Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. For Earth Month, we are shining the spotlight on a few of the environmentally oriented people, businesses, and organizations in the neighborhoods where we work. This week, Staten Island takes center stage with its vegan bodega, the Vodega!

For those craving vegan cuisine in New York City, Staten Island is not usually a go-to destination. But Vodega is changing that. One Islander said, “I am so blessed to have this place open up down the street from where I live. I have been vegan for 7 years, and the vegan options on Staten Island are slim. Owner is cool, staff is friendly, and the food is fantastic! Definitely recommend for vegans and non-vegans!”

Located in the West Brighton neighborhood of Staten Island, Vodega is a classic NYC-style bodega that is all vegan. It has been in operation since 2020. The store sells snacks, drinks, and vegan pantry essentials. But the star of the show is the menu. The kitchen makes a variety of sub sandwiches, coffee and beverages, and sweet treats like cookies and soft-serve ice cream.

You might not expect cheese to be the star of the show in a vegan shop, but at Vodega, it is. One customer noted, “We always get the chopped cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. The mac and cheese is also so flavorful. I love me some Vodega!” Another said, “Had the chopped cheese. It was on point!”

Not to be outdone, the breakfast sandwiches are also crowd favorites. A customer from California raved, “VEGAN BREAKFAST ALL DAY! (Sorry, I am very excited about the selections offered here). My bacon, egg, and cheese was out of this world.” Meanwhile, a Brooklyn transplant added, “The bacon, egg, and cheese is the best I’ve ever had.”

Customers with a sweet tooth recommend the soft serve for dessert or just as a treat! One exclaimed, “The soft serve is delicious with rainbow sprinkles,” while another commented, “Soft serve ice cream is to die for!” You can peruse the menu to find your own favorite.

Customers have also praised the service almost as much as the unique, high-quality fare. As one patron said, “The service was excellent, and the energetic ambiance created a welcoming atmosphere.” A new customer testified, “Very friendly staff that takes the time to explain things to you and offer suggestions based on your preferences…Special thanks to the owner for making a late custom modification to my order!”

Are you hungry yet? Your hunger will only grow after checking out their Instagram page for news and appetizing photos! After you have done that, you can order online for pickup or delivery. Vodega is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One last resounding endorsement, “I can honestly say that Vodega is one of the best plant-based deli and grocery combo that I have been to in my 15+ years of being vegan. Vegan or not, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Vodega! They have a huge selection of delicious food at a very reasonable price!”

With a 69-acre waterfront campus that includes the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, Broadway Stages is proud to call Staten Island home. It is wonderful to know that so many great, diverse people and businesses make it their home as well. We encourage you to support your neighbors like Vodega and help keep Staten Island strong! And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!