Duke's Grocery

Our server MJ was the absolute best! She was able to answer our questions about the menu and recommended their Proper Burger as it was rated the best burger the past 10years on the Washingtonian and it did not disappoint! She also recommended the sticky toffee bread pudding with ice cream and it was delicious! Bread pudding was thick but the ice cream helped with it! Would definitely come back again!

The restaurant was very busy. We did not have reservations, but happily sat at the bar. Service is 5 stars! Our bartender/ server was excellent- very friendly and anticipated our needs. Food- truly just meh. Everything we ordered had no flavor. Coconut green curry mussels- tasted like they were just steamed in water. Not a hint of coconut or curry in the broth. I would not reorder. The Proper Burger also has no flavor. The meat, cheese, bun all tased the same. The only thing that helped the burger along were the pickles and the slight hint of aioli. I’m sad that this is what they are known for. I would not reorder. Brisket sandwich- brisket meat was dry. The sauerkraut and pickles were the only good thing about it. My son only ate half and didn’t want the rest. Would not reorder. The fries (sweet potato and regular) were delicious. The best part of the meal. Note: sandwiches are à la carte. Womp womp! I’m being generous with 3 stars since they are new, but I’m not sure if I’m willing to come back.

Ah, brunch at Duke’s Grocery in Potomac. You know, there are moments in life, fleeting and unassuming, that unfold with a level of elegance so rare, one must simply pause, lean back in a well-worn leather booth, and savor the scene. This, my friend, was one of those moments. 🚙 Navigating the winding roads of Potomac’s leafy corridors, one might assume you’re heading to an undisclosed rendezvous, not a brunch spot. But tucked just beyond the bends is Duke’s Grocery, a place that doesn’t demand attention, it earns it, quietly and irrevocably. 🍽️From the moment I stepped inside, I felt the deliberate hush of a sanctuary. Dark wood-paneled walls, subtle lighting, the kind of atmosphere that whispers, “You’re safe here. Let us feed you.” And feed us they did, with precision and grace. 👧 Emily, our server, who greeted us not with the tired cheer of the typical brunch host but with a warmth that felt lived-in, earned, was a marvel. Not overbearing, not aloof. Just present. And in a world bursting with artifice, that’s rarer than a truffle in April. 🍔 Now, let’s talk about the Duke’s Wagyu burger. A revelation in restraint and richness. The kind of dish that doesn’t shout, it seduces. Each bite was a passport stamp in a decadent journey, a subtle nod to craft, patience, and a cook who cares. 🍔 Along with it, also came the Proper burger. Oh, dear. Medium rear, layered with arugula, pickle, onion, and that spicy dipping sauce for the sweet potato fries? _Exquisite._ It didn’t just elevate the burger; it elevated the conversation around burgers. One wonders, with a sigh and a sip of something chilled, why other establishments haven’t followed suit. 🕖 Service was uncanny, almost as if the kitchen anticipated our desires before we voiced them. The food arrived swiftly, as if it had been waiting just for us. That, my friend, is orchestration. In the end, Duke’s Grocery isn’t merely the best brunch in town. It’s a message: that craftsmanship still matters, that flavors should tell stories, and that a winding road through Potomac is, occasionally, the start of something wonderful. Highly recommended. Not because it’s trendy. But because it’s true. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very busy on a Thursday night. Food is great. Service could be a little better but overall solid experience and good neighborhood spot. The burger is the go to! Also got the chicken Milanese which was decent.

Came here for brunch on a Saturday without a reservation and was pleasantly surprised to find a few open seats at the bar. The service was quick, and the food came out fast and hot. I ordered the English breakfast and absolutely loved it—everything was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. Pro tip: ask for HP Sauce and Sriracha on the side—it takes the dish to the next level!

We went here because Washingtonian said it was one of the best burgers in the DC area. The burger didn't taste so much like a burger as it did like bum cheeks. You only have two choices for how the burger is cooked. The burger upset my stomach when I got home later that night. My dinner companion ordered the Salmon with jasmine rice. The rice was not cooked properly, and was still hard. The Salmon was requested without sesame seed but it had sesame seeds on it anyway. More importantly, the food was not worthy of a Washingtonian plug, perhaps this is better suited for a bus station, or gas station. But most gas stations have better food. Maybe one of the other Duke's locations was what the Washingtonian best burger was referring to. Definitely not on this location. Please order something else here. Otherwise, you might as well get something from another burger joint.

A hidden British place in the middle of Potomac Must try. Drinks are good and sandwiches as well. All food is serve medium well and well done. Some local beer, too.

