I have traveled far and wide on my quest for the best burger, and Duke's proper burger reigns supreme.

I've been coming to Duke's Grocery whenever I have friends in town and we're looking for something yummy nearby. Between us, we've tried out quite a few different dishes and so far loved each one we've tried. If you like amazing gourmet sandwiches and burgers, and tasty sides to go with them, this is your spot! My favorites so far have been the bahn mi and the shroom pot! Bahn Mi - AMAZING!!! I would never have thought to try put together catfish with liver pate, and yet it worked! It was a bit spicy, so if you don't like spicy things, you may want to ask for the spicy aioli on the side. The sandwich came on a baguette with cucumber spicy aioli, pickled daikon, cucumbers and burnt carrots. I mean - the bahn mi was loaded with toppings and was practically spilling over after a single bite, and you know that any food that is a messy eat has to be delicious! I tried this once and then recommended it to a friend who loves spicy foods, and she also loved it! I see that they're now serving the bahn mi with shrimp instead of soft melt-in-your-mouth catfish, which to be honest, is a bit disappointing... but maybe they'll bring the catfish back! The Proper Burger The proper burger was also juicy and delicious. It was also a messy eat. It came with melted gouda, charred red onions, pickles, sweet chili sauce, rocket greens, garlic aioli, and was on a soft brioche bun. I especially loved the melted gouda combination with the the pickles. So good! Shroom Pot I love anything pickled, and grew up with pickled mushrooms, not being able to find them anywhere over the last few years. However, now I know that I can come to Duke's Grocery anytime I'm craving them! They were well-pickled and not too salty. Just right! A nice ooey gooey texture to go with any sandwich or meal! Cocktails So far, I haven't tried any cocktails, although I did love what I saw when they brought our neighbors' drinks. Duke's has a lot of different cocktails and beer on their menu. I included a picture of the summer menu, and can't wait to go back to try out new drinks. Ambiance It's always energizing and busy, inside and out. It can get loud, so be prepared to speak up or get cozy with your company. I loved sitting outdoors on a summer day. I kind of liked the community feel of the outdoor seating, as it you may share your table with others and get cozy with your neighbors. No dogs allowed, but you can sit on the outer edge so your dog can sit on the other side of the fence. Indoors is cute too, and we sat by a big window so we could people watch. Service The servers are friendly, although the service can be a bit slow. We definitely had to wave our waitress over when we were ready to pay. However, that's to be expected with a spot that's chronically packed (because of the yummy food!) Final Verdict I'll keep coming back to Duke's, particularly for the bahn mi and shroom pot! They really know how to combine unique flavors and textures to make tasty dishes. Well done! read more

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Finally I was able to make my way over here. My friend and I stopped by on a late Thursday night and by late I mean 12am. We ordered the proper burger to split as in all honesty I shouldn't be eating that late as I'm only getting older. Then for my drink I had the blackberry lemonade bourbon and let me tell you it was strong. Pros: Drinks are wonderfully crafted Cons: The burger is over hyped and it might have tasted better with the addition. read more

Duke you're my boy, MY BOY!!! You gave me my first taste of pig tails. They were crispy, fatty and delicious. My heart sings and my mouth waters just thinking about them. You then followed that up with the most amazing Chickpea and Green Chili hummus (also a first for me). It was creamy, light with the perfect touch of heat from the chilis. The bread and "garden to table" veggies made for great sides. Now you're known for you burger but I went with the Kicked Up Short Ribs and boy you didn't disappoint! Tender, juicy, beef perfection is what it was. My friend got the Belly Rounds and absolutely love it! Small and relax, perfect for first dates and meeting friends. I can't wait to go back and try the burger and eat more pigs tails! Ps. Bar is well stocked. They have Oban 14 which not a lot of places carry. read more

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This place had one of the best burgers of my life! It is massive!!!! This place looks like a dive which totally added to the experience. We completely over ordered and got Mac and cheese, pickled veggies An amazing take on Mexican Street corn. That was my favorite side dish. We ordered drinks, burgers and three side and it worked out to be about forty dollars per person. Sorry the photos are a bit blurry. The food was amazing! The burgers ROCK! read more

