Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » The Duke Cocktails & Grub – San Diego
The Duke Cocktails & Grub - San Diego
Photo from The Duke Cocktails & Grub
The Duke Cocktails & Grub at a glance
San Diego Grantville
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#225 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
136
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Tasty food
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Order at bar
- Lost decor
- Specific dishes
The restaurant The Duke Cocktails & Grub, a popular Bar & Grill in San Diego’s vibrant Grantville neighborhood, invites you to experience its lively atmosphere. You’ll find a fantastic selection of beers and a perfect spot to catch your favorite sports.
This cozy and casual establishment is ideal for a quick bite or a full meal, offering a welcoming vibe for everyone.
Overview: Introducting The Duke Cocktails & Grub
The Duke Cocktails & Grub offers a lively atmosphere with great music and a clean bar , making it a welcoming spot for gatherings. Patrons often highlight the friendly staff and the overall amazing feel upon entering.
However, some long-time visitors express a sense of loss, missing the establishment’s previous old decor and comfy bar stools that contributed to its former character. This shift in ambiance has been a point of discussion among a segment of the clientele.
Good
7.9
out of 10
136
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
112
positive
The Duke Cocktails & Grub achieves a good overall score of 7.9, reflecting a generally positive experience for its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 82.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content with their visit, with no significant divergence between these two key metrics.
Based on 136 customer observations, the establishment shines in Service (8.5) and Food (8.4), which are highly regarded. Value (7.3) is also considered good, offering fair pricing, while the Ambience (6.9) receives a fair assessment, balancing modern updates with some nostalgic sentiments.
What people like
- Exceptional service staff
- Quality food offerings
- Good value pricing
What people don't like
- Self-service ordering
- Nostalgia for old decor
- Specific food disappointments
If you’re seeking a spot with attentive service and solid food offerings, The Duke Cocktails & Grub is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.2 recommendation score suggests many find it a reliable choice for a casual outing.
However, be prepared for a self-service ordering style and a modern aesthetic that might differ from its past. If you prioritize a straightforward, well-priced experience over traditional full-service dining, this venue could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Duke Cocktails & Grub
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are clearly impressed! With a solid score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.8%, its no surprise that 59 out of 65 comments rave about the culinary offerings. Many folks absolutely loved the corned beef Reuben, praised the incredible burgers, and couldnt get enough of the best fries and handmade soups.
Sounds like a real treat! However, not every dish hit the mark for everyone. A small handful of 6 comments mentioned some areas for improvement.
A few found the chicken sandwich disappointing, citing a soggy bun and no flavor, with one even describing it as slimy. There was also a note of disappointment about the absence of bison burgers. So, mostly positive, but worth noting.
Food
65
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible burgers
- Awesome Reuben
- Best fries
What people don't like
- Soggy, no flavor
- Tasted slimy
Often praised
- foodI'm very pleased The Duke has opened up here. My experience was excellent, with good beer, good food, and good service. I haven't had a bad experience at all.
- beerhe recommended the beer I had which was really good
- friesThe melt had a great greasy crisp and the tuna was tasty. The fries were fantastic. The Padre game was playing, and the bartender was nice.
- menumenu is legit
- tuna melthad the tuna melt, and went back two more times
- Daily SpecialsGREAT Daily Specials
- Dukes burgerthe $12 Dukes burger with house sauce and tots. It was the best burger
- FoodFood:5
- Hammer TimeParticularly fond of "Hammer Time"
- Reubenthat reuben? Out of this world.
Frequently criticized
- bison burgersNo bison burgers which was another disappointment
- chicken sandwichThe new chicken sandwich was dark meat, a soggy bun and no flavor.
- hamburgercharge $15 for a hamburger
- no flavorand no flavor.
- slimyIt tasted slimy.
- soggy buna soggy bun and no flavor.
If youre looking for a place with generally fantastic food, especially their burgers and Reubens, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few specific items might not live up to the high standards set by the rest of the menu, particularly if youre sensitive to texture or flavor.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The service here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 87%. Out of 23 comments, a whopping 20 rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially the bartenders and bar staff. Guests consistently highlight the great service, fun waitresses, and overall excellent experience, often mentioning specific servers by name.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments (2 out of 23) did point out some minor hiccups. The main concerns revolved around the ordering process, specifically having to walk up to the bar to order after being seated. There was also a suggestion that they might need to hire a couple more servers to keep things running smoothly.
