So this 5 star has a few asterisks. Appearance wise when you walk in, it looks like more of a sports bar than a dive bar. We stopped for drinks bc of the dive bar-type reviews. A minute in, we realized they allow smoking which we weren't use to since we are from New York. (In that category, I'd give a 3 star) We sat a a high top and were quickly and friendly greeted. The crowd was getting busy just before 5 pm on a Wednesday. The array of local characters was amazing, all friendly but all walks of life. The prize of the day was that we ordered a round of beers for 5 of us. I ordered a PBR as they had a huge PBR inflatable can outside and I love me a cold Pabst. The server asked "can or draft?" Great to have a choice so I picked draft. It was happy hour so that was $1! Not a typo! We had dinner plans elsewhere so had to run after 1 round. I closed out our tab for $6.50. Tipped $9 because my mind was blown by prices. There is outside seating if you want to avoid the smoke. There was a 1970s vintage "smoke eater" hanging from the ceiling that by my best guess, hasn't been run since the Berlin Wall came down. Definitely a dive bar. This place is a must visit if in the area. Great people and great vibe. Cold and cheap beer and ample parking. I need to go back on a Friday night. Sorry no photos this time around. read more

Duffy's in Indiana is a classic dive bar, friendly staff, strong drinks, and a laid-back vibe. A fun spot to unwind on a trip! read more

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This is a dive bar that gets so crowded on the weekends it is standing room only. They have bands and dancing. You can play darts. The bathrooms are some of the worst. If you want a little calmer, sit outside if you can. Or go for lunch. It's a calmer time, and their food is really good. I like the pierogis best myself. Cheers! read more

Duffy's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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My wife and I spent several days in Valparaiso to both visit her sister and introduce me to the town where both of them went to college. I had always wanted to go there and am very happy to say that I totally enjoyed the visit. While there, we ate most meals out. Duffy's was one of them. Okay... This was an interesting one on the trip. For this one, we reach way back to my wife's 21st birthday. This is the place she went for her first "legal" alcoholic beverage. Back then, it was under a different name (Jackson's, I think). When my wife opened the door, a gust of cigarette smoke hit me head on, nearly knocking me to the ground. I can't remember the last time I was in a restaurant or bar that allowed smoking. It is totally out-lawed in San Antonio. As an ex smoker and bar hopper extraordinaire, I was not afraid to spend a few minutes eating lunch in a smokey joint. We sat at a comfortable table by the window that allowed a full view of the venue. I ordered a beer, and my wife ordered the special mixed drink of the day, a tequila sunrise. Both of us enjoyed the Duffy's burger. Mine came with tots, and hers came with sweet potato fries. I nervously took my first bite expecting it to taste like an ashtray. I was wrong. This turned out to be my favorite meal in Valparaiso. That burger was so good that I can't decide which superlatives to use. It was juicy. The bun was the perfect size for the meat. The meat was perfectly seasoned. It all really came together to be one of the best burgers I have ever had the pleasure of eating. If you can't take smoke, stay away. If you like rowdy watering holes filled with activity, happy people, and associated noise, get there quick and have a great burger! read more

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neat neighborhood bar with great food and pricing; waitstaff excellent lunch was very crowded, service was excellent in handling customers read more

Wow!!!!! We have been here four times ,these last two times were the worst.The waiter brought out our food separately. Ten minutes later brought out my boyfriends food. Unfortunately,, we had to hear about them being shorthanded. How is that? Our problem? If I would've known that ahead of time ,maybe I wouldn't wouldn't have ordered food . Again unfortunately, we made our way to a different restaurant to eat. read more

