I’ve Been Dying To Try This Monster-Themed Restaurant in Center City Philly, And Finally Got My Chance

Walking into Monster Vegan in Philadelphia felt like stepping into a movie scene — if the movie was a cross between a classic monster flick and a cozy neighborhood bistro. From the second the heavy black door creaked open, I knew I was somewhere different. Neon lights illuminated the space, and a vintage monster movie was flickering silently on a TV screen. Despite visiting during the daytime, the dimness of the space wrapped everything in a kind of spooky hug, and I could hear a playlist of eerie soundtracks and retro jams humming in the background. It wasn’t gimmicky; it was like the owners genuinely loved this stuff and built a restaurant around their personal passion.

I've been wanting to visit Monster Vegan in Philadelphia for well over a year now, after stumbling across their Instagram page. I love a good themed restaurant, and after finding one with a macabre movie twist? Sign me up!

I grabbed a seat at a small table in the back and took a moment to just soak it all in. Even the small details made a statement — a disco skeleton pretending to DJ in the corner, vintage movies on every screen, a giant neon Creature From the Black Lagoon hanging on the wall. It wasn’t long before I was deep into the menu, struggling in the best possible way to decide. Everything was 100% vegan, but nothing about it screamed "health food" — this was indulgence, comfort, and nostalgia on a plate.

I decided, since it was midday, to just order some appetizers, since I was continuing my exploration of Philadelphia with Reading Terminal Market next. But first - a drink. As a lover of dirty martinis, the Hoagie-tini caught my eye immediately. It was a remake of a classic dirty martini, but in the style of a hoagie. You read that right. This dirty martini was made with a pepperoncini brine, sprinkled with some oregano flakes, and had a vegan antipasto skewer on the side. It was DELICIOUS and unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.

Next up are the fried macaroni and cheese balls. Who could ever say no to this cheesy, gooey combination of deliciousness? They came out perfectly golden and crunchy, with a stretchy, melty center that would make any dairy lover do a double-take. Dipping them into a tangy marinara sauce while Vincent Price’s shadow loomed from the screen above was a bizarrely perfect experience. 

In addition to the fried Mac-and-cheese balls, I also tried the Duo of Meatballs - one pesto, one marinara, some truffle fries, and the vegan wings, with both Korean BBQ and buffalo as the options. The wings were made of seitan, and so crisp, I almost forgot I wasn’t eating meat. These appetizers were perfect for the table and let everyone graze comfortably.

While I didn’t order dessert here, I immediately knew I wanted to come back to experience it all. The food was decadent and comforting. The cocktails were highlighted by the fun, colorful monster glassware. I didn’t even make a dent in the menu, but there was so much more to enjoy.

Monster Vegan isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience, a story you get to walk into and be a part of for a little while. It’s where the spooky and the soulful meet over plates of comfort food you can feel good about. I left full, a little nostalgic, and already plotting my next visit — because once you’ve had dinner with the monsters, plain old dining just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Here are some fun little insider tips to help you make the most out of a trip to Monster Vegan:

1. Go Early (Or Be Prepared to Wait):
Monster Vegan is wildly popular, especially on weekends. It’s not a huge space, and they don’t always take reservations, so showing up early can mean the difference between a short wait and a monster-sized one.

2. Don’t Skip the Drinks:
Whether you’re into creative cocktails, mocktails, or a killer craft beer selection, Monster Vegan’s bar menu is worth exploring. Ask the bartender for their seasonal specials!

3. Soak in the Decor:
It’s tempting to just focus on the food, but really take a few minutes to walk around and check out all the monster movie memorabilia. The vintage posters, the creepy-cool lighting, even the bathrooms are decked out. Every corner has a little surprise.

4. Best Time for the Full Monster Effect:
If you’re a horror fan, go at night. The darker it is outside, the more the spooky, cozy atmosphere wraps around you. Plus, the movies they screen somehow feel even cooler after sunset.

5. Chat with the Staff:
The servers and bartenders here were SO friendly — and they’re happy to recommend favorites or chat about horror movies if you’re into it.

6. Take Home a Souvenir:
Sometimes they sell Monster Vegan merch like shirts or stickers. If you fall in love with the place (and you probably will), it’s a fun way to bring a piece of the monster magic home with you.