Moshulu - Fine Tourist Trap Dining in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I don't much care for Philly, but when a friend suggested we take the train up for a day or two I jumped at the chance to see a few old friends and get to meet a few new ones. We got into town a bit early and decided to go have lunch at Moshulu since it was right next to our hotel.

Launched in 1904, Moshulu is a big four-masted sailing ship, the biggest in the world that's still afloat. It went from hauling things like coal and copper ore to being a warehouse to getting confiscated by the US in WWI, then by the Germans in WWII. Lots of rich history here for sure. In 1968 Finland bought it and restored it. After much hand changing, she made her way to Philly and became a restaurant in 1975. It now sits at Penn Landing after getting destroyed and restored yet again.

This is a very elegant ship. The first thing that caught my eye inside was the grand staircase with it's ornate carved wood railings. A real wow there. Just gorgeous. We were greeted at the hostess stand where our coats were taken and led back to the dining area. The staff is all very professional and slightly reserved, yet very efficient.

The tables are all padded with nice cream colored cloths covering them. There is beautiful etched glass everywhere and mahogony is everywhere. The lighting is subdued but since we were here for lunch we had plenty to see by with the window table there overlooking the bay. It's over-cast here in Philly, but there was still sufficient light to read the menu by. Tom loved that there were pepper grinders on every table. The ketchup was served in a nice little silver-topped glass serving dish.

We both started off with a nice Lobster Bisque ($10) which was a mushroom cream base with sun dried tomatoes, taragon shrimp, and green lentils. While the base was marvelous, I must say that there was a serious lack of actual lobster in this. Still, we both enjoyed it a great deal.

Being boring that day, we also both chose the Kobe Beef Burger ($13). This is out of the Ohio Kobe ranch location, in case you're curious. This came topped with Lancaster farmhouse cheddar, carmelized onions, and hardwood smoked bacon on a kinda onion roll, accompanied with seasoned French fries. A bit pricey for a burger, even a good one like this. I mean, so it's Kobe. Big deal. Tastes the same to me as any Texas beef.. or actually any midwestern beef in general. It was good at any rate. Nice and juicy and cooked to order.

They also have a few wraps in the same price range, one being a Portobello wrap for you vegetarians out there. There is no children's menu and really, I wouldn't bring kids in here anyway. This is a nice quiet spot for adults.

The dinner menu is a bit pricey for everyday (unless you're Paris Hilton). Citrus Roasted Day Boat Halibut will run ya a cool $29, as will Corriander Spiced Ahi Tuna. Even worse, a Char Grilled Filet Mignon is $33, that is served Oscar style (which I hate.)

They have an extensive wine list, but I saw no evidence of any other alcoholic offerings here. The wines were listed up to about $11 per glass.

There is no smoking here, but in the summer they open up the top deck, which is open to the elements, and you can smoke up there. Up here you will also find the old crew quarters and galley restored. Kinda interesting to take a peek at.

All in all, I'm going to go with 4 strong stars for Moshulu. If you can handle the bill, the food is pretty good and the presentation is excellent. Not your usual touristy kinda trap at all. A very nice, romantic meal is to be had here. I would be going with 5 stars easily had they not been just a tad over-priced in my eyes, and that silly fireplace image on the big screen TV got me to giggling... really, a very cool place to see for sure though.

735 South Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19147

215-923-2500