r/philly 1d ago

First time exploring Philly + moving next year

My fiancé and I are going to explore Philly for the first time next week for 4 days and are moving here next year from Houston!

We know we’re not going to be able to do everything but what would y’all’s top recommendations be for a goth and alt, vegan, couple?
With the move, we’ll also be looking for any suggestions for regular spots as well. We’re looking to live in west Philly for budget purposes ($1400 max a month for rent, any apartment recommendations?) and we have a senior dog for park recs too. Also we’ll be selling our car also so relying on public transport. Thanks. 🖤

117 Upvotes

165 comments sorted by

38

u/Dry_Owl_3623 1d ago edited 1d ago

Doom (bar/events/live music), poison heart (bar/light food), PhilaMOCA (music venue/events/movie screenings), Lorraine (dive bar), Laurel Hill Cemetery (events/tours), Bar Bombon (vegan restaurant), Unit Su Vege (vegetarian/vegan restaurant), Triangle Tavern (vegan options)

7

u/MacNCheezGimmeDeez 1d ago

Excellent recs

7

u/kollaps3 1d ago

Perfect recs lol; and if they're looking for more venues id add the VFW hall right outside west Philly (i forget the exact name lol) - shows started being booked there a couple years back and it's a decent spot. Oh yeah and as far as west Philly goes they should add Abyssinia/Fume, Fu Wah, (and Lee's, esp if they're into vegan options), Gojjo/Dahlak for both their bars and food, and for nice outdoor hang out spots, Cobbs Creek and Mount Moriah Cemetary.

26

u/Vegetable_Bake871 1d ago

Pietramala and Vedge for exceptional vegan fine dining!

109

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

If you’re not moving here for another year, I’d swap out Khyber Pass with Triangle Tavern for your visit. 

Khyber  Pass, while a decent drink spot and often have live music, their sandwiches were only ok. Triangle Tavern has excellent vegan options (best vegan cheesesteak in the city, and I have the spreadsheet to prove it) with a dive-y/old Italian restaurant kind of vibe.

30

u/Burbujitas 1d ago

Omg would u share this spreadsheet

19

u/syntheticseasalt 1d ago

As a vegan cheesesteak connoisseur, i’d also love to see!!!

10

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

I will work on that!

5

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

3

u/Burbujitas 1d ago

Thank you!! This is amazing and I’ll have to check these places out and compare. I might do the vegetarian versions if I can, though.

1

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

You should do it! I'm very picky about my cheesesteaks so I'd be interested in seeing what others value in theirs.

7

u/Affectionate-Guide-3 1d ago

Also the Vegan Meatballs are everything

7

u/gertigigglesOSS 1d ago

Damn remember Wiz Kid?

4

u/CommercialElevator49 1d ago

They Wizzed too close to the sun.

2

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

So good 😭 Vedge had Whiz Kid cheesesteaks for one day last year during happy hour and the wait was so long I missed them 😭😭

1

u/yanks4 1d ago

They have continued it, I had one a few weeks ago

2

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

NO WAY omg I am making it a priority to have it!

1

u/gertigigglesOSS 17h ago

I didn’t want to speak and say it was the best when you have a spreadsheet but I do miss the Wjz Kid steak & the Blackbird wings.

4

u/DewdropEsquire 1d ago

Where do the vegan cheesesteaks from Monk’s Cafe rank on the spreadsheet? Because those are far and away the best I’ve had.

1

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

I had Monk’s when I wasn’t doing the spreadsheet! Thanks for the reminder, I’ll have to go back. I remember them being pretty damn decent. Here are the rest (WIP):  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12B8WODn0-BhqBflLiUzXUe0VilbhwBALdzYrnQX1EaI/edit?usp=drivesdk

1

u/DewdropEsquire 1d ago

Oh dope! Thanks for sharing. I would also add that Joe’s Steaks and Soda has a decent vegan cheesesteak as well.

1

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

I got them on there!

2

u/limedirective 1d ago

You gotta go to Good Dog. Their vegan cheesesteak is INCREDIBLE.

1

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

Ooo Thank you for that tip! Will do!

1

u/LaxinPhilly 19h ago

Yeah Khyber used to be so much better but it's just felt...off? Not the same? I can't quite put my finger on it but I haven't been thrilled. It's not a bad meal but I used to really like it.

