Duffy's Tavern

I love when bars offer food service. When you’re ordering bar food you’d expect it to hot. Everything I got was mid-cold almost like warm. I would recommend just drinking here. The atmosphere is cool? Bartenders are decent? Food ehh? Good luck tho! New management should be able to swiftly fix the issue.

I am explicitly calling out the owner, Erin, and the bartender, Connor, for their behavior. I was waiting for friends and briefly fell asleep at the bar. Instead of checking on me or showing even minimal concern for my safety — while my phone was dead and I had no way home — I was pushed out with no attempt to listen, help, or treat me with basic dignity. As a person of color, this did not feel neutral. It felt discriminatory, and it confirmed a pattern I have experienced at this bar more than once. Erin and Connor showed zero empathy, zero accountability, and zero regard for my safety. This is not a safe bar. This is not a welcoming bar. And if you are not white, you should understand that based on my experiences, you are unlikely to be treated with care or respect here. I do not recommend this place under any circumstances. GO AT YOUR OWN RISK! Trust it is not worth it.

This bar used to be fun, but the staff has completely ruined the experience. Aside from Becky (who is genuinely kind), the bartenders are rude and disrespectful, and the owner is no better. I was made to feel uncomfortable and unsafe, and staff handled the situation aggressively instead of respectfully. There’s no professionalism here — just hostility. I won’t be returning and don’t recommend this place to anyone. If you go, don’t expect respect.

I want to be absolutely clear that this behavior is a pattern, not a one-time issue. On a previous visit, the owner, Erin, repeatedly harassed me and my friends by demanding multiple forms of identification after our IDs had already been checked and approved at the door by the barback. This is standard procedure, and there was no legitimate reason for additional verification. Despite our names and photos clearly matching our IDs, Erin continued to question us and demand different cards. The interaction was excessive, intimidating, and completely unnecessary. It did not feel like policy enforcement — it felt like targeting. Two weeks later, I personally witnessed Erin repeat this same behavior toward my friend under nearly identical circumstances. Seeing the exact same treatment happen again confirmed that this is how certain patrons are treated at this bar. When this pattern of harassment is combined with my most recent experience of being removed with no concern for my safety, it paints a very clear picture: this bar does not treat all customers equally and does not provide a safe or respectful environment. Based on multiple experiences, I strongly warn others — especially people of color — to approach this place with caution.

Natalie makes the best wings and the best drinks come through on Mondays

The place is surprisingly large once you get inside. There's a main bar area in addition to a large second bar area with plenty of tables and an outdoor section. There are TVs everywhere with some sort of sports on them. The whole place has this old school nostalgic feel to it. There are pictures on the walls of local sports teams celebrities old street signs, etc. I had the three alarm burger and it was absolutely phenomenal. I love the dirty fries that come with the meal. The bartending staff is very friendly!

I called in for my order 3 cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and ketchup. When I picked up my order I went home. There was no lettuce, no catchup no tomatoes no onions just a plain burger. I was very disappointed. And the bread was stale The bun was falling apartI should’ve checked it before I left. I assumed I didn’t have to

Have been coming for 30 years.Stopped in for a drink and found the staff erratic/ wasted and not welcoming. Downed my drink then left for a better bar stool somewhere else

Very limited menu - menu prices don't match what is charged. Paid cash was still charged CC fee. Sad to see the large menu is gone and no more light beers on tap. Very costly. Bring back the old Duffys!

Still very reliable. Classic sports tavern. Very friendly hospitable staff. Always making sure you're good and satisfied. Plenty of screens for nfl. Love the low key and neighborly vibe.

PSA this is a discrimination warning ‼ I was just employed here and I was one of only 2 women of color on the staff. My last shift was Saturday December 21st and I wore the shirt to work pictured here. We have no uniform policy and by the shifts end it was brought to everyone's attention that this shirt may not be appropriate to some standards. It was an open discussion where all parties were heard in a respectful manner. I found the subject disturbing in my own regard as it seems due to ignorance the love and praise of one thing is assumed to be the degradation and exclusion of another. In reality this is not the case but i digress on regulating others emotional trauma responses and entitled feelings. Today December 26th i was let go - quite obviously because this type of message is extremely unwelcomed in this establishment. This being flat out racial discrimination is uncouth and saddening. Strong racism should never have a blind eye turned to it and I want to encourage this kind of thing to NOT continue to happen. However I do understand the world we live in today, and the dominance of the culture that predominantly patrons as well as runs this establishment. But it is truly a travesty that a love letter shirt all due to affiliating to black love caused an uproar in 2025. Might i add one could go a week straight wearing TRUMP shirts and had the freedom to express their choice with pride and acceptance and the shirt pictured here is simply a love letter and reminder to cease the gender war, and to be a reminder and bridge between black men and women, as society pins us against one another constantly as we all know but the uplifting of black men was too much to digest for not only management but a strong amount of the kind of clientele that often patron here as well. You have been far warned. Quite disturbing to say the very least.

