by Sue Giustino
Local Captain Kyle Harrison has partnered up with Aiden Stenson bringing a fresh new vibe to Montauk Harbor. Along with Local Chef, Shawn Hewitt, they have created Duke’s – a costal casual venue with tasty seaside fare. In addition, they have hired many familiar Montauk faces who provide exceptional service at your table, as well as behind the bar.
With an eclectic menu, there’s something for everyone. From the Fresh Raw Bar selections, we enjoyed the Petite Shellfish Tower comprising of an abundance of tender and sweet fresh clams, oysters, extra-large shrimp, and lobster. Arranged on a lovely tiered ice-filled tower and adorned with all of the necessary dipping condiments; a very special treat.
Offering a wonderful array of Soups and Salads, Appetizers, Handwiches, and Entrees, Duke’s is a great choice for lunch, apps and cocktails, or a complete dinner. For our appetizers we choose the tender and crispy Fried Calamari served with Marinara, Remoulade, and chipotle Lime Mayo. 
The Jimmy’s Famous Baked Stuffed Clams Casino, were bursting with flavor. Perfectly crisp on top while maintain a tender and moist consistency throughout, it’s no wonder they’re famous. Other choices include Jumbo Buffalo Wings, Shawn’s famous Pernod spiked Oysters Rockefeller and PEI Mussels either Fradiavlo, or with a white wine sauce.
All of the Handwiches, ranging from a char-grilled Burger, Chicken BLT, or Grilled Marinated Flank Steak, to a Fishwhich, hot or cold Lobster Roll, to Killer Tacos- Barbacoa Beef/ Chicken Ting or Local Tempura Fluke- are all served with House Made French Fries and Pineapple Jalapeno Slaw. 
We enjoyed the tasty LT’s Main Lobster Roll blended with fresh herbs, mayo, and lemon juice perched on a toasted brioche roll. As usual, the Famous Char-Grilled Burger created with 8oz blend of short rib and chuck and assembled with tomato, lettuce, crispy fried onions and the delightful secret sauce- is cooked perfectly to order and delicious!
Entrees, available after 5pm, include fish, steak, chicken, pork, and pasta. We choose a bit of each. The Seafood Fradiavlo with shrimp, scallops, and mussels are served over linguine in a garlic, shallot, basil, tomato and red pepper flakes broth has a wonderful perfectly seasoned flavor. Tender and with just enough of a heat ‘kick’, this dish is quite tasty. 
The cooked to order marinated Skirt Steak is adorned with a lovely Chimichurri Sauce and served over garlic whipped potatoes and sided with tender asparagus. If your lucky enough to be there when Shawn creates his Soft Shell Crab BLT you should give it a try. Two crisp and tasty crabs perched on a slice of toasted Brioche, layered of fresh lettuce, tomato and bacon and a tasty sauce; mouthwatering to look at and enjoy.
As always, Shawn does not disappoint with his culinary talents. This combined with the relaxed, fun atmosphere, Duke’s is quickly becoming a perfect go-to Montauk venue. Coming soon: a new menu is in the works – ‘putting a little south in your mouth’ with BBQ options, shrimp boils, and peel and eat shrimp. Be sure to stop in and check it out!
Located @ 440 West Lake Drive – they are presently open Thursday-Sunday 12pm-12am. Be sure to check the website for up-to-date hours:
https://www.dukesmtk.com/ info@dukesmtk.com (631)668-8422