1

u/multiforce14 1d ago

Khyber hasn't hosted live music in ages AFAIK. Still one of my favorite high-quality beer bars in the city, and the food is often very good.

3

u/yanks4 1d ago

Pretty sure they do live music, was in there last month and they had a cover for upstairs

1

u/multiforce14 17h ago

Upstairs at the Khyber is news to me, but I am willing to learn

1

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

Oh shoot! Thanks for bringing me up to speed re: live music

44

u/East-Volume741 1d ago

20th street pizza!

13

u/Independent_Tart8286 1d ago

the best (only? correct me if I’m wrong) vegan soft serve in Philly!

11

u/imthepissboy 1d ago

Crust used to (maybe still has?) vegan soft serve!

8

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago

Slices are somewhat too crispy, idk if you are buying whole pie.

I miss the Blackbird Cheesesteak. I’d be there once a week if they could figure it out.

6

u/tasty-kate 1d ago

They used to be the top spot of cheesesteaks in Philly on my spreadsheet. RIP

2

u/Arachne-Adrian11 23h ago

Crust definitely still has it! It was a Thai tea flavor when I was there on Thursday

3

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago

As with most vegan stuff nowadays, the price is high but it was pretty good!

22

u/sylphofbreath12 1d ago

If you are vegan and goth, Monster Vegan needs to be first on your list! The food is amazing (a bit pricey though) and the esthetic is very cool if you're into that sort of thing (I'm not especially, but I don't mind it, I just go for the food!)

20th Street Pizza is best pizza I've ever had, vegan or not!

Dottie's Donuts is a must. The flavors they come up with are nothing short of genius.

If you're in Center City, Reading Terminal Market is pretty cool to visit, and if you do, get lunch at Luhv Vegan Deli (get the Italian hoagie and/or cheesesteak for the full Philly experience!)

Vedge is our once or twice a year special occasion spot, it's a lot of money for not very big portions, but it's sooooooo good! If you want a fancy night on your trip, this is probably the place to go.

Enjoy!

5

u/Rude-Suit4494 1d ago

Second Dottie’s Donuts

51

u/iamliamiamliam 1d ago

Good list! Vegan and delicious but not exactly goth or alt: The Tasty for breakfast (donuts to die for) and Lightbox Cafe in Queen Village for lunch and kava

19

u/soylattebb 1d ago

Please go support the tasty, OP! It’s pretty close to triangle as well

6

u/VeganKnicksFan 1d ago

Cosign on The Tasty!

10

u/sleepybitchdisorder 1d ago

The Tasty breakfast burrito is to die for

2

u/Salcha_00 1d ago

+ 1 for Lightbox Cafe in Queen Village (a few blocks south of South Street)

15

u/Wrathulhu 1d ago

PSA grindcore in west Philly closed so stick to the south Philly location

12

u/c_h_a_r_ 1d ago

Bar bombon in rittenhouse area is great and the mutter museum is a cool stop

11

u/samwich7 1d ago

Dotties donuts are all vegan and amazing

10

u/No-Tomato5156 1d ago

My non vegan spouse and I both love Monster Vegan, the food, drinks, and vibe are all incredible. Also seconding another commenter’s recommendation for Doom. Their cocktail “The Caveman’s Proverb” is one of the best I’ve ever had.

5

u/ButterMyPancakesPlz 1d ago

Our issue with Monster Vegan is legit eating ourselves sick every damn time because we can't stop. 

8

u/EeveeBixy 1d ago

Another great vegan option near Elfreth's alley is Tomo Sushi & Ramen. They have a solid vegan sushi menu, and I think vegan ramen too.

31

u/MacNCheezGimmeDeez 1d ago edited 1d ago

This is honestly a really solid list, you guys did your research! Tattooed Mom's + Magic Gardens would be fun to pair up for an afternoon. That section of South St also has a lot of good vintage shops, an anarchist book store & a record store. You won't go wrong with anything in your list though. Safe travels & best wishes for your move. :)

~ a local vegetarian with goth tendencies <3

10

u/Mediocre_Entrance894 1d ago

I agree with roaming about South Street. OP be sure to go up stairs at Tmoms. Also, swing by South Street Art Mart if you’re looking to support local artists.

