Somehow they manage to make gluten free pancakes fluffy! I've been here 3 times so far and each time the food blew my mind. At times they run out of certain items, so make sure if you really want something, come early :) Limited hours and parking can be difficult, but it is 100% worth the effort to come here! When we first visited Vegan Commissary they didn't accept credit cards, now they do but with a $1 surcharge. You can't leave without getting dessert, I promise the chocolate peanut butter cup is worth every calorie! :)
(4)
Erin R.
I'm not a vegan, but it didn't really matter because everything was so tasty. We both got the pancakes and coffee. The pancakes were hearty and incredibly filling. The pancakes even taste good plain. You get two large pancakes. I had to take half home because they were so filling. I would definitely come back for these again! The service was friendly and accommodating. The coffee was delicious as well. Take their advice and get the coconut coffee creamer if you take 'milk' in your coffee. I would have liked to know beforehand that the drip coffee cost $3.50-4.50 per person; the prices weren't listed on the drink menu. It was bottomless coffee so ended up being worth the cost. All of their prices include tax AND tip, so it makes the prices seem a little higher than you'd expect. They are cash only!!! (no ATM inside) Overall, a pleasant experience! I'll be back!!
(4)
Stan K.
Good pancakes, worst ambiance in philly. I think even the Republican is more comfortable than this place.
(3)
Venk N.
Horrible, horrible service. A poster child for, if you're going to have a "service-included" policy, that management needs to be proactive in ensuring good service. Before arriving, we called in to ask what the way would be, whoever answered the phone said "it's rainy and we're lazy, so we really don't know how long it will be. sorry we can't be more helpful." We really should have taken this as a bad sign and not went, but we took the chance anyway. Big mistake. Our food took about 40 minutes to be served to us. During this 40 minutes of time, we were checked on exactly once by a server (about 15 minutes in) to say our food "would be right out." At about 39 minutes in, we tracked down the hostess and asked what was up with our food; she apologies offered to pack it up for us to go (not useful to us since I was about to go on a 2-hour drive). They said something was wrong with their "flat top", but if so, they should let us know this and let us change their order. I said, pretty loudly, "maybe I should just pay for the iced tea and leave". Magically, at this point the food came out. Now, the above is bad enough, but when the manager came out, he was just a litany of excuses "we got a bunch of orders at the same time". The only thing he offered was a 15% discount for our *next* visit (as if we want to go again after such horrible service). There was no attempt at accountability, or actually fixing things for us this visit; which is inexcusable since they clearly didn't earn the "service charge" they had included in their price. A bunch of empty apologies, but no attempts at fixing things properly. After the manager had clearly refused to do anything for us on the current bill, we said "we're going to write a bad review for you." His reply: "I'm sure you're going to do that anyway." No, sir, we wouldn't have. Had you at least attempted to make amends in a reasonable way, we would have noted that here, and you'd be at least looking at a 3-4 star review for at least trying. Instead, you just made clear that you don't even really care if your service is good or not. As for the food quality itself? Ok, I suppose. The menu is certainly very creative, and parts of it good (but other parts bland), but there is no food good enough to overcome such bad service, and, even worse, a horrible attitude towards that bad service.
(1)
Lolly G.
Ever have poached avocado? Well you sure should, real fast. It's absolutely delicious. I went here for brunch and was very impressed. They have a very nice brunch menu which is available on the weekends. The waitress was very sweet and passionate about the place, which always helps. I am a vegetarian, so cheese/eggs are usually part of my brunch routine. Trust me, you won't miss them here! During the week they only serve dinner, but the menu for dinner looked really good and I'm very excited to go back. They make it very apparent that this is a vegan only spot, which could turn off some people. However, I think PLENTY of non-vegans will really enjoy this place. I'm so lucky that this place opened so close to me! Don't forget to try their fresh squeeze juices that the waitress informed us are made fresh right up the street. The prices are a little bit higher than people may be used to, so they write that tips are not expected at all. I went on their website and they make the prices as they are so they may pay employees a good living wage. Don't get me wrong its not "expensive" they probably ad about $2-3 dollars to each option. I must say I'm not at all comfortable with not tipping, so either way I'm going to tip. It's so enjoyable to leave brunch feeling LIGHT and recharged, instead of feeling like you need to take a 3 hour nap. I will be back often
(4)
Tracie P.
Vegan Commissary is a nice new addition to the vegan landscape in Philly, though I think they can tighten up their food offerings a bit. I would give it a 3.5 after a first visit. The food is homey, but not totally unlike something you might whip up in your own kitchen. The dessert was the real standout -- a gingerbread cheesecake that was smooth and spicy and rich. So good. The service is fantastic -- our server was so friendly and knowledgeable. The owner made several appearances throughout the night, taking time to talk to each table. Super nice guy. The prices are reasonable, especially considering tax and tip are included in the price of each dish. An interesting concept. The ambiance is relaxed, but not a spot for special occasions or romantic dinners. The decor is spare and almost cafeteria-like, with only one window in the relatively small space. This wouldn't necessarily have been an issue, except the open kitchen left the dining room thick and smoky. Still, a good spot for a no-frills vegan meal, and the reviews definitely have me interested in a return visit during weekend brunch. Note: VC is BYO and cash only.
(4)
Lauren S.
I had been to the Vegan Commissary for a FooBooz After Dark Event and after looking at the menu board really wanted to come back and check it. So when a group of yelpers were headed here for brunch I jumped at the opportunity to go back and brought a friend giving me the opportunity to try more dishes. The poached avocado and hash was amazing and super filling, I'm really glad I ordered this item, I think half the table did and no one seemed disappointed. My friend got the mushroom grits they were alright; I think I'd skip them for other items on the menu. But he also got the side of potatoes and those were amazing, melted in your mouth. I absolutely love that tip and tax is included in all the prices makes the bill so much easier and with our large group they were awesome enough to give everyone individual checks. I wish this place was a little closer to home I might find myself here more often if it was.
(5)
Liz C.
Great new vegan spot in south Philly! We went for Saturday brunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had pancakes, tofu bacon, and tempeh hash with poached avocado. The tempeh hash and avocado was really original and yummy. Pancakes were super fluffy and delicious. The servers and owner, who was there, were very friendly and accommodating. One of the servers even brought out paper and pen for my 3 year old daughter to draw, when she saw that the kid was getting restless. The place is cash only, and when the owner overheard me asking my husband if we had enough cash, he offered to let us come back to pay after eating if we didn't have enough cash to cover our meal. I hope this place sticks around! Will be heading back soon for dinner and desert.
(5)
Dani B.
Cash only and tip is included in the price, which works for me. The mini cinnamon buns are a must!!! Breakfast is good for non-vegans if you stick to the recommendations like the poached avocado with tempeh hash. The portions are decent and filling and the service is great!
(5)
Abhi H.
I always like trying new places so I was very excited to go here for my birthday. My mom is a strict vegetarian so I knew she would be comfortable ordering anything on the menu. The service was very good, all the waiters seemed friendly and the owner came out to speak with us as well. Now onto the food! By far, the star for me was the chimichurri seitan. Everybody loved it. Apparently we ordered the last of it though so when we tried to get seconds we failed! The butternut squash gnudi which we got as an appetizer was also delicious. I tried a bit of the ziti and the veggie burger and I got the Italian market sandwich. All were very good. I didn't expect much for dessert but we ordered one of everything. The eggnog cheesecake was *fantastic*. I'm a huge cheesecake guy and wondered how they could make one with no dairy. Well, they really know how because that thing was spot on. The chocolate peanut butter cup pie was also surprisingly good, tasted just like Reese's! The only reason I left one star off was because the place is cash only. With a slew of mobile payment technology and point of sale systems, there's really no excuse to be cash only anymore. PS I'm not vegetarian or vegan and neither were 3 other people in my party, but we all enjoyed the food.
(4)
Kris A.
I went here for the first time because it's close to where I'm staying and I have to say... i'm impressed. The people working there are so helpful and kind, and the food was amazing! I had potatoes with "poached" avocado and a creamy cheese sauce on top. It probably won't be as good, but this is definitely something I'm going to try to recreate at home. My only complaint is that the menu is written on a huge chalkboard that you have to stand up in the middle of the room to read if you're seated anywhere along the wall it's on. And if you're in a room full of people this can make for some awkward moments as you stand next to strangers pondering your food choice. My recommendation is to take a picture of the chalkboard and read it at your seat.
(5)
Matthew H.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. As someone who has only been vegan for just over a year, I typically go out for vegan junk food to satisfy my craving for things like pizza and meaty sandwiches. This place, aside from its veggie burger, offers nothing like that and it is quickly returning me back to the adventurous mindset I used to have when my dining options were endless. One of the most intriguing things about Vegan Commissary is that they aren't making the same ol' bland dishes you've had ruined by other vegan restaurants ie the rarely decent tofu Benedict. These guys serve a similar dish of poached avocado over tempeh hash that has a miraculously authentic-tasting hollandaise that has a remarkably fatty mouthfeel. This is a great feat and I commend them for not just have blended silken tofu, lemon juice and spices. Then there are the desserts I keep hearing about. I STILL haven't had one of the because they are always selling out due to popular demand. I can't wait to try one of their peanut butter cup pies. Love the casual atmosphere, great food, extensive non-alcoholic drink menu, friendly staff and owner and the interesting way they do business.
(5)
Christine B.
Went for brunch. We had pancakes, French toast, scrapple, the breakfast burger, and a side of potatoes. The burger itself was OK; not life changing but adequate. However, the Hollandaise on it was bland, and the accompanying kale salad left much to he desired. It was fresh, but the dressing tasted of salt and vinegar and not much else. The stuffed French toast was the best dish - the berry compote was not overly sweet, the vegan cream cheese like filling was good, and the pink peppercorns added a nice bite. The vegan scrapple was sagey and tasty. The pancakes were huge- you could feed a small army - but unfortunately not completely cooked. The potatoes were oversalted as well, which didn 't bother me as much since I had the sweet dish. The service was friendly if a bit slow - the "bottomless" coffee took a long time to come out. The cups are small and despite our obvious placement it was a while before we were offered a refill. I like that their employees are paid a living wage, but it also means they don't make much of an effort. For the price, there are other options for vegans. Go to Vedge during happy hour if you're pinching pennies, Blackbird Pizzeria or Govinda's. Sabrina's and Royal Tavern have vegan options if you must have brunch.
(2)
Dan S.
Here's the challenge when a non-vegan reviews a vegan restaurant - is it good or is it good for a vegan joint? this place is flat out good although I might need another trip or two to fully explore the menu. We went for brunch and so this review is as to that. can't speak to any other time of day. I like that it opened at 10 instead of 11 as many other places do. We tend to eat brunch more at a breakfast time than a brunch time. We arrived and the place was empty except for one table. Oddly the server tried to sit us directly behind the door such that every time someone came in I would be hit in the back. Regardless, moved without much fuss. The menu is up on a giant chalkboard and that's nice and easy to read. You also get the paper at your table. Started with coffee - two choices: green street or reanimator. Both excellent and well brewed. I'm not a big fan of milk alternatives but they had almond milk available. Started with the cinnamon rolls which were freshly baked and delicious. Just wish they were a little larger, kindof puny. We had the biscuit special and pancakes with apples. In retrospect I wish I had ordered the hash with avocado. Just something to look forward to. the food was tasty and filling. Most importantly it didn't taste like vegan replacement food it was just good eating. I like that tip is factored into the price. I hope they are getting a decent wage. Remember its cash only - we were about $40.00.
(4)
D C.
The best. Just go. Get dessert.
(5)
Jennn H.
Went here last week and shared the watermelon salad, the fried Mac n cheese, and the BBQ seitan. All were delish, but the standout winner was definitely that BBQ seitan dish--from the potato salad to the collard greens to the corn on the cob and biscuits, each side was super flavorful and worked amazingly together. The Mac n cheese I would save for winter (not the best thing on a hot July day) and the watermelon salad was delightful and refreshing, although the proportions may have been a little off--(we wished for more greens--lots of super sweet charred melon!) but if that's my biggest complaint -- hats off to the vegan commissary!
(5)
David D.
We were very excited to try a new vegan brunch spot. The menu looked fantastic. The food and service was just okay. For your vegan dollar, there are a lot better choices. If you're not vegan, there is absolutely no reason to go to this place. We had the pancakes, the brunch burger, the french toast, sides of potatoes and scrapple, and coffee. The pancakes were enormous in both width and depth, but the center of one of them was raw uncooked batter - they hadn't been on the grill long enough. If they had cooked them properly, it would have been the one high point of the meal. The brunch burger comes with a generous topping of ripe avocado, but aside from the creaminess of that and the hollandaise, the sandwich lacked flavor. The kale side salad had a tart but underspiced dressing. The french toast was good, but expensive for the portion size. One of us thought the potatoes were oversalted and the others thought they were okay. The scrapple was just okay. That's pretty much the bottom line: It was just okay. The service was friendly but not too skilled or crisp. The menu board has no description of any of the items. We drained our coffee cups and put them to the side of the table for refills, and it took a long time even though the place had just opened and wasn't even half filled. Total was $51 for 3 people. Tipping is "not expected or required", so we didn't. Cash only.
(2)
Josh M.
Had a nice brunch at Vegan Commissary. The waitstaff was warm and friendly; atmosphere was great. My gluten-free companion loved her miso soup (minus the noodles) and GF bagel. The Reanimator coffee was also delicious. I was a little disappointed with my Tempeh Hash With Poached Avocado, though. It was tasty, but seriously lacking in the tempeh department. If they're going to stick to that recipe, they should call it "Pile of Potatoes Topped With Delicious, Creamy Avocado and Sprinkled With a Few Tiny Tempeh Cubes."
(4)
Lori L.
How exciting to finally have another vegan breakfast option in Philly. Probably more appropriate to get to with a car or as a reward after a run through South Philly. Satisfies the sweet and savory vegan brunch desires: the vegan pancakes were probably the fluffiest and most flavorful I've had, the okonomiyaki was unique and perfectly done (a savory pancake with pickled scallions, green beans?, edamami, and topped with shredded radishes), fruit salad with pomegranate, pear, fresh mango, YUM! They even have a selection of refreshing Kambucha drinks. I hope to go back there next time I'm in town and try the lunch and dinner menus.
(4)
Matthew L.
Awesome place in Philly. Diner style vegan food. Best vegan brunch in Philly. A good lower priced casual option alternative to Vedge. Get multiple plates of the fried vegan Mac and cheese appetizer. Also the poached avocado over hash was amazing. I kept wondering if there was real bacon in it. Also very friendly staff.
(5)
S L.
Oh. My. God. The cinnamon rolls. SO good. I honestly can't stop thinking about them. I was really looking forward to my first trip to Vegan Commissary, and it did not disappoint. I had the breakfast wrap which came with a side of potatoes. Everything on my plate was delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more food. But seriously, THOSE CINNAMON ROLLS! Drool.
(4)
DC B.
My favorite place in Philly, wish I could eat here for every meal. Great Vegan options and the staff is extremely nice and helpful, easily the best brunch I've ever had, will definitely be going to Vegan Commissary as often as possible. We've brought Vegan, Vegetarian and Meat eating friends here and all have loved the food! I my opinion, don't waste your time at the expensive Vegan options in the city, just grab a meal here and it will be better and less expensive in a more friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Kelly S.
We had great service and great food here. A Philly place that rivals champs in BK. Would come here all the time if I lived here!
(5)
Sara M.
