Great beer, and good food. What more could you possibly want?
(5)
K W.
What to do after a long day of beach volleyball when there is still sunny warm weather to enjoy, but you are too tired to move? A big plate of fish and chips and a few beers in the DOP beer garden is my tasty new answer. The beer garden is a lovely, plant filled urban oasis that I wish I had known about sooner. During the colder months (all 9 of them grrr) the Duke is a nice cozy place to hang with friends by a fireplace and escape from the tv-filled sports bars near my home. Try the Wee Heavy.
(5)
Tom G.
This has been one of my favorite places in Chicago for years! A little Scottish pub in Lincoln Park, specializing in single malt scotches. They have a huge single malt menu! Nice outside patio as well. The food is quite good pub far, and the atmosphere is definitely authentic British pub!
(5)
Nick S.
I'm not much of a bar food guy but I have to admit I was impressed. If I lived in the neighborhood I would come here much more often. If I'm not confusing myself here, I remember it being difficult to squeeze past the tables and the people sitting at them, to get to the restroom when it got busier. The fish and chips here = win.
(4)
Nancy H.
Mmm.. love the all-you-can-eat fish & chips on Wednesdays & Fridays for $9.50. We stuffed ourselves silly with fish, chips, shepard's pie (which was slightly disappointing; $9.50 for shepard's pie only as large as a French onion soup bowl but had good flavor), and beer. Definitely gets crowded, so be prepared to wait for a table. The decor inside is rustic, like you are dining in a Scottish home complete with a wood-burning fireplace - definitely feels cozy on a winter night!
(5)
Carolyn G.
This place was PACKED last night with lots of folks interested in the lenten special: all you can eat fish and chips. Our group arrived at 5:30 and the place was already packed to the gills. We waited for a while, but finally managed to get seated in front of the gas fireplace. The ambience was pretty good at that point! The fish was tasty, the fries were pretty good, too, but the best part was the beer! I started with a Youngs Chocolate Stout (YUM!) but then wanted to make sure I had room for lots of fish and chips, so I moved on to a lighter beer (can't remember the name), which was good, too. Even though the place was really busy, service was pretty darn good - and quick! The staff didn't seem to care that we sat around for a while after eat, as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. Oh, and they brought her fish out with a lit candle on it! I'm sure, though, that the folks still waiting for tables were wishing we'd just get up and leave already. Overall, a pleasant evening. Well worth the $9.95 for all you can eat fish and chips, which were truly all you can eat. :)
(4)
Linsey C.
Amazing fish and chips! I understand there's going to be a wait for amazing fish and chips at an all you can eat fish and chips place on Good Friday...however, the hostess was way off on her wait time. She said it'd be 30 minutes...we waited over an hour. I understand she has no control over how long people linger at a table after eating, but from my understanding they are pretty busy all the time so I expected a more accurate estimation. Anyway, it's not a large place so you end up standing next to people who are eating...a little awkward when they know you want their table. We finally were sat in the back which I appreciated because the front was crammed with people by that point. The server was great and brought us our beers right away and our fish came out soon after. The fish is delicious. The breading is lighter than I anticipated which allowed me to eat more...I think I had 5 or 6 pieces. I didn't eat the fries or peas, just came for the fish! I'll be back for sure, the fish is worth the wait!
(4)
lola d.
Holy bonkers! The fish and chips are amazing! Not only are they amazing, they are "in your face" huge! It's inconceivable! You pair this perfectly battered fish with a nice cold beer and you have got yourself the best meal on earth! Que rico (delicious)! Fridays: all you can eat fish and chips---go, go go! ...and the staff is great too.
(5)
Eric M.
Unlimited fish and chips drew me in, the amazing beer selection got me to stay. Be prepared to travel to England in just a few blocks by visiting Duke of Perth. The food appears to be authentic and the bar is stocked with great bourbons and whiskeys. It's a little small so you may have to wait and be seated pretty close to someone else, but that makes it just more fun, right?
(4)
Jennifer K.
I was cold, tired and hungry. All I really wanted to do was curl up on my couch and gobble up my chocolate bar while thawing in the living room. My friends suggested dinner and I half-heartedly agreed. I bundled myself up with a down jacket and a thick scarf to go trudging through four blocks. Thank goodness it was in the neighborhood or I might have just stayed put at home. The interior is dark with low lighting, sparsely decorated and has a very "homey" sort of vibe. There's the different beers available written out on chalk. The bar tiself is stocked, mostly with good Scotch whiskey. There's no loud television to distract patrons, just seats and tables for diners and drinkers to mull over. My friends and I sat over at the table with the small fireplace. With the crappy weather outside, I felt fairly cozy with the fire crackling beside me. Suitably warm and ready for dinner, I had the shepherd's pie. I needed comfort food, and Duke of Perth delivered. At first, I thought the dish was a bit on the small side, but once I dug in, I realized how heavy the meal sat in my stomach. Yummy mashed potatoes, ground beef and veggies settled comfortably in my tummy. The light ales on tap went well with the meal. And the price wasn't so bad either. The Duke of Perth is not for everyone. Spaces are a bit tight, there's nothing to keep you going besides good food, good ale and good company. It's a great place if you want to have comfort food while conversing with friends. But if you want a raucous time, there are other louder pubs in the city. I like it because it's a place to unwind after a tough day - it's quiet and subdued. But maybe it's because I went during a weekday.
(3)
Evan D.
This is a wonderful bar in the middle of frat-boy Lincoln Park hell. No televisions, no really loud music, and a fireplace make it a great place to sample some scotch and have a conversation. The scotch list is extensive, and the bartenders are usually happy to recommend something for the n00bs among us (such as myself). For non-scotch drinkers, the beer list is special too, and is particularly strong on British Isles ales. I've heard legendary things about the all-you-can-eat fish and chips, but haven't gotten the chance to try it yet (I'm reserving my fifth star for when I do). The Duke's fish-and-chips buffet would be a great place to break a diet, though, considering the location just 2 blocks from the Weight Watchers center.
(4)
Erin T.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout and a leek and potato pie - delicious. Great food, great beer, and a great staff. Nice patio in the summer, too. It can get crazy crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, which sadly is when I often feel my stout and potato pie cravings coming on. I try not to come here for dinner on a weekend because I can't be asked to suffer drunkards when I'm getting my leek and potato pie on. It's a fun, chill weeknight bar, though. Nice place to sit at the bar. And when I do come here on the crowded weekends everyone else looks like they're having a good time while I'm trying to chow down!
(5)
Dave S.
Fried fish is one of my true weaknesses. Even bad fried fish is relatively satisfying. When you have good top of the line stuff that is sold at a reasonable price, you have got me the balls! Well with that being said... This place has me by the balls! Friday night All You Can Eat Fish!!!!!!!!! This is really good stuff too and at a reasonable price. What more can I ask for? Let me tell you what more I could ask for... I would like to finish my meal and not be stuck in a fetal position from being stuck in an area that does not allow me to move any limb or any other part of my body (except for my hands to my mouth) We we extremely cramped in here, which cost them a star (almost two) I will be back but not as often as i would like! The cramped conditions will always make me think twice. The fish will bring me back again however.
(4)
Tony F.
Fish and Chips all you can eat on Wed and Friday. The staff is ALWAYS friendly. They have awesome ales from Scotland on tap. If you are into Scotch, they also have a good compliment of that too. Plus it's really close the LandMark Century theatre, which plays all the cool non-mainstream movies here in the city. the Duke is one of the many reasons I love living in the city and it's always a place I take friends from out of town.
(5)
Mike P.
Living so close, I guess it's a sad thing that I only have visited Duke of Perth once. Now that I'm switching neighborhoods, hopefully I'll get back. The Wednesday/Friday fish fry is very good, I hear. My wife and I actually went her on Valentine's Day when we had are original plans cancelled. It was quite good, eating from the standard menu. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy.
(4)
Lindsey B.
Love The Duke. Their fish and chips is so freakin' tasty! And their mini cheeseburgers are so damn cute. I actually took pictures and then posed them with this mini wish doll my friend has. Yeah I know. I was a little tipsy. BUT it was a great photo op for the doll and the teeny burgers. The staff is always so friendly and the wait is never long. Plus they have pretty much any kind of drink you could ever want. I like that in a boyfriend.. I mean Bar.
(4)
Timothy M.
No annoying TVs or super loud frat guys? Am I in the right neighborhood? I thought this place was on Clark Street! Ah, but they've chosen to take the TVs out and cater to a more European-wannabe clientle. Not that I'm complaining, because this pub is cozy, the beer is delicious, and the food is insanely good. Try starting off with something you haven't had before (Jess is right, the Twisted Thistle is a great brew). The mac & cheese fritters were an idea straight from God's own brain. The fish and chips were so incredibly dank, the only reason I could see trying to challenge the "bottomless" plate would be to stuff some into your bag under the table for a snack later. They are so scrumptious and will fill you up. A really good deal is the Monday night two-for-one entree. If you're ballsy, you could even try the whisky tray to sample some great Scottish whisky. In all, this place makes you feel very comfortable and I think I'll be coming here often in the winter to feel warm.
(4)
Martin P.
This Place has the best Fish N Chips anywhere! Come when its all you can eat! I had a hard time in the past because of all the smoking BUT Thanks to Chicago and the No Smoking rule I will be back often. The batter is perfect and the fish is never greasy...almost sweet. Amazing! Great Price, Amazing Food.
(5)
Brad B.
Oh Duke of Perth, how I love thee... Best fish and chips (and even a special all you can eat, for you fat bastards) once a week. Kick ass staff. M the barkeep, brought back Tom & Jerry (yum) mix and cheese curds from his family home in WI and shared them with all the patrons last week. C'mon. Who does that? He does. Lovely guy. Tell him I said so. Beers. Scotch. Fireplace. Nuff said. (oh wait....for all you people from out of town: ITS HORRIBLE DONT GO)
(5)
Deborah E.
Ahhh.....The Duke of Perth. Or, as I fondly refer to it, The Puke of Derth. Simply stated - I love it. Now, mind you - I am not a beer drinker - and I am only vouching here for the Fish N Chips - oh! And the deep fried mushrooms - god, those are good! They are served with some sort of horseradishy sauce - yummmmmm! Though I loved it, I didn't frequent it as much during the smoking days as the ventilation sucked. But now that the smokers are outside, I will be going more.
(5)
Melissa B.
All you can eat fish and chips. Need I say more? I mean, c'mon. And has anyone mentioned the peas? That's the real reason the boy wants to go there all the time. The beer list is odd, but interesting. Why not try something new? How about an elderberry beer? Service is great, even when the patrons get stupid drunk with old friends (ahem). So why not 5 stars? The only problem is the seating inside is very cramped. I recommend waiting 'til the patio opens.
(4)
Thelma T.
I made it to this legendary pub as a tourist trek after reading about it in Gourmet magazine. It was great. The ambiance was frenzied zen - a juxtaposition of crusty elders,yuppies and hipsters. The wait was about an hour, but it was during the "all you can eat special" Their signature, fish n chips is incredible. I had a symphony of pleasure on my palate; I Loved the exotic suds too.
(5)
Job E.
Went for Fish and Chips Wednesday. Place was busy and had to wait for a table. I wish I could give it a better rating, but, honestly, my Fish and Chips fell flat. The beer is good. The atmosphere is excellent. On an entertaining note, this was a fun eavesdropping visit. Conversation from the neighbor table included phrases like "I might cancel my subscription to 'Massive Asses'" and "Do you think STDs run rampant at retirement communities?"
(3)
Andrew C.
The Duke of Perth is a great pub. But it's more than that. The scotch menu is excellent (one of the best in the area) and the waitstaff is very knowledgeable when you're trying to select a scotch. The Duke has a decent selection of Scottish beers on draught with enough variety to keep a beer fan like me from being bored. That said, it's more than scotch and bitters. The fish and chips are excellent and the burgers are juicy and placed in front of you faster than you'd expect. The atmosphere nice and dark and the Duke is generally fairly quiet except Thursday through Saturday (which is to be expected). The rest of the week it's a great place to bring a board game or a deck of cards and linger over a couple beers or glasses of scotch. Definite keeper.
(4)
Rich G.
Great Fish and Chips .. what more is there to say??
(4)
Rachel Y.
I love Duke of Perth - it's one of those good pubs that provide a cozy and inviting haven. And in the summer, their patio is just as fabulous as their fire stove is in the winter. Word of warning though regarding the food - the salmon hash is basically extremely fried fish. I was a bit disappointed - it wasn't bad but I was envisioning a sort of pot pie type of thing. So if you are in a situation like i was and are debating between one of their burgers (which are amazing) or the salmon hash...go with the burger. I definitely will next time!
(4)
Jonathan A.
The fish and chips are the best I have had in the city. And all you can eat for 10 or 11 bucks on Fridays! With green peas! The beer selection is unique and interesting. The atmosphere is small cozy pub, and authentic. Little stools rock. Great all around.
(4)
Sarah K.
there's no place like home ... there's no place like home .... I love this pub more than I love my cell phone and I love my cell phone more than I love my own parents so you do the math .... and much like the purpose of my parents, this place is responsible for shaping many of the values, goals and views that I hold dear to this day. Um, while we're at it ... its also served as the backdrop for my causing a fair share of problems, issues, emotional destruction and a well deserved breakup .... or two. I'm sarah ... ... but c'mon ... beer, good. scotch, good. and they even have a sean connery burger for christ's sakes! i'm homesick now ... sniff.
(5)
Emily C.
The folks were in town on a Sunday afternoon. After a drive up Clark we came upon an open parking spot in front of Duke's. When I first heard the name I had flashbacks of this totally hungry/obnoxious bar back in Grand Rapids with the same name where many undergraduate nights were spent and lots of regretful interactions were made. So I told you that to tell you this: Duke's of Perth is so far from anything frat like or, and I hate to say it, but the sort of typical Lincoln Park bars in that vicinity. First of all they have NO tv. And they advertise it which I love. So don't come here if you want to watch "the game." We sat in the back near the fire place which was really cozy as this was a wicked cold day. Dad ordered the chocolate stout which he loved and mom got a Bodington. I had work to do so stuck to my water. Mom and I both ordered the Islay chicken sandwich which you pick three options to accompany the juicy chicken breast. I had onions, mushrooms and BBQ sauce. We were both really satisfied. Dad ordered the, and you have to love the name of this burger, the Sean Connery Burger. Naturally what ensued next was us talking like Sean Connery on SNL's Jeopardy "I'm on to you Trebek." He loved his burger. Both sandwiches come with a huge side of fries. The service was a bit sketch as we were the only ones there and waited about 40 minutes for our food. It's a fairly good sized space so hopefully the service is better when it is filled up. Oh and the bathroom: gross. And why is it so dark? Anyway good food, good drinks good atmosphere, avoid the bathroom and get a spot the fire, you'll surely have a nice afternoon.
(4)
Jess S.
Twisted Thistle - you're a friggin delicious beer. Now that I have that out of the way.... After the delicious leek pie and eyeing all the plates that passed our table, I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Seriously. No joke. Great comfort food. Perfect for those chilly nights. Two of us went in on a Saturday night at 6, plenty of seating (which slowly but surely filled up). Dark and cozy, it was comfortable. Attentive & personable waitstaff. All in all a great experience. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jeff D.
Great Fish and Chips! Man for the price of 9.99, you can't go wrong with this all you eat deal! The (Lake Perch?) is breaded so lightly and the peas that go with it is great! There is service is quicker than what I remember when I went a year ago. Plus, it's a cozy atmosphere. Easy parking around as well.
(4)
Johnny A.
Being a Wisconsin boy, born and raised in the Brew City baby!! I LOVE ME SOME FISH FRY'S!!! and after several try's at other spots in the Chi, i have to say, The Duke of Perth is my favorite place to go to belly up at the bar and eat me some fish fry. Better yet it is a Scottish bar and being Irish-American, this place feels comfy and cozy to me and has a great beer selection, they have the bell haven wee-heavy, one of my favs..did i mention on Wednesdays and Fridays its ALL-u-CAN !! for 10 duckets a plate!! laddy! it don't get better than this !! present day, being lent, i am heading there for an early dinner.. see you there!! Cheers!
(5)
Colleen B.
I know I've been here twice and I know I enjoyed whatever it is that I ate but I also know that they had chocolaty beer... so I don't remember much else. Oh! I also remember that it was nice and toasty warm and cozy when it was HORRIBLE AND COLD outside. I'll be back now that it's not the dead of winter. I wonder if they still have the chocolate beer...
(4)
Paul A.
No TV! That in and of itself is five stars in my book! It also helps that they have a terrific single malt selection, the service is always excellent and the pubgrub with a Scottish flair is terrific.
(5)
Sara G.
I had a great glass of cider and a very pleasant shepherd's pie. Steve seemed to enjoy his leek pie and Michael said the fish and chips were indeed very good. As much as anything, though, I just liked the dark, cozy pub atmosphere, and the fireplace. We lucked out and hit the place on a quiet Monday night, so there was no trouble getting a table and we could talk quietly. A really pleasant meal.
(3)
A. R.
You can't go wrong with The Duke, whether you're stopping in simply for a beer or sitting down for a meal. The menu has good "bar food" but also other unique fare you won't find at the place across the street. The All You Can Eat Fish Fry is the best you'll get in the city. On a Friday or Saturday evening you can expect to wait for a table, which can be a little awkward esp during the winter as there isn't a whole lot of room to stand around and the bar has maybe a dozen stools. Great outdoor seating during the warm months.
(5)
Jerry K.
Get your London Pub fix here - AWESOME
(4)
Katherine R.
EXCELLENT Scotch selection. All available by the glass for a very decent price. I love Scotch, my parents love Scotch, my boyfriend loves Scotch, one of my best friends loves Scotch, and we all love coming here to try different Scotches. This is a great place to cozy up in the winter months (next to the fireplace -- did I mention there was a fireplace?) and sip a stiff drink in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. I recommend coming here on two-for-one entree night with a friend and spending your extra $8 on another glass of, you guessed it, Scotch.
(4)
jeff c.
i got the chance to hang out at this fine establishment for a few hours yesterday. the ambience and service were good, and they had a nice selection of scottish beers on draft. i was excited because as i was waiting (finishing off a book for a book club meeting), i realized that it was bottomless fish and chips night! how could this go wrong? well, i'll tell you. maybe i was a little too excited about the fish and chips, because i was pretty disappointed when they came out. the batter was very light - good sign. the fish was flaky - another good sign. BUT...it just wasn't tasty! i tried vineagar. i tried salt. i tried tartar sauce. all of this was to no avail. so as much as i like the place itself, to be so disappointed in what should be a staple food like fish and chips at a place like this means i can only give it 3 stars. sorry.
(3)
Jim S.
Yes, the fish and chips are great. The beer selections are fine and the Scotch choices are the best in the city. My problem comes in the fact that they try to slip in taxes on beers on top of their prices. I consider D of P a bar that happens to serve some great food....and therefore when the price of a pint is listed as $8 that is assumed to be tax included.....BUT IT'S NOT!! Sorry for the 2 star review....but if you want the price of your pint to be $8.88 instead of $8 list that on the menus. Or better yet just charge $9. How sad for your waitresses to have to sit there and count out the tax every time they need to cash someone out who is just drinking.
(2)
Eric S.
I recently moved to California and spent a few weeks saying sad goodbyes to friends and loved ones in Chicago. But Duke of Perth, you were the hardest to leave behind. Where do I begin? If you are a scotch lover (which I became after living across the street from the DOP for two years), this is simply the best place to go in Chicago. The scotch list is a bit daunting, but the bartender can give you a recommendation, or try one of the four scotch "flights" they have available. The place is dark and cozy on the inside, leafy and cozy in the outside beer garden. Both are great. And then there's the food. I made it a goal try everything on their menu, and I can't say that anything disappointed. My favorites: wings, meatloaf, pot pie, veggie sandwich, and of course the fish n' chips. I highly recommend grabbing a friend and going on Monday nights for 2-for-1 dinner entrees. Duke, every time I go back to visit Chitown, you can be sure that I will pay you a visit.
(5)
Cathy H.
Like it! Weds/Fri all you can eat fish and chips--the chips were REALLY good. My favorite part is that they actually have PIMMS at the bar. So far, I've only found two places in Chicago that have Pimms: Duke of Perth and Quenchers. Nothing like fish and chips and a Pimms Cup to take you right back to Edinburgh.
(4)
Esther L.
Good fish and chips. Good deal. Had to reduce a star because my credit card statement reflected a higher tip given to the server than I had recorded on my receipt.
(4)
Drew S.
A pub that loves its scotchy scotch scotch. There's a page with a couple dozen scotches from each variety and age bracket. I went with the scotch flight for 16 buckarooos. It comes with 3 samples and detailed tasting notes that read "nose: peaches body: smoked peat moss aroma: fresh cloverfields in spring finish: juniper berries" The food seemed up par and they had a fireplace. Oh, and once I saw a blimp.
(5)
Mark Z.
We went there for the all you can eat fish and chips, as well as the scotch selection. Neither disappointed! Let's start with the food. You'd think on an all you can eat fish night, that the fish would be under/over cooked or just not good. That was the farthest thing from the truth. It was absolutely delicious fish, and the servers couldn't be happier to bring out another round of fish. Next, the scotch. There are over 75 different types! Most were delicious. The only thing that would take marks away were the server's knowledge of scotch. He really didn't know a thing. So either hitch up to the bar (the bartender is the owner) and ask him for recommendations, or study up the online menu prior to visiting. Regardless, it's a mostly can't go wrong deal on the menu. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Steve G.
You know, when it comes down to it, this place is just okay. Sure, it's novel to sit in a bar that feels Scottish, and order foods with silly names, and read a page long Scotch menu, etc. But this places gets uncomfortably crowded on the weekends, and the food isn't all that fantastic. Duke of Perth is the hipster equivalent of Medieval Times.
(3)
Norris A.
I happened to be in the area to meet some friends and we stumbled upon this tiny bar around lunchtime. A sign out front said there was "all you can eat fish and chips" inside so we stampeded through the door. It's a pokey little place,not plush or hip but has a welcoming lived-in character and was cosy on a winter's afternoon. It is Scottish themed and so there are plenty of Scottish beers and whiskies and menu suggestions. Fish and chips drew us through the door...all you can eat for $10 and all four of us ordered just that (as we share one brain) There were also peas included which adds some color. While some of my group are adventurous and ordered Scottish Ale I asked for a big sudsy draft Guinness. When I was told by the solo friendly waitress that it was only available in cans I had to weigh up my options....go to another bar to find it and talk to my friends via cell phone or suck it up and deal with it like a man? I ordered a "draught" Guinness but only on the condition that she would keep the fact that it was from a can to herself and keep me in the dark. Off she went. I know a thing or two about fish and chips as I am from the U.K and I know it tastes better with a Guinness. British parents see to it that their kids are well nourished and think nothing of spending 5 minutes to put a good meal on the table by going out to the fish and chip shop on the corner and bringing it back, wrapped in vinegar drenched newspaper. The kids get their Guinness in a sippy-cup if they are too young to pour their own. Anyway- back to the Duke of Perth. The drinks were going down a treat when the food came. Hot crunchy filets in a golden crisp light batter served with what appeared to be hand-cut fries with hints of skin here and there. Plenty of peas (not the mushy variety but rather garden peas). Vinegar was provided without asking which gets a thumbs-up. More beer! was the cry. I think only one of us needed more food after the first plate which proved to be "all you can eat" for three of us. A special word for the waitress- she ran the floor by herself and was constantly in motion and constantly in good humor. Fast, friendly, funny and efficient. Hard to ask for more. I can't talk about their other food choices but hope to try some on future visits. For now I am just happy to know there is some solid fish and chips available at a great price every Wednesday and Friday at the D.O.P.
(4)
Dawn G.
I love this place for their food- their service is why they lose 1 star- The first time they were great- second, the waitress kind of threw the menus at us and seemed annoyed I didn't order a beer and needed a refill- but for their fish *unlimited* and no tv's..I can't complain and will always come back- even their burgers are great. I do have to say though- if you're a fan of that- the no tv''s and fish or great burgers go- it's so peaceful to be in a pub and not have to yell at my bf over tv's and sports neither of us care about. Their is street parking/downside sort of, but fairly easy...don't forget too they get packed on the fish nights!
(4)
Ayako M.
I tend to stay away from bars in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park vicinity...or any vicinity where I may run into frat house douchebags with popped collars. So I didn't really want to go to The Duke of Perth, which is conveniently located near the Landmark Cinema known for showing great foreign cinema and small run independent film...I figured I was too hopped up on my own importance at having seen a movie SO cutting edge, it would blow your mind away! I mean, my brain was like, three times its normal size due the massive amount of culture I had just taken in...then my companion said the magic words, "well, Wednesday is ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH AND CHIPS" and I was like, n00ch! The place was awesome, very chill and relaxed. Filled with all types of people just having a pint or a whiskey and enjoying the traditional Fish n' Chips with malt vinegar and mushy peas. Awesome selection of beers and of course whiskey. Friendly bartender, friendly patrons, lot's of dark wood and comfy bar stools, I can't ask for more!
The Duke is a great cozy place to have a meal. I hope you are not shy because you will be sitting right next to everyone else there. Also, when it gets busy you will have to wait in the front for a table which gets very crowded with only a few people. I feel bad though, because I feel like I am hovering over people waiting for them to finish, so we can have their table. I would recommend the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesday or Friday. The beer selection is pretty good.
(4)
Matt R.
After a long day, the Duke of Perth is just the place for comfort cooking, great beer, and/or a good single malt. Hung out in the beer garden last night and it was a perfect night to be there!
(4)
David W.
Oh My Brad B was right This Fat bastard thoroughly enjoyed the all you can eat Fish and Chips Served both on Wednesdays and fridays Oh my although i do consider myself a big eater i was only able to accomplish 2 servings of the delectably home made fish i guess it was due to the fact that i finished everything else that was on my plate as well as a couple of pints of beer.. I've been to this place a couple of times and yeah I guess i do like it.. A little side note though i think they need to add a little bit more salt in the batter there
(4)
Jerry M.
The Duke's got a great ambience, the beers are good - Strongbow on tap! Great specials on various days - Mondays i think is 2 meals for the price of 1, Wed and Fridays are all you can eat fish and chips, and even more specials that I don't know about. Beer garden is awesome in back. But I don't like their fish and chips for some reason - they're too bready for me, but I know lots of folks who love the fish and chips, so it's just my little quirk. And they come with peas - ewww! You can ask for to sub fries if you don't like peas, so that's a good plus in my book. The menu seems authentic, but not for veggies - unless you like salads!
(4)
Sarah W.
I always seem to end up here on the all-you-can-eat Fish 'n Chips night, even though I don't eat fish. What I do eat--and lots of it--is the Leek Pie: potatoes, vegetables, and a little bit of magic, all baked together with cheese on top, served with peas or mixed vegetables on the side. The name might not win you over, but this is addictively delicious, and a great option for those of us who are not meat-inclined. My husband is equally enthusiastic about the Sheppard's Pie. They have unique Scottish and English beers on tap. I particularly enjoy the Belhaven Scottish Ale, which has the creaminess of a Guinness and a smooth, malty flavor. The Duke is of course known for its extensive Scotch offerings, and I've taken advantage of their flights, which come with helpful explanations of each malt. The restaurant itself is not enormous, but there is a huge patio in back that practically doubles their seating capacity so it's a great place to go in the summer. It's a good place to have dinner and drinks before a movie at the Landmark.
(5)
Jenn L.
If I died, I'd want to go to the Duke for eternity. The fish and chips are the best in the nation, the 25 cent (ginormous, larger than a fat opera singer's boob) chicken wings on Thursdays, one of the best scotch selections in town, and two words: Wee Heavy. The bar's vibe is pure pub loveliness: dark and filled with good smells and drunken stories. UPDATE: The wings are now 50 cents a piece. While this is upsetting, keep in mind that these wings are still much larger than any other chicken wings I've eaten before. So still a good deal. Oh, and try the leek pie. It's fantastic.
One of my favorite places in the hood; I little bit of Scotland in the heart of Lincoln Park. In the winter it's great because it's warm and cozy, love the native music playing in the background, and they have winter warmer concoctions that are oh-so-tasty. In the summer, it's equally as awesome in the quaint, backyard patio. Perfect place to sit back with a few beers and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Oh, and the food kicks ass. Big fan of the pot pies and unusually good house salad dressing.
(5)
joel t.
love this bar. absolutely love it. mike is about as nice a guy as you'll ever find behind the bar. and better yet, he actually knows his stuff. i consider myself pretty well versed in the world of single malt scotch, and he's always been spot on in recommendations. (he definitely won't recommend a speyside when your leanings are towards an islay.) so if you're new to single malts, talk to him. he knows what questions to ask, and he is never, ever judgmental. as for the food, well.....it's fair. (fare? get it?). the hebridean leek pie is a personal fave, although i'm not a huge fan of peas, and it comes with a copious amount. on the plus side, it gives me ample opportunity to test my pea balancing skills. (the malt vinegar bottle works nicely, and my record is four.) as for beer, they do have a couple of belhavens on tap. (twisted thistle is an excellent european i.p.a.) and where else can you get a bottle of 'alba' (scotch pine ale) or a bottle of 'fraoch'? (heather ale). the overall atmosphere is cozy, warm, dark, and welcoming. no tv's, no music playing, so conversation is easy. this is simply one of the better pubs in chicago.
(4)
Joel T.
Next time you're in the mood for an Irish pub, make a slight adjustment and go Scottish. Plenty of fine Scotch whiskys and the type of food you'd expect, plus a nice collection of ales. The back yard makes a nice gathering spot for some old-timey whisky sipping.
(4)
Ingrid C.
The scotch selection is excellent!!!! best in town. I am not a big fun of fish and chips, so I haven't tried it, but everybody that I've been there with, agreed that is the best fish and chips in the city. I honestly only go there for the scotch. they carry the Laphroaig 15 years which is my favorite and isn't easy to find. So to be honest that simple reason already makes this place great. Location is good, service is good, the scotch is the best!
(5)
Joel T.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I popped into this place for the first time: more bottles of whisky (no 'e') than i've ever seen in one bar. The barman (who is a woman, but i'm not sure what people in England and Scotland call a woman behind the bar) was so knowledgeable and friendly that I wished i lived in walking distance. There are many evenings of rarefied pleasure on those shelves. Also, grub is terrific and the place is big enough that crowds won't necessarily bother. Also, no fruit machines, blaring Gaga, sports on tv, tartan corniness. At least not whenever i've been in.
(5)
Luke S.
This place was a surprising treat! I've walked by this place hundreds of times and finally decided to stop in. I'm really glad I did. I wasn't sure what to get, but the waiter recommended the meatloaf. It was perfect, be sure to get the veggies as a side rather than the peas. It also came with mashed potatoes that melted in your mouth. I'm definitely coming back to try the all you can eat fish and chips on a Wednesday or Friday. I didn't drink but the drink list was long and looked to be fairly reasonably priced.
(4)
Dima M.
I don't know how I have missed this part the past few years that I have been coming to this place, but this is the first year I saw the outdoor patio area. It's very nice and secluded to the back of the bar, instead of the front or along the sidewalk. This is great, as it doesn't get too crowded, but you can still enjoy a good ale in fresh air. The outdoor area is big enough that it doubles the seating capacity of the bar.
(4)
Sarah A.
Must try the Robert the Bruce Burger. I absolutely love that you can choose some hearty toppings. They also have a unique beer selection on tap including Scottish, English and Irish Ales. The patio in the back is also great during the summer. I love specials and they have specials M-F, including an all-you-can-eat Fish 'n' Chips dinner. Don't wanna miss this place.
(4)
Jon J.
The Duke is one of my favorites. They've got great food and a unique selection of English and Scottish beers & liquors available. It's just a good place to chill and have a conversation, as they don't have any TVs (a bonus) and don't crank up the music too loudly. It tends to get crowded, however, and there isn't much space to stand if the bar and tables are all filled up. All that aside, it's still a great bar, a definite standout in a homogeneous neighborhood.
(4)
Ralph F.
Duke used to be REALLY good. A change in ownership has brought the place down. Yes, the fish n chips are very good. The burgers used to be larger (and cheaper). Their fried mushrooms are what keeps me coming back. This is a place we used to go to nearly weekly. Now I will cave in to the fried shroom cravings once every six months or so.
(2)
Jessica R.
I've been here twice...and since I mention Maggie R. in every other review, I may as well do so again. My first experience, with Maggie R., was nice and quiet. We both chowed on fish and chips. Btw, Monday is BOGO entrees! Aside from that, the fried fish and potatoes were very nice. I loved that the Malt Vinegar was conveniently placed in the center of the table. My second time, tonight, was as easily as nice. I dined with 5 other friends, (including Maggie R.), and the service was just right. I tried the Slam'n Salmon and Cod Cakes, served with fries and tartar sauce. Very swell! Again, the service was very efficient.
(4)
Lindsay N.
I love this place so much. My first visit was on a Wednesday and of course I got the fish and chips. My good friend got an amazing pear and Gorgonzola salad. The food was amazing and the waiter even brought out extra fish and chips so my friend could have some of my serving as well. Most restaurants won't do that, so I was pretty impressed. Needless to say, we visit this place often. Great server, great food, nice atmoshpere.
(5)
choong l.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. Sure, the staff is not the most perky or attentive, but they've got character -- chat up with them and they'll treat you like regulars (a lot of them have been, or currently are, regulars themselves). Now, this doesn't mean that your food and drinks will be served any faster or they'll refill your water any more promptly, but at least you'll learn to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while sipping on a delicious pint of Young's Double Chocolate Stout (this is a rather recent addition; one of the old regulars, McEwans, is no longer served). The bar's rather small -- only long enough for about 8 stools -- but this also means that you'll get to know the bartender before the night is over (hello Mike!). The atmosphere is one of dark, mahogany wood, antique furnitures and exposed brick wall along a long hall that leads to a beer garden in the rear patio. The musical selection is pretty random and my favorite part: no TV. This place is not much for people watching, either, which is how I prefer it -- kinda like an oasis of cozy, comfortable pub half way between the Diversey/Clark and Wriglyville concentration of loud, seen-to-be-seen bars. While the bar has some hard-to-find Scottish beers (e.g. Orkney Island Skull Splitter), it also has decent selection of great English beers (Young's Double Chocolate Stout begs to be consumed!) as well. If your taste for bars run closer to TV-free, chat-friendly pubs (but not a dive) like Hop Leaf, you'll really enjoy a pint at The Duke of Perth. For others, please hop on a cab and go a mile up along Clark St.; I heard that there's a place called, "John Barleycorn," that might do you better.
(5)
Julina B.
Super fish n chips and fantastic wings! I stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while visiting Chicago in search of good beer. Don't be fooled by the this small unassuming bar. They've got big food and good drink. Try the Scottish Stout. Not to mention they offer single malt tasters.
(5)
Bry H.
When I need to get in touch with my Scottish roots, I come to this place. They have Belhaven on tap.. yum. I'm not the biggest fan of fried food, but every now and again you just need something thrown in the frier... This is the place. If you are a healthy eater this is NOT the place to be. But I love Duke!
(4)
Marven K.
Great atmosphere, unbelievable fish and chips and and amazing imported beer selection.
(4)
Moira S.
The best fish and chips in the city hands down. Expect a wait on Friday nights when it is all you can F&C. Their cod cakes and chicken and mushroom pie are delightful as well. Great Scottish beer selection and good atmosphere.
(5)
Kate B.
Due to yelp, and the the yelp help my friends and I read on a daily basis, a group of us decided to start a "supper club" so that we can try out some of the restaurants we have read about. This was our first restaurant - we went on a Friday night for their all you can eat Fish & Chips. Being from the east coast, I am very picky about my seafood, but I would have to say Duke of Perth did a very nice job with their fish. Our waitress was a little slow, but very,very friendly and gave us good recommendations on the beers they had on tap. Plus as soon as one persons plate was empty of fish, chips and peas, a heaping plate of fish and chips was brought to the table immediately.
(4)
Jessica M.
My hubby and I have been here many times, and have always enjoyed it. We bring out of town guests here a lot, or come with friends. The Fish n'Chips Wed/Fri is the best bet. We've also tried burgers, root veggies and meat pie, all which were good. The only thing I tried here that I didn't like was the crab/fish cakes? Don't really remember exactly what it was, but it had a weird spice and was cold. I will stick with fish n chips most likely with return visits, which also comes with peas :) To top it off, they have a great beer selection! We usually find a new favorite every time we go!
(4)
Van D.
Best fish and chips in the city so you can't beat the all you can eat fish and chip nights on Wed and Fri. Good selection of beers and patio in the back is great in the summer. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu since I ONLY eat fish and chips here. Maybe one day I will actually order something else......nah.
(4)
Amanda Z.
I used to live a few blocks from here and used to frequent it often. Service can be spotty, but the food is generally good. I enjoy the fish and chips, although the "all you can eat" is wasted on me. I can never eat more than one order! Be prepared for long waits during Fridays in Lent. When the weather is nice, they have a lovely beer garden in the back of the restaurant. I also love that there are no TV's.
