New Jersey is known for its legendary cheesesteaks, but in recent years, the Garden State has also become a haven for vegetarian and vegan versions of this Philly classic. From South Jersey to Central Jersey and even grocery store options, plant-based cheesesteaks are popping up everywhere—delivering bold flavors without the meat. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, a vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, here’s your ultimate guide to vegan and vegetarian cheesesteaks across New Jersey.
South Jersey Hotspots for Vegan Cheesesteaks
Dar’s Steaks – Haddon Township
Famous for their traditional cheesesteaks, Dar’s also offers a vegan cheesesteak featuring seitan served on a seeded roll. This option is packed with flavor, giving plant-based eaters a taste of classic Philly indulgence.
Olga’s Diner – Malrton
A beloved local mainstay serving all-day breakfast, hearty burgers, classic sandwiches, and timeless diner favorites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss their Vegan Cheesesteak—topped with grilled onions, peppers, and gooey vegan cheese—for a plant-based twist on a diner classic.
Greens and Grains – Voorhees Township
This vegan café is a local favorite for healthy and creative dishes. Their vegan cheesesteak has been described by patrons as “amazing” and “dynamite,” combining fresh ingredients with a satisfying, meaty texture.
La Lus Vegan Cafe – Willingboro
Known for its entirely plant-based menu, La Lus serves a vegan Philly cheesesteak crafted with plant-based meat, providing all the flavor of the original without the animal products.
Shokra Soups – Willingboro
This casual, vegan-focused eatery has earned praise for its vegan cheesesteak, with one reviewer claiming it’s the “best vegan cheesesteak I ever had!” Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a must-try for plant-based food lovers.
The Pop Shop – Collingswood
Specializing in seitan veggie cheesesteaks, The Pop Shop delivers a hearty, satisfying sandwich that rivals any meat-based option.
Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies – Audubon
Champs offers a vegan option for cheesesteak lovers, perfect for those seeking a traditional sandwich experience with a plant-based twist.
DeliCozy – Glendora
While known for classic cheesesteaks, DeliCozy also provides vegetarian options, giving diners a chance to enjoy hearty sandwiches without meat.
Rasta Kitchen – Merchantville
This Caribbean-inspired eatery offers a unique vegan cheesesteak, combining island flavors with Philly-style indulgence.
Sabrina’s Cafe – Collingswood
A popular spot on the vegan scene, their cheesesteak is a standout menu item that keeps locals coming back for more.
Keg & Kitchen – Haddon Township
With a menu that emphasizes vegan options, Keg & Kitchen’s cheesesteak is a flavorful plant-based choice for adventurous eaters.
Goodbeet – Haddon Township
For those who like a little spice, the buffalo tofu cheesesteak is a standout, combining plant-based protein with bold flavors.
Kitchen 519 – Glendora
Offering a vegetarian cheesesteak, Kitchen 519 is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic sandwich with fresh, plant-forward ingredients.
North Jersey
Tick Tock Diner (Clifton): Reopened after renovations, the Tick Tock Diner now includes several vegan items, including a Beyond “Meatless” Burger, which is similar to a cheesesteak and comes with sweet potato fries.
Brick City Vegan Montclair: Offers a vegan Philly cheesesteak, which is highly praised for having a great vegan cheese substitute.
Brick City Vegan Newark: Formerly known as Urban Vegan, this establishment also serves a very delicious and well-seasoned vegan cheesesteak.
Plants & Poets Cafe (Newark): This cafe, which became fully vegan in January 2024, offers vegan burgers and other items, likely including a vegan cheesesteak given its focus on organic and plant-based food.
Freakin’ Vegan (Ridgewood): This takeout-only spot boasts a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sub with sliced seitan, sautéed peppers and onions, and cheese sauce on a toasted long roll.
Prestige Diner (New Providence): With a dedicated “Impossible” menu, this diner offers an Impossible cheesesteak, among other plant-based options.
Central Jersey
Central New Jersey also offers a variety of locations serving up delicious vegan cheesesteaks. Here are some notable spots:
- The Vegan Factory (Linden): This 100% vegan Dominican restaurant features a vegan cheesesteak alongside other dishes like mofongo and empanadas.
- Veganized (New Brunswick): A 100% vegan restaurant that prides itself on using natural and organic ingredients, {according to Yelp}. They are known for their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and while they don’t explicitly highlight a cheesesteak on their Yelp page, their menu of comfort food and commitment to organic ingredients make them a likely candidate for a vegan cheesesteak option.
