I went to Duke's while on business in Malibu in October of 2001. Valet parking is a California standard, but Duke's valet service is the fastest I have known. The ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic. Ocean waves crash all along the wall of windows in the evening and the tables are spaced enough so you cannot hear anyone's conversation. Nice big booths gave a feeling like you were in a Texas style restaurant. I had the Ona fish, a Hawaiian white fish, which was lovely. It had a light crust of bread crumbs and was cooked perfectly. I ordered a side of Rice Pilaf which was pretty standard and sauteed vegetables which were soaked in too much oriental dressing for my taste. I would definitely return to Duke's and have recommended it to a number of my clients, but I would probably order white rice and steamed vegetables next time. The main course is the attraction.    [11 Nov 2001 17:21:41]

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     ­Kathleen, Boston, MA   

Run - away as fast as you can!!
They were good a few years ago but their success has given them the right to abuse their customers.

Making a reservation means they know in advance that suckers are coming.

The service is GREAT as long as you are friends with the staff.

The food is terrible at best - it doesn't matter how you want it, it's getting cooked how they damn well please.    [10 Mar 2003 01:40:26]

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     ­Doug Mielke   

A Total Zero
Called in reservations at 1 PM for a 7:15 PM seating. Arrived at 6:30 and checked in. Waited in the Barefoot Bar until 7:30 and when I went to check, they said they had forgotten about us (no apology) and we would be next in line. Stood by the entrance till 8 PM, while a table was prepped for a party of six- which remained empty for the full half-hour while we stood! So Dukes is known for what? Sure as heck isn't service, nor manners. Since we missed the sunset, and dinner, can't say much about either but something tells me we won't ever be returning to find out. Recommendation- drive a little further North. There is a really excellent restaurant with manners and service.    [24 Aug 2005 23:05:56]

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     ­The Spinella Family   whsartist at aol dot com