Views and Vibes
It’s all about the aloha spirit at Duke’s, where visitors and locals alike enjoy island dining in a Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere. With palm trees flanking the entrance and the beach as its backyard, it’s not hard to feel like you’ve been transported to a far-flung locale.
Nods to surf culture abound inside and out, like longboards propped up in planters and action shots of Duke on the walls. But the piece de resistance is a floor-to-ceiling vaulted window that floods the second-floor dining room with light. The best tables in the house offer incredible views of the pier and ocean in the distance. Come during golden hour for an unforgettable dinner as the sun sinks below the horizon.
What to Order
No one will fault you if you skip straight to dessert at Duke’s. The famous Hula Pie is a decadent treat, with a thick wedge of macadamia nut ice cream sandwiched between a chocolate cookie crust and a layer of cold fudge. More hot fudge is drizzled on top and the pie is finished with a ring of whipped cream designed to look like a hula skirt.
Sweets aren't the only thing on the menu worth dishing about. Seafood is a staple at Duke's, so start with the crispy coconut shrimp. Pair it with a signature mai tai to temper the vibrant, sweet heat of the lillikoi-chili dipping sauce. Coconut shrimp can also be added to entrees like the panko-dusted macadamia nut and herb-crusted fish. For a light lunch, fresh ahi tacos are a local favorite featuring rich sesame-soy flavors that go well with the sweet, tart flavors of the lavender yuzu lemonade.
On weekdays, get the full island dining experience with a chef’s tasting menu offered from 4-5 p.m. For $29, choose from starters like macadamia nut hummus or crab wontons and finish with the entree of your choice, with options including miso scallops, baked fish, or filet mignon.
Weekly Specials
Celebrate “Island Nights” at Duke’s with weekly specials like Burger & Beer Monday. Grab a seat at the Barefoot Bar (shoes required) to enjoy a specialty burger and a beer for $19. This includes other handhelds served on a bun like crispy beer-battered mahi mahi with pineapple slaw or an all-natural chicken breast topped with mango barbecue sauce. Tuesdays are for tacos (try the kahlua pork), and you can’t go wrong with a side of streetcorn featuring firecracker aioli and an $8 house margarita.
Get fancy on Thursdays for Surf & Turf Night, which features chef’s special appetizers and the option to “take your entree surfing” with the addition of miso scallops, a lobster tail, or shrimp. Fridays in the bar offers a casual way to kick off the weekend with $10 mai tais all day, plus live music and dancing.
Don’t miss out on the weekends, when brunch is served until 2 p.m. In addition to the popular starters and signature lunch entrees, you can order all-day breakfast dishes like coconut-crusted French toast with seasonal berries. The Hawaiian staple, loco moco, is served with a fried egg and half-pound angus chuck and brisket patty, while lobster benedict offers a rich, creamy bite. Raise a mimosa, island-style, to share a toast with the table to the perfect meal (and view) in Huntington Beach.