(4)
Jason Z.
I stopped in here a couple Fridays ago, for the all you can eat fish and chips. I thought the place might be packed, but I got seated right away (there would have been a lengthy wait had I wanted to sit outside). Mere moments after I ordered my meal, I had an overflowing plate of fish and chips. Theses were probably the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Before I could finish my first plate, the waitress was at my table asking if I'd like seconds of anything, and again, mere moments after ordering, they were there. The bar itself is old Scottish charm. Duke could easily be any of the pubs I was in Glasgow. I'll be back there on another Friday, hopefully I'll be able to sit outside this time.
(4)
Eric A.
If there were a way to teleport from L.A. to Chicago for a drink, I'd be at the Duke of Perth every time I went out for drinks. Being a single malt fan, this is by far one of the most authentic-feeling and cozy pubs this side of the Loch Ness. I have celebrated two birthdays here, and when I left Chicago for the glitz and glamor of NYC, I had a going away party here. And all three times, everyone showed up, and stayed quite awhile! And while I'd like to think that it was all because I embody the acme of charm and charsima; I'm sure it was because when you get here, you feel like you're home. Just try and get in here on a cold fall evening after 7 PM. Not a seat to be had. And they don't turn tables that quickly. By the way, the fish and chips special on Fridays (all you can eat) can't be beat.
(5)
diana R.
This place served us poisonous food (rancid meat). I wish I was joking but my stomach, my boyfriends stomach, and my boyfriend's sister's stomach never lie. I could understand one person getting sick, or two people getting sick maaybe. But if three people ordered the same burgers with the same meat at the same place, something smells fishy. The fish n' chips I guess were all right I guess. That's what our "friend's" got. This place man. Foul. I was sick. I really felt like it was the end, I threw up for two days straight. I was promising myself, PRAYing that this horryfying nausea would end. This meat is cursed with e.coli and bad vibes. I became a vegetarian because of this place. You can go if you want to go, but you're gonna barf your body out. I mean, real though, try to AVOID THE MEAT. Go there. Avoid the meat, you might be alright. BUT IF YOU EAT it, You'll be singing a different song. I pray for those who think they can battle the duke of perth.
(1)
Kyle S.
The second I walked in, it was instantly my favorite Chicago restaurant. As my brother and I entered, the entire bar was standing with their glasses raised, listening to a man in a deep Scottish accent, wishing his great friend off to fight in Iraq. It was a touching scene, and instantly added character to the the Duke of Perth. We even went up and talked to the strangers after our meal, many true Scots, some American. This added to the atmosphere, as you know it's not just one of those "Irish" bars which pop up all over Chicago, but really no true Irishmen drink there, just college frat boys. So the character of this place was undeniable. I enjoyed the meal, although there was not much privacy when eating, we were almost on top of someone else, but I didn't mind. If you are going for the romantic dinner, i wouldn't say come here. But if you want a good time, and find perhaps a new fav restaurant in the Lakeview area, hit this up. This is the place I recommend to people when they are looking for a fun place to go. I have since visited again, and needed to try to Fish and Chips. Although it was all you can eat, I think everything on my plate filled me up enough that I didn't need anymore. The prices for the food was quite reasonable, and I loved having peas served as well. I haven't had those since I was little. The one thing that gets expensive is the beer and alcohol selection, and I would expect that, as they do not just serve your American beers, but a great selection of dark, European beers.
(5)
Lesley G.
I feel like this place gets a lot of hype, but I think it's just fine. They have good beers that you don't see everywhere, probably because there aren't a lot of Scottish bars around, seems like the Brits and Irish claim all the pubish spaces in the hood. And the food is all good, but it comes at a price, a pretty high one. I go here when my friend's suggest it, but I don't think I've ever suggested it myself. So, like the stars say, I think it's "A-OK."
(3)
Abbey H.
If you're lucky on your visit to Duke of Perth, you'll get seated in front of the little gas fireplace. Yeah, I know, real fireplaces burn wood, but I'll take what I can get on a freezing Chicago winter evening. There's always a great selection of warm drinks, like hot buttered rum (holy wow), and hot chocolate or coffee with booze. Food is tasty, soups especially. It's dark and cozy, unpretentious, not too loud, plus my favorite perk, it's 2 blocks from the Landmark Theater. Fill your belly with comfort food, then try not to fall asleep during your movie. It's worth it.
(4)
Rob L.
Although the back patio was full, (though strangely it didn't look it), my friends decided to sweat it out in the front at the bar. Just getting back from dinner a little while ago I wasn't able to munch on any of their food, but I did have a lovely beer, medium body full of flavor and served cool.. not cold. Excellent. One of my friends was liking their selection of fine scotches and my other friend had a cold and refreshing cider. Our bartender, (whom might be the owner), was friendly, not intrusive and knew how to pour a pint proper. I have heard from many that the food is great and so is the beer garden... but alas.. I wasn't able to try either... so I guess that means I have to come back.
(3)
Kristin C.
I give the Duke props for staying strictly Scottish and not bending too much towards typical bar food fare. I went here Friday night and it wasn't too packed. I was pretty bummed out because what I really wanted to try was not available but still on the menu (frustrating). I pulled out a quick plan "B" and ordered the mini burger appetizer flight for my meal. I had a side salad too. Those little burgies were FANTASTIC. Very tasty and very cute. The bill came and was a little pricier than I expected. The only thing I don't like about the Duke is how it's a little too restaurant-y. It seems like this place wants to have a Pub feel but it just doesn't. It would be so cool if the decor was a little more pub-rustic.
(3)
Josette J.
I came here for the "All You Can Eat" fish and chips. The fish were battered just right; it really was a pleasure to eat. The dish comes with green peas and chips. I really would have loved to have this dish with an ale, but I was driving so I cannot comment on their alcohol selection :) To clear up other reviews on the chips, traditional chips are served slightly soggy--not crispy. So, don't expect to get them crispy, folks :) I gave 3 stars because while the food was good and the atmosphere acceptable, the service was bad. I had to get up and get my own menu and silverware from the waitress/service corner after waiting at my table for 5 minutes. This incident might not sound so bad, but there were only 5 other patrons in the establishment, so the waitress wasn't busy at all, merely chatting.
(3)
Leigh K.
After wavering back and forth one night on where to eat for dinner, we ended up at one of Zachary's favorites, The Duke of Perth. This place earned 100 points immediately when I noticed that they have Strongbow on tap. Not many Chicago bars can boast that. A plethora of points were added throughout our meal. We decided that for dinner we wanted to split appetizers, so we ordered the deep fried mac 'n cheese, fried vegetables, and chicken satay, along with cream of broccoli soup. Brennan's review of the veggie fries was right on. They go SO well with the three sauces they are served with, though my favorite was the sweet chili. The deep fried mac 'n cheese sounded too good to be true and it was. It was definitely something I'm glad I ordered so I could try it, but I don't think I'll get it again. It's just too rich even for a carb lover like me. The breading on the ouside of the chicken satay made it uniquely crisp. I made a sad faced lions face and begged Zachary to let me have one more than I was entitled to since we were splitting the meal. My pouty face can move mountains...or earn me chicken satay. Yum! Our waitress was nice but a bit scatterbrained. When we had asked her about the soup of the day she seemingly tried to talk us out of ordering the cream of broccoli because "it is just too creamy," but if I (and most of the general populace) end up ordering a creamy soup, we actually want it creamy. Maybe she truly had a vendetta against the soup, because she forgot to bring it out until I reminded her well after we had begun chowing down. Isn't soup supposed to come out first? Maybe a Either way, she was apologetic and maybe she will one day learn to make amends with the soup; its' only crime is being too creamlicious.
(4)
Niko X.
Go here for the Fish and Chips... washed down with lots of great draft beer. The Duke serves up just about the best Fish and Chips I've ever had. Beer battered to perfection; the batter isn't too thick, isn't too thin, and is just crunchy enough to handle a healthy dousing of malt vinegar, without losing its crispiness. I was visiting a friend who goes to Northwestern, and this really hit the spot. It's definitely worth the trip over to Lakeview.
(5)
Larry B.
A truly great pub in a city full of wannable pubs. Duke of Perth offers good pub grub including the aforementioned fish and chips. Nice selection of beer on tap. Great selection of Scotch including flights which is a nice way of sampling some of those expensive single malts that you would likely have never tried otherwise. I cozy albiet small bar at the front of the room. great place.
(4)
Cary F.
Never in my life have I waited for 2-hours for a table. But during this Lenten season, I have been on a journey to find the best Fish'n Chips in Chicago, and was willing to wait to see if the Duke would live up to it reputation. Not only did this place live up to the title of best Fish'n Chips, it blew it out of the water! The fish was perfectly battered, flaky and tasty. It melted in your mouth and filled you with a joy that only God could. I truely believe that Catholics don't eat meat on Friday's so they can goto the Duke for Fish'n Chips. At $10 a head for all you can eat, you cannot beat this meal.
(5)
Michael H.
Cold weather. Warm, hearty food. Duke of Perth. Perfect, right? Not quite. To begin with, the seating area was poorly arranged. This doesn't seem like a big deal unless you're sitting at a "table" that's about 18" by 30" near the restroom while there are several feet of usable space between tables adjacent to you. Not a good way to start the meal. My burger was dry and the fries were soggy. My companion's chicken and mushroom pie was oddly flavored with something sweet and nutty that we just couldn't figure out. On the plus side, the beer selection was quite good. I don't see myself eating here again.
(2)
Gwen B.
Very charming pub in a small nook in Lakeview with the Best fish and chips in the city--truly amazing. If you are a whiskey drinker, you will love their whiskey menu. It's a great find--especially for those chilly nights in Chicago.
(5)
Elton G.
I recently revisited the Duke of Perth after a long absence. I used to live across the street from it and would take everybody there. I'm happy to report that it has retained same mega-cozy ambiance and comforting pub food that I remember from before. A wintry night of Scottish ales (plus a PBR to keep Frank Booth happy), a fireplace, a fish sandwich and friends made for a very pleasant evening.
(5)
Mark T.
I could not have spent my Friday night at a better place. Their fish and chips are absolutely killer (not to mention that on Wed and Fri night they are all you can eat, even tho I could only put down two orders of fish) Their beer selection has a good sampling form Scotland, Ireland, and England alike. For a scotch drinker like myself this place is a MUST. By far the best single malt menu around. Service was great and I met a lot of nice people sitting @ the bar. You will see me there next Friday as well if that sums it all up. Just yell for Mark T, if you are good looking I might answer.
(5)
Melissa K.
After reading so many great reviews about this place, I was super excited to try it. I was sadly disappointed. Maybe they had an off night, I was just not impressed. It felt more like a restaurant then a pub and the food I had was alright. The fries were fantastic though. Our waitress seemed less then interested in helping us and another waitress had to run our credit card since ours was too busy chatting with friends. Don't get me wrong, I used to waitress in college, but if you're 20 feet from your table you should be able to run their credit card and see that they want to leave. I suppose I'll have to go back with a different mindset to see if it gets any better.
(2)
Dann B.
All you can eat fish fry every Friday has kept me coming back. I also recommend the Hearth Burger for a tasty tasty meal. The beer on tap is extremely impressive, lots of hearty drinks from the British Isles. The staff is really nice and smart and they serve more scotch than I ever thought existed. Do not come here to drink a beer and read a book as the lighting is very dim. All in all a darn authentic Scottish pub.
(4)
Dave C.
This place is stupendous; as close as you can get to a good Scottish pub outside of Scotland! I've traveled a great deal in my life and constantly have a severe case of wanderlust, and the Duke never fails to satiate that at least a bit due to the faithful Scottish feel on the inside, the excellent draft beer and scotch selection, and the almost constant international crowd that frequents it. The pros: -Excellent draft (and bottle) beer selection -Excellent scotch whiskey selection -Top-notch food, with a menu offering both traditional U.K. pub food (fish and chips, shepherd's/leek pie, etc) seamlessly alongside more traditional favorites (such as burgers and chicken strips) with creative twists -A dark, relaxed, well-decorated interior highly conducive to long bouts of relaxation -A wonderfully friendly staff, topped off by Mike, one of the friendliest and most chill bartenders around (in my opinion) -Always good, eclectic music playing, from classic pipe favorites to The Postal Service -All-you-can-eat fish and chips (with fries and peas on the side) every Wednesday and Friday night -During the temperate months, they have a killer back patio with trees and shrubs that easily can make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city. Some of my best memories are of hanging out with 7-8 good friends on that patio, forgetting our problems with great food and great pints. The cons: -It's a bit pricey. Entrees run anywhere from $8 to $15, with appetizers running around $5 to $8. The food + atmosphere + staff make the price well worth it, but it still is pretty easy to run up a healthy bill. -Wednesday and Friday nights can be pretty packed due to the all-you-can-eat fish and chips (and rightly so - they're fantastic!). It does create a fun, friendly environment, but not being a huge place, it can get tight, and the wait times can increase significantly. Overall, when you can afford to spend a little more than usual for a hangout, hang out here. I frequently stop in for a pint of my favorite beer - the Young's Double Chocolate Stout - and end up emerging two hours later following 3-4 pints and a side of stovies, their generously-portioned delicious garlic mashed potato, despite having already eaten dinner. I always want to stay "just a little bit longer!"
(5)
Samuel M.
DOP is a great spot to linger for an entire evening with a group of good people. The place feels like a Scottish hunting manor on the inside, which contributes to the cozy, friendly atmosphere. All-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $10 is pretty much unbeatable, and the fish is among the best I have tasted on this side of the pond. However, as other reviewers have stated, the accompaniments (chips and peas) leave something to be desired. The beer list, if a bit pricey, is worth the expenditure, as the offerings are mostly authentic Scottish brews that I haven't seen anywhere else in the city (including a few traditional IPAs with great hop flavor but low enough ABVs to be sessionable). I did not have a Scotch flight, but given the authenticity of the other elements of my experience here, I can't imagine it's anything other than authentic and delicious. Definitely worth many visits
(4)
Jessica G.
I was just here on Saturday for lunch and drinks. Great beer selection and the food was sooo good!! I had a roasted poblano pepper soup, which you could tell was homemade goodness and the fish and chips, which were equally as amazing. It's cozy with fireplaces, non-cheesy Christmas music, and really makes you feel like you're in a Scottish pub. Duke of perth gets an extra star because they have hot spiked drinks (especially great since it's chilly outside)!!! Also, the service was very friendly. Will definitely be back! Wish we had something comparable in Wicker Park.
(5)
Benjamin B.
One of the VERY FEW places this near to "The Heart of Darkness" that I will go to. Although every time I go there, my friends stare at me in disbelief when I reject their high-brow fingers of Scotch for my scrum-diddly-umptious three fingers of Maker's Mark. The people that frequent this place seem to vary between down-to-earth intellectuals to elitist hot-balloon heads. The wait staff is too busy to really give you a look to make sure yer happy, but so is life. I like the decor, woodsy... Scottishy or whatever the hell the ethnicity is. I dunno. I like it alright, better that some of my friends go there though... otherwise I prolly wouldn't go to "The Duke" because of where it is... deep in the bowels of... ooooooooooo... I dun even want to think about it. *shudder*
(4)
David M.
I've been there for the Wings and Fish & Chips. The wings were good. They are big and meaty wings, not like BW3's. I have had the fish & chips 3 times and I would say once I was like "meh", once I was like "pretty good", and last time I thought "Wow! Great fried fish!". So I guess consistency hasn't been the best. They have a nice patio in the back for the great beer in the summer. I like the Twisted Thistle.
(4)
Joshua G.
I grab lunch from here often and the food is always tasty.
(4)
Kimberly C.
Much like everyone's grandfather, or so everyone tells me when I mention it, I love scotch. Yes, really. Imagine my joy and ecstasy upon finding a scotch bar. Seriously, not just a LIST, a MENU of scotch - one that I am happily working my way through. The food is authentic, love the beer selection (ahhh, Bellhaven), and they have a fireplace. Clearly, I need nothing else. I will most definetly be frequenting this place in the winter, as I have discovered the heat in my apartment leaves much to be desired. It's not really the place for a Miller light, and don't expect a riotous crowd, or a rocking singles scene, but if you are just serious about your drinking, this place is probably worth a look.
(5)
Lynn M.
Everytime I visit Chicago, I have to stop here. Great fish and chips, breaded mushrooms, and incredible selection of scotch. Great vibe and outdoor area out back. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sy S.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....best fish and chips.
(4)
Michelle H.
Many different beers- they even have one called "Skull Splitters" ale. Declined to try it, to me that even sounded scary. (They have brews mainly from Scotland and England) All- you - can eat Fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday, but this time I tried the Angus beef curried skewers, which were excellent, and served with a mustard sauce. To drink, I tried a cider drink, which was crisp and clean, and only mildly sweet. If you are to sit in the non-smoking section in the back, beware of the swinging door to the kitchen, for it has a frosted glass pane, and is constantly opening and closing in the walkway. Be ready to move quickly. The ambiance is quite nice, with friendly and attentive service. Another reason I will return is the fact that they have Point Special Lager on the beer menu, and it is one of the few place I can find my favorite Wisconsin brews on tap.
(4)
Brandon H.
I have so much love for this joint, I can't believe it wasn't my first review. While it can get stupid crowded for the all-you-can eat nights (Wed. & Fri.), it is SO completely worth it. Stunning selection of single malts from all the regions (Speyside, Highland, Islay) and ice cold Tennent's on draught! Great food, killer atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff make the Duke a must. But good luck parking anywhere near it.
(5)
L T.
2.5 stars... Went here for a friend's b-day on a Friday evening during Lent. The nearly 2 hour wait wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't been so far away from the bar for the 1st 45 min... Lots of good babysitting dollars down the drain. LOL.. Being smushed up against strangers is always better when you have a drink in your hand! Of course we were so close together, there was barely room to lift the drink to the mouth. I shouldn't be harsh b/c I fully expected a long wait to eat all-you-care-to-eat-fish during Lent. If it hadn't been someone's b-day.... All that being said, the hostess and the servers were pleasant. The crowd was mellow, the food was good, the beer was great. Had a nice time with friends.
(3)
Mark B.
Like the Duke, especially when enjoying my beer and food out in the patio during a nice, balmy evening. I always seem to miss the crowds that I've heard about here, which means I have great timing. The food and service are excellent, as is the beer selection.
(5)
Sarah J.
One of the best outdoor patios/beer gardens in the city... Great beer, laid back vibe, not a tv in sight! My only complaint is the fish & chip smell. (vegetarian.. sorry.. I realize that is why alot of people come here!) Great bar, though!
(4)
Kathryn M.
Upon moving to the neighborhood, I have walked past the Duke of Perth many times. Sometimes when I walk by I make a mental note to go there (which I forget a block later), or I don't even notice it. My friend and I were looking for somewhere new to have lunch. Luckily this time when we walked by Duke of Perth we noticed it AND decided to go in. We both had a huge chicken sandwich, with your choice of 3 toppings and fries for $8.95. Not a bad deal at all. Waitress was fun, lots of spunk. The scotch list is impressive, we'll have to bring our boyfriends here so they can start their attempt to work their way through the scotch list. The decor is very simple. It feels like someone's home, with the old family portraits, fireplace, and drafts. A great place to spend a quiet afternoon with good food and good friends.
(4)
Drea E.
This was the best fish and chips I've had in the States ever, anywhere. We had to wait a bit for our seats, but who even notices the wait when you have a hoppy IPA to sip on and good company to enjoy. The service was outstanding, the food was great and the atmosphere was perfect.
(5)
Michael H.
One of my favorite places of all-time! They have some of the best, most unique pub food around. There are always great beers on tap and every time I've been there, except for one occasion, the waitstaff has been exemplary. Great place to go for a drink without having drunks fall all over you!
(5)
Liz S.
A *lovely* pub with great staff. They went out of their way to make it possible for our large group of 9 to sit together. Also, I like it when wait staff know their beer, I don't always want to depend on the bartender for a suggestion. So, thank you Duke for having a knowledgeable staff. They also have some pretty good food. I ordered a burger here and was only able to eat half so, the portions are pretty big; it's your general bar food with a Scottish spin on it. The bar is on the small side, so don't expect to bring in more than 10 or so people and think you'll be able to sit with each other. But it's definitely a bar to check out if you're in the area, esp since they have more unusual beers.
(4)
Justin M.
I used to live down the street from this place....it is a great bar! I actually kind of miss this place. Great beers on tap, and some of the best fish and chips around! I remember one time I was so drunk, the bartender called a cab for me and paid the fare. It was a $2.85 ride, haha. Funny, and awesome at the same time.
(4)
Sean K.
Duke of Perth is- far and away- my favorite bar in Chicago. The food is excellent. I could live on their fried fish (which is all you can eat on Fridays and I think Wednesdays too) and chips. Other good menu choices include the Shepherd's Pie, the Hearthfire burger, and the meatloaf. Scottish comfort food- God bless it. The beer and whisky selection are fantastic as well. They have a host of Scottish and English beers that can be tough to find in Chicago- including personal favorites like the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle. On top of all of the good food and drink, the atmosphere is perfect. Unlike the mammoth sports bars a short way up the street in Wrigleyville, Duke of Perth is quiet enough to have a decent conversation, the staff is friendly, and the decor just feels....comfortable. Whenever I have a friend from out of town visit the city, Duke of Perth is the bar I take them to. It's the perfect place for a bite to eat, a drink, and peace if mind.
(5)
Justin B.
Fish was perfectly breaded, beer was cold, fries were hot and the peas were a nice touch. And all of this for $10.25 with unlimited amounts of food on a Wednesday or Friday? And a patio? And quick, friendly service? Yessir!!
(5)
Sarah V.
I always feel so astute when I come to The Duke of Perth. It's my "I feel like wearing glasses and a cardigan today and having a discussion on human trafficking in the United States while sipping on this batch of micro brew from the Midwest" kind of bar. The Duke is also a perfectly acceptable bar for my book club to sit in and not discuss a book, but rather the necessity of a new wave of boy bands. The Duke is multi-functional. The Duke is also splendid for having a cup of coffee and using the WiFi on the weekends to do work when you've spent your internet money on beer, or to have a casual dinner with your other, noshing on fresh fish and chips, two-fisted burgers and Irish delicacies. In the spring, scratch that, late summer, when it's actually warm enough to sit outside, The Duke opens its beer garden with pretty flowers and plants to help drift you away to The Duke's motherland. In the fall/winter/spring, when it's bitter cold and snowing/sleeting/drizzling, The Duke invites you to relax and imbibe one of its micro brews on tap and enjoy the crackling fire in the stone hearth. So to recap, The Duke is actually a perfectly acceptable bar for any of your needs whether it's to enjoy a beer in the sunshine, by a fire, while conversing with your mate, in a group of friends, while doing real-world work, or over a plate of food. It's my go-to spot for all of the above.
(4)
Liz A.
This is a unique find for chicago. They are a true Scottish bar with a very rustic interior, fireplace and all. They also have a very thorough selection of malt flights, and a very friendly wait staff that is willing to help with any questions and give great advice on selections. The best part of this bar is the amazing selection of British food. Wednesday and Friday nights are all you can eat fish and chips, and the fish is excellent! You can choose from fries or two different styles of mashes potatoes for your side plus the peas that come with each plate. The prices are incredible; the most competitive rates I've ever seen for an all you can eat in chicago; it really is like being at a country fish fry except with a great chicago location. Love this place!
(5)
Timothy L.
Top-notch service, excellent whisky selection, beers were unique and good. We ordered the AYCE fish and chips and it was "okay." Good batter, but the fish was mushy instead of flakey. Favorite part of the dish were the peas. Still a good value for what you get. Head a lot of "Scottish" accents from among the customers, so the nationals must like it.
(3)
Neil R.
I'm a scotch fan so naturally this place drew me in. The scotch line up did not disappoint. The interior is very nice but somewhat dark - that does add to the appeal to an extent. The food was pretty good - I would not say outstanding but it was definitely above average. In my view, this is a great place to grab a drink and hang out with friends but I would probably not go here again for dinner specifically.
(4)
Kyle H.
How could my visits to Duke of Perth be separated by a decade? Yep. Last night was my second visit for the all you can eat Friday Fish Fry (also on Wednesdays), and the last time I was there was over a decade ago. I'm happy to report that conviviality and good table service still reigns at Duke of Perth. And so do the crowds! Wow, this place is as popular as Lady Gaga at a Trani convention. Was quoted a 30-40 minute wait by the girl taking names on her little scratch pad, and we were only too happy to wait with a lager in hand. But confused as to why larger tables were being seated well before us (2), and tables of two even being combined to accomodate said groups. Finally, an hour 15 wait later, and I had to remind the girl we were there, and although she said she was looking for me, we never heard her call my name or any names! A better (or brighter) system here is needed. But that's where the negatives end, because the fish is crisp and light, some of the best fish fry this Wisconsin boy has ever tasted! Served with peas and fries, the offer to add more fish was frequent. Service impeccable for a casual dining place. Stop in for a pint on their large patio, fish fry or other Scottish delights; Duke of Perth is solid!
(4)
Hannah C.
This place is a treat! The fish and chips were evidently delicious and plentiful. Service was super attentive, even though they were quite busy. The chicken club was average, but the stovies (mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions) were AMAZING! They have a great selection of beer and whiskey. They had a few wines and other drinks, although it would have been nice to have a few more choices. We would definitely return here!
(4)
Maggie M.
Cozy atmosphere with two fireplaces. Scottish themed with a good hard cider. They only have Guinness in a bottle. Not on draft but they have this Scottish stout which is just as good if you're into that kind of thing. Don't come in the winter if you wanna be cozy! It was definitely a bit chilly. Wednesday and Fridays they have all you can eat fish and chips with peas. TALK ABOUT GOOD. The staff was also super nice and witty.
(5)
Mike D.
Great food and service. Went with my family (12 and 9) and felt perfectly comfortable. Try the historic Scottish beers
(4)
Green T.
The "food" is bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Just don't bother. Go if you like a wide selection of beers and whiskeys and don't feel like walking to a more reasonably-priced place that offers the same. Duke offers a decent going-out experience due to its cozy ambiance absence of TV screens (which is unfortunately rare). I appreciate that they seat people quickly even at busy times (though be careful to avoid getting seated by the bathroom, those folks did not look happy at all). But seriously, the food... everything was cooked-from-frozen. I think they stay afloat on the atmosphere alone.
(1)
Michael G.
Fish and chips to rival Aberdeen, and a scotch menu that would amaze an edinburgher. Authentic, quaint, delicious, reasonable
(5)
Valerie H.
Excellent burgers and fish and chips. Have enjoyed many times and was pleasantly surprised by what a tremendous job our server did interacting with our kids as this is really more of a pub environment than family restaurant. If only there was another in the burbs...
(5)
Adriane P.
I wonder if the real Duke of Perth knows there's a pub named after him in Lakeview? I suppose I'd know if there was a pub named Duchess of Awesome because I'd have to sign off on them using my title. It's small, crowded, and loud. Real loud so that you can't hear the faint music over chattering voices. Our table was very close to the other one so much my back rested against another lady's. My partner fixed that by moving our table closer to the wall adjacent, even then we were uber close. His chair wobbled too, so he swapped it. It says on the window embossed "Authentic Ale and Cider!" um they only have one kind of cider. We ordered: The Cider Good, very crisp, not too sweet. Young's Double Chocolate Stout Good, but heavy. Haggis Wings (Hot) According to them the largest wings in town. Thankfully made of chicken not haggis. Do haggis have wings anyhow? Isn't it guts? I'm not sure they are the largest but definitely meaty. Not hot at all. My partner said in a poetic comparison, "If these wings were salsa, they'd be labeled mild." If I were salsa I'd be labeled hot. The Ghillies Meatloaf A slow-cooked blend of lamb, beef, veal, and garlic sausage with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, mashed rutabaga, and peas. Very tender but bland. The meat and potatoes needed more seasoning and more gravy. The mashed rutabaga he liked more than me but it was ok. We both liked the peas. People serve peas more (and brussel sprouts, in my opinion). The service was spotty. We got a box to go and the busser just handed it to my which is fine, if awkward and the box was very flimsy. The prices were a touch high, for what it is and where it is. Not very authentic overall and certainly not a destination spot. But we'd try it again if we are close.
(3)
Carolyn L.
Oh man I need to write my reviews sooner! I went here a few months ago on a date. Not the fanciest of dates, but it was a place I'd been wanting to check out for awhile. I honestly can't remember much about the place. I remember that I was leaning toward the fish and chips because I always love fish and chips. But I think I ordered the Sean Connery burger instead: burger with sauteed onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. That sounds like me. It is pretty hard to mess up a burger so I'm sure I liked it. The beer and food were fairly priced. The outdoor patio area looked really cute but it was super hot outside so we opted for the interior. Service was fine. It's just that nothing really sticks out about this place, hence the average rating. If I lived closer, I'd probably make this a regular spot. And I will go back to try the fish and chips so look out for a followup review!
(3)
Mike M.
They have an awesome whiskey selection and one of the better fish and chips I've had in Chicago.
(4)
Joel G.
Have been here several times. They have one nitro beer on tap, several scottish beers and a selection of other beers that's decent. Not as good as many new bars specializing in beers but not bad. The place is busy on Fridays for the fish fry and they do a good job of it. Quality fish, decent fries. Staff is always great and keeps you loaded up on what you are eating and drinking. Nice hidden beer garden once the weather warms up. I like this place for a Thursday beer with some friends or a Friday for a good fish fry.
(3)
Selina K.
I had been here before and had a great time but my recent visit on a Saturday night was very disappointing. My friend and I felt rushed by our waitress even though they weren't that busy. We weren't even given a drink menu to look at. My friend clearly told her he wanted to start a tab, and instead we were surprised to see her come back with our 2 drinks already charged to the card. Overall, we felt like we were unwanted and she wanted to get us out quickly for whatever reason.
(1)
K R.
I have to say.. the place is nice.. but a little rant.. they don't really have the ability to accommodate large groups. I am lucky it's cold/flu season and a lot of my would be guests at my birthday thingy.. were unable to make it. If they had come they would have been stuck somewhere else. We kind of felt a bit unwelcome... :-/ However.. I rate this place rather high because our waitress was fast and she was kind of nice.. and the busboy was hilarious and lots of fun himself. They also had never ending fish n chips and they were the bomb!! yum!! I would go here on a date rather than with a big party honestly. Good food.. very quiet music..dark.. I liked it..just not for my occasion.
(4)
Regina K.
I love that it doesn't have TVs and it has a nice beer selection. I don't want to be driven crazy by a ton of TVs when enjoying tasty bevs with a friend.
(4)
Pat R.
The fish and chips are great a light batter and not fishy, but the wait staff is fantastic, so pleasant. They make the wait easier to handle. Thanks
(4)
Keith A.
Oh man, the fish n chips here were pure heaven. It wasn't so much about the bread on the outside as much as it was the insane meltiness of the fish. This was some utterly delicious fish. The peas weren't classic mushy english peas, but that's not really that big of a problem. The fries were pretty classic, but the fish was the real start at least as far as it was concerned. Of course, what kind of DoP review would this be without noting the whiskey that is here. They aren't cheap, and it sure as hell added up fast for me. Still, it was great being able to have it at a fast disposal. It also helped that my friend with me really knows his whiskey. The service here was real good. Granted, we were in here around 4ish on a friday (had to take advantage of the unlimited fish n chips), but the bartender knew his stuff and was more than willing to lend a suggestion. DoP has an old school feel to it. Pretty classic and it does make you want to drink there for a while. Obviously that's the goal for them, and it works out perfectly.
(4)
George A.
Went for Fish & Chips of lunch and it was great , the fish was chrispy and the batter wasn't to heavy the fish was good. Love the atmosphere and beer was good.
(5)
Jason L.
It was a cool Spring evening in the city. My buddy Sean and I decided to meet up to catch up on old times with a little scotch and whiskey. Enter our favorite go-to spot: The Duke of Perth (affectionately known to us as "The Duke"). The Duke of Perth may not look like much from the outside, but, upon entering its doorstep, you are instantaneously whisked away (no pun intended) to Scotland. Try their Fish 'N Chips; perhaps the best in the city. While most of the food is decent, bordering on average, what you are really here for is the scotch. "The Duke" is one of the few places in the city that can boast a scotch selection from every region of Scotland. Highlands and Speysides to Island and Campbeltown malts, "The Duke" has it all. This place even has a few Nippon malts from Japan! If you are looking for a good after work spot to enjoy a few scotches with your buddies, and simply don't have time to wait for hours outside of Longman and Eagle (or even if you do have the time), check out "The Duke."
(4)
Ben K.
This place has been a classic winter warm-up spot for me for some time. They have a cozy atmosphere, and the food is pretty tasty. All you can eat fish & chips on Wednesday and Friday is a great deal, and they do a fantastic job frying their fish with a light crispy batter, and bringing you out seconds if you can handle it. With that said, I have one complaint. Last time in here, for an exciting celebration, a buddy and I ordered the "Full Monty" scotch flight, a $100 trio of 20+ year aged scotches, all of which were delicious, but the pour size was embarrassing. Less than a shot was in each of the three glasses. I know these are expensive, but we felt hosed, and barely got even a miniscule taste each of all three. This has to be the worst value in the whole place.
(3)
Brian L.
I go to this place almost everytime I go to see a film at Landmark. It's pretty much right across the street, so it's awfully convenient. The atmosphere in this place is really nice. Really laid back. It definitely captures an old pub sort of atmosphere. Old wooden everything, and a list a mile long with different sorts of Scotch from Scotland. Beers as well. No TVs, so no douchebags. Fake fireplaces, but real fire. Fish n Chips. Damn good burgers. I haven't even been when it's been crowded. Almost always get seated immediately. I wish this place was closer to me, cause I think I'd be a regular... not necessarily only to dine, but to spend some time at the bar chatting it up with some of the regulars. There's definitely a positive vibe in this place.
(4)
Elise K.
Duke of Perth is a great place to randomly walk into and see a table of friends already there. The inside is small... It is hard to get a table! In the summer there is a great outdoor patio in the back. The patio is walled in, well lit and just a nice place to be. This doesn't mean it is any easier to get a table in the summer though! I've heard that the food... Especially the fish is great they say. I will have to try the food someday.... But let's focus on the drinks! There is a full bar and many Irish beers. A full list of Irish whiskies will keep you busy. Finally the service is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a place to go that will make you night... Try DOP! Truly a neighborhood gem with a secret garden.
(5)
A. M.
We got here at 6:15 pm on a Friday and it was packed! Granted the bar area isn't that large but still....it was clearly a hot spot. We finally found the hostess and put in our name - we were told about 20-30 minutes for a table. We moseyed up to the bar and grabbed some beers - all of which were delicious. 45 minutes later we still weren't seated but we didn't mind because we had a feeling it would take longer. Once we were seated though (about hour wait), everything was amazing. We sat down and the waitress immediately greeted us despite having to push her way through the hordes of people surrounding our table. We sat in the bar area - not by choice, but necessity. Either way it wasn't a big deal. We ordered the all you can eat fish and then the mac and cheese fritter apps. The food arrived disturbingly fast - all hot and delicious. I have to say this was probably the best fish fry I've had (and I've had plenty!) The fish was fresh, hot, and perfectly fried. The chips were good too. The peas, a welcomed addition. I don't know what is in the tartar sauce but it was AMAZING. I didn't get a second helping because honestly the first helping is truly plenty but it is nice to have that option available if you are really hungry. Overall I really loved this place. The food was great and if I'm ever craving a fish fry, I know now where it is at. I will just make sure to get there early so I don't have to wait forever!
(4)
Laura H.
If you're new to Scotch and want to try some without spending a ton of money buying bottles or glasses of something you might not like, come here. They have flights from $22-100. They suggested the Roving Drover as a good one since we didn't know what to pick. There was enough for me to drink and give my friend a taste of each as well. This place is warm with a fireplace and great old wood tables and benches. It's decorated like my grandpa's basement, which is perfect.
(4)
Karen N.
Quick service, good place to eat and drink when I go to Landmark theater. I always order the fish and chips there, very light batter.
(3)
Misty S.
I love this place! SPECIALS Monday - Two for one entree Wed & Fri - All you can eat fish and chips $9 Thursday - $0.50 jumbo wings The menu is packed with comfort food like meatloaf, Shepard's Pie, burgers and sandwiches. My favorite has to be their FISH and CHIPS. Crispy, lightly breaded and tasty! It is also comforting to know that the quality has remained top notch over the years. I find that this place can be pretty packed on Wed and Fri nights for the all you can eat deal. The dining area in the back is dimly lit and has a fireplace. It's a cozy place to have dinner and drinks and enjoy good company. The beer and whiskey list is extensive and there is something for everyone. I'm a Guinness fan and I enjoy the Belhaven Wee Heavy beer found here. It is described as full bodied, rich and malty sweet ale with caramel and nutty overtones...mmm. Street parking is not too difficult to find, at least on a week night.
(5)
Mary T.
