Philadelphia’s well-earned reputation as a city of history and vibrant neighborhoods extends to its buffet experiences. The city’s location along the Delaware River makes it a prime spot for dining options that combine good food with stunning views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a lively family outing, or a festive celebration, Philadelphia offers a variety of buffet tours that cater to different moods and schedules. From sunset cruises with dance floors to midday sightseeing on the water, these experiences bring a new dimension to exploring the city’s waterfront.
What makes these tours stand out is their focus on delicious all-you-can-eat meals paired with panoramic vistas. Many include live entertainment, like DJs, or informative narration about Philadelphia’s landmarks. The waterside setting makes these tours especially memorable, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s skyline from a different perspective. If you’re craving a meal with a view, Philadelphia’s river cruises provide a unique combination of scenery, cuisine, and entertainment.
Quick Overview
This guide features five of the best buffet experiences in Philadelphia, each offering something different. You’ll find dinner cruises with dancing (Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet), lunchtime river tours (Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise with Buffet), and special occasions like Father’s Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Each tour has its own vibe—from romantic and relaxed to lively and festive. Now, let’s explore what makes each one worth considering.
1. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet
At number one, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet offers an excellent way to combine dining, dancing, and sightseeing. For around $100, you get a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet while cruising along the Delaware River. The 2.5-hour experience departs from Penn’s Landing, giving you incredible views of the Philadelphia skyline, especially at sunset, with panoramic windows that make the scenery unforgettable.
What sets this cruise apart is its lively atmosphere. A DJ provides music and gets people dancing on the deck, making it a fun option for couples, friends, or even small groups celebrating special occasions. The itinerary includes a stop at Penn’s Landing and a cruise along the Delaware River past iconic sites like the Ben Franklin Bridge. Reviewers often mention the food quality and spectacular views, though some advise arriving early for parking, as the address can be tricky to find.
This cruise has a solid 4-star rating based on 337 reviews, with many noting the great vibes and helpful staff. While some find the food limited or the cruise somewhat short, the balance of good food, live entertainment, and scenic beauty makes it a strong choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a lively, scenic night out with plenty of food and music. Good value for a memorable evening on the river.
2. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise with Buffet
At number two is the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise with Buffet, which offers approximately two hours of relaxed sightseeing. For about $87, you’ll enjoy gourmet buffet lunch options amid scenic views of the Philadelphia skyline from the Delaware River. Departure from Penn’s Landing is straightforward, and the tour includes narration about the city’s key landmarks—making it both a meal and a mini-tour.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on gourmet food and educational perspective. The buffet features a wide array of dishes, and non-alcoholic drinks are bottomless. The views are especially nice during daytime, giving you great photo opportunities of attractions like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Guests often praise the friendly staff and delicious food, describing the experience as both relaxing and informative.
This cruise is ideal for visitors seeking a midday escape that combines good food with sightseeing. The main downside is that it’s a shorter experience, so it’s best suited for those with limited time or looking for a leisurely lunch. It has a 4-star rating from 55 reviews, emphasizing its consistent quality.
Bottom Line: A smart pick for travelers who want to combine a good meal with a scenic tour of Philadelphia’s waterfront during the day.
3. Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
Tied at number three is the Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise, a special event offering a chef-prepared buffet dinner on the Delaware River. Priced at about $178 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise is designed for celebration. It features all-you-can-eat options, with classic cocktails and stunning views of Philadelphia at sunset or under the stars.
This cruise is ideal for families or groups marking Father’s Day, combining dining, music, and scenic views. The experience includes both indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor decks, giving guests flexibility depending on the weather. The itinerary covers Penn’s Landing and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, providing a scenic backdrop perfect for photos.
While there are no reviews yet, the focus on special occasion ambiance and gourmet food makes it appealing for those looking to celebrate with loved ones. The price reflects the inclusion of an elaborate buffet and the festive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: It’s suited for families or groups celebrating a special day—offering good food and a memorable setting on the water.
4. Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Brunch Cruise
Number four is the Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Brunch Cruise, a daytime family favorite. For $136, this 2-hour cruise provides a chef-prepared brunch buffet with classic cocktails and superb views of Philadelphia and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
This tour shines for its relaxed Sunday atmosphere and broad appeal for all ages. The cruise departs from Penn’s Landing and offers plenty of outdoor and indoor seating options, making it a flexible choice regardless of weather. As with the dinner cruise, it features scenic views, but during daylight hours, making it ideal for family outings or those wanting a more laid-back experience.
There are no reviews yet, but the focus on brunch and family-friendly environment makes it a compelling option for celebrating Father’s Day without the nighttime hustle. The price is reasonable considering the buffet, views, and family appeal.
Bottom Line: A solid pick for families looking to combine good food and a scenic cruise during daylight hours.
5. Philadelphia New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
Closing our list at number five is the Philadelphia New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise, a three-hour celebration on the river. For $274, you get an all-inclusive buffet dinner, live DJ entertainment, and spectacular views of the city’s skyline as you ring in the new year.
This cruise is about as festive as it gets—imagine dancing with the skyline as your backdrop, all while enjoying a buffet meal. The cruise departs from Penn’s Landing and sails down the Delaware, giving you a different perspective on Philadelphia’s illuminated buildings. Since it is a special event, it’s best to book early, as tickets tend to sell out.
While there are no reviews yet, the combination of dinner, dancing, and fireworks promises an energetic and memorable night. The price reflects the elaborate setting, entertainment, and inclusive nature of the event.
Bottom Line: Ideal for night owls and party-goers celebrating New Year’s with a scenic, lively cruise.
How to Choose Your Perfect Buffet Experience in Philadelphia
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, the kind of atmosphere you prefer, and the time of day you want to experience. For a lively evening with dancing and panoramic views, the Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed daytime activity, the Lunch Cruise offers a scenic and less expensive way to see the city from the river.
Celebrating a special event like Father’s Day or New Year’s Eve calls for tailored experiences—either the brunch or evening cruise—each providing a festive setting combined with good food and views. Keep in mind that booking early is advised for these seasonal cruises, especially for New Year’s.
To sum it up, Philadelphia offers a diverse range of buffet experiences that turn a simple meal into a memorable outing. Whether you want a romantic dinner on the water, a family-friendly brunch, or a lively New Year’s celebration, you’ll find an option that fits your style. Two standout choices are the Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise for its lively atmosphere and scenic views, and the Lunch Cruise for a relaxed daytime experience. Booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on these unique ways to enjoy Philadelphia’s waterfront.
Plan your visit, pick the experience that matches your mood, and get ready for a delicious, scenic adventure—on or along the Delaware River.