Duke's — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

From the time it opened in 2015, Duke's has been a staple of the East Nashville community. There is always a fun and eclectic mix of tunes playing, the atmosphere is laidback, safe, and inclusive, and they welcome friends and friendly strangers alike. The drinks and sandwiches are reasonably priced, and their deli is open late (though their hours have been fluctuating with pandemic mandates).

They've continued to adjust and grow during the pandemic, adding curbside pickup, a small, socially-distanced patio with umbrellas/heaters depending on the season, and table service to encourage distancing. It seems like a lot to keep up with as a small business with decreased capacity, I'm glad they keep finding ways to grow. They also find ways to support the larger Nashville community, and are often collecting funds or goods to donate to different causes.

As both a former employee and current regular, I can say they are a caring bunch, and the many familiar faces both in front of and behind the bar are proof that Duke's are good to their customers...

Rating them 3 stars (edited to 2 stars based on the tone deaf response from the owner) based on reputation alone. Would have loved to have had a drink here, but the door person refused to accept a legal, temporary ID issued by the state, so they lost our business tonight. Hopefully they re-evaluate this stupid policy. If the ID is state-issued, then it is LEGAL. Period.

Response to reply from owner: Let me get this straight. You want me to contact THE STATE about your private business not accepting a temporary ID issued by THE STATE we are physically in. Why would they issue this ID for use if they didn't intend for it to be used in the interim while we wait for the permanent card? You're just passing the buck instead of owning up to your terrible door policy. Instead, our money will go to your neighbors who accepted this ID as the legal document that it is.

Wishing you all the best in the new year. Bless your heart!

Note: If you have a temporary ID, DO NOT GO...

This is not a place that I would recommend to anyone. I always try to find the good in places, but this was my first and last time coming here. The bartender was very rude and told my partner his drink order was too complicated - then took a sip from his cup before serving it to him. After trying to place a second order of drinks on our tab, she refused to serve us, saying that she would not be pouring anything unless she was tipped well. No one in our group was intoxicated, belligerent, or rude in any way to any of the staff there, yet she threw the tip we gave her back at us and threatened to kick us out. The southern charm of Nashville is truly lost and all we are left with are entitled people with no manners or sense of...