When I told my friends was attending an anti-Superbowl knitting meetup at Duke of Perth, I'll admit I got some strange looks. Those looks were soon followed by what in their minds constituted better offers, but frankly I was looking forward to this for three reasons: 1) I'm indifferent about the Superbowl, heck I'm indifferent about football in general. 2) I've been wanting to visit Duke of Perth for ages and now had the perfect reason. 3) I'm working on a pair of bitchin socks and wanted to make some serious headway. The location couldn't have been better, since Duke of Perth is TV-less it was relatively quiet except for the bartender's nice background mix and our animated conversation. It also wasn't very crowded since those wanting to go out and not watch the Superbowl seem to be in the minority. We were given a table in the back room next to the fireplace. If you're going to work or read, I recommend the back room as it's better lit than the front. We were also comped a few appetizers and went with the vegetable fries and the mac and cheese fritters - both were excellent. (Sidenote: Don't come here if you plan on couting calories, points or anything else; most items here are fried or laden with cheese or other sinful stuff.) I think the sauces were what made the vegetable fries; the sweet chili was downright addictive and the curry mayo was pretty tasty too. I usually don't care for fried mac and cheese, but what made this so good was that the mac didn't taste like it came from a blue box and the tangy harissa sauce. I'd love it if they served and entree portion of regular mac and cheese. For my main meal I settled on fish po-boy and a side of chips with some Dry Blackthorn cider to wash it down. The po-boy was ok. I wish the roll (like an italian beef roll) were thinner, every time I bit down fish or veggies squirted out the other end. The thickness of the bread also overpowered the tast of their mambo tartar sauce. The fries were good, even better with the malt that automatically resides on the tables. Next time I think I'd go with something different. Some of our group opted for dessert, ordering the trifle and the three-layer banana cake. While trifle isn't my thing, it was interesting to learn that the fruits in it rotate - this time it was peaches and berries. The trifle is also the only dessert made in-house. They also had two cheesecake options, but I think the overall dessert selections may rotate. Service was great. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive and made sure that no pint or wine glass ran dry. She was also quite knowledgeable about DoP's beer selection, most of which hails from the UK or Ireland, and help guide anyone to selections she thought they'd enjoy. (They also have an extensive malt list too) For me, this was a perfect way to spend Superbowl Sunday - I ate a little too much, drank a little too much, made some headway on my socks, and didn't miss watching the game one bit. TIP: Wednesdays and Fridays they offer AYCE fish and chips.
(4)
Frances A.
Mediocre. Enjoyed the fish & chips... However, I prefer to sub my chips w/ sweet potato fries. Makes for a more interesting spread. Although the idea of all-you-can-eat is tempting, they pretty much scrimp on the whole spread - leaving you solely with the fish. Fried leeks were interesting. Don't see that nearly enough. Would've loved a little more tartar, or maybe some blue cheese perhaps? I love craft beer, love Scottish Ales, but I feel that Duke of Perth scrimps a little on the selection. I love Robert the Bruce. Super malty brown ale, and hey have nothing of the sort. Fun quiet chill ambiance. No hurry or stress which is nice, but there's nothing really about it that would necessarily bring me back over and over. Shmeh...
(2)
Scott K.
A great escape. The Duke of Perth is not your usual Clark Street - north of Armitage south of Grace - bar filled with obnoxious drunkards barely graduated from the frat house. Its bartenders and servers are amicable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the patrons are fun. I've always had a good time here with all different kinds crowds. Wednesdays and Fridays are AYCE fish and chips for $10 that are really quite tasty (although I can barely finish the initial serving as it is quite generous). I myself am a bit of a Scotch enthusiast and it is fun to introduce newcomers to the dram with the Scotch flight options. Plenty of Scottish beer offerings, too, for those more inclined to that sort of drink. If you're looking for a casual night out,The Duke of Perth is a solid bet.
(4)
Autumn H.
I love the beers on tap. Great place to get a drink. The shepherds pie and fish & chips are tasty.... but The fish is good, not great. A crumb style crust not beer batter. It should be beer batter. They don't have any HP sauce. Fires are fries but nothing special. It's good to get a great drink and eat ok food. That said I'd never come for the food alone and unless it's half off plate nights it's overpriced food.
(3)
Jeffrey K.
A solid pub in the Lakeview area that serves good beer and decent food at a fair price. They've got a list of scotches to run through as well. Outdoor seating when it's warm and cozy indoors when it's cold. A fine place to huddle over a beer while the wind whips down Clark.
(4)
Mike K.
Walsh got Da Duke. I goh Da Duke as well. But I goh Da Duke uh Pairth. So, tha Duke uh Pairth es a Scoh-ish Pub, aye? Ehts pints, wheskays and bairgurs. And ehts rather uh dive. Maybay ehts beh-uh fair drenken' than eht es for ate-en. I only thought tha food was okee. I goh tha fraight lakes, tha bairgur, the cheps, a pint uh lahguh and then another pint uh lahguh. The fraight lakes were, uh, entresten. Of course, the fraight part was lovely, but tha lake part? Noh so much. Too cheway. The cheps? Fresh and pairfect. The lahguh? You kedden'? Brilliant. The bairgur? Eh, noh a patch on tha bairgurs eht tha Grafton, Duke's or Jairy's of tha wayrld, ef ya ask may. Maybay tha Duke uh Pairth es beh-uh fair drenken' than fair ate-en'? Maybay ahll bay back fair tha drenken'. Cannae say ahll bay back fair tha bairgur sence eht was only okee en muy uhpenion. Thray stahrs.
(3)
Kyle T.
Great deal on Wednesdays and Fridays for all you can eat fish and chips for 10.95 (or around there). Their whiskey selection is great too. If you are looking for a nice whiskey bar with some good food then check this place out
(4)
Joel W.
Very classic looking scottish bar. Huge back patio. Good fish and chips! Our server, a girl, big into Sons of Anarchy, AD...we talked her into Dexter.
(4)
Archer W.
Good booze. Good food. Great patio.
(4)
Chuck K.
For my 100th Yelp Review, I'm choosing to pay homage to Duke of Perth in Lakeview! This bar is great, whether you're looking to belly up and have a beer, or sit in the beer garden and enjoy a drink in the sun. But most of all, this bar is my favorite place to get...... FISH AND CHIPS!!!!!!!!!! They have all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays, the wait is well worth it. You can also get this any other day of the week. They are huge fillets that are lightly breaded and the fish just melts in your mouth. The fries are perfect and if you're game, you'll get a side of peas with them as well. I can't tell you how many times I've gone here and gotten this dish. It's perfect every time. Like I said, Fridays are crazy and you'll wait for a table. The service is OK and people are friendly. They just tend to be on the slow side, even when the bar is not packed. If you're in the neighborhood on an afternoon and need a bite, stop in here. The back yard beer garden is nothing special, but you can enjoy some warm sun and are blocked out from Chicago winds blowing around. Fish and Chips! You owe it to your stomach to give this place a try! Oh... and they have Whiskey Flights! I mean how cool is that!!!
(4)
Alyssa R.
What a great place! I'm not sure I would enjoy this place as much during warmer weather, but on a cold winter's night, this pub with its fireplaces and warm, cozy, quiet atmosphere was absolutely perfect! I tried the leek pie, and it was delicious and filling. The fish and chips and the burgers are also reportedly very delicious. All meals are, I am sure, guaranteed to fill you up. Not a very large beer selection, however. I am definitely a fan!
(4)
Ken O.
Whatever they are doing... they are doing it right!!! The restaurant is on the smaller side. Plan to wait 15 - 20 minutes for a table- which is not bad. The restaurant definitely gives you the pub feeling. Fish (big portions) and chips are excellent. Plus, it's all you can eat. The nightly specials are also a great deal. The patrons are very well mixed. Great place to people watch when not conversing with your fellow diners. Glad the restaurant is couple of blocks away.
(5)
Laura C.
Drinks here on a low-key Saturday night turned out to be a hilarious comedy spectacle. Had the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and friends had ciders, both of which were on tap and delicious. Erubiel, a server/actor, entertained us all night with his amusing stories and observations. The Duke is the only Scottish pub in Chicago (for those of you needing a reason to try it out). Unassuming from the street view, the interior is a long space with wooden tables and a comfortable pub feel. I'll be back to try the food and more drinks!
(4)
Jeff K.
It was good. No wows. Nothing that makes me jump up and down out of joy or hop or run back here, but it was definitely not bad either. I came here with the boyfriend for a late brunch on a Saturday, was able to get a table, food was served promptly, and the beer was cold. If I was back in the area I would no doubt come back here for food again, but am not adding it to the list of destination spots.
D of P: where men go to escape broism. This place is about as manly as it comes. Scotch. Dense beer. Meat. Animal heads on the wall. What it lacks is sports, and therefore sports fans. Overall, this helps it be one of the few enjoyable places to be, especially during Cubs/Bears season when places are swarming with these types. I usually go Belhaven for beers for that Scottish feel (the Wee Heavy is bizarre, creamy, and good). Their burgers are not really top 5 (they cook them too much) but they're good and they honor my request to put a fried onion on top. The shepherd's pie is actually tasty and works well. The real winner is the fried mac n cheese triangles. I used to frequent this place in the summer when they did outdoor. It's a good place to have on the corner.
(4)
Kori E.
We came here Friday for the all you can eat fish n chips. We arrived to a packed bar and an hour and a half wait. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a round of beers. I had the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle IPA and it was OK. I like a really hoppy beer and this beer didn't muster up. We were finally seated close to that 1.5 hour mark and I couldn't have been more excited to finally get my fish n chips. I had been eye balling them as they were served to various tables and I couldn't wait. Unfortunately, they look a lot better than they taste. They are good, don't get me wrong, but they are not the best fish n chips I've had. I would have liked more fries, not underneath my greasy fish, and the fish was just that...kinda greasy. We left stuffed to the gills (no pun intended) and both agreed we would try other places before returning to Duke.
(3)
Diane M.
Best Shepherd's pie in Chicago (although they said it was truly a cottage pie). And fish and chips. And choice of ales and ciders. Only problem is no televisions (although I understand why, I still would like to see games!). But the food is always steamy hot and flavorful and fresh! Yummy!
(5)
Karen L.
A friend suggested Duke of Perth for a recent get-together. I had never been, and got there first. The place was packed, and since there was no where to wait and no one around to ask about a table (Seat yourself? Wait to be seated? Unclear...), I sort of waited awkwardly by the door until a busboy pointed out the hostess to me. I was seated after a 10-15 minute wait, and my friend finally showed up at that point. We ordered the fish and chips, which were excellent, and my friend was quite excited about the whiskey selection. However, the rest of the menu seemed kind of limited -- burgers and chicken sandwiches with different toppings, and that was pretty much it. They're not shy about their prices either, and i can think of more interesting sandwiches I'd rather spend $10-12 on. We were there on an "all you can eat" night, but I don't eat much, so it wasn't really a bargin for me. Service was fine, though the waitress kept bumping into me because the place is so small and cramped. It was also pretty loud, which made it hard to carry on a conversation with the person right across the table from me. Overall, for the price and atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled. While I wouldn't say that I'll never go back, I'm definitely not in a big hurry any time soon.
(2)
Terri M.
Ok, right up front let me say that this is not the normal review for a restaurant. I didn't have the food. I don't care about the food. I have no intention of eating the food. Looked ok but bar food is not really my thing. But as anybody who knows will attest, I do like bars. And not those sissy girlie bars. I like bars that know how to serve a real whisky in a real whiskey glass. So when a friend invited me to the northside for a scotch flight or two, I was in. Seriously excellent selection. I travel quite a bit with my families for work so I've been to a tasting or ten. Why bother when I can now just head up to Duke of Perth.
(4)
Jackie H.
I came in here for the first time on a snowy day and I don't recall ever begin so happy to walk into a room. The fire was crackling. The bar was decorated for the holidays. There was a table ready and waiting for us. I felt like I had stepped out of Chicago and into some comfy British Isles fantasy land. No TVs? No problem! I've gone back a few times since then, but no visit ever compared to my first. But then again, how could they? Whenever I find myself getting depressed about the impending winter, I just remind myself that every step closer to snowfall is a step closer to replicating the perfect Duke of Perth afternoon. Awesome.
(4)
Martin P.
I enjoyed my experience here. A small pub with good service. I ordered the Fish and chips and I was not disappointed. The fish was flaky, the breading crispy, and flavorful. The chips were decent. The space is a bit small, but it adds to the quaintness of the atmosphere. If I am wanting fish and chips, this is the place I will go. An added bonus was it was all the fish I could eat!!!
(3)
brett j.
What's not to love? It's one of the coziest places in Chicago. I can down many pints tasty Scottish beer while eating fish and chips (all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays) next to a fireplace, not be distracted by some ugly TV. The service is always friendly. It's the ultra cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and Scottish beers (fraoch? alba? wee heavey? check, check, check!) that make Duke of Perth so endearing and worthy of 5 stars. If only I liked Scotch more I'd give the Duke 6 stars!
(5)
Mariah V.
Mac and cheese fritters. Yes. I can't hate a place with mac and cheese fritters. (I will probably regret saying this one day). I wanted to order the meatloaf, but they were out. Granted it was around 10pm on a Sunday, so maybe making an entire meatloaf was not worth it for them. Instead I got the bangers and mash (which comes with a bunch of peas), and it was satisfying. Meat and potatoes is a magical combination, after all. It was really quiet when we were there, so we didn't have any problem with service or whatnot. I had the scottish ale and the scottish lager, which were both good. I need to come back to try some of their whiskies, because their malt list is outrageous. If you're like me and my best friend, you sit down for a quick dinner expecting to be there for maybe an hour. Then you look at the time, and 2 hours have passed. That's why I love really chill places like Duke of Perth, where I'm not going to be pushed out the door after sitting around for hours. This place is cool, because it isn't trying too hard. There are mismatched tables, the deer head above the bar wears a hat, and their website even says, "Due to our mind numbing laziness all items and prices are subject to change." I love this kind of attitude, so I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Carol K.
Peas, peas and more peas, please! For no matter what you order at the Duke of Perth, those bright green pearls come along as a side dish. That's okay by me cuz I'm a pea girl but if you don't like them- be prepared. There was no wait on our last visit but we arrived around 10pm on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. We were seated right away in the front, ordered a couple of beers and then began to look at the menu. My friend got the meatloaf which was quite good, served with peas and potatoes and I went with the fish- also served with peas and fries. His was clearly the winner of the night as it almost tasted just like mom's! The ambiance is warm and inviting- oh sure- it's a pub in a box with the fireplaces, the wooden tables and bar and the framed pictures on the walls, but they do a good job in making it feel real, rather than the plastic bar it could be. Service was quick and friendly, the food was good and on this cold night the ambiance warmed us up. Who knew the Duke of Perth would come through so strongly as our visit there was just a whim? But given the experience we had, you can bet we'll be back. Afterall . . . .they have PEAS!!
(4)
Matt M.
The Duke of Perth is a great place to go on a lazy Sunday! I went and sat at the bar, opened with the fish and chips, which they are well known for. They were great, no surprise. Then I sat there for three hours and played war with the girl next to me and chatted with the friendly bartender. I highly recommend going at dusk or around sundown... the window is west facing and it gets really pretty. Also, they have good beers and no TV's! No Tv's is huge for me. TV is lame.
(4)
Long Q.
Best days to go? WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY! Why you ask? unlimited delicious beer battered fish and chips! my job here is done! Perhaps not yet!!? I want to give a waitress named Alexis a shout-out! she was so awesome! very attentive, friendly and I must say those are two very important characteristics in an unlimited fried fish situation! How did they lose one star? one word! RATS! I am from NYC we see rats bigger than cats so yea I am still coming back for the fish and chips and beer!
(4)
Johnny T.
Even after a billion years in Chicago, I still get annoyed by the coming onslaught of cold. The bite, the gloom, the knowledge that it's going to last for six months... it gets to you. Me. It gets to me. I, eventually, get over it but the first few months are rough... but they'll now get a little easier. I have the perfect place to go chase away the cold weather blues. Again, for years, I passed by this spot, looked into the dark glasses to see patrons happily eating and drinking away... and I kept it moving. I don't know why I never felt the gravitational pull to go inside but all that time DoP was eating away at my stubbornness and taking up space in my subconscious. On one on-chilly night, I had the hankering for something different. "What about that Perth place?" I thought. Good thought. This is perfect pub food made even more perfect by beer and homeyness. Without a doubt, come for the fish and chips. AYCE anything is, usually, worth the price of admission. This fish is seriously worth the hype. Pair it with some beer and bring some good friends along and you have the makings of a wonderful Chicago evening. But, don't limit yourself to the fish. The sandwiches are the real deal, as well. My favorite is the James Watt. I don't know who he was, but I like him. After all, his namesake sandwich includes chicken, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy seasoning. It's a bit of a mess, but it's so worth it. Emotional eaters, this sandwich will sate all your needs. Promise. I like the idea of the Islay sandwich, but I want to be able to pile more stuff on it. It's a chicken breast sandwich and you're given the option to put all sorts of delicious things on top like hot peppers, various cheeseS, onions, hot sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and BACON. But faced with all these choices, you can only put three on top of the bird. This is probably done for ease of eating, but I think I speak for all fattys when I say that I want to put it all on the sandwich. Let me live the dream. For as good as the fish and chips are, I don't know that the concept translates well to bread. I was a wee bit (see what I did there?) disappointed in the size and execution of the fish po-boy. For a place that boasts Moby Dick-sized fish pieces, the sandwich is rather small and forgettable. Stick with the battered fish on a plate (although the veggies on the sandwich add a nice pop). Duke of Perth: offering essential ways to survive the Chicago winter.
(4)
Don S.
Went for the fish fry during lunch. Terrific. Great assortment of unique Scottish ales. Very worth a visit. Tried Weather Mark's fish fry, not my taste. I prefer the beer batter that Duke of Perth fries the fish in, and no disapproving looks for eating more. Bar tender was top notch professional. Worth a trip if what you want are perfect fish 'n chips. Somebody rode the bus for an hour and half for the fish fry when I was there.
(5)
Amy R.
Thursday night beer and wings! :) Always ask for your wings extra crispy and you won't regret it! They also have great outdoor seating. The only thing is they close it pretty early.
(4)
Malcolm Jamal W.
Wow, all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. Nice back garden. The fish and chips was great! Very crispy. The fries were surprisingly good. Nice Scottish beers I'd never had before. Yummy yum yum. I left here smiling.
(4)
Matthew S.
I do this little thing I call "my adventure day". Basically, it means that there is no possible way for me to make my flat any cleaner than it is, so I decide to explore a new corner of the city. But you say "um, but Matthew, you're a northsider...how is this exploring?" and to this I say "I leave my flat less than J.D. Salinger left his." I explored a few book shops, and visited Belmont Army Navy surplus. Then I decided I wanted to treat myself to a super cozy dinner. Voila...Duke of Perth. When I walked in, I knew it was exactly what my minds eye had been craving. Small, intimate, smiling people, a fireplace, dim lighting. Fiddle music playing. I was warmly greeted with a smile. This is where I cringe. The waitress said "two?" No, it was JUST ME. You see, this was also the first time I've ever eaten alone in a restaurant. I wanted this to be part of my adventure. I got a small table in the back part of the place, near another fireplace. I was seated near a group of older men who appeared to be catching up after a long while. It was a good energy back there. I was loving the wooden tables and wooden chairs. The walls were filled with interesting framed pictures. I ordered the fish and chips and a pint of beer. The fish and chips are served with peas. It was a great meal to go with my great day. When I left, it was just going on 630 - and there was a HUGE wait at this point. This was on a Saturday. As I left, I pulled my scarf tighter, and flipped up the collar of my jacket. Snow was lightly falling. A couple holding hands passed me on the sidewalk. She was laughing. At that moment, I realized I had no choice but to chalk this up to one of my best days in Chicago.
(5)
Rachel R.
Pass on this place if you can unless you like Scotch and beer. Came for the fish & chips and should have stopped somewhere else for that. I had heard such good things about this place and was disappointed. The great thing about the place, the beer.
(3)
Georgia K.
This cozy Scottish pub is a solid choice if you're into pub grub, Scottish or English beer, and an endless whiskey selection. For whatever reason, pub fare doesn't excite me-- but DOP's beer list, burgers, salads, and fish & chips are pretty decent. The service is so-so. The adorb patio in the back scores major points.
(3)
Kimberly M.
Great fish and chips, all-you-can-eat on Wednesday and Friday. I've tried 50% of the menu and it is 100% delicious! Great selection of Scotch. No tv's but full of great conversation. It can get pretty crowded on Friday nights until the fish and chip crowd leaves around 10pm. Friendly service. And a nice big beer garden for those sunny summer days=)
(4)
Chi L.
This is one of my new favs. Hands down. The burgers- all of them- are amazing. I love the patio. I've been walking by this place for years and never thought to walk in. What a surprise when I finally did and tried the food. Beers are a bit pricey but no major complaints there. LOVE!
(5)
Arvind R.
Good food, good scotch
(5)
Natalie S.
I fell in love with my husband over endless fish and chips and chocolate stout here at Duke of Perth. Ahhh... memories. He introduced me to this place on one of our first dates and we were smitten with each other and the food. I honestly haven't had anything else here because we would intentionally only hit this place up on a Wednesday or Friday when they have all you can eat fish and chips. They do it very well. The only place I've had fish and chips better is in London. The fish always comes out crispy, never oily and the fries are awesome. I occasionally will give the stovies a try, which are delicious as well. Peas: meh. They could certainly keep them so I have more room for my fish. I think they should work on something more authentic like mashed peas. But, it's fine the way it is. They have a great beer selection and the servers are always very helpful and friendly. It can get very crowded 7pm and later on the weekend so either be prepared to stand around and wait or try to get in early.
(4)
James T.
The Duke doesn't need another five star review, but too bad ya' kilt wearin' bampot, you're getting one anyway. The term "pub" gets haphazardly tossed around in this city. Some of these places think that having cardboard shamrocks taped to the walls and serving Carlsberg automatically makes them a "proper European" pub." However, "pub" is just short for "public house." That means a pub should really just feel like being in someone else's living room, and that's exactly what it's like at The Duke. It has a rustic country pub charm to it which, believe it or not, is becoming more and more rare in the UK. You won't hear any loud Nickelback music coming from this place, and since there's no TV, you won't have to worry about the place filling up with sports hooligans. It's just a comfortable place to have a chat with a friend or even read a book. The beer selection definitely parallels the British theme serving popular UK breweries like Belhaven, Young's and Fuller's, all of which are on tap. Of course, if you're a boring old lager boy looking for a bottle of Budweiser, they can accommodate you too. I'll add that it would be great if they had imperial sized pints for their beers, and also if they had a hand pump cask, but those are just extra luxuries that aren't particularly necessary to having a good pub. What makes this place so popular, and what keeps me coming back is the food. I can only comment on two menu items. First, the reason you're probably reading this, is the fish & chips. I'm aware that a lot of places say they have fish & chips when really all it is is a couple of Gorton's fillets and some thin fries that may or may not be accompanied by a bottle of Heinz vinegar. The Duke will give you two healthy portions of fresh cod, some decent sized pub style chips, a side of peas, and Sarson's vinegar or Lea & Perrins Worcester sauce. This is the real thing, folks. What they put on your plate is no different than any other respectable pub in the UK, and it's fantastic. Plus, on Wednesday and Friday, it's all you can eat! Then there's the shepherd's pie. Now, I didn't have this; my fiance did. But to really give you an idea of what the shepherd's pie was like, you have to know a little bit about her. She's English. And not like high hair and too much makeup East London type of English; she's the posh Hampshire everything looks like an episode of Masterpiece Theater English. She laughs at us for spelling "color" without a "U", she thinks cricket is a manlier sport than baseball, she looks at King George III with the same reverence as we do John Wayne, she thinks that because we drive on the right we can't possibly do anything correctly. That type of English. She said it was the best shepherd's pie she's ever had. Now that's saying something.
I've been going here since college...and that's a while now. The last time we dined, I was disappointed. My husband had chicken sandwich which was only alright he said. I didn't try it. I had the veggie sandwich. Grilled onions, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and goat cheese on bread. I remember the fries as being really good. These were old and sparse. We both started with a salad, which was good. I love the dressing. Our service was only average. Somebody dropped a tray of glasses. I mean, that happens. It just didn't seem as lackluster as it once was. Maybe I should have gone with the fish and chips. Maybe I should have had more beers. We'll still go back, we'll never drop it from our go to spot before the movies, but the last time we were here it was only ok. My husband loves that there is no tv in there. I like the crowd, not stuck up.
(3)
Lauren B.
Delicious!! Great beers and great food. Try the "stovies." They're mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions mixed in. Absolutely wonderful. Nice relaxing atmosphere with great music.
(5)
Heidi M.
It was the perfect grey afternoon in Chicago to have scotch and eat fish and chips. Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips for $10.95. Brian at the bar was really nice and made the afternoon even better. Steve had his scotch and I have my fish and chips and to top it off - Free WiFI! Bonus!! And this from an Irish Girl at that...
(4)
Colin E.
One time I came here and sat next to a table of old English actors, in all black with their scarves, carrying on and telling old theater stories loudly. I drank a great scotch flight, ate the wonderful fish and chips, loved the ambience.
(4)
George G.
I've been to Duke of Perth several times, and each time I regret having to leave. And I'm always dying to go back! All you can eat fish and chips on Weds and Fridays.... Yeah, right. I don't know how anyone could eat more than they are served in the first serving! Incredibly generous portions of both fish and chips! I saw a reviewer mention the fish being "mushy", and another saying the fish was "previously frozen". Not that I have ever experienced... I'm not a huge fish person - but DAMN - that's some great fish!!! And I had a guest with me from the UK who insists Duke of Perth has one of the best fish and chip meals he's ever eaten - a very high complement indeed! The rest of the menu is "intriguing". From sandwiches to meals - I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. It is definitely Scottish comfort food at its best! I highly recommend the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogch Leek Sticks (My UK friend from schooled me that it is the name that translates into 'The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the Red Cave" and is a town in Angelsey, which sits off the north west coast of Wales). The beer menu is literally second to none, if you're looking for a great selection. Their on-tap Belhaven Scottish Wee Heavy is out of this world!!! (I hardly find any bar that serves a on-tap Wee Heavy). The staff is absolutely fantastic. They don't know me from anyone else that walks in the place, yet I'm always treated like a regular. I wish I knew the bartenders name, but he gave us a fantastic "tour" of great Scotches. He prides himself in turning a non-Scotch drinker to a Scotch lover based upon likes/dislikes of other liquors. He even has a special "flight" for those that typically drink Vodka! ...and at the end of the evening - I always have money left in my pocket! The prices are VERY reasonable given the neighborhood they're located.
(5)
Karry G.
the fish and chips were amazing!! I took my mom here and she loved it . we did the all you can eat Friday deal but the was so much food that I didn't have room for seconds! my only complaint was that the wine was kinda pricey for the size of the glass
(5)
Allie J.
I was pleasantly surprised by Duke of Perth! I was told we were going to a Scottish restaurant for a friend's birthday. My initial inclination was umm....not quite sure about Scottish food. I have to say- it was quite delicious! We were with a large group so we tried the leek and mushroom appetizers which were both good. I had the fish n chips and they were great! The batter was light and crispy- not too heavy. Friends had the leek pot pie and the salmon which i tried and which were both good. Very comfortable atmosphere- great for groups.
(4)
Tenzo D.
Went here when it first opened about fifteen years ago. One of the best pubs in Chicago Went back a week ago and did the whisky tastings. Ok, It gets another star.
(5)
Alicia D.
Was told the wait would be "25 minutes" an hour and a half ago. Still being told it will be "another 20 minutes," "any minute now". I feel hosed. The food is decent but not worth being lied to. I'm too far in now. You got me duke.
(1)
David R.
Beers on tap include Belhaven Scottish Ale, Belhaven Twisted Thistle, and Belhaven Stout. I always intend to get one of each but end up drinking multiple Scottish Ales because that is seriously one of my five favorite beers of all time. I've taken some visitors here twice in the last few weeks and everyone's enjoyed it. Consequently, I've tried several entrees too. The leek pie gets a B, slightly soupy but tasty. The salmon/cod cakes are a B+ on flavor but you get only two of them. The meatloaf (lamb, veal, beef, and pork/garlic sausage...yowza) gets a B+ too, but watch out because that entree is a DAMN lot of food. Of course, the fish and chips are still great. Monday is two-for-one entrees. That is a hell of a deal. It bothers me that someone has misspelled "whisky" as "whiskey" on their Malt of the Month board. Come on, guys. One last thing--there is an impossibly cute blonde waitress with glasses but she's never been my server. If she is reading this--miss, please seat me in your section next time. I promise that I'm not as scary as I look.
(5)
Joshua H.
You've got to love a Scottish pub where you'll find a guy or two in a kilt once in a while. The scotch selection is awesome, as is the beer selection (as far as Scottish and English ales). I also believe that they put some sort of crack in their meatloaf. Meatloaf that good does not exist without chemical enhancement of some kind. The service and atmosphere are great as well. If you've never been, I suggest you come by. It is hard to get in on the all-you-can-eat fish and chips nights.
(4)
Jenny B.
I went on a Friday around 6:30, so of course it was incredibly busy. We were told a 20 maybe 30 minute wait, and we waited over an hour. But I do have to say, the fish fry and drinks were way worth it! I'm used to endless fish fries in which you have to ask multiple times and wait forever for more, but the waitress was on top of it. She actually asked us before we thought about asking and didn't believe we didn't want a 3rd round. SO.. be prepared to stand in a crowded room for a long time, but I promise it will be worth it!
(4)
Michael S.
Really good fish and chips! Glad didn't go on a Friday for their special on it.. Went on a Thursday night and was a little disappointed it wasn't all you can eat every night for fish and chips, but the guy on the phone assured us that we would be full after one order of it. Kind of true.. We can eat! Ordered two fish and chips and a few wings which was on special as well as their mac and cheese bites. The fish and chips was really good. The breading was just right and the fish was nice and flaky. The fries were really good as well. I thought the peas were just okay, but to be fair peas just don't excite me. The wings were good, but they weren't what I expected for the biggest wings in the city. Seemed pretty standard to me.. Mac and cheese bites.. oh man.. these were good. I think it was the frying of it that made me like it a lot... Overall with the service I have to say a worthwhile place to visit!
(4)
Alex B.
I am giving this place five stars and haven't even tried their Scotch selection, which should tell you how good it is. My wife and I had lunch there with a friend last weekend and it was outstanding. Blue cheese burger was cooked perfectly, the fries were that addictive mix of crispy fried batter and fluffy potato, and the Belhaven ale was exactly what the rest of the meal called for. We will be coming back frequently.
(5)
Dan G.
We came here after catching a good flick at the Landmark Theater (also getting out of the 100+ degree weather outside). The place was busy and we were told there was a little bit of a wait. No problem, we wanted a drink. I had an expertly made old fashion (too much Mad Men lately) and she had a spiked Arnold Palmer. I will have to come back for some of their rare scotch and Scottish beer the drink menu looked amazing. We were seated not to long after we got our drink. We both opted for the all you can eat Fish and Chips, a great deal for 10.25. The fish looked hand breaded and fried. Not the boxed fish you usually see at a all you can eat fish fry. The fries and tarter sauce went perfectly with the fish. It looked and tasted like fish in chips you could get in a small bar in Scotland. The service was good even though it was crowded. A real enjoyable time and will become a tradition after seeing a movie.
(4)
Lindsay S.
I loathe fish but for some reason a craving for battered and fried fish with a side of fries comes at me super hard about twice a year. And this place served it up! And it was even all you can eat (which I did not partake of - one was more than enough - but I saw some going for a second plate) Great service. No TVs - I'll go to a sports bar if I want them the best beer line up - I had a Belhaven Ale and YUM. The brews from Scotland and UK are amazing Whiskey. Flight. --I'll leave you to think about that And above all I heard they were the best fish and chips in the city. And they didn't disappoint. I prepared myself to say "meh" and instead I can't wait for my next craving. This place is the best for a cold Scottish drafts, some fried goodness, good conversation and some fireplaces to warm yourself by.
(4)
Derrick T.
Duke of Perth... what happened? Were you affected by the recession? Have times been tough? Have my memory been altered by another race of beings that made me think this place was heavenly for their fish and chips? My most recent visit last night resulted in disappointment. The fish were falling apart, the coating was soggy (from oil)and barely there, the peas tasted like they were frozen and reheated but empty shells of their past selves... My old memory the past 5 times I've been here were of firm well coated fish, delicious to taste and wonderous to touch, peas that were full bodied almost tasting like fresh peas. The fries remain tasty. The burgers remain gorgeous and delicious. The scotch list remains wonderful. The beer remains excellent. These items really give it the three stars... but with the downgrade in fish and peas, I was sorely disappointed. I can only hope Duke of Perth restores its AYCE to it's former glory days... and when it does, can someone let me know? Please?
(3)
Victor V.
someone once said, :Why go to England if you can visit one of Chicago's pubs?" Well, if you go to DOP, you'll know why. They try hard by trying not to try, but it's still trying. Their flights of three premium Scotches are pretty cool, and so it the mantelpiece, but England it is not. However, if you are looking for a getaway from American bars with their TVs and pool tables, this is not bad at all. Just keep in mind that ANY pub in London, Dublin or Liverpool is much much better.
(3)
Shannon M.
On a rainy day recently the family capped off a day in the Lakeview area with dinner at the Duke of Perth. I've been to many an Irish pub in my life, but never a Scottish one, so when I heard about this place I had to drag the crew along. My first impression was that it was quite dark, even for a pub, probably partly thanks to the rainy day, but without the aid of the fairy lights still left up from Christmas I'm not sure I'd have been able to read the menu. We sat at a wobbly table (Dad would lean on one side and the table top would lurch upward about 3 inches!) with a bench seemingly made from a church pew, in the front room near the bar. It was early, so not a big crowd and minimal noise. Warming drinks were called for; there was a sizeable list of hot beverages, including a "ScHOTch toddy," hot buttered rum, hot port, and hot apple cider with rum (my choice -- it came with a clove-studded orange-slice. The rum was evident in taste but didn't overwhelm the apple, and wasn't a super-boozy drink; I didn't want a buzz per se at 4 pm). There are also many beers from Scotland, Ireland, England and elsewhere (US and Germany, mainly), and a listing of Scotches, of course. I started my meal with the French onion soup (tasty on a rather raw day, though rather than being capped with the toast and cheese like most places, the clearly premade cheese toast came on the side, to be dunked in the soup), and opted for the fish and chips as entree, since that is my barometer for measuring a pub's worth. These were rather skinny strips of fish, beer-battered (oddly, with PBR!); good taste, though so flaky that they somewhat disintegrated in parts. The fries weren't too exciting; the fish came on top of them, so i think the steam and heat made them a little soggy. The fish and chips came with peas, which is perhaps a Scottish thing but didn't appeal to me. My father and brother both also got the fish and chips; my mom rebelled and got the Sean Connery burger, which was big and messy, but when asked for the verdict, she declared, "Sean was good" (good night, everybody!) Our waitress was unobtrusive but got the job done; nice work. Overall, this place was a nice stop for dinner on a rainy night. Watch your step when you leave, though; I tripped down the two big steps going out the front door (I'd hate to see the headers people take after downing several pints of Belhaven!)
(3)
Erika G.
Utterly cute back patio - really pleasant that. Went here for dinner, and ordered the "famous" Fish n' Chips. Lots of malt vinegar. Check. The fish was crispy and moist - very good. Of course, I DOUSED it with vinegar, as is my wont. The chips were forgettable - aren't "chips" supposed to be what we here in the New World call "steak fries"? They were sort of soggy, pedestrian french fries. Tennant's Lager - all good. Dishing with a friend - even better. A pleasant place to hang and have a nosh - and a Scottish bar, not Irish!
(3)
Lindsee R.
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Duke, Duke...lalala My friend took me here for .50 wing night after a really terrible week. Service was slow and I was all set up to be disappointed when I saw the wings had some breading...but, boy was I wrong. The wings were huge and awesome. The breading is so thin it mostly serves to soak up sauce. The sauce could be a twee spicer, but that's neither here nor there for me. The "chips" were also really tasty, a good thickness that was neither steak nor skinny. Topped it all off with a really crisp, delish cider that I've been craving it ever since. I have no idea why people aren't busting the door down, but I'm not mad about it, though I'm rethinking having written this review...
(4)
Ian G.
