Spending most Friday nights of my childhood watching late-night TV, all knowledge I have of blind dates comes from the most painful dating show ever: Blind Date. When approached with the idea to go on a blind date, I was terrified. But with the ability to pick the locale and a little faith in my matchmakers, I figured Penn guys can’t be all that bad. So on Saturday night I headed down to The New Deck Tavern — one of the more romantic yet casual spots on campus — and sat down at a table for two.
I whipped out my copy of King Lear to let my date — and the rest of New Deck — know I had arrived. Immediately a tall, dark-haired, well-dressed guy (nicely done, matchmaker) came over and introduced himself. We broke the ice by agreeing that blind dates are weird, ordered some drinks and started to chit-chat. As Penn students we naturally had a lot to talk about: majors, the social scene, life plans (or lack thereof) etc. Unfortunately, New Deck’s loud and cramped atmosphere made getting to know each other somewhat strenuous. He appropriately ordered the shepherd’s pie ($9.25) and I a hamburger ($6.75). As soon as my burger arrived, I realized I had committed a dating faux pas: a girl eating a hamburger is not attractive. Luckily, the conversation continued on smoothly and we eventually laughed about my burger debacle.
Although our date ended sans phone number exchange and with an awkward half handshake, half kiss on the cheek goodbye, I think we both had a surprisingly good time. Blind dates: definitely not as painful as seen on TV. While New Deck might be too noisy for a first date, the already acquainted couple on a casual date could share plates of cheese fries ($6.95) and spinach artichoke dip ($7.50) over a few glasses of frosty beer on tap.
New Deck Tavern 3408 Sansom St. (215) 386-4600