A modern dive bar is the best way to sum this place up. With several TV's in the main dining room for your sports events and the rustic look of an old school bar this place will bring the classic and modern together in harmony. It also offers a decent menu for the diver bar-ish hunger in you. Located in a odd intersection this place is hard to miss. A mini parking lot has a few spots for patrons, and plenty of street parking can be found all around the building. Pleasant staff that are attentive and that can offer some good help in deciding on anything from draft beer to food items.

19 dollars for a Kettle and Soda. Embarrassing. I work in NYC and never paid that much. I really could not believe it.

This was my first visit to Duffys Tavern. It was a Sunday at 5pm. At one point I was the only customer there so I could had played darts in the dining area if I wanted to. I took a seat at the bar and ordered a Duffy Burger with lettuce, onions, pickles and tomato along with fries. I enjoyed my meal while watching all the sports on the televisions and and listening to the hockey game. No music at that time. I wasn't a fan of the flakey bun but it was large enough to fit the large patty which may had been twice the size than anything sold at McDonald's. After eating something as heavy as that, I had half a plate of fries to get through. Bar fries are usually not good but these were fantastic. Employees presented a positive attitude.

Love this place. I've been going there for over 10 years now. Great food for a dive bar. I can't say I've had anything bad there. Wife loves the mozzarella sticks, I like the burgers and wings and their pulled pork tater tots are fire!

All-in-all great experience. All staff was very friendly and personable. Food was phenomenal and ambience was great. Definitely a great place to visit.

Last 30 days -Tierneys check Duffy's check More to go! Looking for a dive bar? Here are 10 great spots with great eats in North Jersey Check out this article from NorthJersey.com: Looking for a dive bar? Here are 10 great spots with great eats in North Jersey " This family-owned joint in downtown Paterson is an unabashed Irish-inspired dive bar, popular for its shuffleboard, dart boards, live music, the party it puts on St. Patrick's Day and its down-to-earth, hearty grub. Crammed with old-time memorabilia -- sepia-toned photographs and police and firefighters plaques and keepsakes -- and home to a humongous fish tank, Duffy's is where the neighborhood goes for a hot lunch, a cold drink and a satisfying supper. " Awesome too is Duffy's well-loved ribeye cheesesteak, eight ounces of slow-cooked beef smothered in sautéed onions, mushrooms and melted cheese served on homemade garlic bread. If you're yearning for eats from the Emerald Isle, tuck into a hearty helping of Duffy's popular corned beef and cabbage or its beer-battered fish and chips. Enjoy the eats indoors -- or on the heated patio, which has its own bar and mounted TV sets. Every day, holidays too. In its 40-something years, Duffy's never closed its doors -- except when it was required to for COVID-19. Go: 856 River St., Paterson; 973-684-0788, duffystavernnj.com. https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/02/07/best-nj-dive-bars-north-jersey-restaurants-food/9238463002/b

The older female bartenders here are the absolute worst. They took advantage of me and my work for 13 hours on SPD. Will never return and give this place my money.

I went for the first time this past Sunday and it was overall amazing! I didn't try the food however I did see a few plates and they looked delicious! The drinks are very generous if you know what I mean also the bar tenders were super fast and efficient and SUPER nice! It was spacious they had about 3 tents with bars inside and I loved the rustic ambiance of the place!

After leaving a very generous tip and handing the money directly to our server with a thank you, we were shocked to be followed out the door by a different server who yelled at us, on the sidewalk in front of many people, "you didn't pay your bill!" When we pointed out that we had, she lost her mind. Duffy's lost two regulars tonight.

Bartenders are clueless and it's super frustrating when you are trying to get a drink. Was there the other night took 40 minutes to get the bartenders attention and by then it was last call. (And it wasn't even busy)

I love Duffy's from the food to the friendly atmosphere. Terry Duffy is a great guy, and Kara and Alli do a great job. Tommy the cook does a great job with the food. I always enjoy going there.

Meh. Place honestly wasn't bad but one of the bartenders had the nastiest attitude for no reason. Owner was very friendly and so was the rest of the staff.

