Spruce Street Harbor Park Review

IMG_7335Philadelphia’s waterfront just hasn’t been able to get it together over the past couple of decades.  I envy Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Positive strides have been made recently along Philadelphia’s Delaware.  The outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months was a start.  Then, a winter lodge popped up. Now, a beer garden/park has sprung to life at Spruce Street called Harbor Park.

I was stoked to check out the park because I heard stories from people working on the design aspects of the park.  I missed the soft opening, but got there on the first Friday that they opened.

IMG_7320The design of the Park is killer. The lighting can be mesmerizing at times.  It’s a visual oasis in the middle of Penn’s Landing. Dozens of hammocks hang from trees in the park and are free to use.  There are giant sized Connect Four and Chess games, shuffleboard, live music, a mini arcade, water misters, snacks, food by Garces Catering, beer and sangria.

The logistics leave something to be desired. There were three beer stands.  Two were inland in the park.  One was out on a barge.  The barge can only hold a limited number of people so when it’s at capacity a line forms waiting for people to leave.  Security wasn’t totally on the ball as I would see three or four people leave the barge, but none would be let on.

IMG_7323The organizers were not ready for the Opening Night crowd.  Lines felt like they were hundreds deep.  We ended up waiting over twenty minutes for our drinks.  They were checking ID and pouring drinks, which made service slower than it could’ve have been. They have local brews and a couple flavors or sangria available.  Luckily, they weren’t making mixed cocktails or the wait would’ve been insane.

IMG_7333I went back this past Sunday and have a much better experience, just because the crowd wasn’t anything like that opening night.  We were actually able to get a seat on the barge and chill with some music and beers.  Beer was only available on the barge on my second trip.  Chilling on the barge in Adirondack chairs with beers and a breeze was one of the better summer nights that I’ve had in the city.

IMG_7331One huge issue is using the restrooms.  You have to leave the barge to use the facilities. Security makes you stand in line, after going to the bathroom, to get back onto the barge if the barge is at capacity.  My burger, friends and beer had to wait about ten minutes for my return.

The food is decent.  My buddy had a burger and I have a veggie burger.  Both were good, not great. The fries are slamming.

Friends can gather on nets that hang over the river on the back of the barge.  Those were popular on both nights that I was at the Park.

IMG_7498The Park is a great addition to the city.  The atmosphere is something to definitely see. Try to go on a weeknight if you can.  If you head down on the weekend, smuggling in a beer or two could save you time that might be wasted waiting in long lines.  Sitting outside with friends and drinks in the world that they’ve created in this park is a great way to pass some time.

Spruce Street Harbor Park is located at Spruce Street and Columbus Blvd. It’s open 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. seven days a week until the end of August.  Take advantage of it while it’s here!

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