There are many reasons to flock to the Delaware River Waterfront during the sunny season in Philly. But now, there’s a new stop hoping to add to the appeal with bites, sips and prime-time views.
Lucky Duck is a fresh riverside tavern nestled in the Rivermark Apartments in Northern Liberties, and it started service just a few weeks ago. The venture comes from the team behind Libertee Grounds (the very-Philly-centric mini golf venue near Fairmount), and its focus is American bistro-style favorites and craft cocktails, beer, and worldly wines.
The Tavern atmosphere rings true throughout the space: There’s dark wood, deep red accents, an expansive bar centerpiece, and even a dart board nook nestled neatly in the dining area. But the casual romance from the design is matched with a lot of light, airy influences from the Delaware River itself—and it’s front row center here.
Lucky Duck sits waterside and incorporates an open window concept on weather-permitting nights, making the space feel like a blend of indoor and outdoor dining no matter where you sit. The appeal is meant to be an approachable destination, somewhere where you would head when you want a burger and a beer with friends. But seeing a massive cargo ship drifting down the Delaware or the lights dimming over the water from across the way certainly makes the space feel like more than just an eating experience.
On the menu, diners can sink their teeth into fun bites like housemade chips and prosciutto (with delice de Bourgogne whiz and black truffle), tuna tartare on a potato cracker, mortadella sliders on foccacia and oven-roasted wings with an Alabama white sauce. There are also larger plates on the docket like a decadent duck bolognese dish with housemade papparadelle, chicken milanese, a juicy tavern burger, and steak frites, complete with au poivre sauce and garlic aioli.
One of Lucky Duck’s staples is also their thin-crust pizza (there’s even a pizza window at the spot open on the weekends). Currently, Philadelphians can order up cheese, sausage, pepperoni or Breakfast pie, which dons an enjoyable combination of fennel sausage, hash browns, chives, garlic sour cream and maple syrup. All bites come from the mind of Chef Mike Metzger (who also co-owns Sidecar Bar and Grille in South Philadelphia).
The bar program, led by General Manager Cortney Pier, has debuted a lineup of inventive cocktails, including standouts like a Clarified Cosmopolitan and a Caramelized Onion Martini. Guests can also enjoy classics like a Paper Plane and an Espresso Martini, with cocktails priced around $15. A broad beer selection is also available, ranging from Guinness to hyper-local craft brews.
The team has additionally introduced a weekday happy hour with $10 cocktails, citywide specials, and a variety of food offerings. Menu highlights include house-made chicken nuggets, pub burgers crafted with pasture-raised beef, fresh oysters, deviled eggs, and even a pizza dough bao. There’s also currently one dessert on the menu (cinnamon honey graham ice cream with puffed rice crunch), but it’s a must-have while here.
Overall, Lucky Duck offers a space for a quick drink, a full meal, or a spot to soak up the riverfront views. It’s the kind of place where an impromptu happy hour can turn into a lingering evening, and where the scenery is just as memorable as what’s on the table.
To learn more information about Lucky Duck (501 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Suite 2003), visit luckyduckphl.com
