Duffy’s Tavern was established in May 1983 by John Walsh, a lifelong West Haven resident whose career in the restaurant business spans more than three decades. Prior to opening, John spent two years combing antique shops in Connecticut and New York for pieces faithful to the “Emerald Isle” that would eventually define Duffy’s unique character and ambience.
The decor of the charming Irish pub boasts turn-of-the-century oak woodwork personally refinished by John that adorns the barroom and dining areas and shamrock-colored walls lined with traces of wainscoting complementing art-deco ceramic floors. The woodwork, which showcases an elegant antique bar and back-bar, features vintage hand-crafted tables and chairs.
Pictures of national and local sports heroes grace the barroom and dining areas as well, accompanied by scores of old-time photographs and memorabilia depicting Savin Rock, a legendary resort and amusement park that dominated West Haven’s shoreline from 1837 to September 1966, when the seaside playground officially closed.
Through the years, Duffy’s has prided itself on an evolving menu, tracing its roots from double-decker tavern-style sandwiches to such traditional home-cooked favorites as Johnny Walsh’s Homemade meatloaf, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie to impressive gourmet entrées with generous portions.
Today’s menu, coupled with a list of daily specials, includes a vast selection of the finest center-cut steaks, chops, veal, chicken, and even pasta. Each dinner and Sunday brunch is served with a helping of Duffy’s famous Irish soda bread and Marchegian crecia bread, which are baked fresh daily.
Like its breads, Duffy’s buys only the best grades of food fresh daily. The tavern also prides itself on being one of the cleanest restaurants in the state of Connecticut with an incredibly warm and comfortable atmosphere in order to provide the most enjoyable dining experience ever.
After graduating from Providence College in 1996, Chris Walsh became the second generation of Walsh’s to manage Duffy’s Tavern. Chris began working at Duffy’s as a part-time dishwasher in high school and steadily began following in his father’s footsteps, learning virtually every aspect of the business in the years that followed. In 2002, Chris assumed ownership of Duffy’s Tavern with the intention of never changing the original flavor that has kept Duffy’s successful, rather adding to that flavor with new food and beverage concepts.
For the past 25 years and counting, Duffy’s has prided itself on its delicious comfort food, warm atmosphere, and diverse clientele. We cordially invite you to experience Duffy’s and see for yourself why customers have been coming back to see us for years.
We hope you enjoy Duffy’s Tavern!