I can only speak on behalf of the breakfast - but not many places offer a good vegan breakfast. Where I live there is no where to go out for breakfast - so for me this is a rare treat. The food is amazing. The staff is attentive and super friendly. The interior is small - but cozy with homey feel. It's a great place to get some grub in the morning on your way out of the city if you're an out of towner like me. I look forward to this gem every time I visit the city. As many other reviewers have stated, the tip and tax are included in the menu price. So what you see is what you get, which is something unique in the US. And!! they now accept credit cards - which is so convenient.
(5)
Michele C.
WOW! So, in truth, I live on the second floor above Vegan Commissary, but I was SO impressed by the Cobb salad! The staff is amazing, Steve (the owner) is a sweetheart, and you can't get any better in South Philly. PLUS, they take cards now -- what a wonderful thing. I enjoyed every second of my experience there.You rule, VC!
(5)
Elizabeth F.
I stopped here yesterday for a gluten-free bagel-- best I've ever had! Came back today to try something new and the tempeh hash is spectacular. Baconey flavor and great texture. Bottomless coffee and a great bitter greens salad are icing on the cake. Cash only but tax and tip are included in all the prices so there are no surprises. Maybe they'll expand to offer outdoor seating in warmer weather! Fingers crossed and I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Kim P.
Hush puppies, Mac n' cheese with meatballs, and beet juice lemonade oh my! A and I dined there this evening and it did not disappoint. Super cute atmosphere, utterly delish food, and the surprise bonus of cookies to take home with us makes this place a sure to come back to very very soon destination. Oh and might I add that that the Brussels sprouts were so good that I wanted to drink the rest of the sauce that was left (for the record, I did not). And the beet juice lemonade was absolutely unbelievable. And I hate beets. So there. Go here. Bring your friends (veg or not). Everyone is sure to enjoy something.
(5)
Ellie B.
I just attended an event here, and we had a sampling of the menu. There was not a single thing that I tried that was not delicious. I appreciate the diversity of the menu, that natural ingredients, and also attention to the gluten-free. I cannot believe I have not been here before! It is interesting is that tax and tip are included in the menu prices.
(5)
Ricky H.
Had a very disappointing trip here and have been twice just to make sure it wasn't an off night. Had the tempeh hash brunch on my first trip with a "poached" avocado (it is just half an avocado on some really salty tempeh). Went for dinner with some friends and tried a lot of stuff and all of it was very underseasoned and bland, with the exception of a butternut squash dish which was REALLY salty. For dessert we had the peanut butter pie which had a thick layer of chocolatey topping and a flavorless, not sweet crust (almost nutty but didn't pair well with the scant amount of peanut butter filling). I tasted my friend's cheesecake which tasted like baked vegan cream cheese in a soggy graham cracker crust. The server was great, I will say that, but they have to be because the chalkboard menu is hard to read depending on your seat and none of the menu items are explained. One of my friends ordered a dish and the thing that came out was not at all what she expected. They also include tip in with the cost of food so you don't get to tip your waiter according to how they perform (ours deserved his tip, but who knows if the food actually costs $15 and he only got to pocket $1). Overall, the experience was pretty bad both times and all my friends have agreed, ESPECIALLY for the price. There are just simply better options out there for a much better price point than the Vegan Commissary, the menu also isn't cohesive so I'm not sure what they are going for (japanese dishes and fine dining mixed with burgers?). The competition for great vegan food in Philly is heating up and this place just falls very short.
(1)
James M.
This place is awesome. Me and a group of friends went about a month ago with high expectations, and they were all surpassed. I ended up splitting the hush puppies with my friend as an appetizer, and while there wasn't too many, they were absolutely phenomenal and full of flavor. For the entre, I got the burger with but cheese. It was one of the freshest tasting veggie burgers I have ever had, and actually felt like a had a healthy and hearty meal. There's also a lot of great raw drinks and kombucha, which is a huge plus. Service was great, and the fact that tip is included is a nice change. Definitely worth going to.
(5)
Dara L.
SERVICE: Excellent. The restaurant accommodated me and my 16-month olds so well -- they set up a great table with two high chairs and even offered some paper on which the kids could draw. The server was very knowledgeable about all the exotic offerings, the food came out quickly, and our water was refilled before we had to ask. FOOD: EXCELLENT (purposeful caps). In no particular order, we loved the cinnamon toast which is made on freshly baked bread -- this was also a favorite of my daughters. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious - actually perfect. The okonomayaki (savory pancake) was flavorful and gave a nice balance to our otherwise sweet meal. The plainly-described "fruit" is actually a bowl of fresh and juicy mango, orange wedges, and pomegranates. The portions were generous; I look forward to enjoying the leftovers. LOCATION: Not the most convenient location for us suburbanites, but it didn't take long to find free on-street parking on a Sunday morning. ATMOSPHERE: small, clean, nice-casual, and quaint. PROGNOSIS: I'll be counting down the days until I can come back.
(5)
Anna B.
I went here for dinner during the summer and had a melon soup with a grilled watermelon salad. The soup, which was served cold, was tart and delicious. The salad, which featured tofu "feta cheese" was big and also very tasty (though I discovered I'm not a fan of pickled watermelon rinds). For dessert I had a pb&j cheese cake, which was rich and divine -- I could have eaten another slice! The staff was very attentive, and I got my food pretty quickly. The owner came out to talk to me and check on how I was enjoying my food. I definitely want to come back now that it's fall and the menu has changed! I'm not vegan by any stretch of the imagination, but this is great food!
(5)
Samer B.
Nothing was bad but overall the food was not very flavorful.
(3)
Bryan P.
buyer beware: this place (like so many south philly places) only accepts cash. the review: we want a vegan start-up to succeed as much as anyone, but this place (despite the rave reviews) has some work to do. the eggplant fries were insanely greasy. combine the grease with the soft texture of eggplant, and you've got a wretch-worthy appetizer. but the real disappointment was with the entree of mac & cheese and meatballs. it's just a plate of very bland noodles and sauce with two meatballs. that's right, two meatballs. for 18 bucks! maddening, really. no doubt, the meatballs were tasty, but serving only two is insulting for that exorbitant price tag. and yes, the entree comes with a side salad, but that's nowhere enough to compensate for the huge bill. for comparison's sake, you can go to vedge--easily one of the best veg restaurants in the country--and pay roughly the same price for an appetizer and entree. we'd love to see south philly keep another vegan joint for the long haul, but until this commissary adjusts its prices and improves its quality control, we'll keep going to vedge.
(2)
Elle T.
Uh-mazing! We were a big group and therefore got to sample a lot of what was on the menu. The husband and I had the cheesesteak, linguini bolognese, the steamed buns and the maple walnut (or was it pecan?) Cheesecake. All, literally all items were amazing, wonderfully seasoned and therefore flavorful. But the dessert is where it is at. The group shared cheesecake, the peanutbutter cup, the smores lavacake and apple pie. Heavenly, sugary goodness. I want to go back just for the desserts, especially the cheesecake. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)
Carol C.
Incredibly delicious!!!! 10 of us thoroughly enjoyed the bridal shower for my daughter last weekend. Every item on the menu, prepared by Steve for the occasion, was amazing: pink peppercorn cashew cheese and boursin style tofu cheesewith homemade croutes, kale salad with smoked beets and candied pecans, suffed delicata squash, chocolate peanut butter pie + more! The portions were so generous, we were able to continue munching for days....YUM! Our server was delightfu. Thanks, Vegan Commissary for a memorable time. Really looking forward to trying brunch!
(5)
Angie H.
L O V E
(4)
Lisa T.
Walked 40 minutes only to find they were on vacation. I called beforehand to make sure they were open and got voicemail with no message indicating they would be on vacation. Very disappointed to say the least. I am sure food is delicious but managerial skills need to improve.
(1)
Angie G.
Lovely wait staff and owner! My linguine bolognese was hearty and delicious. The dressing on the kale salad was so fresh and flavorful. Overall a great dining experience.
(4)
Amy O.
Wow... what a great addition to the Philly vegan scene! Have been twice - once for brunch and once for dinner and can't wait to return! Great food, sweet servers. Love it!
(5)
Laura C.
So glad this place opened in my neighborhood! I've been there for dinner and today went for brunch. Dinner was good (I had the antipasto for an app and zhatar eggplant for my meal). Their brunch is amazing! I had the breakfast wrap (tofu scramble, kale, edamame, etc) and it was spiced perfectly. My sister got the pancakes which were HUGE and fluffy. We also split the cinnamon buns which were awesome. Staff is super friendly and the owner is usually on site, making his rounds and chatting with customers.
(5)
Christa M.
This is a great new neighborhood spot. Good food, good service and fair prices...what's not to love?! The chick pea tangine is deliciously spiced. The miso soup is a must! We left full and with a handful of leftovers for lunch tomorrow. There are plenty of gluten free options too. Can't wait to try brunch here!
(5)
Scout P.
wow. this place blew my mind the first time I went, so much that-even with the longish trip from my house- I was back within the week. Their brunch is beyond phenomenal. I recommend getting a few or their sides to share with your party, as well as an entree- I promise, you'll be so glad to have some left overs to munch on. My favorites included the pancakes with fruit or whatever special they have [the banana cream pancake was great- we snagged the last one], the mini pizza bagels and the lil cinnamon buns. Service is very personable and friendly as this going is so small. We've gotten the same waitress twice and she was always so helpful and sweet!
(5)
D M.
I read the reviews here and I was shocked at all the raves. Me and the boy went there for brunch. Water wasn't cold, no ice. Menu didn't have many descriptions of items, which you definitely need if you don't want to ask the waiter every five seconds--- and you will ask, because the menu has some interesting items on there. Food did not blow me away, but the combos and options are definitely unique. Great fresh squeezed orange juice. Service was great, but the place needs some refining. Interesting to have tips/taxes into the meals... but not sure if I like that.
(2)
Shawn B.
word on the street was that the brunch is the better option versus the dinner menu. so i went for brunch and got the pancakes. they were great and worth the price. for a side, i got the cinnamon rolls. they were small for their price and after a few bites, the sugary frosting was all that i could taste. my main comment/complaint is the menu/marketing. the paper menu is awful, there are no descriptions of any of the items. i knew it was cash only going there, but there is no in your face sign anywhere that i saw telling you this. being vague seems to be a theme there. the tax/tip included in the price seems to be a nice change and i'm sure way better for the staff. the prices for certain items just seem to be high for a tiny south philly spot. i will be going back, i just dream that vegan commissary would take a cue from my favorite vegan neighbourhood brunch spot, champs in brooklyn.
(3)
Steve M.
This place is excellent! I have no idea how the pancakes are made, but they are better than any pancakes I have had to date. I was even more surprised when I tasted the cinnamon buns. You don't need to be vegan to enjoy this amazing food! I should mention that the service was outstanding as well.
(5)
Amy M.
They include tip in menu prices; good idea in theory, however staff seems to be dis incentivized to provide good service, and that might be why. Food was decent. We ordered drinks after being told abruptly that outside drinks weren't permitted (we had biked and I brought water), my friend put it in her bag. They don't bring you water, even tap, without being asked, which is a silly policy. Our drinks were served in their containers because they didn't have clean glasses (restaurant was half empty??), and not even opened. And seriously, you can't make a homemade spritzer? Our server started to take our order, but walked away in the middle because other people walked in and they have no hostess. Then another employee took our order. A few minutes later we were asked to move because they had a party of six...clearly they don't know how to think ahead and plan seating. Food took awhile, then they served me one of my side dishes, but nothing else. It was a hot dish that began to get cold. Then hey forgot my friend's side dish. When she was done, they offered to wrap her leftovers, which she accepted. The server then proceeded to stack my friend's plates on top of each other with the food still on them she just asked to have wrapped. Tacky, and probably unsanitary. BIG miss, Vegan Commissary. I won't be back, especially since there are better choices for vegans in Philadelphia.
(1)
Robin L.
So, my boyfriend has decided to start the new year off by avoiding animal products as much as possible. My first reaction as a foodie was 'ugh' (sorry, had to be honest), but I'm now realizing that this has opened up a whole new world of food to both of us - and I am reeeeally enjoying the challenge. Last weekend, I was debating between Vegan Commissary and Mi Lah for brunch. I must thank my fellow Yelpers once again - based upon your reviews, we went with Vegan Commissary. The space is small and simple, but we didn't have to wait for a table (yay!). Our server was absolutely amazing - sweet, fun, attentive - we couldn't have asked for more. First, I was heartbroken that they were sold out of the poached avocado with tempeh hash - I was really looking forward to it. I went with the biscuits and gravy instead - two yummy biscuits smothered in a mushroom gravy and topped with some fried onions. The gravy was thick, rich and had a delicious earthiness from the mushrooms. The biscuits were dense, which was fine for soaking up that gravy - and a little salty. The dish also came with a side of breakfast potatoes. I mention these separately for a reason - I consider myself a connoisseur of breakfast potatoes. I ALWAYS order savory breakfast, so I tend to judge places on their potatoes. I firmly believe that each side of the potato should be crisp with a tender center. These are breakfast potatoes people, not roasted dinner potatoes. This may sound silly, but it really makes a difference to me. Vegan Commissary NAILED the potatoes - they're sliced thin (interesting choice) which allows for the crispy exterior that I crave. We also ordered the cinnamon buns which were sweet, flaky and gooey and were the perfect ending with my coffee. Also thanks to my fellow Yelpers, we snagged a peanut butter cup pie to go. I have absolutely no words to describe how delicious and sinful this tasted. My boyfriend and I might have joked about making it our wedding cake. Oh yeah, my boyfriend! He ordered pancakes with fruit (cinnamon apples) and I have zero explanation for how VC made such 'buttery', melt in your mouth pancakes. My boyfriend asked, and the waitress said even she didn't know the secret. Thank you VC, keep up the great work, and we will be back!
(5)
Valery J.
Not sure where to start describing this gem-- simply perfect! Recommend it 100%. I can say with certainty I finally found a safe place to eat in Philly gluten free and Vegan... No cross contamination did not get sick... I had the poached avocado with the most awesome vegan hollandaise sauce and my friend had the French toast... Super delicious... The service was great. Our waitress was personable and fast... We will go there any time.
(5)
Melissa C.
This place is amazing! The owner and staff are so nice and helpful. My husband and I were doing our own Philly "cheesesteak" tour and LOVE the one here. We were telling the owner how much we liked the jalapeño jam and he sent us home with a container of it! I really can't wait to go back and eat here again.
(5)
Frank S.
Came here on their last day at current location. We were sat immediately (at the same time as another couple), ordered our food, and waited. 20 minutes later we saw food go out to the table that had sat/ordered at the same time. Our waitress came up to us to ask what we got again. 20 minutes later she brought out our food . . . and gave it to a table that sat 30 minutes after us. The man happened to order the same thing as me, but the woman said that she didn't order what she was given. The waitress took the item to the back and I think at that point realized her mistake. She hid in the back and peeked out a few times, until I went back to the kitchen and said that because we had waited nearly an hour and I don't want my item to sit in the kitchen getting cold while my wife's food was cooked we were just going to leave. While it was our first time and their last day before moving locations, I'm not sure we'll go back because of that, even if their food is rated well.
(1)
Erin M.
