Duke’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

I came here with a work group of nine people. We were early enough that we had the place to ourselves. Regardless, a nine top is hard to manage. I ordered a Spanish Mule which was a Moscow Mule with tequila rather than vodka. It was perfectly balanced. We had a plethora of appetizers around the table to include escargot, spinach and artichoke dip, triple dip, and more. All were fabulous. I ordered the small portion of the Elk Chop, medium rare which came with a salad, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything was perfect! I couldn't even finish the small. Then all our meals came with a dessert spoon - tres leches which was pretty acceptable this far north!

We were referred to Duke's to try their Escargot Empanadas. It was a good recommendation. My recommendation to you is to get the small plate version of a meal, in my case the Crab Cake(s.) It comes with either a soup or a side salad, the dinner, and a dessert spoon. There is a great outdoor dining area for when the weather warms up.

I do not recommend this place. The quality of the food is not good and is way overpriced. We went for valentines dinner and could not eat our appetizers or our entrees. It was a fixed price menu--2 course for $70 pp. Chardonnay was served warm. We managed to get most of our money back, but our evening was ruined.

The restaurant is beautiful and such a great atmosphere! This is why they rated a four! I would say a three if not for that. The server barely checked on us and a lot of confusion going on between staff. The music was great however the food was just ok. Took a long time to come out. They did send a lovely bottle home as well !

I rarely leave reviews let alone negative ones but the experience we had this evening needs to be told. The menu sounded amazing but about 1/2 of the food was edible. My husband's steak was rotten. Not just aged but aged so far it wasn't fit for a maggot. The short rib on my plate wasn't even a short rib it a chunk cut from appeared to be a round roast, definitely not short rib, nor was it braised. Our server had never tried anything on the menu which I found to be off. What chef doesn't want their team not complementing and raving about their food?! One that shouldn't be a chef.

We recently moved to the area and have visited this restaurant twice. Both times we were greeted by friendly servers who were attentive but didn't hover. Our food was amazing. This time i got the organic salmon. I so appreciate a menu that offers a large or small option. My husband went with the "large" tomahawk pork chop and a waffle. The entrees come with a choice of soup or salad and a dessert spoon which is the perfect way to sample dessert They have an excellent wine menu, at various price points and offered to let us sample something if we wantedThey offer live music Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays which is a nice added touchThis place is a hidden gem: great service, amazing food and wine with music all reasonably priced We will be back!

Every time I come here I don't feel welcomed. They have a great outdoor area but they never have it open. I think it would be a great spot if they were open to accommodating a younger crowd.

Everything was great...especially our waitress...Kelsy (Brook)... :)Tk u Kelsy for making it a pleasant experience for my daughter's birthday...

Food was outstanding. Portion size was massive for the price. I definitely could not finish my meal. Brandon was our waiter and was a joy to interact with. He was very knowledgeable about the menu. We will request sitting with him in the future. The ambiance was really neat. It has this old world factory / mill vibe. Not too loud so conversation wasn't interrupted with the live music.

What a find. I've lived here 11 years and didn't know of this gem until last week when a friend stumbled upon it. First and foremost, the salmon was excellent with sides of a multitude of veggies and delicious sweet potatoes. The salad was fresh, cool, and wet, nothing old and dark to separate out, and with the perfect amount of dressing. The wine list extensive and our choice, which I forget, was perfect. And the spoon dessert was unique and tasty.But here's the real reason I will be back, and often. It's the ambiance. It's the presentation of the food. It's the napkins and unusual plates. It's the attention to details. The live music. The uncommonly friendly and competent servers. The comfortable tables and chairs. The ample parking. The only downside, and it's really not fair to say this because it was worth every penny, was the price. It's expensive. But for those like me who never finish a meal and never take a doggy bag home, they offer half plates for almost half the price. Same food, only waste free. What an idea!This is a must stop for those visiting Hickory, and this is my new go-to restaurant, and not just for special occasions. I intend to plow my way through their menu.