Maggie’s Waterfront Café..It’s Like Being Down The Shore…But Without the Drive

By Krista Doran

Have you ever been to a local eatery that offers everything…Good food, a great staff, reasonable prices and a relaxing atmosphere?  Well if that is what you are looking for, Maggie’s Waterfront Café located at 9242 North Delaware Avenue in NE Philly offers ALL of this and more!

Maggie’s is the type of place that is going to appeal to everyone.  It is located right on the Delaware River and it’s wide open doors in front are perfect for indoor dining, while getting a good look at the river views.  If you prefer to dine al fresco with the river breeze softly touching your shoulders, Maggie’s patio is NOW OPEN!  The crowd at Maggie’s tends to be the 30+ crowd with lots of families, couples and people who are just simply looking for good food and drink at reasonable prices.  During this tough economy, Maggie’s has really made an effort to keep their prices low, while still serving quality food.  I met with owner and proprietor, Kevin Goodchild who also owns Goodchild’s Repair Center on Wissinoming Street in NE Philly.  “We offer good food at good prices.  It’s something I am very proud of,” Kevin told me.  One of the biggest hits at Maggie’s has been their kids menu, which offers the choice of a Mini Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Chicken Tenders or Mac & Cheese, along with fries and a drink for just $3.99.  The rest of their menu offers something for everyone.  From Soups, Salads and Appetizers to Sandwiches, Burgers and full entrees, Maggie’s Waterfront Café can keep all the members of your family happy without breaking the bank.

We dined there last week and enjoyed the Crab-stuffed Filet Mignon and Chicken Florentine, both served with creamy, red bliss mashed potatoes and crispy seasonal veggies.  The filet and the chicken were cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor.  Both dinners were just delicious!  Maggie’s offers plenty to choose from for meat and seafood lovers alike! Some of the menu favorites are items such as the Creamy Crab Soup for $4.99, or the Bronze Shrimp Appetizer for $8.99.  Other menu favorites are the Cajun Perogies which are sautéed with onions and delicious Cajun spices, the Mesquite Chicken Spring Rolls loaded with chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese and onions & served with pepper jam, and their yummy Jumbo Lump Crab cakes.  Dining at Maggie’s is just like being down the shore in an open air setting where you can enjoy various beef, chicken and seafood dishes.  Some of the more popular Spring and Summertime favorites are the Steamed Mussels and Clams, Beer Battered Shrimp and Blackened Scallops, just to name a few.  And nothing is better than taking in the sites and sounds of being near the water, while washing down some mussels or clams with an ice cold beer…..ahhhhhh!  I have been there many times for dinner myself & the food and service are fabulous!

Every day of the week Maggie’s offers some sort of special.  They have an “Everyday Lunch Special” that runs from 11 am – 3 pm where you can get any sandwich on the menu, Maggie’s Famous Seasoned Fries, a choice of Soup or Salad and a drink for just $7.77 – now that is a LUCKY DEAL!  On Monday, come in and enjoy $2.00 Yuengling Pints and All-U-Can-Eat Mussels for just $9.99.  Tuesdays from 7 pm – 10 pm get any appetizer ½ off, $2.00 Coors Light Pints and enjoy Karaoke from 9 pm – 1 am in the bar.  Wednesdays is Quizzo Night from 8 – 10 pm with all kinds of prizes, $.35 wings, $3.00 Twisted Teas or Smirnoff Ice and $2.00 Miller Lite Pints.  Thursday its Pick-n-Peel Shrimp Night – $6.99 for a ½ lb of yummy shrimp or you can opt for Dungeness Crabs at just $10.99 a lb!  Get a Sam Adams Seasonal Pint with them for just $3.50 and you’ll be happy as a clam!  Friday and Saturday nights offers Maggie’s DJ Dance Party from 10 pm – 2 am and great drink specials all night.  Sundays it’s the Oldies Dance Party with OOT’s own Mikey V from 4 pm – 7 pm.  Come out and enjoy your Sunday afternoon while feasting on great food and drink specials outside on the patio.  Monday through Thursday you can also take advantage of Maggie’s Early Bird Dinner for just $8.95 and Monday & Tuesday its Maggie’s 2 for $20 dinner special from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.  Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm where you can get $2.00 Domestic bottles and pints, well drinks and select appetizers.

Maggie’s is also home to many private parties and events.  The outdoor patio is a wonderful place to host a benefit, shower or birthday party.  My friends and I put together a benefit last year at Maggie’s and Kevin’s Event Manager, Darlene made it so easy.  They were really wonderful to us.  Maggie’s is the place every summer for many Police and Fire events, too.  In fact, coming up on 5/14 they will be hosting the Philadelphia Firefighter Benefit featuring live music by Split Decision and Saturn.  Tickets are on sale now, so get yours before they are gone and support your local Firefighters!

I give Kevin and his staff A LOT of credit.  They have created a wonderful place for families and people of all ages to dine, unwind and just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Delaware River in a safe and wholesome environment.  Maggie’s offers value for your money and a place to feel welcome whether you come in alone or with a group of your friends.   It’s a viable business, employing many hard-working people that support their own families, thus adding economic growth to the area.  All of us at The Out on The Town wish Kevin and his staff much success in the many years to come for Maggie’s Waterfront Café!