New Deck Tavern

 

 

 

 

I went here for the first time the night of the Penn Relay, so it was packed.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere was certainly enjoyable. Everybody was very friendly, even though you could tell they weren't use to such a large crowd.
Quality: By my standards everything was fresh and within date. The place was clean.
Service: The service was very friendly. I didn't ask to many questions as they didn't seem to know much about beer. I did get the impression that they would try and find out the answer.
Selection: Not fabulous. They had many imports and a few crafts.
Food: The food I ordered was grand.
Value: The prices were very reasonable.
Don't drink and review.

Out looking for an insane beer selection so you can order a new, different beer, beer after beer, and never get the same one twice?

This isn't your place.

If you're digging an expertly poured Guinness or Black n' Tan, GO HERE. It's fantastic. The place is warm and cozy. I've been a million times and I'm always served (at the bar) by a weathered lass or gent who, impressively enough, is actually from Ireland and working the taps in an Irish pub this side of the pond. Go figure? It's music to my ears to hear him/her inquire, "You'll be wantin' another?" in a true, take-me-where-you're-from brogue.

The food does the trick too. Good pub grubs, apps, sandwiches. The bangers and mash is just what you need before a long afternoon/evening of drinking.

Crowd varies. Lots of college kids. Worker dudes who actually dirty their hands for a living. Old heads. A nice variety. Keeps it interesting.

All in all, it's a great place to grab a stool at the bar, score some eats and savor a few beers with friends. Nice summer place, but with Guinness and Black n' Tans my beer of choice there, I so love the warmth and coziness of it on a cool fall or cold winter afternoon.

a - I attend college up the street so the atmosphere is great for someone my age. Mostly college students and visiters around Drexel and Penn. Well decorated.

q - Specials are great at times and fit into my budget. Irish accents can be heard behind the bar and servers are not afraid to ask how you're doing.

s - At the bar: Wonderful service with no complaints. While at a table, it depends on the server. Very good though.

Beer - Enough of a selection to be satisfied with. Had this bar been down closer to Center City, I'm sure they would be more avid in new beers weekly or atleast monthly. Nothing to complain heavily about. They have victory, flying fish, dog fish head, and your irish norms.

f - Great pub food. I need to sample more though... Crab cakes are good, wings are meaty, and even the fajita plater was tasty. Never had a problem with food at this place.

I stopped in on a recent business trip to Philly. I'd passed by several times while doing work at U Penn and finally stopped in for a beer. I've always thought the outside looked inviting and I found the inside was maybe even more so. I love the decor (exposed brick, dark woods, beer paraphernalia and antiques) and the crowd (college kids and employees) is pretty vibrant.

The beer selection is acceptable but nothing spectacular. They have lots of what you'd expect of an Irish pub such as Guinness and Bass but I was able to find a Dogfish Head (90 Minute IPA) so I was satisfied. But they need more craft beers to rate higher in my book (especially considering Philly's standard).

The bartender had as strong an Irish accent as I could understand and was very helpful and outgoing.

I enjoyed this place and would certainly stop by again when in the area.

There were two entrances, one from the front on Sansom Street and the other from the rear, in an alley. The bar was a lengthy, wooden, "U"-shaped affair with an equally extensive back bar, all situated along the right wall, facing aft. The left side, as well as the extreme rear, was restaurant seating with standard restaurant tables and chairs. A plaque noted that it was "Est. 1933."

As to their beer selection: there were eighteen (18) taps, and only five (5) were of merit. The bottle selection was even worse - twenty-one (21) bottles and none of them were BA-worthy. I was completely underwhelmed. It was a one-and-done, to be sure. I have no doubt that it has its followers, but I am not among them.

The New Deck is a college bar. Its relatively small, two old townhouses (16' wide, each), front-to-back. Large bar up front, tables on one side and in the rear. Big party kinda atmosphere, with what seems like too many people (usually by about 5:00 there's standing room only). There are also tables in the basement for large groups, but being down there sucks - it is a dungeon.

New Deck always seems to be packed, with a young crowd. Attractions such as Quizzo and Karaoke throughout the week. Thursdays are double-fisted Thursdays, buy 1 get 1. Plastic cups on those days though (and only Domestics, I believe).

Not the greatest or most original selection, mostly American Macros and well-known imports (i.e, Guiness and Harp).

Food is good and well priced. Service is OK if you are seated at a table or bar, but if you are standing, you will wait a while before being able to push your way up to the bar.

New Deck Tavern is located in the historic (3400 block of) Sansom Row. It is an unpretentious, diverse and neighborhood-y place to have a few drinks. Just keep in mind that much of this 'neighborhood' is University of Pennsylvania affiliated, but not everyone who patronizes New Deck is a student or professor.

This is a good bar to go to if you are: still smoking cigarettes; looking to chat up Irish bartenders; looking to watch (delayed) English Premiere League soccer for free, or at least the results on Skyy Sports News; happen to be in University City by yourself, looking for a semi-collegey atmosphere or looking for a good quizzo to attend. Quizzo nights are Mondays and Wednesdays.

This is an Irish bar with friendly Irish bartenders that provide "good craic" if you are familiar with Irish culture. I received a good update on certain English premiere league players and teams from the bartender the last time that I went to New Deck. They don't have a huge variety of micros which is their downfall, but they do offer free peanuts, and they have tasty food for city-college-student prices.

The draft beers could stand to be updated. All of the American domestics are here, the Sam Adams seasonal plus Newcastle Brown Ale, Stella Artois, Boddington's and a few other imports. Ask about the bottled beers, they had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Magic Hat #9 last time I was there.

If you are in University City and looking for a bar with a bit more sophistication plus a wider range of micros, and are a late-night, weeknight drinker, head down the block to White Dog Cafe. They have a happy hour from 10pm-12 midnight, Sunday-Thursday (I believe).

When I lived in West Philadelphia I attended both of these establishments all the time.

The New Deck Tavern is located in the middle of the University of Penn's campus & about a couple blocks away from Drexel University. You'll probably see a fair amount of college students here, but for the most part it's a friendly crowd and a decent time.
I arrived here around 11:30am today, and the place was packed wall-to-wall (little to crowded). The interior is nice dark wood everywhere, on the right as you walk in there is a long bar that seats about at least 20 peope. There is around 18 taps split into two sets of 9. Mostly average macros in the line up though; Boddington's, Tetley's English Ale, Murphy's Irish Stout, Budweiser, Yuengling, Amstel, Guinness, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, Cider, Corona, Flying Fish, Yard's Brawler, Newcastle, and Stella Artois.
This place is more for the college crowd... not really worth seeking out, but worth a stop if in the area.
There is a fairly interesting place up the street called White Dog Cafe with a good selection of local favorites.