Travel down any city street in Philadelphia, and it’s quite obvious that we’re getting ready to entertain delegates, politicians and visitors in a spectacular way during the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC).
The amazing artistry of the “DNC Donkeys” has added a fun element to the history, art and geographic landscape of the city. I was just thrilled when I located the donkey from my home state, New York (located at 12th/Market, SW corner). People are making a game of finding the donkey statues, and they are the perfect backdrop for great photos. Head to www.artjawn.com for a complete listing.
Restaurants are busy creating all sorts of menu items that have a tie-in to the convention. But what happens if you are a vegan visiting Philadelphia? Where should you go?
It’s not always easy being vegan in a different city, but this quick, go-to guide will please vegans and help them decide where to grab a bite to eat. These are a few of my favorite places. While apps like Happy Cow can provide you with a long list of restaurants in any city, I’ve added some personal thoughts to the list below.
Oh, and if you just so happen to live here, these are also fun places for you to visit, whether you’re vegan or not!
Front Street Cafe
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 6 a.m.–midnight; Friday, 6 a.m.–2 a.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–midnight
Located in the city’s Fishtown neighborhood, the Front Street Cafe offers a full menu featuring breakfast (all day), lunch and dinner. Its decor is warm and simple, with exposed brick and wood beams. It is nicely appointed and even provides free infused water to help you stay cool during these hot summer days.
The menu is extensive and offers locally sourced foods. There’s also a full-service bar and juice bar. With an outdoor garden eating area, a large dining area and a private area on the second floor, you won’t feel cramped.
What to order? Take my word for it and order the Buffalo cauliflower wings, served with a vegan dill sauce. Front Street Cafe even makes its own Buffalo sauce. The crisp cauliflower florets are served on a wooden slab. Add the kale Caesar salad and you have the perfect meal. The salads are HUGE.
Veggie burgers are served on vegan brioche buns. The burgers are made in-house. If you’re into desserts, you’ll be happy here, too.
If you don’t have a car, it’s easy to get to Front Street Cafe via SEPTA. Take the EL and get off at Girard; then walk north on Front Street. It’s a two-minute walk. 1235 N. Front St., (215) 515-3073
Soy Cafe
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (weekend hours vary); open seven days a week
Chef-owner Alice Leung had a vision long before vegan eateries were on the map. She’s been creating delicious and beautiful vegan dishes and desserts for more than 10 years. Her keen and creative eye toward flavors and food trends makes the Soy Cafe a “must-visit” when in Northern Liberties.
Alice features a good variety of gluten-free, baked, vegan donuts that are, in fact, one of her signature dishes. But before you sink your teeth into one of those delicious donuts, try the summer rolls. They are packed with delicious vegetables and a “secret sauce” that is totally delish. If you think that a warm bowl of soup is in order, I’d suggest the udon with kale soup.
If vegan senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is looking for the perfect vegan Philly cheesesteak, the Soy Cafe serves a delicious and beautiful version. Lusciously packed with fresh veggies and grilled seitan, it’s even on a vegan wrap.
There’s a certain comfort that Soy Cafe provides to its guests. Its warm ambience, beautiful artwork and pleasant and kind staff make this a great destination in the city of Philadelphia. Plus, the lovely outdoor patio gives you the feeling of the suburbs!
A visit to Soy Cafe will not disappoint. If you live in Philly and haven’t tried one of Alice’s donuts, do visit soon. Alice even makes all of the flours that are used in her baked goods. 630 N. 2nd St., (215) 922-1003
Herban Quality Eats
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed weekends)
It’s the Vegan Jawn that gets me to Herban, a fast-casual eatery in University City. If you’re not from Philly, jawn is almost a pronoun. In this instance, for me, jawn refers to the super delicious quinoa croquette. (I’ll admit, jawn does sound easier.)
PA Eats reviewed Herban a few months ago, and the fast-casual eatery is still one of my favorite places. You can get a full vegan meal that includes a side of roasted veggies (seasonal) and a salad for less than $8.