Brunch update! I finally got to try out Vegan Commissary for brunch, after hearing that it was a must-eat vegan meal. I organized a group of around 10 of us to hit up VC on a Saturday last weekend at 11. As soon as we all arrived, the servers put a few tables together and we sat down. The service, overall was very good, over the course of the meal: attentive and fast. My husband and I split the mini cinnamon roles which were sweet, soft and wonderful. Next, we split two dishes: the veggs Damien and the poached avocado. The veggs Damien was by far my favorite dish! I have been missing soft boiled eggs, and this dish captured them completely. The mushroom grits on the side were very bad. But the toast, "eggs", broccolini and home fries made up for that in spades. I was full after half of this dish! I have two complaints and they are kind deal breakers. One, the coffee is very pricey, they charge if you want refills, the one cup I had was the size of an espresso cup, and the coffee itself was weaker than Wawa coffee. I did enjoy the coconut creamer, but otherwise, it was a total waste of money! And two, we got some serious attitude the morning of our event. I had received a message from VC asking that we "call ahead" to let them know exactly how many were coming. So, my husband called that morning a couple of hours before we got there, and was told that calling wasn't necessary and that they could not hold a table for us. Basically, he was given serious attitude for FOLLOWING VEGAN COMMISSARY'S DIRECTIONS and calling them. I don't think I'll be back after that attitude, honestly. But we had a UYE planned so we had to go that day.
(4)
Jared J.
Went here for a unofficial Yelp Event which was a lot of fun. This is obviously some of the best Vegan food in Philly. Brunch was yummy and I need to add that they have a great variety of cool drinks you can try. The service was outstanding, and the restaurant had a homey feel to it. It was also very clean. I order the poached avocado, tempeh hash, with hollandaise, and also a side of mushroom grits. The Tempeh hash was to die for, and the hollandaise was the best I ever had in my entire life. The grits texture was quite off which left it unappetizing. Finally, they have some funky pricing... this may work out in your favor. Taxes and tips are included in menu prices... kinda cool added bonus. I'm really excited to go back and try the mini cinamon buns, as well as other options on the menu. Give it a shot.
(4)
Rah D.
I am from New York. I was seeking good vegan food while in Philly. I ate some great pizza at Blackbeards and even had Thai. I was happy to find this place with my favorite breakfast indulgence.....pancakes. I went with someone. We both ordered pancakes. The waitress warned us that one order could feed two people. I laughed, and told her, "Oh I can eat the whole thing". She looked at me and said you will see. Damn things were so light, fluffy and moist that I wanted more. I also ordered mushroom scrapple which taste reminded me up of thanksgiving stuffing.Topped off with coconut lime green tea (unsweetened) Wait, did I read this is now closed? What happened? It was a great find!!!!
(4)
Jess M.
Went for brunch and their food is amazing. I got the cheesesteak and it was great. The side salad was awesome too. My friend (who is a meat eater) got the biscuits and gravy which was amazing as well. I can't wait till dinner starts there. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Natalie K.
Absolutely delicious vegan food. Catch their vegan brunch! Truly unique dishes that taste great. One of the best vegan brunch places I've been too They have Vegan Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake with cabbage, tofu, onions etc) which is hard to find vegan. It was full of flavor and the texture was great. Fluffy on top with a thin crispy layer on the bottom. Drizzled with sriracha vegenaise sauce! I also tried their Poached Avocado with Tempeh Hash smothered with Vegan hollandaise sauce. the tempeh hash is genius and went perfectly with the creamy hollandaise sauce. For a sweet kick I had mini cinnabuns with icing. Really sweet but a nice ending to a delicious brunch. I love that they are mini sized because to be honest, giant cinnamon rolls are pretty intimidating to tackle ! :p Nice casual atmosphere with great service. Prices are $10-$15 for an entree which includes tax and tip. Prices listed already include tax and tip which explains the "odd" prices listed. All in all, a great experience. If you're vegan or not, check it out! I'll be back for brunch next time I'm in philly! Also I heard their menu changes often so it won't get old :D
(5)
Leanne C.
The Vegan Commissary is all sorts so intriguing. Tax and tip included in your overhead meal pricing? Crazy amazing vegan menu and specials? Sign me up. I've been vegan for five years and this was the first time I had stumbled upon Veggs. If "vegan" weren't in the restaurant's name, I would have sworn my faux yolks were real. I went here for brunch with my friend and we were both blown away by the mushroom stock seitan stew. Our other stuff? Satisfying and feel-good food. If teleportation was a thing, I'd say Boston's Veggie Galaxy still has this place beat for price, service, selection and atmosphere but if I'm in Philly? Oh hell yeah.
(4)
Natalye R.
Yummy! Came here on Sunday morning for brunch, arriving around 10:30, and it was not completely full, as I understand it often is. I didn't mind though, as there were plenty of tables to choose from, and the place filled up as our meal continued. We were seated immediately and helped by two friendly ladies working, who were happy to talk about the menu and give suggestions. I must admit that I wanted to eat EVERYTHING, but there were only two of us, and our appetites were only so big, which means no cinnamon rolls (though they seem to be favorite). The fellow got the breakfast wrap and I got the avocado hash... my meal was amazing. The hollandaise sauce was good (a bit sweet, but it went well with the hash), the avocado was good, and the combination of the smoked tempeh, sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes was divine. I asked our server and she said they smoke the tempeh themselves, and the result is a really rich, flavorful, complex taste. As for the breakfast wrap, it was good and filling, though maybe a bit heavy on the scrambled tofu. We both agreed that some of the tempeh inside would make it even better, but on its own, it was still good. For dessert, we split a pumpkin spice snicker doodle ice cream sandwich, and by "split" I mean I ate most of it. What was also cool was the pricing here... a look at the menu might result in some strange looks, with bizarre number amounts. But Vegan Commissary includes tax and tip in the prices already, which means no sitting around and puzzling over the cost of things. And considering the quality of the food and service, though the prices might initially strike some as a bit high, considering those things are built in to the cost, the food is actually rather affordable. Sadly we were only in Philly for a few days, but I hope this place continues to do well, because I want to come back.
(5)
Taylor-Rey R.
I LOVED this place! My server (I didn't get her name but she was a tall brunette with awesomely gauged ears) was very friendly, helpful, and answered all of our questions-which were numerous. The Fried mac and peas were amazing, and so was the French toast special with the 'nutella' sequel chocolate sauce and "bacon" ahh so good! Thanks for existing!
(5)
Gaby C.
I love Philly for their music scene and vegan food, and every time we come for a show, we always make a plan to end our trip with some yummy vegan food. The only reason I am not giving this place 5 stars is because of the wait. Since it is so small, we had to stand outside in the freezing cold as we waited to be seated for about an hour. Other than that, the food was awesome! I wish I tried more of their items, such as their Tempeh Hash and Fried Mac N Cheese Bites (they looked amazing), but everything I did try was very flavorful. The Poached AvoÂcado with TemÂpeh Hash was amazing, along with their CheesesÂteak. If it wasn't for the wait, I would give this place 5 stars. I will be back!
(4)
Komal D.
this place is delicious! I loved it! Service was great. Food was great. Portions were perfect. Everything the server recommended was amazing. This is definitely a must go to spot for brunch in Philadelphia!
(5)
Tom M.
One trip so far but great results based on what I experienced. My wife and I ordered multiple courses to get a feel for it. I started with the spicy miso soup. It might have been my favorite thing. It is so good. A little thick, spicy and full of great vegetables. We then had the butternut squash gnudi. They nail the texture and taste on this one. The tofu "cheese" is just right. The "pickles" is actually a small dish of pickled vegetables that have been shredded. They are very healthy. You can get that for $5 and feel good about yourself. We split the polenta with roasted vegetables for our entree. I would suggest splitting it like we did. It is deep fried and heavy. Delicious for sure but I would not want to eat the whole thing. We had the creme brulee for dessert. It was good but not over-the-top awesome. The layer below the sugar was a little bland and could have used some more vanilla. I have a feeling they rock dessert judging by the pictures they put on social media so I am excited to try other offerings in the future. The first visit has me wanting more. I am hoping the snow let's up so I can drive down there with ease. I will update this review as I get to know it better.
(5)
Joanne T.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when i don't have to search the entire menu for vegetarian options! We came as they opened on a Saturday morning and were the first diners. People quickly trickled in within a half hour. It was quite obvious they have a faithful following. I knew they were cash only so i came prepared, or so i though. My two complaints (hence i deducted a star) about this place is they couldn't break a $100 bill and my coffee wasn't refilled even though our waitress stated she would be right back to top me off. I had to walk down the bodega for the atm, pay the atm fee and my non-bank fee. I would think a cash only place would be prepared to handle this kind of a situation even if they were just opening for the day. Anyway the coffee was great. I had the japanese pancake called okonomoyÂaki. It was made of taro root flower with veggies and oko sauce accompanied with pickled veggies. This was more of a lunch entree rather than breakfast. Nevertheless, the oko was delicious. I loved the sauce. They also give your crushed cashews mixed with something i can't recall to add a nice crunch to your bite. The guy ordered the veggs damian which consisted of tofu with vegg yolk, broccolini, scrapple, potatoes, toast, and dipping sauce. Even as a carnivore he enjoyed his meal. I had a few bites and loved it. The vegg yolk with the toast tasted quite close to the real thing. I'd definitely recommend this place especially for the carnivores out there to try. I can't wait to come back for another taste. I guess i'll come prepared with smaller bills!
(4)
Robert B.
Finally made it out to vegan commissary for breakfast. My dining partner and I both ordered the breakfast biscuit sandwich, hers with scrapple, mine with tofu bacon. The biscuit was delicious, fluffy, moist, and flavorful. Ditto the bacon. The only shortcoming was the tofu "egg," which had a bit of an odd flavor, but a little Siracha solved the issue. I hope to replicate the vegan biscuit, it was as good as I remember a biscuit being. Our server was great, she knew the menu and suggested the bacon! The coffee was a little weak, but it's a minor gripe, overall I recommend spending a weekend morning here.
(4)
Lia B.
Such a unique and special place - cash only and tax and tip is built into the menu price. How refreshing! Wondering if it's because like every vegan I know is a penny pinching cheapskate (did I say that out loud?) Either way - I've been a huge fan of chef Steve's offerings at places like sook hee's for a while and I had been looking forward to going ever since it opened. This place met all my expectations. Bright and comfortable atmosphere, extremely friendly staff, and delicious offerings make it truly 5 stars. First up were the cinnamon rolls which were a special of the day. Flakey and sweet and served with butter - these were such a treat! I got a reanimater coffee which was served as one cup or bottomless. Then I had a kale salad which was crisp and refreshing with almonds and tofu. It was very filling. My friend had the biscuits and gravy special which was, again, a huge hit. The gravy was mushroom based and the whole entree was very opulent and served with homefries. The biscuits were topped with these interesting onion rings that were crispy and savory. The biscuits were stuffed with spinach so at least you had the appearance of an actual vegetable! For dessert you MUST order the peanut butter cup. It's an oversized chocolate and pb treat. So rich with a crumbly chocolate crust and a gooey peanut butter filling. I can't wait to come back and try the other menu items - everything looks amazing and I have a feeling everything tastes that way as well.
(5)
Natalee F.
I'm so happy another vegan option opened in Philadelphia. This place definitely has something for everyone though. The space is small and comfortable, with really cute decorations. I especially like the seedling paintings on the bathroom walls. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive. From the descriptions of the food that our waiter gave, you could really tell he loved eating the food himself, and his enthusiasm was very infectious. The prices include tax and tip (and are all a bit weird, like $6.97) so tipping is not expected at this establishment. The owner is trying a new concept where the waitstaff gets a normal wage in place of being reliant on tips. Very European. The prices of the food are also very fair. The miso soup is to die for. I want to swim in it. I want to eat it every day. Delicious. Apparently on certain days you can order it with a side of noodles. Perfect for a cold winter day. I ordered the butternut squash knudi and the chimmichurri seitan as my entree. Both were flavorful and satisfying. I was also impressed with the market sandwich and veggie burger that the other people at my table ordered. Dessert looked good, but we were all way too full to order it. This place is cash only, BYOB, and no reservations. They also serve brunch on the weekends, which I can't wait to try. I will be back again for dinner and I think this may become one of my new favorite restaurants.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Great! Unlimited iced coffee with Coconut cream, the cheese/pea nuggets are so yummy and the mini - cinnamon buns are delicious. I had the breakfast sandwich with hash and it was fantastically good and HUGE. I can't wait to go back for dinner. Get there early because there was a line out the door. The servers are so nice and accommodating. My entire brunch there was fantastic and superior from service, to ambiance, to the quality of food. Can't wait to go back. Hopefully soon!
(5)
Larissa G.
I have been wanting to brunch here for a while now, and finally got the opportunity when some vegan friends were in town. We showed up on a rainy and terrible Sunday morning at 11am (prime brunching time). I was pleased that there wasn't a wait as long as we were willing to sit at the counter looking outside (which we were). The place is definitely smaller than I anticipated on the outside and though the decor is a bit lacking, it's definitely cozy. There were two things that kept this meal from being 5-stars, and the first one was the coffee. You had a choice of brews and my whole crew went with the Reanimator dark roast, which I have had many times before. For some reason though, it was terrible here. The coffee cups are about 5 ounces (literally, they are laughably small) and the coffee was just plain bad. I am not sure if it was old or brewed wrong, or what. The coconut creamer didn't even help. Next, they were out of the drool-worthy cinnamon rolls (which was a bummer, but I am not docking them on that). All of the food was presented well and tasted amazing. My boyfriend and I split the cinnamon toast, which comes on HUGE pieces of fluffy texas toast with tons of Earth Balance and sugar. Then, we got the poached avocado hash and the breakfast wrap. The potatoes that came with the wrap were super good, and the hollandaise on the hash was the best vegan variety I have ever tasted. Everything was very filling and satisfying. My friends also got the hash and the breakfast sandwich, as well as a pancake. After tasting it all, I would definitely order the breakfast sandwich if I go again, and be warned that the pancakes are massive (and fluffy!). Service was great- there are no complaints here. It's pretty cool that the tax and tip is all wrapped up into the process from the start too! However, the last boo came when we got the bill. Though they are no longer cash-only, they charge you an extra $1 for every credit card that you use when paying your check, as a "service fee". I would rather have a cash only joint than some made-up fee tacked onto my bill (which is also not stated on the menu) and it left a definite bad taste in my mouth. I know its just a buck, but it's still a jerk move.
(4)
Pam S.
I love the vegan commissary, despite me not coming here in their first months of opening because I didn't realize it was a restaurant (commissary to me means a grocery on base). The food is fantastic, and the desserts ... my husband loves the peanut butter cup. It's BYOB, and they have a nice beverage list of tea and kombucha available. I like that the menu changes constantly, and love that the prices include tax and service. I get panic attacks trying to split the bill sometimes (why doesn't Philly believe in separate checks? WHY), so it's a well-appreciated relief for me. Faves: I usually lean towards getting whatever sandwich is available, as it usually comes with a side of one of their awesome salads. The pasta with nut-based cheese is awesome when they've got it, and peanut butter cup ... that's where it's at.
A lot of this is going to sound mean. Just know it is said with good intentions, and that VC is not a bad place at all. Let's just offer some context here. Had this been the first vegan place I'd ever been to I would likely have given this 4, maybe 5 stars because the food IS decent. But it isn't my first experience. I've been to Vedge, HipCityVeg, Blackbird, and even had a ridiculously good Korean seitan taco from the soon to open V Street by the Vedge crew at Rittenhouse Row last weekend. What they taught me is how ridiculously good vegan food could be, so much so I crave certain dishes from these places regardless of it's effect on the living creatures of the world (well except plants, because f*ck their feelings). But that's the standard in Philly these days, and Vegan Commissary just does not reach that level. To me, this was what I thought vegan food would taste like before I'd been to the places mentioned above. Fine enough, slightly higher priced, vaguely recognizable flavors with textures a bit off (graininess of the cheesecake comes to mind) served up by a friendly if not pale-ish host leaving me feeling like I did OK by my body for the night. Thankfully I know something much better exists now.
(3)
Laura Jill S.
