While visiting friends on Oak Island they took us to Duffers. While our hostess wasn't the friendliest when we came in or when she sat us, our waitress was delightful as was the rest of the staff we came in contact with. Seating and ambiance was nice and certain areas of the restaurant have better views than others of the golf course or the ocean. Two of us got mixed drinks which were very good as was all the food we ordered. I would definitely go back to Duffers the next time we visit. read more

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Conveniently located near Fort Caswell and with a very decent menu. We were a group of 10 people and everybody seemed to be enjoying their food. The shrimp and grits was amazing and that is the reason for the 4 starts ! The Tacos were kinda small and probably a bit expensive. The fish on the other plates looked ok. Service was good. I would probably come back k if I am in the area but just to order the shrimp and grits !! read more

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Duffers is a cute restaurant inside of the club house of the Oak Island golf course. It was recently renovated. The tall ceilings do make it a loud environment, but we all enjoyed that! After my husband and father in law golfed we met for lunch. After being quickly seated our drink orders were taken right away. Drinks were served quickly and we all ordered the prime rib sandwich. The food was delicious. I really liked the flavor of the sandwich and the homemade chips were yummy! We will be back! read more

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We stopped to have lunch not expecting to much and was surprised that we had an amazing lunch my husband had the grouper Ruben with sweet potato fries. It was absolutely amazing. I had the tuna that was on the appetizer and it was delicious. I highly recommend.!! read more

Honestly, not the same caliber as past meals. The mussels were spot on. Perfectly cooked and a couple of pieces of very garlicky bread to sop up the casino sauce. My husband had the stuffed grouper which he enjoyed. I tried a bite. Definitely needed seasoning. My meal needed salt which I added. But I was surprised to find the beef tenderloin cold. I'm sure they did that by cooking it the previous day. I just don't enjoy cold beef. They microwaved it for me - barely. The lobster was delicious. The potatoes were ok after salt, but too roughly mashed for my liking. It just wasn't the upscale meal I expected for the holiday or the price. Lots of locals at the bar. No wait - which is unusual. read more

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Starting with the positive, the service was friendly and attentive. From greeter to waitstaff to servers, all were welcoming and professional. The setting: it's a beautiful building in a beautiful location. However, they have not capitalized on their ocean view. A shaded veranda on the front would really enhance the experience. The inside was incredibly loud at an early dinner seating on a Tuesday. I look We had trouble hearing each other at a four-person table. There are a lot of hard surfaces and not much in the way of sound mitigation. Finally the food. Two dishes were very overdone. The shrimp, the sausage and the rice in the jambalaya were cooked too long causing everything to be too dry. It was over spiced for our taste. The grouper filet was also overcooked as were the vegetables. The filet was served with no sauce. There were some things we liked but our dishes needed some improvement. read more

Go here a couple times a year. Clientele are retired/semi retired golfers and their spouses. I am always struck by how much the bartenders(maids) seem to dislike the clientele. Even if you hate them, smile a little! Jeez, bartending is acting, which leads to more $$$. read more

Decent, elevated bar & grill food with some reasonably priced dinner entrees. Nice and modern setting, reminiscent of a 19th Hole Pub at a modern country club. I wouldn't say it was phenomenal but I would likely go back (especially after a round of golf). Solid beer menu, tasty looking cocktail list (although we didn't try any cocktails). I had the John Wayne burger. It was ok but not as good as the description sounded. Presented beautifully but I think the burger patty itself was a bit lacking. Oddly enough the brioche bun seemed a little too sweet for the meal. I would not get this burger again. The restaurant was very accommodating of our large group (~20 people), including handling some dietary restrictions. There was some confusion over the sauce on an order of Buffalo wings. I think the final determination was that the "sweet heat" sauce is just incredibly spicy. I'm pretty good with spice and found it challenging to eat, but I loved the flavor. It's probably best described as a "Nashville Hot" style sauce. It was spicy enough that it deserves some sort of extra warning (either on the menu or from the sever). Regardless, our server was very accommodating of the issue/confusion and overall was excellent. Salads were average. Chorizo chili was very good. Tater tots and fries were probably frozen but yummy enough with large serving sizes. Our group stuck more to the bar & grill fare as opposed to the nicer dinner entrees (i.e. steak, fresh fish of the day). I'm sure fish and/or shrimp was the way to go, but this was the end of our week long vacation and most people were seafooded out. I likely would have tried the prime rib special but it was sold out for the evening. read more

Duffer's Pub & Grille - The John Wayne Burger - gouda, bacon, jalapeños, onion rings, some type of aioli? - New American Near Me - Caswell Beach, North Carolina

