The Moshulu - A Sailing Ship Turned Into a Restaurant in Philadelphia

The MoshuluPhoto byThe Moshulu

The Moshulu - a sailing ship turned into a restaurant in Philadelphia - has been a fixture on the city's waterfront for many years. Built in 1904 by William Hamilton and Company in Scotland, the Moshulu is the largest four-masted square-rigger sailboat still afloat. Today, it is the only sailing ship in the world that has turned into a restaurant.

Moshulu is currently floating in the Delaware River south of Spruce Street. It has been converted into a bar, restaurant, and club. This historic sailing vessel was a cargo ship and was the fastest in the world. It has worked in ports in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Chile.

Moshulu was the last winner of the Great Grain Race around Cape Horn. It made 54 voyages without issue. After her return to San Francisco, Moshulu carried 16,867 bales of wool to her destination. She was then laid up in Astoria. The United States entered World War I in 1917, and the U.S. Navy confiscated Moshulu. However, it was later restored by Mrs. Dodo Hamilton, wife of Cambell's Soup company founder William Campbell.

Moshulu was first known as Kurt when she was built in 1904. It was a state-of-the-art ship and considered the most modern in the world. A German shipowner, Heinz Schliewen, used the four-masted steel barque for training. But before Moshulu was re-rigged, Schliewen went bankrupt. At the time, he wanted to put the boat back to use as a merchant marine training ship.

Finland eventually bought Moshulu in the late 1940s, and the Swedish Farmers' State Union followed in 1953. Until then, the ship was used as a warehouse. However, the Finnish government decided to refloat it in 1961. The ship was later used as a grain storage hulk for the Finnish State Granary.

Since the late 1990s, Moshulu has been open as a restaurant. Owners Eli Karetny and Bill Bergan had experience in restaurants and nightclubs. They also had experience in the industry in Scotland, Holland, New York, and Los Angeles.

The restaurant offers a modern take on steaks, seafood, and wine. Its menus include a variety of local craft beers, cocktails, and seasonal brews. The menu is available for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Guests can make reservations on OpenTable, and the restaurant accepts corporate and private events.

Guests can enjoy the views of the Philadelphia skyline from the ship's outdoor Deck. Moshulu has two decks, and its main dining room features a low ceiling and twinkling lights on the water. Guests can choose a table or lounge chairs.

With its history as a cargo ship and floating restaurant, Moshulu is a unique historical landmark. In addition to regular events, Moshulu is an excellent location for corporate events, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. During the summer, guests can also take advantage of the Deck at the Moshulu, a casual hangout that offers sweeping city views.