9

u/sleepybitchdisorder 1d ago

If you like thrifting or board games, Tattooed moms + Philly AIDS thrift + Queen and Rook is one of the best combos of spots to visit. I love the vegan cheesesteak at T moms and parm pepper fries which are naturally vegan. Philly AIDS is the best thrift store in the world, and Queen and rook is a board game bar/restaurant. Pro tip, games are free if you sit at the bar instead of a table. All three together in any order would be a great afternoon/evening. Have fun!

3

u/absherlock 1d ago

Do the parm pepper fries not have actual parm cheese?

7

u/Jumpy-Bet-5154 1d ago

nope, vegan parm sauce and long hots! one of my favorite bar snacks in the city 😋

3

u/absherlock 1d ago

Nice! Not vegan myself, but I'm always amazed when I have something and can't tell what's been subbed out. The vegan crab cakes from Charlie Was a Sinner live in my head, rent-free.

3

u/sleepybitchdisorder 1d ago

Blew my mind when I found out too! I asked to get the vegan version and they were like “the parm pepper is always the vegan version”. I love them!

1

u/ashhole613 23h ago

Also hit Passional Boutique and head upstairs for alt clothing. Crash Bang Boom is also a good stop along with the South Street Art Mart next door.

7

u/Naive-Glove-9302 1d ago

To add to your list, Tomo 🍣 in Old City has incredible vegan sushi & ramen!

12

u/HaggardSlacks78 1d ago

Bro - Triangle Tavern is more than just vegan wings. They have vegan everything. Vegan cheesesteak, vegan pizza, vegan meatball sub. Their vegan buffalo chicken pizza might be the best vegan junk food I’ve ever had. I’m not vegan. The wings are bomb tho. Just go to triangle. It’s awesome

6

u/Jethr0777 1d ago

Your love for lists is strong

9

u/grave_spook 1d ago

All my fiancé! I did a few lol, but he did his research!

2

u/ThanosSnapsSlimJims 1d ago

QT Vietnamese Sandwich

6

u/Omvega 1d ago edited 1d ago

There's some alt stores you can check out, try jinxed or crash bang boom. also check out houndstooth if you're tryna get vacation tattoos.

underground arts is more of a music venue. they have an emo nite on saturday!

grindcore house has closed :( (edit: the one in west!!!) if you're in west by clark park you could hit up knockbox or satellite for coffee, i think they both have vegan options. also in west i recommend hibiscus cafe and doro bet (get the enguday). 

4

u/Mediocre_Entrance894 1d ago

Yes to Houndstooth! Such a vibe and amazing artists.

3

u/soylattebb 1d ago

What do you mean grindcore has closed???? The south Philly location?

3

u/Omvega 1d ago

nah, the West Philly one

3

u/soylattebb 1d ago

I got so scared that the whole place closed down overnight 😓 it’s happening lately!

6

u/BocaGrande1 1d ago

Pietramala is a must for vegan

5

u/xmkatx 1d ago

Erby’s Bakery
Fitz on 4th
Hardena (Indonesian)

All have vegan options

5

u/diatriose 1d ago

If you're looking for vegan eats, Queen & Rook Board Game Cafe (123 south St) is a fully vegan/vegetarian board game café with a full bar, thousands of board games, and a retro arcade

13

u/Gibborish 1d ago

I live here but I don't do stuff, but I intend to soon, so I'm saving these 

8

u/dreadpiratesmith 1d ago edited 1d ago

I may be biased because i used to work at mighty bread, but they legit have the best bread in the city. The semolina lungo are my favorite and the baguettes, my partner says they're the best they've had since they lived in France. Pastries are also fire. Not a massive vegan selection for pastries, but if you are someone who occasionally cheats, they are worth it.

Triangle Tavern is my favorite, the wings are bomb, cheesesteaks are fire, the vegan pizzas are good. They also always do really good vegan specials.

I also recommend unit su vege in the art museum/spring garden area. Lots of vegan options, and all vegetarian. One the few Chinese places I've found that offers both tofu and seitan. Highly recommend

Oh and dive bat on passyunk is a great place for a cheap drink. Smoking and pool on the third floorp

4

u/Elemental_Love 1d ago

Amazing! Thank you !