It took one visit to make this me home pub! Being both Scottish AND Fatty, "The Duke" had an immediate initial appeal to me. Visited first with a very dear friend for fish and chips on a Friday and instantly felt home. It has the charm, feel, and vibe of all of those wonderful pubs in Scotland that I love and miss. Roaring fires when its cold, perfectly-lit interior, and friendly staff bring the sensation of the wee village pub where you feel that you could easily know and be known by everyone. The Duke's strict "no television" policy results in something rarely seen in most American pubs: patrons speaking to one another! Rare indeed, right? Down to brass tacks here: Quite possibly the BEST fish and chips I've had outside of bonnie Scotland (or dear old England, for that matter). So many other robust comfort foods abound and make you never want to leave; And with Belhaven on tap, why would anyone want to do so? Speaking of which, the tap serves up so many of those rare and hard to find pours and pints of Belhaven's finest brews along with several from Young's and Fuller's. The wife loves the Blackthorn Hard Cider. If you're uncertain what brew to order then get the "Wee Heavy" and I guarantee you'll like it. Oh the scotch... the lovely scotch. Whether a novice, an aspiring connoisseur, or a seasoned stillmaster ye'll find yourself a happy lad or lass with their large selection of lovely drams. Affordable to average pricing on their pours as well as some well-arranged flights for an average of about $20. Tips: Go for the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Wednesday vs. a Friday: its slightly less crowded. Its WORTH any wait.
(5)
Lisa H.
Normally, I'd be rating the "Duke" 4 stars but, we had a pretty bad experience last Saturday night - based on absolutely abysmal service. We actually walked out and left to go to Jake's Pub across the street. On a frigid Saturday night, all of the tables and barstools were taken - not surprisingly, as DOP is popular. 20-30 minutes wait for a table. We were SO excited to get hot cider and beers that we were happy to stand at the bar and wait for a table. The problem is, there IS no place in this crowded restaurant to wait or stand without being in somebody's way. We were constantly being pushed out of the way by rude servers and bartenders, and absolutely nobody would take an order from us. Not even the BARTENDER who was 2 feet away from us. Therefore, we stood around like a-holes for about 20 minutes drink-less, feeling incredibly awkward, and being constantly jostled. Finally, we couldn't take it anymore and left. I was actually embarassed that we had brought my fiance's sister here and that we had talked it up so much. NORMALLY - we have great service, great beers and we enjoy the food here. (Even if their "chips" are actually French fries and not authentic.) But I'm going to think twice about coming here on busy nights.
(3)
Scott P.
I really dig this place, but the scotch is a little overpriced in my always humble opinion. But everything here is good. Their selection of beer and scotch is incredible, and their all-you-can-eat fish is wicked tasty. Their outside seating in the back is great for nice days, but inside it's extremely comfortable as well. I don't know what I can say about this place that I haven't said about a dozen other places. The service was good, the selection was good, the location was good- it was all good. Sorry for the lame review. I'll do my next one in a staunch British accent.
(4)
Graham K.
One word: Service. I came here two days in a row last week; the first time I took my folks, and it was busy, and the wait times were lagging. But, it was 5pm, and folks were coming in for delicious food and drink. This is to be expected. Our food was wonderful, and we all had a great time. I had missed the place, since more than 6 months had gone by since my last visit: a wonderful summer afternoon on their back deck area. The day after I took my folks, I wanted to go back in the early afternoon, write holiday Thank You notes over some drinks and a lunch. I had the same server, there was less than half as many people at the early hour, and yet still.... Service. I could not believe how lacking it was. Between drinks, waiting for food, waiting for the bill... it was embarrassing. You should not have to wait 20 minutes between drinks. Maybe there was only one server for the place. I get that. But step it up and move a bit quicker. It will be many months before I experiment again. I'm very bummed to see poor service at a place I'm otherwise very happy to have in Lakeview.
(3)
David B.
Duke of Perth (no "the," just like the rock band "Eagles") has no TVs, free WiFi, AYCE fish & chips Wednesdays and Fridays, two-for-one entrees Mondays, and a 50c wings special Thursdays. These are all good reasons to stop in. During the winter, I try to get one of the tables by the fireplaces, and during the summer I sit outside. All year round, I gravitate towards the pies. Their shepherd's pie and their chicken & mushroom pie are both warm and satisfying in cold weather and not too heavy when it's hot. The rest of the menu won't thrill either your dietician or your cardiologist, but so what? It's a pub; you know the genre. It's good pub food. Full disclosure: I'm a regular at Duke of Perth. I've come to this place since 1996, sometimes more, sometimes less, but there's a long history, and I've got a strong pro-Duke bias. But why? Why come to this place once or twice a week for 15 years? Why do all my friends know of it as my "remote office?" Why did I become a Duke partisan? Simply: the people. I'm not giving Duke of Perth five stars because of the food; you can find individual examples of better food if you look in Chicago. I'm giving the place five stars because of the staff. The owner hires smart and hard-working people who are noticeably more interesting than everywhere else. All bars have servers who work in theater. Most places hire actors; Duke of Perth hires playwrights. And everyone who lives there--regulars, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff--makes the place a warm and comfortable place to have a bite, a beer, and a conversation.
(5)
Anne B.
This place has some seriously cool atmosphere. The food was only okay...that may, however, have been because I ordered something that was not fantastically tasty. Mushrooms can only go so far. My companion loved her dish, though, so maybe I'm just being picky. Really, though - it's an awesome place just to step in to. Stop by for something hot to drink until the weather warms up.
(4)
Tommy O.
Will update later. Cozy, atmosphere, but beer wasn't all that more special than your typical Irish bar and burger was below average. I'll have to return to try some more beers and the fish and chips.
(3)
Colleen D.
Went for fish fry. Very good. Will be back.
(4)
Melissa H.
Love the cozy atmosphere, great back patio, my boyfriend loved the scotch list. Wings were tasty, too!
(4)
Nadeem P.
Wow...that's all I can say. Amazing scotch and beer selections, wonderful service, and all you can eat fish & chips?? Not only does this place do it all they do it extremely well and with a huge smile on their faces, this is my new favorite spot!!
(5)
Heather R.
If Duke of Perth were a person, I would've snagged 'em up and married him by now. I am in love with this bar/restaurant. I love everything about it and all it has to offer. I mostly frequent this bar on their "All You Can Eat Fish-N-Chips" nights (Wednesday+Friday from 5-9) because it's one of my favorite meals on the planet! When I bite into their fresh fish, it is cooked to perfection, along with the fries and serving of peas. The perfect combination! I usually wash it down with a "Wee Heavy" and I feel like I am transported back to Scotland enjoying my meal out of a newspaper poke. Being from Scotland (as in actually born there), Duke of Perth reminds me of being at home with my family and at a local pub. The decor on the wall is similar to what's on my mum's walls and it's great having wonderful Scottish Ale's and lagers on tap at my disposal. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly. They take great care of you, and the look and feel of the bar is very homey. That's how a bar should be. Again, another place with a great patio which I am constantly at in the summer months. This is my little hideaway and I encourage anyone who is in the mood for a night in Scotland to visit the Duke of Perth.
(5)
Molly L.
The beer selection, menu, scotch list, service and atmosphere are all fantastic, but the real star here is the fish and chips. Best fish and chips in Chicago, hands down. Get here early if you plan on coming for all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Friday night (especially during Lent).
(5)
Jack M.
I came here with a very large group and had a very satisfying experience. The waiter was probably the most adept at handling large groups waiter I have ever seen. Color me impressed. The Whiskey selection is out of control fantastic (i hate Whiskey but tried two that I actually liked!), although the beer selection, while varied and appropriate for the venue, just doesn't taste very good. Hopefully someday the UK region will hopefully revise their general beer recipe to not include moist sawdust. I did not order food, but friends commented that it was quite good.
(4)
Victor M.
I ate here before and I ate here recently. Therefore I have a valid review. AYCE Fish n Chips on Wed and Fri is the best. The fillets are pretty big and its accompanied by peas and hand cut fries. I had a friend who was interested in going but was not able to make it; he missed out. Here is how the conversation goes a day after. Friend: "How was the all you can eat fish sticks?" Me: "It's fish n chips, and they're the size of a plate." Friend: "Plates come in all shapes and sizes. Many restaurants are very stingy with the size of it. So I call them fish sticks." Me: "Hey, they're bigger than Long John Silvers and very crispy." Friend: "OHHH! When can we go?" Me: "I'll think about it..." They do get crowded, so anticipate a 10-20min wait depending on the time for 3 or 4 people.
(4)
Kate M.
I've been going there since it opened, when it was my local. Now I am not living in Chicago, I go back whenever I visit town. Unlike most US joints which try to approximate an Irish, English or Scottish "pub," this really is the real deal. Great selection of beers, malts, and excellent food. The service is top notch also. Bring your friends, grab a Belhaven Scottish Ale and a cozy corner. You won't regret it!
(5)
Virginia T.
Wow, so sorely disappointed in the Duke of Perth after my last visit. We went on a Friday night. I was expecting a long wait, being a weekend, a warm one at that, and all you can eat fish & chips night. We showed up at 7:15pm and were told that it would only be 30min. This is where things get hairy. We find some room at the bar, order a few drinks....and wait. After over an hour the hostess calls our name, we settle our tab at the bar, pick up our coats and head back with her.....then she stops us and says "oops, I called the wrong name, there is still one table (uncalled) ahead of you" and proceeded to make us wait another half an hour and sat the other table. Of course, we'd also lost our spots at the bar now. We finally sat down- C ordered the buffalo chicken salad, which he said was tasty- H got the meatloaf which she said was ok. J got the all you can eat fish and chips. The first plate came out quickly but was greasy and not very crisp. He ate all of the fish anyway-and asked for more. They very quickly brought out two more fillets (sans peas and chips). These were crisper and hot but still greasy. I ordered the grilled vegetable sandwich. The worst part was that it claimed to be marinated veggies, they were obviously not- and they were not cut anywhere near evenly. This meant that some parts were cooked, and then others were CRUNCHY. The peppers were undercooked, the goat cheese was sparse.....it was pretty bad. We were upset at how slow things were, how we were treated and the underwhelming food- so we were determined to get some of our moneys worth and ordered a third plate of fish & chips. This one was the best of the whole night. This was finally more the quality I'm used to from Duke of Perth.....so I guess the lesson learned is don't go if it is busy at all? I was really upset that they quoted such an inaccurate time, and that they called us and didn't end up seating us. The poor quality sealed the deal.....I'm not sure I can go back :(
(2)
Jessica S.
I love everything about Duke of Perth from the backyard patio, the mouth watering fish and chips, to the great beer list. A great neighborhood hang out.
(5)
Kathy L.
I hear this place has an amazing selection of whiskey, but don't ask me about whiskey, because I don't know a darn thing. What I do know is fried food and damnnnnnn does this place deliver!!! The fish and chips here are amazing, not just best in the city but best I have ever had!! Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat (which is pretty dangerous). I prefer Monday, which is two for one entrees...my friend and I used to come here and get a salad and fish and chips and split both. We would get the fried food fix and some veggies mixed in there. They also have an amazing appetizer, the fried veggie mix. Other things are good here but I can only review on what I know and this is where I go for fried food. I will be sad to leave Chicago because I am almost certain that I will never find another fried food place like this again. Another thing about this place that I love - I can actually come here and talk to people. There aren't TVs anywhere and the music is never horrendously loud.
(5)
Michael H.
I've been in Lakeview for 10 years and visited for the first time. A very cozy restaurant perfect for this chilly time of year. Hearty fare and an extensive scotch list. Try the Scottish burger with an egg and red pepper. Goes perfect with a Bass Ale. Also a good spot to go to before catching a movie at the Landmark Theater on Diversey and Clark.
(4)
Kevin T.
Great pub food. Burgers, fish & chips, Shepard's pie. Awesome collection of whisky and brews!
(5)
Daniel A.
Peas and Scots! What more could you ask for? In a city that is inundated with 'authentic' Irish pubs that consist of nothing more than 20 TVs and a wooden sign out front, The Duke of Perth is a breath of fresh air. Beware though, if you want a Guinness they only serve it in a can. The good news is that they have their own stout that is amazing.
(4)
James B.
I had a great experience here, when I was just looking for some mediocre bar food. I entered despite (or because of) the unassuming storefront, since there was an advertised "all you can eat fish and chips" special. I was not disappointed. This was some very good beer-battered fried fish, served with fries and peas. I also got a Belhaven Scottish Stout, which went well with the food, and had possibly the best texture of any stout I've gotten. While I only stopped in for a quick dinner with friends, I look forward to coming back here sometime soon to try some different food and drinks. It looked like there was an extensive Scotch selection behind the bar, and I'm interested in the "stovies" that could be had as a side in lieu of fries.
(4)
Nicolette D.
Unlike wine aficionados, if your a Scotch drinker it's hard to find a place that does flights. You must come here. They have several flights of 3 Scotches each priced between $19-$30 available. Each collection has a laminated guide to help you identify what your tasting. We ordered the "Duke's Malt Goggles" and lunch. Server was a pro, food was great & we bought 2 out of the 3 we tried afterwards. This place is precious, one of the few places that exist where a Scotch drinker is appreciated. I also didn't think a bars without TV's blaring even existed, how refreshing! A perfect winter afternoon.
(5)
Angela J.
I have a disease. I am a yelp addict. If I find myself in a new neighborhood, I turn to yelp rather than explore on my own. I figure, life is short, I'd rather know I'm going to eat well. But then again, there's something to be said for a sense of adventure... I'll be adventurous tomorrow... Duke of Perth had great reviews and was a half mile from the bar I was at for a birthday, I headed over w/ a few friends w/ hopes for some decent late night food and a drink or two. Holy scotch flights and veggie fries! We sat down minutes before the kitchen was closing and opted for a few appetizers, the mini burgers w/ au jus were definitely an elevation on the traditional slider and I was impressed. The draught beer list is short but all encompassing and the scotch list seems impressive (I'm waiting a few more years before honing my scotch habit). Definitely a great neighborhood place that's a step above a traditional bar food scene.
(4)
Joe S.
This is my favorite bar to go to in the neighborhood. No TV's, nice laid back atmosphere with people sitting around and talking at normal adult levels, and best of all great Scotch and Beer. The bartender will know a great deal about the Scotch menu so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations if you're new. The food is also fantastic too, and I recommend their hot wings which have a nice crispy fried coating + a delicious hot buffalo sauce. Would recommend this place to anyone who travels to Lakeview looking for a place to hangout. 5 stars.
(5)
Magneto L.
I'm not much for fish, but the rest of the food is great, the scotch selection amazing, and the people that work there are awesome. I almost took away a star for no tv's, but I guess that is some people's thing, and probably a welcome refuge from the cub fan idiots that stumble south into our fine neighborhood....
(5)
William Laurence P.
Great little place! I always feel like an ex-pat in Dublin, yet somehow I always step back out onto North Clark street. Love Muffin & I enjoy it for date night. My favorite experience was getting there early one autumn evening after a day of holiday shopping and running into a friend who was also having supper solo at DoP. We had a warm, cozy meal and a great scotch flight, next to the fireplace & and most importantly before it gets standing room only. Love the fish fry and scotch! Bangers & Mashed ain't so bad either. Enjoy! Satya, WLP3
(5)
Jenny R.
They had me at 'hard cider on tap'. How could I not fall head over heels for you, Duke? The Shepard's pie is always delicious and the service here is friendly. Everything I've eaten here has been perfection. I've never been able to actually make it in the door for the all you can eat fish-n-chips nights though. There are so many others waiting. Someday we'll be together again, Duke.
(4)
Marvin A.
Went here during NYE. It also fell on a day that they had an unlimited fish and chips special. Service: For a pub, it was exceptional. Our waitress accommodated our urgency for a quick bite before going to a NYE party before the countdown. Food: The fish and chips... well... were fish and chips. You can't really screw that up. And no please don't recommend me a place that will prove me wrong. My sister found the chips underneath the fish did not suit her taste since they were soggy and greasy. Libations: This was the first time I tried a dark stout. DELICIOUS. Beer milkshake? Yes please. I would definitely come back here if only to try out their other beers.
(4)
Caty H.
Been here a lot, and always love it! 1st) Twisted Thistle, I love you. This ale is amazing! I can't find it anywhere nearer to me, in Wicker Park... But I'm not sure I'd want to because... 2nd) Their fish and chips are 100% beer battered goodness. These are the best fish and chips I've ever had, and yes I've been to the UK... these are like a good spin on British food! Dip them in a little of their tartar sauce, and you'll be singing praises to this place with me. 3rd) The service is unsurpassed. Granted, one of the bartenders is in a theatre company with a friend of mine, so she's a connection... Still, I see them giving the same impeccable service to everyone. Guys... Duke of Perth, go there NOW! You will not be sorry you did!
(4)
Sara E.
The fish & chips here are yummy, so yummy, in fact, that I am refusing to go back tonight for MORE fish & chips because it's all-you-can-eat fish & chips night and crazy fish & chips people will crowd in to eat fish & chips. Fish & chips.
(4)
Amanda C.
Don't judge this place by its cover. On the outside it looks ok- honestly, I probably wouldn't have stopped in here without reading the positive yelp reviews first. You would never know it's a super cozy Scottish restaurant/bar with great food and atmopshere. Upon arrival, we were initially told there would be a 15 minute wait and we could sit at the bar which had plenty of open seats, but the table was ready in about a minute. Every Wednesday and Friday they have all you can eat fish and chips for $9.95, which is a DEAL, and I couldn't even finish one plate. You can observe Lent all year long! The fish, fries, peas and tartar sauce were all delicious and they also have a great beer selection at moderate prices. Enjoyed the old pictures and items on the walls, including the stuffed goat head wearing sunglasses. I definitely want to come back here and try some of their other options.
(4)
Jamie B.
If I have a hankering for fish and chips, Duke of Perth is definitely where I'm headed. It's the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago and I can't fail to mention that 2 days a week (Weds, Fri) it is all you can eat! The batter on the fish is not too heavy and it doesn't get soggy. Just the perfect amount of crisp with a quality piece of fish. Oh and the fact they give you peas (which actually taste great), make you feel slightly less guilty for stuffing your face with a bunch of fried food. Unlike some places that do all you can eat fish n' chips, they actually will come back to your table in a timely fashion to see if you'd like more, ask if you want both fish and fries, and not judge you if you eat more than the average person. I like the feel of the place as well. It's pretty cozy with the dim lighting and dark wood interior, which is so nice during the long winters. In the summer they open up a back patio which is nice as well, but nothing special.
(5)
Risa P.
The plan: to get here early on a Friday night for the fish and chips and beat the crowds The realization: It is a Friday during Lent. Oops. The crowds were there and in full force, babies everywhere. We had to wait about an hour (even after they told us it was a half an hour wait) and we were kind of squished in the doorway or near the bar. That part was pretty crappy. You felt like you were watching other people eat and were part of their dining experience. Blah. We sat down and were quickly served the fish and chips. The food was good--both the fish and chips were piping hot and fried to their all glory. The chocolate stout was good. The waiter was nice. We were also able to get a different side besides peas. The cucumber salad was delish! However, you can only get the peas as a refill as part of the all you can eat. I wanted more cucumber salad! The food and service was good, it was too squished and to in and out for my liking. My parents were in town and it would have been nice to have a slower relaxed evening with them, without feeling like you were being pushed away. Especially after an hour wait. My sister, who lives in Australia, is already wanting to come here when she comes to the States for a month. We may go here or I may try to put something else on tap.
(3)
James B.
Great little patio out back.
(5)
Luan N.
I went on a Monday when they have 2 for 1 entrees. I ordered the fish n chips, accompanied by Tennents lager, which was something I had regularly when I stayed in Edinburgh. Portions were enough, but nothing like the portions you get in the pubs in the UK. Sometimes you can get a cod fillet as long as 14 in. The thing that annoyed me the most about the dish was, the batter kept sliding off the meat. The taste of the batter was just not right and was soggy as well. I've had fish n chips at least on 30 different occasions anywhere from London to Iverness. For a pub that prides itself on being Scottish, I was expecting a little more. Even my UK buddy concurred with my opinion. So, it's no doubt a great deal. But, if you're looking for really good fish n chips, I don't think it's representative. I give the dish 2 stars, but adding an extra star for having Tennents and a decent beer garden.
(3)
Susan L.
Duke of Perth still tops my list of cozy places in the city! If you order food, get a side of the mustard-tarragon salad dressing and put it on EVERYTHING. You will leave with no regrets! Thanks for being such a reliable and delicious place, Duke of Perth!
(5)
Tia T.
I may not remember a lot from my Catholic school days, just the essentials. Glad to say that the Duke of Perth has been instrumental in helping me observe the great tradition of eating FISH on FRIDAY! All of the fish and chips and peas you care to devour are yours for $10 bucks...and don't forget the tarter sauce and vinegar. Ya heard! Good, greasy, simple cod fish and chips. Add a pint of Guinness or Strongbow cider and you're in heaven! It may in fact be as close as I get to the promise land, but Sister Therese Mary would still be proud.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday around 5pm. It was nice and quiet (which is perfect), but not deserted. The staff were friendly and helpful. Beer selection was decent. All you can eat fish and chips was good. If you've every actually been to a Scottish pub, you know that this isn't particularly authentic, but it avoids theme-y-ness enough to be enjoyable. They did play cheesy bagpipe music until someone told them to turn it off. The one thing that did bother me was that they started to lead us to a table when we walked in. I know this sound stupid, but I think pub, I think you sit where you like, you order food at the bar and they bring it to you. I guess this American remnant is too hard to let go of.
(4)
Green D.
I had the bacon cheese burger and skins. The meal was average pub grub, IMO. Atmosphere was great. Service average. Food average. Beer selection was above average. Scotch selection looked great!
(3)
Kar M.
The problem with places that have an unlimited anything is that I have no self-control. You say "all you can eat," I tearfully reply "I can eat all." So even though they have this amazing-sounding potato-leek business, I am helplessly drawn to the AYCE fish & chips, eating well beyond comfort, finishing off husband's peas, being a hero for the table when the most recent crispy additions threaten to go to waste. It's good enough. But lord teach me moderation. Beer selection is humble yet solid, but then you came for the scotch. Service is spot on for the atmosphere. I'll try again, when I'm stronger.
(3)
Katya L.
I've been coming here off and on for a while. The fish and chips are quite nice, and for a bar they do a mean salad. But really, come here for the whiskey and beer. They do a nitro pour of Belhaven's Wee Heavy that does not disappoint. Ever. I will always love the Duke of Perth because they are a cozy, wood-paneled bar with no televisions. NONE. Respect.
(4)
Meade M.
First let me say that The Duke is my favorite local pub, I go there to eat lunch, dinner, have a few drinks, and to sit and study. The Duke of Perth, almost has it nailed, it's almost perfect. Where they have seriously fallen down on the job is food and non alcoholic hot drinks. The Good: Their lunch/dinner menu is very good if uninspiring, the fried mac and cheese bites are fantastic. The coffee The beer The Bad: The desserts leave a lot to be desired, they all taste frozen, and the choices aren't very interesting. They don't have milk for the coffee only cream, which makes no sense. Their hot tea selection is terrible. They should really consider serving brunch on the weekends, they open at noon Saturday and Sunday and they would do some very good business if they started serving a full Scottish and maybe some oatmeal and pancakes. This is a young neighborhood and there aren't many places to get some good greasy hangover cure eggs and bacon, not to mention a mimosa.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
I love this place! It's cozy in winter (esp. if you get a table by one of the fireplaces), and it's great in the summer (huge outdoor patio). The fish and chips are yummy, and they have a nice selection of beer and whiskey. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (maybe two) to be seated on a Friday night, esp. during Lent. You will be told "about 20 minutes", but I think they really mean an hour plus "about 20 minutes". I've been coming here for years, so I'm used to the drill. It's well worth the wait though, so just grab a beer or a hot buttered rum, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait. :)
(4)
Kat L.
No frills, great food, easy location. I've read some of the other reviews saying that the service isn't great, that the place is loud... Yeah, it's a bar. Not everything in Chicago has a to be frou-frou pain in the ass. If you want a great hoppy beer selection and amazing food for a reasonable price, go to Duke of Perth. If you want a pain in the ass place with lovely decor, crummy food, and a large bill, go to Lula Cafe.
(4)
S-Guard M.
I was a big fan of Duke of Perth... I use to eat and drink at the old Earls of Lockness. I got the Shepherds pie for dinner, it was more like an appetizer. A very small portion. The entree Is served in a medium size chilly crock, you also get a side of peas.. I'm still hungry, but I'm so disappointed at the moment i can't look at the menu again. The overall taste was fair, usually ground meat when not seasoned enough taste, well like unseasoned ground meat. Their fish & chips night is worth coming to.
(2)
Anna H.
I've been a few times, and always had a great experience. The beer selection is lovely and I hear the whiskey and scotch collection is stellar, though I haven't tried it out yet. Last night, after ordering a Belhaven Wee Heavy and a Guiness, the server brought me a sample of what he thought I might want to drink next, just because he felt like it. I love that...he made my friend and me feel special without being over-attentive, and we both tried new beers that we might not have otherwise. Also, there was a secondary waiter who kept our water glasses topped off all night long, which really meant a lot to me this morning when I woke up without a headache! I also had the 'All You Can Eat' fish & chips special last night...heavenly. They could have given me more fries to start out with, but I ate way too much to complain. I love that they keep malt vinegar on the table, too, as that's a must-have in my book when you're talking fried fish. The only thing I don't like is the lighting in the rear (indoor) part of the restaurant. It's just a tiny bit too bright, but too dim to be well-lit - so you can read your menu, but it's still not the most comfortable place to drink more than a few beers. Then again, I guess that's why the bar exists!
(4)
Jerry B.
Really nice, cozy Scottish pub. Good Belhaven beer. Had the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogoch for the appetizer. Very good, kind of like an Awesome Blossom, but less messy. Had fish and chips and fish po-boy. Both fried perfectly. Efficient, friendly service. No TV screens makes the place adds to the friendly atmosphere. Definitely would return, maybe before/after a Cubs game.
(5)
Alex F.
This is one of my favorite restobars in Chicago. They have, by far, the best scotch selection in the city. I really like the option of scotch flights on the back of the scotch menu. It's a great idea. The food is pretty good and there is a nice little patio in the back. Drawbacks? The bar is wayyyyyyyyyyy too small. The atmosphere is kind of weird. It kindof feels like a bar, but it seems to get treated more like a restaurant. I don't think the owners really wanted to decide what it was, so it's a hybrid, which I dont really like. I don't know... go and decide for yourself. Try the Islay flight.
(4)
steve b.
We've lived about 3 blocks from this place for 5 years and walked, driven, and rode by it countless times - but finally went for dinner tonight, and it was absolutely great. Good atmosphere, great food, nice people - we'll absolutely be back soon.
(5)
Sara A.
Duke...Duke...Duke.... Duke of Perth....Perth...Perth I really, really, really like this bar, I just wish it was closer to me. Went there last Friday night with my friend around 10pm for some scotch and whiskey drinks and some fish and chips. The hot toddy was strong and citrus-y and the fish crispy, just the way I like it. We got a table right away in the place, where the decor is warm and inviting, and it has a fireplace. The wait staff was a little slow, but they were busy with some large groups in the back. Overall, great place that's not pretentious to hang with friends
(4)
Melissa D.
One word can sum up Duke of Perth! Wow! My boyfriend and I went out on an adventure one Friday night to find somewhere new to eat. We ended up walking right into Duke of Perth. What a fabulous find! The beer selections were great. The prices seem pretty fair. I had a Belhaven Scottish Ale. It was perfect. I think my boyfriend had a Miller Lite. Can't go wrong there. They have the best fish fry I've had in quite awhile. My boyfriend ordered the All You Can Eat Fish Fry and it was under 10 bucks. I was uber impressed. I still am. It was just that good. I believe it came with peas and fries. Not too sure about the peas, but the fries were great. I ordered a burger. It wasn't just your ordinary burger either. It was amazing. It had a horseradish crust, which I've never had before.To tell you the truth I haven't even heard of that before. But, YUM! The burger was huge, the fries were really good too! Especially if you dipped them in the vinegar that comes with the fish! Our service was a bit on the slow side, however, the place was packed and it seemed she had a pretty large section. The server did get our beers to us pretty quickly though. Two thumbs up for that. Im not really into the whole scotch and whiskey scene, but from what I can remember there was like 100 of them or so to choose from, for all of you malt snobs. We will definitely be back, Duke of Perth.
(5)
Steve M.
Fish and chips? Check. All you can eat? Whaaaaaa??? This place is great. It's got great atmosphere, and whiskey flights! It made me feel like I was in Scotland. Oh yea, all you can eat fish and chips is crazy, yo.
(4)
Karyn K.
Duke of Perth is a cozy and fun pub, where people were crowding in on a cold and snowy night. With a table in the back, we were left to eat and drink and enjoy ourselves! I am not a big fish person, so I turned down the Fish and Chips, but most people in Duke of Perth were eating the Fish and Chips (all you can eat special on Friday). I had the Sean Connery burger (no bun) and added the chipotle sauce from another sandwich (yum!). I also had the steamed veggies on the side. There are some servers that look very annoyed when you make changes like this, but this waitress wanted to make sure that I had made all the changes I wanted! This is a great place and I can't believe I waited so long to check out a place in my neighborhood! Can't wait to head back!
(4)
Will D.
I love the Duke and always bring friends,especially on ayce fish and chips nights. Unfortunately the crowd can be brutal, especially in the winter, but if you go a little early or after the rush, you can feast and drink hearty stouts and feel like you're worlds away from Chicago. In fact, it really does feel odd to come out of this pub into the modern world after spending a few hours here. There are lots of knickknacks that seem genuine, not faux, and the tables and lingo add to the pub atmosphere. The fish is amazing--crispy batter and tender filets, with thick chips and peas. To be honest I don't think I've ever had anything else here, but the shepherd's pie looks good. The selection of beers, ales, stouts, and whiskeys is terrific, and it's easy to try a different variety every time. I've been here many times and have always enjoyed it although the wait can be horrendous and there's nowhere to stand while you're waiting. If they could figure that out, this would be my idea of pub heaven.
(4)
Jean C.
Since it is Lent and all, I am trying to be a good Catholic and not have meat on Fridays. So what's a girl to eat? Fish and chips of course! I had my eye on this place for some time and thought today would be the perfect opportunity to go. We arrived around 7pm and yes, I know it is prime time for dinner. I put our name on the list and was told it would be about an hour and half. Well, much to our surprise, it was only 45 minutes! Yay! We got a table in the back room which was quieter than the bar area. We ordered the fish and chips and it came out fairly quickly. The fish was hot, lightly fried, flaky and delicious. We got two big strips along with fries and peas. The peas were ok. They were cold and I could have done without. After eating all of my fish, most of the fries and a little of my peas, I was done. So much for all you can eat! My cousin had an extra helping of the fish but my husband and I had to throw in the proverbial towel. The portion size is perfect and the service was spot on. The busboy filled our water glasses even if the glass was mostly full. I would definitely come back for their fish and chips special. I think I may try Wednesday and hope that it's less crowded. But I doubt it.
(4)
Leon I.
The dangerous combination of the two phrases "All you can eat." and "Deep-fried food" makes Wendsdays and Fridays at Duke of Perth something to avoid. And I avoid it by showing up and making a food baby. The Fish 'n' Chips at Duke of Perth are not the best Fish 'n' Chips I've had. But because like most Americans I easily confuse quality with quantity, I'm happy to squelch any complaints I might have with a second helping. Now to be fair, the quality of the F'n'Cs at D.O.P. is not abysmal. It's actually quite good for a North American chipper. The fish is always served hot and not too greasy, but it really needs to be salted, vinegared and tarter saused to get at much flavor. The chips are... ok. I don't remember ever going to a chipper in Scotland (Which is presumably the standard at Duke Of Perth), but I lived around the corner from the legendary Burdick's in Dublin at one time. So that becomes my standard, and D.O.P. is no Burdick's. But where Burdick's has the quality in terms of the food, Duke Of Perth is a pub with some excellent beer, and flights of single malt Scotch. There's nothing like a buzz to season almost any food, and that goes doubly for unlimited amounts of a fried food. I do have to also laud Duke Of Perth for a convivial atmosphere. Every time I've been there I've enjoyed the room, and been able to enjoy my companions without a lot of the loud obnoxious down-sides of places that use the term 'Pub." This is a good Pub! Not a great chipper! I think that's fair and as advertised... I'll be back.
(3)
P S.
Hiding from the law? On a date with a fugly? Hit up the Duke because no one will see you in there. Forget bringing a book to this bar unless you have one o' them cool book lights (or want to sit in the brighter back room). Joint is dark! Ok anyway, as I often say about fish and chips, either I've never had it done right or I just don't like it - but the Duke's version had been on my radar for years and I finally was able to put them to the test. They upped the ante a bit as their fish was perfectly battered and tasty so that's a good thing, but really... fish and chips are fish and chips, shrug. The potato skins were standard, the fried mac & cheese thingies were ok but I wouldn't get them again. I don't know... there's nothing about DoP that would make me have to go back unless perhaps I was in the area and looking for a pint.
(3)
Alex F.
What first brought me into Duke of Perth is that I heard somewhere (perhaps on Yelp? hm?) that they don't have any TVs. There's something admirable about an old-school joint that refuses to sell out and litter their dive-bar walls with bright, loud, seizure-inducing gigantic flat screens that look more out of place than Gary Bucey in a convent. The idea is to retain the concept behind a neighborhood tavern: A place where you can go to relax, have a few beers, and - wait for it, this is the shocker - TALK to people. Maybe even people you DON'T KNOW. Oh, the horror! We hung out in the beer garden, which is freshly painted and walled off from the alleys and other houses so it's got a nice, cozy atmosphere. They serve Real Actual Beer, which I availed myself of the opportunity to drink. There was only one stupid beer on tap (PBR), so they're doing pretty well. Ended up talking with a couple of guys who were apparent regulars at this establishment until I had to go to work. They informed me that the fish and chips are, in fact, worth the hype. I'll trust them on that and come back to try them next time.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.
I love Fish and Chips! And since this was AWESOME fish and chips, and I don't know any other place in Chicago that has fish and chips, all my fish-loving stars are going to Duke of Perth. We went on a Wednesday all-you-can-eat night, and though we expected a long wait, we were seated immediately (for inside. There was a wait for the back patio). The atmosphere at Duke of Perth is awesome-- no TV's! The music wasn't too loud, the wooden furniture was warm and inviting, and clearly lots of people were easily engaged in real conversation. And the fish! mmmm. Crispy and fresh with lots of fries, and peas! Restaurants never serve peas, and since they're one of my favorite veggies, a full star goes just to the peas. I was pretty stuffed after about a piece and a half of fish, but my date ordered another round, just cause we could. Mmmmm. Even if we'd had to wait, it would have totally been worth it.
(5)
Erika K.
I first thought this place would be just another corny celtic pub, but it turned out to be a pretty cool place. They have a really unique selection of scottish beer and whisky flights! I ordered the scotch burger which was really tasty and it was a nice sized portion with fries. I'm tempted to go back and try the bangers and mash.
(3)
Colin G.
This place has been consistently amazing every time.
(5)
Katherine S.
I will say that the food was decent, the beer was amazing and the service sucked. It's "all you can eat" fish and chips...but when you ask for seconds, they question you to high hell. My boyfriend ordered a second round only to get the 3rd degree in disbelief that he could "actually" eat more. I swear he was scowled at when the bartender actually brought him a second helping. He explained that they had to ask bc there was such a waste of food in the past with the "all you can eat" theme... SO WHY OFFER IT? It took forever for us to be served and, I must say, the waitress (who had been the bartender when we walked in, but switched to the floor) gave us both the creeps. As I said the beer was really great though!
(2)
Elizabeth B.
I caught so much shit for my last review of DoP that I decided to try again. Tonight was the night: $0.50 jumbo wing night! My mate and I began with a basket of chips (fries) and 10 wings split half-and-half BBQ and buffalo. The chips were limp and soggy and really disappointing. The wings were huge and meaty and juicy BUT the sauce was only average. I expected the buffalo and BBQ sauces to be more flavorful and tangy but instead they were simply mediocre. There was nothing really special or memorable about them. The bleu cheese dressing was the most disappointing thing about the meal. I prefer potent bleu cheese flavor. It tasted like they "homemade" it by throwing a few bleu cheese crumbles into some mayo. I think it's really cool that the wings are so big but DoP is doing themselves a huge disservice by using cheap-tasting bland-tasting sauces. If I were just looking for big portions, I'd go to Old Country Buffet but I am looking for good food. I would expect someplace like DoP to really pack a punch with big flavors. This is the second time I have visited DoP and the last time I will allow this place to leave me underwhelmed. I won't be back.
(2)
StereoKiller P.
This place has a FANTASTIC single malt selection, and as a bonus... it seems that the staff is actually trained on it, which is quite rare. The food is also quite good. Good beer selection and if you go in the summer you can eat on the patio which wins because you can't see the busy street while you eat. Those are the good points. The Duke of Perth does lose a star to me because it tends to be insanely crowded. When you wait for a table, the odds are that you'll be standing in the middle of the dining area to wait, which feels a bit strange. They also removed the curried beef from the menu, which was the best thing on it!
(4)
Heather R.
Beer was delicious, but the food wasn't that fantastic, and the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing.
(3)
Lola T.
