First time here, sat at the bar. great time, amazing food, great service! all around an amazing dinner! our bartender was very informative, he recommended a pumpkin spice espresso martini, which was literally the best one I've ever had in my life!!!! the we split a bottle of mascato (so reasonably priced, $22). The vibe was a guy playing piano who sang so well! we enjoyed the dimmed lights and the lowkey vibe atmosphere with it being classy. overall great dinner! read more

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Disorganized and Disappointing We had high hopes for Duke's, especially with its upscale vibe and menu, but the reality fell far short. From the moment we sat down, things started going sideways. First red flag? The water left on our table had bugs floating in it. Not a great start. The waitress, while friendly, seemed completely overwhelmed--she forgot our orders multiple times, asked the same questions repeatedly, and left us waiting far too long between check-ins. It took 40 minutes just to get our soups, and the entrees didn't arrive until over an hour after we ordered. The entire experience felt chaotic. At one point, another server brought two dishes and a drink to our table that weren't even ours. Total confusion. Now let's talk about pricing--specifically, a $12 charge to split a 24 oz ribeye. How does that make sense when one person might not even be able to finish it? It felt like a greedy upcharge for no real reason. Menu clarity was another issue. The sides weren't listed clearly, and no one explained that the "loaded potato" option was actually a soup--not an actual potato. The clam chowder? It's a tomato-based red soup, which is definitely not what most people would expect when ordering chowder. A simple explanation from the staff would've gone a long way. The duck was actually fantastic, the crab cakes not so much. Dessert was also oddly handled. They offer a brownie, but ask, "Is that okay?" as if there are other options (there aren't). Then they bring one brownie split four ways--literally bite-sized portions on a single plate for a group of four. It felt more like a sampler than a real dessert. When it came time to pay, we were asked if we were ready for the check, but then they came back later and had to double-check everyone's order just to get the bill right. And instead of bringing the check, you're told to scan a QR code to pay--likely a move to avoid credit card processing fees, though it puts the burden on the customer to complete the transaction. Overall, Duke's tries to present itself as upscale, but the execution just isn't there. Sloppy service, confusing policies, and unnecessary upcharges make it hard to justify a return visit. Definitely not the dining experience we were hoping for. read more

I came here with a work group of nine people. We were early enough that we had the place to ourselves. Regardless, a nine top is hard to manage. I ordered a Spanish Mule which was a Moscow Mule with tequila rather than vodka. It was perfectly balanced. We had a plethora of appetizers around the table to include escargot, spinach and artichoke dip, triple dip, and more. All were fabulous. I ordered the small portion of the Elk Chop, medium rare which came with a salad, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything was perfect! I couldn't even finish the small. Then all our meals came with a dessert spoon - tres leches which was pretty acceptable this far north! read more

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Air conditioner is out and it's way too hot in here today. 88 degrees and climbing. Appetizers were green tomatoes, triple guacamole, and crab. Crab dip chips are awesome. Ordered elk chops, shrimp salad, chili. Little slow on the servoce but nice staff. But will be a never again. read more

We've been several times. The live piano music is entertaining although if seated in the front dining room it can be hard to hear your table mates. Service is timely. Food is above average. read more

I can not compliment the service enough. I think it might have been the manager that ended up taking care of us on Friday night. There were some misunderstanding when reading the menu. But the food was great and the service impeccable!. read more

Food is exquisite, beautifully presented. Service is far superior than to most restaurants in the Hickory area. Love the ambiance and boho decor. Husband and I enjoy the fantastic music on Friday and Saturdays. read more

We recently moved to the area and have visited this restaurant twice. Both times we were greeted by friendly servers who were attentive but didn't hover. Our food was amazing. This time i got the organic salmon. I so appreciate a menu that offers a large or small option. My husband went with the "large" tomahawk pork chop and a waffle. The entrees come with a choice of soup or salad and a dessert spoon which is the perfect way to sample dessert They have an excellent wine menu, at various price points and offered to let us sample something if we wanted They offer live music Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays which is a nice added touch This place is a hidden gem: great service, amazing food and wine with music all reasonably priced We will be back! read more

I rarely leave reviews let alone negative ones but the experience we had this evening needs to be told. The menu sounded amazing but about 1/2 of the food was edible. My husband's steak was rotten. Not just aged but aged so far it wasn't fit for a maggot. The short rib on my plate wasn't even a short rib it a chunk cut from appeared to be a round roast, definitely not short rib, nor was it braised. Our server had never tried anything on the menu which I found to be off. What chef doesn't want their team not complementing and raving about their food?! One that shouldn't be a chef. read more

