Beyond Broad Street: A Vegan Deep Dive into Philadelphia’s Indie Spirit, Stays & Stops

Stroll Passyunk Avenue: Begin with breakfast at The Tasty, a full-service vegan diner that’s always buzzing. Then, starting on Dickinson Street, head south and let the Avenue guide you through a stretch of unique independent shops. As you wander, grab a coffee from Rival Brothers and take a break at the Singing Fountain, a great place to “people watch” and take in the neighborhood.

Get your daily dose of green: FDR Park is somewhat of a hidden gem to visitors. The 348-acre urban park sits adjacent to the Philly sports stadiums and features walking paths, tennis courts, playgrounds, the American Swedish Museum, and the legendary FDR Skatepark with its defiant street art under the I-95 overpass. Seek out its local stewards, Friends of FDR Park, to help you plan your visit.

Indulge in hometown sports culture: There’s no denying Philadelphia runs on sports. It’s deeply ingrained in the local identity. So visitors should know that professional competition is always in season here, whether you’re at the stadiums or in the bar. Phillies fans can find the permanent veggie option, Greens & Grains, inside the ballpark. For community viewing, check out Marsha’s on South Street for women- and queer-friendly watching.

Dive into the literary scene: The city has a vibrant literary scene with independent bookshops in every major neighborhood. To navigate the wealth of options, use The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl as a resource to locate a shop near you. My personal favorites are Harriett’s Bookshop in Fishtown and Molly’s Books & Records in the Italian Market.

Unwind with friends at a dive bar: Wrap up a busy day of exploring with drinks at any one of Philly’s iconic dive bars, each boasting a unique personality. Vegans will appreciate the wealth of options at Tattooed Mom on South Street, Khyber Pass Pub in Old City, and The “Pope” (Pub on Passyunk East).

Experience the Philly soundtrack: No guide to Philadelphia is complete without celebrating its homegrown music scene. While large-capacity venues host international headliners, the true pulse beats in the small clubs that are a lifeblood for artists and fans. Catch a free concert at World Cafe Live at noon on Fridays, immerse yourself in avant-garde jazz at Solar Myth, or check out a diverse range of sounds at Johnny Brenda’s.

Crust Vegan Bakery: Situated on Main Street in Manayunk—a small town in the big city—Crust is a social justice-focused operation that’s in seriously high demand. Don’t miss their cheesecake, pop-tarts, and, during the summer, their homemade soft serve.

The Tasty: Already mentioned here once, I’ve yet to come across anything that stacks up to the vegan diner delights served up by The Tasty. They are a true South Philly staple. Try the burrito, the biscuits and gravy, and a sweet treat on the way out.

P.S. & Co.: An abbreviation for Pure Sweets & Co., this local treasure is organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, and kosher. It’s a lovely serene and sunny spot amongst the Rittenhouse bustle, perfect for lunch or a sweet snack on the fly.

Pietramala: I first tried Ian Graye’s food out of a truck parked at a remote dive bar during the pandemic. Let’s just say I’ve never been so engrossed in a nacho dip. Pietramala, his new brick and mortar, is a sophisticated and intimate plant-focused culinary experience now recognized for its sustainability with a Michelin Green Star.

Miss Rachel’s Pantry: Often requiring reservations months in advance, Miss Rachel’s Pantry is another dining option that might just change your life. The cozy, supper club-like setting offers a seasonal five-course BYOB dinner. Keep an eye out for special holiday dinners when booking.

Charlie Was a Sinner: Charlie Was a Sinner is your trendy downtown date-night special. The tables are small, the lighting is low, and the drinks—mocktails included—are works of art. The small plates are designed for sharing and sampling. My favorite is the caramelized eggplant bao buns.