Duffy's--a local legend. Their food is always fresh and tasty, best wings in Valpo (I said what I said), friendly and attentive staff, and great weekly specials. They have a decent tap list, but their canned selection is always impressive. If you're not sure what you want, the staff is great at suggesting something based on your preferences. They have live music, trivia, and other events. Yes, it is a bar, so there is smoking allowed, but their ventilation system is decent and the back deck is open most of the year with heaters in the winter. The only downside is when your drinks kick in and you have to use the restroom. It is very small with 2 stalls, 1 sink, only room for two people max in there, kind of dark and dingy. It could definitely use some tlc. I've heard the men's room is worse, but I'll just take their word for it. All in all, I laugh at anyone who turns their nose up at this place because it's great. Oh well, their loss. More pierogis for me then! read more

Hold your britches. This place is one of a kind. They may be busy, there may be a wait, but that's because it's awesome. You need your kick for wings, beer, and live music, then this is your place. Don't expect anything clean, because this place gets down and dirty. Shoutout Duffy, shoutout Valpo. read more

shame on the manager for offering breaking a family members sober streak. Honestly I am so disappointed in the manager for knowingly offering him a drink and then when my brother said no pressuring him into drinking. This disgusting behavior is unacceptable! DO NOT SUPPORT THIS!! read more

Everyone told us to try the wings they are great. I guess burnt if now the new great. When I asked, they said this is how they always are. Go to Wings Etc. At Wings Etc. They also let you order all drums or flats.. not so at Duffy's Place. read more

Duffy's Place - a bee on a flower - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

A solid place for what it is - I really enjoyed it! It's a dive bar, limited menu - mainly burgers and apps. The real star was the wings - worth returning for. Venue is a bit loud with the music, but a fun place to stop for a burger n beer read more

Duffy's Place - Menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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Best service! Hubs and I stopped for lunch. First time customers. Hubs loved his Rueben and I loved my house salad with two potatoes pierogi. We are French fries snobs and their fries were better than most but could have been crunchier. And loved the personal touch , lunchtime goodness. Kind of wondering what took us so long to try out! We will definitely be back! read more

The reviews on duffys are funny. It's very telling of the town it's in. Duffys is a bar. They don't have vip parking or seating. They don't have a bathroom attendant to help dry ones hands. What they do have is almost constant live music of various sorts as well as group arctivities and games. They have very good drink prices and the food is priced fairly and is tasty. My personal favorites are the fried fish and the soups but everything I've tried was good and i make sure to go for the corned beef each year. The decore is fun and in line for a neighborhood bar. The only down side i could see is its a smoking bar. If that's an issue for you you can go in around lunch or they have a nice heated porch you can sit on. They have an instgram were the specials are regularly posted. Cheers! read more

Went there with a friend. It's a smoking restaurant, so purists who hate smokers, might want to stay away. Anyone else? I had great service, amazing beer on tap, some great appetizers, and all at a price that was wickedly affordable. Also, check out their trivia night. I love this place. read more

Dump. Bathroom are disgusting, service sucks, rude employees.... Especially the male bartender. Supposedly they are known for their wings.... Maybe, if you like them burnt and greasy. The overall vibe is towny bar with the clientele to go with. I'm no snob, I've been in some real shit holes, and this one's right up there. I recommend you avoid it at all costs, I'll never go back. read more

Food is below average decent band place is very dirty. Even my wife said the women's bathroom is dirty not sure, but it might be a gay bar not that there's anything wrong with that, but just advertise that. read more

We were celebrating a birthday about 40 of us and the birthday girl needed to use the restroom and the tiny bathroom had a line so she yelled stahl open in the men's room and it was available from that moment on William B "security" "bubble yum" kicked her out and followed her around arms crossed chewing his gum rapidly until we gathered everything up. This was ridiculous and shame on this establishment for keeping him on! He ruined what was a fun time. He could have handled the situation better! We will not be back read more

