omnivore’s market, it’s still a great spot for a lunchtime with local flavor. Choose from places like OK Produce, Tootsie’s Salad Express, 12th St. Cantina for a veggie burrito or tacos, or Kamal’s for a hummus or falafel pita. Old City Coffee makes a good cup of decaf.

One of oldest (since 1893) and largest farmer’s markets in the country, this market should be on any visitor’s agenda. I spent a couple of hours in here just wandering around, taking in the abundance of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts. You’ll also get a glimpse of Pennsylvania’s Amish, who are among the vendors here. Although this is an omnivore’s market, it’s still a great spot for a lunchtime with local flavor. Choose from places like OK Produce, Tootsie’s Salad Express, 12th St. Cantina for a veggie burrito or tacos, or Kamal’s for a hummus or falafel pita. Old City Coffee makes a good cup of decaf. Maoz Vegetarian

There are two locations of this falafel chain in Philly. I didn’t get to either, but I’m well-acquainted with Maoz, thanks to the NYC location just a couple of blocks from my apartment. So, if you’ve already tried a vegan cheesesteak, keep in mind this other great option for a quick bite. Never underestimate the possibilities of one pita, three falafel balls, and a mostly vegan “as much as you can pile on” fixins’ bar.

Snack, Take a Break, Recharge



Grindcore House

If you’re running around Independence Mall and all the nearby landmarks, you may want to take a break at this cool little vegan coffeehouse. Bonus: vegan cream cheese for the bagels.

Grindcore House If you’re running around Independence Mall and all the nearby landmarks, you may want to take a break at this cool little vegan coffeehouse. Bonus: vegan cream cheese for the bagels. Soft Pretzels!

I grew up with New York pretzel vendors, so sue me if I say that Philadelphia wins the soft pretzel award. If you’re looking for a snack while you’re walking your way through early American history, I highly recommend grabbing one at the Independence Visitors Center or at any one of the numerous local restaurants or food trucks that have them. A little mustard, and I’m good to go!

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