Jason V.
Yelp
I have no idea how we snagged an upstairs patio table for four, in less than 10 minutes, on the first sunny, cloudless, 75 degree day of 2021 (in April!), when Alki Beach was full to bursting with (frequently mask-less) tourists, sunbathers and locals. But I'm not complaining!
We were "unlucky" enough to be seated at one of the only tables lacking a parasol, so I took one for the team and absorbed ludicrous amounts of vitamin D and UV rays on my defenseless, balding crown, allowing the wife and our friends to enjoy the cool, breezy shade. I hope they appreciated the sacrifice!
Our server, Luis, was a complete gentleman, an exceptionally patient with us. It'd been nearly a year since we'd seen the friends that joined us at the table (ever since our wedding last May), so our excited conversation frequently distracted us from paying attention to the menu and ordering, like normal people. I think Luis probably oscillated back and forth between our table and the kitchen/bar about four times, taking and delivering drink orders as they trickled in from our table in one-sies and two-sies, before we figured out some actual food to order.
My wife and I split the phenomenal Dungeness Crab Dip appetizer, as we'd had a late breakfast, and a couple cocktails each, which came with little crostini bread slices: the perfect vehicle for the rich, luxurious, garlicky spread! Our friends shared the chicken strips (apparently they're not much into seafood), but also knocked back a couple drinks with us, while shooting the breeze. We honestly spent more time at the table than is probably kosher during COVID and reduced capacity, but it flew by so fast, and we racked up a pretty sizeable bill between the four of us, so I doubt Duke's will be complaining.
Overall, the experience was close to perfect, although with weather and company like that, it would be hard not to be. I have only two critiques, and neither are sufficient to reduce my rating by a star: 1) the cocktails are a tad on the expensive side, but since this is a seaside bar in a touristy area, I can't say it was unexpected, and 2) although we tried two or three times, we were unable to move to a shaded table or one with a parasol, due to capacity limitations and existing reservations. Understandable, if a little frustrating.
Alki Beach leaves visitors spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and drinking along the strip, and in different weather or a different season, there may be better options. But Duke's outdoor patio, incredible service, delectable food (one appetizer and several envious sidelong glances at entrees ordered by neighboring tables was enough to convince us!) will make it our go-to option for our next visit to Alki Beach...whenever the weather graces us with another textbook perfect spring or summer day!