I FINALLY made it to Vegan Commissary this weekend for brunch, & I'm so glad I did. Tina was our server, she was awesome. I had the biscuits & gravy. They started out amazing, but by the time I got to the second biscuit, they were less amazing. Maybe because I was getting full. I LOVED the potatoes that came with the biscuits & gravy...I want to eat them all day. My friend & I also shared the tempeh hash (tasty, but could have been more flavorful & also we didn't really need to order that too) & the mini cinnabuns. THE MINI CINNABUNS! They were my favorite part. I'd go back just for them. Amazing! I definitely recommend, it's a little far away from my Center City stomping grounds, but worth the subway ride (hahaha, it's 2 stops!).
(4)
Sid P.
Service & food both fantastic. I will never forget the beet-tarragon lemonade the owner brought out for my group to sample while we waited for food. Not just the fact that free samples rule, but also that it was one of the best drinks I have ever had in my life. Menu is always creative & intriguing, changing often to celebrate seasonal produce. Another place that proves how much more exciting vegan food can be than basic "American" fare.
(5)
Cat P.
Vegan Commissary was middle of the road to me. Food was decent, but the service was disappointing. Please allow me to elaborate: I had the tempeh hash with poached avocado, which was a very fun play on eggs benedict. There seem to be complaints on Yelp regarding the seasoning of the food. I didn't think the dish was over or under salted and I liked the creaminess of the hollandaise sauce. All in all, not a bad dish. We also tried the mini cinnamon rolls, which were a nice little treat to go with our brunch. If this was just a food review, then I would definitely rate this spot a 4 or 5. The service brought it down for me, though. Upon entering the restaurant, we had a 20 minute wait, even though there was one guy sitting at a four-top. This didn't seem like the most efficient use of their table space, so I was a little confused about that. And while the waitresses were very nice, things were slow coming out of the kitchen. They encouraged us to try the cinnamon rolls mentioned above as a starter, but it came out with the rest of our meal, so it wasn't really a starter at all. Had it had come out in the beginning, the wait for our meal probably wouldn't have felt so long. Also, there were three of us and only two bite-sized buns. I wish the server had given us a better idea regarding size because it didn't seem like we were able to split the dish properly. I had to ask for water quite a few times, too, and the blackboard menu was a bit hard to read. I don't mean to sound snobby and I realize I'm kind of splitting hairs here, but this is not a five star establishment - yet. I think it has the potential to get there, but it's only been open for about 2 months. I want to come back and support a business like this because I do think the owner and staff genuinely care about serving their customers good food; there are kinks to be worked out, though, and I hope they can figure it all out soon!
(3)
Nicholas R.
Vegan Commissary why were you not open when I lived in Philadelphia?!? I've since moved away (not forever, I hope) and on a return trip went here and loved it. The food (biscuits and gravy) was delicious and a perfect amount (not too much or too little). The service was friendly and timely, but best of all they include tip & tax in the price. It's great to look at a price and already know exactly what you'll be paying. Also the waitstaff is then guaranteed a decent wage. I'll totally be back here the next time I visit Philadelphia and would gladly recommend Vegan Commissary to anyone!
(5)
Joshua F.
We thought it was an ok experience. Everything looks great, but there was a general blandness to the entire meal. I did like the pot pie, but my guests found their meals to lack flavor. Get the meyer lemon cheesecake.
(3)
Etaniel B.
Today was my first time having brunch here (or visiting the premises, period). The food and restaurant ambiance were underwhelming. It was surprising because I have had their muffins at a local coffee bar. The muffins are delicious! I ordered the breakfast wrap and potatoes on side. By the end of meal, my stomach was somewhat irritated. I believe that is because of the fact that I rarely eat fried foods. Just relocated in Sept. 2014 from Brooklyn, NY. Philadelphia's vegan scene seems to be growing but it lacks a few things.
(2)
Melissa P.
Brunch Review: I'll admit I was skeptical. There are few brunches I can remember loving that have not involved eggs or cheese or breakfast meats...ok, let's be serious, probably all three. Well, Vegan Commissary proved me wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved my meal. Also BYOB! My co-bruncher and I split the okonomiyaki (Japanese vegetable pancake which came with some pickled green beans and awesome spicy sauce) and the poached avocado with hash. Both were delicious, I'd highly recommend getting both. The poached avocado was their version of Eggs Benedict (my go to brunch order) smothered in fauxllandaise sauce and served over a flavorful, awesome hash. Also got a pot of green tea which was great for a cold day. LOVE that tax and tip is included especially since it's cash only. Service was great! My only complaint about this place is the atmosphere... It seems a bit clinical, and not the cozy spot I'd like to stay a long time enjoying brunch in. The window seats probably make for great people watching though. Highly recommend for meat lovers or haters, or people who have no strong feelings about meat...so yea everyone.
(4)
Sophia I.
We had a great experience here at brunch last weekend with our kids. Although I was slightly dismayed when I read the "cash only" note that was clearly displayed on front door, it worked out fine. One plus is that the prices already include tax & tip, so it made things a little easier to budget with the limited cash in my pocket. The atmosphere is laid-back with a clean asthetic. The menu is on both the chalkboard & printed out. We did have to ask for more explanations on some items, but the servers were really friendly & accommodating. We ordered the savory & regular pancakes, a poached pear salad & a fruit salad. Add on a refillable cup of ReAnimator coffee & we got out of there for 42 bucks and change. Not bad at all. And the food was delicious. Our kids loved the vegan pancakes, but we thought the savory pancake was the real star! They are also BYOB, so dinner would be a good option for a nice vegan date night without having to totally splurge. The dinner menu looked appealing, so I hope we can make it back here soon.
(5)
Kate S.
Yelp brought us here. We went on a Friday around 1:00 or so.. I think we were the only people there but our waitress, Christine (I think) was nothing short of amazing. We had both never been there before and she made a few suggestions and also let us sample some sauces since we were unsure. I went with the fried green tomato club which had lettuce, tomato (obviously), onion, avocado, tempeh, and green goddess sauce... It was pretty awesome. My boyfriend had the brunch burger and ate his plate clean! Both came with salads that were fresh. We had the fried mac and pea balls which were so tasty and cheezy, it was definitely a splurge but hit the spot if you are craving some vegan comfort food. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Brianna K.
This place is amazing! My friend and I visited for brunch on Saturday and ordered: Tempeh Hash with Poached Avocado Breakfast Wrap Sparkling Apple Cider Sparkling Chai White Tea On the side we had cinnamon buns with the most delicious icing. For dessert was: Vegan Creme Brulee Peanut Butter Cup Pie All the food was delicious and fresh. I highly recommend this place to add to a vegan Philly "must eat" list and would still recommended this restaurant to anyone who loves food. The service was quick and attentive and there was a small, homey, laid back feel about the entire place. Also, I have never traveled into that area of the city, and cannot wait to go back!! The only take cash, however, so be prepared.
(5)
Food C.
Delicious food! The breakfast sandwich with potatoes is amazing. If you ever see the special chocolate banana French toast get it or you will regret it the rest if your life! My only complaint is that they never have cinnamon rolls on weekends and run out of stuff. There's obviously a demand vc!! Get some more damn cinnamon rolls! I want to enjoy more of your deliciousness! No tipping is required bc they actually pay their workers right! More businesses need to follow this model.
(3)
Jobin T.
I went in for brunch today with some friends and had an excellent experience. We tried the poached avocado and the cheese steak and both we're delicious. The subs came out with perfectly toasted bread and a good sized kale side salad (with a nice tangy dressing). The staff we're all very friendly and apologetic for the wait, and our server did a good job at explaining the menu items. If I had any complaint it was that the server could have used some more help. She seemed like she had too much to do and there was some lag time because of it, but that isn't her fault what so ever and I will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Sara P.
We have eaten at every single vegan restaurant in this city at least once (and mostly scores of times), and we are so happy to add this to our Veg*n Philly list! The food is spectacular for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters too, making it a really nice place to take family and friends. There are so many options that any type of eater will be happy. Moreover, the wait staff will help you make good selections, and the chef will customize meals to your preferences. For example my husband had the spicy miso soup, but I was told I could get it "minus the heat!" I love my vegetables so I ordered the grilled veggies and polenta. It was beautiful and it tasted so good. The presentation was over the top terrific, and the taste was also. I finished every last bite and then I ate the most scrumptious dessert of all - the chocolate peanut butter pie. It was really delicious. The beverage menu suits me too. I selected a white tea, but there was green and black tea also. There were other drinks, and it is a BYOB too for those of you who like an adult beverage with your meal. The owner has terrific skills and ideas about how to run a restaurant, and the staff is well-trained and knowledgable. The restaurant is laid out so that you can have a quiet meal with two (like we did on New Year's eve) or a large group of friends eating together. The restaurant has nice lighting, something I appreciate, and lovely framed art work on the walls. Sara's bottom line: Great food, Great menu, Great service, Good parking nearby. Prices are moderate (they include tip in the price) and justified. Not just for vegans, but if you are vegan or vegetarian or just care about your health, you are gonna love this one!
(5)
Hayley E.
From the appearance of their menu and website, the place was much more modest and hipster than I imagined. The dining area was very small and traditional looking with wooden chairs. The area was very open and calm. The menu was written up on their wall of a chalkboard as well as printed on paper. The people were very friendly and down to earth as well. I had the Mac and Cheese Ball and the potato salad. They were both very yummy! There is nothing healthy about the mac and cheese ball, but it's good vegan comfort food if you're looking for it. I haven't had Mac n cheese since who knows when (let alone fried) so it was certainly a lovely treat! The potato salad tasted just like the real thing, and I love how the potatoes were cut in huge chunks. I'd love to have it again, but they said they change their menu every Wed. There are always positives and negatives to that. The positives are that you always get to try something new, but the negatives are that if you want to have it again, you have to wait a long time. Still the place is great and keeps you comin!
(5)
Tricia M.
Was kind of scared at first because I had heard their service was, "too cool" and "distant" yikes. But I don't know what those reviews were about. Our server was very kind and attentive. The tip is included in the price, so I don't think people should expect 5-star service. More like a counter place. They will maybe treat you better in hopes of a better tip, but they aren't living off the tips (which I think is amazing and a good business model, so what if I have to ask for a refill?) I had the Poached Avocado Hash and it was AMAZING. Probably the best vegan breakfast I've ever had. Wish it was spicier (the hollandaise is a bit sweet) but they had sriracha at the table! Yay! My friend had the french toast and it looked very good, he isn't vegan and he said it was one of the best french toasts he's ever had. Good place to bring non-veg friend for sure! I honestly have to try to figure out a way to make that hash at home because I don't live in Philly, or figure out a way to go to Philly more often lol. It's a Philly must for brunch.
(5)
Julia W.
Love this place!! Best buckwheat pancakes ever. As a vegan and celiac, it was such a pleasure to eat here and know I was in good hands. Plus the owner is super sweet. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Rachel E.
The Mac and cheese squares are pretty much a pass time must get them! The chocolate French toast was good but more of a dessert than a breakfast food. Man so good
(5)
Evan D.
Luckily for me, a vegetarian that happens to live right off Passyunk Ave, Philly is no stranger to vegan-friendly restaurants/dishes. When the Commissary opened, my SO and I were def eager to check it out since we both live that lifestyle and diet. Breakfast here is out-of-control delicious. If you like country styled biscuits but need a little twist, go here. There breakfast dishes and lunch dishes are all fantastic and the portions make it worth every penny. I've never left here hungry. And the dessert is to die for. Really. The service is absolutely spot-on. The hosts and waiters are as very friendly and polite as they get. And it's so easy to strike up a conversation with them and not feel rushed or awkward. The owner of the place is also sincere and genuine and concerned with how you are and is open for any critique or conversation you have to offer. Keep up the great work, Vegan Commissary!
(4)
Alexis S.
I wanted everything on the menu! But ended up with the BBQ seitan, which was really tasty and it was a generous portion. The best part wad the coconut collards. Ever since I've given up meat, it had been hard to find meat free collards and they were delicious. I wanted to order some to take home, but since I already ordered enough food for 3 people, I decided not to. It was amazing and delicious and we can't wait to go back.
(5)
Melissa L.
Absolutely delicious food. Packed with flavor, just add some spice for an extra kick. Definitely will come back again soon..next on the list is the stuffed french toast
(5)
Marie W.
Here's they thing: the food was tasty. My daughter scarfed down the hummus pierogies with salad & tzaziki dressing in under five minutes. My fried green tomato club hit all the right notes with smoky tempeh, plenty of avocado & Goddess dressing. The husband said his vegan cheesesteak was the best vegan cheesesteak he's ever had - the jalepenio jam put it over the edge. But there's something a little off about Vegan Commissary. I get the whole no frills, clean lines motif, but there's a difference between minimalism and despair. From the harsh lighting, to the absence of any attempt at interior design, to the lack of any separation between the entryway and the seating area, there's almost nothing to draw you in and make you feel comfortable. The food is good enough to get people in the door but I worry that without a warmer & more inviting experience they won't be drawn to come back again.
(3)
Stephanie C.
Finding a good vegan restaurant is never an easy task, which is why we often opt to cook at home. Vegan Commissary is an INCREDIBLE exception to the rule! We visited on a Saturday afternoon, but found that they serve breakfast all day which was a nice surprise. We ordered the soup of the day, Potato Leek, which was delicious and super-filling. We also ordered a side of the mushroom scrapple as well as the legendary poached avocado over hash. The scrapple was fantastic and virtually identical to traditional scrapple, with a crispy outside and soft, savory inside. When I was younger, I found a toenail in my scrapple, so it was nice to be able to eat it again without having flashbacks. The poached avocado hash was so rich and in a perfect portion. I didn't quite finish it all, but felt awful about leaving the last two bites because it was just so darn good. We spoke with Steve, the owner, and told him how much we enjoyed our meal. He was very complementary of his cooking staff and really has a passion for providing a satisfying vegan meal with quality ingredients. We can't wait to go back!
(5)
John B.
Went here to have brunch on a Sunday. Everything was amazing. Go early they were out of cinnamon buns which I wanted to try. I had the choco sour dough pancakes and breakfast sandwich, after having these I can't imagine them serving anything that's not good.
(5)
Sarah P.
I am so glad this place exists! My friend and I got brunch here this morning and it was a great experience. Being able to walk in around noon on a Saturday and be seated immediately was pretty great. I had the burger, which came with a kale side salad. The salad was so delicious, and a much better companion for a burger than the typical fries. When I first saw the plate, I was worried it wasn't going to be enough food, but I found the meal to be filling and satisfying without inducing the typical post-brunch food coma or making me feel sickly stuffed. My friend got the pancakes, which were rich and tasty, and also very filling. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We didn't realize that tax and service were integrated into the prices, so we left a full 20% tip on top of everything. I was wondering why the prices were higher than expected! I feel okay with that though considering the positive experience. Looking forward to trying it for dinner sometime.
(4)
Susan L.
This place is new so you might not find it on Google maps. Tip about parking: go on the other side of the block where the Catholic school is and you can park there for free (at least in the winter). What is unique about this place is that their prices are final (includes tax and tip) so don't be intimidated by the prices! Service was professional and on point. Downside with the menu that it doesn't have details about the items but most are pretty self explanatory. Its a small place but we went for weekend brunch in January so there wasn't a huge wait. I can imagine it will get quite busy and quite popular because its doing great so far. The food came out fast. I got the poached avocado with tempeh hash and my friend got the biscuits with gravy - delicious. Coffee was great. I want to go back and try their desserts. 5 stars.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jessica W.
Somehow they manage to make gluten free pancakes fluffy! I've been here 3 times so far and each time the food blew my mind. At times they run out of certain items, so make sure if you really want something, come early :) Limited hours and parking can be difficult, but it is 100% worth the effort to come here! When we first visited Vegan Commissary they didn't accept credit cards, now they do but with a $1 surcharge. You can't leave without getting dessert, I promise the chocolate peanut butter cup is worth every calorie! :)
(4)Erin R.
