Grab a SEPTA token, hop on the 101 “light rail” and head to Media. First of all, a ride on the 101 trolley provides one of the most scenic routes in Delaware County and, more importantly, once you get to Media you will find a diner’s paradise for all sorts of cuisine.
My husband isn’t plant-based, so when we go out to dine we try to find eateries that provide omnivore cuisine. It makes things very easy, and I love finding restaurants that serve plant-based dishes as part of their offerings.
Media is our go-to town for a late lunch, quick dinner and even Sunday brunch. With so many restaurants to choose from, I thought I would highlight three places that I frequent where the food is good and meat eaters and vegans can unite.
The Coffee Beanery
A bank with a coffee shop? The Coffee Beanery shares space with the Franklin Credit Union, but this national coffee chain in Media has a local, small-town feel to it. You’ll see the locals catching up with one another over a cup of joe. Free Wi-Fi, good coffee and, quite by surprise, delicious vegan wraps. My favorite is The Vegan Lady, a whole wheat wrap packed with vegetables, hummus, Kalamata olives and great flavor. If you’re a coffee drinker, you can get almond milk for your coffee, which is always a bonus. Wraps are reasonably priced and packed with nutrition.
My favorite thing to do at the Coffee Beanery is watch time pass by. Perched at the window, I get to see a slice of life in downtown Media. I can watch people stroll on State Street as the trolley rolls by. It’s quite a picturesque scene. If you’re on the go and need a bite to eat, stop in the Coffee Beanery for that afternoon pick-me-up. 100 W. State St., (610) 566-2857
The 320 Market Cafe
If you are looking for a big, juicy burger of the vegetable kind, 320 Market Cafe offers a delicious, in-house-made Ghandi Burger that is beautifully crafted. Grab a half-salad of chard and kale, and you have a perfect lunch. The veggie burger is thick and juicy and very filling. Not everyone can perfect the veggie burger, but I think that 320 Market Cafe does it expertly.
The atmosphere at 320 Market Cafe is fun and groovy. If you’re a beer drinker, there is quite a variety of brews to choose from. There is also a fabulous “grab and go” section that will take the edge off dinner prep when you are in a hurry. From salads and side dishes to main courses, 320 Market Cafe has you covered for a great meal at home.
In the meantime, that veggie burger is a two-hand delight that can’t be missed. 211 W. State St., (610) 565-8320
Margaret Kuo’s
A ubiquitous name in the Philly restaurant world, Margaret Kuo’s on State Street is a favorite for many diners. With her flagship location located in Wayne on Lancaster Avenue, the Media site is close by and makes it easy to eat delicious plant-based dishes from Margaret Kuo’s. I have personally known Margaret for many years, and have always appreciated her graciousness as a chef and business owner.
The State Street location is small and quaint, but you’ll still find the same deliciously prepared Northern Chinese cuisine. And, if you are a sushi lover, there is an extensive and authentic Japanese menu to peruse.
With vegetables as the focal point of a vegan dish, it’s easy to get a great meal at Margaret Kuo’s. The broccoli sauté with garlic and brown rice is a favorite. But, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the mountain yams with sautéed garden greens. A Zagat favorite, you can head to Margaret Kuo’s for a delicious meal and great conversation. And if Margaret is there, more than likely she’ll come to your table and say hello. 4–6 W. State St., (610) 892-0115
Still hungry?
What I love best about dining in Media is that you can window shop after eating. Burning off calories is always a good thing, right? Enjoy dining out in Media, and let the restaurant where you are dining know that you appreciate the vegan options that appear on the menu.
For more information about getting to Media on SEPTA for a delicious meal, visit the SEPTA website.
- Photography: Char Nolan
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