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Wow! This place lives up to the hype. The proper burger did not disappoint. It was delicious and filling. It made for a satisfying brunch. The decor is charming, and the neighborhood is adorable. Do not skip this stop in DC. read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper Burger - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Four stars for an energetic pub featuring a solid beer list, quality burgers and a fun atmosphere. My husband and I arrived before 6 pm on a Friday and got the last two seats in the place! The bar was already packed and the crowd was lively. It got steadily more crowded as it got later. Despite the crowds, our server did a good job of keeping track of our drinks and food orders. I cannot recommend the wines but highly recommend the Old Speckled Hen beer! It tastes like a English Guinness (aka, really good). For food, we both ordered the Proper Burger. It was rated a top 10 burger in the country for 2018 by Thrillist. While I didn't think it was THAT good, I did enjoy the burger and could tell they put thought into the toppings. We also got the fried pig eat appetizer (it's just what it sounds like) and that was pretty fun. Overall, I enjoyed Duke's Grocery and would definitely return. read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper Burger - really solid - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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No words to describe how delicious the burger is. There was a wait when we got there (completely understandable since it was a Friday night). They want to make sure you have everyone in your party before seating you. Eduardo is a fantastic bartender/server. We sat by the bar and we were very well taken care of. My friends and I ordered the burger since it was all of our first time being there. (It's the best burger in DC and fourth in the country!) You can only order the burger medium rare or well done. I ordered medium rare. Absolutely amazing. We also shared a pan of macaroni and cheese; it was the perfect serving for three people to share. I ordered a citrus crush (make sure to mix it with grapefruit and orange - fantastic mix!). I will definitely be back for the burger and the mac and cheese. I woke up thinking about it! read more

Duke's Grocery - Burger and mac and cheese - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a good place for drinks/food with friends or as a couple.They have a variety of beers and exotic dishes. We ordered the burger ( proper burger) which was ok, but sweet. Not really my style. Also the "taken with liberty " which I liked. For starters we ordered the pig tails, which was surprisingly good! It had bones and a lot of fat, but some meet in between. For drinks we ordered tiger ( good) and St Peter's cream ( bitter but light). Next time I would like to order the Elote loco (corn) and the Acme Pie :) It has benches outside so it should be perfect for summer/fall. read more

Duke's Grocery - Tiger beer - ok! - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was so excited to try the Proper Burger and Mac and Cheese, but boy oh boy was the burger a disappointment. I came here around 6:30 pm on a Friday night and it was PACKED. Definitely seems like a popular local spot, especially when the weather is great because they have a patio out front. I opted to sit at the bar since it was a solo mission and I was way too hungry for their wait time. I ended up with the burger and Mac and cheese since that seemed most popular on yelp. PROPER BURGER (5/10) - honestly, I'm not sure why people found this to be the best burger ever... unpopular opinion, but I'd rather have a Shake Shack burger. It could have been that they didn't make mine right (cuz mine looked nothing like the drool worthy burgers posted), but other than the patties, the rest of the burger was cold... which was weird. They definitely didn't toast the buns either. I was starving so I ate it anyway. It wasn't a terrible burger, it just also wasn't something I'd come back for, especially for $13. TRUFFLE MAC & CHEESE (10/10) - yeah so this lived up to the reviews and was well worth $13. It was gloriously dense and the cheese wasn't super wet like some places make it. It was thick, perfectly cooked and divine. I ended up using the Mac & Cheese as a topper for my burger. It definitely helped! I did want a slice of their pie, but it was way too crowded at the bar. Overall, their prices aren't bad at all. I would skip the burger, but get the mac and cheese! read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper Burger - I'd skip it - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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DUUUUUDE. Dukes does not mess. When we made our reservation for brunch, the hostess confirmed that they serve the burger at brunch without us even asking - they know they have the best ish in town and they're not afraid to admit it. Unsurprisingly, I had the burger. Verdict? It's DELICIOUS. Best burger I've ever had? Debatable. Although it was freakin juicy and flavorful, I felt like I had to like it more than I did bc it is named the best burger in DC. Still highly recommend it though, especially with the truffle oil - yum. We also had: duck confit and waffles, beet cured salmon on toast, and the chocolate coconut pie!! All were solid choices. They also do bottomless mimosas and bloody Mary's for $17, FYI!! read more