I'm not a vegan, but it didn't really matter because everything was so tasty. We both got the pancakes and coffee. The pancakes were hearty and incredibly filling. The pancakes even taste good plain. You get two large pancakes. I had to take half home because they were so filling. I would definitely come back for these again! The service was friendly and accommodating. The coffee was delicious as well. Take their advice and get the coconut coffee creamer if you take 'milk' in your coffee. I would have liked to know beforehand that the drip coffee cost $3.50-4.50 per person; the prices weren't listed on the drink menu. It was bottomless coffee so ended up being worth the cost. All of their prices include tax AND tip, so it makes the prices seem a little higher than you'd expect. They are cash only!!! (no ATM inside) Overall, a pleasant experience! I'll be back!!
(4)Stan K.
Good pancakes, worst ambiance in philly. I think even the Republican is more comfortable than this place.
(3)Venk N.
Horrible, horrible service. A poster child for, if you're going to have a "service-included" policy, that management needs to be proactive in ensuring good service. Before arriving, we called in to ask what the way would be, whoever answered the phone said "it's rainy and we're lazy, so we really don't know how long it will be. sorry we can't be more helpful." We really should have taken this as a bad sign and not went, but we took the chance anyway. Big mistake. Our food took about 40 minutes to be served to us. During this 40 minutes of time, we were checked on exactly once by a server (about 15 minutes in) to say our food "would be right out." At about 39 minutes in, we tracked down the hostess and asked what was up with our food; she apologies offered to pack it up for us to go (not useful to us since I was about to go on a 2-hour drive). They said something was wrong with their "flat top", but if so, they should let us know this and let us change their order. I said, pretty loudly, "maybe I should just pay for the iced tea and leave". Magically, at this point the food came out. Now, the above is bad enough, but when the manager came out, he was just a litany of excuses "we got a bunch of orders at the same time". The only thing he offered was a 15% discount for our *next* visit (as if we want to go again after such horrible service). There was no attempt at accountability, or actually fixing things for us this visit; which is inexcusable since they clearly didn't earn the "service charge" they had included in their price. A bunch of empty apologies, but no attempts at fixing things properly. After the manager had clearly refused to do anything for us on the current bill, we said "we're going to write a bad review for you." His reply: "I'm sure you're going to do that anyway." No, sir, we wouldn't have. Had you at least attempted to make amends in a reasonable way, we would have noted that here, and you'd be at least looking at a 3-4 star review for at least trying. Instead, you just made clear that you don't even really care if your service is good or not. As for the food quality itself? Ok, I suppose. The menu is certainly very creative, and parts of it good (but other parts bland), but there is no food good enough to overcome such bad service, and, even worse, a horrible attitude towards that bad service.
(1)Lolly G.
Ever have poached avocado? Well you sure should, real fast. It's absolutely delicious. I went here for brunch and was very impressed. They have a very nice brunch menu which is available on the weekends. The waitress was very sweet and passionate about the place, which always helps. I am a vegetarian, so cheese/eggs are usually part of my brunch routine. Trust me, you won't miss them here! During the week they only serve dinner, but the menu for dinner looked really good and I'm very excited to go back. They make it very apparent that this is a vegan only spot, which could turn off some people. However, I think PLENTY of non-vegans will really enjoy this place. I'm so lucky that this place opened so close to me! Don't forget to try their fresh squeeze juices that the waitress informed us are made fresh right up the street. The prices are a little bit higher than people may be used to, so they write that tips are not expected at all. I went on their website and they make the prices as they are so they may pay employees a good living wage. Don't get me wrong its not "expensive" they probably ad about $2-3 dollars to each option. I must say I'm not at all comfortable with not tipping, so either way I'm going to tip. It's so enjoyable to leave brunch feeling LIGHT and recharged, instead of feeling like you need to take a 3 hour nap. I will be back often
(4)Tracie P.
Vegan Commissary is a nice new addition to the vegan landscape in Philly, though I think they can tighten up their food offerings a bit. I would give it a 3.5 after a first visit. The food is homey, but not totally unlike something you might whip up in your own kitchen. The dessert was the real standout -- a gingerbread cheesecake that was smooth and spicy and rich. So good. The service is fantastic -- our server was so friendly and knowledgeable. The owner made several appearances throughout the night, taking time to talk to each table. Super nice guy. The prices are reasonable, especially considering tax and tip are included in the price of each dish. An interesting concept. The ambiance is relaxed, but not a spot for special occasions or romantic dinners. The decor is spare and almost cafeteria-like, with only one window in the relatively small space. This wouldn't necessarily have been an issue, except the open kitchen left the dining room thick and smoky. Still, a good spot for a no-frills vegan meal, and the reviews definitely have me interested in a return visit during weekend brunch. Note: VC is BYO and cash only.
(4)Lauren S.
I had been to the Vegan Commissary for a FooBooz After Dark Event and after looking at the menu board really wanted to come back and check it. So when a group of yelpers were headed here for brunch I jumped at the opportunity to go back and brought a friend giving me the opportunity to try more dishes. The poached avocado and hash was amazing and super filling, I'm really glad I ordered this item, I think half the table did and no one seemed disappointed. My friend got the mushroom grits they were alright; I think I'd skip them for other items on the menu. But he also got the side of potatoes and those were amazing, melted in your mouth. I absolutely love that tip and tax is included in all the prices makes the bill so much easier and with our large group they were awesome enough to give everyone individual checks. I wish this place was a little closer to home I might find myself here more often if it was.
(5)Liz C.
Great new vegan spot in south Philly! We went for Saturday brunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had pancakes, tofu bacon, and tempeh hash with poached avocado. The tempeh hash and avocado was really original and yummy. Pancakes were super fluffy and delicious. The servers and owner, who was there, were very friendly and accommodating. One of the servers even brought out paper and pen for my 3 year old daughter to draw, when she saw that the kid was getting restless. The place is cash only, and when the owner overheard me asking my husband if we had enough cash, he offered to let us come back to pay after eating if we didn't have enough cash to cover our meal. I hope this place sticks around! Will be heading back soon for dinner and desert.
(5)Dani B.
Cash only and tip is included in the price, which works for me. The mini cinnamon buns are a must!!! Breakfast is good for non-vegans if you stick to the recommendations like the poached avocado with tempeh hash. The portions are decent and filling and the service is great!
(5)Abhi H.
I always like trying new places so I was very excited to go here for my birthday. My mom is a strict vegetarian so I knew she would be comfortable ordering anything on the menu. The service was very good, all the waiters seemed friendly and the owner came out to speak with us as well. Now onto the food! By far, the star for me was the chimichurri seitan. Everybody loved it. Apparently we ordered the last of it though so when we tried to get seconds we failed! The butternut squash gnudi which we got as an appetizer was also delicious. I tried a bit of the ziti and the veggie burger and I got the Italian market sandwich. All were very good. I didn't expect much for dessert but we ordered one of everything. The eggnog cheesecake was *fantastic*. I'm a huge cheesecake guy and wondered how they could make one with no dairy. Well, they really know how because that thing was spot on. The chocolate peanut butter cup pie was also surprisingly good, tasted just like Reese's! The only reason I left one star off was because the place is cash only. With a slew of mobile payment technology and point of sale systems, there's really no excuse to be cash only anymore. PS I'm not vegetarian or vegan and neither were 3 other people in my party, but we all enjoyed the food.
(4)Kris A.
I went here for the first time because it's close to where I'm staying and I have to say... i'm impressed. The people working there are so helpful and kind, and the food was amazing! I had potatoes with "poached" avocado and a creamy cheese sauce on top. It probably won't be as good, but this is definitely something I'm going to try to recreate at home. My only complaint is that the menu is written on a huge chalkboard that you have to stand up in the middle of the room to read if you're seated anywhere along the wall it's on. And if you're in a room full of people this can make for some awkward moments as you stand next to strangers pondering your food choice. My recommendation is to take a picture of the chalkboard and read it at your seat.
(5)Matthew H.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. As someone who has only been vegan for just over a year, I typically go out for vegan junk food to satisfy my craving for things like pizza and meaty sandwiches. This place, aside from its veggie burger, offers nothing like that and it is quickly returning me back to the adventurous mindset I used to have when my dining options were endless. One of the most intriguing things about Vegan Commissary is that they aren't making the same ol' bland dishes you've had ruined by other vegan restaurants ie the rarely decent tofu Benedict. These guys serve a similar dish of poached avocado over tempeh hash that has a miraculously authentic-tasting hollandaise that has a remarkably fatty mouthfeel. This is a great feat and I commend them for not just have blended silken tofu, lemon juice and spices. Then there are the desserts I keep hearing about. I STILL haven't had one of the because they are always selling out due to popular demand. I can't wait to try one of their peanut butter cup pies. Love the casual atmosphere, great food, extensive non-alcoholic drink menu, friendly staff and owner and the interesting way they do business.
(5)Christine B.
Went for brunch. We had pancakes, French toast, scrapple, the breakfast burger, and a side of potatoes. The burger itself was OK; not life changing but adequate. However, the Hollandaise on it was bland, and the accompanying kale salad left much to he desired. It was fresh, but the dressing tasted of salt and vinegar and not much else. The stuffed French toast was the best dish - the berry compote was not overly sweet, the vegan cream cheese like filling was good, and the pink peppercorns added a nice bite. The vegan scrapple was sagey and tasty. The pancakes were huge- you could feed a small army - but unfortunately not completely cooked. The potatoes were oversalted as well, which didn 't bother me as much since I had the sweet dish. The service was friendly if a bit slow - the "bottomless" coffee took a long time to come out. The cups are small and despite our obvious placement it was a while before we were offered a refill. I like that their employees are paid a living wage, but it also means they don't make much of an effort. For the price, there are other options for vegans. Go to Vedge during happy hour if you're pinching pennies, Blackbird Pizzeria or Govinda's. Sabrina's and Royal Tavern have vegan options if you must have brunch.
(2)Dan S.
Here's the challenge when a non-vegan reviews a vegan restaurant - is it good or is it good for a vegan joint? this place is flat out good although I might need another trip or two to fully explore the menu. We went for brunch and so this review is as to that. can't speak to any other time of day. I like that it opened at 10 instead of 11 as many other places do. We tend to eat brunch more at a breakfast time than a brunch time. We arrived and the place was empty except for one table. Oddly the server tried to sit us directly behind the door such that every time someone came in I would be hit in the back. Regardless, moved without much fuss. The menu is up on a giant chalkboard and that's nice and easy to read. You also get the paper at your table. Started with coffee - two choices: green street or reanimator. Both excellent and well brewed. I'm not a big fan of milk alternatives but they had almond milk available. Started with the cinnamon rolls which were freshly baked and delicious. Just wish they were a little larger, kindof puny. We had the biscuit special and pancakes with apples. In retrospect I wish I had ordered the hash with avocado. Just something to look forward to. the food was tasty and filling. Most importantly it didn't taste like vegan replacement food it was just good eating. I like that tip is factored into the price. I hope they are getting a decent wage. Remember its cash only - we were about $40.00.
(4)D C.
The best. Just go. Get dessert.
(5)Jennn H.
Went here last week and shared the watermelon salad, the fried Mac n cheese, and the BBQ seitan. All were delish, but the standout winner was definitely that BBQ seitan dish--from the potato salad to the collard greens to the corn on the cob and biscuits, each side was super flavorful and worked amazingly together. The Mac n cheese I would save for winter (not the best thing on a hot July day) and the watermelon salad was delightful and refreshing, although the proportions may have been a little off--(we wished for more greens--lots of super sweet charred melon!) but if that's my biggest complaint -- hats off to the vegan commissary!
(5)David D.
We were very excited to try a new vegan brunch spot. The menu looked fantastic. The food and service was just okay. For your vegan dollar, there are a lot better choices. If you're not vegan, there is absolutely no reason to go to this place. We had the pancakes, the brunch burger, the french toast, sides of potatoes and scrapple, and coffee. The pancakes were enormous in both width and depth, but the center of one of them was raw uncooked batter - they hadn't been on the grill long enough. If they had cooked them properly, it would have been the one high point of the meal. The brunch burger comes with a generous topping of ripe avocado, but aside from the creaminess of that and the hollandaise, the sandwich lacked flavor. The kale side salad had a tart but underspiced dressing. The french toast was good, but expensive for the portion size. One of us thought the potatoes were oversalted and the others thought they were okay. The scrapple was just okay. That's pretty much the bottom line: It was just okay. The service was friendly but not too skilled or crisp. The menu board has no description of any of the items. We drained our coffee cups and put them to the side of the table for refills, and it took a long time even though the place had just opened and wasn't even half filled. Total was $51 for 3 people. Tipping is "not expected or required", so we didn't. Cash only.
(2)Josh M.
Had a nice brunch at Vegan Commissary. The waitstaff was warm and friendly; atmosphere was great. My gluten-free companion loved her miso soup (minus the noodles) and GF bagel. The Reanimator coffee was also delicious. I was a little disappointed with my Tempeh Hash With Poached Avocado, though. It was tasty, but seriously lacking in the tempeh department. If they're going to stick to that recipe, they should call it "Pile of Potatoes Topped With Delicious, Creamy Avocado and Sprinkled With a Few Tiny Tempeh Cubes."
(4)Lori L.
How exciting to finally have another vegan breakfast option in Philly. Probably more appropriate to get to with a car or as a reward after a run through South Philly. Satisfies the sweet and savory vegan brunch desires: the vegan pancakes were probably the fluffiest and most flavorful I've had, the okonomiyaki was unique and perfectly done (a savory pancake with pickled scallions, green beans?, edamami, and topped with shredded radishes), fruit salad with pomegranate, pear, fresh mango, YUM! They even have a selection of refreshing Kambucha drinks. I hope to go back there next time I'm in town and try the lunch and dinner menus.
(4)Matthew L.
Awesome place in Philly. Diner style vegan food. Best vegan brunch in Philly. A good lower priced casual option alternative to Vedge. Get multiple plates of the fried vegan Mac and cheese appetizer. Also the poached avocado over hash was amazing. I kept wondering if there was real bacon in it. Also very friendly staff.
(5)S L.
Oh. My. God. The cinnamon rolls. SO good. I honestly can't stop thinking about them. I was really looking forward to my first trip to Vegan Commissary, and it did not disappoint. I had the breakfast wrap which came with a side of potatoes. Everything on my plate was delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more food. But seriously, THOSE CINNAMON ROLLS! Drool.
(4)DC B.
My favorite place in Philly, wish I could eat here for every meal. Great Vegan options and the staff is extremely nice and helpful, easily the best brunch I've ever had, will definitely be going to Vegan Commissary as often as possible. We've brought Vegan, Vegetarian and Meat eating friends here and all have loved the food! I my opinion, don't waste your time at the expensive Vegan options in the city, just grab a meal here and it will be better and less expensive in a more friendly atmosphere.
(5)Kelly S.
We had great service and great food here. A Philly place that rivals champs in BK. Would come here all the time if I lived here!
(5)Sara M.
I can only speak on behalf of the breakfast - but not many places offer a good vegan breakfast. Where I live there is no where to go out for breakfast - so for me this is a rare treat. The food is amazing. The staff is attentive and super friendly. The interior is small - but cozy with homey feel. It's a great place to get some grub in the morning on your way out of the city if you're an out of towner like me. I look forward to this gem every time I visit the city. As many other reviewers have stated, the tip and tax are included in the menu price. So what you see is what you get, which is something unique in the US. And!! they now accept credit cards - which is so convenient.
(5)Michele C.