I can’t say enough good things about the new Duke’s Grocery location in Potomac, MD! From the moment we walked in, the warm, welcoming vibe made it clear this was going to be a new family favorite. The space is bright and stylish with a laid-back charm that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or casual dinner with kids in tow. What truly stood out was how family-friendly the entire experience was — the staff was accommodating, the menu had great options for everyone (even picky eaters), and there was a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that made us feel right at home. But let’s talk about the food. Hands down, this was the best burger and fries I’ve ever had — juicy, perfectly seasoned, with crispy fries that hit the spot. Every bite was just wow. It’s the kind of meal you think about for days after. Whether you’re local or just passing through, Duke’s Grocery in Potomac is a must-visit. Come hungry, bring the family, and don’t skip the burger. Trust me, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave the table.

Great burgers, cooked exactly how we like them! Delicious! Great service, too. Lively atmosphere on the bar side & a quieter room to just enjoy conversations without raising your voice. Great front patio, too.

(4.15) ~ Very good overall food & service. Note: It's in the shopping center near the Starbucks MENU: ** Proper Burger (added runny egg & avocado) = (4.25) Very tasty ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) ** French Fries = (4) very good ** Sticky Toffee Pudding = (4) very good & shareable

This is a nice little spot in Potomac. The service was good and the atmosphere was really chill. The food was good but could have been a little better. I didn't even have time to take a picture of their Wagyu burger cause it was so delicious! Highly recommend. Now for drinks I had the berry bourbon cocktail. It was alright, I feel like it needed more flavor. On the other hand their tequila cocktail was very good. The onion dip on the menu... needs to go. I was expecting a hot onion dip with maybe some bread or FRESH chips. But instead it was a cold sour cream base dip with salt and vinegar chips from a literal bag... When it arrived at the table no lie we all stared at it and couldn't believe it. Their calamari were really good! Their Ribeye sandwich was kinda mid too. It was like an underwhelming cheese steak. Also if you get a side of fries its about $6 more. Cause you don't get a side. Anyways, enjoy the burgers! They're worth every penny!

Lovely shaded tables to eat outside. They provided friendly, fast service and even brought a bowl of water for our dog. Burger was good. Shakshuka was also good. Excited for another reasonably priced quick bite and beer option.

Had an amazing meal with my whole family. Ages 10 months to 70 years old enjoyed the food and atmosphere

I've eaten here 2x in the past month. The first time I ordered the Waygu burger. It was underwhelming to say the least. Literally a small patty on a roll with bacon jam for $17 (no fries included). The second time I went back I ordered the salmon. It wasn't bad but I felt it was overcooked and lacking in flavor. Unfortunately, two other people in my party ordered the Waygu burger and walked away from dinner hungry. If you are charging $17 for a burger, it had better be delicious and filling. The next day we went to a bbq at a friend's house and their homemade burger was 10x better than Duke's. The service was great but with the food being so underwhelming (portion and taste) I doubt we'll be back any time soon. I understand the DC outpost is much better.

First time at Duke's since opening recently. Great burger, fries, and beer. Prices are cheaper than the old restaurant at this location. Great service from bartender Josh too. Will definitely be back.

Dropped by the newly opened Duke's in Potomac for lunch. We are quite happy with the food and service. Our party of 5 ordered fish and chips, Proper Burger, Wagyu burger and Cubano sandwich. The fish and chips came with two sizable properly crispy fish filets. Really enough to be shared. The burgers were good too. For beverages we had nonalcoholic drinks, beer and Bloody Mary. The non alcoholic Ginger Fizzy was nicely spicy. We all felt the food were slightly under seasoned but still good quality and quantity. It's a really good lunch spot. Will need to come back to try their dinner offerings. Plenty of parking and in a family friendly neighborhood. Inside is decorated casually like an English pub. Acoustic needs a bit of improvement though.

The review is actually for 3 1/2 stars, but it seems like it could be rounded up to four because of all of the elements combined. So, the service is really good, and we appreciated the candor of our server, but the food felt extremely basic. Burger, check. Sweet potato fries, check. Salad, check. The corn side dish was truly a full skillet of corn, which seems a little wild because who is actually eating that much corn? The cocktails were good, we had the bourbon based cocktail, and some wine. As I mentioned, our server was phenomenal, and kept refilling our water glasses. They also let us stay well past closing, because we were so engrossed in our conversation, which is definitely a sign of good customer service, albeit a bit of selfishness on our part. I think I need to go again to have a full on meal, but it's not a terrible choice.

Went on A Friday for lunch. Place was busy. Had the wagyu burger which was very tasty. Service was ok. Felt like our server wasn't very well trained, Overall positive experience and would go back

Great food and service. Little pricey. Has a large bar and booths. Separate room for large parties.

We came here for dinner and immediately loved the vibe of the place, they really did a great job renovating! What a difference from Lock72. Service was good and relaxed, our waitress was great and explained to us about happy hour and a menu. We ordered proper burger, steak and cheese and cubano. Food was very tasty and came out on time even though the restaurant was full. So happy that it opened in Potomac such a fun place Can't wait to go there for brunch.