Duke's Grocery - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cool vibes! Hole in the wall kinda bar, which I always look for when traveling. Was told be a few locals that the "Proper Burger" was a DC must have. I DID NOT disappoint! Added my usual fried egg and bacon to the burger and it was great. Fries were crispy and beer was cold and local. Wouldn't mind a little more attention from the server but other than that no complaints! I'll be back for sure. read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper Burger - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love this spot! Great food, great service, great drinks! We got the best seats in the house which definitely helped. The burger and pork Sammie was mouthwatering delicious, perfectly cooked and juicy. It's worth the price- unlike other burger spots in dc where you pay the equivalent of a week's worth of groceries and feel hungry after your burger. My partner actually said this spot makes his like dc a little more. Will definirte return on the regular! read more

Duke's Grocery - Pork sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Perfectly mediocre. The people at the table who had been here before all mentioned how much better it was last time. Proper burger, wagyu burgers, Mac and cheese, potato boxties all average at best. Though the person who got the Cali salad thing said it was very good. Not terribly comfortable seating. Haphazard but friendly enough service. Did I just eat a burger worth 17 bucks? HECK no, I didn't. I took how many lactaid pills for this dull, uninspired mac&chee!! Also, when your beer list is on a chalkboard, maybe erase beers when you run out of them so I don't have to order beer after beer and have them not be available. You only have ONE draft beer, at LEAST have that! Not terrible, but nothing I'd be interested in going back to. read more

* Proper burger: It was actually proper! Got it medium rare and it came out medium which is to be expected. Unfortunately it didn't come with fries. Still a good burger tho, would recommend! One of the unique things about this restaurant was the atmosphere. It seems like they repurposed an old house into a restaurant which makes it have a never ending house party vibe (esp at night). They have a good drink selection as well! read more

Definitely a fan of Duke's Grocery. I've only been for brunch but every time I've been I've gotten the burger and it has consistently been one of the best burgers I've had in DC both times. Both times I came, the restaurant handled two very large brunch parties well and everyone's food was really good so no real complaining here. Standouts: burger, mac and cheese read more

Was visiting DC and wanted to give their Mac and cheese a try. Out right one of the most cheese covered pasta shells I've ever had. It was so amazingly good! Loud factor was about an 8 (scale 1-10) food made up for it though. My guy had a burger. Food is worth the try at this place. read more

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I know I'm late on the Duke's Grocery train but I finally went to the restaurant and it did not disappoint! There was no line and we got sat immediately at around 7:30pm on a Wednesday. Went here for dinner with a couple friends and we shared the Proper Burger, Banh Mi and truffle mac and cheese. The sandwiches were large so the three of us were definitely full by the end. The truffle mac was so good! Thick and creamy and decadent. It was so good that we dug in and I forgot to take a pic until it was almost gone. The burger was perfectly juicy and flavorful. The banh mi I don't think was a traditional one but it was really good. My friends preferred the burger but I loved them both. We were there at night and the place was pretty dimly lit so I'm not sure if that's always the case. Our server was fine. She didn't check on us a lot, which I prefer. Definitely come here! read more

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Came here about 6 years ago and it was amazing. Currently waiting in my check after ordering the Mac and Proper burger and disappointment is an understatement. Bun had more flavor than the burger. Same goes for the Mac. Someone came and asked how everything was and walked away before we could respond. They did take the Mac off the check which is nice. Guess that calls it for Dukes. read more

Duke's Grocery - Can't do it - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Highly recommended to me by friends, Duke's Grocery had lofty expectations to stand up to. After all, I had been promised THE best burger in all of DC. A friend and I met for happy hour and an early dinner. Downstairs seating is limited with only a few high tops. But seating at the bar is first come and convenient to grab a drink during HH ($5 select beers, wines, and well) while waiting. The turnover was quick and within 5 mins we had a seat at the window counter facing the street. So let's talk about that burger...that juicy, smokey, gooey, buttery godsend known as the Proper burger. This is indeed now my litmus of a good and proper burger. To demonstrate its universal appeal...Duke's has a no substitutions policy regarding their menu and rightfully so. My burger was to come either rare or well, said my server. Having been primed by friends, I accepted this and asked for well. The juicy bovine fare on my plate was so far from the typical leathery connotation attached to well done beef! Duke's knows best! Take the food. Ask few questions. And enjoy the subsequent nirvana!!! The Gouda and buttery brioche melted right into the fresh beef. It was bite after gluttonous bite of yummmmmmm. Seriously, this is top 2 burgers I've ever had. My friend got the Short Round short rib sandwich and barely paused between bites and only to smile. We shared the truffle mac & cheese but honestly could have skipped it. It had that beautiful velvety gooeyness you love but the truffle was definitely missing for us. Still yummy but nothing to rave about. Our only real gripe was the food was so good that the conversation suffered! Lol read more

Duke's Grocery - The Proper Burger (Left) and Short Round (Right) - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here during a street festival. They were advertising a happy hour but they don't have happy hour on the weekends! It looked like our waitress was managing the entire upper level but she was super attentive and helpful. Was sad that they didn't have fries, but I love the English decor Proper burger - super juicy and flavorful. Love the medium sized patties and that there is two, a little on the rare side. I would have like a more sturdy brioche bun. It was a little soggy and limp Short rib - a little dry but the flavors were good and sweet. Loved the crunch of the cabbage slaw. Great with the green salsa on the table Would recommend the proper burger read more

Brunchie burger Brunch at @dukesgrocery for their amazing burger! Complete 2 angus beef patties, red onion, a runny egg, avocado and white truffle oil have to get there early to beat the line but so worth it! Also had a bite of the English breakfast. Very authentic. They also are generous with their bottomless mimosa pour. Great Sunday Funday spot! read more

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Dukes continues its reign atop the sandwich ("sarnies" at Dukes) empire, continually impressing me with sandwiches and brunch food. I tried the Short Rib and the Bahn Mi. Both killer, but both still inferior to the burger for me. The Bahn Mi had pork belly and the pieces were way too big and overwhelming for the sandwich. I'm talking 2 inch thick slabs. Still good except for that detail. Burger still reigns supreme for me. The burger is a masterpiece, so I'm not sure it's fair to compare anything to it. read more

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I thought I'd never say this but here I go: * BEST BURGER EVER* Hands down - and I've tried A LOT of burgers in my lifetime .. and I'm extremely comfortable with this claim. The proper burger at Duke's is full of flavor, cooked to perfection and served on a delicious brioche bun. I thought the crown would go to another burger joint I tried in California but I am proud to say, DUKE'S wins by a landslide. other than the unbeatable burger, the truffle mac & cheese is out of this world. I have visited 3 times now and ordered the same thing and it hits the spot every single time. I think I'm ready to try other things on the menu that have had rave reviews so stay tuned! GET THE BURGER! read more

Duke's Grocery - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My boyfriend ordered a proper burger and truffle mac and cheese to-go since we had our dog with us and we ate in the car since it was cold; unfortunately dogs aren't allowed in their outdoor seating space. However, the food was very delicious. I am a big mac and cheese person and the truffle mac from Duke's Grocery gets two thumbs up from me. The truffle flavor while present isn't overwhelming. The cheese sauce was unctuous and the perfect consistency, fluid and not too starchy as some can be. The crusty cheese on top was crispy and wonderful. I also got a bite of my boyfriend's burger and it was definitely a proper burger! Meat wasn't overdone and seemed quality while the toppings complemented the burger beautifully. My boyfriend said service was great and the staff were friendly. Parking is difficult in the area as it is quite residential and only street parking is available. I would recommend taking transit if possible. read more

Duke's Grocery - Exterior of the restaurant and outdoor seating - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

First of all, the burger here is very good. One of the better ones I've had, but not the best. The price is pretty high though, and I feel like I've had plenty of better burgers for half the cost. The truffle mac and cheese is okay but extremely rich. The portion is enough for 2-3 persons. I probably wouldn't order it again. The pasta was way overcooked and disappointing given the reviews. I went here early on a Friday evening hoping to avoid the crowds. It was the end of happy hour and the place was packed and ridiculously loud. The music (and patrons) were so loud I couldn't hear the person sitting across from me at a 2 top. We were literally screaming to each other. Not what I would expect from somewhere that bills itself as a British Pub. I likely wouldn't return. read more

Did I not properly enjoy the Proper burger? My sister and I went on a hunt for a burger near our hotel. Shake Shack's credit card machines were down so I looked to my nearest and dearest friend Yelp for help. Duke's popped up for us and was about a 10 minute walk from our hotel. I couldn't remember if I had heard about them through Zagat or Thrillist or some other uppity millennial site I hope to someday work for, but as soon as I saw it under the 'near me' tab I knew we had to head there. We walked over to find an unassuming row house turned into a pub. It took a second to figure out how to enter because signage is minimal. We were aptly greeted and waited about 10 minutes before being able to sit on the second floor. This was a special feat as I've noticed many other people have had a hell of a wait for a table. The menu is small but it doesn't look to be short on flavor. There were many items on the menu that caught my eye, but because they're known for their burger, I decided to dive in on that. Unfortunately for my sister, they do no modifications on their burger - she was simply looking for a bacon cheeseburger. I felt somewhat of a failure for bringing her to a place that couldn't provide the one thing she wanted to eat. I do not fault the restaurant in any way - this was all my issue for not properly researching the menu prior to arriving. She instead ordered the mac and cheese with bacon. We also ordered a side of the elotes. The draft selection leaves a lot to be desired. I have not been to London in 10+ years, so I have absolutely no clue how the taps look across the pond. If they all look like this, I know I'll be spending more time sightseeing than drinking my next visit to England. Also, the service was rather dull and apathetic. I don't know if there's a particular stereotype or aesthetic they're trying to keep to but it wasn't working for me. Our server/bartender seemed uninterested to help me find a beer and seemed astonished that I was even old enough to drink. It wasn't in the joking, kind way either - I sincerely felt he thought that I brought my sister in broad daylight on a school day to Duke's simply to have a drink with my "fake". Nope, we're really visiting from Ohio dude. No jokes here. Anywho, back to the food. It took the appropriate amount of time to come out. Portion sizes are perfect. They're large but not to the point that you're bloated out with all the grease. Burger: My burger was delicious. Was it proper? I don't know. I don't know what a proper burger is supposed to be. Was is the best burger I've ever had? No. It wasn't even technically up there. It was good, yes. Very good. Would I have it again? Probably not. The menu is large and interesting enough that if/when I come back, I'll be doing something else. Elotes: Man do I love me some elotes. There was a lot of corn, and I enjoyed the zing of the different toppings they put on. I also appreciated that they put the lime on the side so I can douse up my half without ruining it for my sister. Mac&Cheese: HOLY MOTHER THIS MAC AND CHEESE. This mac and cheese is the best I've ever had. I still think about it. I have a friend who lives in DC that I've told to go to Duke's multiple times simply for it. I even entertain random DCers I meet at bars in my city with stories about it. I am a self-proclaimed mac and cheese snob, and it is by far the most amazing, cheesy, creamy, loveable skillet I've happiness I've ever eaten. Oh lawdy that mac and cheese. THIS IS WHAT PROPER MEANS TO ME. Had it not been for the mac and cheese, Duke's probably would have earned 3 stars from me. I'll be in DC back in January, and my first stop off the plane (after the hour freaking car ride it takes to get there from BWI) will be Duke's Grocery simply so I can enjoy a skillet of love. read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper burger, elotes & Mac and cheese - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The Proper Burger needs no introduction. Recognized as one of the greatest burgers in America by experts and confirmed by yours truly :) I have had the beautiful burger multiple times and have loved it equally each time. The burger is a beautiful mess. Make sure you get it with a fried egg so you can enjoy the gooey runny goodness. Trust me, you won't regret it. I'm drooling as I am typing this review. God bless America. read more

Duke's Grocery - Proper burger with egg and Mac & cheese - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Had heard about Duke's through multiple people raving about the burgers here (especially if you eat halal). They definitely lived up to the hype, as did the starters. We ordered the Truffle Mac & Cheese and the Elote Corn, both of which were delicious and probably my favorite part of the meal. I ordered the Proper Burger with avocado as well, and it was delicious, yet pretty large, and I definitely indulged on the starters. As it's a pretty popular spot, we went at a bit of an off time so there was little to no wait. It had a cozy vibe, and nice outdoor seating - I definitely recommend Duke's to any friends visiting DC. read more