Duke of Perth was quite an enjoyable, unique and delicious adventure! The inside was dimly lit and mysterious. Wooden seats, white lights and fireplaces. I would definitely consider this a fun date restaurant. I was pleased with the warm atmosphere, unique selection of beers on tap, all you can eat fish and chips and exciting scotch flight adventures. We were seated in wooden booth in the middle corner of the restaurant, best spot in the house! I started off the evening with a Scottish Lager on tap, delish! Of course we ordered the all you can eat fish and chips. I only ate 1 serving, but they were very good and I'm a sucker for french fries (which were awesome). The fish and chips also come with peas, which I proceeded to get all over the table. Now to the scotch adventures....We ordered two different scotch flights, Sherry Amour and For Peats Sake. I never had a scotch flight before last night. It was a lot of fun learning and tasting different scotches and experiencing the flavors/scents you go through with each one. Good stuff all around:) I will definitely be back!
(5)
Jay R.
Great fish & chips and friendly service I had been wanting fish and chips for a while. Although I tried to time my craving with the all-you-can-eat special on Wednesdays and Fridays, we ended up going on a Tuesday. My wife and I started with Tennants lager as recommended by our server. It went great with all the food we had and we had a lot. The portions are healthy. Then we ordered the Haggis wings and asked that they be cooked a little extra to make sure they were crispy and the sauce be served on the side. My wife loves dipping sauces and the larger the variety, the better. I asked the waitress for honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo sauces. The wings came out perfect to order. And to our surprise she had included ranch and blue cheese on the plate. We had a good laugh at the vast selection of sauces. Then she remembered she had forgotten her favorite one, tarragon mustard. Indeed, it was very good. A few minutes later another waitress walked by and said, "your missing our best sauce!" She brought out a delicious chipotle sauce. We had so many dipping sauces and appreciates the effort and kindness everyone took to make our dinner memorable and fun. We both ordered fish and chips. The fish was crispy with just the right amount of crunchy crust. The fish was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Numerous times I found myself not dipping the fish into any of the numerous sauces (by this point we had also acquired tartar sauce, ketchup, and vinegar) as I did not want to hide the delightful flavor... Can you believe that! I think it's the best fish & chips in the city, although our fries had mixed reviews. Mine were crispy and crunchy and stayed that way throughout the meal. However, my wife's were a bit soggy. Not a big deal though since she had the cucumber salad as well and really enjoyed it. My suggestion is request the fries well-done and on a separate plate, if you really want them crispy. If your a scotch drinker you will enjoy the scotch flights that the Duke of Perth offers. The flights are served on a little wooden trays so its easy to keep the different tastings apart. Another thing I liked is how each flight is served with a explanation card that points out what to look for in each scotch. The cards are cool as it really helps to understand the more subtle flavors and smells of each different scotch.
(5)
Meredith B.
Went here with some friends on a Friday night, and I was pleasantly surprised! This pub had such an authentic vibe - no TVs, just antlers on the wall and specials like "hot toddy" written on a chalkboard. We were even able to get a table on a weekend! I had their hard cider on tap, which was very good - and I'm just generally impressed about all their British Isles beers. Such a nice change from the usual bar selection. The food smelled delicious, I'd love to come back for fish 'n' chips. It was a great place to have a casual evening with friends and some really great beer. You get the feeling that real British people would actually come here....
(4)
Kwoky L.
I am amazed at their selection of Scotch. You can literally get one from every region of Scotland. I also like the all-you-can-eat fish and chips for about $10 on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last time I ate there, I had five fish fillets. I can kinda taste that the fish was previously frozen but there's no fishy smell and quite nice overall for that price.The chips and peas are not my favorite though. I've had better. Don't miss the fried leeks. They are delicious!
(3)
Mary M.
A lovely, lovely pub! In summer there is the back patio and Tennant's lager; in winter it's delightfully cozy and dim with your double chocolate stout. The Murrayfield Mac never fails to make me happy. Come here with friends; come alone and read a good book at the bar. Just get in there before everyone else does. Cannot forget to mention my favorite feature of this bar: NO TV's. AT ALL. The Duke of Perth is heaven in a pub.
(5)
Dane K.
Good inexpensive food... Almost everything on their menu is under $10. On Wednesday and Friday they have unlimited fish and chips ($10). We went on a Friday... I wasn't really all that hungry even, but ordered the fish and chips.. Service all around was on the slowwww side. It took a long time to get our food, particularly considering we ordered fish and chips, which is what 60% of the people there were eating as well... The kitchen should've just been churning it out, but they weren't... Later we were asked if we wanted more fish, and about 20 minutes later got it. Fish and chips themselves were good... (first batch of fries needed salt). I've had many other fish and chips that were in the "just as good" category, but that's not to detract that the fact that theirs were good. They also serve up peas with them. After that our waiter disappeared... we had other things to do, so I had to literally go stand by the cash register to get my check and pay it. Their outdoor patio is decent and a bit bigger than expected. We showed up at 9pmish on a Friday night and got a table without waiting. They seemed to allow customers to smoke in it, though, which I don't quite understand, and if I had smelled it I would've had a real issue with everyone involved.
(4)
Collin G.
I want to like The Duke of Perth, I really do. I went there one night with my wife after a movie. Very cozy place, great selection of beer, Single Malt Scotch Whisky and what looks like a nice food menu. Now to my concerns: "Dear Bar Staff: You work at a Scottish Pub, yeah? If a customer asks, "Do you have haggis?" please do not respond by insulting the dish (and thereby insulting the customer). You may or may not be a vegetarian (not a big deal). You may or may not have ever had haggis (probably not). A polite, "No, sorry." would suffice. I don't need to witness your histrionics while you lecture me about a food you know nothing about. Sincerely, Collin G." The bar itself really is cozy. In this instance, the staff: not so much.
(3)
Jonathan C.
Nice old time feel to the inside Fireplace is a great touch Wed and Friday is all you can eat fish n chips for 9.50 They have amazing scotch flights. You can sample various areas of Scotland for a decent price. It is amazing. I love Scotch
(5)
Eric L.
2 for food, 5 for scotch selection. i generally don't boost ratings just because people own more bottles in their collection, but duke of perth is a scotch bar and that's their thing.
(3)
Amanda S.
Love the Duke of Perth. I will admit that my boyfriend and I sought it out. It's considered the last real Scottish pub in Chicago. My boyfriend is off the boat Scottish so naturally we had to try it out. It was great. They have a great range of beers and gave me more Belhaven options then I'd ever expect (Get the twisted thistle if it's still on tap it's amazing). The food was also worthy of a trip back. I had a veggie sandwich but I will go back for the fish and chips apparently they are the best in the city. We sat at the bar but was shocked to see how busy they restaurant was on a monday night. The bartender was nice and we never felt rushed. We must have sat there for 3 hours. There are no TVs which was great it forced us to talk to the people around us. It was a great experience and we will be going back.
(5)
Dylan F.
Not like this place needs another great review but I feel that a place this authentic deserves it's dues. It is the only place in the Lakeview neighborhood that I feel totally comfortable walking into alone and sitting down at the little bar and unwinding. Drinking alone is not for the faint of heart--especially when there are no TV's in sight. (people who got to a bar alone then stare glassy-eyed at a TV get no props from me--they might as well be at home) Duke creates a space that feels comfortable, subdued, friendly--and I daresay, wholesome. Much has been said about the offerings--they are stellar and complete the appeal of the place for me. But I go more for the atmosphere.
(4)
Erin B.
'eh..I thought this was gonna be the best place ever based on the Yelp reviews. Thank God for good company, otherwise I would have been one crabby Yelper! My friend and I were sat at a "tight fit" table(that's how the waitress described it, and boy was she right!), and were crammed in the corner. Didn't mind though, cause my namesake and I had a good time despite this! Had a burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. I might stop back, but only if someone insisted.
(3)
Jared B.
Duke's really doesn't need a review from me as everything has been stated, but it is one of my favorite pubs so it's goin down. As a lover of all whiskey this place is heaven. Their list is crazy big so you will not be disappointed. Their standard beer label is pretty good although I wish they had more options. The food is always good. I would recommend the fish fry or the Bruce Burger. I've been going here for over a year and have yet to get a table in the patio so can't really talk about it except that I really want to sit out there at some point! lol. I guess that shows how much people love the place. The bartenders and waitresses are always really nice and helpful. I salute the Duke!
(5)
Lawrence Y.
Stopped in last night with a few friends who had recommended this place. I'm ALL ABOUT all-you-can-eat places! $10 for the fish & chips meal was not bad at all. For those of you who don't like green peas (I particularly can't eat peas alone), you have the option of getting steamed veggies which is what I opted for (carrots, broccoli, and caulliflower). The fries were standard, and the cod was good. I was full just after my second plate (probably like 6 or 7 pieces). I'd suggest coming here on an empty stomach if you really want to reap in on the AYCE madness. As for the service, I don't know what was going on with the server we had but she had a subtle biatchery going on. She totally called my friend fat. Oh, and soda refills are not free!
(3)
Kimberly D.
I can't tell you about the food- all I can do is comment on the HORRIBLE service. Friday night 7 pm, we get there to quite a crowd waiting. Of course people waiting, is always a sign of good food, right? We've got approximately 3 hours until we have to catch a show, so when we ask the "hostess"(I use that term loosely, more like a condescending, power- hungry seater) we ask "how long is the wait?" she replies flatly, "20-40 minutes". We've got 20 minutes so we tell her "I guess we'll just wait outside". It's chilly outside, but there is absolutely no where to wait inside the place. We can't even get a drink. We are huddled outside, standing in an ally watching people come and go out of this place. After about 40 minutes of standing in the cold, we realize at least 40 minutes have passed....we send a member of our party to check the wait. She tells him, well I'm sorry sir, people just aren't moving, yet we hear her keep telling new people the same thing, when they ask how long is the wait..."20-40 minute wait"...I said to her "why do you keep telling people that?? It's no where NEAR 20-40 minute wait! In fact, it's now 8:30 and we are STILL waiting. Now we are too invested to go anywhere else, it's too late to go anywhere else, and our show starts in an hour. The hostess was snotty, she snickered and shrugged her shoulders when we told her how long we've waited. She clearly could not care less if we ever got seated, or if we ever came back. I would NEVER go back. There are too many choices to eat at wonderful restaurants in our great City. No body has to stand in the cold for sub par looking fried fish....with a side of " snide".
(1)
Carolynne M.
I am dreaming, right? I am curled up in my warm bed, cats next to me, my mind foggily switching between unconciousness and semi-lucidity. I say this because this cant be for real..... -The Duke of Perth got a hard core fish hater to eat fish? -And not just ate it, but LIKED it? ENJOYED it? Oh no, this must be imagined! Although I dont think even my bizarre dream-center could concoct something as outre as this! It's true though. The Duke of Perth made a fish even Andy M will eat, and MAY ORDER FOR HIMSELF next time! Folks, I dont know even how to begin to tell you how monumental this is. This gives hope to us all! I can now see the day ahead of us when fish eaters and non fish eaters will unite! We shall sit at the same table, raising our chocolate stouts and proudly proclaiming victory over seafood debates! Oh Duke of Perth, thank you. Maybe it was the PBR batter that did it, who knows. I wont question it. Its a damn good fish and chips plate and you worked your magic. I am humbled and bow to your greatness!
(5)
Rebecca H.
#1 - Good beer. Yay! Also, my SO said the scotch flight was good, but I didn't taste it. #2 - AYCE fish and chips! My SO ordered these. He was happy with them! I got some salmon cakes - they were good but small. Our waiter snuck me in some fish and chips to fill in the hole. Thank you! I don't have a #3 - the service was fast and friendly and the place was (relatively) clean and (relatively) quiet. I think we all agree this is a winner!
(4)
Christine F.
This place has (arguably) the best fish and chips that i've had in the city. Mmm. I understand why it's always so crowded We got here on a cold, disgusting Chicago winter night. It was crowded as hell inside, but somehow, we snagged a table right by the window. Good timing, I suppose. We started off with "vegetable fries" as an appetizer (which are fried veggies) and they came with 3 dipping sauces: Sweet and sour, mustard and a curry like dipping sauce. It was really good. The veggie fries lacked a bit of salt, but that's an easily remedied problem! My fiance and myself both ordered the fish and chips, which came with fries and peas. It's a HUGE serving, we should have just split one. I wasn't even able to eat half of mine. It's a lot of fish. We then tottered off into the night, full of fish, beer and vegetable fries. Can life get much better?
(4)
Kathryn M.
Nearly every Wednesday when trying to decide what to eat, my roomie and I give eachother the "wanna get fish and chips?" look. Because $10 for a big (and quite tasty - no frozen crap here) plate of fish, chips, and peas is a great deal in itself, but on Wednesdays it's All You Can Eat. And that's even better. Plus with this cold weather, the cozy and alluring fireplaces are just what you need to warm your body and soul. Well, that and the great line-up of scotches. :) This past Friday we were out with a group and we decided to hit up the Duke, and wow, I had never been here on a weekend!! The wait was an hour for a table, so be warned!!! Get here on a weekday if you can! After a couple of pre-dinner drinks at Jake's, we headed back over to the Duke to claim our table. I decided to opt out of the all-you-can-eat on this occasion, as I usually can only eat one plate anyway, and I got the Chicken Pot Pie instead. Be careful, because this thing comes out piping hot - I had to remove the puff pastry top and let the steam out for about 5 minutes before I was brave enough to take a bite! But it was a warm, comforting dish and I'd definitely get it again. Our server was great on this busy night, and she was did a good job anticipating the fish and chips refills so that no one had to wait for seconds. Awesome. I can't wait until the next Wednesday that we can do it all over again.
(4)
Brandon S.
I love Scotch and I love cozy pubs, so a bar that mixes both of those elements should be awesome, right? Wrong. My friend and I ventured in here at about 11 pm of Satrurday night. Now, I realize this is a mostly chill bar, but this was a little scary. Everyone, from the patrons to the staff, looked pissed off to be there. After waiting about 15 minutes a waiter took our order. Then it took another 20 minutes to get our Scotch. Now perhaps the bartender had to crack open the casket of single malt himself and test for impurities, but it usally takes me about 10 seconds to pour a scotch. I opted for the 11 year old Oban, nothing special, tasted like every other decent scotch i've had. I don't know, perhaps it was the fact that the lights gave the place a weird tint, or the slow service. Or everyone looking at me like a had a SARS mask on, but next time I will just swill my usual bottle of Johnnie Walker Red in my apartment. It's cheaper, no one will judge me, and I don't have to put on pants. Btw, who orders food from a Scotch bar at 1130 pm on a Saturday?
(2)
Carol J.
Best single malt scotch collection outside of Scotland for the love of Loch Ness. Awesome, authentic fish and chips (and I'm not a fishy lover), traditional Shepard's Pie and excellent hot toddies. I also have been known to enjoy some of the delicious ales available but that was back when I was a beer drinking hellion. Very warm and snug environment and always an engaging soul to warm your heart with a story with the ever so lilting brogue of the motherland.
(5)
Aaron B.
The claim of best fish and chips in the city is highly debatable. I went here the other night with a friend and tried these infamous fish and chips. Not the best I have ever had. Somewhat soggy, very flaky, needed a fork to eat them and served with like 5 fries. When you get good fish and chips they should be thick enough for you to eat them with your fingers not fall apart as soon as you touch them. Also they should be served with a basket of chips not two. The beer I had was ok, but I was really unimpressed with the fact that I couldn't get a real black and tan here. I know its Scottish but seriously, Guinness not on tap? Come on.... The interior is very small and the table we sat at was termed 'a tight squeeze' by the waitress, this was being very kind. I didn't mind the small table though since good company can outweigh simple deficiencies like these. However, if you are going with someone you really don't want to talk to be sure to avoid the 'tight squeeze' table!
(3)
Janet L.
This place is great! I go for the all-you-can-eat fish & chips even though I never need more than what they provide me on the first plate. Come hungry!! They also have a decent selection of beers (and I think other liquors), and the rest of the menu had some interesting and tasty-sounding entrees! I'd definitely come out here more often if it were more accessible (a bit of a walk from the El stop, especially since it's winter...), but a great spot nonetheless. It's super-crowded and busy, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors while waiting at the bar for your table.
(4)
Brian W.
As the 363rd reviewer, I'm not sure what's left for me to say, other than I was wholly charmed by the atmosphere but surprisingly underwhelmed by the fish-n-chips, which rate as merely serviceable.
(3)
Sarah F.
Haven't been here on a Friday night in a while...and I was tempted to pull the fire alarm to clear the place out. There's no way they weren't over the occupancy limits, but the 90+ minute wait for the table ended up being worth it once the unlimited fish & chips plates for $9.95 started coming. Mountains of flaky, battered fish are served over a bed of fries and peas with a portion of tartar sauce on the side. I have to agree with the other folks who contend Duke of Perth serves up the best fish & chips in the city (at least from what I've tasted). Be sure to sample from the extensive list of scotch while you're there, or consider one of the flights.
(4)
James M.
Atmosphere is nice, definitely has that classic pub style and they have put effort into appearing Scottish. Waitstaff didn't dress the part so much, but they were friendly. We only had to wait for about 10 Min. to get a table and the hostess was very apologetic. I happened to go on a Wed. for the all you can eat fish 'n' chips. The menu looked good, but I love fish so I stuck with that. I will say they are not stingy on the portions and they give you chips and peas as well. Texture was good but the taste of all three was lacking, fairly bland. They don't hesitate to bring you more, though. The beer and whiskey selection saved this place. Belhaven and Fullers are great. The latter has London Pride and a Winter Skl ales, both are quite tasty. A friend bought a whiskey flight which came out on a wooden board with places for three small glasses. Each was very distinct - not the kind of selection or presentation I have seen at other places. Bottom line, not too impressed with the food, but I got a good vibe and I would easily give it another shot. The beer and whiskey are worth a trip.
(3)
Andy M.
What a perfect place to pop into on a cold November day. It's dark, rustic, and quite cozy. We stumbled upon the Duke of Perth after a Black Friday shopping binge. We were cold, tired and hungry. Carolynne r. and I both felt at home right away. This place reminds me of some of the rural pubs I used to frequent when I lived in Holland. Our visit fell upon a Friday when they have their all you can eat fish and Chips. I hate fish, so I ordered the Black Angus, Blue Cheese burger. The burger was wonderful, but the big surprise is that I actually enjoyed the fish and chips. Did I say that I hated fish? The fried fish just melted in your mouth, and the tartar sauce made it perfect. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. The Duke of Perth is a cozy pub with an old world feel that is totally unique to anything that I have experienced in Chicago. The food, service and atmosphere were all top notch. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Sandy N.
Came here on a Friday night to try their all you can eat fish & chips special. There was a long wait, probably because it was a Friday during Lent, but also because it was a Friday. We ended up waiting for over 40 minutes for a 2-person table. Service was good, fish was great. Unfortunately, I couldn't handle more than one plate of fish and chips. Would come again though, on another night!
(3)
Naveen S.
Oh, Duke of Perth, why are you not closer to my place. I grew up in London and randomly have these cravings for Fish n Chips. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I find a $10 all you can eat Fish n Chips place. Honestly, how can you go wrong? The price for all you can eat is the same as it is for a regular order, so you don't have to feel bad if you went with the intent of AYCE but realized you were full after that one meal and scotch toddy. Will be back!
(4)
Allen J.
This place is good- especially their fish and chips. But, seriously with the no soda refills? We don't live in Manhattan. That refill you are denying me on my Diet Pepsi cost you less than a nickel. Definitely makes me think twice before going back.
(2)
Jennifer P.
I have had fish & chips on the brain for a while. love love loved it. perfect amount of batter/breading...tender fish....yummy fries/chips. also had the wings...yummy (and on special that night, too!) great beer...had the fuller's london pride....delish... highly recommended! thumbs up!
(5)
Dustin N.
Excellent pub feel and great fish and chips on Wed/Fri All-you-can-eat for $9.99. Outdoor seating in the summer is in the back and rather quiet and relaxed. Beer selection is good, I wish it changed up more often.
(4)
James E.
Came here for the second time last night - LOVED IT! Great food, great atmosphere. It's such a chill bar / restaurant and it's amazing what having no TVs can do to make the place feel so much more relaxed. Great selection of beers, too. I had the Sheppard's Pie and the hubs had the burger. The pie was very good and the burger is something that is going to bring me back so I can get my own damn burger and not have to be limited to a bite of my soulmate's. The horseradish crust was just slightly horseradishy, so it wasn't overwhelming. Oh man. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Susan F.
Not bad, not great. I ordered the chicken finders and my friend ordered a burger. His burger looked alright, but all of his fries were charred, really badly. My chicken fingers were very good actually, and the dijon/chipotle mustard sauce was really delish. The service was good and the outdoor seating was very nice and quiet. Overall, I think I ill have to try more there, but like I said, the experience was kind of forgetable.
(3)
Steve D.
Fish and chips is the way to go here. My parents were in for the weekend and I brought them this past Friday, as I understood they offered a good fish fry, and it delivered. For $9.95 you get all you can eat. Good, crispy fish, good fries, and peas!! On Friday's be prepared to wait, we did for about a half hour. But, the 3 of us ordered fish and chips and it arrived promptly in like 2 minutes, which is really nice. We were worried that after waiting a while we would miss the show we had tickets to, but with the quick service we were finished eating 20 minutes after we sat down. It's a bar like any other, it's loud, but the decent quality of the fish made up for this. I would definitely go back if I have a taste for fish fry, but only on Wednesdays or Fridays, as this is when it's all you can eat. Not to say I would pile that much food into myself, but there's something comforting about all you can eat being attached to what you ordered.
(4)
Don Z.
Good stuff from a suburb bar. The meatloaf was monstrous plate of food. Bland as expected from a British pub. Beer selection was good. After a few pints, had to have a scotch. I enjoyed talking to Brian for an hour or so and he pointed me to the train with my suitcase. For some reason I slept through my entire flight back to California.
(5)
Amanda S.
We came on a Wed. For the "all u can eat fish and chips." All four of us ordered the fish and chips and wine and beer. The drinks came and were good, then the food came and it was good. Two pieces of fried cod fish, green peas and French fries. When we were finished eating that plate our not-so friendly waitress asked if we would like more and we all said yes and ordered another round of drinks. My friend and I had eaten the first plate and put our napkin on the finished plate. The waitress came back with one plate with a few fries on it, with four pieces of the fish on it for all of us to share. Clearly not all u can eat and rude service. The ambience felt like we were in someone's old dingy living room. Will never go back.
(1)
Tom T.
Duke of Perth has its good days and its not so good. I go here about once a month for dinner with some friends. The first time I came here I had a Scotch Egg Burger. It was incredible. Ever since I've been chasing the purple dragon ordering those damn burgers and they've never been the same. I think something changed in the kitchen, the food just isn't quite as good. They have some interesting things on the menu though, definitely a good change from the norm. I also like that they don't have TVs in here and it's quite dark. I like the atmosphere. Service has always been good, not stellar, but good and friendly. I like that they have a fancy beer selection but I do not like that I don't like any of the beers here. It costs quite a bit to drink here simply because they don't serve any cheap beers. I think they might serve Bud Light, but I hate Bud Light. Subsequently, I usually end up spending about $20 on food and $80 on beer...not cool. It also appears to be a little dirty at times with gnats swarming around and whatnot. I'll be back, but on a less frequent basis. It wouldn't take much for this place to be really special, but something tells me making this place nicer would ruin its purpose and charm. I'll say check it out, but don't get your hopes up. Instead, drown them in a lot of beer and heavily fried foods. Even the vegetables are deep fried here!
(3)
Paul H.
Duke of Perth has been on my radar for a while now as I am a huge fan of fish and chips. So, I managed to stop by for lunch recently. I grabbed a table in the back patio, which was unexpectedly nice. The server was great (she was managing a table full of drunken out of town cubs/reds fans - navigating their bad manners with a certain amount of sass of her own, nicely played!) I ordered the fish and chip and a nice lager, which I had heard from a number of people were just amazing. Don't get me wrong, they were good; crisp without too much breading. They weren't the best I've ever had, better than average to be sure. I think that I'll go back and try out the whisky selection and have another order of fish (perhaps on an all-you-can-eat night).
(3)
megan s.
OVERPRICED CRAPPY FOOD. I got the salmon cod cakes. gross. I was expecting plump little tasty cakes,instead I got flat, crispy, greasy pancakes with no flavor. That was $10!!!! The tartar sauce tasted like straight up miracle whip. My boyfriend got chicken club, which was not a club at all but rather a flavorless regular chicken sandwich. No toast in sight. ...Don't waste your time.
(1)
Janis W.
We ate here the other night and I had a really delicious burger. I never knew their burgers were so good. They don't play up the burger aspect, so I've always ordered from the UK side of the menu. This used to be one of the only bars in Chicago where you could get cider on tap. Now others have gotten with the program, but this pub still rules. Friendly, cozy, 2 fireplaces, lots of whiskey choices.
(4)
Vladimir K.
I was stoked to go to a Scottish place, since that's what I am. It was okay I guess, but just way too expensive for what it is. I think I might like it better if it was in a different location.
(3)
Laura K.
Love this place. I used to live right down the street so maybe I'm biased but they have the BEST beer you will ever have. If you go, try the Belhaven Scottish Ale. It's unbelievably smooth and satisfying. If you want something a little more filling, go for the Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It's incredibly smooth and creamy. Absolutely delicious! The burgers are yummy and their chicken and mushroom pie is amazing. I also cannot get enough of their fries. They have specials almost every night of the week - Monday being buy one entree get one free. In the summer they have a back patio area that's very quaint and shaded by a few trees.
(5)
Mar'ia A.
I loved this little Lincoln Park establishment. Small, quaint and cozy. My guest ordered several single malts and some draft beers (GREAT SELECTION!). I order several appetizers. The wait staff and bartender were quiet and unassuming but quick and helpful. The food was piping hot (order the fried mushrooms with a side of ranch DIVINE!) and hearty. What a gem- will visit again if we have the chance.
(5)
Charlie M.
Growing up in Wisconsin, you learn that there are two basic kinds of pubs: those that serve pizza, and those that have a Friday Fish Fry. If your chef can't fry fish, you better start ordering more tomatoes. Moving to Chicago, I discovered that deep-fried fish didn't have the presence it does north of the border. In fact, my first few times ordering it was disillusioning. I hadn't realized you could actually mess up fried fish. It's batter, not plaster of Paris! As such, my first visit to Duke of Perth was like stumbling upon a sanctuary of sorts. Then I looked at the scotch list. Long story short: it's top-notch (all-you-can-eat on Wed. and Fri.) fish and chips (and peas) and the best place in Chicago to find your new favorite lowland single malt. The draft beer list runs only about eight selections deep, but they're all beers you're not going to find everywhere and worth exploring - if you have room. Decor is dim yet cozy. Kitschy antiques, church pew seating and exposed beams create an "old world" feeling, like maybe the place was a public house before it was a pub. I can't say too much about anything else on their menu, but the only negative comment I've heard on the matter is "I wish I got the fish fry," and I'm pretty sure they were just jealous.
(5)
Tom K.
Scottish brews and a good selection of single malts make this place one of my favs. On top of that, they turn out some good food as well.
(5)
Yoyo M.
A very low key, chill place that's warm and inviting. I've been here a few times with good friends and it's perfect for when you just feel like talking, grabbing a good beer, good bar food and really relaxing. This is not a place to go to be seen but it's not divey either. I will keep coming back.
(4)
Rita W.
We went here last night with my girlfriends - we always walk past this place but have never gone there. We got here at 6pm which we thought was pretty early and we still had to wait about 20 minutes. We are not too sure if they really put our name down because a party of three that came in after our party of four was seated before us. After waiting another ten minutes for a four top to open up, my roommate went and talked to the hostess and we were seated promptly. For as busy as it was, service did not take as long as I had expected. My friends ordered the fish and chips deal. I can see why there is a big draw for this, the pieces of fish were HUGE and looked as if they were perfectly fried, the fries were hot and a bit crispy on the outside, perfectly mushy on the inside, just the way I like my fries. My veggie sandwich was mediocre. I have to say, unless you are planning on getting the all you can eat fried fish and fries deal, I do not feel that the wait was forth it for this place.
(3)
Peter P.
GREAT FISH AND CHIPS, GREAT WHISKEY SELECTION, and AWESOME UNABLETOPRONOUNCEFRIEDONIONLEEK!! I tried to eat "ALL I COULD" but the fish they fry is ludicrously huge; after three fish, I couldn't eat anymore. The cod quality is superb. I can't wait to try their other dishes such as the shepherd's pie. 15 year old whiskey was worth every dollar; with a drop of water infused in it, the single malt tasted fantastic. I can't wait to go back and try out all the whiskey from different Scottish regions.
(5)
Stephen R.
I fell in love with "The Duke" then fell out of it. Maybe it was the smoking ban. Maybe the $5 pints get tiring on the wallet. Something happened and it's just blah now. Monday night food specials (1 entree, 1 free) is still amazing, and the fish and chips with malt vinegar (!) is always awesome. And nothing beats the beer garden patio on warm summer nights! Great place for some outdoor space not far from Diversey/Clark. But what was a great post-work "adult" spot has become more family friendly. I saw a stroller being rolled in there one night and was absolutely beside myself! Strollers! Children! Augh! And when you're dropping -- at minimum -- $5 a drink as there is never a drink special, it's no fun. It made me wish I could still smoke in the front bar, as a child deterrent more than anything. Oh, Duke. :(
(3)
Vio V.
Duke of Perth is probably the best place to spend a relaxing Friday night after a week of hard work, or a chill evening hanging out and talking with friends any other day of the week. This hole-in-the-wall Scottish Pub specializes in Scottish Whiskey and the best Fish&Chips in the city. Fresh fish and chips are $10 for all you can eat on Wednesday and Friday, but the portions are so big (and delicious) that it is a good deal any day of the week. If you're not a whiskey fan, Duke of Perth also carries a nice selection of delicious European beer. I would recommend trying a flight of whiskey anyway for the experience. The only pitfall here is that the alcohol is a bit on the expensive side and that the pub can get a crowded at dinnertime. The atmosphere, however, is great. The place looks a bit sketchy on the outside but is quite cozy inside with fireplaces burning warmly in the winter. Many people seem to be complaining about the size of the place, but I think that this is part of the charm. It makes me feel like I am transported back to Europe.
(5)
Amy S.
Three words...FISH AND CHIPS! Came here on a whim one day and I made the mistake of ordering a grilled vegetable sandwich. The sandwich was very good, but my bf ordered the fish and chips and boy was I jealous!!! The portion was huge, so I was lucky enough to get a taste (my bf can be a little stingy (just kidding G...loves ya!)). The beer batter (or whatever it is) was perfect and it wasn't too greasy. I was just very impressed by it...if you can't tell :) They have all you can eat nights, but I'm not sure who would be able to finish more than one portion of it....but it would be worth it if you have a HUGE appetite.
(4)
Kellen T.
I always walk past this place and wish I was inside rather than going to some shitty bar someplace else. Well this last Friday I was finally able to stop by and spent my entire evening dining on fish, fine beers, and chatting with the extremely intelligent bar tender. I enjoyed my experience at D-o-P, and cannot think of another place in Chicago like it. All to often bars or pubs in this town overwhelm their patrons with loud music, two dozen 52" televisions, and flirtatious scantily clad waitresses. While sitting at my table I was surprise by the amazing choice in music and even made a few comments to my friends about how impressed with it I was. The food is great. Classic. The beer was a big amazement. Having lived in Chicago I have not been very impressed with most bars beer selection in relation to it's prices. The Duke of Perth has some great beers that go very well with all it's good. The bar has an extensive whiskey and scotch selection and the bar tender was more than willing to help me select a whiskey to go with my meal. Duke of Perth is a great experience!
(4)
Pauline S.
just stopped in for a beer before a movie and I can't wait to go back! I'd imagine that this is the perfect place to sip a good brew or whiskey on a snowy Chicago night while enjoying the all you can eat fish-and-chips. the atmosphere is everything you want in a good pub.
(4)
Nicole L.
It was wintery Sunday afternoon and they had very few customers. And yet the service was terrible and they managed to run out of menu items including coffee! Maybe it was bad luck? The atmosphere is the major redeeming quality (including two fireplaces to cozy up to on a chilly day).
(2)
Dean K.
Went there the other night specifically for the fish fry. This is a great winter place so I try to get there for the fish once in a while. It was good, as always. But the real winner was my girlfriend's burger. It was topped with horseradish and served au jus. Whoa. As much as the fish there will always call my name, I'm going to start venturing out into other areas of the menu. These guys can cook.
(4)
Emily F.
This place pretty much has the fish & chips award locked up. The all-you-can-eat on Wed & Fri is one of the best deals in town...if you are hungry again before the end of the night you have some kind of hormonal problem. I have a weakness for Scottish beer. I think it's probably the best beer on the planet. DoP doesn't disappoint with it's selection. I wish I could go tonight, but I can't justify leaving the house for dinner when there's so many Thanksgiving leftovers to be eaten. You and I have a date next Friday, Duke of Perth!
(5)
Heather K.
Amazing weekday deals, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, whisky, beers, but everyone knows that already. I just wanted to add that Duke of Perth has a great selection of winter cocktails, too! Cocoa, warm apple cider and coffee, with or without your choice of booze. Hot buttered rum. Hot toddies. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Chris R.
Really I mean to give this place 4.5 stars, but yelp won't let me. But if anyone from Duke of Perth is reading, know that you're almost perfect. And that's pretty good! I am a fan of the beer selection, decor, food, service staff, and the awesome back patio in the summer. I guess I could write more, but it would just be to say that this place is great. So this is a short one. The end.
(4)
Kearsten D.
This is the absolute BEST place for fish and chips. Feels just like a real Scottish pub. Great food, great beer, great service.
(5)
Kourtney L.
went here for my birthday this summer and everything was great except the temp inside. we eventually moved outside and all was well but the 30-40 minutes spent inside were absolutely terrible. i knocked a star off for that. great selection of beer and great food too.
(3)
Maya D.
This is my favorite bar in Lakeview, and one of my favorites in all of Chicago. The servers are really nice, and they know a lot about Scotch. The Scotch list is great! It's lively, yet quiet enough to actually have a conversation. AND THERE IS NO TV.
(4)
sarah r.
great food and even better beer list
(4)
Jessica B.
Great beer, great whiskey and great food. Although the scottish-themed food is very, very good (the leek pie and chicken pie in particular) if you are in the mood for a truly top-notch burger this is the place to come. My husband and I recently discovered that all burgers can be done with veggie burgers instead, for those vegetarians out there. The prices for the quality of beer they have are really fair (around $5-$6 for a pint). We often go on Sunday afternoons, and sit in the garden, and do some work. They have wireless, and the serving staff is great - Arubial in particular (sorry if I butchered the spelling). The music is usually celtic, and goes well with the feel of the place. This is my husband's favorite restaurant, and is on the top of my list.
(5)
Katie H.
This is probably as traditional a Scottish pub as you're likely to get in the Midwest. Well as traditional British Isles I really mean (I'm looking at you, shitty Wrigleyville "Oirish" Pubs with stupid names like Tipsy O'Flootherhans that think they're so fucking Mick because they serve Guinness and have a paper shamrock stuck to the wall. I hate you so bad.) Ahem! Duke of Perth was lovely. The fish and chips were excellent and they knew to have malt vinegar on the table. I look forward to trying their cottage pie on 2 fer 1 Mondays. My chocolate stout was tits also. Also the ambiance is superb - no loud bar music or TVs. They have a beer garden but it was plumb full-up when we went but no worries. I think this will be an excellent winter spot. The back of the house is cozy and dim. Very inviting. Finally, wish I knew more about single-malt scotch too because this seems like the place to get it. I can't justify dropping $25 on a dram because I know I won't properly appreciate it and I'll just make the shot-grimace. But if it's your thing, I reckon you should come here.
(4)
Alexandra B.
What in the world happened to this place! I had been coming here every now and again for about a year and every time I go, it gets worse and worse. I don't know if they got a new cook or what, but the food is DISGUSTING. The last time I was here I had a veggie burger and I mean, how can you screw that up? It comes out of a box and your throw it on the grill. Somehow, they removed all flavor from it, along with all flavor in the french fries. I felt like I was eating a meal for someone who just had a triple bypass and had to cut out the fat and salt. My bf's meal was just as offensive, as was our appetizer. I didn't finish even two bites before we paid and left. We will not be going back anytime soon. And really, $7 for a small hot apple cider? Give me a break.
(1)
Anjali B.
I gotta say - I've eaten a LOT of fish and chips in my time - in London, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, and these are among the top ones. Yeah, it's crowded - but to me, that makes it more authentic - in the UK if a pub is crowded (and it often is) you sit with strangers, and that's part of the whole experience. The bartender is on top of his game, and friendly to boot, even when it's crazy busy (friday nights, in my experience)... It feels as close to a neighborhood pub as any I've been too. And the fish and chips are delish! The peas aren't bad either :).
(5)
Ania G.
By far, the best (fancy) pub food I've ever had, though cheap it is not. Great outdoor seating in back in the summer.
(4)
Clare D.
