5 Healthy Burgers You Can Eat Right Now in Philadelphia

The Impossible burger. Photograph by Caroline Cunningham.

Okay, sure, the word “burger” doesn’t exactly scream “healthy.” But given that scientists have started making veggie burgers that taste nothing like veggies — and those crazy burgers have started appearing on Philly menus — you don’t have to be at a health-food restaurant to find a burger that’s more than a pile of fatty meat. (Although, if you’re looking for a delicious pile of fatty meat, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.)

Ready to give in to your taste buds and sink your teeth into a delicious, not-so-bad-for-you burger? Here’s where you’ll find them in Philly.

Impossible Burger at Little Man’s Juice Bar and Grill

What’s in it: 100-percent plants, including wheat, potatoes, coconut oil, soy, with choice of toppings

The Impossible burger — which is manufactured by a California-based company — is made with all plants, but it’s supposed to taste like real meat. It uses a plant protein to create the “real meat” flavor, and having tried it ourselves, we’ve got to say it’s pretty spot-on. It’s not bad, nutrition facts wise, either: a patty clocks in with 220 calories and 20 grams of protein — and just 13 grams of fat. Slather it with cheese and special sauce, though, and you can easily add way more calories and fat, just FYI.

Beyond Burger at BurgerFi 

What’s in it: 100-percent plants, with protein from peas. It’s also got canola oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, potato, and beet juice, with choice of toppings.

The Beyond Meat burger — also from a California-based company — is another “I can’t believe this isn’t meat!” patty. At BurgerFi, you can either get it on a classic bun with cheese, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions — or you can make it a little healthier by swapping your white bun for one made of lettuce. This patty alone has 290 calories, with 20 grams protein and 22 grams fat — but with all the fixings it’s 732 calories, 33 grams protein, and 51 grams fat. Pro tip: Lose the bun and cheese to make it a little healthier.

Ziggy Burger at Hip City Veg

What’s in it: Smoked tempeh, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and special sauce on wheat bun

This creation of Hip City Veg uses smoked tempeh for the “meat” then tops it with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and special sauce on a whole wheat bun. This one won’t taste just like meat, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Without the special sauce, it’s 460 calories, 33 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat. Not bad for a burger!

Veggie Burger at Village Whiskey

What’s in it: Black beans and lentils, topped with guacamole and pickled red cabbage

For a little more indulgent, the veggie burger at Village Whiskey is one to beat — which shouldn’t be surprising since guacamole makes everything taste good, am I right? While Village Whiskey’s nutrition facts aren’t available online, if dodging meat is the name of the game, this place serves up a mean patty.

Prairie Burger at Bareburger

What’s in it: Quinoa, topped with vegan American cheese, balsamic roasted mushrooms and garlic, caramelized onions, baby spinach, alfafa, on a sprout bun

The patty is made of protein-packed quinoa, while the indulgent toppings — like caramelized onions — turn this sandwich into a treat. Bareburger also sells a sweet potato and wild rice burger called the “Farmstead” and a black bean and roasted corn burger called the “Guadalupe,” so vegetarian options abound here. At 500 calories for the Prairie burger, it’s the lowest-calorie burger on the menu, second only to the Farmstead at 400 calories.

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