About 6 years ago, I finally had a chance to dine at Duke’s in Huntington Beach – I’m sure you know it if you’re local. The only restaurant next to the pier, across from Main Street, RIGHT on the beach. It has been seated there as long as I can remember and, until 6 years ago, I told myself every time I saw it, “I really need to go there sometime,” loving the idea of dining while I watched the waves crash right outside the window. After I finally made it in, it was much more than a gorgeous view that left me wanting to return.

And then, you know, life got in the way, and Huntington Beach is quite far/inconvenient for me… yet I never stopped thinking about that wonderful night and fabulous food. Well… 6 years later and here I am, now even more astounded by the experience I had back at Duke’s after my return visit.

When I thought it couldn’t get any better (fresh, house-made, Island fare and an unbeatable beach-side location?!, the service blew me out off the water. And not in just your usual “great service” way. Our casual, Saturday night dinner turned into a night and experience I won’t forget.

From the second we stepped in the doorway until the second we stepped out, it felt like we were dining at someone’s beachfront home – that’s how cared about we felt. You may think Duke’s is just another one of those overpriced, tourist-y, “paying for the views” restaurants, but no- it is so much more. It is a home filled with a big “Ohana” (family) who enjoy caring for and feeding every guest incredible, fresh, 100% made-in-house food and drinks.

We spent the night getting to know our sweet server, Jamie, who went above-and-beyond to make us feel right at home and well taken care of. Yes, she brought me every sauce and silly request I made (somehow, I always end up being a high-maintenance diner, no matter how hard I try NOT to be…). She told us how long she had worked at Duke’s and how it is not a job to her, but a family. In fact, her own son now works there. When considering something like the restaurant industry, which is known for extremely high turnover, this really amazed me. Between Jamie, our waitress, all of the girls at the front desk, and manager, Savannah, who came to check up on us, it was easy to see that this is not your typical “company culture.” It’s places like this- with a team that is well taken care of, happy, and enjoys working, that I feel good about supporting!

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And now, yes, on to the food!

Ok, I just have to take a moment to highlight and gush over the Macadamia Nut Hummus (“hawaii grown mac nuts, seasonal vegetables, lemon evoo, herb flatbread, sumac”), which is new since my last visit. I was not originally planning to order it, but that night, when my sister (dining companion for the night) pointed it out, I decided to say let’s try it. Wow. Wow. Wow. Simply wow. I don’t know what magical pixie dust was sprinkled in there, but I was devastated that I didn’t follow my gut and order a 2nd (or 3rd) plate… The flavors were fresh out-of-this-country; like it seemed like I was literally in Hawaii or somewhere else getting this quality and taste. The hummus itself was just…. SO good and so hard to even explain the taste- you just have to try it yourself.

Also up on the night’s menu,….

A refreshing Pina Colada with extra coconut cream and 4 types of rum (yes, I’m a rum-a-holic) and a Duke’s Mai Tai to start us of! Followed by…

CRISPY COCONUT SHRIMP

lilikoi chili water, pickled cucumbers

BAKED “DUKE’S FISH” (mahi mahi)

garlic, lemon & sweet basil glaze, seasonal vegetables, herbed jasmine farro rice

RIB & CHICKEN PLATE

a local favorite from the streets of waikiki.
compart family farms pork, mango bbq sauce, grilled huli chicken, jasmine rice, macaroni salad, bok choy macadamia nut slaw

And, OF COURSE, THE Hula Pie. Because you’re not at Duke’s if you don’t order what they are KNOWN for.

Everything was divine, of course, but I’m going to take another moment now to emphasize 2 more things that REALLY stood out to me- 1) the macaroni salad and 2) the sauces! I’m not a fan of macaroni salad, but WOW this (served with the rib & chicken plate) was SO good and tasted fresh and flavorful, unlike your typical mayo-loaded mac salad. And their sauces? Well, anytime you have a team making their unique sauces from scratch, you know you can taste and appreciate it right away. Mango BBQ sauce, guava cocktail sauce, meyer lemon remoulade, mustard plum sauce, wasabi aioli,… make sure you try them all. Please. Do yourself a fLavor.

If I haven’t tempted you yet, check out their menus here and drool away. They also have daily specials, lunch, a bar with unique offerings and live music some nights, and what I hear is an award-winning weekend brunch!

And if you find yourself in La Jolla or Hawaii- they have 5 other locations on a couple different islands!

Whether you’re celebrating or just looking for a fun dinner date night (sister date nights are the best!), I Duke’s will have you leaving relaxed, well-fed, happy, and ready to book your next trip to paradise!