I was trying to find a good pub to go have some good girl talk over some good beer, and I decided to try Duke of Perth. I don't know if you can be a connoisseur of english isle food, but I may come close to it. I almost gave them five stars due to the malt vinegar being on the table alone. But then, oh joy of joys, they have Blackthorn cider. I love blackthorn. It is my favorite cider, and no one really carries it here since people like the woodchuck i guess. Anyway the blackthorn was wonderfully cold and not that horrifically expensive. Now I hate fish, but I love the "fish and chips" idea. I always ask if they will do beer battered chicken instead of fish (as most real UK fish and chips shops carry the chicken). The cook not only did it for me from scratch, but it was so good that they might actually make it a permanent option. The beer garden was also very cute, quiet and relaxed. It was nicely decorated with plants and I would definitely recommend it for the summer (or whenever it is warm).
(5)
Mary Lee G.
I truly enjoyed my pre-movie snack here. I'm a total sucker for a fireplace and we got to sit right next to one of theirs. The single malt flight was a really good choice for the inexperienced scotch drinker that I am and it was served with a single card so I could cheat and say things like "yes, that finish was long with increasing spice." My sandwich (The James Watt) was decent, though to be fair I did only order it so I could say "James Watt invented the steam engine." What I liked most about this place was the atmosphere, it filled me with physical and mental warmth. I'm really excited to go back and try fish and chips (with extra, extra, extra malt vinegar--yum!)
(4)
Gaige G.
Definitely a nice place to check out. Would rate it higher if the food were better and if it were a bit bigger with more bar seating space. It would be awesome as only a pub and no restaurant. It would really really rock if they converted it totally to a bar/pub complete with darts and the like. The atmosphere really feels like you stepped into an old world pub and any place that has awesome selection of UK beers, port and single malt and other warm tasty concoctions is not to be missed. Will warm your cockels....er whatever. Check it out!
(3)
Alex R.
Ok, I'm now an official whiskey drinker, and this place has an amazing Irish whiskey selection. Try one (or two) flights -- these people really know what they are doing!
(5)
Amanda C.
So after a fatty mexican dinner across the street, the husb and I (& 2 friends) stumbled into this bar for a drink. It has a really laid back atomosphere and the service is great. Even though they were busy serving people that were eating dinner, they let us grab a table just for drinks. We had 3 or 4 beers and left but I will be back to more drinks and possibly some food.
(4)
Steph F.
it is still a mystery to me of how i could live next door to TDoP and not weigh 748 kilos from gorging on mac 'n cheese fritters, beer and/or whiskey, and all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips nights. sublime, breezy yet secretive, outdoor patio. long live the scot(tish pub)s!
(5)
Sandi P.
I was up to really like this place - beer, fish & chips, where can you go wrong. It just didn't cut it for authenticity. I am English so I know my way around fish and chips and these were just average. Frankly (and I know you city types will howl here) but the fried fish at Cracker Barrel on Fridays is better. The chips were definitely homemade and had a good taste but were rather limp. The fish, while generous in portion size (3 long pieces) was lacking in flavor. Without the addition of multiple lashings of malt vinegar (which appalls my husband) I would say it was pretty tasteless. The accompanying peas were good but tartar sauce as a standard accompaniment - yuck and so not authentic.Might as well serve coleslaw and pretend you are at Long Johns. Beer selections are ok here. We were disappointed as they have been out of the Thistle beer for 2 weeks now. Service was fine though and the food arrived quickly. Not bad but I will continue my search for excellent fish and chips - suggestions Yelpers???
(3)
James C.
Straight from old england to your plate! All you can eat fish and chips.. best I have had so far in Chi! They are of the traditional fair with a side of peas (no not mushy) and drown them in vintager! Deliciously followed with some cider and a nice dark beer! Service was very friendly and the price not to shabby!
(4)
Guy P.
I came here on a whim in January, and it has been my Friday Night spot every since! The fish and chips special is amazing (that statement coming from a bonefied burger guy). The portions are generous, and they really do keep it coming until you are ready to burst. The waiter, Emelio and busboy, Alfredo are extremely friendly and attentive. It would be a crime to come here and not sample some of the varieties of beer that they have on tap, it is definitely a refreshing change from the standard Miller/Budweiser offerings of most places. My only advice, this place is JAM PACKED on Friday nights, so if you are in the mood for a more quiet evening, any other night will do.
(4)
Derek S.
last spring and a few times this summer i finally spent some time at the duke; i'd wanted to check it out because of my interest in scotch, and it didn't disappoint. aside from their insanely broad selection of scotches, they serve very good food and have super friendly servers. one of my biggest complaints at bars that endeavor to serve single malts is the serving sizes, which vary greatly around the city. duke of perth offers up very healthy servings, and their flights are put together expertly. i highly recommend anyone interested in single malts (and a menu to pair well with single malts) to check this place out.
(4)
Kelly B.
Love, love, love this bar. Although I am a scotch drinker, I don't really know that much about scotch. However, the bartender here is SO knowledgeable and introduces me to a new scotch every time I come. The bar is laid back and I believe they have a nice patio (I haven't ventured out there yet during my visits). This is the first bar I ever visited when I moved here 3 mo. ago and it is STILL my favorite.
(5)
Paul C.
The place has the awesomest beer selection. I love going here in the warmer months and sitting outside with a great draft. Not a fan of the food at all though. I was lured in by the fish and chips, but they are a greasy mess. Tried the fried mushroom apetizer and it literally explodes grease in your mouth like those old pieces of gum that had juice in the center. Food=grossness. Booze=heaven.
(4)
Jennifer B.
I have spent many an evening in pubs in the UK and this one wins the prize for feeling the most authentic. It's dark, the tables are close together, there is a wood stove for when the weather gets chilly and there is no tv blaring soccer or rugby. The beers are good, the food is great (can you beat all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $9.50? I don't think so) and the service is fantastic. This is definitely our old standby when we want no fuss food and drink at a relaxed place.
(5)
Daniel Y.
I love everything about this place. I love that there are no TVs with ESPN blaring at you. I love the atmosphere (bars can never have too much taxidermy IMO). Of course, who can say bad things about drinking good single malt scotch? Duke of Perth is fantastic.
(5)
Jennifer L.
OK so to continue my list of reviews of fish and chips in Chicago, we hit Duke of Perth one all you can eat Wednesday night. As I told the waitress these are the best we've had yet in Chicago. We're British and fish and chips are one of the things we miss most from home. Having so many places to eat them here is so great! While they weren't super authentic - no place in Chicago has mastered the concept of frying their chips/fries in clean oil yet - they were delicious. The batter was light, the fish was of excellent quality, the chips (although dark) were fresh and yummy and didn't taste of butter which is something that always annoys me about fries in this city. Even the peas looked freshly boiled as opposed to the microwaved 30 minutes ago peas we often see. And yes having malt vinegar on the table gets an extra point! Plus they made asking for seconds (on all you can eat night) very easy! My daughter had the chicken fingers too and there was a lot for the price. She couldn't finish them even though they were fresh and well made. The only thing I don't like about this pub is that it's so dark. I could barely see my food! It may be traditional in some country village of Scotland to not turn the lights on but in the rest of the country they like to see what's around them. So one star deducted for trying to save money on electricity but otherwise it's 5 stars all the way.
(4)
Chad S.
The atmosphere was nice, and we had a great time with friends. We devoured the vegetable fries. I could have eaten a couple portions of them. Our server was nice and friendly. However, I had the shepherd's pie, and wasn't overly impressed. It consisted of a beefy soup with mushrooms. I suggest cut back on the mushrooms and make the beef mixture not so soupy. Others in my group had fish and chips and loved them, so I give this place 3.5 stars.
(3)
Mike K.
So i didnt make it to the big Yelp event on Friday...I know, I suck. i got stuck dealing with super-emotional and hyper-active middle school basketball kids who I'd rather see in my gym than doing god knows what if i left early to go party. So I was super late and no able to go...boo me. I did finally meet up with the gf and we went out traveling on some random Friday night, starving for food...starving! I just wanted to drink, really, and after several misfortunate events we ended up in front of Duke of Perth, hungry, thirst, and needing to use the washroom. Now there is nothing like a fish fry on Fridays, especially if you're from Wisconsin, or apparrently, England. My gf had the fish and chips thingy why Im almost sure I had a burger of some sort. I do remember I had fries with salt and vinegar, so I must have had a burger...probably a good one. But its the cider drink they offer that I'll remember most. i had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in my glass it was soooo good! Its worth the trip just to drink the cider alone!
(4)
Dee W.
Yum! Their fish and chips are yummy here. They have an extensive list of scotch here and when the weather is nice, they have a nice beer garden, too. Go for their 'all you can eat fish and chips' on Wednesday and Fridays.
(4)
Ellen M.
All I have to say is........ To alcohol, The cause of and the solution to, All of life's problems, Love the Duke of Perth, If you don't, Then u prolly don't belong here, Se ya.
(5)
david g.
Been back here a few more times, service has improved a lot, Best Fish and Chips in Chicago
(4)
Jeff W.
I like Duke of Perth. I seem to like it most on Monday's when all the entrees are two-for-one. They have above average burgers and chicken sandwiches in addition to their more traditional fish and chips. I'm not a fish and chips aficionado but they were tasty when I had them. My recommendation is a burger with horseradish crust. 'Crust' is not exactly the right description, it has more the consistency of dense mash potatoes that they lay on top of the burger, if that makes sense. It's good though. Fries or mashers have been a solid side for me. There are quite a few other entrees I'm looking forward to trying, but Monday comes but once a week. They have a lot of cool beers but I would like to see them do some beer flights or beer tastings, rather than only being able to get a whole pint. My only other beef is that there is not a TV inside. I assume they are well aware there is no TV, and it is probably not the ambiance they are looking for, but good burgers and authentic beers kind of cries out for a game to be on, at least for me. Staff is very nice and there beer garden is great in the summer, the inside is a little dark and smokey. The whole place does have a cool European pub vibe to it. Enjoy.
(4)
J D.
count me in as a huge fan of the Duke. all-you-can-eat fish and chips wednesday and friday for $10? COME ON! could it get any better than that? light, crispy, and buttery cod, yum! they give you tarter sauce, but trust me, go with the malt vinegar. they don't serve mushy peas, but really, who actually likes mushy peas? the rest of their food is pretty damn good too and let's not forget the excellent beer selection, on tap, of some not often seen British and Scottish beers. and the scotch. woah.
(4)
Jessica M.
A cozy and classy Scottish bar with really nice bartenders and the best music at any bar in the city.
(5)
Mariana P.
Damn was that soup creamy! As previously mentioned, the soup is definitely amazing. Yum yum, and I am usually not one to order cream of broccoli! They have a great selection of beers. The ambiance is so British that I felt that I had been flown to a small-town pub in England. The waitress was a little scatter-brained, but she was trying her best. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Matt M.
This place made me think of what a small town pub along the Scottish or English countryside would be like. Woody decor with a stag on just about every decorative piece I saw, as well as a large stuffed buck head over the bar. My roommate and I staggered in here on a Saturday afternoon after a long night beforehand, so we did not sample any of the many fine ales that appear to be on tap, but I did get the fish and chips, which was excellent.
(4)
Mork M.
Scotch bar. Don't go for anything else, they have a lot of other things but when you have scotch why bother?
it just isn't the same as i remember. maybe is was the waiting and waiting and waiting that first night. and an $8 bottle of beer?
(4)
Jason P.
Seems like a lot of people gave this place a 5 star...so I only had to follow up with my 4 star because of the service. Yes the bartended did know his stuff but when my buddies and I walked in, we ordered our first round with the waitress and never saw her again. We ended up ordering at the bar with the quick-whitted bartender. I'll go back here for sure, and the atmosphere is pretty solid. This is not a typical lincoln park bar, which makes it all the much more better for a change.
(4)
Y R.
Great beers on tap (any Belhaven is delicious, but especially the wee-heavy). Great scotch selection. Fantastic fish-and-chips (all you can eat on wednesdays and fridays). Outdoor patio is fantastic on a summer evening. Service is always good too.
(4)
Jon L.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Great food. Great Beers. Perfect place to catch up with old friends for a lunch or dinner. A real dude place.
(5)
Travis P.
I went here on a Wednesday night. I ordered the "all you can eat" fish and chips. "All you can eat" in quotes because no normal person would ever need more than one plate of it. It was a pretty huge portion, and the Scottish beers filled in the cracks just in case. Which, by the way, they had a unique beer selection. I sampled a couple brews and settled on an IPA. This place has no TVs, which I find quite appealing. I sat with a group of friends, had good conversation, and slowly got drunk on the fancy Scottish beers. Edit: To answer a question left in a complement, the fish and chips was pretty average for bar food. Good, but nothing extraordinary. The place was was full on the Wednesday night that I was there, but we managed to get a table. Parking is what parking always is in Lakeview: bad.
(4)
Ben C.
Great selection of scotch and wiskey. If you are looking to sit down somewhere rather quite and have a drink/pint then this is your spot. All you can eat fish fry on Wednesday (?); otherwise the food is just your average bar fare.
(2)
Nina W.
Duke of Perth is a Scottish pub, almost hidden to everybody except the locals in the area. It seems small, but isn't. There are two rooms located in this bar. The first room is smoking, the second, non-smoking. It's the kind of place that your friends invite you to on a cold, blistering evening for some good old fish n' chips or Shepard's Pie and conversation. What's on tap isn't bad either. This pub feels very authentic, with its dark brown painted trim and uneven floors. For a Wednesday night, it was packed. Service was excellent. I spent $20.00 for a plate of fish n' chips and two ciders without tip. Would I visit the Duke of Perth again? In a heartbeat.
(5)
A.S. V.
I'm forever grateful to them for introducing me to my favorite winter beer -- Fuller's London Porter. And I'm foreverafter disappointed that they no longer carry it on tap (or in a bottle) even though it's available across the street at Binny's. For Scotch fans, they have an excellent selection, the atmosphere is warm and possibly authentic (I've been to England, but not Scotland), and the fish and chips pretty great.
(4)
Steve R.
Amen on the strongbow! Had a great plate of fish and chips, in a very nice dining room. Super laid back, I like this place a lot.
(4)
Margaret J.
Duke of Perth is a great, cozy neighborhood bar. They have a nice selection (not huge, but nice) of Scottish and English beers. They have the most authentic fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. It is a great bar that is as close to an English pub that I have found in Chicago. A great find!
(4)
Adam L.
The Duke of Perth is a nice spot tucked in just off Clark and Oakdale. I only went once, but I can say that the fish and chips is excellent and well worth the trip. It's huge, beer battered, and delicious.
(4)
Mindy S.
I had to stop in here for the all you can eat fish and chips (wednesdays and fridays), as I've heard such good things about it. The outdoor patio is so quaint and perfect to sit outside if the weather is nice. I don't eat fried fish often, but I did really enjoy it here. Add some vinegar and it's even better. I thought the fries were just ok, but i'm also one for crispy fries, which these were not. It's a nice change for every once in a while.
(3)
Rocky B.
The Duke of Perth definitely serves up some of the best fish and chips. Mmm, douse them with some vinegar and...heaven. Cozy bar that can get kind of cramped but to have that fried, greasy goodness...so worth it.
(4)
Edward L.
I love the Duke! A Belhaven and a Single Malt Scotch are wonderful precursors to the fish and chips. Mike the bartender is a Scotch expert and can recommend the best Scotch for any palete. On Friday nights the wait is long but well worth it. During the Summer the patio is open which cuts down on the wait time. We have been going to the Duke for more than ten years.
(5)
Mark W.
Really authentic feeling Scottish Pub- from the sign over the door, down to the food. If that wasn't enough- some of the menu items include a Robert the Bruce burger... Sean Connery burger and other such famous Scots immortalized forever into sandwich form. To drink, the Duke offers an extensive whiskey list and some great beers on draft from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm not a fish fan, but everyone I've ever gone with has gotten the fish n chips. It's an all-you-can-eat special... but you shouldn't really require seconds. I've heard nothing but raves about the fish here from everyone I've ever taken. The sandwiches/burgers are pretty good. Delicious fries (chips). The grilled chicken is really good. Service is always excellent (ironically, I think my servers have been just about every ethnicity except Scottish). Duke of Perth is a must try for an authentic Scottish pub experience.
(5)
Lee W.
Great fish and chips -- I even eat the peas that come with them! I'm not sure I'd do that anywhere else. Good beer selection -- and even some pretty good food specials during the week. It's definitely most crowded on Fridays and Wednesdays for all-you-can-eat fish and chips night (rightfully so!) and more laid back the other nights. Even on a Saturday night you can usually get right in for dinner -- just don't come too hungry, it's not all-you-can eat!
(4)
Joshua M.
Good fish and chips... the service was about three stars but I'll give them a freebie based on it being St. Patrick's day.
(4)
Zac w.
one of my favorite bars in lakeview. The beer selection is really interesting, they have something like 100 varieties of whiskey from Scotland and the bartender can talk about their relative merits all night. Food is basic pub food, but good. The atmosphere is relaxed and classy.
(5)
molly c.
i used to date a guy that lived almost across the street from duke of perth. tasty food. good burgers, i love the fish and chips (the peas MAKE THE MEAL) and hella good soup. nice chill crowd that is SO non-representative of the area. check it out for a quiet night out in lakeview, and then hit up jake's and get your booze on. EDIT - so, um yeah. the veggie fries and mac and cheese thingers. so good. SO good. fried beets are awesome.
(4)
Tiffany T.
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. This place is awesome!
(5)
Lawrence S.
This is a must if you are in Lakeview . Good selection of imports and a fish and Chips special on Wednesday and Friday nights . We had been by the Duke a few times and had never stopped ..( Our mistake ) On a warm Friday night we stopped in for a pint . we were greeted and sat in the bar we both had the Fish and Chips served with peas . The food was wonderful and barkeeper Mike was quick to refill our brews.No loud music, no loud tv and we were able to talk to other Cub fans that had wandered in after the game . It became very obvious this is where the locals go for a quality dinner . We will be sure to stop back at the Duke . What a great time we had .....
(4)
Rick V.
I love this place, probably my fave either for food, atmosphere or drinks. You really can't beat their selection of scotch, and their beers are outstanding (I like the Young's Oatmeal Stout or McEwan's Ale). Best bet is their fish & chips, but they also have good sandwiches, pies and other munchies (such as "Haggis Wings"). I usually sit at the end of the bar, to soak up the atmosphere and it's a great spot for people watching. Try their beer garden in warmer weather!
(5)
Frank G.
Normally I don't go furhter north than Roosevelt rd. But, there are a few places that I 'll make an exception for. ONe such place cures all the grumblings a first-generation scotsmen could want. The Duke of Perth being one of them. This place is fabulous for it's all you can eat fish and chips and 2 for one entree nights. The fish and "chips are excellent however the crowning achievement of this establish ment is the it's scotch wiskey selection and the fact that it has multiple scottish brews on draught.. The only thing better than a bit of Belhaven's "Wee Heavy", is washing it down with some very good scotch. Stick with any from the "speyside" region of the isle( this is the region best known for it's scotch making craft). Best time to go is saturday around 1pm. Go there on an overcast afternoon and get completely pished on ale and wiskey, it'll be good for ya. Plus you'll miss the usual people whom live around the lincoln park area
(4)
Lauren S.
This is a great neighborhood pub; the food is pretty good, but what makes this place great is the atmosphere. In the winter it is very warm and cozy and in the summer the outdoor patio is oh so nice. The wide selection of beer can't be beat but I do wish they would add to their wine list. Overall, a good place to go if you're in for something different than your average bar.
(3)
J V.
Food so-so, whoever heard of a scottish/english 5-star restaurant? Really now. Come here for the Scotch. Scotch, Scotch, Scotch... I love Scotch.
(5)
Natalie P.
Great fish n chips and on Wednesdays & Fridays and its all you can eat. I really like the beer selection too. The back patio is nice (they have really nice flowers planted and lanterns) but they need some updated patio furniture. The inside is very cozy and the service is great. One of my favorite pubs.
(4)
Diana C.
Went to this place a few nights ago and thought it was great. We had the fried mac-n-cheese appetizer and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner...yum! Very generous portion of chicken on the salad. Tasty vodka lemonades, too!
(5)
Mark W.
What makes the Duke special is that it's a local Scottish Pub created by a Scottish excop, who plowed everything he had into this place. He did it long before the trendy corporate "Mc-Pubs" we now see scattered throughout the city and it still beats every one of them in charm, quality and service. I started going to the Duke in the early 90's and just went again last week and it stands the test of time. Great Food, Great Service, Clean Establishment with old school values. Colin, the owner and ex Scotland Copper, keeps things neat and his service staff is outstanding. Michael at the bar is a legend and a seasoned barkeep in his own right. I've gone to the Duke throughout my lifetime and all of them are memorable in their own way. Illinois Masonic is down the street and I celebrated the birth of my daughter one night over fine scotch and Cigars with a bunch of pals and Bag Pipers. In the 90's they had live pipers and Irish Bands every weekend. Sadly, the bastard neighbors upstairs complained and it was discontinued. Long live the sound of the Pipes! The outside is nice in the summer and fall but I prefer the bar room with its old tables and classic Pub woodwork. Grab some friends on a cold snowy night and settle in for plate of fish and chips with peas. Sample the Chicken Wings, for sure. They are truly amazing. I like them with extra Blue Cheese Crumple and Pint of Scottish Ale! "Aye Laddie, I can hear the pipes a callin me home"... Might have to go tonite.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
Hands down the best fish and chips in the city. It's like a candy store for anyone who enjoys a really nice single malt. Go during the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
(5)
Shannon S.
This cute little pub has great specials. On Monday's it is buy one entree get one free. Wed and Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips. Our food was ok, I have heard from other people it is usually pretty good. I got the fish and chips. The fish had a good taste but the chips, not so much. They have a good variety of sandwiches and burgers on their menu. Our waitress wasn't very attentive, but we weren't in that much of a hurry either.
(3)
Jenny I.
It's true. If it's not Scottish, it's crap. Excellent woody bar with a manly selection of booze. Girls that really like bourbon hang out here, so men with a serious need for a real lady, you should get wise and dip this trip. I don't drink beer much or any liquor that's brown in hue...so I was pretty bored.
(4)
Kristin M.
mmmmm fish and chips... All-you-can eat on Friday-def A+! What more is there to say? (oh it gets REALLY crowded, which sucks)
(4)
M S.
Unusual circumstances and a festive mood allowed me to visit this place in the middle of the day. I loved the beer selection. The staff was friendly, and I shared a chicken pot pie with a friend. It was delicious and inexpensive. There were other patrons eating lunch and enjoying a beer and some quiet time. Check this place out early in the day if you ever have the luxury. I had a good time, and I will go back for the fish and chips soon.
(5)
Lee C.
Best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Everything else I've had here was also excellent, including a couple great vegetarian options, like the leek pie. Great beer selection, nice outdoor patio in summer and cozy dining room in the winter. Go.
(5)
Ashley M.
the Duke has an awesome beer and whiskey selection. they offer flights of whiskey in case you want to sample a few. the food is good too. i always order the belhaven wee heavy beer and their mini burgers. Service is always great and i love the lack of televisions! ESPN on 8 different screens makes me dizzy! Atmosphere is dark and cozy. go during off peak hours to avoid a crowd.
(4)
A G.
Went for the Lenten fish fry on Friday night. We waited for about 15 minutes for a table (word to the wise, there is not much waiting room at this place and it tends to get pretty crowded). Finally got a table and was very impressed with the fish. Also, they had a very nice list of Scottish/English beers.
(4)
Tobia C.
This place will rock your kilt off if you're not careful. Excellent food and a kick a** selection of scotch. The leek and potato soup is to die for, Braveheart style.
(4)
Chris S.
The food is excellent, but the beer is the best. Many brews that are hard to come by elsewhere, and the bartenders are geniuses when it comes to beer and scotch. They know more about proccesses and flavors than anyone.
(4)
a w.
Who says you have to travel all the way to England to get some good fish and chips? Head over to Duke of Perth and you'll probably get something even better. And on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can get all-you-can-eat fish and chips all day long for 10 dollars!! Pretty yummy!
(5)
TeaAddict G.
This is a solid choice for dinner and drinks. We had fish and chips (all you can eat on Wed and Fri). The fish were atual pieces of fillet, which was a nice touch. The entree came with peas too - got to have your veggies! A great selection of single malt - i was told - and the double chocolate beer on tap tasted yummy. Most importantly, it'a not one of those bars overrun with 60 inch flat screen in your face playing 10,000 different football games, AND you can have a decent conversation without yelling. Back patio available, and reasonable price!
(4)
Lulu T.
oooh the duke of perth....
(2)
Mark P.
Great Scottish ales on tap. Love the fish and chips. Decent horseradish crusted burger.
(4)
Noran W.
If it nay Scottish, it"s crap. At least that is what my husband says every time we dine here. It is a narrow local pub with dining. It can get crowded on all-you-can-eat-fish nites, especially during Lent--up to 1-2 hour wait. The tables are for dining, not drinking, so the bar can get crowded quickly. This crowd though normally polite. The bar stocks an extensive scotch and whiskey selection, with a chalk board listing of beers, ales, and stouts from the land of heather. The place is decorated with items from Scotland. The bartender always attentive, though how busy he gets. I enjoy the sherry selection myself here. Now the food--I adore bringing friends here for the fish-it is perfectly cooked and served with great fries and peas. I hate peas, but I always eat them here!! Their soups are homemade and very tasty, along with the bread served . They have traditional Scottish dishes, and other bar Fare with a Scottish twist. The menu is a great read, written with humor and wit. I have never been disappointed with a meal here!!!! The table and chairs are rustic, and the bathroom a little cramped. I never have had the delight of dining in their patio, but I bet it is as great as the other raters say.
(5)
Christopher B.
Loved it! We ordered the mac and cheese bites for the appetizer, which came with a chili sauce, it was delicious!!! We moved to Shepard's Pie (my partner had this) and I selected the Fish and Chips...both were oh so good!!! The fish was flaky, and had great flavor! The service was great as well! Very attentive, the decor was that of an English pub, very cozy. We really enjoyed ourselves, after we were finished with dinner, we sat and chatted a bit, did not feel rushed at all. This is a new favorite for us, we will definitely be back!!! Oh and on Mondays, they offer buy one entree, get one free!!
(5)
David H.
A great all you can eat deal can be had on a fish fry, which is especially appreciated during Lent. In addition they serve a good pub style menu, so if fish isn't your food of choice, then you and all of your group can dine in comfort and old European style. The back patio is great for sitting on a summer day and or evening and trying their extensive beer list. The staff is friendly and down to earth, so this would make a great second date choice, too. Guys and girls, bring your wallet full, because you will want to spend the whole evening by candle light. Cheers!
(4)
Andre W.
Sigh...this is one of those places I took for granted when I lived in the area for 4 years. I always meant to come but Jake's across the street always seemed more attractive in terms of drinking. I have to apologize to DOP as I didn't know you were such a cool joint. A couple of friends had been telling me about their Thurs deal for 50 cent jumbo wings. I also found out this is a scotch bar in which I had no idea...I am a scotch lover so right up my alley. The place itself is nothing special in terms of looks as its pretty dark and average looking but they make up for it with delicious BBQ and buffalo wings. I smashed maybe 10 and took the rest home with me. The service was definitely on par as the girl serving us was nice and always had a smile on her face. Scotch list is pretty extensive...pretty much a scotch lover's dream. I hear they have a all you can eat fish and chips night which they are locally famous for. May need to check that out, but Thursdays definitely has my attention.
(4)
Michael P.
I've never been disappointed, I've never been thrilled. I evaluate this place as a real restaurant, not a bar. Speaking of bars, the liquor and beer selection is pretty good. They have the Harp and Guinness and ciders and all the stuff of that ilk. Atmosphere is decent. Fireplaces are good in the winter. Back room is a little narrow and crowded, some of the tables have seen better days. Service and food are very inconsistent. Some times the service has been very nice and attentive. Other times it has been the bare minimum. Some of the food - like the burgers - is very good, other food is on par with a hot dog stand. As part of our meal one time, we ordered chicken fingers (no, I'm not 6, but they sounded good) and they were about what I'm used to getting at a lower-end sports bar. And the sauce was in a cheap plastic cup. And the chicken was lukewarm. A couple times the fish-n-chips was great, another time the fish was greasy and disgusting. I really can't justify going here anymore 'cause I have no idea if I'll get good DoP or bad DoP.
(3)
Matt P.
A great secret beer garden out back. My wife and I and to the Duke on Friday night and enjoyed a few drinks in a great environment.
(4)
AV G.
Nice. Went here for lunch about 3pm on a Friday--place was mostly empty. Cool spot--a lot of atmosphere. No better Fish and Chips in this town. Only complaint is that they serve regular peas, not the appropriate smooshy peas. Good tap selection for beer--Fun Place.
(4)
Jessie Elizabeth J.
Comfy atmosphere and extensive liquor menu! Come for the unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays, but avoid the pot pie-was of marie callender microwavable portion and quality.
(3)
Ben A.
Apparently on Monday nights they offer buy one get one free on all food except appetizers (i.e., burgers, entrees, sandwiches). I ordered the meatloaf which is served with mashed potatoes, peas and mashed rutabaga. The meatloaf was ok, nothing extraordinary by any means. The sides were ok as well. The portions are kind of small though as I was still hungry. My friend ordered the shepherds pie which came with a side of peas. He as well was not sated with the portion size, so we ordered the potato skin appetizer. The plate of 4 loaded potato skins (cheese, bacon, sauted onions, scallions, side of sour cream) was delicious! We ordered draft beers which were decent. They also seem to have quite an extensive whiskey and scotch menu. The service was friendly and prompt! The ambiance is laid-back. Multiple tables and bar seating, in addition to a fairly large back patio seating area with umbrellas. No tvs adorn the walls. Overall, great service, decent food, good drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. I'll be back for the fish and chips. Lastly, ask the server to pronounce the leek sticks appetizer.
(4)
Megan C.
Went on a Wednesday. Nice, laid-back atmosphere. The back patio is quite charming. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely recommend the fish fry.
(4)
Michael N.
UPDATE: They've since (?) opened a ~50-seat patio which, while nothing special, does give you the option of dining outside on a nice day instead in the dark wood library atmosphere.
(5)
Eowyn K.
Another great find from Yelp. I wish this pub was closer to home. It is a low frills, neighborhood bar. There are no TVs, no loud music or bar games. The main sounds are from the patrons themselves. A comfortable buzz instead of trying to yell over the music. Through the back of the bar is an enclosed garden/back patio. The only aspect of the pub I would change is that the bathroom is a single so there can be a bit of a line. I was excited that they had Pimm's, a very rare find in the US. This alone made me very happy. We were equally happy with the food, though I'm not sure how mac and cheese bites are Scottish. They tasted good anyway. I had the fish and chips, as this is what they are known for, and I was not disappointed. Completely up to my expectations. I think it was partly due to the breading. A friend had chicken fingers and the breading was just as good, light and not overwhelming. They came with peas, not mushy peas, but this is the US and frankly we just do not like mushy peas here. We were throughly happy, a great place in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)
John K.
First off, not a fan. Second, staff needs to be nicer to men wearing Kilts. Third, the fish in the fish tank are not meant to be used for the fish fry.
(2)
Jeannette K.
Insulting bartender and bad service tonight at the bar. And when I asked why they had $10.25 All U Can Eat fish & Chips on Friday night on their website and the bill came to us at $11.95 his answer" lady are you really that upset about $1.50. We don't know how to correct our website." He continued to look at me like I had 2-heads. How Insulting to me. I wish I would have deducted the tip by that amount.I won't go back. We had to wait an hour to get a seat after being told it would be 40 minutes.-got a spot at the bar-had to constantly wave this Irish bartender down for Menus, drinks, food order--then wVe wave wave for the bill. I had 1-order of fish because it was too much work to get any more . Got there at 7--got out at 9:45p.
(1)
Natalie Q.
Food, great. Beer, awesome. Place, eh. I love me some Scottish pub food. The saddest thing as has been mentioned is the tiny portions on the pie type items. They are almost appetizer size portions and they don't give you enough fries. However, the endless fish and chips twice a week is totally worth going for. I'm not sure about other food items but I was satisfied. Not the best fish and chips ever but really good for the price and the fact they were bottomless. The beer selection is excellent. They have a diverse style selection and some other things on draft or bottled. I loved the Black and Scottish ale. Smooth and nice to drink. The atmosphere is, chaotic. It's small and it gets packed fast. We got there early and it seemed a little full but by 7pm it was at capacity. It was difficult just to leave. I can't imagine how difficult it was to get a drink at the bar. The crowd is definitely full on Fridays at 7pm. The only negatives would be the fact a lot of people bring several children there. It really doesn't seem like the place and it was a bit of an annoyance. Their parents always want you to give them space and seats like they're king of some place probably a high rise somewhere. The clientele here tends to lean more Lincoln Park than Lakeview and those LP people are super rude. I've never been elbowed so many times by pretentious people without apology.
(4)
En B.
Best fries in town. And I had a lot of fries this visit :) good fish n chips and chill vibe. Loved the music playing and the bartender was super nice
(5)
Amy N.
Haven't been to such a nice pub since I was actually in the UK. Fantastic fish and chips, lovely scotch selection, and very pleasant servers. A very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere perfect for a quick meal or relaxing for a long chat with friends. Best of all, fish and chips are all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays. Definitely give this place a try as soon as you can!
(5)
Brittney B.
Kinda went there out of pure boredom on a Saturday night. I'm new to the area, and have been trying to find places close to home. I really enjoyed it. No loud music, no tvs. It was nice. I love the warm drink with a "kick-o-booze." The beer selection is pretty good, too. I definitely recommend the potato skins; they were so good. All in all, I really enjoy this place and I'll be back.
(4)
Hollina U.
This place is great. My brother was in town and really wanted some fish and chips, so I took him here-- the other good reviews motivated me, and also it's walking distance from my apartment. Came here on a Sunday when both the Cubs and the Blackhawks were playing, so it was DEAD since there are no TVs. All the better for us to get fast service! Brother got the fish and chips and I decided to try the Trawlerman's Pie. First of all, I had never heard of a Trawlerman's Pie, and my only experience with Scottish food was eating a really nasty Shepherd's Pie in Nanjing, China--- after that, I was like savory pies are NASTY. Anyway, Sean the bartender recommended the pie since I said I don't like breaded meat, and was really accommodating by swapping out the green peas for steamed veggies. The trawlerman pie didn't really seem like a pie, it was a little pot of seafood topped with mashed potatoes and cheese---- freaking DE-LISH. What I liked best about the place is that the bartender was so helpful in giving me his thoughts on what food he thought would suit my taste, telling us about the history of Scotch, and giving my brother suggestions on what Scotch to order, and just being entertaining and friendly. There's also a lot of character in the pub-- maybe that's what other Scottish bars are supposed to look like? I definitely want to go back for a drink here again! I think next time I'll try the fish po'boy.
(5)
Dan P.
This place has the best fish and chips I have had in Chicago, which is all that the wife and I get there. If there is other food, I don't know what it is. The wait staff is professional and friendly. Our regular server there has been with the restaurant for years an knows us. Always says hi. All you can eat nights on Wednesday and Friday is awesome, but the regular portions are sufficient. I am rarely able to get more than one extra fillet. Beer selection is great, but i usually don't have room for alcohol. The fried fish is filling and delicious.
(5)
Andy W.
We were here on a saturday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. We had heard many good things but never walked around the corner to try it. We ordered some appetizers for the table and everyone ordered a meal. The appetizers were pretty standard (I always enjoy a good potato skin) but nothing to rave about. On the contrary, the main courses were DELICIOUS. The meatloaf was awesome and the chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked. The side dishes were delicious as well. The downsides were that the waiter was kind of rude and that there is no free refills on soft drinks. Our waiter really never came back to the table to check on us. The service wasn't great but the food was really good. A good place for a casual bite to eat.
(3)
Jessie T.
Finally made my way in here! Soooo cute! Since it was wednesday, I got the all you can eat fish and chips. The fish was cod, and light and crispy and pure deliciousness. The fish was nice and crunchy on the outside and hot and flaky on the inside. Sooo good. The fries were good. Homemade, still with skin, thicker cut. Good ol' fries. And it came with.... peas! Like a legit side of perfect peas. Tarter sauce was normal old, good tasty tartar. NO COMPLAINTS. We sat right by a fire place.. freaking adorable. Love the decor. Love the food. Check it out. And the bartender is hot
(4)
Rishabh A.
Specials: Monday - Buy 1 entree and get 1 free Tuesday - Special price on wine Wednesday - Unlimited fish and chips Thursday - 50 cents chicken wings Friday - Unlimited fish and chips Best deal is on Monday (Buy 1 entree and get 1 free), if you want to eat at some place on Monday. Wednesdays and Fridays - Not that good. The price is same as regular fish and chips and one portion is more than sufficient for a normal diet. Thursdays - Good deal. They have the biggest chicken wings, I have had in Chicago. They have good meat and are tasty. If you want a healthier option they have grilled wings as well but are obviously not as tasty as fried (regular) ones. They have two sauces BBQ and hot. I would say get both of them mixed and it tastes good. I have been to this place a million times on Thursdays to get the chicken wings and would definitely recommend it. For drinks they have Scottish beer and a page full of scotch options. Drinks are really good. Ambience is kind of an English bar and the music is not that loud. If you want to go with friends for good food and drinks then I would definitely recommend this place. Summertime secret: They have a back porch which is really awesome during summer months. Go and try it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Kelley T.
