Vote for the Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly, Featuring 25 of the Region’s Top Contenders

The Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly 2026 contest is officially underway, inviting residents across the region to cast their votes and help crown this year’s top meatless masterpiece.

Voting opened on March 30 at noon and runs through April 8 at noon, with participants able to vote once per day for their favorite vegan cheesesteak. You can vote at americanvegan.org/philly-vegan-cheesesteak-contest.

While the traditional cheesesteak dates back to the 1940s, the vegan version has steadily carved out its own place in the city’s food scene. Today, plant-based takes on the classic are found across Philly, blending innovation with tradition.

The contest, organized by the American Vegan Society, celebrates that evolution—highlighting both fully vegan eateries and traditional restaurants that have embraced plant-based options.

Since launching in 2014, the competition has crowned winners like Blackbird Pizzeria, Royal Tavern, Triangle Tavern, and reigning champion Boardwalk Vegan.

After the public voting period closes, the top three finalists will advance to a live championship event on Monday, April 13, held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square).
.There, a panel of celebrity judges will sample and rank the finalists to determine the winner of the 2026 title.

In honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this year’s event will feature a 76-inch vegan cheesesteak. The three finalists will collaborate to build the massive sandwich, and the first 76 attendees will each receive a one-inch portion—along with a commemorative sticker marking their participation in the moment.

This year’s contest features a wide range of participants including:

• Sabrina’s Cafe
• Royal T-Vegans Wellness
• Monster Vegan
• Vegan Chef Lenka
• Nourish
• Campo’s
• Boardwalk Vegan
• Triangle Tavern
• Say She Ate
• Out West Philly
• Good Dog Bar
• Shokra Soups
• Colonial Diner
• Blue Dog Pub
• HipCityVeg
• Tattooed Mom
• Philly Steak Co.
• Tetra Pizza and Grill
• Joy Cafe
• LUHV Vegan Deli
• Cinderbar
• Front Street Cafe
• Brewerytown Bakery & Bagels
• Monk’s Cafe
• The Tasty

Voting is open to anyone who lives or works in the Greater Philadelphia area, including surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and South Jersey.