A day on the Jersey Shore is always an exciting thing, with so many amusement parks, water parks, and boardwalk attractions to explore. But a day of fun requires some energy, and then there’s the question of where to eat. Sure, there’s always boardwalk snacks – and that’s part of the fun! – but I often find myself craving something a little heartier, plus the break from the sun is welcome. Fortunately, the best family restaurant in New Jersey happens to be hiding not far from the Wildwood boardwalk. Duffer’s Restaurant & Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor is a classic Jersey institution that has stood the test of time since 1975, and it’s coming up on fifty years thanks to its delicious menu, over-the-top ice cream treats, and family-friendly attractions that make it a must-visit stop on any trip to the shore. It’s coming up on its 2024 season, so read on to discover why it needs to be on your Jersey Shore bucket list!

Duffer's looks like it's been around a very long time, and it has - that's what happens when you're a beloved local institution!
RBL/Google Local
This ice cream parlor is also a full-service restaurant, and the charming old-school environment certainly helps.
Dan Perez/Google Local
The menu is surprisingly extensive, offering breakfast, light sandwiches, and hearty comfort food.
Andrey Lipavsky/Google Local
But the highlight, and the main reason most people visit, is the over-the-top ice cream treats.
Duffer's Restaurant/Facebook

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There is almost no limit to how elaborate the sundaes and splits get here - they're a feast for the eyes too.
Joe Bucher/Google Local
The kids will always be happy to come here, thanks to the state-of-the-art game room.
Lou Golato/Google Local
But that's just a prelude to a visit to the restaurant's wacky mini-golf course outside!
Erin McCarthy/Google Local
A surreal landscape paying tribute to the Jersey Shore, it's one of the town's wackiest attractions.
Sam Lamanna/Google Local
There's even a gift shop inside, so the adults will come away with something too!
Lou Golato/Google Local

Have you visited Duffer’s in Wildwood? Do you think it’s the best family restaurant in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section! The Wildwood season is coming up fast and Duffer’s is expected to open in May along with many other attractions, so keep an eye on the Duffer’s website and Duffer’s Facebook page for the latest updates. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Doo-Wop Experience if it’s open – it may be New Jersey’s most unique museum. And if you’re looking for a historic place to stay, the Caribbean Motel offers some of the most unique lodgings in New Jersey at a fraction of the price of beachside resorts.

There’s A Doo-Wop Museum In New Jersey And It’s Full Of Fascinating Oddities, Artifacts, And More

 

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Duffer's Restaurant & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, 5210 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA