Duke Of Perth — Restaurant in Lake View Township

I arrived at the Duke a little tipsy as I had already visited Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern as the two bars were matching up in the Chicago Bar Bracket - an NCAA style bracket to find the best bar in Chicago.

The staff at the Duke (specifically Maggie & Mike) made me immediately feel at ease and welcome, which I feel is worth something even if the booze in my belly may have made me feel welcome almost anywhere.

The overall ambiance of the bar was great. The bar was dimly light to the point where you could still see everything and everyone clearly, but dark enough for you to take refuge and imbibe with enjoyment.

The Duke perfectly pulled of the classic pub look, and unlike some other British pubs it did so without any tack but kept up a refined but approachable vibe.

In addition to it’s great service and awesome Scotch selection (this bar may have turned me into a Scotch drinker), the bar also comes packed with a group of very approachable and enjoyable regulars. They felt like a welcoming family I never knew I had, and may be responsible for my recent appreciation of Scotch.

Also, as one 25 year veteran regular, Jamie W. pointed out, there are no T.V.’s in this bar, creating a perfect place to master the age old art of bar conversation.

In addition to the Scotch selection the bar also boasted a smaller, but delicious selection of brews you don’t commonly find at other bars. I also heard word about a delicious gin Bloody Mary that Mike the bartender has mastered - something I’ll probably have to make a return trip for.

The food was superb, and even my friend who doesn’t like fish managed to enjoy half a plate of their fish & chips before remembering he doesn’t like fish. Everything also seemed to come with an ungodly amount of peas - not necessarily a bad thing, just a lot of peas.

Overall this was a pretty clear choice as the better bar compared to Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in the Chicago Bar Bracket. Atmosphere, drinks, people and food were all knockouts and I’m excited to make a return trip and think it may have some staying power in the bracket to find the best...

We just love this place! As the only Scottish bar in Chicagoland, it’s a wonderful place to come in a kilt, have some scotch whisky, and some fish & chips (all you can eat on Wednesday and Friday!).

It would be five stars all around, IF (and I will upgrade it if these improve): 1. it also had a little better control over the temperature inside, which got quite hot on the grand opening day. And 2. if they had atmospheric Scottish/Celtic music playing in the background when there is no live music. Many of us go to experience the unique atmosphere this place can provide. Music would help with that. That said, they do have live music weekly. It is often accompanied by traditional dance. And it is SO FUN!

And finally, the food is fabulous! The fish & chips are delicious! But for improvement, 3. I would love to see more traditional, Scottish items on the menu and their vegetarian alternatives for them. For example, in Scotland, you can often get bangers and mash or haggis as a traditional meat or with a Plant-based alternative. So there is a way to do traditional Scottish food and satisfy people, like me, who are mostly vegetarian.

You will often find that the “Chicago Scots” are hanging out here or hosting events here. So if you’re part of that group, as I am, this can be a real community building place.

Go to this place! It is a real gem for those with Scottish descent and their loved ones.

Update! They started playing a Highland playlist music! It’s still not quite loud enough to hear, but credit! Temperature is still hot, but they are definitely trying to make it the best they can make it! And this...

UNBELIEVABLE FOOD !!!! I have been to all parts of the country and world for that matter, I could not believe what we found in Chicago..I first stumbled on to "The Duke" in the summer on a bike trip going thought town, I got a quick bite for lunch and was fantastic, but only got a burger. and remember the portions were huge !, Then my spouse and a few friends went back for the Friday Fish fry and OMG OMG OMG , Literally the best and largest fish on the planet... I went and got the Bangers and Mash and this is my always order entree The feeling and atmosphere is as old Scotland as you will find, I have spoken with the owner and all the recipes are his Moms...and are well worth the trip, I am 72 miles away, we go 2 times a month. Ladies and Gents, Anyone looking for that old time feeling of a family cooked massive portion meal. Make time and bring a friend to THE DUKE !! Update as of their new location, certainly worth our trip, the new location is so cozy and a bit larger than the other one so you're not too cramped but the decor and friendliness of staff is off...