Duke's Counter — Restaurant in Washington

Experience: (overall average, if sub par)

We choose dukes (4 of us) for lunch before going to the zoo across the street (Zoo is free and almost directly across.) We were sat quickly and greeted after about five minutes with water (which was gross tap water). The problems started when we ordered and asked to change the bread on the BLT, the answer was a brash “no substitutions” (which we found printed microscopically at the bottom of the menu later). Now, being in the industry, I found that brash answer uncalled for which led me to think either the chef was either “proud”, the kitchen had bad management or it didn’t have staff/time to have a food expediter. Regardless, a menu with modifiers should produce quick & fresh food, but that did not happen either. We eventually got our food, which seemed like a longer than normal wait, (especially since the menu has “no substitutions” as mentioned earlier). We ordered a plate of fries for the table which were barely even warm and borderline room temperature, not fresh or crunchy at all; also mostly small bits and pieces. My brisket not something to savor, I would not order ever again. The proper burger was very good (they only allow medium rare or well done “due to the quality of the meet” which is to question.) The BLT was good too, loads of bacon. The Tuna melt was just “okay” as it was cut in half and both end halves were missing any tuna at all and instead became a sourdough and cucumber slice sandwich. The sever was just average, he had the entire open floor and had too many tables to touch, he missed ours many times. That room needs two no matter how good they are. If there was two, then he can easily do better.

Notes: Menu is online, though out of date according to what I had viewed today. Happy hour times are long and beer selection is okay with ability to order their drafts in 9 or 16-ounce sizes. It can get cramped but there is a bar.

Also, I’m not sure why any place parades their toilet paper in the eyes of the public but having 50+ TP rolls surrounding you on the pipes of the bathroom is not appealing and I question whomever thought it was a good idea to do that. Buy a cabinet or display, on a...

Duke's counter was amazing!

I went there with my daughters after our annual trip to the national Zoo. We've been doing this trip every summer since my daughter's were very little. This was our second time at Duke's.

The host staff at Duke's counter were very attentive to the needs of their patrons.They were taking care of a couple ahead of us with a small child and preparing for them a table, first inside and then later, outside. To Duke's credit, they were kindly looking out for the comfort of this small family, so we just decided to sit at the bar, as my daughters are now grown adults and can do so.

Our host, bartender, and server, Brandon was most accommodating. Brandon is the type of person who makes you feel good about yourself, and makes you feel good about your time together and then you're even slightly disappointed when that time together has ended. Brandon is someone who really understands the idea of hospitality, generosity and excellence through service to others. He was welcoming and attentive, of good humor, and really enjoyed being with his guests at the bar.

And it wasn't just us. It was all of the patrons seated there, whether they were regulars or first time diners. Brandon, as well as all of the staff at Duke's Counter really enhanced our dining experience.

We had expertly made beverages while we waited for our small plates that we shared. The pickle pot was quite delightful and perfectly portioned for the three of us. Our personal favorite was the street corn salad with crema. And again, the portions were perfect for the three of us. Finally, we had the pork wings which were definitely spicy. If you're not a fan of hot spice, I believe you can order the wings plain.

I think the pricing of the food and drinks was quite fair for a post pandemic DC restaurant. I feel it was a good value, especially with how much we enjoyed ourselves.

Our time at Duke's counter was truly delightful. Yes, we were mildly disappointed that it had to end. But that just makes it more special upon our return. Which we will...

Swamp Water

Me, my pregnant wife, and my 2-year old decided to eat at Duke's Counter after a grueling couple of hours at the zoo today. Our feet were aching, we'd been through innumerable bottles of water, had eaten snacks but missed breakfast that morning, and were looking forward to a good meal. Duke's Counter seemed a good choice since we'd had pleasant experiences at its counterpart - Duke's Corner - some time prior. Immediately after we were seated, the first thing we noticed was the table was sticky with residue from many past meals. My wife dismissed it as a problem specific to the type of wood used in its construction and not necessarily the hygiene/sanitation standards maintained at the restaurant. I figured if it was good enough for the pregnant lady, it was good enough for me. We were served water and my wife proceeded to drink several glasses in huge gulps - she was extremely thirsty from walking around in 80 degree weather with her enormous belly, so I wanted her to get her fill before I did. As she was pouring out a final glass, a large, straggly, black substance plopped into her glass. It was mold. Horrified, she peered into the empty bottle then quietly passed it to me. The entire bottom and the lower circumference were covered with a layer of mold. One of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. We couldn't have known because the bottle we were served with was opaque. We immediately alerted the owner/manager, who happened to be a couple of feet away. After a mumbled apology, he took the moldy water away and returned with more water...in the same type of opaque bottle. Needless to say, there was no way in hell we were taking another sip. We asked a waiter how such a thing could possibly have happened if proper cleaning protocols were being observed, and he responded that he was at a loss, but it was indeed an isolated incident. Suffice to say, we didn't believe him and got the hell out of there. Several hours later and I'm...