- Savory Leaf Cafe (Lawrence Township): Located inside a farmer’s market, this vegan cafe offers a “famous vegan cheesesteak” alongside other plant-based dishes and the owner is very nice.
- Papa Ganache Matawan (Matawan): A vegan and gluten-free bakery that may offer vegan cheesesteak options, potentially through cooking classes or catering services.
- Freakin’ Vegan (Ridgewood): This takeout-only establishment, though located in North Jersey, ships its Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sub, so it’s technically accessible to Central Jersey residents.
- The Smith Family Ranch (Central Jersey): Offers a “Grilled veggie “cheesesteak” sandwich.”
Additional Central Jersey vegan-friendly locations
While not exclusively vegan cheesesteak spots, these locations have received positive reviews for their broader vegan menus:
Villaggio Iccara (Hamilton): An Italian restaurant with options for vegans and those with other dietary needs.
Papa Ganache – Matawan
This vegan, gluten-free bakery occasionally offers vegan cheesesteak options through special cooking classes or catering, making it a creative choice for plant-based sandwich lovers.
12 Farms Restaurant (Hightstown): Known for its vegan options, including a curry vegetables with tofu dish.
The Moth Coffeehouse (Allentown): Offers a vegan sausage sandwich and other vegan options.
Jersey Shore
The Gentle Giant Café (Jersey Shore Area): They offer vegan cheesesteaks as a special on occasion, {according to a Facebook post from a South Jersey Food Scene group member}.
Kaya’s Kitchen (Belmar): Known for its cozy atmosphere and eclectic vegan menu, including a Philly cheesesteak made with seitan and homemade vegan cheese. Kaya’s Kitchen has a reputation for flavorful dishes and has been praised by both vegans and non-vegans for the taste of their food.
Luna Verde Vegan Mexican Restaurant (Bradley Beach): Offers vegan options, including tacos and nachos, and also features a popular “Philly Cheesesteak” taco on its specials menu.
Dale and Dollops (Ocean Grove): A casual place specializing in plant-based breakfast, burgers, salads, and wraps. {While not explicitly listed as a cheesesteak spot on their primary Yelp page}, they do offer delicious vegan food in a 50s-diner-like setting and are praised for their vegan versions of classic diner dishes. This is a fully vegan diner just a few blocks from the beach.
Boardwalk Vegan (Long Beach Island): This restaurant is highly regarded for its vegan options, and their vegan cheesesteak has even been featured by NBC and considered one of the best in the area.
Roman’s Pizza House (Absecon): Known for its diverse vegan selections, including cheese, and takes precautions for allergies. They offer a good vegan cheesesteak, according to one reviewer.
Cicontes (West Deptford): This location also offers vegan cheesesteaks.
Chain and Grocery Store Options
For convenience or delivery, several stores and chains offer vegan cheesesteaks:
- ACME (Medford): Del Monte Veggieful Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak Pocket Pies.
- Cindy Lu’s Plantastic Foods: Plantastic Philly Cheesesteak available for takeout or delivery.
- Goldbelly: Joe’s Steaks Vegan Philly Cheesesteak 8-Pack for nationwide shipping.
- The Sleepy Potato: Vegan Philly Steak (Potato) delivered straight to your door.
- The Smith Family Ranch: Grilled veggie “cheesesteak” sandwich.
- Freakin’ Vegan: Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sub available for shipping.
- Walt Churchill’s Market: Del Monte Veggieful Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak Pocket Pies.
Explore More Vegan and Vegetarian Lunch Options
If you want a complete guide to plant-based lunches and other vegetarian-friendly meals in New Jersey, check out Explore New Jersey’s lunch section for up-to-date listings, regional favorites, and hidden gems.
From South Jersey’s vegan cafés to delivery-friendly options statewide, New Jersey’s vegan and vegetarian cheesesteak scene is thriving—proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty, flavorful sandwich. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or planning a gourmet plant-based experience, the Garden State has plenty to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings.
