Duke's Pub & Grill

Visited here on a Saturday night, as a last resort when other plans fell through. I'd been here when it was Michael's, and experienced karaoke-night Sunday, and hoped my experience would be better this time.

Live band, which actually wasn't bad, but was WAY too loud. It's a pretty small place, so they didn't need to go to 11. With the live band, of course, was a $5 cover. Generally, I'm anti-cover anyways, but $5 was reasonable I suppose.

We sat at the bar, which had plenty of space for a Saturday. The dance floor stayed relatively empty, and I attribute that to the band. It's difficult to dance to "Paint it Black" - but I wasn't in the mood for dancing anyways.

I'd guess the average age of the crowd to be in the low-mid 40s, well above my usual spots. Seeing as my night had already reeked of disappointment and desperation (to just get out SOMEWHERE and have drinks, that is), I feel like we fit in just fine. However, the bar just added to the disappointment factor.

In the mood for a vodka tonic, I politely asked what my options were for vodka on hand. The bartender gave me an annoyed look while she turned around and read to me the brand names I could have clearly read for myself if she'd stepped aside. Then we moved on to flavors - a more daunting task, because I could see through all the bottles. She listed options, I chose, and she lifted the bottle to show me it was empty. Choose again. I opted for Absolut Citron, which WAS available. However, she didn't remember this choice for my next drink and swapped in Three Olives (which also cost more). At least she didn't throw Smirnoff at me, I suppose.

My evening companion, however, was in the mood for a beer. He requested a Blue Moon - unavailable. I don't remember what he picked for his second choice, but they ran out of it on tap before we left, and was offered a bottle instead.

In the end, I had drinks, enjoyed myself reasonably well, and didn't suffer any severe traumatic experiences. But I certainly left unimpressed. Hopefully, with all the times this place has changed owners, one of them will get themselves organized and make this place work.

basically the same as Michael's in terms of look and feel - new owners so maybe this place can make some money and stay open