Monster Vegan

Reviews

• JN

  Jesus Nazareth

  4 days ago
  1.0
  Vegan Sausage & Orecchiette Price: $23.50 Full Review The Vegan Sausage & Orecchiette presents itself as a composed Italian-inspired dish, yet in execution, it falls markedly short of both culinary expectation and economic justification. At its core, the dish consists of orecchiette pasta lightly coated in olive oil, accompanied by a sparse scattering of breadcrumbs, a minimal dusting of Parmesan, and an almost negligible portion of plant-based sausage. While simplicity in Italian cuisine can often signal restraint and mastery, this preparation does not achieve that standard. Instead, it reads as underdeveloped and incomplete. The most immediate issue is portion size. The serving is notably small, failing to satisfy even moderate appetite expectations for an entrée at this price point. This alone begins to erode perceived value. More critically, the composition lacks technical depth: • The olive oil base is not elevated through emulsification, infusion, or layering of flavor. • The breadcrumbs function more as filler than as a deliberate textural contrast. • The Parmesan element is too minimal to contribute meaningful umami or richness. • The sausage—arguably the defining component—is used so sparingly that it fails to anchor the dish. From a culinary standpoint, the dish does not demonstrate advanced technique, balance, or innovation. It resembles a preliminary or “home-level” assembly rather than a refined restaurant offering. From an economic perspective, the disparity becomes even more pronounced. The estimated ingredient cost for such a dish is low, and the preparation time minimal. When compared to its $23.50 price, the markup exceeds what would typically be justified by: • skill • portion size • ingredient rarity • or experiential value As you correctly observed, a comparable dish could be reproduced at home for a fraction of the cost—approximately $7 or less—without sacrificing quality, and potentially improving it. Conclusion This dish embodies a disconnect between price and delivery. While the concept holds potential, the execution lacks the craftsmanship, generosity, and intentionality required to justify its premium positioning. Rating • Flavor: 5/10 • Portion Size: 3/10 • Creativity: 4/10 • Value: 2/10 Overall Experience: 3.5/10 A dish that leans heavily on simplicity without achieving elegance, resulting in an experience that feels disproportionately expensive for what is ultimately delivered.
• T9

  T 928

  May 10, 2026
  5.0
  Went today with my friend and this place was such a vibe! As a horror fan and animal lover this is such a gem! I’ve been so excited to come here and everything was 10/10! Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere is amazing and importantly the food is amazinggggg!!! I would recommend to anyone who is visiting Philly! I hope you all continue to thrive! 🙌🏻
• DN

  Dmitriy Nikitin

  May 10, 2026
  3.0
  Vegan spots tend to be pretty hit or miss for me, and unfortunately Monster Vegan was a mediocre food experience. My party got the Argento sandwich, Pistachio Pesto, Penne Ala Vodka, and Crispy Parmesan Asparagus. All of the dishes were deep fried and greasy. It reminded of the fast-casual HipCityVeg but more expensive. It ended up being a $100 meal; even asking for two tablespoons of ranch triggered a $2 charge.
• AB

  Aparna Bankston

  May 2, 2026
  5.0
  Horror + Vegan?! PARADISE FOR ME. Monster Vegan is one of the best meals I’ve had. I had one goal in Philly: find a vegetarian or vegan cheesesteak and Monster Vegan had TWO on their menu! Loved the neighborhood and the whole vibe of this place. We ordered the cheese steaks plus some spicy fries for the table and everything was so delicious. Our server was adorable and friendly and the staff was so attentive and accommodating. 12/10 would recommend and will be coming back again next time I’m in Philly!
• SR

  Shani Dixon (Your REALTOR)

  Apr 22, 2026
  5.0
  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.

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