This place is a casual delight. An institution in the Hawaiian/California mold. Excellent crab appetizer; great brunch; and to-die-for Mud Pie for dessert. Sitting in the barefoot bar (I liked it better when it was sand, but now it’s concrete which I guess is cleaner) outside and watching dolphins swim on possibly the nicest stretch of beach in the continental U.S. is pure heaven.

Great food. Great service.

Duke’s is named in honor of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of surfing, and was begun in Hawaii. The food, as well as the laid-back atmosphere are as authentic as it gets! At dinner, it’s “nice casual” dress; for lunch, you’ll be fine in jeans. They also serve a glorious brunch buffet on Sundays.

The Barefoot Bar is very popular with singles and young couples, and their drinks are all wonderful. Don’t miss their mai tai!

Though the bar is usually buzzing with youthful energy, the dining room is pleasantly quiet and relaxing. The decor reflects its Hawaiian roots, with plenty of surf memorabilia. The entire wall facing the ocean is glass and the views are incomparable on a clear night. Seagulls land on the rocks outside the window; their antics are often quite amsuing. On weekend nights, you will be softly serenaded by a strolling ukelele player with a lovely crooning voice. Be careful, though, his sidekick may try to get you to stand up and hula with him!

This is not an inexpensive meal, though not exorbitant (last time I picked up the check there, dinner for 3 adults and a kid, with 3 cocktails was $140), but sooooo worth the price. If I remember correctly, the menu is a la carte.