Duff Sports Bar — Restaurant in Tirana Municipality

American Review: I moved to Tirana Bllok area and found Duff’s on here. I contacted them through the Maps contact, and got an immediate response. One of the problems I’ve noticed (in all the Balkans) is that most food pictures never match what you actually get. (they take pictures from online, call it “American” but you get something totally different).

So I asked if these were real pictures (because they looked too good) and would they mind if I customize my sandwich (instead of getting a bad attitude). He replied that they were actually their pictures and yes, they will make it as I request best they can.

I finally went to the Bllok location around 16:30. The place wasn’t busy yet. My server, Kledi (hope I spelled correctly) came almost immediately. He had big smiles and was very friendly; good English. The fact that he didn’t write anything down made me nervous, but he got it all correct!

I ordered a cheesesteak - but asked for it to be made as close to the real way as possible (I explained how). He said he’d tell the cook. I got my drink promptly, and the food came out about 20 minutes later, which felt was about right for a “real” cheesesteak and no crowd.

Now, I honestly didn’t have many expectations…. But for 550L, it was worth it to try once. Most American cheesesteak lovers will understand this: I got a

“STEAK, ‘WIT’, EXTRA WHIZ” (Philly lingo)

Just means cheesesteak with onions, and extra nacho cheese.

I immediately bit into it, and didn’t even notice the server was still close by watching me. Think he wanted to see my reaction. But I think I scared him, because I stopped chewing the first bite and just sat there a moment. He asked me “you don’t like?” I said “Yes! It is just so close to the proper taste, I just wanted to enjoy it for a moment!” (It’s been almost 10 years since I had one)

To be honest, it was probably 80% as good as a real Philly steak in the US. BUT - that equals 100% great here! This isn’t the US, so I don’t like reviews that say it’s not authentic - of course it’s not! They cannot get the same beef or buns here, so you must understand that. So the trick is to use the best you can get, and cook it the right way, which they do.

The meat was not just the cheapest (don’t know what kind, but it was not just hamburger meat) and it had a nice grilled flavor. Also, one owner told me they just started making their own bread - which was fresh, soft and chewy. They used imported nacho cheese also - not some weird homemade feta stuff. So it was wonderful!

Now, it was only about 40% the size of what you’d expect - but Americans pay over $13 (2018 dollars) for theirs, and this was just under $6 - so it was fine - I will just get 2! 🤩 (unless I can convince the owners to make a special one for me). Either way, looks like I’ll be getting several steaks each week now!

Bllok is their first store; Arena is the second one. The owners (brothers) are also the managers and workers. Ledi handles the first (not much English, but very nice man). Stefan handles Arena, and all online English communication for both locations. He is awesome also.

I think they will become great friends soon. Thanks guys -...

A reply to a lie from the owner, i came consistantly for over two weeks (im still in tirana for over 3 months) and the price was the same consistanlty so what you say is incorrect and actially validates my review, its not the money its the attitude and rude behavior of your staff that was the issue, as for the call because your staff were rude and unproffesional on more than one occasion, i escalted the issue and your manager could not care less (even more rude - but i see other reviews sating the same so its not just me is it?) which refelcts your attitude not mine, its not threatening its the truth and in no way rude if its fact (your reply shows true colours) etuquete is not your strong point ... is it

The call was long, instead of an apology and customer service i got an attidude with an argument instead of help

My review was changed upon the instruction of your manager who felt it wise to be rude and insult me rather than actually manage a situation

Changing my review due to an issue with prices changing (more than once), a few mistakes on orders and a horrible conflict that i was shocked at, my review was 5

I used pass for a coffee and breakfast for two weeks consistantly but the service got worse and when i raised this,i got an arguementative reply so i never returned (very arrogsnt rude behaviour). Spoke to Flori the manager, he was unhelpful and also rude constanlty arguing for no reason (shame i enjoyed it here but i will not be abused) i said to him i will change my review he replied "do what you want!" - as per your...

Edit* I did go to the other duff bar and same thing. Not full ingredients and customer service isn't great but they try. The place outside is very dirty. Their drinks are a little flat and they don't fill their drink to the top.

Edit* so every single member from front of house to kitchen was new and can't read ingredients? Glad I didn't get my child with food allergies anything then.

Food came and didn't even have on the plate what was listed in the menu. For example, toastie with egg, bacon, onions, cheese, sauce, something else I can't remember but came with only egg and the smallest bit of bacon ever, nothing else. On sliced packaged bread not like their photos even let alone what was listed. Asked the waiter, he said will go and ask the chef, went off came back and just stood at the bar with no feedback. Everything was just blah. Customer service didn't exist. Music was odd. No vibe. Nothing. Staff smoking in door way so could just smell that too. We sat inside. Beer expensive but to be expected in the area. Wouldn't go back...