The Corner Stools at Duke’s

Let’s just say we’ve made ourselves rather comfortable. If it’s a Saturday, and we’re in town, we’re sitting in the corner stools at Duke’s Barefoot Bar as soon as the doors open. What started as a chance afternoon lunch has quickly become a weekend ritual. And some days, I’d go as far to say my reason for living. Okay, that’s a little dramatic...but for us, Duke’s has become the magic reset button after a long week and the best way to kick off the weekend.

Why so great you ask? Well, let’s start with the fact that it doesn’t matter who is working -- they’re all awesome. Jon has our drink order down pat, so when he’s there, one Black Salt Bloody Mary and one Swell Margarita seem to just magically appear (with a classy cocktail napkin, of course!). And Luke -- well Luke is the one who told us all about the 534 Bus Line that picks up right by our house and drops off right in front of Duke’s. $1.50 for a couple of hours of (safe) fun? I’ll take it. Lunch selections vary a little more than the drink orders, but everything from the fish tacos to the turkey, bacon & burrata sandwich have been exceptional. Basically, we’re big fans of all things Duke's.

Of course, we aren’t the only ones who enjoy the house that Duke Kahanamoku built. On more than one occasion, we’ve brought friends to join us. Jeanine was the perfect person to sit outside with and watch the surfers. (She also humored me by taking a “selfie” to mark the occasion, but I think she just felt bad I was taking pictures of myself). When Liz visited, she bellied up to the bar alongside us like she’d been coming to Duke’s for years. We had a blast and she was also the perfect person to confirm my affirmation that the Bloody Mary was definitely one of the best. And most recently, Jenn and Mat were in town so of course we introduced them to our local “Tlaquepaque.” Watching college football is one of the perks of going to Duke’s on a Saturday, so it wasn’t even a question where we would watch the ‘Bama game. A few drinks and a lot of laughs later, I think Jenn and Mat are sold.

On any given day, Duke’s is a flurry of tourists, locals and everyone in between. But on Saturdays, Duke’s is more than that...it’s "our spot."

Friends and family, your stool awaits. Aloha.