WOW! So, in truth, I live on the second floor above Vegan Commissary, but I was SO impressed by the Cobb salad! The staff is amazing, Steve (the owner) is a sweetheart, and you can't get any better in South Philly. PLUS, they take cards now -- what a wonderful thing. I enjoyed every second of my experience there.You rule, VC!
(5)Elizabeth F.
I stopped here yesterday for a gluten-free bagel-- best I've ever had! Came back today to try something new and the tempeh hash is spectacular. Baconey flavor and great texture. Bottomless coffee and a great bitter greens salad are icing on the cake. Cash only but tax and tip are included in all the prices so there are no surprises. Maybe they'll expand to offer outdoor seating in warmer weather! Fingers crossed and I'll definitely be back.
(5)Kim P.
Hush puppies, Mac n' cheese with meatballs, and beet juice lemonade oh my! A and I dined there this evening and it did not disappoint. Super cute atmosphere, utterly delish food, and the surprise bonus of cookies to take home with us makes this place a sure to come back to very very soon destination. Oh and might I add that that the Brussels sprouts were so good that I wanted to drink the rest of the sauce that was left (for the record, I did not). And the beet juice lemonade was absolutely unbelievable. And I hate beets. So there. Go here. Bring your friends (veg or not). Everyone is sure to enjoy something.
(5)Ellie B.
I just attended an event here, and we had a sampling of the menu. There was not a single thing that I tried that was not delicious. I appreciate the diversity of the menu, that natural ingredients, and also attention to the gluten-free. I cannot believe I have not been here before! It is interesting is that tax and tip are included in the menu prices.
(5)Ricky H.
Had a very disappointing trip here and have been twice just to make sure it wasn't an off night. Had the tempeh hash brunch on my first trip with a "poached" avocado (it is just half an avocado on some really salty tempeh). Went for dinner with some friends and tried a lot of stuff and all of it was very underseasoned and bland, with the exception of a butternut squash dish which was REALLY salty. For dessert we had the peanut butter pie which had a thick layer of chocolatey topping and a flavorless, not sweet crust (almost nutty but didn't pair well with the scant amount of peanut butter filling). I tasted my friend's cheesecake which tasted like baked vegan cream cheese in a soggy graham cracker crust. The server was great, I will say that, but they have to be because the chalkboard menu is hard to read depending on your seat and none of the menu items are explained. One of my friends ordered a dish and the thing that came out was not at all what she expected. They also include tip in with the cost of food so you don't get to tip your waiter according to how they perform (ours deserved his tip, but who knows if the food actually costs $15 and he only got to pocket $1). Overall, the experience was pretty bad both times and all my friends have agreed, ESPECIALLY for the price. There are just simply better options out there for a much better price point than the Vegan Commissary, the menu also isn't cohesive so I'm not sure what they are going for (japanese dishes and fine dining mixed with burgers?). The competition for great vegan food in Philly is heating up and this place just falls very short.
(1)James M.
This place is awesome. Me and a group of friends went about a month ago with high expectations, and they were all surpassed. I ended up splitting the hush puppies with my friend as an appetizer, and while there wasn't too many, they were absolutely phenomenal and full of flavor. For the entre, I got the burger with but cheese. It was one of the freshest tasting veggie burgers I have ever had, and actually felt like a had a healthy and hearty meal. There's also a lot of great raw drinks and kombucha, which is a huge plus. Service was great, and the fact that tip is included is a nice change. Definitely worth going to.
(5)Dara L.
SERVICE: Excellent. The restaurant accommodated me and my 16-month olds so well -- they set up a great table with two high chairs and even offered some paper on which the kids could draw. The server was very knowledgeable about all the exotic offerings, the food came out quickly, and our water was refilled before we had to ask. FOOD: EXCELLENT (purposeful caps). In no particular order, we loved the cinnamon toast which is made on freshly baked bread -- this was also a favorite of my daughters. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious - actually perfect. The okonomayaki (savory pancake) was flavorful and gave a nice balance to our otherwise sweet meal. The plainly-described "fruit" is actually a bowl of fresh and juicy mango, orange wedges, and pomegranates. The portions were generous; I look forward to enjoying the leftovers. LOCATION: Not the most convenient location for us suburbanites, but it didn't take long to find free on-street parking on a Sunday morning. ATMOSPHERE: small, clean, nice-casual, and quaint. PROGNOSIS: I'll be counting down the days until I can come back.
(5)Anna B.
I went here for dinner during the summer and had a melon soup with a grilled watermelon salad. The soup, which was served cold, was tart and delicious. The salad, which featured tofu "feta cheese" was big and also very tasty (though I discovered I'm not a fan of pickled watermelon rinds). For dessert I had a pb&j cheese cake, which was rich and divine -- I could have eaten another slice! The staff was very attentive, and I got my food pretty quickly. The owner came out to talk to me and check on how I was enjoying my food. I definitely want to come back now that it's fall and the menu has changed! I'm not vegan by any stretch of the imagination, but this is great food!
(5)Samer B.
Nothing was bad but overall the food was not very flavorful.
(3)Bryan P.
buyer beware: this place (like so many south philly places) only accepts cash. the review: we want a vegan start-up to succeed as much as anyone, but this place (despite the rave reviews) has some work to do. the eggplant fries were insanely greasy. combine the grease with the soft texture of eggplant, and you've got a wretch-worthy appetizer. but the real disappointment was with the entree of mac & cheese and meatballs. it's just a plate of very bland noodles and sauce with two meatballs. that's right, two meatballs. for 18 bucks! maddening, really. no doubt, the meatballs were tasty, but serving only two is insulting for that exorbitant price tag. and yes, the entree comes with a side salad, but that's nowhere enough to compensate for the huge bill. for comparison's sake, you can go to vedge--easily one of the best veg restaurants in the country--and pay roughly the same price for an appetizer and entree. we'd love to see south philly keep another vegan joint for the long haul, but until this commissary adjusts its prices and improves its quality control, we'll keep going to vedge.
(2)Elle T.
Uh-mazing! We were a big group and therefore got to sample a lot of what was on the menu. The husband and I had the cheesesteak, linguini bolognese, the steamed buns and the maple walnut (or was it pecan?) Cheesecake. All, literally all items were amazing, wonderfully seasoned and therefore flavorful. But the dessert is where it is at. The group shared cheesecake, the peanutbutter cup, the smores lavacake and apple pie. Heavenly, sugary goodness. I want to go back just for the desserts, especially the cheesecake. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)Carol C.
Incredibly delicious!!!! 10 of us thoroughly enjoyed the bridal shower for my daughter last weekend. Every item on the menu, prepared by Steve for the occasion, was amazing: pink peppercorn cashew cheese and boursin style tofu cheesewith homemade croutes, kale salad with smoked beets and candied pecans, suffed delicata squash, chocolate peanut butter pie + more! The portions were so generous, we were able to continue munching for days....YUM! Our server was delightfu. Thanks, Vegan Commissary for a memorable time. Really looking forward to trying brunch!
(5)Angie H.
L O V E
(4)Lisa T.
Walked 40 minutes only to find they were on vacation. I called beforehand to make sure they were open and got voicemail with no message indicating they would be on vacation. Very disappointed to say the least. I am sure food is delicious but managerial skills need to improve.
(1)Angie G.
Lovely wait staff and owner! My linguine bolognese was hearty and delicious. The dressing on the kale salad was so fresh and flavorful. Overall a great dining experience.
(4)Amy O.
Wow... what a great addition to the Philly vegan scene! Have been twice - once for brunch and once for dinner and can't wait to return! Great food, sweet servers. Love it!
(5)Laura C.
So glad this place opened in my neighborhood! I've been there for dinner and today went for brunch. Dinner was good (I had the antipasto for an app and zhatar eggplant for my meal). Their brunch is amazing! I had the breakfast wrap (tofu scramble, kale, edamame, etc) and it was spiced perfectly. My sister got the pancakes which were HUGE and fluffy. We also split the cinnamon buns which were awesome. Staff is super friendly and the owner is usually on site, making his rounds and chatting with customers.
(5)Christa M.
This is a great new neighborhood spot. Good food, good service and fair prices...what's not to love?! The chick pea tangine is deliciously spiced. The miso soup is a must! We left full and with a handful of leftovers for lunch tomorrow. There are plenty of gluten free options too. Can't wait to try brunch here!
(5)Scout P.
wow. this place blew my mind the first time I went, so much that-even with the longish trip from my house- I was back within the week. Their brunch is beyond phenomenal. I recommend getting a few or their sides to share with your party, as well as an entree- I promise, you'll be so glad to have some left overs to munch on. My favorites included the pancakes with fruit or whatever special they have [the banana cream pancake was great- we snagged the last one], the mini pizza bagels and the lil cinnamon buns. Service is very personable and friendly as this going is so small. We've gotten the same waitress twice and she was always so helpful and sweet!
(5)D M.
I read the reviews here and I was shocked at all the raves. Me and the boy went there for brunch. Water wasn't cold, no ice. Menu didn't have many descriptions of items, which you definitely need if you don't want to ask the waiter every five seconds--- and you will ask, because the menu has some interesting items on there. Food did not blow me away, but the combos and options are definitely unique. Great fresh squeezed orange juice. Service was great, but the place needs some refining. Interesting to have tips/taxes into the meals... but not sure if I like that.
(2)Shawn B.
word on the street was that the brunch is the better option versus the dinner menu. so i went for brunch and got the pancakes. they were great and worth the price. for a side, i got the cinnamon rolls. they were small for their price and after a few bites, the sugary frosting was all that i could taste. my main comment/complaint is the menu/marketing. the paper menu is awful, there are no descriptions of any of the items. i knew it was cash only going there, but there is no in your face sign anywhere that i saw telling you this. being vague seems to be a theme there. the tax/tip included in the price seems to be a nice change and i'm sure way better for the staff. the prices for certain items just seem to be high for a tiny south philly spot. i will be going back, i just dream that vegan commissary would take a cue from my favorite vegan neighbourhood brunch spot, champs in brooklyn.
(3)Steve M.
This place is excellent! I have no idea how the pancakes are made, but they are better than any pancakes I have had to date. I was even more surprised when I tasted the cinnamon buns. You don't need to be vegan to enjoy this amazing food! I should mention that the service was outstanding as well.
(5)Amy M.
They include tip in menu prices; good idea in theory, however staff seems to be dis incentivized to provide good service, and that might be why. Food was decent. We ordered drinks after being told abruptly that outside drinks weren't permitted (we had biked and I brought water), my friend put it in her bag. They don't bring you water, even tap, without being asked, which is a silly policy. Our drinks were served in their containers because they didn't have clean glasses (restaurant was half empty??), and not even opened. And seriously, you can't make a homemade spritzer? Our server started to take our order, but walked away in the middle because other people walked in and they have no hostess. Then another employee took our order. A few minutes later we were asked to move because they had a party of six...clearly they don't know how to think ahead and plan seating. Food took awhile, then they served me one of my side dishes, but nothing else. It was a hot dish that began to get cold. Then hey forgot my friend's side dish. When she was done, they offered to wrap her leftovers, which she accepted. The server then proceeded to stack my friend's plates on top of each other with the food still on them she just asked to have wrapped. Tacky, and probably unsanitary. BIG miss, Vegan Commissary. I won't be back, especially since there are better choices for vegans in Philadelphia.
(1)Robin L.
So, my boyfriend has decided to start the new year off by avoiding animal products as much as possible. My first reaction as a foodie was 'ugh' (sorry, had to be honest), but I'm now realizing that this has opened up a whole new world of food to both of us - and I am reeeeally enjoying the challenge. Last weekend, I was debating between Vegan Commissary and Mi Lah for brunch. I must thank my fellow Yelpers once again - based upon your reviews, we went with Vegan Commissary. The space is small and simple, but we didn't have to wait for a table (yay!). Our server was absolutely amazing - sweet, fun, attentive - we couldn't have asked for more. First, I was heartbroken that they were sold out of the poached avocado with tempeh hash - I was really looking forward to it. I went with the biscuits and gravy instead - two yummy biscuits smothered in a mushroom gravy and topped with some fried onions. The gravy was thick, rich and had a delicious earthiness from the mushrooms. The biscuits were dense, which was fine for soaking up that gravy - and a little salty. The dish also came with a side of breakfast potatoes. I mention these separately for a reason - I consider myself a connoisseur of breakfast potatoes. I ALWAYS order savory breakfast, so I tend to judge places on their potatoes. I firmly believe that each side of the potato should be crisp with a tender center. These are breakfast potatoes people, not roasted dinner potatoes. This may sound silly, but it really makes a difference to me. Vegan Commissary NAILED the potatoes - they're sliced thin (interesting choice) which allows for the crispy exterior that I crave. We also ordered the cinnamon buns which were sweet, flaky and gooey and were the perfect ending with my coffee. Also thanks to my fellow Yelpers, we snagged a peanut butter cup pie to go. I have absolutely no words to describe how delicious and sinful this tasted. My boyfriend and I might have joked about making it our wedding cake. Oh yeah, my boyfriend! He ordered pancakes with fruit (cinnamon apples) and I have zero explanation for how VC made such 'buttery', melt in your mouth pancakes. My boyfriend asked, and the waitress said even she didn't know the secret. Thank you VC, keep up the great work, and we will be back!
(5)Valery J.
Not sure where to start describing this gem-- simply perfect! Recommend it 100%. I can say with certainty I finally found a safe place to eat in Philly gluten free and Vegan... No cross contamination did not get sick... I had the poached avocado with the most awesome vegan hollandaise sauce and my friend had the French toast... Super delicious... The service was great. Our waitress was personable and fast... We will go there any time.
(5)Melissa C.
This place is amazing! The owner and staff are so nice and helpful. My husband and I were doing our own Philly "cheesesteak" tour and LOVE the one here. We were telling the owner how much we liked the jalapeño jam and he sent us home with a container of it! I really can't wait to go back and eat here again.
(5)Frank S.
Came here on their last day at current location. We were sat immediately (at the same time as another couple), ordered our food, and waited. 20 minutes later we saw food go out to the table that had sat/ordered at the same time. Our waitress came up to us to ask what we got again. 20 minutes later she brought out our food . . . and gave it to a table that sat 30 minutes after us. The man happened to order the same thing as me, but the woman said that she didn't order what she was given. The waitress took the item to the back and I think at that point realized her mistake. She hid in the back and peeked out a few times, until I went back to the kitchen and said that because we had waited nearly an hour and I don't want my item to sit in the kitchen getting cold while my wife's food was cooked we were just going to leave. While it was our first time and their last day before moving locations, I'm not sure we'll go back because of that, even if their food is rated well.
(1)Erin M.
Brunch update! I finally got to try out Vegan Commissary for brunch, after hearing that it was a must-eat vegan meal. I organized a group of around 10 of us to hit up VC on a Saturday last weekend at 11. As soon as we all arrived, the servers put a few tables together and we sat down. The service, overall was very good, over the course of the meal: attentive and fast. My husband and I split the mini cinnamon roles which were sweet, soft and wonderful. Next, we split two dishes: the veggs Damien and the poached avocado. The veggs Damien was by far my favorite dish! I have been missing soft boiled eggs, and this dish captured them completely. The mushroom grits on the side were very bad. But the toast, "eggs", broccolini and home fries made up for that in spades. I was full after half of this dish! I have two complaints and they are kind deal breakers. One, the coffee is very pricey, they charge if you want refills, the one cup I had was the size of an espresso cup, and the coffee itself was weaker than Wawa coffee. I did enjoy the coconut creamer, but otherwise, it was a total waste of money! And two, we got some serious attitude the morning of our event. I had received a message from VC asking that we "call ahead" to let them know exactly how many were coming. So, my husband called that morning a couple of hours before we got there, and was told that calling wasn't necessary and that they could not hold a table for us. Basically, he was given serious attitude for FOLLOWING VEGAN COMMISSARY'S DIRECTIONS and calling them. I don't think I'll be back after that attitude, honestly. But we had a UYE planned so we had to go that day.