Your Ultimate Map of Vegan & Vegetarian Cheesesteaks in New Jersey
Vegan & Vegetarian Cheesesteak Hotspots in New Jersey
North Jersey – Urban Flair & Plant-Based Innovation
| Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Burger & Deli | Hackensack | Vegan Philly cheesesteak with house-made seitan |
| Vegan Bowls NJ | Fort Lee | Customizable plant-based cheesesteak with vegan cheese |
| Green Table Café | Montclair | Vegan cheesesteak using soy-based protein and fresh veggies |
| Garden State Vegan | Paterson | Cheesesteak option available for takeout and delivery |
| Blissful Bites | Jersey City | Vegan Philly-inspired sub with cashew cheese and sautéed peppers |
Central Jersey – Creative & Health-Conscious Options
| Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Papa Ganache | Matawan | Vegan and gluten-free cheesesteak options via classes or catering |
| Greens and Grains | Voorhees Township | Highly rated vegan cheesesteak; “amazing” and “dynamite” |
| La Lus Vegan Café | Willingboro | Plant-based Philly cheesesteak |
| Shokra Soups | Willingboro | Casual eatery, vegan cheesesteak called “best ever” |
| Kitchen 519 | Glendora | Vegetarian cheesesteak available |
Jersey Shore – Beachside Flavor & Plant-Based Fun
| Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Pop Shop | Collingswood | Seitan veggie cheesesteak |
| Sabrina’s Café | Collingswood | Popular vegan cheesesteak menu item |
| Rasta Kitchen | Merchantville | Caribbean-inspired vegan cheesesteak |
| Keg & Kitchen | Haddon Township | Unique menu with vegan cheesesteak option |
| Goodbeet | Haddon Township | Buffalo tofu cheesesteak perfect for a spicy twist |
New Jersey’s love for cheesesteaks isn’t slowing down—plant-based or traditional. We’ve broken it down by region, so you can easily find your next vegan cheesesteak adventure.
South Jersey – Flavor Meets Innovation
| Restaurant | Location | Vegan/Vegetarian Cheesesteak |
|---|---|---|
| Dar’s Steaks | Haddon Township | Vegan option with seitan on a seeded roll |
| Greens and Grains | Voorhees Township | Plant-based cheesesteak described as “amazing” and “dynamite” |
| La Lus Vegan Cafe | Willingboro | Vegan Philly cheesesteak with plant-based meat |
| Shokra Soups | Willingboro | Vegan cheesesteak praised as “best ever” |
| The Pop Shop | Collingswood | Seitan veggie cheesesteak |
| Champs Cheesesteaks & Hoagies | Audubon | Vegan cheesesteak option |
| DeliCozy | Glendora | Vegetarian cheesesteak available |
| Rasta Kitchen | Merchantville | Caribbean-inspired vegan cheesesteak |
| Sabrina’s Cafe | Collingswood | Popular vegan cheesesteak menu item |
| Keg & Kitchen | Haddon Township | Vegan cheesesteak as part of a creative menu |
| Goodbeet | Haddon Township | Buffalo tofu cheesesteak |
| Kitchen 519 | Glendora | Vegetarian cheesesteak |
Central Jersey – Creative Plant-Based Options
| Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Papa Ganache | Matawan | Vegan, gluten-free bakery offering cheesesteak options through classes or catering |
Chain & Grocery Store Options – Nationwide Delivery
| Brand | Product | Delivery/Availability |
|---|---|---|
| ACME | Del Monte Veggieful Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak Pocket Pies | Grocery store |
| Cindy Lu’s Plantastic Foods | Plantastic Philly Cheesesteak | Takeout & delivery |
| Goldbelly | Joe’s Steaks Vegan Philly Cheesesteak 8-Pack | Shipping nationwide |
| The Sleepy Potato | Vegan Philly Steak (Potato) | Delivery |
| The Smith Family Ranch | Grilled veggie “cheesesteak” sandwich | Shipping/delivery |
| Freakin’ Vegan | Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sub | Shipping |
| Walt Churchill’s Market | Del Monte Veggieful Plant-Based Philly Cheesesteak Pocket Pies | Grocery store |
Tips for the Best Experience
- Check for specials: Some vegan cheesesteaks are seasonal or limited-time menu items.
- Call ahead: Especially for bakeries or cafes that feature vegan cheesesteaks through catering or classes.
- Mix and match sides: Many vegan-friendly restaurants offer fresh salads, fries, or unique sides that pair perfectly with a plant-based cheesesteak.
- Explore more options: For a full list of vegan and vegetarian lunch spots in New Jersey, check out Explore New Jersey Lunch Listings.