Service
23
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive bar staff
- Friendly servers
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Inconvenient ordering process
- Needs more servers
Often praised
- serviceI'm very pleased The Duke has opened up here. My experience was excellent, with good beer, good food, and good service. I haven't had a bad experience at all.
- bartenderthanks also to the bar tender with the ponytail, he recommended the beer I had which was really good
- staffSarah, Matt, and Garrett are very friendly and attentive
- SarahShout out to Sarah for the recommendations
- ServiceService:5
- accessibility assistanceimpressed to see Matt stop what he was doing behind the bar, go to the front door, help them find a seat
- bar stafffriendly and respectful bar staff
- customer serviceAwesome Customer service
- experienceHaven't had a bad experience at all
- fun waitressesFun waitresses
Frequently criticized
- ordering processwalking up to the bar to order after you sit
- serversneed to hire a couple more servers
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youre in for a treat. While the ordering process might be a tiny bit unconventional, the excellent service makes this place well worth a visit.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
The ambience here is quite a mixed bag, scoring a 6.9 which is good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 67.5% (mixed). Many of the 27 positive comments rave about the great music, the updated interior, and the welcoming, cozy feel. It's often praised as a comfortable neighborhood spot with a modern vibe.
However, 9 opinions express disappointment over the loss of the old decor, particularly the John Wayne pictures and red naugahyde booths. Some long-time patrons feel the place has lost its unique soul and character after the renovations, missing the traditional feel.
Ambience
40
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great music
- Updated interior
- Welcoming feel
What people don't like
- Lost old decor
- Missing John Wayne
- Changed traditional feel
Often praised
- atmospherePerfect place to pre/postgame near snapdragon, or just to hang out and watch a game!
- musicAnd the music was GREAT!
- Padre gameThe fries were fantastic. The Padre game was playing, and the bartender was nice. The music was GREAT, playing a mix from Tom Waits to Leon Bridges to Cat Stevens to Portishead.
- TVsTVs in every area!
- The Dukeabsolutely loving The Duke following the renovation
- amazing feelAmazing feel as soon as you walk in
- clean barIt's my go-to local spot to gather with friends and family. The Del Cerro and Allied Gardens communities have no other place like this – a comfortable, modern, clean bar and restaurant with a good beer list, excellent food at a fair price, and really solid cocktails. Well done, folks.
- comfortable barIt's my go-to local spot to gather with friends and family. The Del Cerro and Allied Gardens communities have no other place like this – a comfortable, modern, clean bar and restaurant with a good beer list, excellent food at a fair price, and really solid cocktails. Well done, folks.
- dive barMy experience at this establishment was excellent. It's a must-include on any San Diego dive bar tour, and I'd say it's actually a step above a typical dive bar. The service was great, and the bar food was also very good.
- friendly, cozy pub/cocktail neighborhood bara friendly, cozy pub/cocktail neighborhood bar
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI'm only commenting on the atmosphere, as I did not eat after coming in, but Google requires all categories to be chosen. It's sad to see the old western decor and the John Wayne room all gone. Why is this called The Duke if there is no John Wayne?
- John Wayne picturestook down all the John Wayne pictures which was a sin
- collectiblesWhy is this called The Duke if there is no John Wayne? I was told that a lot of the collectibles and decor had been sold off to pay for the gut and remodel, but I'm sure some just went into a dumpster. The red naugahyde booths and comfy bar stools are gone.
- comfy bar stoolsI was told that a lot of the collectibles and decor had been sold off to pay for the gut and remodel, but I'm sure some just went into a dumpster. The red naugahyde booths and comfy bar stools are gone. I felt like I had walked into a Back to The Future II scene, where Marty finds his beloved Hill Valley changed, not what he had grown up with.
- decorthe old western decor, and the John Wayne room all gone.
- red naugahyde boothsI was told that a lot of the collectibles and decor had been sold off to pay for the gut and remodel, but I'm sure some just went into a dumpster. The red naugahyde booths and comfy bar stools are gone. I felt like I had walked into a Back to The Future II scene, where Marty finds his beloved Hill Valley changed, not what he had grown up with.
- robbery & DamagesSORRY to hear about your recent robbery & Damages!!