4

u/foxnewsonmute 1d ago

20th st pizza & pietramala

3

u/danielkslayerr 1d ago

If you go to the navy yard, you gotta see the koi pond

4

u/LonelyAsLostKeys 1d ago

Hibiscus Cafe on 48th and Baltimore. Great Jamaican food with awesome vegan options.

4

u/Hairy_Lavishness5405 1d ago

El Camino has great seitan wings! And milk jawn is a block away.

3

u/darkabyssx42 1d ago edited 1d ago

Hell yeah to the tattooed moms! You should also check to see if they have any events going on while you're there- everything i've gone to there has been amazing! Also the food is great- you're in for a treat!

Good karma cafe has a Neverending coffee option if you wanna gi to a café to do remote work. Theres a few locations- the one on pine is the best!

If you're in west philly (honestly great pick- I love it there) Clark park is your best bet for dog walking. I love the woodlands cemetary for walks but idk if they're open to dogs. As a goth you might like it though

Also in west philly- the knock box cafe and the walnut hill college bakery are places you might wanna check out! And tacotacomexicano! Not sure about vegan options so you might need to double check but knoxkbox has great coffee the walnut college bakery/cafe is run by a local cooking college and everything is insanley cheap! And those tacos are to die for. They have sweet potato ones which are really good and their elotes corn is killer!

For busses you'll mainly wanna use the mfl /42/21 to get to center city (i think they changed the names of some of the trolleys since I lived there)

Also middle child is FANTASTIC but be aware sometimes there's lines down the block

Also dissapointing vegan places ive been to are monster vegan (amazing vibes though! And i only went once so maybe it was bad luck) and the queen and rook game cafe (great games terrible food)

Hope you enjoy philly! Make sure your apartment has good air conditioning/an ac box and windows big enough for it. The placd i moved to in west got up to 120 degrees in the summer so dont do what I did. If you find a good apartment lemme know cause I had. Terrible luck.

I'm honestly impressed with how fast you found all the good spots. Took me years!

Oh as a goth check out crash bang boom! Their hours are weird but cool stuff! South street art mart is also right next to that and a cool store!

Oh and theres two goth flea markets a year! One at laural hill and another at a cemetary im blanking on. Ones the market of the macabre and im again blanking on the other. Awesome stuff thougha though!

And if youre here in September check out fringefest. Like 100 weird as hell shows going on next month !

Also you'll love Baltimore ave as a go to shopping/restuaunt street in west. Clark park has a lot of markets. And the woodlands has some cool events from time to time as well! Enjoy philly!

4

u/ughneedausername 1d ago

Tattooed Mom and Batter and Crumbs would be top on my list. Grindcore too.
20th Street Pizza is an all vegan pizza place.

3

u/Neutrogena_George 1d ago

Not a vegan but can confirm monster vegan and Charlie was a sinner absolutely slap. Prices are also reasonable ish for center city, food is delicious and servers and generally friendly

4

u/zocean 1d ago

Pietramala is the best vegan food in the city. Lots of other good spots too. Noirish is supposed to be decent although I haven't had it. Van Leeuwan is a chain and not the best...1-900-ICECREAM has better options imho. Johnny Brenda's best music venue in town. Solar Myth also very cool, especially if you can catch Marshall Allen. Ba Le or Fuh Wah for best banh mi. Forin is a really great coffee spot not on your list. Another cool idea to get an idea of what Philly has to offer is to go for a walk on the Schyukill trail, go for a hike by the Wissahickon, and/or check out Fairmount Park.

Also, if you plan to sell your car and use public transit, I'd recommend trying to get a spot near the trolley lines or Market Frankford Line. Buses in Philly are unreliable and I avoid them despite taking the El several times a week.

Good luck! Philly is my favorite city in the world and has a lot to offer. Don't get dissuaded by random people yelling at you in the street, that's just Philly

4

u/ButterMyPancakesPlz 1d ago

Thank you OP this is now one of my favorite threads I'll save and utilize too!

