Duke's Brew and Que

Bar in Hackney rated 8 / 10 from 2 reviews

Address
Duke's, 33 Downham Road, Hackney, London, N1 5AA

See on a map

Telephone
02030060795

Region
Hackney

Nearest Station
Haggerston (0.44 miles)

Category
Bars

Opening Times

Monday	Opens 16:00 - Closes 23:00
Tuesday	Opens 16:00 - Closes 23:00
Wednesday	Opens 16:00 - Closes 23:00
Thursday	Opens 16:00 - Closes 23:30
Friday	Opens 16:00 - Closes 23:30
Saturday	Opens 12:00 - Closes 23:30
Sunday	Opens 12:00 - Closes 22:30

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Get the beef ribs. Then order the atomic wings if you're a sadist. Lovely meat. Lovely beer.

All In London

Duke's is a beer and barbeque joint in the heart of Hackney. Serving fine smoked ribs, burgers and brunch along with craft beers and specialities, it is another win for the southern American invasion taking over London.

All In London Review

Duke's Brew and Que

Brought to you by way of Off Broadway – the market cocktail bar – comes Duke’s Brew and Que. It takes one to know one, and being an American, the proprietor at Duke’s clearly knows his BBQ.

Having transformed the former pub that stood on this spot nearby Haggerston Overland and just off Kingsland Road, the venue is a whole different beast these days. Wood pit for smoking in the kitchen, rough and ready timber tables and a cabin vibe that’s in keeping with the big flavours both of the food and the beer.

‘Not too big and not too small’ says the website and that probably sums it up – make sure you book well in advance for a chance to get in on a table because the ribs are making some big noise in Hackney right now. Yes, the ribs. Pork or beef served with pickles and slaw and paired with seasoned fries might just be the most satisfying dish around. The meat is tender and moist – retaining a flavour that screams. The wood grill gives everything an intensely smoky flavour and even the beans come complete with pork for that Wild West touch. A T-bone steak is the priciest morsel on the menu at £27.00 but an 18oz-er has never looked so big.

Frequented by locals, which inevitably means a vibrant crowd of well-heeled, well-dressed types, it has an atmosphere that borders on cosy. Maybe it’s the woody cabin feel, maybe it’s the rockin’ BBQ playlist – ether way, it’s real nice.

Duke’s is as much about beer as it is BBQ and in keeping with the East London craft obsession, it has the Beaverton Brewery to thank for some fine local ale on tap. By the bottle you can go Belgian with the likes of Troubadour or stick to the good ol’ US of A with delicious Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The casks on rotation are plenty and you’ll find all sorts of original flavours to whet your whistle.

Now excuse me while I mount up and head for a night at Duke’s Brew and Que… Yee haw!!

Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on Jul 9, 2012

Best For

London's best American bars

Yeeee-haaaa!

Don’t be fooled by the lack of space that Duke’s gives over to drinkers, this Haggerston rib joint can get lively when it wants. The onsite brewery provides the bar with fresh craft beer to go with exotic American ales from all over the US.

London's best American BBQ

Well, slap my thigh and call me Gutsy...

This pub in hip De Beauvoir Town has a wood pit smoker to slow-cook beef ribs and pulled pork. To match the menu there’s a selection of tequila, bourbon, American beers and locally brewed Beavertown.

The best Low-and-Slow-cooked food

Low + slow = delicious

At this trendy pub in De Beauvoir Town they lovingly slow-cook pulled pork and ribs. Pig out on 'Duke's Greatest Hits', a combo of their signature beef rib, pork rib and pulled pork.

User Reviews

T.A.O

Sep 4, 2013
Respond to review

Duke's is without doubt a great establishment. The range of American beers is awesome and the atmosphere always makes it a fun place to be.

However, the food may be good but there is some inconsistency there. For the amount it talks up its ribs (and for the price) they don't always live up to the hype. They have been excellent but they have also been tough and chewy. And last time I visited I ordered the gumbo and paid £16 for a bowl of food close to the size of a large coffee mug - not great at all. The dish was delicious but tiny. Portions; they're an easy thing to sort out.

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