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Published: Thursday, August 14, 2008
Bar Of The Week

Bar Of The Week: Kelly's Caf

If you're looking for a romantic step back in time that also embodies the contemporary joys of life like exciting nightlife, interesting and innovative dishes and friendly, familiar faces, then it sounds like Kelly's Caf in Wildwood might be your new favorite place to wine, dine and party.

Victor Namiotka, owner of Kelly's Caf, has heard countless times about the antique charm of Kelly's Caf, but yet he is also reminded by regulars and newcomers alike that the atmosphere is still fresh, clean and new. Namiotka used the words "casual, friendly and unique" to describe Kelly's Caf.

"The building, itself, is very old," Namiotka remarks. "This place has been here since 1937; it still has tongue and groove woodwork. People always talk about that kind of old-fashioned style."

Namiotka, who has been the owner of Kelly's for 19 years, recognizes and appreciates the kind of history his bar has, but also warmly welcomes new and interesting ways to keep Kelly's modern and up to date with the Wildwood nightlife scene.

"Nearly every weekend, we host different promotional nights with different beer and/or alcohol brands," Namiotka says. "For instance, we just had a promotion with Skyy Vodka. We have all different types of Skyy Vodka - about six or seven flavors. Whenever we get in different brands, we make different drink specials."

Namiotka also remembers Kelly's hosting a Kabo Wabo Tequilia event, among other top-shelf liquor brands.

Kelly's Caf is also home to great live musical acts and everybody's newest form of Trivial Pursuit, Quizzo.

"Our guitar acts who play throughout the week are mostly local. Our bands always play on our outdoor patio, but our Quizzo happens inside on Sundays, and it's always really busy for Quizzo," he says.

Namiotka also explains that the musical acts at Kelly's vary from week to week, as do the solo guitarists who also play in full bands.

"On their days off, the guys will come out to do acoustic shows exclusively for us," Namiotka adds.

And as you could probably guess, there is only one Kelly's Caf in southern New Jersey. A restaurant, bar and musical hub with so much history, style and action, it would be nearly impossible to duplicate, and Namiotka has his hands full with just one establishment.

"One is enough," Namiotka jokes. "The only location for Kelly's is here in Wildwood; it's a 300-seat restaurant, so that keeps me pretty busy."

This Week's Entertainment: Every Thursday and Monday, Johnny's Cousin Steve plays at 7:30 p.m. Fridays belong to Mike Curly and Vince Schneider at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Steamboat Annie performs. Sundays are Quizzo nights at Kelly's, and the trivia begins at 9 p.m. On Tuesday, Kyle Herring goes on stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, welcome the sounds of Chris Huff, who plays at 7:30 p.m.

Food: Kelly's Caf can wow the most critical of eaters, as well as please those just looking for a late night bar side snack. "We have two different menus: one for fine dining that has steaks, seafood and Italian dishes, and then we have our bar menu, which has cheeseburgers and other snacks," Namiotka explains. "We also offer a lot of wraps. Our biggest seller is the Southwestern Ranch Wrap, which has breaded chicken tenders, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and our very own, homemade Southwestern ranch dressing." Other menu favorites include grilled ruebens and hot roast beef.

Best Night To Go: Namiotka believes every night at Kelly's is a fun one, though he does admit Friday and Saturday draw in the biggest crowds. "We always have great guitar acts on Wednesdays, too. We rotate our live music all week, so every night is new and exciting."

Did You Know: Kelly's Caf showcases all of its live musical entertainment outside. "We are one of the only bars on Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood with a patio for outdoor eating as well as entertainment," Namiotka says. Great music, great eats, great seaside view sounds like a great summer evening!

Claim To Fame: "We've been here since 1937, and we're still going strong.We have people come in who are around 60 years old who used to come in when they were kids. It's really something; you're like, 'Manwownow that's cool.'"

Vitals: Kelly's Caf, 4400 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, 609-522-6817

- Story By Rebecca Grites; Staff photo by Edward Lea

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