Duffer's
5210 Pacific Ave.
Wildwood, NJ
Fare: American
Price: Moderate
Ambiance/Decor: Victorian, dated.
Service: Friendly, long waits during Friday & Saturday evenings.
Noise Level: moderate
Recommended For: Families with children who prefer an affordable, extensive menu wih kids attractions.
Not Recommended for: Diners who prefer a fine dining experience in a low-key setting with bar service.
Recommended dishes: When available, For Breakfast their Omelets, Pancakes, & French Toast: For Lunch their Burgers & Cheese Steaks; For dessert or a snack, their homemade Ice Cream -- especially the Sundaes!
Liquor: BYOB
Duffer's, an iconic Wildwood, NJ Landmark, is the ultimate kid friendly, family restaurant. They are more than a restaurant! This multifaceted establishment also sports an arcade, mini-golf, and one the best Ice Cream Parlor's in South Jersey.
Returning family's often place Duffer's on their list of must things to do. Be forewarned.... this place gets crowded, and waits could be long. They supply you with a buzzer when the table is ready.
The decor is dated with a Victorian design and stained-glass ceiling. The restaurant features the "Duffer's Express" train that runs around the crown of the room! Little kids are attracted to Herbie, the mechanical bear which sits atop a unicycle on a tightrope.
The wait staff is dressed in old fashioned blue and white aprons.
While the quality of food is on a par with other Wildwood family restaurants, though priced a little higher, their home-made ice cream is what they're known for, especially their sundaes. The menu is extensive and includes a special "Kiddie Corner" menu.
For those just wanting Ice-Cream, the parlor is separate, and they have benches outside for seating. The prices reflect the actual size of the dish
The attached arcade and mini- golf course are one of the most popular in the Wildwood Cape May area. The mini-golf course is known for being very " Kitschy." It features a castle, lighthouse, singing pelicans, a shipwreck, audio effects, an octopus, a shark, a fishing village, and more!
When the wait for a table in the restaurant is long, families often spend their wait time in the arcade.
Duffer's has an on-site parking lot, but occasionally fills up with overflow parking on metered streets.
Duffer's is seasonal, open during the summer months.
(Updated September 2024)
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