I used to frequent this place often before I moved to central jersey. We made a trip up to hang with friends. Everything was fine until the white male bartender with the button up shirt came on. He stood all over us just watching us like we were going to steal things we had already paid for. Not to mention they had our credit cards. I'm guessing that is mainly because we were black. I know one thing if I ever drive 45 minutes again to go to a bar it won't be that one. Never in my life with my friends and I spent $300 to be watched over like we are in prison.

Good old school bar. Friendly service. Large patio for parties. Feels like you go back in time in here. They do not make the like this anymore.

Best damn bar food around. This is a Paterson landmark. Terry Duffy is the friendliest person you will meet. I have been going here for about 30 years. The Duffy family run a clean efficient bar. Service is fast and the hustle behind the bar. It gets crowded so they expanded the location Soon Terry and crew will be opening a place in Wanaque can not wait.

What a shit show! I came here once and had a good time. without even drinking! The place is super cheap, and has many tables and chairs to sit at. They also have pool and a shuffle board came to play on. The music is bumpin and the bar is long--which gives you plenty of options of where to sit. The place itself is pretty trashy and cluttered with weird crap on the walls, but the crowd is very young and loud and its deff a place to grab a few drinks and relax. They have some drink specials and did i say cheap? $5 vodka drinks. Theres also 50 cent wings on certain nights. I deff wanna come back for one of the nights where theres some specials going on!

What can I say but great neighborhood Bar and Grill . The food was Delicious I had buffalo wings loaded tarts and prime rib sandwich out of this world the beers were ice cold the bartender Bryan was friendly and knowledgeable they have an outdoor area which is great and plenty of room at the bar can't wait to come back

Awesome bar for Bills games, beer, & wings! Let's go Buffalo!!!! Friendly staff, great atmosphere, decent parking. And did I mention it's a Bills backer s bar. Need I say more?

Never going to duffys again! They are open late I bought hella drinks but the staff is unprofessional! This places is hella wack!!!!

What a great place to spend St. Patrick's Day. Corned Beef and Cabbage was delicious, the entertainment was great and the value for the portions was awesome! The staff was very friendly and helpful on such a "crazy" evening! So glad to have found the perfect ambiance after a chance meeting of standing in line at the bank.

Unfortunately had a real bad experience with this restaurant and pretty disappointed with management here. As a business owner I would expect that leadership at an establishment would be better at driving a situation. There was a situation where someone in my group was bit intoxicated and also upset at the poor service and expressed that wasnt tipping the bartender. Which isnt legally required. Due to someone elses actions i recieved the cold shoulder and was told by the acting manager "Your not going to tip no service" in his own words. I expressed with him politely i did not make the comment it was someone else. He states "idc your associated and proceeded not serve me. From my point of view this situation shoud have been driven different by management and addresses directly with the person who made the comment. Hopefully management can work on not embarrassing their clients especially when I did not do anything to disrespect anyone.

Great place to grab a beer and food watch some sports and hangout. Inside or outside The owner Terry Duffy, the bartenders and all the staff are good friendly people Don't let the location keep you away. Check it out. Highly recommend it

This is a fun little dive bar. We came here on a Sunday evening so it was pretty quiet. They have a pool table and shuffle board. We had a few beers here and played some pool. We weren't here very long but I'd definitely come back.

WOW....what a great dive bar......sorry i am posting my review so late but i was here 4 wks ago on a wed. afternoon doing some daytime drinking......had some appitizers and the best part was the stuffed clams....yummy......great atmosphere, lots of neat stuff on the walls to read....good svc. by a young girl bartender but I asked for a wiskey sour and got jamisons on the rocks /w cherry juice and a cherry...(for a total of 3!!!).I am not really complaining because it did taste good.....I know she was young and prob. don't know these old man drinks but thats o.k......I'm glad I didn't ask for an old fashion....LOL....I will be back when I make my tract back up to n. jrz.........def. try this place out.....real cool

Decent dive bar on the outskirts of Paterson. Don't let the address fool you, this place is more of a Wallington or Lodi dive than a Paterson dive. The place has a pool table ($1.50) and a shuffleboard deck. There's a big screen TV in the "dining room" and several smaller TV's around the bar. Drink prices are fair but I'd stay away from the food. The kitchen looks like it needs a major makeover and I'm sure the food quality isn't great. Not sure if you can park across the street in the vacant lot since street parking is very limited, but I didn't have a problem with parking the night I was there. Would I return? Not likely...