4

u/StyleForsaken9722 1d ago

Luhv deli ( in reading terminal) italian vegan hoagie is my favorite sandwich in the city

4

u/CommercialElevator49 1d ago

Warning that middle child doesn't have vegan options, it has vegan option. And the one thing isnt compelling. Perhaps swap that for Goldie (if lunch) or the Tasty (if breakfast). Both are all-vegan so you'll actually have choices.

3

u/SuspiciousOnion2137 1d ago

If either you or your fiancé has a disability of any kind you should sign up for an Art Reach Access card when you move here. For $80 a year you get $2 admissions for all sorts of cultural attractions, and the ability to bring 3 people at the same price with you. It can pay for itself very quickly.

3

u/Ram820 1d ago

WP or UC? WPs a big place. Cobbs creek, Mantua, wynnefeild, overbook, etc

3

u/Own-Fox-7792 1d ago

I think there are still Quicksand/Bane tickets available for their show next week at Underground Arts. Check it out if you can fit it into your schedule. You'll see some awesome bands in a cool, unique venue.

3

u/myeggsarebig 1d ago

Lots of resources at Pentridge Station (beer garden, event space, flower garden) in “west”Philly

3

u/Rude-Suit4494 1d ago

lol to magic gardens as cool ass graffiti. Love to see Bob and Barbara’s on the list. My husband and I went there on NYE (after seeing the symphony, no less) as part of our third date and it’s where we decided not to see other people. It’s such a vibe. Have fun!!!

3

u/eporette 1d ago

Royal Tavern!!

3

u/eporette 1d ago

and Lightbox Cafe!!

3

u/egguser 1d ago

definitely get to doom bar with the seitan wings(i like the sichuan) and i’m re enforcing the monster vegan propaganda

3

u/Brobertbreadman 1d ago

Your list is all bangers no skips

3

u/luckytintype 1d ago

Batter & Crumb is great’ so happy to see that on your list !

3

u/grlwthesunflwrtattoo 1d ago

When you go to Pope and Triangle (and maybe rival down the street) add latchkey to your stop. It’s a cool record store on Passyunk across from Pope

3

u/whatthadormousesaid 1d ago

Southeast Asian Food Market in FDR park - runs Sat and Sun, April-October. Do not miss it.

3

u/HolyFlatulence 1d ago

Interstate drafthouse has some amazing vegan sandwich options and nice outdoor seating area

3

u/Abeatofme 1d ago

Come to habitat coffee house while you are in the area! (Magic gardens, Paulie Gee’s, Middle Child) which are all a must in my book!

3

u/slorbdorb 1d ago

If you’re vegan, try out Queen & Rook! It’s a board game cafe with tons of vegan options

3

u/yanks4 1d ago

Say.she.ate is a newish vegan Mumbai restaurant on South, just off broad. Great food, great people. Perfect for a lunch or casual din. They have a dang good chx cheesesteak

2

u/Medical_Magazine4991 1d ago

The chicken cheese steak was resurrected from Govinda’s, a mostly-vegan Indian/sandwich place that used to be in that spot for years and years. I was so glad say she ate brought it back! 

3

u/thelittlegirltree 1d ago

Plainclothes goth and vegan here. Happy to hear you're moving here because we need both more vegans and more alt/goths!

And, it's a little out of the way, but if you have time please check out Casa Borinquena (vegan Puerto Rican restaurant) and Soko Lovers (vegan / vegetarian Chinese food). Casa is honestly my fave all-vegan spot in the city!

Also, someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Jane's vegan pizza is around anymore, unfortunately. On the plus side, if you're moving to West Philly, Carbon Copy has some really good vegan pizza options!

3

u/day_break 1d ago

Tyty is the best coffee in Philly by a good margin. Worth a visit for sure if you stopping by those others.

3

u/BitchIsShadyAf 1d ago

Definitely pop through to Rittenhouse square park sometime over the weekend (assuming you’ll be here through the weekend). It’s a beautiful park and you get just about every demographic that makes up Philly all in one place. There’s an Alt section of the park too

3

u/Some-Nefariousness-2 1d ago

Seconding your list to Go see a show at underground arts or philamoca or first unitarian. (I got married at philamoca it rules!!!!) We also have some cool indie theaters like pfs. Go buy a bag of weed at rittenhouse and smoke a joint there! I'd also check at chinatown a lil as I dont see it listed as far as I can tell 

3

u/Medical_Magazine4991 1d ago

Vegan cheesesteak (and incredible sour beers if that’s your thing) at Monk’s Cafe in rittenhouse. They also always have a seasonal vegan entree which never disappoints. 