Duke's Grocery - Truffle Mac & Cheese , Local Corn 'Elote Locos' - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Brunch: Brunchie Burger was delicious but didn't feel especially like brunch food. However, if it was out of the context of brunch I think I would have enjoyed it more. Lunch: All the sandwiches we got were delicious and it was one of the best versions of a BLT that I've had. The mac and cheese was one of my favorites and the pickled side trio was a pleasant surprise. read more

Duke's Grocery - Posh B.L.T.A. - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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fresh off the red eye, the first thing we did was look for somewhere to eat close to our airbnb. the dupont circle neighborhood is filled w a diverse array of restaurants, but this casual pub stuck out to us. i would consider myself a BLT connoisseur it's pretty much my default sandwhich and im happy to report tht this one is definitely up there on my list. my bf got the wagyu burger and it was one of the juiciest, most flavorful burgers we've ever eaten. we felt like garbage from the flight but if it were any other day, we would've taken full advantage of their 12-7pm happy hour xD read more

Duke's Grocery - Wagyu Burger, Posh B.L.T.A. (ig @fanaticdiner) - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A burger connoisseur, it's both my mission and passion to find the best burgers life has to offer. I like them with cheese, I like them without. I like them with mushrooms, but also with a fried egg, every style of mustard known to man, and bacon. Have I tried a burger with doughnuts for buns? Yes. Have I woken up in the middle of the night, having been awoken by an insatiable craving for a Five guys burger? Also yes. Armed with this knowledge, it should be no surprise to you that I'd been eyeing Duke's Grocery for months in order to see whether the Proper burger merited the title of "Best Burger of D.C." that often accompanied its name on blogs and articles. So what did I do? I marched on over to Duke's, located conveniently near my humble abode, and prepared myself for the allegedly best burger of D.C. The night my mouth reunited with this burger, Duke's was slammed with people. I had briefly been once before and had no time getting sat at a cute table on the second floor. This time however, the tiny establishment had a huge party to tend to, so we were forced to go to the bar that packed us like sardines. Half a Bee's Knees later, we were finally sat at a table. As for what we ate: The Proper Burger Ah, the Proper Burger. Was it good? Yes. Is it in the race for the best burger of DC? Maybe. Have I had better burgers? Also yes. I enjoyed the burger, but knew that my quest to find the world's best burger will continue (darn). The East Side Brisket Sandwich The belle of the ball. The star of the show. The sandwich came on perfectly pressed sourdough bread, with cheese and caramelized onions oozing out of it. I had never been drawn to brisket as I was on this fateful night. Every bite was delicious and left me green with envy at not having been the one to order this sandwich. Truffle Mac and Cheese The mac and cheese could have used a little more truffle or maybe a sprinkle of Old Bay to give it a kick, but hey, pasta noodles smothered in cheese is never a bad idea. Would I come back? Yes. But next time I will definitely be coming back for the Brisket sandwich, which has captivated my heart for the rest of the week. read more

For starters, I would say the only reason I would go back here would be if all the surrounding areas were closed. The hostess was so rude I wanted to walk out before my friends arrived. They don't give you an estimate for when a table would be ready and didn't allow us to sit before we all stood together even though our whole party was present. The food was over priced and very subpar. The inside is cute but it's so unbearably loud you have to scream to the person right next to you in order to hear anything. Definitely not returning here... read more

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Wowza! I've heard through the grapevine how good Duke's Grocery was, however procrastinated to trying it until recently... Let me tell you, this is the best burger I've had in my life and I've had a few burgers here and there *points at my bulging stomach*. There's only two options to cook the burger (medium rare, or well done), which is great because that reduces decision anxiety, which nobody got time for that. The burger is called the "Proper Burger", which is kind of true. However I think it should be renamed to the "Proper... Burger". When the burger is brought out, it looks proper, however at the end of your meal, all that is left is a plate of beef juice and a primed face craving for another one. DJ Khaled would be proud. This is also one of the few places that sell the Lucky Buddha beer! I was so happy when I saw this on the menu and even happier when it came out to me with it's buddha bottle greatness. I was afraid that Duke's would have the decor of a run down fast food burger joint, however I was delighted to see that it is actually pretty upscale and gives off a hipstery vibe. There's benches outside which is great for spring/summer/fall dining. I definitely plan to come back when its not below freezing outside. IMO, although you should only come here for the burger, there are other options on the menu that look pretty good. My workout buddy got the BLT and man I drooled at that presentation as well and I'm not even a bacon fan! Prepare your belly shopping cart because it's going to be good haul at the grocery. read more