Surprised my BF after dragging him to Lincoln Park Zoo for the day. He LOVES anything scotch and was incredibly impressed by the selection. We started with the breaded mushrooms, and were not impressed. They didn't have any flavor besides mushroom, and we love horseradish that smacks you in the face, but this didn't seem to have any in it at all. The fish and chips made up for the mushrooms. SO GOOD!!!! I hate peas, so the BF got bonus peas (If I had known the dish came with peas I would have gotten something different) The chips were the perfect combo of crunch and soft, and the fish was amazing. I love blackhorn, so much better than the sweet crappy ciders us American's think are good. Even the smokey scotch drinker was impressed by it. I'd say thing only thing we were disappointed in was our waiter. Apparently he was new, and made this known by saying "I hope I'm not coming across as creepy" which of course made him look creepy, and we totally busted him sniffing the scotch glass when he took it back to the bar... ummmm....
(4)
S R.
Outstanding. I had the Watt Chicken Sand and my friend had the Leeke Pie. Both were absolutely delicious. Even better, they were enjoyed for lunch in a Sunday. This city is overrun with mediocre brunch on Sundays. DoP is brilliant for resisting the trend and serving good food at lunchtime. Thank you DoP
(5)
A E.
It was a below freezing February evening in Chicago and we were looking for an adult beverage and a bite to eat so we Yelped the closest bar to us, Duke of Perth was the winner and I am thrilled it was! Walking into this warm, dim-lit, cozy spot felt like walking into Heaven. It's got a romantic vibe to it but it's also super casual. Our table right in front of the fireplace and our hot toddys were exactly what we needed to thaw out. Our server was polite and attentive. Our food (I got fish and chips and he got sliders) was delicious. This place was the perfect ending to our day.
(5)
Jennie T.
Best fish and chips in town, indeed! My boyfriend's in love with their wings. He goes almost every Thursday for their 50-cent jumbo wings. I'd go with him sometimes, and they are delicious. The buffalo wings are pretty big, and they're a good value. Duke of Perth offers them with several sticks of celery and an option of either bleu cheese or ranch dressing. I prefer bleu cheese for the wings and ranch for the celery sticks. My favorite weekly deal is their Monday "two for one entree" deal. I usually order their fish and chips. The plate comes with half a plate of peas. I like peas, but not that much so I ask to skip the peas. I was afraid that they'd give me the same amount of fish and chips, but nope, they gave me a full plate of fish and chips. Hurray! I love how crispy the chips (fries) are. They're fried just right. The fish is flaky and delicious. I'm always happy whenever I order this plate. They have an all-you-can-eat fish and chips deal on Wednesdays and Fridays, but one plate is usually enough for me so I can't imagine I'd get much value out of those days.
(5)
R.A. H.
Always nice to come to The Duke. For a drink or for a meal. The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but what they have is hot and filling. Fans of All you Can Eat fish & chips should definitely stop by for this special. The fries are decent and don't even need to be dunked in anything. I've had several of their burgers as well as their Shepard's Pie. Good comfort food. The bartender is always nice and during the warmer months you can get a seat outside on their patio. Cider on tap is Blackthorn. Clear of taste with a nice crisp feel. Small bar, so it can get crowded. A good place for locals and visitors alike. It's not the Plaza. It's a pub. And you don't need to be Scottish to enjoy it. Stop by for a while. You might like it and come back again.
(4)
Rich W.
Food is good. Service is great and the price and specials they have are fantastic. We went when they did two for one entrees on Monday night. We got our fill of great Scottish and English beers while enjoying a Shepherd's Pie that will blow your hair back. The fish and chips were also a fantastic entree choice. Next time, I'll be doing a Whiskey flight or two.
(5)
Bryant M.
No foos, no darts, no golden tee, no pool. Good beer on tap, good atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio in back. Lack of games is why we rated it it low
(2)
Joanna T.
Duke of Perth never changes! I've been here infrequently over the past 9 years, and each time is pretty much the same. No TVs, Scotch flights, crappy beer selection, authentic Scottish food. I don't drink Scotch much and I don't know good Scotch, but my hubby does and loves the flights. I would get beer, but not such a fan of Scottish beer or Guinness. No local crafts here. I'll stick with a Pimms Cup, thank you. I love the comfort of Scottish food and this place delivers. May not be as good as a pub in Scotland, but where else in Chicago can you get this? Love bangers and mash. And there is a 2 for 1 special on Monday nights. I love fish and chips and it's all you can eat on Friday, but one portion is more than enough for me. We honeymooned in Edinburgh and this place makes me nostalgic.
(4)
Rob Z.
Great Scotch Selection...
(4)
Rebecca C.
This is one of those places that I never really think to go, but every time I pass it I want to stop in. There's a fair beer selection, mostly English beers that I've never heard of, but the bartender is great at making recommendations if you know how to explain what you like properly. He poured me a few samples and I was happy with what I decided on. The beer garden out back is not necessarily quaint or cute like some of the other places in the neighborhood- it's a pretty standard patio tables with beer logo plastered umbrellas, but it's very sectioned off from the noise of Clark street, and is a great secluded patio if you want to have a nice casual lunch with someone. The boy and I usually get the fish and chips, and the fries are oh so delicious here! If you're in the hood this place is definitely worth a stop!
(4)
Stephanie H.
I went here recently with a friend for the AYCE fish and chips on Wednesday (they have it Friday too). We sat on the back patio, and we both ordered the fish and chips. The food and service was great. Pretty awesome for $11.95! So glad this place is in my neighborhood!
(5)
Kassidy W.
Read more for food and decor BUT honestly, I knocked this down for the manager or whoever it is poor attitude. Our server was friendly, attentive and adorable but he kept micromanaging so badly. When they weren't in eye sight, he berated and corrected her thinking we couldn't hear but then came back to the table using a very friendly, overtly fake, chipper voice. She was obviously new but doing great. Humans like that disgust me. Okay, onward! The place is dirty and dingy and the walls are all scuffed up (-1 star) but that's why we don't sit inside. Outside in the back is a beautiful patio blocked by colorful brick walls and set in a quiet neighborhood. There are no tvs, no drunk bros and no annoying you-know-what's trying to impress said bros. It's peaceful, quiet and makes it easy to forget where you're at. (+2 stars) The beer list is short but has something for everyone and it's very obvious the taps are well taken care of and the bartender knows a good pour. (+1) (-2 stars) The food is...okay. Which is sad. The burger was huge but dripping in grease, the French fries were mushy, the peas tasteless. Only thing we loved were the fried mushrooms! HUGE! And yummy. TLDR- unprofessional upper staff, good beer, blah food, dirty inside, great outside, order the fried mushrooms.
(3)
Marc W.
It had been 5+ years since I wandered in here last and the place hasn't changed much.....very good thing. The early afternoon bartender was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their scotch inventory, which is the only reason I felt like making the stop. Thanks nameless bartender. It was easy to see that he had an appreciation for scotch. Did not eat anything, so no reporting on the food. Beers on tap were leaning on the English side. Cant go wrong there. Vitals: 4 shots of scotch I had never had $30
(5)
Alexis T.
Loved the Belhaven Scottish Ale and Dry Blackthorn Hard Cider. The food we had was pleasant, I would have liked a little more flavor to the banger and some pepper or herb in the Cock a Leekie Pie but all in all it was a nice entree. We will definitely be back. I like that you can actually talk to the person you are with; music is playing but not too loud. We haven't tried the fish n chips yet but plan on it. We are thinking it will be our local pub now.
(4)
phillip h.
Ok. I've had better Shepherds pie at other michigan pubs. Bar tender was nice. They were really slow because of the bad weather.
(3)
Fred S.
The Shepherds Pie along with the Cock-a-Leekie Pie are both amazing! The Trawlerman's Pie is also worth getting. On Friday's the all you can eat fish is real good, but you won't eat nearly as much as you think you will...it's a wee bit greasy (which is what makes it so, so good). Their fish Po-boy is pretty good too. It's a fun place for a date (especially in the late spring when it's warm and you can sit outside, but not so warm that you are sweating balls if you're stuck inside). If you can tolerate the hipster waitstaff and their ongoing game of "what can I pierce or tattoo next?" it is a great place to fingerbang a girlfriend about 85% of the way to an orgasm without anyone even noticing (if she isn't a screamer) All-in-all it's a great place to go.
(4)
Stephen S.
Yes the fish and chips are amazing and all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays dares you to go for the second plate. Wasn't a fan of the wait on a Friday night (quoted to be 45 mins when we put our name in but ended up being an hour and a half). Wish it was Chicago's best kept secret but everyone knows the Duke of Perth is the real deal.
(4)
Ryan C.
Friday night: all you can eat fish n chips with a scotch flight. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Kevin R.
On Thursdays they offer a 50¢ chicken wing deal that is a great value. The wings are above average size and well cooked. Two sauce options, BBQ and Buffalo, that are not very spicy and should appeal to almost everyone.
(4)
Tammy P.
My favorite pub in the city. NO TV's!!!! They have a small fireplace in the front and a large one in the back. They used to play traditional Celtic music which made for a perfect experience, but they don't anymore, so at times the atmosphere is a little annoying. The all you can eat fish and chips is an awesome deal, as are the 50 cent wings.
(5)
Shiv B.
I had a wonderful evening recently at Dukes. My boyfriend and I met a friend for dinner on a Friday. We were lucky enough to get a seat in their adorable hidden beer garden out back. I ordered the tattie skins, my boyfriend got the bangers and mash while our friend got the bottomless fish fry. We each also got our alcoholic beverage of choice. The drinks and good were amazing. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because they forgot about my food, even though they comped the order and still gave it to me in a doggie bag to take home. Overall, great food, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Charles M.
Food was good and service was excellent. Knocked off a star because they charge for soda refills and despite advertising them selves as a wifi hot spot no wifi was available.
(4)
Lily S.
Unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. What else do you need? My husband doesn't even like fish but he loves the fish at DoP! Great beer selection and good prices. It's also really cozy..big fireplace and dim lighting.
(5)
Keith T.
I use to live half a block away from the Duke of Perth in the mid 90's, and use to eat there with some regularity at the time. I moved to the burbs in 1999-2000 and had not been to it since then. I was in the city last year and pleasantly surprised when I noticed it was still there. Since then, I've made a point to pop in and eat every now if I'm on the near north side. Their Shepherds Pie is what left a lasting memory of the place for me... It's very good! I also enjoy their endless fish and chips. It's some of the best Cod I've eaten. I don't drink, but I know they have a large selection of beer from the UK. It can get busy on the weekend and I don't think they take reservations.
(5)
Nancy D.
Great staff here, and a great place for scotch. The food is consistently good, although I wouldn't recommend getting anything fried other than the fish on the fish fry special days as the oil will make whatever you are eating taste like fish. As I mentioned the scotch selection is fantastic, and one of my favorite things to do is to find a scotch I like here then walk down the street to Binny's and pick up a bottle of it. The selection of beers is also unique, and I would strongly recommend trying the Wee Heavy (on draft). It is not as good out of a can, but on draft at Duke of Perth... amazing.
(4)
Rachel B.
Good fish and chips. Great whiskey and scotch list (and flights). Can get so unbelievably busy on weekends though, with nowhere to stand. Does not take reservations or allow you to leave a phone number which adds to the extra crazy standing situation.
(4)
Caren D.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago :) They have specials everyday and by far, the ALL YOU CAN EAT Fish & Chips for $10.99 every Wednesday & Friday is the best! That's such an amazing deal, and not to mention - those are delicious fish & chips! The Shepherd's pie is also pretty good and the scotch, whisky selections are quite extensive. My friend ordered one that albeit costed $12, but was super delicious according to him. Service is good, if not one of the best. Wait staff are super nice and even the bus-boys refill your water at a timely manner. Such a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)
John B.
Great fish and chips, and draft beer selection. This was my second visit and both times I experienced excellent service. Good outdoor area as well, would recommend!
(5)
Judith M.
The scotch menu made me miss the poetry of Doyles in my long lost past in Boston, that's great. The service was EXCELLENT- really world class, better than some much more expensive joints I've been in. Both the waiter and the back staff: friendly, exact, vigillant with out being pushy. Top notch. SO - why the 3 stars. Sigh. The Fish and Chips. People, I am sad to report- Beer batter is EXCELLENT. Fish SUCKS. It was not flaky, it was mush. The chips were not greasy in a good way- they were oily in a bad way. I was in trouble w/ the SO who'd wanted to go get the tried and true F&S @ the Elephant and Castle, but NOOOO I got all "that's a chain with an appeal to the tourists" and there we were- bad fish. I'm not going to be listened to for weeks. Shepards Pie- ok. Decent. I'd go for more potato myself. Meatloaf- I liked the red peppers in it, & really loved the accompanying rutabega smash, but the gravy was Not Ok. um-great beer. So --- 5 stars for drinx and servcie, three stars for general food, but 2 stars for the fish= 3 stars.
(3)
Sharon F.
In from NYC for a long w/e in Chicago with some friends. A friend highly recommended this place for all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on Friday, so we came. We ordered the very delicious chocolate stout on tap and our server patiently and pleasantly answered all of our questions. She let us sub their chips for an order of stovies the first round. I've never had stovies before, it was basically a healthier version of mashed potatoes, mixed w/ broth instead of cream & butter. But that's where the healthy eating ended! Now began our eating extravaganza! We kept on sending our plate out for more fried fish. I'm not even sure if it was fried cod, the fish was a thinner portion, but I actually preferred it this way, because it was very light and moist. Interestingly, each subsequent plate that came back was smaller. Were they playing mind games with us? Did we think we were getting more food because it took over the plate? Or did they simply run out of larger plates? It didn't really matter, we ate well and left very happy. It was empty when we sat down at 5:30, but an hour later when we left, the place was packed, with standing room only. That's a good sign.
(4)
Jonathan F.
It's been three years since I've lived in Chicago, where the Duke was my favorite bar/restaurant/place/thing in the universe. You would think three years of living in other so-called gastronomic hubs would have displaced the Duke from its little tartan throne, but not even close. Allow me to wax nostalgic and paint a picture for you. It's Sunday, you are pleasantly sleepy having just taken in little art house film at the theater up the street. It's cold and raining and as you step from the theater and take in your first cleansing breath of winter air, you realize you are absolutely starving. Good thing there's an old friend waiting for you just up the street. Come out of the rain - it beckons. Dry your coat by the fire. It's not crowded when you walk in and the bartender gives you a knowing nod. You grab your favorite table by the fireplace, remove your coat and cap, and order a pint of Fuller's London Pride. You consult the menu needlessly (everything on it is great but there's only one thing you want right now) and order the fish and chips when the server comes back with your beer... Want to know how the story ends? Go there and see for yourself. There literally isn't a better place to be on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon than beside the fire having a pint with the Duke. Amen.
(5)
Diana B.
After dinner, my friend and I stopped in this cozy pub to have a drink. I soon realized, we should've eaten here! Monday night has 2-4-1 entree specials! I ordered a draft beer, because I am not a scotch drinker. I wish I was though because this is the place for it. Very extensive scotch menu but they also have a full bar for anyone else who can't guzzle down Tobacco flavored whiskey. The bar feels like a movie set, if your lucky, you might even get the table with the fireplace. Overall, this place is a welcoming, casual place to stop in and have a drink with some friends or even a date. I believe the back room is large enough if you're with a larger group.
(3)
Yvonne B.
Ha ha ha! The memory of our experience there makes me chuckle, but I don't want to go back for more laughs. My party of four stopped in after a movie and ate in the outdoor, garden area. For a Saturday night, I think it was pretty dead. There was a couple seated near us who smoked cigarettes (we understood that there wasn't supposed to be smoking in that area, but nobody talked to them about it). Two of my friends ordered shepherd's pie to share (the peas were on the side and there were absolutely no comments about the dish whatsoever). We also got some fried macaroni and cheese later in the evening (they were okay, but not good). M ordered two or three glasses of Bourbon, S got some booze and tonic mix, and I got an Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned is where things got really funny. It came in a tall, clunky, water glass. I don't know if you know what an Old Fashioned is, but that's completely 100% wrong. There was a lemon slice inside and a healthy dose of seltzer water or ginger-ale. That's not supposed to happen in an Old Fashioned either. We asked the server (who was a real sweetheart and good at her job) for another one, but made correctly. She came out with a second one (shorter glass, no seltzer water, same lemon) and said two things: 1) She would have to charge us for both "Old Fashioneds." 2) The bartender has been making drinks for 30 years and insisted he knew how to make an Old Fashioned. At midnight they turned off the outdoor lights and ushered everyone out (they weren't closing, but the outside part was). We paid our bill (a surprising $121) and left.
(1)
B A.
My review might be higher if I had the fish and if the smell of Pinesol did not overpower our dining experience (about 2 pm on a Tuesday). The selection of Scottish and English libations is of course good. The burger was fine but a bit on the small side; the chicken pot pie was a bit bland. Overall, the place could use a coat of paint.
(3)
Kate M.
After a movie at the nearby Landmark Cinema (in one of the shaking theaters, but that's another review all together) we were hungry. The hostess greeted us and it went something like this... "Table for two please" "Do you want to sit inside or outside?" "Oh, do you have a beer garden?" "No" "Oh, ok, inside I guess then" Shows us to a table where we can see the outdoor seating (insert squinty suspicious eyes here) "Um, can we sit outside?" "Yeah, sure" So we sat outside. It was a nice outdoor seating area (apparently not a beer garden). It would warrant that fifth star if the chairs and tables were a little more comfortable. The food was really good. I happen to eat a lot of fish and chips, you know, trying to eat healthy and all. Anywho, the fish and chips were served with peas and were pretty tasty. Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat fish and chips. I'm not sure how much more one could eat than what is originally served, but I guess if you're starving it would be a good deal. I stole a bite of the meatloaf and mashed parsnips too and both were really good. The service wasn't too bad. I didn't really notice the server coming and going though, which is a good sign I think. I'd recommend the Duke of Perth if you're looking for some good fish and chips and beer and a relaxed environment. I'm sure I'll be back again soon enough...
(4)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: endless fish fry. What else is there to be said? Duke of Perth is THE place to be on a Friday during Lent. It's a smaller joint, with a homey, Scottish pub feel. It took around 30 minutes to seat four of us. We spent that time grabbing a drink across the street because there was zero room to move in Duke. Once we got a seat, delicious beer and food awaited us. Great beer choices from across the pond. We all opted for the Fish Fry. Perfectly battered and fried cod with fries and peas. Yes, peas. The combo worked fantasticly. Best of all, it's endless. Keep the plates a'coming! So good, worth the wait.
(4)
Chris H.
I thought this place was just fine. They have a great beer garden out back and the staff is very nice. The leek strips were great, and the fish and chips were solid. You can also get flights of scotch if you want to experiment. All in all, the place was good but nothing special.
(3)
Leonard P.
I just love the Duke of Perth. It's one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Chicago over 20 years ago, and I was a regular for a big hunk of the 1990s; I live in Seattle now, but I recently visited Chicago again, and the Duke is as good as ever. In fact, in at least one regard, it's better -- the place underwent a serious overcrowding problem a while back but we went on a Friday night and it was busy but very manageable, with the waitstaff seeming far less harried. The all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays are unstoppable (served with the world's least eaten peas), and of course, the Scotch selection is just staggering. They have every decent single malt made, and some fine beers as well (try the Orkney Skullsplitter). The decor is warm, the back patio is inviting, the Lillte Willie cartoons in the bathroom are hilariously impenetrable, and the waitstaff is the sexiest in town. I can't say enough about this place.
(5)
H G.
Hot toddy and fireplace were the keywords of my search. After reading Matthew S.'s review, I could not help but give Duke of Perth a try. Also, I like fish & chips, and bright green peas are always alluring. I want to give Duke of Perth 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'll be generous and round up since I did enjoy myself. Yet I feel a bit of luck was involved. I arrived on time, and as usual, my friend did not. The two seats in front of the fireplace were actually open and the waitress said those were exactly where she was going to seat me. She answered my questions about the hot toddies, while I was really balking (in my mind) over the prices ($8+?). I think I expected something in the $4 to $5 range. Then, the someone came over and diminished the fire. Or actually, I thought she was turning it down, but it seem like it went off totally. It came roaring back up after a while. Also, I did notice how fortunate I was to not have to wait since people were awkwardly standing by the bar. It was definitely a tight fit to navigate through the place. Finally, my friend arrived and you know what I ordered. She ordered the same. It wasn't the all-you-can-eat night. Even so, we were very pleased at the ample amount of food that was presented. Yet the waitress could not hide her disappointment when I didn't order a liquored hot toddy and just went with plain hot apple cider (about $3). The fried fish was good, but could have been cooked a bit longer. I love the peas, while the chips were okay. The dark wood decor always appeals to me, so combined with the fireplaces, DOP felt quite homey. I'll reconsider the hot toddy when I'm not so hungry & low on cash.
(4)
Robin W.
Boyfriend and I were sucked in as we walked by..... dim lighting, old wood, a sign for fish and chips AND shepherd's pie..we added it up and KNEW this place would have the best beer! Though we were expecting Guinness, we soon discovered that we were in a SCOTTISH BAR, not an Irish one! This proved to be a blessing because we were instead offered: -- Scottish Belhaven (seriously one of the best drafts i've ever had). -- Good prices, around $10 a meal...$4.50 a draft. -- 75 kinds of single-malt whiskey. -- The Pogues playing on the speakers! -- Awesome and filling veggie options, like Leak Pie and perfectly crisp beer battered Fish n Chips. -- People of all kinds, family's with babies in high chairs, young hooligans, and wonderful drunken characters stationed at the bars spouting off tales of travel and where they purchased their "newest caps." Don't worry boys, I'm gunna get me a cap and meet you in the beer garden.
(4)
Liz O.
There is rarely a Thursday that passes without a craving for a frothy Wee Heavy. And Duke of Perth pours a delicious draft. After living across the street for a year, my scotch and wing loving friends made Thursdays at the Duke a regular gathering. And now, after three years away, I still crave a trip to the Duke. Our reunion trips back have lived up to my daydreams. The WeeHeavy still tastes magically delicious and the scotch never disappoints. My wing-loving friends still drool over the Duke recipe. I occasionally select the leek pie or a side salad, and while I do appreciate the quality of their homeland inspired grub, I do feel like the menu is uninspiring to someone seeking healthier options. It would be awesome if they put a vegetarian on spin on some of the classic dishes. That would take this from a 4 to a 5.
(4)
Brandie T.
Greeaaaat First impression!! I came with a group for the Friday night Fish all-you-can-eat night. I hadn't had Fish and Chips in a LONG time; well, what *I* THOUGHT were Fish and chips, that is. Turns out I was just eating fried fish and french fries!! These? These were TRUE Fish and Chips! oh --- WOW -- the flavour! Light, and flavourful and nearly melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness! They share their wonderful Fish with us on Wednesdays and Fridays -- run, do not walk to this wonderful establishment! I'll have to do this again sometime! YUMMEH!
(5)
Elizabeth W.
This place is worth reviewing again. We've been back multiple times over this past year, including nights on the town with guests we wanted to show a good time, and everyone seems to love this place without fail. Still love the Fish n Chips with peas and the various scotch flights. Such a relaxed, neighborhood pub feel. The last couple of times I've really been into their beer selections, too. I will definitely miss The Duke of Perth!
(5)
Amy J.
I'm a fan of pubs more than any other bar. Duke of Perth plays bitchin' tunes which already made me an instant fan. The drinks are reasonably priced. They have a nice beer garden if you're into that sort of thing. I heard they have good fish and chips but I didn't try it. Overall, I like this neighborhood pub. I hope more people patronize it. It's a good place to sit and catch up with old friends, which is exactly what I did when I was there.
(4)
sarah r.
great food and even better beer list
(4)
Jessica B.
Great beer, great whiskey and great food. Although the scottish-themed food is very, very good (the leek pie and chicken pie in particular) if you are in the mood for a truly top-notch burger this is the place to come. My husband and I recently discovered that all burgers can be done with veggie burgers instead, for those vegetarians out there. The prices for the quality of beer they have are really fair (around $5-$6 for a pint). We often go on Sunday afternoons, and sit in the garden, and do some work. They have wireless, and the serving staff is great - Arubial in particular (sorry if I butchered the spelling). The music is usually celtic, and goes well with the feel of the place. This is my husband's favorite restaurant, and is on the top of my list.
(5)
Katie H.
This is probably as traditional a Scottish pub as you're likely to get in the Midwest. Well as traditional British Isles I really mean (I'm looking at you, shitty Wrigleyville "Oirish" Pubs with stupid names like Tipsy O'Flootherhans that think they're so fucking Mick because they serve Guinness and have a paper shamrock stuck to the wall. I hate you so bad.) Ahem! Duke of Perth was lovely. The fish and chips were excellent and they knew to have malt vinegar on the table. I look forward to trying their cottage pie on 2 fer 1 Mondays. My chocolate stout was tits also. Also the ambiance is superb - no loud bar music or TVs. They have a beer garden but it was plumb full-up when we went but no worries. I think this will be an excellent winter spot. The back of the house is cozy and dim. Very inviting. Finally, wish I knew more about single-malt scotch too because this seems like the place to get it. I can't justify dropping $25 on a dram because I know I won't properly appreciate it and I'll just make the shot-grimace. But if it's your thing, I reckon you should come here.
(4)
Alexandra B.
What in the world happened to this place! I had been coming here every now and again for about a year and every time I go, it gets worse and worse. I don't know if they got a new cook or what, but the food is DISGUSTING. The last time I was here I had a veggie burger and I mean, how can you screw that up? It comes out of a box and your throw it on the grill. Somehow, they removed all flavor from it, along with all flavor in the french fries. I felt like I was eating a meal for someone who just had a triple bypass and had to cut out the fat and salt. My bf's meal was just as offensive, as was our appetizer. I didn't finish even two bites before we paid and left. We will not be going back anytime soon. And really, $7 for a small hot apple cider? Give me a break.
(1)
Anjali B.
I gotta say - I've eaten a LOT of fish and chips in my time - in London, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, and these are among the top ones. Yeah, it's crowded - but to me, that makes it more authentic - in the UK if a pub is crowded (and it often is) you sit with strangers, and that's part of the whole experience. The bartender is on top of his game, and friendly to boot, even when it's crazy busy (friday nights, in my experience)... It feels as close to a neighborhood pub as any I've been too. And the fish and chips are delish! The peas aren't bad either :).
(5)
Ania G.
By far, the best (fancy) pub food I've ever had, though cheap it is not. Great outdoor seating in back in the summer.
(4)
Clare D.
I was trying to find a good pub to go have some good girl talk over some good beer, and I decided to try Duke of Perth. I don't know if you can be a connoisseur of english isle food, but I may come close to it. I almost gave them five stars due to the malt vinegar being on the table alone. But then, oh joy of joys, they have Blackthorn cider. I love blackthorn. It is my favorite cider, and no one really carries it here since people like the woodchuck i guess. Anyway the blackthorn was wonderfully cold and not that horrifically expensive. Now I hate fish, but I love the "fish and chips" idea. I always ask if they will do beer battered chicken instead of fish (as most real UK fish and chips shops carry the chicken). The cook not only did it for me from scratch, but it was so good that they might actually make it a permanent option. The beer garden was also very cute, quiet and relaxed. It was nicely decorated with plants and I would definitely recommend it for the summer (or whenever it is warm).
(5)
Mary Lee G.
I truly enjoyed my pre-movie snack here. I'm a total sucker for a fireplace and we got to sit right next to one of theirs. The single malt flight was a really good choice for the inexperienced scotch drinker that I am and it was served with a single card so I could cheat and say things like "yes, that finish was long with increasing spice." My sandwich (The James Watt) was decent, though to be fair I did only order it so I could say "James Watt invented the steam engine." What I liked most about this place was the atmosphere, it filled me with physical and mental warmth. I'm really excited to go back and try fish and chips (with extra, extra, extra malt vinegar--yum!)
(4)
Gaige G.
Definitely a nice place to check out. Would rate it higher if the food were better and if it were a bit bigger with more bar seating space. It would be awesome as only a pub and no restaurant. It would really really rock if they converted it totally to a bar/pub complete with darts and the like. The atmosphere really feels like you stepped into an old world pub and any place that has awesome selection of UK beers, port and single malt and other warm tasty concoctions is not to be missed. Will warm your cockels....er whatever. Check it out!
(3)
Alex R.
Ok, I'm now an official whiskey drinker, and this place has an amazing Irish whiskey selection. Try one (or two) flights -- these people really know what they are doing!
(5)
Amanda C.
So after a fatty mexican dinner across the street, the husb and I (& 2 friends) stumbled into this bar for a drink. It has a really laid back atomosphere and the service is great. Even though they were busy serving people that were eating dinner, they let us grab a table just for drinks. We had 3 or 4 beers and left but I will be back to more drinks and possibly some food.
(4)
Steph F.
it is still a mystery to me of how i could live next door to TDoP and not weigh 748 kilos from gorging on mac 'n cheese fritters, beer and/or whiskey, and all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips nights. sublime, breezy yet secretive, outdoor patio. long live the scot(tish pub)s!
(5)
Sandi P.
I was up to really like this place - beer, fish & chips, where can you go wrong. It just didn't cut it for authenticity. I am English so I know my way around fish and chips and these were just average. Frankly (and I know you city types will howl here) but the fried fish at Cracker Barrel on Fridays is better. The chips were definitely homemade and had a good taste but were rather limp. The fish, while generous in portion size (3 long pieces) was lacking in flavor. Without the addition of multiple lashings of malt vinegar (which appalls my husband) I would say it was pretty tasteless. The accompanying peas were good but tartar sauce as a standard accompaniment - yuck and so not authentic.Might as well serve coleslaw and pretend you are at Long Johns. Beer selections are ok here. We were disappointed as they have been out of the Thistle beer for 2 weeks now. Service was fine though and the food arrived quickly. Not bad but I will continue my search for excellent fish and chips - suggestions Yelpers???
(3)
James C.
Straight from old england to your plate! All you can eat fish and chips.. best I have had so far in Chi! They are of the traditional fair with a side of peas (no not mushy) and drown them in vintager! Deliciously followed with some cider and a nice dark beer! Service was very friendly and the price not to shabby!
(4)
Guy P.
I came here on a whim in January, and it has been my Friday Night spot every since! The fish and chips special is amazing (that statement coming from a bonefied burger guy). The portions are generous, and they really do keep it coming until you are ready to burst. The waiter, Emelio and busboy, Alfredo are extremely friendly and attentive. It would be a crime to come here and not sample some of the varieties of beer that they have on tap, it is definitely a refreshing change from the standard Miller/Budweiser offerings of most places. My only advice, this place is JAM PACKED on Friday nights, so if you are in the mood for a more quiet evening, any other night will do.
(4)
Derek S.
last spring and a few times this summer i finally spent some time at the duke; i'd wanted to check it out because of my interest in scotch, and it didn't disappoint. aside from their insanely broad selection of scotches, they serve very good food and have super friendly servers. one of my biggest complaints at bars that endeavor to serve single malts is the serving sizes, which vary greatly around the city. duke of perth offers up very healthy servings, and their flights are put together expertly. i highly recommend anyone interested in single malts (and a menu to pair well with single malts) to check this place out.
(4)
Kelly B.
Love, love, love this bar. Although I am a scotch drinker, I don't really know that much about scotch. However, the bartender here is SO knowledgeable and introduces me to a new scotch every time I come. The bar is laid back and I believe they have a nice patio (I haven't ventured out there yet during my visits). This is the first bar I ever visited when I moved here 3 mo. ago and it is STILL my favorite.
(5)
Paul C.
The place has the awesomest beer selection. I love going here in the warmer months and sitting outside with a great draft. Not a fan of the food at all though. I was lured in by the fish and chips, but they are a greasy mess. Tried the fried mushroom apetizer and it literally explodes grease in your mouth like those old pieces of gum that had juice in the center. Food=grossness. Booze=heaven.
(4)
Jennifer B.
I have spent many an evening in pubs in the UK and this one wins the prize for feeling the most authentic. It's dark, the tables are close together, there is a wood stove for when the weather gets chilly and there is no tv blaring soccer or rugby. The beers are good, the food is great (can you beat all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $9.50? I don't think so) and the service is fantastic. This is definitely our old standby when we want no fuss food and drink at a relaxed place.
(5)
Daniel Y.
I love everything about this place. I love that there are no TVs with ESPN blaring at you. I love the atmosphere (bars can never have too much taxidermy IMO). Of course, who can say bad things about drinking good single malt scotch? Duke of Perth is fantastic.
(5)
Jennifer L.
OK so to continue my list of reviews of fish and chips in Chicago, we hit Duke of Perth one all you can eat Wednesday night. As I told the waitress these are the best we've had yet in Chicago. We're British and fish and chips are one of the things we miss most from home. Having so many places to eat them here is so great! While they weren't super authentic - no place in Chicago has mastered the concept of frying their chips/fries in clean oil yet - they were delicious. The batter was light, the fish was of excellent quality, the chips (although dark) were fresh and yummy and didn't taste of butter which is something that always annoys me about fries in this city. Even the peas looked freshly boiled as opposed to the microwaved 30 minutes ago peas we often see. And yes having malt vinegar on the table gets an extra point! Plus they made asking for seconds (on all you can eat night) very easy! My daughter had the chicken fingers too and there was a lot for the price. She couldn't finish them even though they were fresh and well made. The only thing I don't like about this pub is that it's so dark. I could barely see my food! It may be traditional in some country village of Scotland to not turn the lights on but in the rest of the country they like to see what's around them. So one star deducted for trying to save money on electricity but otherwise it's 5 stars all the way.
(4)
Chad S.
The atmosphere was nice, and we had a great time with friends. We devoured the vegetable fries. I could have eaten a couple portions of them. Our server was nice and friendly. However, I had the shepherd's pie, and wasn't overly impressed. It consisted of a beefy soup with mushrooms. I suggest cut back on the mushrooms and make the beef mixture not so soupy. Others in my group had fish and chips and loved them, so I give this place 3.5 stars.
(3)
Mike K.
So i didnt make it to the big Yelp event on Friday...I know, I suck. i got stuck dealing with super-emotional and hyper-active middle school basketball kids who I'd rather see in my gym than doing god knows what if i left early to go party. So I was super late and no able to go...boo me. I did finally meet up with the gf and we went out traveling on some random Friday night, starving for food...starving! I just wanted to drink, really, and after several misfortunate events we ended up in front of Duke of Perth, hungry, thirst, and needing to use the washroom. Now there is nothing like a fish fry on Fridays, especially if you're from Wisconsin, or apparrently, England. My gf had the fish and chips thingy why Im almost sure I had a burger of some sort. I do remember I had fries with salt and vinegar, so I must have had a burger...probably a good one. But its the cider drink they offer that I'll remember most. i had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in my glass it was soooo good! Its worth the trip just to drink the cider alone!
(4)
Dee W.
Yum! Their fish and chips are yummy here. They have an extensive list of scotch here and when the weather is nice, they have a nice beer garden, too. Go for their 'all you can eat fish and chips' on Wednesday and Fridays.
(4)
Ellen M.
All I have to say is........ To alcohol, The cause of and the solution to, All of life's problems, Love the Duke of Perth, If you don't, Then u prolly don't belong here, Se ya.
(5)
david g.
Been back here a few more times, service has improved a lot, Best Fish and Chips in Chicago
(4)
Jeff W.
I like Duke of Perth. I seem to like it most on Monday's when all the entrees are two-for-one. They have above average burgers and chicken sandwiches in addition to their more traditional fish and chips. I'm not a fish and chips aficionado but they were tasty when I had them. My recommendation is a burger with horseradish crust. 'Crust' is not exactly the right description, it has more the consistency of dense mash potatoes that they lay on top of the burger, if that makes sense. It's good though. Fries or mashers have been a solid side for me. There are quite a few other entrees I'm looking forward to trying, but Monday comes but once a week. They have a lot of cool beers but I would like to see them do some beer flights or beer tastings, rather than only being able to get a whole pint. My only other beef is that there is not a TV inside. I assume they are well aware there is no TV, and it is probably not the ambiance they are looking for, but good burgers and authentic beers kind of cries out for a game to be on, at least for me. Staff is very nice and there beer garden is great in the summer, the inside is a little dark and smokey. The whole place does have a cool European pub vibe to it. Enjoy.
(4)
J D.
count me in as a huge fan of the Duke. all-you-can-eat fish and chips wednesday and friday for $10? COME ON! could it get any better than that? light, crispy, and buttery cod, yum! they give you tarter sauce, but trust me, go with the malt vinegar. they don't serve mushy peas, but really, who actually likes mushy peas? the rest of their food is pretty damn good too and let's not forget the excellent beer selection, on tap, of some not often seen British and Scottish beers. and the scotch. woah.
