Definitely your only choice in the slaughterhouse known as "Reading Terminal Market." Since a lot of people just end up at the Market as a result of Center City business or conventions ... don't miss Basic 4 if you find yourself here. I've tried the sandwiches (OK) and a few other menu items. The dairy-free "cream" of broccoli soup is a stand-out. On a cold day, I highly recommend this for "take out" soup. The veg chili is also good. One drawback is service/atmosphere -- but this really only is a take-out window anyway.
After leaving a conference across the street, we wanted to get a quick lunch and I had heard about this place and wanted to give it a try. Even though every other booth in the place was packed, I should have wondered why this one wasn't. My hubby and I ordered 2 Philly "steak" sandwhiches and sweet potatoe fries. It took about 20 minutes to order and get our food. Odd since we were the only ones she was working on and everything is premade.
The subs were ok. Not a lot of flavor. The fries were good, like a lot of other places. And sadly, the cost wasn't up to par with what we ordered.
It was good in a pinch. But I wouldn't go out of my way to go back again. However, around the corner the sushi bar has GREAT vegetarian sushi for cheap!
I have tried vegan cheese steaks at Gianna's, Govinda's and Mi Lah, and while they are all decent (Mi Lah's being the best of the three) this one tops them all at an equal if not lower price. I have never had bad service here, though I haven't been while it's crowded. In fact the lady behind the counter has always been very courteous and helpful. If you want to try a veg cheese steak in philly then this is the place you must visit.
I am only in Philly for 24 hours and was told about the Reading Market. I happened upon Basic 4 and was thrilled to see a vegan cheessteak on the menu. I've always wanted to try one because the "real" ones look delish. I was also happy to see that they had sweet potato frys. i got the hoagie fully loaded and i also ordered a ginger beer.
the service was AWFUL. there was one woman working. she kept forgetting what people ordered, was extremely slow and kept giving people the wrong orders. i dont know how many times i had to tell her what i wanted.
the potato frys- pretty good. not the best, and id probably try something else next time.
the ginger beer- delish! if you LOVE ginger. it was liked drinking fresh ginger, and burned my throat a little. but id get it again!
the hoagie- heaven! it was as ive always imagined it should be. would definitely order it again!
if youre at the market, want something vegan, and have a lot of time and dont care about the lack of customer service, this is the place!!!
The service was slow, which I understand, it's a busy area and the only vegetarian place in Reading Terminal Market I think. It was expensive, but again, it's Philadelphia, but the food really wasn't that good. I got the fake tuna, and it was messy and watery and really not worth the price. If it's the only option, it's okay, but I wouldn't rave about it or probably go back again.
I was really excited to try a vegan Philly cheesesteak during my first visit to the city. My omni friends and I trekked over so that I could buy mine and carry it over to Gino's, where they were going to get the traditional meat sandwiches.
Upon arrival, I was so disappointed to see that the vegan version of the cheesesteak has no cheese on it. The cheese they use isn't vegan, which eliminated a lot of the tasty-looking options on the menu. On the plus side, they did clearly mark which items weren't vegan on the posted menu.
The service was extremely slow, and the woman behind the register didn't know what vegan meant (?). The menu indicated that some of the desserts were vegan, and I asked the woman which ones were, and she told me that all of them were. However, some of them were clearly not. I felt like she was trying to tell me what I wanted to hear, like a previous reviewer said.
I got a hoagie, which actually turned out to be delicious. It was a huge amount of food for what I paid (around $7 or $8). I don't want to slam the place, but if you're vegan and are searching for a cheesesteak, this isn't the right place to go unless you're bringing your own cheese.
Good veggie place inside a raging market, nice.... - Edit
I've only been here once as a tourist. I ate a "bacon burger" it really tasted like one. It was very pricey for what I got, the good was alright. This market is a good idea for the tourist, or visitor, especially with meat eating friends, because you can really get what ever you want in this market. So, if you are in a hurry or just want to enjoy the craziness of the environment, you'll do fine here. There are a lot of vegan options here, though the pause before my questions about what was vegan, did worry me a bit, like they were just going to tell me what ever they thought I wanted to hear. The place is a little funky, but most everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their lunch and enjoying the market experience. I have no real desire to go back, I think personally unless you're in a real hurry, just go a little north to China town, there are lots of good veg*n options there.
