It’s not really spring (or summer) in Philadelphia if you’re not spending it down by the waterfront. And what better way to enjoy a beautiful day or evening than with some brews, delicious bites and the best views that the city has to offer?
Fan-favorite Morgan’s Pier is finally back for 2022, with opening day officially on Thursday, April 21. In its 11th consecutive season, the waterside destination will keep the same formula: Great food, drinks and vibes along the Delaware River. But as always, there will also be some unique events happening throughout the season to add to the atmosphere as well.
On the menu, guests can expect “waterfront classics with elevated pub fare, all sprinkled with Pier personality.” Some highlights include the grilled octopus (with salsa verde, pickled kumquat and fennel), crab cakes (with plantains, passionfruit mojo and jicama slaw), crispy chicken wings (choice of buffalo, chimichurri, or apple bourbon BBQ), spring pea hummus, an assortment of flatbreads (think confit pork, Margherita, spring asparagus and more), a slew of sandwiches (spanning a crispy shrimp roll, pork belly BLT, a purple sweet potato black bean burger) and more. Morgan’s Pier will also feature some dessert options (think bananas foster cheesecake and a rotating ice cream list) and a kids menu (with chicken fingers, hot dogs and more).
Drinks-wise, Philadelphians can sip on an assortment of cocktails spanning a Blueberry Lemonade (Stoli Blueberi Vodka with lemonade), Tommy Collins (Bluecoat, raz liqueur, lemon, blackberry simple and club), Aperol Paloma (Patron, Aperol, lime juice, grapefruit and club), Twisted Tea Bomb (Twisted Tea with a shot of Deep Eddy Peach or Lemon), Watermelon Rickey (watermelon puree, 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon), Summer Sangria (white sangria with seasonal fruits and juices) plus a selection of frozen cocktails and a full bar.
Morgan’s Pier will also be celebrating the spring/summer season with the return of Latin nights with the sounds of Siempre Salsa Philly on select Wednesday evenings. Then on Thursdays, the venue will be hosting a lineup of acoustic favorites from New Pony, The Business, Jamison, and Cherry Crush—all local artists. The weekend late-night party will be in full swing for the 2022 season, with DJ entertainment scheduled every Friday and Saturday. Guests can expect an $8 cover charge on Wednesday nights after 8 p.m., Thursdays starting at 9 p.m., plus Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 p.m.
The opening entertainment schedule includes: Dj Ricky Lee on Thursday, April 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. and then DJ Menace Cartel from 9 p.m. to midnight; DJ Xtina on Friday, April 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. and then DJ Beatstreet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; DJ Meat Mill on Saturday, April 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. and then DJ Pfef from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and then an acoustic set by Dan Fisher from 3 to 7 p.m. to round up the weekend on Sunday, April 24.
On the charitable side, Morgan’s Pier will host Yappy Hour with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) and Tito’s Handmade Vodka from 4 to 8 p.m. one Monday per month. According to a release, Yappy Hour is a perfect opportunity to bring your four-legged furry family member to enjoy the sun. Proceeds from Yappy Hour will go towards the Pennsylvania SPCA along with other opportunities to donate.
Another charitable initiative from Morgan’s Pier comes in the form of a returned in-person event on May 26: The Guac Off, hosted by MANNA. MANNA is a volunteer center based in Philadelphia that provides counseling, preparing, and delivering medically tailored meals that are filled with nourishments to those with serious illnesses in the Greater Philadelphia Area and Southern New Jersey. They are teaming up with the team at MP this year once again to bring back the event to help their cause (more details of The Guac Off will be available online.)
But really, there’s something to do everyday of the spring/summer season at Morgan’s Pier—with or without events.
“My favorite day at Morgan’s Pier is Sunday. Nothing says a perfect summer day to me like the chill vibe of live music by local performers and relaxing on the water with a Blueberry Lemonade in hand after a crazy weekend,” explains Dana Canalichio, Director of Operations and Development for FCM Hospitality.
You can see for yourself starting this weekend.
Starting hours for the season are Mondays to Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Fridays to Sundays, noon to 2 a.m. Kitchen hours are Mondays to Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m., and Fridays to Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. Reservations are encouraged during dining hours, with walk-up reservations available, space permitting and can be made by visiting morganspier.com/reservations or Resy. Walk-up bar service is also welcome at the venue at 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