Duke's Grocery - Dukes Burger - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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After a few more visits, I thought I would update on the food options here: Avocado Toast - I eat avocado toast for lunch pretty much every single day but Duke's egg topped version is a true winner. Vietnamese Fried Rice - For the record, this does not taste anything like my Vietnamese dad's famous fried rice but I'll be writing in some suggestions to his recipe after this. Chile, Cilantro, Scallions, Peanuts...and other delicious goodness await you. You get a HUGE bowl for $8 which is a steal. Salmie/Sammie/Something - I can't remember the name of this type of sandwich but basically it's a sourdough pork sandwich with the option to add a fried egg, avocado, and locally grown tomato on top. We chose to add all of them on top. This sandwich is HUMONGOUS so best share with a friend...or pack up half and then eat the rest at home in private shame twenty minutes later. read more

Man was this a freakin' treat! Buckle up for this review, 'cause I want to tell you about one of my new favorite places in the area and I won't leave one word unturned. So- finding this. I refer to this street as the gay street. That might just be my ignorance of Dupont but I've been on this street before for gay bars JR's and Cobalt and I believe there are other gay owned establishments on this street. It's a little hard to find - and this is one of my small points for improvement. There's not really a sign on the building, But- be glad you came on to Yelp...: it's this cute little blue row house in between CVS and JR's. They have this little ranch-style sign chalkboard thing that sits on their patio. Look for that B. Let's get to the offerings... or should we get to the decor... or the owner! Ok, let's start with decor. Minimal modern decor. Great reclaimed wood, fantastic amount of Edison bulbs, a little grocery area where they sell seasonal produce at affordable prices. Go upstairs to find cute tables made out of old cast iron sewing machine legs! Totes adorbs! It's like they consulted me on the design without consulting me on the design. Of course in my design you would see a lot more old stereo equipment cause that's what I hoard, but this is not about me. A wonderful table in the front bay window nook with a couple of wing chairs at a table is delightful. Food: Crazy Good!!! (Small Plate) Pickled beets and burrata: amazing! Freshly roasted beats with creamy burrata and fresh grated lemon zest. One suggestion, I would take out the cloves and peppercorns so you don't have to pick around them. I almost mistook one of the peppercorns for a caper. The flavors on this are ON POINT! Simple delicious elegance. (Small Plate) Macaroni and cheese: This easily makes my top 3 mac and cheeses I've ever eaten. I mean... man. Gotta have a cigarette after this one. This is one of those that you don't leave one noodle in the miniature cast iron pan. Our wonderful waiter (Evan) came over and humored us while we scraped the pan before we gave it to him. I almost walked down to the kitchen to borrow a spatula. (Small... pretty big Plate) Pork Belly Rillete: Delicious! Especially with the paired pickled jicama? daikon? and mustard seeds. I just love it! The plate was hearty as well! My Banh Mi: Wasn't aware that chopped liver came on a traditional banh mi, for MI this was a happy surprise. I'm Jewish, you can pretty much put chopped liver on anything and I'm a happy camper. But especially when you pair it with pork belly, cilantro, and all the banh mi fixings, it went really perfectly. I need to read the menu a little more carefully next time though- a little too much siracha for my liking, but I was easily able to scrape this off and it was the perfect temp for me. The owner: one of the most charming people I've ever met. I mean, SO FREAKIN' CHARMING! There is no doubt with this strong customer service that he is bound to do well, then when you pair it with the criminally delicious food, you got a restaurant that is made to last. This also could be the perfect spot for this in Dupont. Prices: Very reasonable! For the small plates that we had - the first three menu items I described- not only were they good size servings for small plates- but they were each around 7 dollars and worth EVERY single penny and more. It's also prices like this that will keep people coming back. An affordable place to get high end lunch in DC- Heeeeyyyyy. Even the banh mi was 12.50 for this extra large sandwich and side salad of freshly dressed arugala. The banh mi could have easily fed two ( or one Mike B.) Not to forget their thai iced tea lite version of the popular favorite. Delicious and free refills. The server was also fantastic and was extra accommodating and helpful. I can't wait to go back and try more on their menu. If you want to grab lunch in DC let me know! So Solid read more

