Vegan Pizza Coming to Center City

Can I get a whoop-whoop from my fellow vegetarians and vegan friends? I wanna hear it, because there is a vegan pizza place coming to Rittenhouse Square and MY HEART IS JUST NOT READY, OMG. Anyone living the herbivore life knows that, when you cut out animal products, you eliminate a LOT of major food categories in one fell swoop. Pizza is one of those. Luckily for us, we have restaurateur Mark Mebus, founder of the beloved Blackbird Pizzeria in NoLibs and Queen Village (which is under reno at the moment).

After seeing such success with his vegan pizzas, sandwiches, and cheesesteaks, Mebus decided to bring the hype to Center City. The newest pizza shop, named simply but descriptively 20th Street Pizza, is located – surprise! – at 108 S. 20th Street, just south of Chestnut. The restaurant will take the place of a former computer repair shop. According to Eater Philadelphia, 20th Street Pizza “is surrounded by eateries, including Shake Shack, Jose Garces’ Village Whiskey, gelateria Capogiro, Hawaiian restaurant Poi Dog, and Roman pizzeria Rione. Vegan sandwich shop Wiz Kid is just a block away. ”

20th Street Pizza will be like its predecessors in a lot of ways, but Mebus says that the menu will be different. Instead of offering sandwiches in addition to pies, the new store will focus solely on a range of seasonally pizzas laden with fresh vegetables. Slices will be sold in squares and triangles. Sides are all lighter fare, encompassing a few salads, garlic knots, and vegetable sides.

At present there is no opening date set for 20th Street Pizza, but when there is, you’ll read about it here. Vegan dining is always a hot ticket in Center City, and I have no doubt that downtown Philly will embrace the new pizzeria with open arms… and mouths, too!