Four of us visited Duffer's Pub & Grill on Sunday, March 16th for lunch. McKenzie waited on us & provided excellent service, with a very effervescent personality. The food was perfect & the views of the ocean & golf course were wonderful. I would highly recommend Duffers to others. A special thank you to McKenzie for exceptional service! read more

Hands-down our favorite, go-to restaurant on Oak Island (OK, technically Caswell Beach). We discovered this place when it was one of the few places open during the off season, and we've kept coming back every time we visit. Food is excellent with a varied menu with changing specials, and service has always been impeccable. We eat here multiple times during each trip to the island, and we've never been disappointed. read more

Came here for dinner on Memorial Day with my bf's aunt and uncle while we were visiting them in nearby St James Plantation. They were pretty busy with it being the holiday weekend, and the indoor bar area was a little loud (could use some sound absorption), but we were able to be seated outside immediately. Their back terrace sits right on the golf course, so the view is peaceful and there is quite a nice breeze to keep outdoor seating comfortable. Because of their proximity to the course, they provide separate golf cart parking directly in front of the entrance. My bf's aunt and I had both originally ordered the Crab Stuffed Flounder, but they had run out (must be pretty popular!) Aunt Annie had had it before and said it was delicious, so I'm looking forward to being able to try it next time we come down. We both had the Grilled Salmon instead, and it was perfect. Asparagus, shallot potatoes, and hollandaise paired really nicely with it. I tried some of my bf's Oak Island Calabash Platter, and it was also really great. I believe the catch of the day that was included in the dish was monkfish, and they paired it with a sauce that had a little spice to it. Service was great. When we ordered drinks, the beer that my bf and I had asked for had just kicked, but they were surprisingly quick to get it tapped and ready again. Like, shockingly quick haha All in all, I would definitely go back. I'm sure the back patio is also lovely in the fall. read more

We were told they were having a tournament so the only tables were outside. Our waitress was really nice but she was very overworked with the number of people attending the tournament. Food was mediocre at best. Glad we were outside because the noise level inside was deafening. read more

Overall, it was okay but pricey for no reason. Pros - food was pretty good; nothing special but we had 5 entrees and 2 apps and all were good enough to nearly finish. Server was very friendly and refilled water as needed. Cons - hostess (older lady w/glasses) was a bit rude and unpleasant - maybe just over stressed. Arrived at 6 and told we "have to eat in the bar unless you want to wait over an hour". (Yet two parties of similar size arrived after us and were seated elsewhere). We took a table in the bar but it was VERY loud, and just not great for a family with kids. No view - not even of golf course. Food took over 30 minutes after order even though just sandwiches and quesadilla. Overall - it's okay if all other places are crowded but we don't plan to go back. Maybe it's better if your a member. read more

Food was ok - took a while for drinks to come from the bar and there was no wait for tables. The main reason for 3 stars is because it is so noisy and echos. They need soundproofing in a big way unless you want to hear all the loud conversations going on in the room. read more

3.5 really. Went here as we came into Oak Island late. It was just about to close - and we hated being those people but we were starving and had little options. The staff was very nice and welcoming and didn't blink. It is a bit of a weird interior layout but it works. The food was good, solid. Nothing flashy. But just what we needed. I would certainly come again. read more

Extremely noisy inside with no attempt at all to mitigate the noise, bouncing off the glass walls and ceiling. Food was mediocre, Caesar salad had no taste. Very few vegetarian options, my girlfriend had to order, bola mashed potatoes for her dinner. read more

What a great bar and grill for a golf course! The service was excellent and our waitress Lauren was top notch. A few of my friends and I ordered drinks and a basket of sweet potato fries while we were waiting for our husband's to finish up their round of golf. The fries were fried perfectly and came out so hot and crispy, straight from the fryer. I asked for them to come with ranch dressing on the side. The dressing was a thick buttermilk ranch that was excellent! We paid our tab and we were heading out but our husbands were hungry and some of our kids showed up so we went back in. The hostess was so accommodating and put together a table for 13 and had us seated in no time. We were happy that we got Lauren as our waitress again. She was so personable and quick to get everyone's drink order. Lauren came back with our drinks quickly and took our food order. It was prime rib night, several in our group ordered it and really enjoyed it. I had wings and my daughter ordered the deconstructed crab ragoon, both were very good. Everyone was very happy with the food they ordered. The service was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our night. I would definitely recommend stopping by Duffer's for drinks, appetizers, lunch or dinner. read more

