You’re driving down Route 73, past the standard sprawl of shopping centers and car dealerships, when that familiar neon sign hits your line of sight. If you’ve lived in South Jersey for more than five minutes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Chickie and Pete's Marlton NJ isn't just a restaurant; it’s a local institution that feels like a piece of South Philly decided to set up shop in the suburbs.
I’ll be honest, when they first announced they were moving into the old Champps spot at Marlton Crossing back around 2017, people were skeptical. Could they maintain that high-octane stadium energy without the actual stadium? Well, walk in on any Sunday during football season and you’ll get your answer. It’s loud. It’s chaotic in that "I love my team" kind of way. And yes, it smells like that secret blend of spices that makes their fries legendary.
The Crabfries Cult: It’s More Than Just Old Bay
Let’s get the big one out of the way. You aren't going to Chickie and Pete's Marlton NJ and skipping the Crabfries. That would be like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. But here’s the thing most people don't realize—there is zero actual crab on those fries.
Pete Ciarrocchi, the mastermind behind the brand, spent two years in the late 70s tweaking this recipe. He used the leftover spices from the summer crab boils at his parents' taproom on Robbins Avenue and realized they tasted pretty damn good on crinkle-cut potatoes.
The secret isn't just the dusting of spices. It's the cheese sauce. That creamy, white, slightly addictive dipping sauce is what seals the deal. In Marlton, they serve it up in those little plastic cups, and if you're like me, you’re asking for an extra one before the basket even hits the table.
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- The Ultimate Crabfries: If you’re feeling extra, you can get them topped with actual lump crabmeat and more cheese.
- Lobster Crabfries: This is the "I just got a promotion" version, topped with butter-poached lobster.
- Crabby Sweets: For the sweet potato lovers, though it feels a bit like heresy to some purists.
What to Eat if You’re Actually Hungry (Beyond the Fries)
While the fries get the billboard space, the Marlton menu is surprisingly deep. Honestly, their seafood game is stronger than your average sports bar. They have this thing called Lisa’s Blonde Lobster Pie. It’s a white pizza—pardon me, "Pete-zza"—topped with baby lobster tails. It’s thin, crispy, and weirdly elegant for a place with forty televisions.
Then there are the mussels. You can get them "Red" (the famous red sauce) or "White" (garlicky and spicy). Pro tip: keep some of the bread around for dipping. The red sauce has a bit of a cult following of its own because it’s not that overly sweet stuff you find in jars; it’s got a kick.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, the cheesesteaks are solid. They use a proprietary cheese sauce—the same one from the fries—which makes "The Classic" a messy, glorious experience. Is it the best cheesesteak in the Delaware Valley? That’s a dangerous debate to start in a South Jersey bar, but it definitely holds its own.
The Atmosphere: Sunday Funday is Real
The Marlton location is massive. We’re talking about a venue that can handle groups of up to 1,000 if they really need to. They’ve got a Beer Hall, an Upper Patio, and a Lower Patio with its own bar.
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This is the official sports bar of the Philadelphia Eagles, and they take that title seriously. During the "Road to Victory" bus tours or playoff pep rallies, the energy is electric. It’s the kind of place where you can high-five a stranger because the Birds just scored, and nobody thinks it's weird.
But it’s not just for the rowdy crowd. Because it’s in Marlton, you see a lot of families. On a Tuesday night, it’s mostly parents treating their kids to a "fancy" dinner of chicken tenders and fries while they catch the Phillies game on one of the dozens of HD screens.
Why Marlton Specifically?
Location is everything. Situated at 25 Route 73 South, it’s a prime meeting spot. It’s accessible from the Turnpike and I-295, making it the default "halfway point" for friends meeting up from Cherry Hill, Medford, and Mt. Laurel.
They also do a ton of private events. From bar mitzvahs to corporate happy hours, they’ve turned the sports bar model into a full-scale hospitality machine. They even have a "Crabfries Express" food truck that you’ll see at local festivals.
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A Few Insider Tips
- Happy Hour: It’s legit. Usually, you can snag half-off traditional wings and the soft pretzel trio.
- The Wait: On game days or Friday nights, expect a wait. Use their online booking or call ahead (856-452-5126) if you have a big group.
- Parking: The Marlton Crossing lot is big, but it fills up fast. Don't be surprised if you have to park a bit of a walk away near the TJ Maxx side.
The Reality Check
Look, it’s not the cheapest meal in town. Some people on Reddit complain that $20+ for a specialty burger or a tray of fries is steep. And they aren't wrong—you are paying for the brand and the atmosphere. If you want a quiet, intimate candlelit dinner, this is literally the last place on Earth you should go. It's loud, it's proud, and it's unapologetically Philly.
But for a specific kind of night out—the kind where you want a cold beer, a massive screen, and fries that make your mouth tingle—Chickie and Pete's Marlton NJ hits the mark every time.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you're planning to head over this weekend, here is exactly how to play it:
- Check the Schedule: If there’s a major Philly sports game on, arrive at least 45 minutes before kickoff if you want a table with a good view.
- Order the Mussels: Seriously, everyone goes for the fries, but the "Mussels Red" are the sleeper hit of the menu.
- Join the Rewards: If you find yourself here often, their rewards program actually pays off in "Pete's Bucks" relatively quickly.
- Take it Home: If the crowd is too much, their takeout game is tight. Just be warned: Crabfries lose their magic if they sit in a cardboard box for more than 15 minutes. Eat them in the car if you have to. No judgment.
Check the official Marlton location page for their current seasonal features, as they often rotate in limited-time items like the "Paddy Melt" or specialized seafood pastas that aren't on the permanent menu.