- soulThis iconic spot was a regular place for many residents of Grantville, Allied Gardens and Del Cerro for several decades, having birthdays, anniversaries, and even a wedding reception or two. This place had a soul, and the old guard is not going to recognize it, but I know the new owners want a fresh, younger crowd, and I wish them the best!
If youre looking for a fresh, modern bar with great music and a welcoming, updated interior, youll likely enjoy the new vibe. However, if you cherished the old-school charm and John Wayne decor, be prepared for a significant change. It's a great spot for a casual hangout, but perhaps not for those seeking nostalgic character.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, guests are generally quite pleased, with a strong 75% customer satisfaction and a solid 7.3 score. Many rave about the fair price and cheap food price, especially highlighting Happy Hours and daily specials. It seems everything is considered well priced, offering excellent food at a reasonable cost, based on 6 positive comments.
However, theres a minor point to consider, with just 1 negative comment among the 8 total. One guest felt the Hamburger Price was a bit steep, specifically mentioning a $15 charge for a hamburger. This seems to be an isolated concern, as overall pricing receives high praise.
Value
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair food price
- Great Happy Hour
- Well-priced menu
What people don't like
- High hamburger price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at The Longhorn, and now The Duke, has been wonderful. I loved the great food at a reasonable price. The atmosphere has been freshened up, and the servers are a friendly group.
- Happy Hour'sGREAT Daily Specials and Happy Hour's
- everythingEverything is well priced
- fair priceexcellent food at a fair price
- food priceThe price of the food was cheap
Frequently criticized
- Hamburger Pricecharge $15 for a hamburger
Overall, if you're seeking good value, this place is a solid bet, especially with their daily specials and Happy Hour. While most prices are praised, be mindful that a few specific items, like the hamburger, might feel a bit high.
How are the prices at The Duke Cocktails & Grub?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 ranges, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing, with only a few reviews falling outside this popular mid-tier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this Bar & Grill in San Diego stacks up against similar spots.
For a Bar & Grill in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Duke Cocktails & Grub
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Step Above a Dive Bar
My experience at this establishment was excellent. It's a must-include on any San Diego dive bar tour, and I'd say it's actually a step above a typical dive bar. The service was great, and the bar food was also very good.
- service10
- bar food10
- dive bar9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Absolutely Shocked by Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! I ordered the Reuben and fried pickles, while my husband opted for the chili tots and chicken tenders. We were absolutely shocked at how good the food was.
The spices in the chili were incredibly well-balanced, the potatoes were perfectly crispy, and the Reuben was out of this world. We'll definitely be back!
- Reuben10
- fried pickles9
- chili tots9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Improved Bar & Grill with Great Beer List
My experience at this classic bar and grill was a pleasant surprise! They've revamped and improved their beer list, which was a definite highlight. I also recommend keeping an eye out for their daily specials.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the service was excellent, earning a 5. Food quality was also strong, with a rating of 4. Parking was not an issue, with plenty of free parking available.
There was no wait time.
- beer list9
- daily specials8
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Food, Atmosphere, and Service!
My experience at The Longhorn, and now The Duke, has been wonderful. I loved the great food at a reasonable price. The atmosphere has been freshened up, and the servers are a friendly group.
- food10
- price8
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Absolutely Awesome Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely awesome. From the moment I walked in, I felt an amazing feel. The menu was legit, and everything about the place was fantastic.
- amazing feel10
- menu9
What The Duke Cocktails & Grub offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at The Duke Cocktails & Grub?
At The Duke Cocktails & Grub, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You’ll find options for lunch and dinner with table service, and there’s even a kids’ menu available, making it a family-friendly spot.
Are there convenient parking and accessibility options at The Duke Cocktails & Grub?
Yes, you’ll appreciate the free parking lot with usually plenty of parking available. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does The Duke Cocktails & Grub rate overall?
The Duke Cocktails & Grub holds a good overall score of 7.9, with strong marks for Service (8.5) and Food (8.4). Value (7.3) is also good, while Ambience (6.9) is considered fair.
What do customers appreciate most about The Duke's atmosphere?
Customers frequently praise the amazing feel and clean bar at The Duke, noting the music is great and there are TVs in every area for entertainment.
Are there any common complaints about the service or food?
While service is generally well-regarded, some patrons dislike walking up to the bar to order . On the food front, there were specific mentions of a soggy bun on the chicken sandwich and a lack of bison burgers .