Off season dinner visit. I have a hard time deciding if I liked this place or not. Upfront: they got an extra star for a small but well chosen, simple wine list with less than a 2.5x mark up. So if you're not a wine drinker, consider this a 3 star review. We enjoyed the food - 12 oz ribeye for him, flounder stuffed with crabmeat for me. Both needed more seasoning (Note to chef: it's okay to use salt), but were very good (and plenty of crabmeat!). The server was delightful (but a little clueless about the menu). Now the bad. The noise is crazy loud. Literally unbearable. The dining room has a bare cement floor, cathedral ceiling and no soundproofing. Wood tables (some scratching noted) with no tablecloth or even placemats just aren't acceptable at these prices. The guy who delivered our meals looked like he hadn't washed his hair in a week (he was not our main server, just a food runner.) When we asked our server about the prime rib special, the reply was so confusing and insufficient that we ended up ignoring it as an option. We would go back IF WE COULD SIT OUTSIDE (I'm told the views are lovely and it's very dog friendly). But unless something changes, we'll never set foot inside the building again. So much promise lost to a few easy fixes. read more

I am historically not one to leave restaurant reviews, but in this case needed to make an exception. My family of 7 visited Duffer's for dinner while on vacation. Will start off by saying we are an extremely easy bunch to please--wrong orders, over/under-cooked meats, partially frozen fries, no problem. However, what we experience tonight was downright wrong and I felt it necessary to warn others out of principle. Here is a rough timeline of our experience: -6:10pm--Arrived and were told it would be a 30-45 min wait -6:45pm--Were told our table was still waiting on a group to finish. Meanwhile we've seen two other families of similar size enter and be seated (restaurant doesn't take reservations) -7:15pm--We were told our table was being cleaned. At this point families that arrived after us were finishing their meals and leaving. -7:30pm--Seated at table -7:45pm--Orders placed. Ordered a draft beer that was completely flat. When the waitress took it back we watched the bar tender roll her eyes. At one point during this period, every table in the restaurant was waiting on their food. -8:30pm--Food arrives, in pieces -8:45pm--Waitress starts to take plates while 4/7 people are still eating. Essentially rushing us out after taking over two hours to seat us and bring the food. -8:55pm--Checks are incorrect -9:00pm--The fam leaves the restaurant after nearly 3 hours of ridiculousness During this time there was no acknowledgement from the staff of the poor service nor any courtesy to make things right. I hope you will steer clear of this place out of respect for your time and a genuine desire to enjoy a dining experience with your family. read more

Second time at Duffers, it did not disappoint! Salmon was well seasoned and potatoes best I e had in a long time. Husband had the prime rib sandwich and loved it. Service was excellent. Will be returning soon! read more

We've been coming to Oak Island for the last 2 1/2 years because we're building a house on Caswell Beach. We thought the country club was for members only. We finally tried it out because we were looking at potentially joining and realized the restaurant is open to the public. The food is very reasonably priced. Almost inexpensive. This is the best food we found since we've been here. It was simple and the menu is as well. We highly recommend. I do not understand any negative reviews......This is not a winery. read more

Yummy burgers, fries, and tots! My husband and I enjoy having dinner at Duffer's when we are in town. It is a great place to sit back and people watch. Most of the patrons are friends or acquaintances and love fellowshipping at the bar. It is sweet to see the fun that is had and to listen to the stories. We have tried several good things at Duffer's, but our favorites are the burgers. The tots and fries are super good if you order them extra crispy. read more

Good food and good service. And the flounder is always a fresh fillet. . Can't tell you how many restaurants I've been to on oak island that sell flounder for top dollar and leave the skin on. read more

Went there for boys night out. Love being in the clubhouse overlooking the ocean and the golf course. Really good drinks. Wait staff was informative and personable. We were able to order off the lunch and dinner menus. Everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the Ruben and it was moist and very flavorful. Go there on Thursday through Sunday and order the Prime Rib. You won't be disappointed read more

A wonderful place to grab grub! Excellent service. Beautiful views of both the golf course and the ocean. Very, very good food!! A great alcohol selection at very reasonable prices as well. Stop by, you'll be glad you did! read more

All three hamburgers we ordered today after golf were overdone. I ordered a Caesar Salad with fried chicken. It came out 15 mins after other 4 meals with hardly any chicken and wilty greens and chicken so tough it was hard to eat. I was starving still. Waitress should have been embarrassed to hand me that salad. Wait staff--speak to the kitchen. Plenty of staff but I guess not in the kitchen. read more

Great views. Attentive waitstaff. The noise level, however, was nearly unendurable. We each ordered the prime rib. It looked beautiful but one bite and you thought you were chewing shoe leather! Yes, we will try again, but will sit outside, weather permitting, and order more carefully. read more

Had to wait 45 min to be seated, but that's to be expected in this area. Once, seated, however, it took a nose dive. The menu was not what was posted on their web site about 30% different Had to wait almost 20 min for the drink orders. Once we ordered our dinner it took almost 30 min for our appetizer and salads. Yes, they were definitely understaffed but then the staff they did have should have been able to handle the tables they had out. Definitely poor management. I ordered a sandwich, fries and salad and my fries didn't come out. Out of the six of us, half of us weren't happy with the quality of the food. This used to be a great place but spend your money elsewhere. read more

Hostess was extremely rude for no reason whatsoever. Very unfriendly and unprofessional.