We were referred to Duke's to try their Escargot Empanadas. It was a good recommendation. My recommendation to you is to get the small plate version of a meal, in my case the Crab Cake(s.) It comes with either a soup or a side salad, the dinner, and a dessert spoon. There is a great outdoor dining area for when the weather warms up. read more

Duke’s Restaurant and Wine Bar - Crab cake, small plate portion, with mashed potatoes, asparagus spears, and carrots - Wine Bars Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Everything was great...especially our waitress...Kelsy (Brook)... :) Tk u Kelsy for making it a pleasant experience for my daughter's birthday... read more

Every time I come here I don't feel welcomed. They have a great outdoor area but they never have it open. I think it would be a great spot if they were open to accommodating a younger crowd. read more

I do not recommend this place. The quality of the food is not good and is way overpriced. We went for valentines dinner and could not eat our appetizers or our entrees. It was a fixed price menu--2 course for $70 pp. Chardonnay was served warm. We managed to get most of our money back, but our evening was ruined. read more

Duke’s Restaurant and Wine Bar - Sea bass perhaps? - Wine Bars Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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The restaurant is beautiful and such a great atmosphere! This is why they rated a four! I would say a three if not for that. The server barely checked on us and a lot of confusion going on between staff. The music was great however the food was just ok. Took a long time to come out. They did send a lovely bottle home as well ! read more

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Food was outstanding. Portion size was massive for the price. I definitely could not finish my meal. Brandon was our waiter and was a joy to interact with. He was very knowledgeable about the menu. We will request sitting with him in the future. The ambiance was really neat. It has this old world factory / mill vibe. Not too loud so conversation wasn't interrupted with the live music. read more

This place is absolutely fabulous! Amazing food and atmosphere and the best thing yet is the huge outdoor patio! Kelsey and Emory are the best servers ever! You won't get anything but accommodated, service is fantastic and the best food in townOutdoor band and fire pits are being added soon! Come out and experience Hickory in this Gem! read more

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What a find. I've lived here 11 years and didn't know of this gem until last week when a friend stumbled upon it. First and foremost, the salmon was excellent with sides of a multitude of veggies and delicious sweet potatoes. The salad was fresh, cool, and wet, nothing old and dark to separate out, and with the perfect amount of dressing. The wine list extensive and our choice, which I forget, was perfect. And the spoon dessert was unique and tasty. But here's the real reason I will be back, and often. It's the ambiance. It's the presentation of the food. It's the napkins and unusual plates. It's the attention to details. The live music. The uncommonly friendly and competent servers. The comfortable tables and chairs. The ample parking. The only downside, and it's really not fair to say this because it was worth every penny, was the price. It's expensive. But for those like me who never finish a meal and never take a doggy bag home, they offer half plates for almost half the price. Same food, only waste free. What an idea! This is a must stop for those visiting Hickory, and this is my new go-to restaurant, and not just for special occasions. I intend to plow my way through their menu. read more

A romantic place to have a delicious meal in downtown Hickory! Candles on the tables and a great wine selection (could have a better on tap craft beer menu). Each entree comes with a soup or salad and a dessert spoon. read more

Duke’s Restaurant and Wine Bar - Grilled Ahi Tuna - Wine Bars Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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We tried dukes for the first time as a group of 7. The service was alright, a few things were forgotten and had to ask for them multiple times and we had to keep asking to get the table cleared of used dishes and glasses. The portions were large but the quality was there on some dishes but not others. The flounder was just OK, my crab cakes lacked crab (honestly didn't think there was any crab in them), but the duck was really well enjoyed by the 2 folks that had it. We would try it again but it was expensive for the service and the inconsistency of the dishes. I will revise my review based on the next visit either for better or worse. read more

Another great meal at Duke's!! This is a hidden gem. The food is incredible and the portion size is more than you can eat. If you haven't tried this place out you are missing out. read more

We love this place. Food is always exceptional! Highly recommend. If you love steak, the tomahawk is a must.

