Fast food? For vegans and the health-conscious? It does exist. Meet Hip City Veg, comfort food in the grand American roadside tradition. Tucked into a lovely part of Center City, Hip City Veg serves up sweet potato fries, meatless burgers, vegan cheese steaks, fried mock-chicken sandwiches, and other delights. All sloppy sandwiches, and indeed everything they serve, are 100% plant-based.

Or for something lighter, try a salad or their signature smoothies. Or kale lemonade, organic, of course! Their business model is green as well, as they source locally, deliver on bikes, and wrap all their food in biodegradable packaging.

This is not fast food, but it is satisfying in the same way, without the heavy, sick feeling afterwards. Meals are made fresh to order and carry away. The shop’s proximity to Rittenhouse Square is perfect. Grab a sandwich and head to a shady bench in the park or find a stretch of green for a picnic.

They also have outposts in University City and on South Broad Street.

Hip City Veg is a favorite stop for me and my friends. For the record, most of us are not vegan, and many actually eat red meat. But this just tastes better!