I wanted to review Duke's Grocery since this casual bar opened at the beginning of April, 2025. This Duke's is located in Potomac, a very small but affluent city in Montgomery County, MD. Duke's Grocery is inspired in the pubs of UK and Ireland. The decoration is simple, with wood tables and chairs, low ceilings and lots of pictures hanging in the walls. The bar takes center stage with barstools and small tables around it, and a separate area for table top dining. This restaurant/bar has been opened only a few days, so they are still getting the service aligned well. I sat at the bar, and asked for the menu. The bartender told me that it was a limited menu, which it was. A few appetizers, one burger, four or five different sandwiches, and two entrées (fish and chips was one of them). The drinks menu was also limited, with one a few beers on tap and wines by the glass. I am not a beer drinker and was not familiar with the available beers on tap, so I ordered a glass of Italian white wine, which was dry, fruity and delicious, and served at the right temperature. I didn't want to order a burger, so I ordered a bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado (BLTA) and a side order of fries. The sandwich was served in toasted chiabatta bread. The American-style bacon (no pretense we were in the UK, where "bacon" is more like what the North Americans call "Canadian bacon") was crispy. I didn't finish my sandwich, though. The avocado in the sandwich seemed to be very similar to store-bought guacamole (I was assured that it was "home made"), and had a funny taste, like that of avocados mashed and left a couple of days in the refrigerator. The fries, which were like those offered in many restaurants, were coated with potato/corn starch were freshly made and hot, and were fine. I believe that Duke's other venues have a great reputation and excellent reviews. I hope that, with time, this version will be able to offer excellent food and service, also.

Place is really loud and very cold. It's crowded as it's the only place to sit down and eat/drink in Potomac. Not worth the drive if you don't live here. Food was fair. We had the mussels which lacked flavor as the coconut curry sauce was pretty think and low. Half dozen wings were big and just your average wings. Lastly the cubano chicken sandwich sounded like a good idea. Once again flavor was lacking a bit and the torta bread is just too thick for this sandwich. Ate dry. Wanted to love this place but one and done is all they will get from us.

We were excited to have a British pub style place in Potomac and stopped in for lunch. The proper burger, wagyu burger, fries, and side salads were all great. Everyone was friendly and things went smoothly. It's a little pricey for burgers & fries, but otherwise top-notch. Great addition to the area. We'll be back!

I've been to the Duke's Grocery in Foggy Bottom before. I figured it would be at least decent. I got there for happy hour, but the happy hour specials were laughably narrow. One on tap beer and one bottle? Minimal food options. Not off to a good start. Ordered fish and chips. Quality of the fish was good. Fries were good. Mashed peas were a joke with a tiny thimble of peas. For the price, I would have liked more. In the end even using their "happy hour" single beer, I spent $40+ for two beers and fish n' chips. Quality was overall good, but it was far from satisfying. Environment was pleasant enough. I cannot say I am eager to go back.

Overall great improvement over previous restaurant! Service- Hostess was not particularly friendly or welcoming on what seemed a relatively slow lunch. But Jack our server was great! Food - We had Brisket Sandwich & an order of Fish & Chips. Sandwich was large but tasty (only suggestion was to use plain horseradish vs mayo laced horseradish). Fish and chips had two crispy delicious pieces of fish. It arrived in a cute fry basket with a charred lemon and condiments. But the fish was piled on top of the fries so within a few minutes the crispy fries became very soggy. Fries should be served on the side. The small portion of mushy peas was tasteless and should be eliminated from this dish. But if the fries are separated this would be an excellent dish. Atmosphere- very pub like but acoustics need work. With less than a third of the tables filled it was already getting pretty loud. Overall - I'll be back and recommend a visit!

Very happy to see this restaurant come to Potomac. We had a quick dinner recently. The food was great and service was friendly and efficient. Happy to see there is a gluten free bread option. The fries are especially good.

We LOVE Dukes...thank you for coming to potomac! Great vibe, incredible staff and awesome food (the Proper Burger is a religious experience). Whether at a table or at the bar, Dukes is fabulous. And don't sleep on the truffle mac and cheese!!!

Hosts were very weak at personaluty and service. Asked to sit at bar table. They said they were all reserved but sat empty our entire meal. They first sat us outside. There were bugs all over the table. They moved us inside. we sat for over 20 minutes before even getting a water or being noticed. Mussels were 1/5 rating, gritty and not flavorful. Burgers were good but not the best 4/5. Overall non service and atmosphere plus price was a 1/5 rating. Not worth trying at this point.

