The old adage "you can't go home again" thankfully doesn't apply when it comes to the New Deck Tavern. Back in the early 1990's, The Dog (I'm speaking in 3rd person now) served a 5 year sentence at Drexel University which is right near the New Deck. Needless to say, this pub was frequented quite a bit back in "the day."

With the Irish flag flying high, an extensive selection of Irish Whiskey's and bathroom placards written in Gaelic (Fir for men & Mn'a for women); the theme of the New Deck is an Irish Pub. 

The interior of the New Deck Tavern is a mix of brick, mortar, and mahogany. Brick and mortar arches in the center of the tavern, create the look of a dark medieval lair. Of course the dark ambiance of this section is broken-up by a movie poster of Goodfella's. That's OK, Deniro and Pesci are OK in my book regardless of where their poster is hung.

Forward and aft of this darkened area are tables and chairs set up for dining or just simply "hanging out" with old friends and new acquaintances.  But if there happens to be room at the bar, this is really the place to be and to observe all the action.

The bar is a grande mahogany existence with a mirror backing accented by brass hand and foot rails. The bar extends along the right hand side of the building - that is if you enter the New Deck off of Sansom Street (as I always do - force of habit I guess, coming from the Drexel side). You can enter via their Moravian Street entrance, but isn't it always more fun sneaking into a place (and possibly avoiding a cover charge) by the alley entrance. Mounted behind the bar is a kitschy golf bag which might symbolize the owner's desire to be out on the links while he's serving up the drinks. Who knows?

While on the subject of drinks, the New Deck has an extensive selection of drafts on board. One set of taps contains: Boddington's, Tetley's English Ale, Murphy's Irish Stout, Budweiser, Yuengling, Guinness, Bud Light, and Flying Fish. The other manifold of taps is highlighted by Yard's Brawler, Newcastle, and Stella Artois. If Irish Whiskey is your weakness, the New Deck proffers Tullamore Dew, Bushmills Malt and Bushmills Blackbush. For scotch drinkers, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch is available.

Live music is the entertainment offered at the New Deck. On most weekend nights you'll find a local college band, fresh out of the dorms, playing cover tunes for the swilling patrons. The New Deck Tavern is located in the middle of the University of Penn's campus and about a block away from Drexel University. Sure you'll see a fair amount of college students here, but for the most part it's a friendly crowd and non-college goers are just as welcome. No rowdy college types here like you might see at other pubs in the area. The New Deck's pub atmosphere puts everyone at ease. 

If you're looking for a little bite to eat before or after your New Deck experience, it's neighbors include the Black Cat & White Dog Café. Parking can be a problem in the area, but if you can't find a spot on Sansom Street, either Chestnut or Walnut Streets (a block away in ether direction) should provide ample room, even if the universities aren't on spring/summer break.

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