(4)Jared J.
Went here for a unofficial Yelp Event which was a lot of fun. This is obviously some of the best Vegan food in Philly. Brunch was yummy and I need to add that they have a great variety of cool drinks you can try. The service was outstanding, and the restaurant had a homey feel to it. It was also very clean. I order the poached avocado, tempeh hash, with hollandaise, and also a side of mushroom grits. The Tempeh hash was to die for, and the hollandaise was the best I ever had in my entire life. The grits texture was quite off which left it unappetizing. Finally, they have some funky pricing... this may work out in your favor. Taxes and tips are included in menu prices... kinda cool added bonus. I'm really excited to go back and try the mini cinamon buns, as well as other options on the menu. Give it a shot.
(4)Rah D.
I am from New York. I was seeking good vegan food while in Philly. I ate some great pizza at Blackbeards and even had Thai. I was happy to find this place with my favorite breakfast indulgence.....pancakes. I went with someone. We both ordered pancakes. The waitress warned us that one order could feed two people. I laughed, and told her, "Oh I can eat the whole thing". She looked at me and said you will see. Damn things were so light, fluffy and moist that I wanted more. I also ordered mushroom scrapple which taste reminded me up of thanksgiving stuffing.Topped off with coconut lime green tea (unsweetened) Wait, did I read this is now closed? What happened? It was a great find!!!!
(4)Jess M.
Went for brunch and their food is amazing. I got the cheesesteak and it was great. The side salad was awesome too. My friend (who is a meat eater) got the biscuits and gravy which was amazing as well. I can't wait till dinner starts there. I will definitely be back.
(5)Natalie K.
Absolutely delicious vegan food. Catch their vegan brunch! Truly unique dishes that taste great. One of the best vegan brunch places I've been too They have Vegan Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake with cabbage, tofu, onions etc) which is hard to find vegan. It was full of flavor and the texture was great. Fluffy on top with a thin crispy layer on the bottom. Drizzled with sriracha vegenaise sauce! I also tried their Poached Avocado with Tempeh Hash smothered with Vegan hollandaise sauce. the tempeh hash is genius and went perfectly with the creamy hollandaise sauce. For a sweet kick I had mini cinnabuns with icing. Really sweet but a nice ending to a delicious brunch. I love that they are mini sized because to be honest, giant cinnamon rolls are pretty intimidating to tackle ! :p Nice casual atmosphere with great service. Prices are $10-$15 for an entree which includes tax and tip. Prices listed already include tax and tip which explains the "odd" prices listed. All in all, a great experience. If you're vegan or not, check it out! I'll be back for brunch next time I'm in philly! Also I heard their menu changes often so it won't get old :D
(5)Leanne C.
The Vegan Commissary is all sorts so intriguing. Tax and tip included in your overhead meal pricing? Crazy amazing vegan menu and specials? Sign me up. I've been vegan for five years and this was the first time I had stumbled upon Veggs. If "vegan" weren't in the restaurant's name, I would have sworn my faux yolks were real. I went here for brunch with my friend and we were both blown away by the mushroom stock seitan stew. Our other stuff? Satisfying and feel-good food. If teleportation was a thing, I'd say Boston's Veggie Galaxy still has this place beat for price, service, selection and atmosphere but if I'm in Philly? Oh hell yeah.
(4)Natalye R.
Yummy! Came here on Sunday morning for brunch, arriving around 10:30, and it was not completely full, as I understand it often is. I didn't mind though, as there were plenty of tables to choose from, and the place filled up as our meal continued. We were seated immediately and helped by two friendly ladies working, who were happy to talk about the menu and give suggestions. I must admit that I wanted to eat EVERYTHING, but there were only two of us, and our appetites were only so big, which means no cinnamon rolls (though they seem to be favorite). The fellow got the breakfast wrap and I got the avocado hash... my meal was amazing. The hollandaise sauce was good (a bit sweet, but it went well with the hash), the avocado was good, and the combination of the smoked tempeh, sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes was divine. I asked our server and she said they smoke the tempeh themselves, and the result is a really rich, flavorful, complex taste. As for the breakfast wrap, it was good and filling, though maybe a bit heavy on the scrambled tofu. We both agreed that some of the tempeh inside would make it even better, but on its own, it was still good. For dessert, we split a pumpkin spice snicker doodle ice cream sandwich, and by "split" I mean I ate most of it. What was also cool was the pricing here... a look at the menu might result in some strange looks, with bizarre number amounts. But Vegan Commissary includes tax and tip in the prices already, which means no sitting around and puzzling over the cost of things. And considering the quality of the food and service, though the prices might initially strike some as a bit high, considering those things are built in to the cost, the food is actually rather affordable. Sadly we were only in Philly for a few days, but I hope this place continues to do well, because I want to come back.
(5)Taylor-Rey R.
I LOVED this place! My server (I didn't get her name but she was a tall brunette with awesomely gauged ears) was very friendly, helpful, and answered all of our questions-which were numerous. The Fried mac and peas were amazing, and so was the French toast special with the 'nutella' sequel chocolate sauce and "bacon" ahh so good! Thanks for existing!
(5)Gaby C.
I love Philly for their music scene and vegan food, and every time we come for a show, we always make a plan to end our trip with some yummy vegan food. The only reason I am not giving this place 5 stars is because of the wait. Since it is so small, we had to stand outside in the freezing cold as we waited to be seated for about an hour. Other than that, the food was awesome! I wish I tried more of their items, such as their Tempeh Hash and Fried Mac N Cheese Bites (they looked amazing), but everything I did try was very flavorful. The Poached AvoÂcado with TemÂpeh Hash was amazing, along with their CheesesÂteak. If it wasn't for the wait, I would give this place 5 stars. I will be back!
(4)Komal D.
this place is delicious! I loved it! Service was great. Food was great. Portions were perfect. Everything the server recommended was amazing. This is definitely a must go to spot for brunch in Philadelphia!
(5)Tom M.
One trip so far but great results based on what I experienced. My wife and I ordered multiple courses to get a feel for it. I started with the spicy miso soup. It might have been my favorite thing. It is so good. A little thick, spicy and full of great vegetables. We then had the butternut squash gnudi. They nail the texture and taste on this one. The tofu "cheese" is just right. The "pickles" is actually a small dish of pickled vegetables that have been shredded. They are very healthy. You can get that for $5 and feel good about yourself. We split the polenta with roasted vegetables for our entree. I would suggest splitting it like we did. It is deep fried and heavy. Delicious for sure but I would not want to eat the whole thing. We had the creme brulee for dessert. It was good but not over-the-top awesome. The layer below the sugar was a little bland and could have used some more vanilla. I have a feeling they rock dessert judging by the pictures they put on social media so I am excited to try other offerings in the future. The first visit has me wanting more. I am hoping the snow let's up so I can drive down there with ease. I will update this review as I get to know it better.
(5)Joanne T.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when i don't have to search the entire menu for vegetarian options! We came as they opened on a Saturday morning and were the first diners. People quickly trickled in within a half hour. It was quite obvious they have a faithful following. I knew they were cash only so i came prepared, or so i though. My two complaints (hence i deducted a star) about this place is they couldn't break a $100 bill and my coffee wasn't refilled even though our waitress stated she would be right back to top me off. I had to walk down the bodega for the atm, pay the atm fee and my non-bank fee. I would think a cash only place would be prepared to handle this kind of a situation even if they were just opening for the day. Anyway the coffee was great. I had the japanese pancake called okonomoyÂaki. It was made of taro root flower with veggies and oko sauce accompanied with pickled veggies. This was more of a lunch entree rather than breakfast. Nevertheless, the oko was delicious. I loved the sauce. They also give your crushed cashews mixed with something i can't recall to add a nice crunch to your bite. The guy ordered the veggs damian which consisted of tofu with vegg yolk, broccolini, scrapple, potatoes, toast, and dipping sauce. Even as a carnivore he enjoyed his meal. I had a few bites and loved it. The vegg yolk with the toast tasted quite close to the real thing. I'd definitely recommend this place especially for the carnivores out there to try. I can't wait to come back for another taste. I guess i'll come prepared with smaller bills!
(4)Robert B.
Finally made it out to vegan commissary for breakfast. My dining partner and I both ordered the breakfast biscuit sandwich, hers with scrapple, mine with tofu bacon. The biscuit was delicious, fluffy, moist, and flavorful. Ditto the bacon. The only shortcoming was the tofu "egg," which had a bit of an odd flavor, but a little Siracha solved the issue. I hope to replicate the vegan biscuit, it was as good as I remember a biscuit being. Our server was great, she knew the menu and suggested the bacon! The coffee was a little weak, but it's a minor gripe, overall I recommend spending a weekend morning here.
(4)Lia B.
Such a unique and special place - cash only and tax and tip is built into the menu price. How refreshing! Wondering if it's because like every vegan I know is a penny pinching cheapskate (did I say that out loud?) Either way - I've been a huge fan of chef Steve's offerings at places like sook hee's for a while and I had been looking forward to going ever since it opened. This place met all my expectations. Bright and comfortable atmosphere, extremely friendly staff, and delicious offerings make it truly 5 stars. First up were the cinnamon rolls which were a special of the day. Flakey and sweet and served with butter - these were such a treat! I got a reanimater coffee which was served as one cup or bottomless. Then I had a kale salad which was crisp and refreshing with almonds and tofu. It was very filling. My friend had the biscuits and gravy special which was, again, a huge hit. The gravy was mushroom based and the whole entree was very opulent and served with homefries. The biscuits were topped with these interesting onion rings that were crispy and savory. The biscuits were stuffed with spinach so at least you had the appearance of an actual vegetable! For dessert you MUST order the peanut butter cup. It's an oversized chocolate and pb treat. So rich with a crumbly chocolate crust and a gooey peanut butter filling. I can't wait to come back and try the other menu items - everything looks amazing and I have a feeling everything tastes that way as well.
(5)Natalee F.
I'm so happy another vegan option opened in Philadelphia. This place definitely has something for everyone though. The space is small and comfortable, with really cute decorations. I especially like the seedling paintings on the bathroom walls. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive. From the descriptions of the food that our waiter gave, you could really tell he loved eating the food himself, and his enthusiasm was very infectious. The prices include tax and tip (and are all a bit weird, like $6.97) so tipping is not expected at this establishment. The owner is trying a new concept where the waitstaff gets a normal wage in place of being reliant on tips. Very European. The prices of the food are also very fair. The miso soup is to die for. I want to swim in it. I want to eat it every day. Delicious. Apparently on certain days you can order it with a side of noodles. Perfect for a cold winter day. I ordered the butternut squash knudi and the chimmichurri seitan as my entree. Both were flavorful and satisfying. I was also impressed with the market sandwich and veggie burger that the other people at my table ordered. Dessert looked good, but we were all way too full to order it. This place is cash only, BYOB, and no reservations. They also serve brunch on the weekends, which I can't wait to try. I will be back again for dinner and I think this may become one of my new favorite restaurants.
(5)Elizabeth M.
Great! Unlimited iced coffee with Coconut cream, the cheese/pea nuggets are so yummy and the mini - cinnamon buns are delicious. I had the breakfast sandwich with hash and it was fantastically good and HUGE. I can't wait to go back for dinner. Get there early because there was a line out the door. The servers are so nice and accommodating. My entire brunch there was fantastic and superior from service, to ambiance, to the quality of food. Can't wait to go back. Hopefully soon!
(5)Larissa G.
I have been wanting to brunch here for a while now, and finally got the opportunity when some vegan friends were in town. We showed up on a rainy and terrible Sunday morning at 11am (prime brunching time). I was pleased that there wasn't a wait as long as we were willing to sit at the counter looking outside (which we were). The place is definitely smaller than I anticipated on the outside and though the decor is a bit lacking, it's definitely cozy. There were two things that kept this meal from being 5-stars, and the first one was the coffee. You had a choice of brews and my whole crew went with the Reanimator dark roast, which I have had many times before. For some reason though, it was terrible here. The coffee cups are about 5 ounces (literally, they are laughably small) and the coffee was just plain bad. I am not sure if it was old or brewed wrong, or what. The coconut creamer didn't even help. Next, they were out of the drool-worthy cinnamon rolls (which was a bummer, but I am not docking them on that). All of the food was presented well and tasted amazing. My boyfriend and I split the cinnamon toast, which comes on HUGE pieces of fluffy texas toast with tons of Earth Balance and sugar. Then, we got the poached avocado hash and the breakfast wrap. The potatoes that came with the wrap were super good, and the hollandaise on the hash was the best vegan variety I have ever tasted. Everything was very filling and satisfying. My friends also got the hash and the breakfast sandwich, as well as a pancake. After tasting it all, I would definitely order the breakfast sandwich if I go again, and be warned that the pancakes are massive (and fluffy!). Service was great- there are no complaints here. It's pretty cool that the tax and tip is all wrapped up into the process from the start too! However, the last boo came when we got the bill. Though they are no longer cash-only, they charge you an extra $1 for every credit card that you use when paying your check, as a "service fee". I would rather have a cash only joint than some made-up fee tacked onto my bill (which is also not stated on the menu) and it left a definite bad taste in my mouth. I know its just a buck, but it's still a jerk move.
(4)Pam S.
I love the vegan commissary, despite me not coming here in their first months of opening because I didn't realize it was a restaurant (commissary to me means a grocery on base). The food is fantastic, and the desserts ... my husband loves the peanut butter cup. It's BYOB, and they have a nice beverage list of tea and kombucha available. I like that the menu changes constantly, and love that the prices include tax and service. I get panic attacks trying to split the bill sometimes (why doesn't Philly believe in separate checks? WHY), so it's a well-appreciated relief for me. Faves: I usually lean towards getting whatever sandwich is available, as it usually comes with a side of one of their awesome salads. The pasta with nut-based cheese is awesome when they've got it, and peanut butter cup ... that's where it's at.
(5)Liana L.
vegan brunchers come here and bring your omnivore friends! when we first walked into this restaurant our first thought what a hole in the wall. It has unique art work on the one wall and on the other a chalkboard with their menu. Service was cool and good. I tried to order the most unique item that I can't make myself or order at another restaurant. Got the avocado tempeh hash. Very good! the sauce tastes exactly how I remembered hollandaise sauce tasted like. My fiancé ordered the French toast. I tried some of this and it was def very good but way too filling! A couple bites I was good. And don't forget to try their famous peanut butter chocolate cup. It's the most popular desert they have there. And like in all the other reviews all their prices include the tip and cash only!
(5)Brian M.
A lot of this is going to sound mean. Just know it is said with good intentions, and that VC is not a bad place at all. Let's just offer some context here. Had this been the first vegan place I'd ever been to I would likely have given this 4, maybe 5 stars because the food IS decent. But it isn't my first experience. I've been to Vedge, HipCityVeg, Blackbird, and even had a ridiculously good Korean seitan taco from the soon to open V Street by the Vedge crew at Rittenhouse Row last weekend. What they taught me is how ridiculously good vegan food could be, so much so I crave certain dishes from these places regardless of it's effect on the living creatures of the world (well except plants, because f*ck their feelings). But that's the standard in Philly these days, and Vegan Commissary just does not reach that level. To me, this was what I thought vegan food would taste like before I'd been to the places mentioned above. Fine enough, slightly higher priced, vaguely recognizable flavors with textures a bit off (graininess of the cheesecake comes to mind) served up by a friendly if not pale-ish host leaving me feeling like I did OK by my body for the night. Thankfully I know something much better exists now.
