Landmark Crest restaurant will not open in 2014

Photos courtesy of Gregory Hnath

Sadly, the rumors are true.

Duffy's on the Lake, which has served generations of locals and vacationers, and is perhaps best known for its iconic location directly across from Sunset Lake, will not be opening for the 2014 season.

Calls to the restaurant were not answered, but yielded the following voicemail message:

"Duffy's will not be open for the 2014 season. No other information is available at this time.

"The owners and staff truly thank everyone that supported us. We hope to see you soon. Have a great summer. So long."

While we are saddened to hear this news, the "hope to see you soon" portion of the message gives us hope that the restaurant will re-open at some point in the future. We will pass along more information when it becomes available.

Duffy's is a true Wildwoods institution with a colorful history, the structure's roots dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

It was originally a Victorian home that stood at the corner of Atlantic & Pine Avenues in Wildwood proper.

The building was moved to its current location at New Jersey & Farragut Avenue in the Crest in 1921, where it was renovated and transformed into Fitzharris Restaurant.

The name was changed to Duffy's on the Lake in 1964. A longtime favorite noted for its excellent quality and service, timeless, nautical atmosphere, and spectacular views of Sunset Lake (particularly, of course, during evening dinners), Duffy's thrived for the better part of the past half century.

The restaurant underwent a change in ownership during the Spring of 2011. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first season the restaurant will not be in operation since the structure was moved to the Crest 93 years ago.

We at Wildwood 365 would like to wish the owners, management, and staff all the very best.

We too, truly, "hope to see you soon!"