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Great service and great pho! Hope the pop-up lasts a while. Sweet potato fries were also large, plentiful, and perfectly crispy accompanied by a strong mustard/horseradish sauce. read more

Duke's Grocery - Sweet potato fries - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've lived across from Dukes since it opened and have The Copley, a co-op across the street my home since 1995. I've met the owner and have spoken about the development of his business and am thrilled he's managed to keep his establishments open. I returned home last week and went to Dukes and was surprised by the service. There wasn't any. I waited 30 minutes at a table and after being approached I said the only way I could order food was through Doordash (phone/credit card stolen). I ordered and the hostess managed my request but I had to go back to my place to submit the order. Then Dukes claimed they didn't get the order or payment. It took me 1.5 hours and the meal came cold. I left it and my drink and gave the hostess $20 in cash. I saw the management staff and knew it wasn't the young women's fault. Wagu Wednesday arrived and same issue unfolded. Got my meal and told the same young women I would be back to pay $20 (my meal was paid for but a glass of Rose wasn't). Got some cash at home and returned a few times to find the young hostess and she was gone so I left it was the management. Mother's Day/Groundhog Day and my mistake. Not sure why I attempted. Began ordering at 2:00pm so I could catch the tail end of brunch without a crowd. Ordered and got confirmation at 2:30pm and went over. Didn't get attention until 2:50pm when I stopped another hostess and asked her to ensure my meal was fresh and said I paid for one mimosa but I would like to sit for some time and would meet someone - I'd like a pitcher. Management came over 20 minutes later and said I didn't return on Wednesday to pay $20, which isn't accurate. I had left my phone and notebook at Dukes on Wednesday for collateral and when I returned given the phone; forgot the notebook. They didn't believe me so I went back home and got my checkbook and showed my entire meal had been paid by DoorDash. Didn't work. Was humiliated because the young man wouldn't leave my table for 20 minutes, stood over me, wasn't wearing a mask or sleeves and was suffering from a cold or allergies (rubbing eyes/nose). I left with just my food, which was in three plastic containers. Potato drenched with oil, bacon overcooked and couldn't stomach the charred burger. I showed it to the young man and he said it wasn't his problem and I should order before 3:00pm (I pointed out the time I ordered but left humiliated). I can't return without an apology. I'm over 50 and was treated like a child. I work with a Nobel Peace Prize winner and spent over 35 years in East Africa. To see how their wait staff is treated as opposed to management is hard on my soul. And I really wish our local establishments would stop using plastic. It's so easy to get cardboard (no, it's not more expensive). it would also help to address the electrical issues. Even in my own building there are some but we don't require the fire brigade to frequently address it. The noise really bothers us here and the adjacent building. We understand that things are getting up and running after Covid; however, I met a 21 year old host at a four star establishment and he got a signing bonus and is salaried. The experienced waitstaff left that place and many others during Covid. It would be nice to recognize the labor that stayed loyal. Peace read more

Great burger. I am glad I finally made the trek to try out Duke's I came on a midday during the week. I appreciate how they had heated tents if you wanted to eat outside. Menu is limited but that is not a flaw but rather a great concept. I will admit, I was expecting to see fries on the menu and that doesn't exist. I had the Waygu burger and it was everything. So many great flavors. I also ordered the Mac and cheese. I did. It have room for both, so much food. Parking would probably suck, so consider Uber. read more

Duke's Grocery - Waygu burger - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Love Duke's!! This place is super charming, not too big, but has 2 levels and a heated patio, and the decor is super unique. It's always pretty packed when I go, so to be safe it might be smart to make a reservation but I was able to get a table inside without one around 6pm on a Saturday. Their menu isn't the biggest, but they are all such solid options. Got the truffle mac and cheese which was SO good - super cheesy, but good cheese to noodle ratio, and the east side brisket sandwich was pretty good. But the proper burger was one of the best burgers I've had, super juicy and flavorful, and the elote corn was also one of my favorites! Highly recommend!! read more

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