LOVE DUFFY's , Beer , friends. Food at times, cook not always there. Best table shuffle board going ! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/nyregion/shuffleboard-as-a-bar-game.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

GREAT BAR!! Great atmosphere. What makes it great is the exceptional friendly service, the delicious food, the patrons that frequent the bar, and there is always some form of entertainment all around the bar... from the music you can choose yourself, the different bands that they have playing a few times a week, the pool table, the shuffle board, and a number of TVs around the bar.. which always have whatever sports are on at the moment, and/or a Pay Per View Sporting Event on a particular night. There's a beautiful outside patio when the weather permits. I would highly recommend this spot.

Great bar and staff only complaint is the men's bathroom which hasn't had running water in entire time I've been coming here!

Awesome bar. Staff is beyond friendly. Drinks are exceptionally cheap... so cheap we thought there was a mistake on the bill, there wasn't. Didn't get a chance to try the food but it smelled really good.

Regretted it was my first visit after living just 2 miles away for 33 years. Friendly atmosphere, reasonably priced drink & food prices, and attentive staff. Interesting wall hangings, & nice beer selection. One of the area's best dive bars. We will be going back!

This place is awesome. Older dive bar with great food and the most beautiful bartender ever. The roast beef sandwich with cucumber salad side was really good. EJ from WV

When you look up dive bar in the dictionary, they will likely have a reference to Duffy's. This place is located in Paterson, close to the Bergen County border, so don't be too scared. It's a totally low key place, so if you're looking for fancy-schmancy, you won't find it here. Came in around 9:45 - 10:00 pm, and the place was pretty empty. Stayed until around 2:30 am, and it started to get pretty packed around 130am. Pool tables for you to enjoy, but watch out for the pool shark who will try to talk you in to a "friendly game" with a new friend. LOL They also seem to serve food, but at the time we went they had a very limited selection to offer because the cook was not there. We had wings (pretty good hot sauce and flavor) and french fries (which were BANGING - SO CRISPY). They still had Octoberfest on tap at the end of November, although it finally kicked because of us, but it makes me think their clientele is a def. blue collar corona, heineken, coors light drinking crowd. Drinks were pretty cheap, tv's all over the place, and a digital juke box. Decor is really interesting in there, a lot of funny signs. One male bartender with two females and an interesting crowd. One member of the crowd of which kept trying to get my fiance, myself, and our friend to buy him and his boy a drink. I told him to go ask his boy or go try to hustle someone else for a drink, or have his pool shark friend win a game and buy a drink. lol My fiance and our friend had to tell him at one point "Bro, we're trying to have a conversation, take a step back," thank god it was them and not me because I was ready to flip out on this patron. Either way, annoying patron included, I would def. return to this bar. I like low key places like this where I can enjoy cheap drinks, good fried food, and put some Biggie on the jukebox!

First off Duffy's is not a dive it's neighborhood bar with character, and a home away from home for those of us who grew up in Paterson which is still one one the greatest cities in New Jersey. Bikers, Cops , politicians all come to Duffs for great food and friendly atmosphere . If you come to start trouble you will find that this bar needs no bouncer as the patrons will show you the street quickly. The kitchen though small knocks out the best food around in minutes no matter how busy they are. The bartenders are all sweet girls that make you feel that you matter,regardless of your age. Do I know a lot about Duffy's ? Yea I do and you should too.

Our huge family had a blast here today. Our first time joining the North Jersey Bills Backers. The food and drinks were inexpensive, yet really good for such a low key place. The staff was so great and the clientele was fabulous. Def going back when we are in the area again.

Yeah Duffys! Good food and drink and always a friendly Irish man a foot

Old school Paterson dive that attracts a great people for good times. Don't be scared of the address. This bar is for blue collar Jersey guys and girls who want a cold beer and good food. Foo-foo types need not bother. Please go to Hoboken instead. There's nothing pretentious about this place, so pretentious types need not apply.

Great place. Nice people. Just a cool bar, the opposite of pretentious, good jukebox, good for a hang. Go.

Buyer beware! The first -and only - time that I ever came here, they lured me in with their promise of a drink special for LaBatt Blue that they advertised with a sign outside for $1.50. Though I only bought two of those beers and a shot (which cost me $6), Erin charged me not only for THREE beers but for three Sam Adams beers which were each $4 more because they're clearly higher quality. Even though I attempted to be civil with her so that we could resolve the situation at hand, she became hostile with me and lied to me about her manager coming back that night to refund my money (which never happened because the transaction was still there on Monday morning, along with an extra charge worth $22.50 of drinks that I never bought or authorized). So, not only do they rip their customers off and trick them with false advertising, but they lie to them and steal their money too! Thank God I know what to do in this sort of situation! Walk - no, run - far away from this place! This bar won't be around for much longer if they keep treating their customers like this, but then again I guess that's what you get for going to such a sketchy bar in a desolate area of Paterson!