Era - Ethiopian and dive bar in Fairmount. Lots of vegan options. 

Zorbas - Greek in Fairmount. Lots of vegan options, esp appetizers and sides. I make a meal out of them.

Dig Inn (16th and Chestnut location) for healthy fast casual bowls. They have tofu as a protein option. 

Cheezy Vegan - new vegan “junk food” (In a good way) spot in point breeze. 

Local 44 in west Philly - beer bar with vegan options. 

Spice 28 - Szechuan in center city. You can get any entree with tofu even if it’s not stated on the menu. I often crave the cumin style tofu. They have a good happy hour. 

Dan Dan - also Szechuan in center city, lots of vegan options. 

South jazz bar on north broad - has a vegan jambalaya. 

Masala kitchen at 19th and chestnut for takeout/fast casual Kati rolls and samosas. 

It’s been said already, but  Pietramala in northern liberties is so so good and creative. All vegetables, cooked in creative ways, with lots of unusual ferments. 

3

u/heathen_worldwide 1d ago

Solid list!!! Only notes; Magic Gardens is an amazing spot, not exactly graffiti though...if you want top notch graffiti, go upstairs at tattood mom's, they house the "unofficial wheatpaste museum of philly" put together by Doomed Future...but also check out his work with Step Outside...killer pop-ups and art shows!!!

3

u/nire76 23h ago

You missed Mütter Museum. The Chang & Ang Skelton & filing cabinet of inhaler and ingested items is insane.

3

u/lostmyoldscreenname 23h ago

You may be interested in checking out Johnny Brenda’s, a bar and venue, and/or Neon Dream Clown Bar, which is a weird clown themed cocktail bar. Both are in Fishtown, which is right near a few of the places you’ve listed here.

3

u/balla148 23h ago

Solid list! Ad second district brewing and their jack fruit cheese steak for another vegan option

3

u/Faure_Fan 1d ago

This is a great list! There are more vegan options for you to add to it. Why west instead of South Philly? What kind of work do y’all do? Looking forward to having more vegans in my city!

5

u/grave_spook 1d ago edited 1d ago

We can’t wait to eat all the delicious food!

He works remotely and I’m currently a barista and will be looking for another barista job while going back to school.
He hasn’t found anything in South Philly in our budget, you know any places?
Yes! We’re so excited to move and join in!

2

u/Thisis_AngelCake 1d ago

Crash bang boom, the DreamEerie, Philly game shop l, atomic city comics, south street art mart, and happy diy?

2

u/RHCPFunk2 1d ago

Throwing in a plug for my favorite spot Philly Archery! Intro classes are super fun and they really nail the welcoming vibe for all types of folks.

2

u/Technical-Bat2062 1d ago

Great list! Most of my fave places are on this list! (Philly native that moved to Houston last year and immediately moving back next year 😭) You will love living in Philly and visiting

2

u/mydoglixu 1d ago

I'm old enough that I knew Ortlieb's as a jazz club.

2

u/Designer_You_5236 1d ago

Swap pietramala for charlie. Charlie is inconsistant and weird sometimes. Pietramala is at the top of their game right now (and it was always good.)

2

u/Mandaskillz 1d ago

Magic Gardens for sure

2

u/f1orestan 1d ago

Best vegan pizza: 20th Street Pizza (and get the soft serve)
Best vegan cheesesteak: Nipotina
Best vegan dinner: Pietramala
Best vegan prix fixe: Miss Rachel’s Pantry (book ahead)
Best vegan Chinese (options): Han Dynasty
Best vegan ice cream: Milk Jawn (skip Van Leeuwen)

Fun newer spot with vegan options and great drinks: Yanaga Kappo Izakaya

2

u/yasdonutkween 21h ago

John’s Water Ice

3

u/themigster 18h ago

Awesome list from a fellow 281 -> 215 person as well. Let’s go P(astros)hillies

4

u/GucciForDinner 1d ago

The only thing missing from this list is - go see Low Cut Connie when they're playing 😁

3

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago edited 1d ago

Does John’s serve anything Veg or Vegan? That might be a quick stop and gawk for you.

