It only felt appropriate that the first destination I write about was one close to my heart, West Chester, PA! I attended West Chester University of PA and lived in West Chester for the course of my undergrad. Because of this, West Chester has a special place in my heart, not to mention it is a beautiful little city. I was vegan for three of the four years I spent living in this charming town giving me plenty of time to explore all the vegan options there and in the surrounding area. I also got to see first hand the increase in vegan options at the local restaurants and emergence of new ones! Keep reading to see my suggestions for downtown West Chester as well as surrounding area suggestions including some in King of Prussia and Glen Mills.
Downtown West Chester
Breakfast/Brunch
Roots Cafe
Vegan options
133 E Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, United States
This is my absolute favorite breakfast or brunch spot, not only because they have vegan options aside from potatoes and oatmeal, but because it is farm to table, serves up seasonal options, AND has an amazing vibe. If you're lucky enough to visit during the spring and summer, you can enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio. Since their menu changes a lot, it's hard to give suggestions, but they always label vegetarian and vegan options and their servers are extremely knowledgable so there's no confusion at all!
My favorite dish: Vegan French Toast topped with seasonal berry compote
Pro-tip: Often, if they have tofu in stock, they are willing to replace the egg in some dishes with tofu to make them vegan. It never hurts to ask!
Jaco Juice & Taco Bar
Vegan options
8 W Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, United States
If you're in the area, you can rely on Jaco for a quick juice or smoothie to go, smoothie bowl, burritos, or tacos! I usually went for their smoothie bowls and chips and guac. Make it clear you are looking for something vegan and if the smoothie you're interested in is not already vegan, chances are they can make it vegan for you. They also have a couple food menu items you can make vegan upon request!
Bango Bowls
Vegan options
109 W Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, United States
Bango bowls is definitely worth a visit for some quality açaí and pitaya bowls. The bases are already vegan and it's very easy to avoid non-vegan toppings by simply asking. Some of the granolas contain honey, so if you don't eat honey watch out for that as well.
Lunch/Dinner
Love Again Local
Fully Vegan
18 S Church St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Another one of my must visit West Chester spots, Love Again Local. This vegan style sandwich shop popped up in West Chester my sophomore or junior year of college and quickly became one of my favorites. They have amazing food to eat in or take out including menu sandwiches, build-your-own sandwiches, salads, soups, and bangin' weekend specials. They also serve amazing cookies and cookie dough and have delicious kombucha if that's your vibe.
Menu sandwiches: My Cousin Vinny (top) and Grilled Cheese Panini (bottom) both on multigrain rolls
Menu sandwich: Turkey Club w/ coconut bacon
*Pro tip: take any sandwich to-go and enjoy it in a nice place like Levante Brewing Company's outdoor patio during happy hour! I did this and had multiple random people ask me where my sandwich was from, having no idea it was vegan.
Weekend special: Vegan Meatball Sub
Couch Tomato
Vegan options
31 W Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, United States
Couch tomato became a staple for me soon after I moved to West Chester. They offer multiple vegan options using fresh, local ingredients including pizzas with vegan cheese, salad and grain bowls, wraps, and sandwiches with vegan proteins. I recommend creating your own sandwich with their focaccia bread, seitan, arugula, avocado, and caramelized onions with the balsamic vinaigrette. They very clearly label vegan options as well as create daily or weekly specials, often including a vegan option. If the weather is nice, enjoy your meal on their adorable rooftop. And, as if it could get any better, it's BYOB!
Tsunami
Vegan options
10 Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Tsunami is the perfect spot for your sushi cravings (which I had often). They have the basic fish-free rolls (avocado and veggie) as well as edamame at very reasonable prices. They also have a couple veggie noodle or rice dishes that can be vegan upon request. I just loved going there for a quick bite or takeout because it's very centrally located and the staff is super nice!
