0 Followers
Vanilla Gorilla Cafe
Master Critic Review
Vanilla Gorilla Cafe
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sweet Treats Escapes
Business Lunch Power Players
A coffee-and-sandwich shop near Penn Station that earns a spot here for its clearly labeled vegan options and reliable grab-and-go rhythm. Best used as a quick reset: one latte, one vegan-leaning hot item, then back to your day—more practical than “destination dining.”
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Pizza Pastrino, Hazelnut & Honey Latte, Golden chai (with non-dairy milk)
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 5.8
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: A commuter-friendly cafe with explicit vegan options.
Who should go: Penn Station commuters needing coffee and a quick bite.
When to visit: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon for calmer flow.
What to order: Vegan Pizza Pastrino, latte, a baked good.
Insider tip: Confirm vegan modifiers at the register—fast and straightforward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking is scarce and unreliable near Penn Station; nearby paid garages are the realistic option.
Dress code: Casual and commuter-friendly—anything from workwear to travel clothes is fine.
Noise level: Moderate during rushes, quieter off-peak. Fine for solo work or quick conversations, not intimate dining.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime cafe; no meaningful dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short line (5–10 minutes) during peak commuter windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian items with clear labeling.
Vegan options: Yes—several explicitly labeled vegan options, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some items may be gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible and choices are narrow.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is more practical than romantic. It works for a quick coffee meetup, not a sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral. Kids are fine for a quick stop, but there’s no kids menu, play space, or linger-friendly setup.
Best For
Better for: Fast, clearly labeled vegan-friendly grab-and-go near Penn Station with minimal friction.
Skip if: You want a destination vegan restaurant, full-service dining, or a relaxed place to linger.