If you’re looking for locally sourced food that is seasonally dedicated, head to Herban for a delicious meal. Meat and seafood dishes also appear on the menu. 3601 Market St., (215) 386-5000
Miss Rachel’s Pantry
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Monday
Miss Rachel’s Pantry is a cornerstone in the Philly vegan scene. Chef Rachel Klein has created a vegan footprint with her delicious and wholesome offerings. From her crazy-delicious Danish pastries (she has savory or sweet) and homemade vegan cheeses to her hearty soups and dishes, Rachel Klein knows how to identify food trends and, moreover, how to prepare and cook them to perfection.
Miss Rachel’s Pantry is a cozy community hub. A farm table that seats 12 is the focal point of the eatery. It’s so fun to see people eating with complete strangers (and often creating new friendships) as they discuss world events and, usually, Rachel’s delicious food!
There’s a great grab-and-go section that offers bountiful sandwiches, soups and out-of-this-world desserts. The jewel in Rachel’s crown, however, is her Saturday night farm-to-table dinner for 12. You’ll need a reservation for this spectacular six-course meal.
If you’re headed to the convention, you may as well stop at Miss Rachel’s for a great bite to eat—and take-away with you. Rachel said that if Hillary Clinton stops in, she’ll make her famous “Mac and No-Cheez” for the candidate, along with a sandwich and some tomato soup.
Get your Uber driver to take you to Miss Rachel’s for delicious coffee and a blueberry Danish. Located in South Philly, this spot is so warm and cozy that you’ll think you are in someone’s home.
And yes, the blueberries are local. 1938 S. Chadwick St., (215) 798-0053
P.S. & Co.
Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Gluten-free. Vegan. Kosher. Yes, P.S. & Co. (also known as Pure Sweet) is the delightful and charming nosh spot located just off Rittenhouse Square. Chef-owner Andrea Kyan will more than likely be in the kitchen perfecting one of her delicious dishes when you go.
Sourcing the best of ingredients, a remarkable team of chefs, cooks and front-of-house team members makes P.S.& Co. a well-oiled machine of a delicious dining experience. It’s a great place for a soup, salad and sandwich, as well as one of Andrea’s specialty desserts. She even makes her own plant milk (for coffee, tea, etc.). And if you are looking for a cold-pressed juice, there is a wide variety of flavors and combos, all packaged in glass bottles.
Every nook and cranny of this Victorian-era greystone is well-appointed. There’s a collection of cookbooks that will make you plant-curious!
Keep in mind that all of the breads, cakes and cookies are made in-house. If you are looking for real food, Andrea and her team can certainly provide you with delicious, nutritious and tasty dishes. 1706 Locust St., (215) 985-1706
Sweet Charlie’s
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday, 1–9 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 1–10 p.m.
No matter where you go, our city will sustain you with the food offerings from the restaurants we’ve listed. But one more thing, and it’s about dessert. Who doesn’t love dessert?
If you’ve been following the trend of Thai rolled ice cream, Sweet Charlie’s has brought this sweet treat to Washington Square with its unique method for making ice cream. Based on Thai street food, the treat begins with liquid ice cream (the vegan selection is made with Nada-Moo, a well-respected vegan ice cream) that is placed on a frozen disc.
Quick wrists and a “spatula” spread the ice cream paper thin. Once the product is a big rectangle, it is then rolled into five curled pieces of ice cream. You can choose from a list of “add-ons” that help to enhance the flavor and texture of the ice cream.
My vegan treat was delicious and fun to eat. The entire process takes about three minutes.
After you get your sundae, start searching for the city’s artful donkeys. Walk over to Sansom Street and take a close-up look at the Idaho donkey, located at 701 Sansom. 711 Walnut St., (267) 417-7267
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Eat. Walk. Have fun. Hit the repeat button and enjoy every day of your stay in Philadelphia!
- Soy Cafe photo: Courtesy of Soy Cafe
- P.S. & Co. photo: Courtesy of P.S. & Co.
- Remaining photos: Char Nolan
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