My step dad came in with his service dog and was refused service. If he got disrespectful or rude in anyway it was because he felt disrespected first. There is no reason that a man with a well behaved service animal should be refused service because he wanted to sit inside. And then you try to advocate for yourself by saying you give veterans free meals for Veterans Day lol. Even after he gave 1. His veterans card, 2. his service dogs "ID" ( which legally you cannot ask for) and 3. the ADA card, you told him to leave. I'm disgusted and disappointed that my step dad who served 20 years was refused service because he wasn't listened to. Per the ADA (American Disabilities Act) you have to allow the service animal anywhere the customer is allowed to go. As well as allow them in if you have a "no pets sign" because they are not a pet. That is a working dog. My step dad relies on that dog and cannot go anywhere without him. That dog saved his life more than once. I understand that you may not have known about the ADA laws, but at that time he was trying to educate you. It doesn't matter. It matters how you acted today and how you decide to change for the future. I hope this doesn't happen again and you learn from today. Also for you to try to HIDE all of these reviews is atrocious because people deserve to know what happened ‍ read more

Duffy's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

The pierogis are to DIE for. Bartenders are dope too, hoping one day the bathrooms get updated but its not too bad.

Best wings I've ever had. A little pricey but all wings are. You seriously need to try these. That is the review... Get their wings.

UPDATE ABOUT MY LAST VISIT TO THIS PLACE AND THE OWNER VIOLATING THE ADA. Wow who the heck asks for "papers" for a service dog? And then when you explain that there is no such thing as papers for a service dog under the ADA but that Ill show you a registration for me. So I show her a card I used to first register my oldest dog. Then I figure its over. I go OUTSIDE on the outdoor deck away from everyone. NOT a single person is outside except me with my puppies. So the bar tender comes out and says we cant have animals out here. I said its the law. Anyways she was just following orders from Duffy. So now I am at the health department instead of suing them because under the ADA that is the only real way to enforce it (i.e. a law suit, because the health department doesn't enforce the ADA and neither does the Valparaiso PD) ---------- Prior review was here Ok, I may have to move in here. Now let me give the negative first. Wings. Sorry not the best in Valpo, sorry that honor goes to FH with its honey habanero and honey chipotle sauce. BUT...... these wings here are pretty good. Now the positive. Very friendly people, great bartender very attentive and very energetic. The smoke, not at all bothersome, very good ventilation. The tacos and tamales-- not traditional or authentic, but very tasty and more like what mom would make at home and American style for the tacos. The outdoor deck and beer garden. read more

Amazing place for wings in Northwest Indiana. I've come here for years when I need to take a break from studying and crave some beer&wings. It's a university bar on Friday and Saturday evenings but it's a townie bar basically every other time. They have great food at a great price. Kinda bummed about the National chicken-wing-shortage raising the price of wings but it is what it is. read more

Coworker called & ordered food for himself and another guy. They took the order, said 30 mins for pickup. We arrive, sign on the building says " call for curbside pickup ". Its pouring rain, we're already wet ,so he walks in to pay... they refuse him because he's not 21. ( he's 20) They won't even take his CC! He calls to find out if food is ready and they state they are no longer offering curbside!?!? They told him he needs to have someone else come and pay. Guys they just lost $40 in food... Unreal. read more

This place is great! Amazing delicious food and pretty chill locals. Definitely a local go to spot for wings and beer.

Best wings around everybody knows it!!! Friendly staff awesome outside deck setting, great for outdoor eating I highly recommend this place

Love their hot wings! It's not that bad of a dive bar, they had a pretty good band playing when we went. The drinks were really good and so were the prices. I really went for the wings, they have this delish cajun rub spice one. Yum!!! I'll probably go back just for the wings. Nice and friendly staff too! read more

Duffy's Place - the logo for a bite and a beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

The bartenders are fun, music is good, tequila is chilled and you can smoke here. Wings are good, wing sauces are too watery, need to be thicker. Their hottest wing sauce makes a better taco salsa. (Excellent tacos btw). And our bartender, Mathew, reminds me of John Belushi as the Samurai Chef. He knows his stuff and serves with style. I suggest the visit to see for yourself. read more

