After not being able to get a seat at several other University City hang-outs on a Friday night, we decided to try the less-crowded New Deck Tavern. Even though it wasn't super-busy, we had to wait about 15 or 20 minutes while our hosts bustled around with headsets waiting for a table for two to open up. There were plenty of Penn kids out milling around, taking a break from finals preparation and enjoying the unlimited free peanutes that the New Deck provides.
We got a cozy table for two way in the back. Since we had plenty of time to look over the menu (which is pretty much an Irish-infused TGI Fridays type of thing), we knew exactly what we wanted. We ordered the spinach and artichoke dip for an appetizer, and it came out immediately. Picky found it a little too creamy and too salty, but Messy, who was starving, gobbled it up happily. Messy decided to go with a special: the tomato and cheese toasty. It was a delicious grilled cheese and tomato sandwich which was served with a tremendous heaping of unfortunately soggy fries. The sandwich was good, but it was still just a grilled cheese sandwich, and at $6.50, a pretty pricey one.
Picky opted for the less conventional bangers and mash. Unfortunately, they were less sausage-y and more breakfast link-y. Five shriveled up links were lined up on a mound of yummy mashed potatoes. Around the mound was a moat of gravy with peas and a few strings of onions. The breakfast links were disgusting. Just plain disgusting. Picky's used to much better bangers and mash with delicious plump sausages and a ton more onions [Picky loves him some onions]. Picky's pint of Guinness wasn't so hot either. Perhaps the pipes need to be cleaned or the taps themselves. All in all, our meal was somewhat disappointing.
Messy **1/2
Picky **
The final word: Mediocre bar food. . . but free peanuts!
New Deck Tavern
3408 Sansom St
215-386-4600
7 days a week: 11am – 2am
maybe you should try them for lunch — their basic burgers, salads, and crabcakes are really good, and most of the time the fries are to die for. probably Undergraduate Overrun night is not the best time…
just my two cents. it's one of my top two picks (with the Bubble House) in the area…
Sorry to hear you didn't like New Deck. I've been a regular there for 4 or 5 years now. They aren't perfect, but generally the food is quite good. The fries can be hit or miss (try the tinker chips some time), but the burgers and many of their other sandwiches are excellent. We usually go for happy hour (5-7) or really late (after 11 PM) to avoid those pesky college varmints.
I have to agree with the folks above– it's not bad for lunch. In the evenings, it's overrun by the Penn/Drexel crowd, and it's better to stick to drinks at that point.
I love LOVE the New Deck .. . are you sure you were at the same place? Maybe your just a little too Picky and Messy ?
I can honestly say the New Deck is the only place I will drink draft beer. . . a friend i know worked there informing me on the fact that their beer lines are cleaned weekly (sometimes twice). You can tell . . . . .no metal taste in their beer. . .and no hangover from it . .
The food i think is great. . . and the bangers are one of my fav. . i even bought a box of irish banger from there for a dinner i was having. . the bartenders were very nice in working out a deal for me. . .but i know everyone has their own opinion. . but for being very busy. . i've never had to wait that long. . and i always enjoy my food and drink . .
you should have gone next door to the white dog bar.
(dining room is amazing, although somewhat expensive)
burger with bacon and blue cheese, either hand cut fries or chips.
add a Hop Devil and your gold.
i only go to the new deck for the world cup every four years.