(3)Laura Jill S.
I FINALLY made it to Vegan Commissary this weekend for brunch, & I'm so glad I did. Tina was our server, she was awesome. I had the biscuits & gravy. They started out amazing, but by the time I got to the second biscuit, they were less amazing. Maybe because I was getting full. I LOVED the potatoes that came with the biscuits & gravy...I want to eat them all day. My friend & I also shared the tempeh hash (tasty, but could have been more flavorful & also we didn't really need to order that too) & the mini cinnabuns. THE MINI CINNABUNS! They were my favorite part. I'd go back just for them. Amazing! I definitely recommend, it's a little far away from my Center City stomping grounds, but worth the subway ride (hahaha, it's 2 stops!).
(4)Sid P.
Service & food both fantastic. I will never forget the beet-tarragon lemonade the owner brought out for my group to sample while we waited for food. Not just the fact that free samples rule, but also that it was one of the best drinks I have ever had in my life. Menu is always creative & intriguing, changing often to celebrate seasonal produce. Another place that proves how much more exciting vegan food can be than basic "American" fare.
(5)Cat P.
Vegan Commissary was middle of the road to me. Food was decent, but the service was disappointing. Please allow me to elaborate: I had the tempeh hash with poached avocado, which was a very fun play on eggs benedict. There seem to be complaints on Yelp regarding the seasoning of the food. I didn't think the dish was over or under salted and I liked the creaminess of the hollandaise sauce. All in all, not a bad dish. We also tried the mini cinnamon rolls, which were a nice little treat to go with our brunch. If this was just a food review, then I would definitely rate this spot a 4 or 5. The service brought it down for me, though. Upon entering the restaurant, we had a 20 minute wait, even though there was one guy sitting at a four-top. This didn't seem like the most efficient use of their table space, so I was a little confused about that. And while the waitresses were very nice, things were slow coming out of the kitchen. They encouraged us to try the cinnamon rolls mentioned above as a starter, but it came out with the rest of our meal, so it wasn't really a starter at all. Had it had come out in the beginning, the wait for our meal probably wouldn't have felt so long. Also, there were three of us and only two bite-sized buns. I wish the server had given us a better idea regarding size because it didn't seem like we were able to split the dish properly. I had to ask for water quite a few times, too, and the blackboard menu was a bit hard to read. I don't mean to sound snobby and I realize I'm kind of splitting hairs here, but this is not a five star establishment - yet. I think it has the potential to get there, but it's only been open for about 2 months. I want to come back and support a business like this because I do think the owner and staff genuinely care about serving their customers good food; there are kinks to be worked out, though, and I hope they can figure it all out soon!
(3)Nicholas R.
Vegan Commissary why were you not open when I lived in Philadelphia?!? I've since moved away (not forever, I hope) and on a return trip went here and loved it. The food (biscuits and gravy) was delicious and a perfect amount (not too much or too little). The service was friendly and timely, but best of all they include tip & tax in the price. It's great to look at a price and already know exactly what you'll be paying. Also the waitstaff is then guaranteed a decent wage. I'll totally be back here the next time I visit Philadelphia and would gladly recommend Vegan Commissary to anyone!
(5)Joshua F.
We thought it was an ok experience. Everything looks great, but there was a general blandness to the entire meal. I did like the pot pie, but my guests found their meals to lack flavor. Get the meyer lemon cheesecake.
(3)Etaniel B.
Today was my first time having brunch here (or visiting the premises, period). The food and restaurant ambiance were underwhelming. It was surprising because I have had their muffins at a local coffee bar. The muffins are delicious! I ordered the breakfast wrap and potatoes on side. By the end of meal, my stomach was somewhat irritated. I believe that is because of the fact that I rarely eat fried foods. Just relocated in Sept. 2014 from Brooklyn, NY. Philadelphia's vegan scene seems to be growing but it lacks a few things.
(2)Melissa P.
Brunch Review: I'll admit I was skeptical. There are few brunches I can remember loving that have not involved eggs or cheese or breakfast meats...ok, let's be serious, probably all three. Well, Vegan Commissary proved me wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved my meal. Also BYOB! My co-bruncher and I split the okonomiyaki (Japanese vegetable pancake which came with some pickled green beans and awesome spicy sauce) and the poached avocado with hash. Both were delicious, I'd highly recommend getting both. The poached avocado was their version of Eggs Benedict (my go to brunch order) smothered in fauxllandaise sauce and served over a flavorful, awesome hash. Also got a pot of green tea which was great for a cold day. LOVE that tax and tip is included especially since it's cash only. Service was great! My only complaint about this place is the atmosphere... It seems a bit clinical, and not the cozy spot I'd like to stay a long time enjoying brunch in. The window seats probably make for great people watching though. Highly recommend for meat lovers or haters, or people who have no strong feelings about meat...so yea everyone.
(4)Sophia I.
We had a great experience here at brunch last weekend with our kids. Although I was slightly dismayed when I read the "cash only" note that was clearly displayed on front door, it worked out fine. One plus is that the prices already include tax & tip, so it made things a little easier to budget with the limited cash in my pocket. The atmosphere is laid-back with a clean asthetic. The menu is on both the chalkboard & printed out. We did have to ask for more explanations on some items, but the servers were really friendly & accommodating. We ordered the savory & regular pancakes, a poached pear salad & a fruit salad. Add on a refillable cup of ReAnimator coffee & we got out of there for 42 bucks and change. Not bad at all. And the food was delicious. Our kids loved the vegan pancakes, but we thought the savory pancake was the real star! They are also BYOB, so dinner would be a good option for a nice vegan date night without having to totally splurge. The dinner menu looked appealing, so I hope we can make it back here soon.
(5)Kate S.
Yelp brought us here. We went on a Friday around 1:00 or so.. I think we were the only people there but our waitress, Christine (I think) was nothing short of amazing. We had both never been there before and she made a few suggestions and also let us sample some sauces since we were unsure. I went with the fried green tomato club which had lettuce, tomato (obviously), onion, avocado, tempeh, and green goddess sauce... It was pretty awesome. My boyfriend had the brunch burger and ate his plate clean! Both came with salads that were fresh. We had the fried mac and pea balls which were so tasty and cheezy, it was definitely a splurge but hit the spot if you are craving some vegan comfort food. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Brianna K.
This place is amazing! My friend and I visited for brunch on Saturday and ordered: Tempeh Hash with Poached Avocado Breakfast Wrap Sparkling Apple Cider Sparkling Chai White Tea On the side we had cinnamon buns with the most delicious icing. For dessert was: Vegan Creme Brulee Peanut Butter Cup Pie All the food was delicious and fresh. I highly recommend this place to add to a vegan Philly "must eat" list and would still recommended this restaurant to anyone who loves food. The service was quick and attentive and there was a small, homey, laid back feel about the entire place. Also, I have never traveled into that area of the city, and cannot wait to go back!! The only take cash, however, so be prepared.
(5)Food C.
Delicious food! The breakfast sandwich with potatoes is amazing. If you ever see the special chocolate banana French toast get it or you will regret it the rest if your life! My only complaint is that they never have cinnamon rolls on weekends and run out of stuff. There's obviously a demand vc!! Get some more damn cinnamon rolls! I want to enjoy more of your deliciousness! No tipping is required bc they actually pay their workers right! More businesses need to follow this model.
(3)Jobin T.
I went in for brunch today with some friends and had an excellent experience. We tried the poached avocado and the cheese steak and both we're delicious. The subs came out with perfectly toasted bread and a good sized kale side salad (with a nice tangy dressing). The staff we're all very friendly and apologetic for the wait, and our server did a good job at explaining the menu items. If I had any complaint it was that the server could have used some more help. She seemed like she had too much to do and there was some lag time because of it, but that isn't her fault what so ever and I will definitely be coming back.
(4)Sara P.
We have eaten at every single vegan restaurant in this city at least once (and mostly scores of times), and we are so happy to add this to our Veg*n Philly list! The food is spectacular for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters too, making it a really nice place to take family and friends. There are so many options that any type of eater will be happy. Moreover, the wait staff will help you make good selections, and the chef will customize meals to your preferences. For example my husband had the spicy miso soup, but I was told I could get it "minus the heat!" I love my vegetables so I ordered the grilled veggies and polenta. It was beautiful and it tasted so good. The presentation was over the top terrific, and the taste was also. I finished every last bite and then I ate the most scrumptious dessert of all - the chocolate peanut butter pie. It was really delicious. The beverage menu suits me too. I selected a white tea, but there was green and black tea also. There were other drinks, and it is a BYOB too for those of you who like an adult beverage with your meal. The owner has terrific skills and ideas about how to run a restaurant, and the staff is well-trained and knowledgable. The restaurant is laid out so that you can have a quiet meal with two (like we did on New Year's eve) or a large group of friends eating together. The restaurant has nice lighting, something I appreciate, and lovely framed art work on the walls. Sara's bottom line: Great food, Great menu, Great service, Good parking nearby. Prices are moderate (they include tip in the price) and justified. Not just for vegans, but if you are vegan or vegetarian or just care about your health, you are gonna love this one!
(5)Hayley E.
From the appearance of their menu and website, the place was much more modest and hipster than I imagined. The dining area was very small and traditional looking with wooden chairs. The area was very open and calm. The menu was written up on their wall of a chalkboard as well as printed on paper. The people were very friendly and down to earth as well. I had the Mac and Cheese Ball and the potato salad. They were both very yummy! There is nothing healthy about the mac and cheese ball, but it's good vegan comfort food if you're looking for it. I haven't had Mac n cheese since who knows when (let alone fried) so it was certainly a lovely treat! The potato salad tasted just like the real thing, and I love how the potatoes were cut in huge chunks. I'd love to have it again, but they said they change their menu every Wed. There are always positives and negatives to that. The positives are that you always get to try something new, but the negatives are that if you want to have it again, you have to wait a long time. Still the place is great and keeps you comin!
(5)Tricia M.
Was kind of scared at first because I had heard their service was, "too cool" and "distant" yikes. But I don't know what those reviews were about. Our server was very kind and attentive. The tip is included in the price, so I don't think people should expect 5-star service. More like a counter place. They will maybe treat you better in hopes of a better tip, but they aren't living off the tips (which I think is amazing and a good business model, so what if I have to ask for a refill?) I had the Poached Avocado Hash and it was AMAZING. Probably the best vegan breakfast I've ever had. Wish it was spicier (the hollandaise is a bit sweet) but they had sriracha at the table! Yay! My friend had the french toast and it looked very good, he isn't vegan and he said it was one of the best french toasts he's ever had. Good place to bring non-veg friend for sure! I honestly have to try to figure out a way to make that hash at home because I don't live in Philly, or figure out a way to go to Philly more often lol. It's a Philly must for brunch.
(5)Julia W.
Love this place!! Best buckwheat pancakes ever. As a vegan and celiac, it was such a pleasure to eat here and know I was in good hands. Plus the owner is super sweet. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Rachel E.
The Mac and cheese squares are pretty much a pass time must get them! The chocolate French toast was good but more of a dessert than a breakfast food. Man so good
(5)Evan D.
Luckily for me, a vegetarian that happens to live right off Passyunk Ave, Philly is no stranger to vegan-friendly restaurants/dishes. When the Commissary opened, my SO and I were def eager to check it out since we both live that lifestyle and diet. Breakfast here is out-of-control delicious. If you like country styled biscuits but need a little twist, go here. There breakfast dishes and lunch dishes are all fantastic and the portions make it worth every penny. I've never left here hungry. And the dessert is to die for. Really. The service is absolutely spot-on. The hosts and waiters are as very friendly and polite as they get. And it's so easy to strike up a conversation with them and not feel rushed or awkward. The owner of the place is also sincere and genuine and concerned with how you are and is open for any critique or conversation you have to offer. Keep up the great work, Vegan Commissary!
(4)Alexis S.
I wanted everything on the menu! But ended up with the BBQ seitan, which was really tasty and it was a generous portion. The best part wad the coconut collards. Ever since I've given up meat, it had been hard to find meat free collards and they were delicious. I wanted to order some to take home, but since I already ordered enough food for 3 people, I decided not to. It was amazing and delicious and we can't wait to go back.
(5)Melissa L.
Absolutely delicious food. Packed with flavor, just add some spice for an extra kick. Definitely will come back again soon..next on the list is the stuffed french toast
(5)Marie W.
Here's they thing: the food was tasty. My daughter scarfed down the hummus pierogies with salad & tzaziki dressing in under five minutes. My fried green tomato club hit all the right notes with smoky tempeh, plenty of avocado & Goddess dressing. The husband said his vegan cheesesteak was the best vegan cheesesteak he's ever had - the jalepenio jam put it over the edge. But there's something a little off about Vegan Commissary. I get the whole no frills, clean lines motif, but there's a difference between minimalism and despair. From the harsh lighting, to the absence of any attempt at interior design, to the lack of any separation between the entryway and the seating area, there's almost nothing to draw you in and make you feel comfortable. The food is good enough to get people in the door but I worry that without a warmer & more inviting experience they won't be drawn to come back again.
(3)Stephanie C.
Finding a good vegan restaurant is never an easy task, which is why we often opt to cook at home. Vegan Commissary is an INCREDIBLE exception to the rule! We visited on a Saturday afternoon, but found that they serve breakfast all day which was a nice surprise. We ordered the soup of the day, Potato Leek, which was delicious and super-filling. We also ordered a side of the mushroom scrapple as well as the legendary poached avocado over hash. The scrapple was fantastic and virtually identical to traditional scrapple, with a crispy outside and soft, savory inside. When I was younger, I found a toenail in my scrapple, so it was nice to be able to eat it again without having flashbacks. The poached avocado hash was so rich and in a perfect portion. I didn't quite finish it all, but felt awful about leaving the last two bites because it was just so darn good. We spoke with Steve, the owner, and told him how much we enjoyed our meal. He was very complementary of his cooking staff and really has a passion for providing a satisfying vegan meal with quality ingredients. We can't wait to go back!
(5)John B.
Went here to have brunch on a Sunday. Everything was amazing. Go early they were out of cinnamon buns which I wanted to try. I had the choco sour dough pancakes and breakfast sandwich, after having these I can't imagine them serving anything that's not good.
(5)Sarah P.
I am so glad this place exists! My friend and I got brunch here this morning and it was a great experience. Being able to walk in around noon on a Saturday and be seated immediately was pretty great. I had the burger, which came with a kale side salad. The salad was so delicious, and a much better companion for a burger than the typical fries. When I first saw the plate, I was worried it wasn't going to be enough food, but I found the meal to be filling and satisfying without inducing the typical post-brunch food coma or making me feel sickly stuffed. My friend got the pancakes, which were rich and tasty, and also very filling. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We didn't realize that tax and service were integrated into the prices, so we left a full 20% tip on top of everything. I was wondering why the prices were higher than expected! I feel okay with that though considering the positive experience. Looking forward to trying it for dinner sometime.
(4)Susan L.
This place is new so you might not find it on Google maps. Tip about parking: go on the other side of the block where the Catholic school is and you can park there for free (at least in the winter). What is unique about this place is that their prices are final (includes tax and tip) so don't be intimidated by the prices! Service was professional and on point. Downside with the menu that it doesn't have details about the items but most are pretty self explanatory. Its a small place but we went for weekend brunch in January so there wasn't a huge wait. I can imagine it will get quite busy and quite popular because its doing great so far. The food came out fast. I got the poached avocado with tempeh hash and my friend got the biscuits with gravy - delicious. Coffee was great. I want to go back and try their desserts. 5 stars.
(5)