The classic and well-known Dukes West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard has just received a facelift and overhaul from New York-based restaurateur Adam Newton, including new menu items and a renovated design.
In 1993, Newton started his restaurant career in the Northeast with the McNally Brothers. He continued forging relationships in the industry, working with new locations and in 205 he brought his expertise to Los Angeles, helping launch Kitchen 24.
Newton also is known for his work on locations like Cafeteria, The Carriage House and Restaurant 44 and now owns Dukes with partner Kelly Li. Touted as being “re-introduced as a staple for a new generation,” the restaurant has also been rumored to be featured in the upcoming Warner Bros. film “Rock of Ages” starring Tom Cruise and Julianne Hough.
Dukes was founded in 1968 on Santa Monica Boulevard as part of the Tropicana Motel and moved to its current location on Sunset in 1987 and was thought of as a “musical mecca” with regular attendees including rock musicians Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, The Runaways and John Belushi.
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menus, Dukes has something for every tastebud, and now the menu is even bigger with the latest additions, including an expanded hot sandwich portion and new appetizers like chicken tenders and fries with gravy. The starters are tasty and perfect for the diner atmosphere that Dukes possesses. Finger food options to share are ideal, and other appetizers range from quesadillas to onion rings to sliders.
For those looking for lighter fare, the salad section gives several things to consider, including a classic Caesar or a standard house salad selection, as well as an oriental chicken dish. Vegetarian and vegan options are highlighted on the menu too, like the Tofu Sautee with Seasonal Farmer’s Market Vegetables.
With many hot sandwiches, it was hard to choose between the burgers, grilled cheeses and the patty melt, but the Philly Cheesesteak, complete with mushrooms and onions, proved to be a great new item from Newton’s influence. Taking from a New York-esque feel, the sandwich is served on a fresh roll with a brilliant cut of meat topped with cheese and the pertinent veggies.
The dinner entrée choices were also lengthened, making way for dishes using locally farmed meats like the pan-seared New York steak with pepper sauce—a delightful cut of meet with enough flavoring to wake anyone from their evening exhaustion. With a melt-in-your-mouth piece of meat, the sauce rounds out the plate, giving the steak a nice robust flavor with many levels and intricacies. Other entrees are the meatloaf, roast beef and roasted chicken.
A full breakfast menu, Dukes can serve any first-meal-of-the-day lover something they desire, either in the eggs, omelets or pancakes varieties. The Breakfast Specials include Country Fried Steak and breakfast burritos, with sides like hash browns, fruit cup, yogurt and turkey bacon offered.
The sweet tooth of the table is covered with a plethora of malts and tropical smoothies in addition to classic desserts like chocolate cake, apple pie and muffins. A full list of wines and beers are also available, including organic pieces.
In addition to everything Newton has accomplished with Dukes, he’s completing the new feel with a private lounge a-top the building named The Morrison Room after Dukes frequenter Jim Morrison.
The Morrison Room above Dukes
Reportedly, Morrison himself lived in that location for a little while, and the lounge pays homage to his legacy with a secluded lounge space and balcony overlooking the famed Sunset Strip.
For more information, visit www.dukeswesthollywood.com or call 310-652-3100.
