Jds Pub & Grille

The Home of the Jersey Devil

If you’re looking for the unvarnished, authentic South Jersey tavern experience, you’ll find it at JD’s Pub & Grille. Located in the Smithville Square Shopping Center (just a stone’s throw from the historic Village of Smithville), JD’s is the local “no-frills” alternative to the more tourist-heavy spots nearby. Established in 1996, it has spent nearly three decades as the primary neighborhood watering hole for Galloway locals, and that is exactly the vibe you’ll get when you walk through the door.

The Experience

Let’s be real: JD’s isn’t trying to be a sleek, modern gastropub. It is a classic, wood-heavy American tavern with a circular bar that serves as the heart of the room. When you visit, you are stepping into a “locals’ bar.” On any given Friday night, the bar is likely dominated by a regular crowd that has been sitting in those same seats for years. For a visitor, this means two things: the atmosphere is high-energy and authentic, but it can occasionally feel like you’re crashing a neighborhood party. If you embrace the “come as you are” spirit, you’ll have a great time; if you’re looking for quiet intimacy, this might not be your first choice.

Drinks & The Bar Scene

For the drink enthusiast, JD’s is all about high-volume reliability. The bar is a full-service operation, but it truly shines in its beer and classic mixed drink categories.

• The Beer Selection: They take their “Beer Menu” seriously, often boasting a large selection of both domestic staples and rotating craft handles. It’s a great spot to grab a cold pint of Yuengling (a local favorite) or a seasonal craft IPA.

• The “Wings & Yuengs” Connection: On Wednesdays, the bar is defined by the flow of Yuengling pitchers, which are the traditional pairing for their famous buffalo wings.

• Cocktails & Spirits: While you can get a solid Dirty Martini or a classic mixed drink (like their popular Absolut specials), the focus here is on the “Pub” side of things—stiff, simple pours and ice-cold beer.

The Food: Tavern Classics

The kitchen at JD’s delivers exactly what it promises: hearty, consistent pub grub.

• The Jersey Devil Burger: You can’t mention JD’s without its namesake burger. It’s a half-pound Angus patty loaded with grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese. It’s messy, filling, and a local rite of passage.

• The Filet Mignon Cheesesteak: This is arguably their most popular signature item. Using sliced beef tenderloin instead of standard steak meat, it’s served on an Atlantic City sub roll and is widely considered one of the better cheesesteaks in the Galloway area.

• Weekly Deals: JD’s is famous for its aggressive special schedule, including “Big Burger Monday,” “Wings & Yuengs Wednesday,” and “Cheesesteak Thursday.”

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.