P.J. Clarke's Philadelphia
American · Center City · $
4.4(640)
Center City, Philadelphia, PA · $
Monster Vegan is a full-service vegan restaurant in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. We offer elevated comfort food with an emphasis on Italian pasta and creative sandwiches paired with an extensive specialty cocktail menu. Our atmosphere is the perfect balance of horror nostalgia and fun while still exuding the expected refinement of a Center City cocktail bar.
“Delicious vegan food and such a fun decor! My fave was the General Tso’s Cutlet Hoagie and the Korean BBQ wings. The Philly cheesesteak and penne vodka with chicken cutlets were yummy too. Truffle fries might have been the best I’ve ever had.”
“Monster Vegan — 80s Nostalgia, Horror Movies, and Incredible Food Even if you aren't vegan, you have to check out Monster Vegan in Center City. I’m not vegan myself, but I love plant-based options, and this is easily one of the most fun dining experiences in Philadelphia. The Vibe & Atmosphere The atmosphere here is a total blast. It’s a dedicated 80s monster theme with neon signs everywhere and cheesy horror films playing on a big screen in the back. The soundtrack is pure nostalgia—last time I was there, they had the Knight Rider theme and "Weird Al" Yankovic on the loop. It’s high-energy, quirky, and definitely not your "typical" quiet vegan cafe. The Food The food is so good you honestly wouldn't know it’s vegan. They specialize in "fun" comfort food rather than just salads. • Must-Try: The Oyster Mushroom Calamari was my absolute favorite. The texture and flavor were incredible. • The Menu: They have creative spins on classics, like a Vegan Cheesesteak Pizza and a delicious Plant-Based Bolognese pasta dish. • Takeout: It seems like a very popular spot for locals, too—I noticed a lot of people coming in just to pick up takeout orders. Location & Tips Since it’s in Center City, parking can be the usual challenge. • Pro-Tip: It is a very easy walk from Jefferson Station. If you’re coming in on the Regional Rail, skip the traffic and just walk over! • Note: The menu is a bit more focused on "finger foods" and fun entrées rather than a massive, traditional menu, but everything they do, they do exceptionally well. Final Verdict: Go for the oyster mushroom calamari, stay for the 80s tunes and the monster movies. It’s a one-of-a-kind Philly spot! Why this review works: • Non-Vegan Perspective: Telling people "you wouldn't even know it's vegan" is the best way to convince skeptical friends to try it. • The Specifics: Mentioning the Knight Rider theme and the specific mushroom calamari makes your review feel authentic and "lived-in." • Logistics: Reminding people it’s walkable from the train station is a huge plus for anyone living in the suburbs or surrounding areas.”
“We came here as a group and honestly, this place exceeded every expectation! The food was absolutely fantastic and every single dish was a hit. The atmosphere is just amazing, warm, and friendly. Perfect for a group outing! The staff were outstanding, attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel so welcome. And the place is really clean and neat. The whole restaurant was great! We will 100% be coming back and bringing even more people with us. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great meal with great vibes.”
“Definitely a highlight on my birthday trip to Philly! Love horror movies and love vegan food and this resro did not disappoint 🧟🥂🍨 The food was unreal... I absolutely loved the Korean BBQ wings (!!!) crunchy asparagus, whipped ricotta and pistachio pesto 🤤❗ The PB&J sundae was a perfect finisher... Personally I didn't care for the mac n cheeze balls... I felt the outside coating could have been more crunchy and the mac more creamy... I also didn't really like the baguette that came with the ricotta... something like a ciabatta would have taken it to another level. The staff was super friendly and they hooked us up for our duo birthday celebration which was awesome and much appreciated 🥂🥳 I also absolutely loved the pink neon vibe interior... was such a cool spot that I would absolutely visit again!”
“I was greeted when I walked in. I was able to find parking around the corner. Great customer service. The restaurant was SO cute. I loved that everything was vegan. I ordered a Philly cheesesteak. I wasnt a fan of the taste. But the atmosphere and customer service made up for the review.”
Never miss a table
Watch Monster Veganand we'll alert you.
More like Monster Vegan