Duke's Grocery

DUKES! 🐕

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The burger was great, I recommend it, but the salad not so much

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I checked out Duke's Grocery with my friend and I loved it! Their english breakfast was better than the one I had in England Haha-Staff was kind and chill-Would love to go back soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best french fries ever

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hamburger

Every once in a while, there's an establishment that has an identity of its own. Duke's identity is its simplicity. The menu is straightforward and limited. No fancy footwork. Predictably wholesome, quality food that tastes like the best Hollywood action movies - satisfying yet not overly cerebral, and almost always forgettable - and I mean that in the best way. You don't find yourself wondering how they made it taste like that. It tastes like it should, and that's the beauty of it. The service is almost always well above the admittedly low bar set by DC. The fries are exceptionally good - and yet they taste exactly like fries.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I had the seared ribeye sandwich. It was not good. The bread was not good. It was later I the day. I asked for a side salad and I got a handful of arugula two thin sliced carrots and radish. The days of a side salad is over I guess. The wife had the BLTA and side of tomato soup. She loved it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Great place! Burger was good as was the Fish & Chips

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything was great, the food was delicious, atmosphere was great, everyone was kind and patient, the food got served fast. Proper burger is the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Duke’s Grocery is a DC favorite known especially for their burgers.
They’re an English-style pub known for having one of the best burgers in the city.

Even though I’ve been to Western Market several times recently, this was my first visit to Duke’s Grocery. I came specifically to experience their holiday pop-up, part of Duke’s Destination Dreamland series, which runs through the first week of January 2026.

Each of the five Duke’s Grocery locations is hosting a different holiday theme. Since this is my year of Wonderland, I had to visit the Alice in Wonderland–themed pop-up at the Western Market location in Foggy Bottom.

The space was decorated throughout with Alice in Wonderland characters, and there’s a themed cocktail menu with playful, story-inspired drinks. I sat at the bar and ordered a burger and a cocktail, which arrived in a red heart-shaped champagne flute, which was a fun, unexpected detail.

There are a few photo moments scattered around the space. It was busy, but it didn’t feel overwhelming, even with a private holiday party happening at the same time.

The vibe was casual and festive without being over the top. Not a spectacle — just a cozy, themed pub experience that still feels like a neighborhood spot.

As for the food: the burger comes in just two prepared styles. I ordered mine medium-well, and it was solid. The fries were good, too. Simple, satisfying, and I can absolutely see why people love it.

Pro tip: Visit all five Duke’s Grocery holiday pop-ups, get your passport stamped at each location, and you’ll receive a special invite to an event in January 2026.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place is fun and the food is fantastic! The burger was so juicy and tasty, and the fries are excellent and perfectly crispy. I went for lunch and they were super quick. But all of that is surpassed by the service. From the host’s first greeting to my amazing waitress and her personal recommendations (both food and things to do in the city), the staff at the Foggy Bottom location is incredibly friendly and attentive. (Side note: the crème brûlée is one of the best I’ve had at a restaurant!)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I hadn't been for a long time and went to the branch in Western Market. It was great, Fish and Chips was like in London, the atmosphere is always good anyway and I definitely recommend their burgers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is ok, if salty and a bit lacking in flavor. But the service is very spotty and gets rude at times. But the real issue is the atmosphere is so hit or miss it ruins the experience. Sometimes they have the TVs full blast. Commercials screaming in your ear, etc ruins the vibes. Food isn’t nearly good enough to put up with that.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 2

Staff is extremely rude and hostile. Especially manager wearing hat. No manners or respect

Solid visit for a burger and great happy hour deals. We went for dinner and the burgers were great, truffle Mac was excellent, and the bread pudding was lovely. Service was good, drinks were cheap, and atmosphere seemed dive bar meets knights of the round table with a few other oddities. I’d say, stop in if you’re looking for brunch, a burger, or great drink specials.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Proper Burger and Fries

Great food, and always a drink special. The proper burger is the best burger in the city (tho I get the vegetarian alternative).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5