I come to Philly a few times a year for business and it isn't always very easy to find vegan options. I have been trying to go to Basic 4 Veg for 2 years but I could never seem to make it there during their opening hours. Today was my first visit and I wasn't disappointed. The staff were very friendly and made great suggestions. I had the Veg Philly Steak and it was great but I would have it on pita next time (too much bread for me). I got the Veg Chicken on a pita, a mango smoothie and sweet potato pie to go as I was working the night shift later on. Everything kept beautifully - even the smoothie! They packed the sandwich unassembled so it would be fresh - very thoughtful. I will certainly be back.
I encourage you to look at the page for Philly. It is a surprisingly veg-friendly town. Lots of places to go. Next time you go, be open-minded, I think you will have a fun time. PM me if you want ideas of where to go.
I ordered a Vegan Philly Cheese Steak and got a foot long sandwich with onions, "cheese", and "steak" that was greasy and delicious. I took it to our hotel and ate it while waiting for our airport shuttle...I fit right in, as it appeared to be the real thing. There were only 4 inches left for my husband. This was a great experience for us, as it allowed us to truly experience Philadelphia by immersing us in the Reading Terminal Market, and allowing us to enjoy a traditional menu item!
I ate the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and it was good, I wouldn't say I was very impressed, but it was good. Bear in mind that this place is CASH ONLY and they charge you for toppings like Vegenaise, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. - - this is something I was not aware of and she failed to tell me this fact. I also got a Vegan cookie, and it was very delicious.
This is a good and convenient place to go, it's in a deli/farmers market type area. So if you're with a carnivore friend that doesn't want to eat Vegan/Vegetarian, they can go to the next stand over and get their meat [yuck] - my friend did this.
I was a little concerned after reading the poor customer service reviews but decieded to try out this spot anyway - The staff was very friendly! The guy was up beat and lively.
Had the vegan philly cheese steak and it was great! I was still on the search for the perfect cup of veggie chilli and this hit the spot ... very good with just the right amount of spices. Two thumbs up.
Would defiantly return here my next visit to philly.
Arriving in Philadelphia today, October 4, 2007, we went straight from our hotel to the Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar in the Reading Terminal, a "food court" similar to many commercial malls. The person taking the order said "What do you want?" as if he were doing us a favor. We asked for a veggie burger, and chick'n sandwich the former with everything, the latter without mayo, tomatoes or onions. We asked for tap water, to which he replied, "We sell water, we don't give it away." I took that to imply that we were there simply for him to collect money from us. If the Supreme Court in 1962 was right, "Good will is the tendency of a customer to return where she has been well treated," Basic 4 lost a little bit of good will today.
The veggie burger was thin and barely warm. The bun was cold. Green leaf lettuce was plentiful, tomatoes and onions were stingy.
13 Reviews
First Review by jkohler2
John Kevin
Points +90
Good for Reading Terminal Market - Edit
Definitely your only choice in the slaughterhouse known as "Reading Terminal Market." Since a lot of people just end up at the Market as a result of Center City business or conventions ... don't miss Basic 4 if you find yourself here. I've tried the sandwiches (OK) and a few other menu items. The dairy-free "cream" of broccoli soup is a stand-out. On a cold day, I highly recommend this for "take out" soup. The veg chili is also good. One drawback is service/atmosphere -- but this really only is a take-out window anyway.
Read morePros: Oasis in Reading Market
Cons: Atmosphere non-existent
Guest
RalphGrove
Points +248
great food, covenient, quick. - Edit
The food was great. It's wonderful to find an all- veg restaurant with a diverse menü. I had a BLT and slaw - very good.