Duffer's has a varied menu, and had options for kids and adults alike. We ate on the terrace, and it was very pleasant. Indoors, esp. near the bar, is pretty noisy. read more

Service was great, servers were accommodating but the Mahi mahi tacos had to be returned & the prime rib was not great. We heard good things about the new dining room which was very nice & we were hopeful but we won't be going back read more

located on a golf course, this place has very good food however was out of a few things that our table wanted such as steak sirloin. staff was great to work with and very nice about everything. however a more pricey place than expected. great views! read more

Duffer's Pub & Grille - stuffed flounder - New American Near Me - Caswell Beach, North Carolina

Arrived at 5:30 with a party of 6 (including my 90 year old father). Told a 45 minute wait. After 1 hour I checked with the hostess who told us 15 more minutes a table was being cleared and set up. Out of nowhere another party of 6 who just arrived paraded to our table. When we approached the hostess to ask what was going on, a manager jumped in and said we seated the wrong group in error. Instead of asking that group to move and wait, the manager slid 2 tables together (1 round and 1 square) which made for a wierd seating arrangement. After finally getting seated, dinner took woefully long. At 8:15 our nearly 3 hour experience was thankfully over. The food was OK, but the overall dining experience was highly disappointing. read more

Duffers really saved the day for us this past Thursday night for our party of 11! We were able to enjoy cocktails from our balcony at Oak Island Villas while awaiting our table and got a call on our cell about 10 minutes prior to our expected ready time to come on over. This was our first meal out together as a huge group and navigating around many different schedules and dietary needs (children, vegetarian). Management and server team really worked together to make us feel welcome and loved. My husband said prime rib was generous and delicious. Picky kids stole about half of the 12oz prime rib (cooked medium rare) and my husband was still full. Never saw my mom eat a whole meal and the crab stuffed flounder rosettes were consumed in entirety. Cobb salad looked delicious. My garlic-wine pasta primavera (off-menu vegetarian) was one of my favorite meals of all time - if I lived in the area I would order once a week. Truly a memorable meal and one of the best we had this entire vacation. Great setting, beautiful restaurant. read more

Tried Duffer's new temporary menu tonight. All in our party tried the Margarita Flatbread and side salad. Food was excellent. Service outstanding. New building very warm and welcoming. Grand opening and more extensive menu scheduled for January 14. Highly recommend trying this soon. read more

Duffer's Pub & Grille - New American Near Me - Caswell Beach, North Carolina

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Had a nice business dinner here with a group of eight. I really didn't look around the restaurant, but it doesn't seem like a typical 'pub & grill' - more like a small seafood restaurant. Perhaps there's more to it than what I saw. The menu is not surprisingly heavy on seafood and the locals we were with raved about some of the choices, such as the grouper. Fried green tomatoes with a shrimp on top were a hit, as as was some sort of crab dip. I ordered a rib eye (rare), which was not bad but not great. Fresh grated horseradish was a plus. Fat Tire on draft always plays well with me. Not a bad choice for a Monday evening in the Southport/Oak Island area - a lot of the restaurants are closed on Monday. read more

Went to Duffers for the first time yesterday. Everything we had was very tasteful and well presented. One of the better eating experiences we have had in Southport! The wait staff was very attentive and pleasant Give it a try, you will not be disappointed. read more

Had lunch there today for the first and it was excellent!! The food and the service was on point! Don't miss this place when in OKI!

Ordered the salmon and potatoes with vegs. It was cold so ask waitress could they cook it more. Sure no problem well a couple of minutes later she brought back the same plate. It was put in microwave. We got it back and the inside was just barley warm so she took it back again. Waitress felt it and agreed it was just warm. Brought plate back and the cook said it better be hot this time he microwaved it longer. Got so sick off the food call to tell manager with no response. All I can say is wow read more

Food is delicious, service is horrible. Waited 15 minutes for a table, not bad. Got to our table and after 15 minutes no one even came to the table. Felt like we were wearing an invisibility cloak. Had to get up and ask if there was a server for our table. The pattern continued throughout the dinner. read more