If you’re looking for a place to hang out on campus, you’re in luck.
The highly anticipated reopening of the Flight Deck, now called the Flight Deck Pub, was the talk of the campus even before it opened. The hot spot offers an exciting location to meet up with f
riends, catch a game and enjoy some food in the Don Taft University Center.
The pub offers indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you prefer enjoying the view from the bar or high-top tables or swaying on the rocking benches, called gliders, there is plenty to choose from. The positive vibes are contagious when you’re there, as the students enjoy the music outside and the many TVs inside. Regardless of where you sit, the pub provides a relaxing getaway from the busyness of a daily school schedule.
The Flight Deck Pub emulates the ambiance of your favorite sports bar. The menu is available as you enter and features several appetizers, salads, wings, burger and sandwich options, as well as the choice to create your own burger. If that doesn’t draw you in, other specialties include meatloaf, fish and chips, chicken and waffles, and the mac and cheese of the day. I was pleasantly surprised to see a vegan sloppy joe option on the menu for diners who do not eat meat and want to try something besides a salad. This is also the only place on campus that serves alcoholic beverages, as the indoor and outdoor bars serve wine and beer. You can even order beer by the pitcher.
You order inside at cash registers by the bar. Students can pay using their SharkCard. Do not get intimated by the length of the line. I stopped by at 5 p.m. with a rather long line at the register, but the staff provides quick and effective service, so the wait is minimal. The pub even offers the option to take your meal to go. After the order is placed, the cashier provides you with a number so that your meal can be delivered to your seat. I love this added bonus.
I ordered a six piece Thai Sweet Chili Garlic wings for $4.99, a Caesar salad for $5.49, and Lemon Pepper Parmesan tater tots for $3.29. The food was reasonably priced, especially on a college budget, and students get a 15 percent discount on every item, except for alcohol. The service was quick and pleasant; the cashier was helpful in narrowing down my meal choice, while the waiter ensured I had everything I needed to enjoy my meal.
The wings were savory and delicious. They were large and covered in a finger-licking-good sauce. There are also alternative sauce choices: mild, medium, hot, barbeque, and parmesan herb.
The Caesar salad’s portion size was good, but I unfortunately had to send it back because it was drenched in dressing. Thankfully, without any backlash, I was presented a new salad with the dressing on the side, so I could pour at my leisure. I would recommend asking for the dressing on the side to avoid that mishap. The salad was also perfectly filling.
My favorite part of my meal was the Lemon Pepper Parmesan tater tots. Warning: these tots are highly addicting and worth every penny. Each tot was a bite of heaven and if you’re truly hungry, they are worth ordering a second round. If tater tots don’t tempt you, french fries are also offered as a side.
I enjoyed my first experience at the newly renovated Flight Deck Pub, and I plan on returning to try more of the menu. I believe the Flight Deck Pub has the perfect ambiance for the ideal hangout spot on campus and provides a place to escape from the stress and chaos of classes. The food is a nice addition to options available around campus. If you have not tried it out for yourself yet, you’re missing out.
