You know that feeling when you just want a beer and some wings without any of the pretense? That's basically the vibe at PJ Whelihan's Maple Shade New Jersey. It's tucked away on South Lenola Road, and honestly, if you live in Burlington County, you’ve probably spent at least one Sunday afternoon here yelling at a TV screen. It isn’t trying to be a five-star Michelin spot. It's a sports pub. Plain and simple. But it's one of those rare places that actually manages to be a "neighborhood" spot despite being part of a larger machine.
What makes the Maple Shade location different?
Most people don't realize that the PJW Restaurant Group actually started back in 1983. The founder, Bob Platzer, named the place after his grandfather. That's kinda cool, right? While there are over 20 locations now, the PJ Whelihan's Maple Shade New Jersey spot has a specific gravity that keeps people coming back. It’s been around since 1997. Think about that. In the restaurant world, thirty years is basically an eternity.
The layout is huge. You've got the main bar area which is usually loud, high-energy, and packed with people wearing Eagles jerseys. Then there's the patio. They did a great job with the covered outdoor seating—it actually feels like a place you’d want to hang out in July without melting. If you’re bringing kids, it’s surprisingly manageable. They have the standard Kraft mac and cheese on the menu, which is basically the universal language of "please stay quiet while I eat this burger."
The Wing Obsession
Let's talk about the wings. They’re the reason most people walk through the door. P.J.'s was actually the official wing provider for the old Wing Bowl in Philly, so they have some street cred.
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
They do "classic" (breaded) or "naked" (not breaded). Honestly, if you aren't getting them naked, you're missing out on the actual texture of the chicken. The sauce list is long, but most regulars gravitate toward the Hot & Honey. It's the gold standard here. Rumor has it—according to some former employees and local foodies—the base is just Frank's RedHot and butter, mixed with a generous amount of honey. Simple? Yes. Addictive? Absolutely.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s the Inferno. It’s hot. Like, "I need a second pitcher of water" hot. On the flip side, the Garlic Parm is surprisingly decent if you want to avoid the spice sweat.
The Drink Situation: More Than Just Bud Light
You'd expect a sports bar to have a basic tap list, but they actually have a partnership with Victory Brewing Company. They serve a "PJW Copper Lager" that you can't get anywhere else. It’s an easy-drinking amber lager that was specifically designed to cut through the grease of the wings. It’s been around for over a decade now, and it’s usually the smartest thing to order if you’re overwhelmed by the seasonal list.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
Speaking of seasonal, they rotate their taps pretty frequently. You’ll see local New Jersey and Pennsylvania breweries represented, which is a nice touch. It's not just the big corporate brands.
Beyond the Wings: What to Eat Instead
Look, I get it. Sometimes you don't want to get orange sauce all over your face. The menu is massive, which usually makes me nervous, but they pull it off.
- The Burgers: They use a fresh blend, not frozen patties. The "PJ's Burger" is the standard, but the Wagyu Smash Burger has been getting a lot of traction lately.
- Wicked Nachos: These things are a mountain. They use a mix of cheddar jack and an American cheese sauce. It’s messy. It’s glorious.
- Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos: If you’re trying to pretend you’re being healthy, these are actually really good. The avocado lime crema gives them a bit of a zing that you wouldn't expect from a pub.
- The French Dip: They use American Wagyu beef for this, slow-roasted and topped with provolone. The au jus is salty and perfect for a rainy Tuesday lunch.
Why it actually works
Why does PJ Whelihan's Maple Shade New Jersey stay busy when so many other chains fail? It’s the consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting. The service is usually faster than you’d expect for a place that seats hundreds of people.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
There's a sense of "third place" here—that spot that isn't home and isn't work. You’ll see business people having a quick lunch next to a table of retirees, next to a group of college kids. It’s a melting pot of South Jersey life.
Is it perfect? No. It can get incredibly loud. If you're looking for a quiet, romantic date night, this is probably the wrong choice. On a Friday night, the noise floor is high. But if you want to watch the game and eat food that makes you feel good (even if your heart disagrees), it's the place to be.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The Waitlist: They use the CAKE system. On game days or Wing Nights (usually Tuesday/Wednesday depending on the current promo), use the online waitlist before you leave your house. Parking is mostly behind the building, and it fills up fast.
- Wing Nite: If you’re looking for the deals, check their current schedule. It’s the busiest time, but it’s the cheapest way to eat your weight in chicken.
- The "Secret" Order: Ask for your wings "extra wet" if you like them swimming in sauce, or "well done" if you want that extra crunch on the skin.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning to head to PJ Whelihan's Maple Shade New Jersey this weekend, your best bet is to check their social media or website for the specific "Sauce of the Month." They often run limited-time flavors like Mango Habanero or Pickleback that aren't on the permanent menu. Also, download the "PJW Rewards" app before you go. You get points for every dollar spent, and they usually throw a sign-up bonus your way which can cover a side of those famous Old Bay fries.