Read moreGuest
C.Icore
Points +43
Meh - Edit
After leaving a conference across the street, we wanted to get a quick lunch and I had heard about this place and wanted to give it a try. Even though every other booth in the place was packed, I should have wondered why this one wasn't. My hubby and I ordered 2 Philly "steak" sandwhiches and sweet potatoe fries. It took about 20 minutes to order and get our food. Odd since we were the only ones she was working on and everything is premade.
Read moreThe subs were ok. Not a lot of flavor. The fries were good, like a lot of other places. And sadly, the cost wasn't up to par with what we ordered.
It was good in a pinch. But I wouldn't go out of my way to go back again. However, around the corner the sushi bar has GREAT vegetarian sushi for cheap!
Pros: fair portions, close to the convention center
Guest
veganshmegan
Points +60
best vegan steak in philly - Edit
I have tried vegan cheese steaks at Gianna's, Govinda's and Mi Lah, and while they are all decent (Mi Lah's being the best of the three) this one tops them all at an equal if not lower price. I have never had bad service here, though I haven't been while it's crowded. In fact the lady behind the counter has always been very courteous and helpful. If you want to try a veg cheese steak in philly then this is the place you must visit.
Read morePros: veg steak supreme, friendly staff, good price
Guest
CupcakesMessyFace
Points +1303
Great Vegan Philly CheeseSteak! - Edit
I am only in Philly for 24 hours and was told about the Reading Market. I happened upon Basic 4 and was thrilled to see a vegan cheessteak on the menu. I've always wanted to try one because the "real" ones look delish. I was also happy to see that they had sweet potato frys. i got the hoagie fully loaded and i also ordered a ginger beer.
Read morethe service was AWFUL. there was one woman working. she kept forgetting what people ordered, was extremely slow and kept giving people the wrong orders. i dont know how many times i had to tell her what i wanted.
the potato frys- pretty good. not the best, and id probably try something else next time.
the ginger beer- delish! if you LOVE ginger. it was liked drinking fresh ginger, and burned my throat a little. but id get it again!
the hoagie- heaven! it was as ive always imagined it should be. would definitely order it again!
if youre at the market, want something vegan, and have a lot of time and dont care about the lack of customer service, this is the place!!!
Pros: delish food!, good variety
Cons: horrible service, a little pricey
Guest
aeclarke
Points +114
It was okay - Edit
The service was slow, which I understand, it's a busy area and the only vegetarian place in Reading Terminal Market I think. It was expensive, but again, it's Philadelphia, but the food really wasn't that good. I got the fake tuna, and it was messy and watery and really not worth the price. If it's the only option, it's okay, but I wouldn't rave about it or probably go back again.
Read moreGuest
procrastinasian
Points +273
Disappointed - Edit
I was really excited to try a vegan Philly cheesesteak during my first visit to the city. My omni friends and I trekked over so that I could buy mine and carry it over to Gino's, where they were going to get the traditional meat sandwiches.
Read moreUpon arrival, I was so disappointed to see that the vegan version of the cheesesteak has no cheese on it. The cheese they use isn't vegan, which eliminated a lot of the tasty-looking options on the menu. On the plus side, they did clearly mark which items weren't vegan on the posted menu.
The service was extremely slow, and the woman behind the register didn't know what vegan meant (?). The menu indicated that some of the desserts were vegan, and I asked the woman which ones were, and she told me that all of them were. However, some of them were clearly not. I felt like she was trying to tell me what I wanted to hear, like a previous reviewer said.
I got a hoagie, which actually turned out to be delicious. It was a huge amount of food for what I paid (around $7 or $8). I don't want to slam the place, but if you're vegan and are searching for a cheesesteak, this isn't the right place to go unless you're bringing your own cheese.
Pros: Good hoagie, Most non-vegan items noted, reasonable prices
Cons: Slow service, employees don't know what vegan means
Guest
thoor_ballylee
Points +321
Good veggie place inside a raging market, nice.... - Edit
I've only been here once as a tourist. I ate a "bacon burger" it really tasted like one. It was very pricey for what I got, the good was alright. This market is a good idea for the tourist, or visitor, especially with meat eating friends, because you can really get what ever you want in this market. So, if you are in a hurry or just want to enjoy the craziness of the environment, you'll do fine here. There are a lot of vegan options here, though the pause before my questions about what was vegan, did worry me a bit, like they were just going to tell me what ever they thought I wanted to hear. The place is a little funky, but most everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their lunch and enjoying the market experience. I have no real desire to go back, I think personally unless you're in a real hurry, just go a little north to China town, there are lots of good veg*n options there.