Duffy's Place - Mathew, our Samurai bartender! - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Pros: GREAT live music for a Thursday night. Good wi-fi, and go with the soft shell tacos for their special over the hardshell. The staff was attentive and friendly. I did not ask to bill out when they got a sudden late night rush as I could tell they were busy. Negative: Slightly chilled draft beer. This is NOT a place those sensitive to smoke will enjoy. Saw two drunken women continue to be served despite bumping into patrons at the bar while they danced. The men's room is NOT a place to take a deuce. OPEN area stall and not handicapped friendly. read more

Calumet Ridge Jazz Ensemble on 4th Tuesdays this summer was great! ... A huge horn section playing wonderful big-band music. Hard to beat. The food on the other hand was fine bar food. Smoking is allowed but Duffys has a big covered outside deck where you can hear the music just fine if smoke is a problem. A big thanks to Duffys for supporting this kind of music! read more

Duffy's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Went to Duffy's on Saturday for wings and they were fabulous! Cajun garlic with a side of hot sauce is the way to go! I have never had a bad meal from Duffy's! The bartenders and staff are so friendly and always on the ball! read more

Not impressed at all . Garlic flavor was just plain bland and the medium tasted more like a 'hot' but at least had a decent flavor . I do appreciate that they are truly wings though and not layered in breading or soggy wet with sauce . Definitely won't waste my money on their wings again though . read more

I wouldn't recommend this bar to anyone! On my birthday they wouldn't even let me enter because I had a medical alert service dog. They said no dogs allowed, I tried to explain that the ADA recognizes her as medical equipment. I was told to get the f*ck out and they don't have to serve me. They discriminated against me because I have seizures and need a service dog with me at all times! read more

I've been going to Duffy's since I was 21. The lunch menu changes constantly with great value specials. My personal favorite is the fryed fish and I've been driving across town just for hot wings for 2 months. The staff was even friendly during take out. The lunch crowd is good for a relaxing lunch and they regularly have live music in the evenings. Thanks for all the great times. Stay strong. read more

They wouldn't let me walk out of the bar with a cup of water. Way too intense for a small time bar

Bathrooms were very dirty. Food isn't worth anything to brag about. I'm sure this place will go under soon.

Well, it's a shot and a beer dive bar. Hope you can put up with all the cigarette smoke and profanity. Definitely a college kids hang out. Too bad, went to Radius. read more

Best wings I've had in the area. I got the medium (turned out to be Franks hot sauce) and the Asian sesame sauce. Both turned out great. Really crispy outside, cooked perfectly on the inside. Great dive bar with an eclectic group of regulars. Will be back. read more

Well, well, well. Unless they've changed the rules in this 20 X 20 foot dive bar, you'll walk out of the place smelling like you just smoked 32 cigarettes. Plan on being around 20 or so students and the other 20 people in the room being local "townies." The prices are dirt cheap and the food, well, I don't know if I'd eat anything there unless I was in a state of mind where it was hard to say my own name. That being said, I have been known to eat there and the Cheese Fries are a local favorite. As for drinks, they have their own drink called a "vacation" which I never figured out how to make. I couldn't tell you how many vacations I took at Duffy's, but I'll tell you what: Duffy (who is usually always in the bar) knows how to throw one hell of a party. You can throw Shoes or Bags in the back and they usually have some sort of live music. If you go, stay off the train tracks if you plan on walking home. read more

I heard they got rid of mug night, but this was one of the best places to get hammered in college. Funny story: Got caught in the dorms with 2 cubes of beer, so I had to go to alcohol training class. Most of them were underagers. That night, I went to Duffy's and saw the group leader and 2 of the underagers lol. What a great time, brings back memories. read more

Not a nice place but it never claims to be. I love shitty dive bars and this fits the bill. This is the type of place that you won't look weird pounding Irish car bombs and fingering a fat girl in the dark back corner. The wings are good, but the hot isn't really hot. read more