New Deck Tavern — Restaurant in Philadelphia

SUMMARY: Overall the food presentation was nicely done, but I wish the tasted matched for most of the items! My wife and I went out to dinner and we each got their loaded potato soup, then split an order of nachos and a bacon cheeseburger. I would return back simply for the burger and to try a few other menu items, but there are definitely some things to watch for - including the deteriorating ceiling in the rear corner of the restaurant where someone placed an old fish tank in effort to collect the rusty water and plaster falling and blend it into the eclectic decor (photos attached).

SERVICE: Dinner rush service was interesting to observe, from the entry point staff seemed to have some great conversations that, at times, took priority over attentiveness to guests. I could tell the hostess wanted to greet us but someone who looked like they worked there was in a deep conversation with her (gotta shoot your shot when ya can I guess?), it took her a few attempts to break his conversation but once she did we were immediately seated - no harm there, and she was very kind on our brief walk to the table! Our server was overall ok - she wasn't super attentive, mistakenly forgot to place two soups (I will say she apologized and quickly made up for it by bringing a fresh bowl out), and, after we finished out meals and she cleared the table it took about 10 minutes for her to come back so we could ask for the check, while our table, and others around us, all sat there looking around ready to pay and leave. While this was occurring we watched them having conversations, playing on their phones, and just hang around avoiding making eye contact - which is fine, but an interesting practice for customer facing positions.

FOOD: Loaded Potato Soup: 3/10 - this was different than anything we've ever had before - it had a very strong chicken soup base to it, and it tasted more like a bell pepper chicken soup with some potato in it than it did loaded potato. Also, the bacon on top was super crispy which is great, but it tasted like cocoa? Very interesting. Not sure I'd try it again.

Nachos: 7/10 - they were ok, some moderate char on the chips, but they were pretty tasty.

Bacon Cheeseburger: 10/10 - the star of the show - I could have gone for 5 of them - excellent taste and season, great bacon, lovely toast on the buttery bun, The fries served with it were...

Update: Thank you to management for deleting your first reply to my review, and replacing it with a more appropriate response. Much appreciated.

To the owner’s response to my review…that may be your usual experience with takeout fries, but not mine. I have ordered take out from many places with the fries still being fresh and warm. Not much time passed at all between ordering, picking up and eating the couple fries that we had. (the order wasn’t even ready when we arrived to pick it up…that’s how little time had passed) Can you explain why some of the food was warm like the chicken in the box with the fries, but the fries not even close to being fresh or warm? I suggest being more understanding to bad reviews, along with correcting the issue you obviously have with this evening’s cooks allowing food to sit for a long time before serving it, instead of making lame excuses…no matter how popular your fries are, because if the issue isn’t corrected, the popularity may go down (with the fries and the grilled cheese sandwich). Just a suggestion to think about. I also have read through past reviews and I see it is a habit of management to downplay bad reviews while making excuses; even leaving a laughing emoji in response to a customer’s bad review, which isn’t surprising after reading how unprofessional and rude management has been to customers in the past. I want to note this is the first bad review I have ever written for a restaurant, so that should speak volumes as to how bad some of the food was. I certainly didn’t write this review in hopes of getting a refund, I wrote it so other potential customers are aware of our experience. Thank you and have a wonderful evening.

Original post: Ordered takeout this evening. This was our first time ordering anything from here. All of the fries that came with our meals have definitely been setting for a long time, they are extremely dry. Couldn’t eat more than a couple of them, which is very disappointing since we heard from a couple people how good they were supposed to be. Barely any cheese on the grilled cheese sandwich and the bacon on the grilled cheese has no taste, is very chewy and they are very thin slices of bacon. The chicken fingers and soft...

New Deck Tavern in Philadelphia is more than just a pub; it's a quintessential Philly experience wrapped in warmth and hospitality. As a family-owned business, it exudes a charm that's hard to replicate. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that feels like home, yet with the vibrant energy of a bustling tavern.

The first thing that strikes you is the ambiance—classic yet contemporary, with wooden accents, cozy booths, and just the right amount of dim lighting to set the mood. Whether you're grabbing a pint after work or settling in for a leisurely dinner, the ambiance sets the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

But it's not just the atmosphere that shines at New Deck Tavern; it's the food and drink that truly elevate the experience. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of Irish and American fare, from hearty shepherd's pie to mouthwatering burgers made with locally sourced ingredients. And let's not forget about the drinks—whether you're a beer aficionado or a cocktail connoisseur, there's something for everyone on the extensive drink menu.

What truly sets New Deck Tavern apart, however, is the service. From the moment you're greeted at the door to the last sip of your drink, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Friendly, attentive, and always ready with a recommendation, they embody the spirit of hospitality that defines this beloved family-owned establishment.

In a city known for its rich culinary scene, New Deck Tavern stands out as a hidden gem—a place where locals gather to unwind, indulge, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, a visit to New Deck Tavern is a must for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of...