Sadly, this was just awful. We were one of two tables in the entire restaurant for a Saturday lunch. Food was outrageously expensive for what was delivered to the table -- poorly executed, and tasteless. Never saw a manager walking around. Left feeling ripped off and totally unsatisfied. Potomac Village desperately needs a good restaurant and this is just failed in every respect. We will never return. Booooooooo!!!!!

We came on opening day and again yesterday. 2 similar experience food wise and 1 very rude host. On opening day we were excited to try this new location closer to home. We ordered a fish and chips, proper burger and an aubergine sandwich. The food was good, the server new but nice and helpful. Everything came out fast except an order of fries. The updates to the location are nice as well. The owner stopped by our table which was a nice touch. Prices are on the high end. Yesterday was a different story. Much busier, much louder and after the waiter took our orders meticulously, the kitchen messed it up one of them serving tomato which I can't eat or stomach and pickles on my wagyu burger which I specifically and double confirmed with the waiter when we ordered. That torked me off big time. Even more disturbing and rude was the host upon walking in telling us that our table was booked for another party in about an hour. WTF! Rude as hell! Yea come in but we want you out fast so don't enjoy your meal with us. HE needs retrained or fired or if this is direction from the manager or owner the practice must stop! We just opened but we don't value our customers. Need to take a break from coming into this establishment. Hopefully they get they're act together. I don't remember being treated like this at other locations.

Ridiculously expensive for the quality of the food. The onion dip appetizer was literally Helluva Good Dip with a single serving bag of chips.

I had high hopes and been patiently waiting the opening since last November. If I am paying for a meal out, I expect something fresh. I should have read the menu better when I ordered the onion dip and chips which I could pick up for less at the Walgreens in the same shopping center. My husband really enjoyed his fish and chips. I was fine with mine. The service was fine, but the servers should be taught how to properly carry a tray.

They could improve on the quality of food. How do you not have ButterChicken if this is a British Restaurant

Bangers and Mash was liquid mash potatoes and pureed onions with a strange sausage. Fish and Chips had good potatoes but large hunks of fish with coating that fell off. No crust. The restaurant is new but I would have to agree with the server to order the burger my son said was good.

Understand this place is new, but the wait staff and host team were not friendly and inattentive. We got seated and it took 20 minutes to be acknowledged by anyone and be given water. Super disappointing. There were maybe 5 tables occupied when we were seated and plenty of wait staff. Thank you to Avi who was day 3 on the job and took the initiative to recognize no one had checked on us after being seated. He said it was a miscommunication and no one was assigned the table so he'd take care of us. Again, good on him, but communication is really important. We were forgotten and not checked in on until the end. It's fine. They're doing their best I guess. The food was meh, okay. Not as good as I anticipated with all the rave I've seen about this place. The mussels were sandy and gritty, disappointing but it happens- the broth had minimal flavor. The burgers were fine, but honestly I could go across the street to five guys for a more flavorful burger. The buns the burger comes on were probably the star of the show though. The fries were pretty good- at least they have that going for them too. Sweet potato fries were soggy, but the sauce they come with was good and light. The place is dark, and really loud for not being super busy- must be the low ceilings and lay out. Prices are decent for being in the village. As a fellow foodie I probably wouldn't return. As a new business in a competitive area, they need to get the wait staff in better shape or they won't survive for long.

Don't waste your time! Restaurant is cold and unattractive. The fish and chips were cold. The eggs and nova were supposed to be something creative, just boring. The help was dressed like they were going to a fraternity barbecue serving lots of beer, sloppy. Doesn't seem like they changed anything from the interior of the past restaurant. They didn't even bother to add a flower or a plant. The French bakery, four doors down, which isn't even a restaurant, is a much better choice. Save your money.

My mom and I both ordered the quinoa salad, which was probably the most underwhelming lunch experience in my life. I don't know how our server placed those dishes in front of us with a straight face! A Wendy's salad is more exciting than what we were served. I could have saved myself a lot of money and time by just opening a $2.25 bag of arugula from Trader Joe's, dumped it on a plate, and had the EXACT same experience I had at Duke's. Oy, was it underwhelming. Would I use the word flaccid? Yeah, maybe. That might be apt. I definitely felt unsatisfied, that's for sure. We mentioned our inevitable disappointment with our not-even-as-good-as-a-premixed-Giant brand bagged salad (you know the ones they sell with nuts, and other things for a variety of textures and flavors?). Our server, also with a straight face, told us the "pineapple salsa" the menu promised us was delivered in the form of two tiny pineapple pieces infused with cilantro. "Cilantro?" He said, with an uptick in his voice, like when people say, "Harvard?" like, have you heard of it? Yes, we've heard of cilantro. Did I detect any? No. Does an air mist of cilantro count as pineapple salsa? I don't think so. I'm not the culinary police, but I would have liked to feel fuller than I when I started eating. I thought that was the point of lunch, afterall.