I will say the the service was good. After that really nothing good to say. My wife got the Seafood Mélange and it was probably the worst version of that dish I've ever seen. The halibut was not bad but the lobster was horrible. I sarcastically asked for a steak knife so she could cut it but apparently they didn't get it. She couldn't chew it and had to spit it out. If you're going to serve whole crab legs maybe serve the proper utensils to get the meat from the leg. A standard fork and butter knife isn't it. Then to have mash potatoes asparagus and then lobster ravioli was a weird combo for that dish. As for my meal it did not get any better. I ordered the field and stream special. Duck breast and elk chop. I asked the elk to be medium. I didn't not mean a medium sized piece of jerky. The duck was rare with a quarter inch of flappy soggy skin on top. In the 2.5 years I have been in Hickory, this has been the worst meal yet. The young lady who was serving us asked if she should tell the chef....a meal that bad what is the point? The kitchen obviously has no idea what good food is or how to prepare it. Unfortunately we chose this place to have our 27th anniversary dinner. I'll definitely have to make it up to my wife. read more

Duke's is a wonderful place to go for excellent food, wine, service and atmosphere. The all inclusive meal soup or salad, entree and a perfect size sweet at the end leaves you totally satisfied. Sizes are generous so plan on a second treat the next day. This is my go to restaurant when friends come to town. I have not been disappointed. read more

Our favorite place to eat. Food great. Always have good service. Enjoy the atmosphere. Highly recommend

My wife and I went there for Valentine's Day. The menu was limited due to the special occasion, but the food and atmosphere were excellent.

First time here. Came because I heard Darren moved over to be the bartender from Notions. Darren knows how to make cocktails. Left Darren in charge of food and drinks for us and his choices were spot on. The duck and the lamb chops were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Atmosphere was perfect for a night out to relax. Definitely sit at the bar and let Darren handle your evening. We will be back. read more

Where do I start? The restaurant management has no clue how to host its patrons. I made a point of letting the waiter know that it was my husband's birthday and that we were looking forward to a quiet, romantic dinner. The hostess seated us near the bar and piano player, who serenaded a large family reunion with songs like Sweet Caroline and Piano Man so everyone could sing along like drunken sailors; most of those gathered had too much to drink and no consideration for anyone trying to enjoy a meal in this overrated restaurant, considering the terrible service. Our waiter even complained of the noise as he couldn't hear us give him our food orders. We asked to move to a vacant table further back but we were told those tables hadn't been set up (it was simply a matter of taking our plates and placing them on another table away from the piano). The waiter was so mortified that he just disappeared after delivering our food, never to be seen again. When the noise became even more unbearable due to the crowd singing as if they were attending a bad rock concert, and our waiter was nowhere to be found, we asked another server to wrap our meals and bring us the check. The display of behavior on behalf of the restaurant staff was unprofessional and regrettable. Suffice it to say, we will never return and I will be sure to tell others about our horrible experience. Don't waste your money at this establishment. read more

My husband and I loved the service, the food, and the piano player, who serenaded us with his repertoire of romantic songs. His gorgeous voice and piano playing, made for a memorable evening. We enjoyed the Valentine's menu, which consisted of a variety of choices, all of which were delicious. Our lovely server, made special arrangements on our dessert request, as neither of us eats sugar. She was very professional and thoughtful. We shall return! read more

Not impressed. I was told about this place and treated some friends last night. The server really had no clue to what was going on. In a place like this you expect them to be knowledgeable about the menu and the wines. The server had to continuously go back and ask others about the wine and the menu. I feel bad for the owners because it seems to be a wonderful place. The food was a 5 on the scale of 10. They also took on a large group in this night and it took almost 2 hours for us to receive our food. I am not sure I will go back. For these prices I expect high quality service and people who are knowledgeable! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is hands down the best hidden gem in Hickory. The food is amazing and Chef John is so fun and experienced. The menu contains a wide variety and well priced for the food you get. Would definitely eat here every night if I could! Will be back soon!! read more

I have been here multiple times and have tried most of the menu with everything being delicious. Staff are wonderful, restaurant is cozy and upscale and we are already making plans to come back it has easily. Become our favorite place in hickory hands down read more

I wish I would have said something after we ate. We live trying new restaurants and always hope it will be a good one. This one was not. I'm totally stunned a chef would let food be served that was so salty and too much seasoning you cannot taste the food. But the restaurant was nice. Music nice. But stunned at how terrible the food tasted. read more

First time here. Elegant setting with warm atmosphere. Nathan was our server and I could have not ask for better service. I could not decide on the wine so Nathan let us taste several. Thank you so much, it really helped. I had the Seafood Melange , which consisted of Halibut, 4 or 5 Hugh scallops, shrimp, fresh mixed vegetables and mash potatoes. (Very Good)...this entree came with salad or soup and a 2 spoon desert for $36. What a great deal.This place is a hidden gem. Which brings up the question of why Hidden? There are so many Free ways to advertise a restaurant. Please let people know about you. I read something someone posted about your restaurant on Facebook . Other wise I would of never known you existed. read more