Rize Pizza
Vegan options
124 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Rize is a newer pizza shop in town offering Sicilian style pizza by the slice or pie, several salads, and delicious side dishes. Their menu is also clearly labeled with vegan options. I typically stuck with the vegan tomato pie pizza because their tomato sauce is absolutely amazing. They also offer quite a bit of gluten free options as well. I highly recommend their perfectly crispy fries and avocado spring rolls (pictured below).
Más Mexicali Cantina
Vegan options
102 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Más, neighbor to Rize, holds a special place in my heart because I worked there for two of my four years of undergrad serving up burritos, tacos, and margaritas. It's worth a visit for dinner if you're in the area for chill vibes, mouthwatering Mexicali food, and an overwhelming assortment of plant-based drinks (aka tequila). If the weather is nice enough, they have a full service rooftop dining section and bar to make for memorable happy hours overlooking the sunset and the city. The servers are knowledgable with vegan and gluten free options and modifications to existing menu items.
My go to was always a burrito with cilantro lime rice, no cheese, tofu, and topped with their verde salsa. Be careful of the sides that come with the burrito as they are not vegan. More of my favorite menu items: the grilled veggies and tofu fajitas (without the cheese and sour cream sides), the veg taco (no cheese), and the chips, salsa, and guac of course. Also, you must try a margarita if you're there. They're all made with fresh squeezed lime juice and love of course. My favorites are the classic marg, the black-raspberry, and the skinny marg (if you're looking to cut out the sugar).
Coffee, Snacks, & Sweets
Dia Doce
Cupcake & coffee bar with vegan options
100 S High St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Satiate your chocolate cravings with delicious chocolate cupcakes baked to absolute perfection. And they won cupcake wars! Not all their cupcakes are vegan but I've never shown up and they've not had at least one option. All you have to do is ask! I always go for the chocolate ones because chocolate is my kryptonite, but I've never had a cupcake there I didn't like. They also carry many plant-milks for your coffee needs. 10/10 for vibes as well.
Gemeli - Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Café
Vegan gelato options available
12 Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, United States
Gemeli is one of two spots in town with quality vegan gelato options. Their flavors change often, but they typically have a vegan chocolate gelato option which I go for of course. What makes them special is that they stay open year round, meaning you can get your gelato fix in even in the snow. They do also have espresso, coffee, and tea to warm up with in the winter.
D'Ascenzo's
Vegan gelato options available
132 E Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380, United States
The second amazing gelato spot in town is D'Ascenzo's. The owners were originally inspired to start making gelato after a trip to Italy. They also always carry at least one vegan option and get really creative with their flavors, which I love. I'll give them extra points for ambiance because their outdoor seating is the cutest.
*Note: there are several restaurants in town that have relatively recently began to include a vegan option on there menu such as a beyond burger. If you're going out to eat with non-vegan friends that want to go to more of a pub vibe for dinner, check out some of the following restaurant's menus:
Saloon 151
Iron Hill Brewery
Splitrail Tavern
Slow Hand WC
Surrounding Area
Glen Mills/Malvern/Radnor
Terrain Café
Vegan options
914 Baltimore Pike #3335, Glen Mills, PA 19342, United States
As if the beautiful household and garden products they sell weren't enough motivation to visit Terrain, they have a café section with both indoor and outdoor seatings and vegan options. Terrain is owned by URBN, aka the same company that owns Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Anthropology to give you an idea of their aesthetics. I'd recommend making a reservation for brunch then showing up early to walk around and look at their beautiful plant displays and terrariums. Their servers very knowledgable on vegan options and modifications as well.
My favorite menu item: Harvest Bowl
The Greyhound Café
Fully Vegan brunch/lunch/dinner spot
In Great Valley Center near SuTao Restaurant, 81 Lancaster Ave Store #7, Malvern, PA 19355, United States
If you go any where in the greater West Chester area, it's The Greyhound Café. I cannot stress it enough, you must go. Their menu includes a ton of amazing veganized dishes for all those foods you may miss after going vegan. Everything's amazing from the starters, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts to the music and the staff. Again, I cannot recommend going enough and showing up hungry. Bring friends so you can buy hella starters and try everything because I guarantee you won't be able to decide on just one thing. If you're not already convinced, they serve up literally award-winning wings and Buzzfeed chose their buffalo wings as the best in Pennsylvania. I can attest to the fact that they are the best vegan wings I have had to date.