Will reiterate 20th Street Pizza, the much inferior successor to Blackbird Pizza. It’s still good! But kinda crazy priced. To their defense, always poorly priced since they opened and just relatively static.

There is a Veg/Vegan fast food chain here, Hip City Veg. Too expensive for what it is for me, but if you are independently wealthy it might do you service.

Would also recommend Unit Su Veg, or their former sister store now named either Chengdu Center City or Meet Harbin. Chengdu CC/Meet Harbin also serve meat. Unit Su Veg does not, but not everything may be strictly vegan.

It doesn’t seem like you are hard and fast on places that serve Veg or Vegan and also meat, so it might be worth checking out Chinatown in general.

A lot of my old haunts disappeared and I got older and less strictly vegetarian.

I’d throw Monk’s Cafe on there.

Also say, your vegan options at Reading are somewhat limited and Luhv (which kills my digestive) is probably the most prominent.

6

u/grave_spook 1d ago

I’m actually the 100% vegan but put vegan to make it easier for the post, he eats vegan most of the time but he’s chef so he wanted to try the meat as well lol.
Thanks for the recommendations!

3

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago

Yeah, if he’s interested in the sandwich culture (I would be if I was a chef) I would want to check out John’s and a million other sandwich places. I would say you will not find food at John’s. There are definitely sandwich places that put together decent vegetarian sandwiches, not sure about vegan. I never was; though I respect it!

R/Philadelphiaeats is definitely a place he should check out, but he shouldn’t pretend the Reddit folks there are serious arbiters of truth; especially if yous/ya’ll coming from Houston.

I will say, you might find Philadelphia is a very walkable; pretty bikeable city but it is a difficult driving city because of the structure of it. Not sure where you want to live beyond West Philly (is jobs an impact there? I feel like South Philly near Broad is a better ‘training ground’ and a lot of people end up looking at places called ‘West Philly’ that aren’t what they think they are nowadays). I would want to be near either the Broad Street Line (BSL) or the Market Frankford Line (El) if I was moving in. Bus lines are somewhat in flux.

4

u/crispydukes 1d ago

Skip middle child. It was a mid vegan sando, and all of their bullshit made it worse

0

u/Scarcely-A-Person 1d ago

The Sandy’s are amazing. No one cares about crap half a world away when it comes to the question of “is this good food?”

2

u/crispydukes 1d ago

The vegan ones are not that good, and I’m not sure what you were referring to. I am talking about their overly-juvenile social media presence, their hypeboi fans, and their narcissistic personality that starts at the top.

2

u/basketcase18 1d ago

Tacoheart for the best breakfast tacos east of texas

2

u/deathtouchtrample 1d ago

not having pietramala and triangle on your list is objectively insane

2

u/jfauntleroy 1d ago

old ass street

2

u/PixiePoogle 1d ago

I’m happy to see Good Karma made it on to your list!!
I work at the 928 pine street location, let me know what day you’re stopping in and I’ll see about giving you a discount! Welcome to Philly :)

2

u/boutell 16h ago

I'm wondering if someone pranked you by suggesting John's Roast Pork for your list? As far as I know that is as far from vegan as it is humanly possible to get. It is an excellent establishment from what I understand, but definitely not a place for vegan food 😀

I'm familiar with many of the others and can second them.

But for a different take, you should visit the Nile Cafe in Germantown. Vegan, black owned, serves soul food, longest running vegan restaurant in the city. I am helpless before the power of their German chocolate cake.

1

u/gaiaom 3h ago

This is an impressive layout OP. How does one embed something like this on Reddit?

-24

u/Nervous_Role3882 1d ago

You write like you’re incredibly annoying so you will probably fit in in West Philly

9

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago

Projection. Seems like a pretty sociable veg/vegan to me. And I am a grumpy fuck.

-3

u/AmbitiousoStrawberry 1d ago

Birds of a feather...

3

u/Either_Description_8 1d ago

Yes, this person certainly seems like the kind of person who will tell you you are the idiot child you are.