Worst meal and service we have ever had in Hickory. The She Crab soup was not She Crab but a thin chowder and the "house" salad dressing overwhelmingly bitter. My AHI tuna ordered rare was dry as were my wife's crab cakes The service was slow and inept. They had a private birthday party set up in the middle of the restaurant for 30 people at one table. The music was too loud and we did get that turned down. It was any but a quiet dinner and enjoyable evening with friends. If you are looking to "dine out" then this is not the place. read more

Had a reservation for 7:30 on 4/9/2022. Showed up, hostess had no record of our reservation, and told us she couldn't seat us. Said we could wait up to 90 minutes, but she suggested we go somewhere else. Despite showing our confirmation email, she didn't care. Said the manager had quit and she didn't have any control. Said this happens all the time. Very classy and well managed. read more

We were so excited about trying this place and we were so disappointed. They have a good wine selection. We ordered a bottle of wine it took the server some time to get the bottle and when she got it to the table she had to then fine an opener. Service was slow and crappy to start out but it got better. We started out with the triple dipper appetizer, it was the best thing we had. I had the tuna, it was cooked perfectly but it was so peppery, I couldn't taste the tuna. The rice that came with the tuna was terrible, it was overcooked and super salty. My fiance had the pork chop, it was dry and not that great. I love that the entrees came with a small dessert, the desserts were great. It's very disappointing that we paid so much money for such a crappy meal. We won't be going back and I don't recommend this place. read more

First time at this hidden gem!! Caroline was wonderful! Friendly, happy, easy going, very knowledgeable about the menu!! Rubin was an outstanding chef! Our dinners were cooked perfect, the steak could almost be cut with a fork. To top it off they have Queens Feast on Tuesday's and Wednesday!! We will definitely be back!! read more

fuck this place. made a reservation and called the night before to confirm to find out they're closed. anniversary ruined.

Hickory has an amazing number of top-notch restaurants for a city its size. Duke's Restaurant & Wine Bar, a relatively recent addition, is high on that list, arguably near the top. Located in an out-of-the-way building on a lightly traveled back street, a GPS is definitely helpful in finding it. Our children gave us a nice gift certificate that we were able to use twice to go there. Our most recent visit was on a very rainy night in late November, and we arrived early enough to be the only customers other than a gradually growing group in a nearby party room. The meals include either soup or salad, the entrée, and a dessert "spoon." My wife chose a spinach salad, and I had a chef-special crab and mushroom soup. Both were unique combinations and were very good. The soup was unusual in that it was more of a broth than a creamy soup, but it had an ample portion of crab meat and mushrooms in it. The salad was mildly but nicely flavored with a light dressing, and it also included some julienned vegetables. I chose the seafood melange entrée I had in our previous visit because I had enjoyed it so much. I jokingly told our server and the chef they shouldn't have this as a menu item because it makes it so difficult to try any thing new. It is a delicious combination of large shrimp and scallops over delicious mashed potatoes and topped with a large grits cake along with some julienne vegetables, all in a very tasty heavy broth. My wife's rack of lamb was perfectly prepared and also served over excellent mashed potatoes and topped with julienne vegetables. I had a glass of Riesling that was also very good, and my wife had some delicious decaf coffee. At the end of the meal, we were served the dessert "spoons," a small but ample dessert - probably three or four bites - following such a filling meal. I chose pumpkin cheesecake and my wife had a lemon cake. The third choice was strawberry cheesecake. I'd be remiss if I didn't comment on the staff. Our server was a delightful young woman who was not only helpful with, and knowledgeable about, the selections, but she had an exemplary personality. She made the meal even more enjoyable. Everyone, from the host to the chef (who stopped by our table several times to chat), could not have been nicer. Any visit to Hickory from now on is not complete without having a meal at Duke's. For anyone who lives in the area, it's definitely a must on the dining-out list. read more

We found this little diamond in the rough tonight (Wednesday night) and it was cozy and relaxing. Our server was very personable (Brendon) and knew the menu well. Service was great. Food was great. Portion size was good. Had 2 entrees (Duck/Salmon) - each one included soup or salad so, I had a soup/hubby had a salad and we shared. Shared our meals as well over a couple drinks. Can't wait to go back and try more options on menu! Was not super busy or noisey tonight. read more