Other menu suggestions:
Black Bean & Corn chimichanga starter
Stacked Nachos starter
Buffalo Chicken Pizza entree
Saucy Burrito entree
Rigatoni Salsiccia Fra Diablo entree
The list goes on and on but what I am getting at is you have to go. It's practically obligatory.
Vegan Chick'n & Waffles
Sutao Café
Fully Vegan asian fusion buffet
81 Lancaster Ave, Malvern, PA 19355, United States
Neighbor to The Greyhound Café, Sutao Café serves up a mouthwatering buffet of all types of Asian cuisines, including dishes from India, China, Korea, Indonesia, and much more. Every time I've visited, I have gone for their lunch buffet which is an extremely reasonable deal just paying $11.95 for all you can eat, including drinks and dessert. They also have a dinner buffet and menu items if you would like to do that rather than the buffet. They serve many vegan meat and fish items which are all made from textured soy protein, seiten (vital wheat gluten), or konjac (an asian root plant). This is another place you need to show up hungry to so you can try all of the delicious vegan food they have!
Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar
Fancy restaurant with vegan options
555 E Lancaster Ave, Radnor, PA 19087, United States
Harvest is a farm-to-table restaurant perfect for celebrating birthdays, promotions, graduations, or other life events. I celebrated a friend's birthday as well as my own there and the food left an impression each time. You can expect extremely fresh and flavorful food with clearly labeled vegan options and a very attentive staff. Definitely make a reservation before heading out because it can get quite busy! It's hard to give menu suggestions because the menu changes seasonally but you will not be disappointed with whatever you end up ordering.
King of Prussia
Choolaah Yum
Indian fast-serve food with vegan options
155 Main St Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States
As a lover of spice and Indian cuisine, Choolaah came in clutch with the vegan bowls and appetizers. It's located very close to the King of Prussia mall, one of the biggest malls in America, so you can take a shopping trip and grab some quality Indian food on your way home. The menu is incredibly easy to navigate with everything labeled V for vegetarian, VE for vegan, and GF for gluten free. My favorite order is the Perfect Balance Bowl with tofu, brown basmati rice, and either chickpea masala or the yellow lentil daal. They also have vegan naan bread and vegan samosas.
Honey Grow
Counter serve noodle/rice bowl bar with vegan options
Three locations near West Chester:
100 Main St Suite 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States
230 N Radnor Chester Rd, Radnor, PA 19087, United States
5609 Concord Pike Unit 7B, Wilmington, DE 19803, United States
I've always thought of Honey Grow as the Chipotle of asian-style bowls. Their menu consists of stir-fries and salads that you can customize as you order. They have vegan protein options and delicious sauces clearly labeled as vegan. The best part is they have large bottles of sriracha available and you can never go wrong with sriracha. My favorite order is a build-your-own rice-noodle fry with one of the garlic sauces, tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, edamame, crushed red pepper, and roasted cashews (pictured below).
I hope these suggestions helped!
If you feel I missed a vegan restaurant or restaurant with vegan options you feel passionately about, PLEASE leave a comment because I am all about discovering new food places I can visit when I am in the area! Also, the vegan scene in West Chester and the surrounding area is always changing due to the amount of young and forefront thinkers in the area, so I wouldn't be surprised if the vegan options only continued to increase in the area. I hope these suggestions help you if you live in the area, are moving there soon, or just passing through. Even better, I hope they motivated you to take a visit!
I hope you enjoyed this post. There are plenty more to come so stick around for more vegan food spots and check out my recipes as well!
Kommentarer