Gully’s Review: Hanging Candied Bacon & Shore Charm in Avalon, NJ

A New Neighborhood Hangout at 2688 Dune Drive

Finding a decent mid-range restaurant in Avalon can sometimes be a challenge in a town filled with high-end dining, but Gully’s at 2688 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ 08202 is stepping up to fill that exact void. Built around the idea of capturing that unmistakable old-school shore magic, this great new spot offers a casual, nostalgic vibe where you can grab a bite and stay longer than you meant to. We stopped by to beat the heat and grab lunch inside, and it quickly became clear that Gully’s is destined to become a go-to Seven Mile Island hangout.

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Hanging Bacon, Hot Chicken, and Solid Standards

The menu here might be on the smaller side, but it is packed full of solid, well-executed standards that genuinely hit the spot.

  • Hanging Candied Bacon with Grits: If you order one appetizer, make it this one. The hanging bacon served with grits is incredibly creative, savory, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
  • Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: For the main course, the Nashville hot chicken sandwich was great, offering that perfect spicy kick paired with a satisfying crunch.
  • Crabcake and BLT: We also really enjoyed the crabcake sandwich and the grilled chicken BLT, both of which were fresh and flavorful.
  • The Fries & Kids Meals: The side of fries arrived hot and perfectly seasoned, and even the kids’ chicken tender meal was excellent, proving the kitchen cares about every plate that leaves the line.

Cold Drinks, Live Music, and Exceptional Service

Gully bills itself as a place where the fun finds you, and the atmosphere backs that up. The bar features a great selection of cold craft beers and well-mixed cocktails that were refreshing and really hit the spot. With live music adding to the lively, upbeat energy, it is an easy place to settle in with friends.

Great food needs great hospitality, and the service here genuinely stands out. A huge shoutout goes to our server (I believe her name was Jenny), who took care of our inside table during a busy lunch rush and was absolutely great.

The Verdict

Gully’s delivers exactly what it promises: standard American food done exceptionally well, served in a lively atmosphere with great service. Between the creative hanging candied bacon, the spicy Nashville hot chicken, and the perfectly seasoned fries, this Dune Drive addition offers generous portions at a genuinely fair price. It is a desperately needed mid-range gem in Avalon, and we will definitely be back!