Read morePros: the market is great, lots of vegan options, nice staff
Cons: price for what I got
Guest
Ally846
Points +28
Great Veg Option in a Meaty Town - Edit
I come to Philly a few times a year for business and it isn't always very easy to find vegan options. I have been trying to go to Basic 4 Veg for 2 years but I could never seem to make it there during their opening hours. Today was my first visit and I wasn't disappointed. The staff were very friendly and made great suggestions. I had the Veg Philly Steak and it was great but I would have it on pita next time (too much bread for me). I got the Veg Chicken on a pita, a mango smoothie and sweet potato pie to go as I was working the night shift later on. Everything kept beautifully - even the smoothie! They packed the sandwich unassembled so it would be fresh - very thoughtful. I will certainly be back.
Read morePros: Food, Prices, Drinks
Cons: Hours
kindlizard
I encourage you to look at the page for Philly. It is a surprisingly veg-friendly town. Lots of places to go. Next time you go, be open-minded, I think you will have a fun time. PM me if you want ideas of where to go.
Read moreGuest
hoffmans2
Points +169
Philly Cheese Steak - Edit
I ordered a Vegan Philly Cheese Steak and got a foot long sandwich with onions, "cheese", and "steak" that was greasy and delicious. I took it to our hotel and ate it while waiting for our airport shuttle...I fit right in, as it appeared to be the real thing. There were only 4 inches left for my husband. This was a great experience for us, as it allowed us to truly experience Philadelphia by immersing us in the Reading Terminal Market, and allowing us to enjoy a traditional menu item!
Read morePros: Location, Food
Cons: Long Wait
Guest
·X·
Points +28381
Convenient - Edit
I ate the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and it was good, I wouldn't say I was very impressed, but it was good. Bear in mind that this place is CASH ONLY and they charge you for toppings like Vegenaise, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. - - this is something I was not aware of and she failed to tell me this fact. I also got a Vegan cookie, and it was very delicious.
Read moreThis is a good and convenient place to go, it's in a deli/farmers market type area. So if you're with a carnivore friend that doesn't want to eat Vegan/Vegetarian, they can go to the next stand over and get their meat [yuck] - my friend did this.
Guest
emeraldeyes180
Points +49
Very Good! - Edit
I was a little concerned after reading the poor customer service reviews but decieded to try out this spot anyway - The staff was very friendly! The guy was up beat and lively.
Read moreHad the vegan philly cheese steak and it was great! I was still on the search for the perfect cup of veggie chilli and this hit the spot ... very good with just the right amount of spices. Two thumbs up.
Would defiantly return here my next visit to philly.
Pros: Good Veggie Chilli! (Hard to find) :), Friendly Staff, Decent Selection
Cons: A little slower to take your order.
Guest
jkohler2
Points +68
Veggie burger ok, treatment abrupt - Edit
Arriving in Philadelphia today, October 4, 2007, we went straight from our hotel to the Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar in the Reading Terminal, a "food court" similar to many commercial malls. The person taking the order said "What do you want?" as if he were doing us a favor. We asked for a veggie burger, and chick'n sandwich the former with everything, the latter without mayo, tomatoes or onions. We asked for tap water, to which he replied, "We sell water, we don't give it away." I took that to imply that we were there simply for him to collect money from us. If the Supreme Court in 1962 was right, "Good will is the tendency of a customer to return where she has been well treated," Basic 4 lost a little bit of good will today.
Read moreThe veggie burger was thin and barely warm. The bun was cold. Green leaf lettuce was plentiful, tomatoes and onions were stingy.
Pros: vegan island in carnivore land
Cons: abrupt attitude
Guest
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