(4)
Jessica M.
A cozy and classy Scottish bar with really nice bartenders and the best music at any bar in the city.
(5)
Mariana P.
Damn was that soup creamy! As previously mentioned, the soup is definitely amazing. Yum yum, and I am usually not one to order cream of broccoli! They have a great selection of beers. The ambiance is so British that I felt that I had been flown to a small-town pub in England. The waitress was a little scatter-brained, but she was trying her best. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Matt M.
This place made me think of what a small town pub along the Scottish or English countryside would be like. Woody decor with a stag on just about every decorative piece I saw, as well as a large stuffed buck head over the bar. My roommate and I staggered in here on a Saturday afternoon after a long night beforehand, so we did not sample any of the many fine ales that appear to be on tap, but I did get the fish and chips, which was excellent.
(4)
Mork M.
Scotch bar. Don't go for anything else, they have a lot of other things but when you have scotch why bother?
it just isn't the same as i remember. maybe is was the waiting and waiting and waiting that first night. and an $8 bottle of beer?
(4)
Jason P.
Seems like a lot of people gave this place a 5 star...so I only had to follow up with my 4 star because of the service. Yes the bartended did know his stuff but when my buddies and I walked in, we ordered our first round with the waitress and never saw her again. We ended up ordering at the bar with the quick-whitted bartender. I'll go back here for sure, and the atmosphere is pretty solid. This is not a typical lincoln park bar, which makes it all the much more better for a change.
(4)
Y R.
Great beers on tap (any Belhaven is delicious, but especially the wee-heavy). Great scotch selection. Fantastic fish-and-chips (all you can eat on wednesdays and fridays). Outdoor patio is fantastic on a summer evening. Service is always good too.
(4)
Jon L.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Great food. Great Beers. Perfect place to catch up with old friends for a lunch or dinner. A real dude place.
(5)
Travis P.
I went here on a Wednesday night. I ordered the "all you can eat" fish and chips. "All you can eat" in quotes because no normal person would ever need more than one plate of it. It was a pretty huge portion, and the Scottish beers filled in the cracks just in case. Which, by the way, they had a unique beer selection. I sampled a couple brews and settled on an IPA. This place has no TVs, which I find quite appealing. I sat with a group of friends, had good conversation, and slowly got drunk on the fancy Scottish beers. Edit: To answer a question left in a complement, the fish and chips was pretty average for bar food. Good, but nothing extraordinary. The place was was full on the Wednesday night that I was there, but we managed to get a table. Parking is what parking always is in Lakeview: bad.
(4)
Ben C.
Great selection of scotch and wiskey. If you are looking to sit down somewhere rather quite and have a drink/pint then this is your spot. All you can eat fish fry on Wednesday (?); otherwise the food is just your average bar fare.
(2)
Nina W.
Duke of Perth is a Scottish pub, almost hidden to everybody except the locals in the area. It seems small, but isn't. There are two rooms located in this bar. The first room is smoking, the second, non-smoking. It's the kind of place that your friends invite you to on a cold, blistering evening for some good old fish n' chips or Shepard's Pie and conversation. What's on tap isn't bad either. This pub feels very authentic, with its dark brown painted trim and uneven floors. For a Wednesday night, it was packed. Service was excellent. I spent $20.00 for a plate of fish n' chips and two ciders without tip. Would I visit the Duke of Perth again? In a heartbeat.
(5)
A.S. V.
I'm forever grateful to them for introducing me to my favorite winter beer -- Fuller's London Porter. And I'm foreverafter disappointed that they no longer carry it on tap (or in a bottle) even though it's available across the street at Binny's. For Scotch fans, they have an excellent selection, the atmosphere is warm and possibly authentic (I've been to England, but not Scotland), and the fish and chips pretty great.
(4)
Steve R.
Amen on the strongbow! Had a great plate of fish and chips, in a very nice dining room. Super laid back, I like this place a lot.
(4)
Margaret J.
Duke of Perth is a great, cozy neighborhood bar. They have a nice selection (not huge, but nice) of Scottish and English beers. They have the most authentic fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. It is a great bar that is as close to an English pub that I have found in Chicago. A great find!
(4)
Adam L.
The Duke of Perth is a nice spot tucked in just off Clark and Oakdale. I only went once, but I can say that the fish and chips is excellent and well worth the trip. It's huge, beer battered, and delicious.
(4)
Mindy S.
I had to stop in here for the all you can eat fish and chips (wednesdays and fridays), as I've heard such good things about it. The outdoor patio is so quaint and perfect to sit outside if the weather is nice. I don't eat fried fish often, but I did really enjoy it here. Add some vinegar and it's even better. I thought the fries were just ok, but i'm also one for crispy fries, which these were not. It's a nice change for every once in a while.
(3)
Rocky B.
The Duke of Perth definitely serves up some of the best fish and chips. Mmm, douse them with some vinegar and...heaven. Cozy bar that can get kind of cramped but to have that fried, greasy goodness...so worth it.
(4)
Edward L.
I love the Duke! A Belhaven and a Single Malt Scotch are wonderful precursors to the fish and chips. Mike the bartender is a Scotch expert and can recommend the best Scotch for any palete. On Friday nights the wait is long but well worth it. During the Summer the patio is open which cuts down on the wait time. We have been going to the Duke for more than ten years.
(5)
Mark W.
Really authentic feeling Scottish Pub- from the sign over the door, down to the food. If that wasn't enough- some of the menu items include a Robert the Bruce burger... Sean Connery burger and other such famous Scots immortalized forever into sandwich form. To drink, the Duke offers an extensive whiskey list and some great beers on draft from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm not a fish fan, but everyone I've ever gone with has gotten the fish n chips. It's an all-you-can-eat special... but you shouldn't really require seconds. I've heard nothing but raves about the fish here from everyone I've ever taken. The sandwiches/burgers are pretty good. Delicious fries (chips). The grilled chicken is really good. Service is always excellent (ironically, I think my servers have been just about every ethnicity except Scottish). Duke of Perth is a must try for an authentic Scottish pub experience.
(5)
Lee W.
Great fish and chips -- I even eat the peas that come with them! I'm not sure I'd do that anywhere else. Good beer selection -- and even some pretty good food specials during the week. It's definitely most crowded on Fridays and Wednesdays for all-you-can-eat fish and chips night (rightfully so!) and more laid back the other nights. Even on a Saturday night you can usually get right in for dinner -- just don't come too hungry, it's not all-you-can eat!
(4)
Joshua M.
Good fish and chips... the service was about three stars but I'll give them a freebie based on it being St. Patrick's day.
(4)
Zac w.
one of my favorite bars in lakeview. The beer selection is really interesting, they have something like 100 varieties of whiskey from Scotland and the bartender can talk about their relative merits all night. Food is basic pub food, but good. The atmosphere is relaxed and classy.
(5)
molly c.
i used to date a guy that lived almost across the street from duke of perth. tasty food. good burgers, i love the fish and chips (the peas MAKE THE MEAL) and hella good soup. nice chill crowd that is SO non-representative of the area. check it out for a quiet night out in lakeview, and then hit up jake's and get your booze on. EDIT - so, um yeah. the veggie fries and mac and cheese thingers. so good. SO good. fried beets are awesome.
(4)
Tiffany T.
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. This place is awesome!
(5)
Lawrence S.
This is a must if you are in Lakeview . Good selection of imports and a fish and Chips special on Wednesday and Friday nights . We had been by the Duke a few times and had never stopped ..( Our mistake ) On a warm Friday night we stopped in for a pint . we were greeted and sat in the bar we both had the Fish and Chips served with peas . The food was wonderful and barkeeper Mike was quick to refill our brews.No loud music, no loud tv and we were able to talk to other Cub fans that had wandered in after the game . It became very obvious this is where the locals go for a quality dinner . We will be sure to stop back at the Duke . What a great time we had .....
(4)
Rick V.
I love this place, probably my fave either for food, atmosphere or drinks. You really can't beat their selection of scotch, and their beers are outstanding (I like the Young's Oatmeal Stout or McEwan's Ale). Best bet is their fish & chips, but they also have good sandwiches, pies and other munchies (such as "Haggis Wings"). I usually sit at the end of the bar, to soak up the atmosphere and it's a great spot for people watching. Try their beer garden in warmer weather!
(5)
Frank G.
Normally I don't go furhter north than Roosevelt rd. But, there are a few places that I 'll make an exception for. ONe such place cures all the grumblings a first-generation scotsmen could want. The Duke of Perth being one of them. This place is fabulous for it's all you can eat fish and chips and 2 for one entree nights. The fish and "chips are excellent however the crowning achievement of this establish ment is the it's scotch wiskey selection and the fact that it has multiple scottish brews on draught.. The only thing better than a bit of Belhaven's "Wee Heavy", is washing it down with some very good scotch. Stick with any from the "speyside" region of the isle( this is the region best known for it's scotch making craft). Best time to go is saturday around 1pm. Go there on an overcast afternoon and get completely pished on ale and wiskey, it'll be good for ya. Plus you'll miss the usual people whom live around the lincoln park area
(4)
Lauren S.
This is a great neighborhood pub; the food is pretty good, but what makes this place great is the atmosphere. In the winter it is very warm and cozy and in the summer the outdoor patio is oh so nice. The wide selection of beer can't be beat but I do wish they would add to their wine list. Overall, a good place to go if you're in for something different than your average bar.
(3)
J V.
Food so-so, whoever heard of a scottish/english 5-star restaurant? Really now. Come here for the Scotch. Scotch, Scotch, Scotch... I love Scotch.
(5)
Natalie P.
Great fish n chips and on Wednesdays & Fridays and its all you can eat. I really like the beer selection too. The back patio is nice (they have really nice flowers planted and lanterns) but they need some updated patio furniture. The inside is very cozy and the service is great. One of my favorite pubs.
(4)
Diana C.
Went to this place a few nights ago and thought it was great. We had the fried mac-n-cheese appetizer and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner...yum! Very generous portion of chicken on the salad. Tasty vodka lemonades, too!
(5)
Mark W.
What makes the Duke special is that it's a local Scottish Pub created by a Scottish excop, who plowed everything he had into this place. He did it long before the trendy corporate "Mc-Pubs" we now see scattered throughout the city and it still beats every one of them in charm, quality and service. I started going to the Duke in the early 90's and just went again last week and it stands the test of time. Great Food, Great Service, Clean Establishment with old school values. Colin, the owner and ex Scotland Copper, keeps things neat and his service staff is outstanding. Michael at the bar is a legend and a seasoned barkeep in his own right. I've gone to the Duke throughout my lifetime and all of them are memorable in their own way. Illinois Masonic is down the street and I celebrated the birth of my daughter one night over fine scotch and Cigars with a bunch of pals and Bag Pipers. In the 90's they had live pipers and Irish Bands every weekend. Sadly, the bastard neighbors upstairs complained and it was discontinued. Long live the sound of the Pipes! The outside is nice in the summer and fall but I prefer the bar room with its old tables and classic Pub woodwork. Grab some friends on a cold snowy night and settle in for plate of fish and chips with peas. Sample the Chicken Wings, for sure. They are truly amazing. I like them with extra Blue Cheese Crumple and Pint of Scottish Ale! "Aye Laddie, I can hear the pipes a callin me home"... Might have to go tonite.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
Hands down the best fish and chips in the city. It's like a candy store for anyone who enjoys a really nice single malt. Go during the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
(5)
Shannon S.
This cute little pub has great specials. On Monday's it is buy one entree get one free. Wed and Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips. Our food was ok, I have heard from other people it is usually pretty good. I got the fish and chips. The fish had a good taste but the chips, not so much. They have a good variety of sandwiches and burgers on their menu. Our waitress wasn't very attentive, but we weren't in that much of a hurry either.
(3)
Jenny I.
It's true. If it's not Scottish, it's crap. Excellent woody bar with a manly selection of booze. Girls that really like bourbon hang out here, so men with a serious need for a real lady, you should get wise and dip this trip. I don't drink beer much or any liquor that's brown in hue...so I was pretty bored.
(4)
Kristin M.
mmmmm fish and chips... All-you-can eat on Friday-def A+! What more is there to say? (oh it gets REALLY crowded, which sucks)
(4)
M S.
Unusual circumstances and a festive mood allowed me to visit this place in the middle of the day. I loved the beer selection. The staff was friendly, and I shared a chicken pot pie with a friend. It was delicious and inexpensive. There were other patrons eating lunch and enjoying a beer and some quiet time. Check this place out early in the day if you ever have the luxury. I had a good time, and I will go back for the fish and chips soon.
(5)
Lee C.
Best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Everything else I've had here was also excellent, including a couple great vegetarian options, like the leek pie. Great beer selection, nice outdoor patio in summer and cozy dining room in the winter. Go.
(5)
Ashley M.
the Duke has an awesome beer and whiskey selection. they offer flights of whiskey in case you want to sample a few. the food is good too. i always order the belhaven wee heavy beer and their mini burgers. Service is always great and i love the lack of televisions! ESPN on 8 different screens makes me dizzy! Atmosphere is dark and cozy. go during off peak hours to avoid a crowd.
(4)
A G.
Went for the Lenten fish fry on Friday night. We waited for about 15 minutes for a table (word to the wise, there is not much waiting room at this place and it tends to get pretty crowded). Finally got a table and was very impressed with the fish. Also, they had a very nice list of Scottish/English beers.
(4)
Tobia C.
This place will rock your kilt off if you're not careful. Excellent food and a kick a** selection of scotch. The leek and potato soup is to die for, Braveheart style.
(4)
Chris S.
The food is excellent, but the beer is the best. Many brews that are hard to come by elsewhere, and the bartenders are geniuses when it comes to beer and scotch. They know more about proccesses and flavors than anyone.
(4)
a w.
Who says you have to travel all the way to England to get some good fish and chips? Head over to Duke of Perth and you'll probably get something even better. And on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can get all-you-can-eat fish and chips all day long for 10 dollars!! Pretty yummy!
(5)
TeaAddict G.
This is a solid choice for dinner and drinks. We had fish and chips (all you can eat on Wed and Fri). The fish were atual pieces of fillet, which was a nice touch. The entree came with peas too - got to have your veggies! A great selection of single malt - i was told - and the double chocolate beer on tap tasted yummy. Most importantly, it'a not one of those bars overrun with 60 inch flat screen in your face playing 10,000 different football games, AND you can have a decent conversation without yelling. Back patio available, and reasonable price!
(4)
Lulu T.
oooh the duke of perth....
(2)
Mark P.
Great Scottish ales on tap. Love the fish and chips. Decent horseradish crusted burger.
(4)
Noran W.
If it nay Scottish, it"s crap. At least that is what my husband says every time we dine here. It is a narrow local pub with dining. It can get crowded on all-you-can-eat-fish nites, especially during Lent--up to 1-2 hour wait. The tables are for dining, not drinking, so the bar can get crowded quickly. This crowd though normally polite. The bar stocks an extensive scotch and whiskey selection, with a chalk board listing of beers, ales, and stouts from the land of heather. The place is decorated with items from Scotland. The bartender always attentive, though how busy he gets. I enjoy the sherry selection myself here. Now the food--I adore bringing friends here for the fish-it is perfectly cooked and served with great fries and peas. I hate peas, but I always eat them here!! Their soups are homemade and very tasty, along with the bread served . They have traditional Scottish dishes, and other bar Fare with a Scottish twist. The menu is a great read, written with humor and wit. I have never been disappointed with a meal here!!!! The table and chairs are rustic, and the bathroom a little cramped. I never have had the delight of dining in their patio, but I bet it is as great as the other raters say.
(5)
Justin B.
Fish was perfectly breaded, beer was cold, fries were hot and the peas were a nice touch. And all of this for $10.25 with unlimited amounts of food on a Wednesday or Friday? And a patio? And quick, friendly service? Yessir!!
(5)
Sarah V.
I always feel so astute when I come to The Duke of Perth. It's my "I feel like wearing glasses and a cardigan today and having a discussion on human trafficking in the United States while sipping on this batch of micro brew from the Midwest" kind of bar. The Duke is also a perfectly acceptable bar for my book club to sit in and not discuss a book, but rather the necessity of a new wave of boy bands. The Duke is multi-functional. The Duke is also splendid for having a cup of coffee and using the WiFi on the weekends to do work when you've spent your internet money on beer, or to have a casual dinner with your other, noshing on fresh fish and chips, two-fisted burgers and Irish delicacies. In the spring, scratch that, late summer, when it's actually warm enough to sit outside, The Duke opens its beer garden with pretty flowers and plants to help drift you away to The Duke's motherland. In the fall/winter/spring, when it's bitter cold and snowing/sleeting/drizzling, The Duke invites you to relax and imbibe one of its micro brews on tap and enjoy the crackling fire in the stone hearth. So to recap, The Duke is actually a perfectly acceptable bar for any of your needs whether it's to enjoy a beer in the sunshine, by a fire, while conversing with your mate, in a group of friends, while doing real-world work, or over a plate of food. It's my go-to spot for all of the above.
(4)
Liz A.
This is a unique find for chicago. They are a true Scottish bar with a very rustic interior, fireplace and all. They also have a very thorough selection of malt flights, and a very friendly wait staff that is willing to help with any questions and give great advice on selections. The best part of this bar is the amazing selection of British food. Wednesday and Friday nights are all you can eat fish and chips, and the fish is excellent! You can choose from fries or two different styles of mashes potatoes for your side plus the peas that come with each plate. The prices are incredible; the most competitive rates I've ever seen for an all you can eat in chicago; it really is like being at a country fish fry except with a great chicago location. Love this place!
(5)
Timothy L.
Top-notch service, excellent whisky selection, beers were unique and good. We ordered the AYCE fish and chips and it was "okay." Good batter, but the fish was mushy instead of flakey. Favorite part of the dish were the peas. Still a good value for what you get. Head a lot of "Scottish" accents from among the customers, so the nationals must like it.
(3)
Neil R.
I'm a scotch fan so naturally this place drew me in. The scotch line up did not disappoint. The interior is very nice but somewhat dark - that does add to the appeal to an extent. The food was pretty good - I would not say outstanding but it was definitely above average. In my view, this is a great place to grab a drink and hang out with friends but I would probably not go here again for dinner specifically.
(4)
Kyle H.
How could my visits to Duke of Perth be separated by a decade? Yep. Last night was my second visit for the all you can eat Friday Fish Fry (also on Wednesdays), and the last time I was there was over a decade ago. I'm happy to report that conviviality and good table service still reigns at Duke of Perth. And so do the crowds! Wow, this place is as popular as Lady Gaga at a Trani convention. Was quoted a 30-40 minute wait by the girl taking names on her little scratch pad, and we were only too happy to wait with a lager in hand. But confused as to why larger tables were being seated well before us (2), and tables of two even being combined to accomodate said groups. Finally, an hour 15 wait later, and I had to remind the girl we were there, and although she said she was looking for me, we never heard her call my name or any names! A better (or brighter) system here is needed. But that's where the negatives end, because the fish is crisp and light, some of the best fish fry this Wisconsin boy has ever tasted! Served with peas and fries, the offer to add more fish was frequent. Service impeccable for a casual dining place. Stop in for a pint on their large patio, fish fry or other Scottish delights; Duke of Perth is solid!
(4)
Hannah C.
This place is a treat! The fish and chips were evidently delicious and plentiful. Service was super attentive, even though they were quite busy. The chicken club was average, but the stovies (mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions) were AMAZING! They have a great selection of beer and whiskey. They had a few wines and other drinks, although it would have been nice to have a few more choices. We would definitely return here!
(4)
Maggie M.
Cozy atmosphere with two fireplaces. Scottish themed with a good hard cider. They only have Guinness in a bottle. Not on draft but they have this Scottish stout which is just as good if you're into that kind of thing. Don't come in the winter if you wanna be cozy! It was definitely a bit chilly. Wednesday and Fridays they have all you can eat fish and chips with peas. TALK ABOUT GOOD. The staff was also super nice and witty.
(5)
Mike D.
Great food and service. Went with my family (12 and 9) and felt perfectly comfortable. Try the historic Scottish beers
(4)
Green T.
The "food" is bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Just don't bother. Go if you like a wide selection of beers and whiskeys and don't feel like walking to a more reasonably-priced place that offers the same. Duke offers a decent going-out experience due to its cozy ambiance absence of TV screens (which is unfortunately rare). I appreciate that they seat people quickly even at busy times (though be careful to avoid getting seated by the bathroom, those folks did not look happy at all). But seriously, the food... everything was cooked-from-frozen. I think they stay afloat on the atmosphere alone.
(1)
Michael G.
Fish and chips to rival Aberdeen, and a scotch menu that would amaze an edinburgher. Authentic, quaint, delicious, reasonable
(5)
Valerie H.
Excellent burgers and fish and chips. Have enjoyed many times and was pleasantly surprised by what a tremendous job our server did interacting with our kids as this is really more of a pub environment than family restaurant. If only there was another in the burbs...
(5)
Adriane P.
I wonder if the real Duke of Perth knows there's a pub named after him in Lakeview? I suppose I'd know if there was a pub named Duchess of Awesome because I'd have to sign off on them using my title. It's small, crowded, and loud. Real loud so that you can't hear the faint music over chattering voices. Our table was very close to the other one so much my back rested against another lady's. My partner fixed that by moving our table closer to the wall adjacent, even then we were uber close. His chair wobbled too, so he swapped it. It says on the window embossed "Authentic Ale and Cider!" um they only have one kind of cider. We ordered: The Cider Good, very crisp, not too sweet. Young's Double Chocolate Stout Good, but heavy. Haggis Wings (Hot) According to them the largest wings in town. Thankfully made of chicken not haggis. Do haggis have wings anyhow? Isn't it guts? I'm not sure they are the largest but definitely meaty. Not hot at all. My partner said in a poetic comparison, "If these wings were salsa, they'd be labeled mild." If I were salsa I'd be labeled hot. The Ghillies Meatloaf A slow-cooked blend of lamb, beef, veal, and garlic sausage with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, mashed rutabaga, and peas. Very tender but bland. The meat and potatoes needed more seasoning and more gravy. The mashed rutabaga he liked more than me but it was ok. We both liked the peas. People serve peas more (and brussel sprouts, in my opinion). The service was spotty. We got a box to go and the busser just handed it to my which is fine, if awkward and the box was very flimsy. The prices were a touch high, for what it is and where it is. Not very authentic overall and certainly not a destination spot. But we'd try it again if we are close.
(3)
Carolyn L.
Oh man I need to write my reviews sooner! I went here a few months ago on a date. Not the fanciest of dates, but it was a place I'd been wanting to check out for awhile. I honestly can't remember much about the place. I remember that I was leaning toward the fish and chips because I always love fish and chips. But I think I ordered the Sean Connery burger instead: burger with sauteed onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. That sounds like me. It is pretty hard to mess up a burger so I'm sure I liked it. The beer and food were fairly priced. The outdoor patio area looked really cute but it was super hot outside so we opted for the interior. Service was fine. It's just that nothing really sticks out about this place, hence the average rating. If I lived closer, I'd probably make this a regular spot. And I will go back to try the fish and chips so look out for a followup review!
(3)
Mike M.
They have an awesome whiskey selection and one of the better fish and chips I've had in Chicago.
(4)
Joel G.
Have been here several times. They have one nitro beer on tap, several scottish beers and a selection of other beers that's decent. Not as good as many new bars specializing in beers but not bad. The place is busy on Fridays for the fish fry and they do a good job of it. Quality fish, decent fries. Staff is always great and keeps you loaded up on what you are eating and drinking. Nice hidden beer garden once the weather warms up. I like this place for a Thursday beer with some friends or a Friday for a good fish fry.
(3)
Selina K.
I had been here before and had a great time but my recent visit on a Saturday night was very disappointing. My friend and I felt rushed by our waitress even though they weren't that busy. We weren't even given a drink menu to look at. My friend clearly told her he wanted to start a tab, and instead we were surprised to see her come back with our 2 drinks already charged to the card. Overall, we felt like we were unwanted and she wanted to get us out quickly for whatever reason.
(1)
K R.
I have to say.. the place is nice.. but a little rant.. they don't really have the ability to accommodate large groups. I am lucky it's cold/flu season and a lot of my would be guests at my birthday thingy.. were unable to make it. If they had come they would have been stuck somewhere else. We kind of felt a bit unwelcome... :-/ However.. I rate this place rather high because our waitress was fast and she was kind of nice.. and the busboy was hilarious and lots of fun himself. They also had never ending fish n chips and they were the bomb!! yum!! I would go here on a date rather than with a big party honestly. Good food.. very quiet music..dark.. I liked it..just not for my occasion.
(4)
Regina K.
I love that it doesn't have TVs and it has a nice beer selection. I don't want to be driven crazy by a ton of TVs when enjoying tasty bevs with a friend.
(4)
Pat R.
The fish and chips are great a light batter and not fishy, but the wait staff is fantastic, so pleasant. They make the wait easier to handle. Thanks
(4)
Keith A.
Oh man, the fish n chips here were pure heaven. It wasn't so much about the bread on the outside as much as it was the insane meltiness of the fish. This was some utterly delicious fish. The peas weren't classic mushy english peas, but that's not really that big of a problem. The fries were pretty classic, but the fish was the real start at least as far as it was concerned. Of course, what kind of DoP review would this be without noting the whiskey that is here. They aren't cheap, and it sure as hell added up fast for me. Still, it was great being able to have it at a fast disposal. It also helped that my friend with me really knows his whiskey. The service here was real good. Granted, we were in here around 4ish on a friday (had to take advantage of the unlimited fish n chips), but the bartender knew his stuff and was more than willing to lend a suggestion. DoP has an old school feel to it. Pretty classic and it does make you want to drink there for a while. Obviously that's the goal for them, and it works out perfectly.
(4)
George A.
Went for Fish & Chips of lunch and it was great , the fish was chrispy and the batter wasn't to heavy the fish was good. Love the atmosphere and beer was good.
(5)
Jason L.
It was a cool Spring evening in the city. My buddy Sean and I decided to meet up to catch up on old times with a little scotch and whiskey. Enter our favorite go-to spot: The Duke of Perth (affectionately known to us as "The Duke"). The Duke of Perth may not look like much from the outside, but, upon entering its doorstep, you are instantaneously whisked away (no pun intended) to Scotland. Try their Fish 'N Chips; perhaps the best in the city. While most of the food is decent, bordering on average, what you are really here for is the scotch. "The Duke" is one of the few places in the city that can boast a scotch selection from every region of Scotland. Highlands and Speysides to Island and Campbeltown malts, "The Duke" has it all. This place even has a few Nippon malts from Japan! If you are looking for a good after work spot to enjoy a few scotches with your buddies, and simply don't have time to wait for hours outside of Longman and Eagle (or even if you do have the time), check out "The Duke."
(4)
Ben K.
This place has been a classic winter warm-up spot for me for some time. They have a cozy atmosphere, and the food is pretty tasty. All you can eat fish & chips on Wednesday and Friday is a great deal, and they do a fantastic job frying their fish with a light crispy batter, and bringing you out seconds if you can handle it. With that said, I have one complaint. Last time in here, for an exciting celebration, a buddy and I ordered the "Full Monty" scotch flight, a $100 trio of 20+ year aged scotches, all of which were delicious, but the pour size was embarrassing. Less than a shot was in each of the three glasses. I know these are expensive, but we felt hosed, and barely got even a miniscule taste each of all three. This has to be the worst value in the whole place.
(3)
Brian L.
I go to this place almost everytime I go to see a film at Landmark. It's pretty much right across the street, so it's awfully convenient. The atmosphere in this place is really nice. Really laid back. It definitely captures an old pub sort of atmosphere. Old wooden everything, and a list a mile long with different sorts of Scotch from Scotland. Beers as well. No TVs, so no douchebags. Fake fireplaces, but real fire. Fish n Chips. Damn good burgers. I haven't even been when it's been crowded. Almost always get seated immediately. I wish this place was closer to me, cause I think I'd be a regular... not necessarily only to dine, but to spend some time at the bar chatting it up with some of the regulars. There's definitely a positive vibe in this place.
(4)
Elise K.
Duke of Perth is a great place to randomly walk into and see a table of friends already there. The inside is small... It is hard to get a table! In the summer there is a great outdoor patio in the back. The patio is walled in, well lit and just a nice place to be. This doesn't mean it is any easier to get a table in the summer though! I've heard that the food... Especially the fish is great they say. I will have to try the food someday.... But let's focus on the drinks! There is a full bar and many Irish beers. A full list of Irish whiskies will keep you busy. Finally the service is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a place to go that will make you night... Try DOP! Truly a neighborhood gem with a secret garden.
(5)
A. M.
We got here at 6:15 pm on a Friday and it was packed! Granted the bar area isn't that large but still....it was clearly a hot spot. We finally found the hostess and put in our name - we were told about 20-30 minutes for a table. We moseyed up to the bar and grabbed some beers - all of which were delicious. 45 minutes later we still weren't seated but we didn't mind because we had a feeling it would take longer. Once we were seated though (about hour wait), everything was amazing. We sat down and the waitress immediately greeted us despite having to push her way through the hordes of people surrounding our table. We sat in the bar area - not by choice, but necessity. Either way it wasn't a big deal. We ordered the all you can eat fish and then the mac and cheese fritter apps. The food arrived disturbingly fast - all hot and delicious. I have to say this was probably the best fish fry I've had (and I've had plenty!) The fish was fresh, hot, and perfectly fried. The chips were good too. The peas, a welcomed addition. I don't know what is in the tartar sauce but it was AMAZING. I didn't get a second helping because honestly the first helping is truly plenty but it is nice to have that option available if you are really hungry. Overall I really loved this place. The food was great and if I'm ever craving a fish fry, I know now where it is at. I will just make sure to get there early so I don't have to wait forever!
(4)
Laura H.
If you're new to Scotch and want to try some without spending a ton of money buying bottles or glasses of something you might not like, come here. They have flights from $22-100. They suggested the Roving Drover as a good one since we didn't know what to pick. There was enough for me to drink and give my friend a taste of each as well. This place is warm with a fireplace and great old wood tables and benches. It's decorated like my grandpa's basement, which is perfect.
(4)
Karen N.
Quick service, good place to eat and drink when I go to Landmark theater. I always order the fish and chips there, very light batter.
(3)
Misty S.
I love this place! SPECIALS Monday - Two for one entree Wed & Fri - All you can eat fish and chips $9 Thursday - $0.50 jumbo wings The menu is packed with comfort food like meatloaf, Shepard's Pie, burgers and sandwiches. My favorite has to be their FISH and CHIPS. Crispy, lightly breaded and tasty! It is also comforting to know that the quality has remained top notch over the years. I find that this place can be pretty packed on Wed and Fri nights for the all you can eat deal. The dining area in the back is dimly lit and has a fireplace. It's a cozy place to have dinner and drinks and enjoy good company. The beer and whiskey list is extensive and there is something for everyone. I'm a Guinness fan and I enjoy the Belhaven Wee Heavy beer found here. It is described as full bodied, rich and malty sweet ale with caramel and nutty overtones...mmm. Street parking is not too difficult to find, at least on a week night.
(5)
Mary T.
When I told my friends was attending an anti-Superbowl knitting meetup at Duke of Perth, I'll admit I got some strange looks. Those looks were soon followed by what in their minds constituted better offers, but frankly I was looking forward to this for three reasons: 1) I'm indifferent about the Superbowl, heck I'm indifferent about football in general. 2) I've been wanting to visit Duke of Perth for ages and now had the perfect reason. 3) I'm working on a pair of bitchin socks and wanted to make some serious headway. The location couldn't have been better, since Duke of Perth is TV-less it was relatively quiet except for the bartender's nice background mix and our animated conversation. It also wasn't very crowded since those wanting to go out and not watch the Superbowl seem to be in the minority. We were given a table in the back room next to the fireplace. If you're going to work or read, I recommend the back room as it's better lit than the front. We were also comped a few appetizers and went with the vegetable fries and the mac and cheese fritters - both were excellent. (Sidenote: Don't come here if you plan on couting calories, points or anything else; most items here are fried or laden with cheese or other sinful stuff.) I think the sauces were what made the vegetable fries; the sweet chili was downright addictive and the curry mayo was pretty tasty too. I usually don't care for fried mac and cheese, but what made this so good was that the mac didn't taste like it came from a blue box and the tangy harissa sauce. I'd love it if they served and entree portion of regular mac and cheese. For my main meal I settled on fish po-boy and a side of chips with some Dry Blackthorn cider to wash it down. The po-boy was ok. I wish the roll (like an italian beef roll) were thinner, every time I bit down fish or veggies squirted out the other end. The thickness of the bread also overpowered the tast of their mambo tartar sauce. The fries were good, even better with the malt that automatically resides on the tables. Next time I think I'd go with something different. Some of our group opted for dessert, ordering the trifle and the three-layer banana cake. While trifle isn't my thing, it was interesting to learn that the fruits in it rotate - this time it was peaches and berries. The trifle is also the only dessert made in-house. They also had two cheesecake options, but I think the overall dessert selections may rotate. Service was great. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive and made sure that no pint or wine glass ran dry. She was also quite knowledgeable about DoP's beer selection, most of which hails from the UK or Ireland, and help guide anyone to selections she thought they'd enjoy. (They also have an extensive malt list too) For me, this was a perfect way to spend Superbowl Sunday - I ate a little too much, drank a little too much, made some headway on my socks, and didn't miss watching the game one bit. TIP: Wednesdays and Fridays they offer AYCE fish and chips.
(4)
Frances A.
Mediocre. Enjoyed the fish & chips... However, I prefer to sub my chips w/ sweet potato fries. Makes for a more interesting spread. Although the idea of all-you-can-eat is tempting, they pretty much scrimp on the whole spread - leaving you solely with the fish. Fried leeks were interesting. Don't see that nearly enough. Would've loved a little more tartar, or maybe some blue cheese perhaps? I love craft beer, love Scottish Ales, but I feel that Duke of Perth scrimps a little on the selection. I love Robert the Bruce. Super malty brown ale, and hey have nothing of the sort. Fun quiet chill ambiance. No hurry or stress which is nice, but there's nothing really about it that would necessarily bring me back over and over. Shmeh...
(2)
Scott K.
A great escape. The Duke of Perth is not your usual Clark Street - north of Armitage south of Grace - bar filled with obnoxious drunkards barely graduated from the frat house. Its bartenders and servers are amicable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the patrons are fun. I've always had a good time here with all different kinds crowds. Wednesdays and Fridays are AYCE fish and chips for $10 that are really quite tasty (although I can barely finish the initial serving as it is quite generous). I myself am a bit of a Scotch enthusiast and it is fun to introduce newcomers to the dram with the Scotch flight options. Plenty of Scottish beer offerings, too, for those more inclined to that sort of drink. If you're looking for a casual night out,The Duke of Perth is a solid bet.
(4)
Autumn H.
I love the beers on tap. Great place to get a drink. The shepherds pie and fish & chips are tasty.... but The fish is good, not great. A crumb style crust not beer batter. It should be beer batter. They don't have any HP sauce. Fires are fries but nothing special. It's good to get a great drink and eat ok food. That said I'd never come for the food alone and unless it's half off plate nights it's overpriced food.
(3)
Jeffrey K.
A solid pub in the Lakeview area that serves good beer and decent food at a fair price. They've got a list of scotches to run through as well. Outdoor seating when it's warm and cozy indoors when it's cold. A fine place to huddle over a beer while the wind whips down Clark.
(4)
Mike K.
Walsh got Da Duke. I goh Da Duke as well. But I goh Da Duke uh Pairth. So, tha Duke uh Pairth es a Scoh-ish Pub, aye? Ehts pints, wheskays and bairgurs. And ehts rather uh dive. Maybay ehts beh-uh fair drenken' than eht es for ate-en. I only thought tha food was okee. I goh tha fraight lakes, tha bairgur, the cheps, a pint uh lahguh and then another pint uh lahguh. The fraight lakes were, uh, entresten. Of course, the fraight part was lovely, but tha lake part? Noh so much. Too cheway. The cheps? Fresh and pairfect. The lahguh? You kedden'? Brilliant. The bairgur? Eh, noh a patch on tha bairgurs eht tha Grafton, Duke's or Jairy's of tha wayrld, ef ya ask may. Maybay tha Duke uh Pairth es beh-uh fair drenken' than fair ate-en'? Maybay ahll bay back fair tha drenken'. Cannae say ahll bay back fair tha bairgur sence eht was only okee en muy uhpenion. Thray stahrs.
(3)
Kyle T.
Great deal on Wednesdays and Fridays for all you can eat fish and chips for 10.95 (or around there). Their whiskey selection is great too. If you are looking for a nice whiskey bar with some good food then check this place out
(4)
Joel W.
Very classic looking scottish bar. Huge back patio. Good fish and chips! Our server, a girl, big into Sons of Anarchy, AD...we talked her into Dexter.
(4)
Chuck K.
For my 100th Yelp Review, I'm choosing to pay homage to Duke of Perth in Lakeview! This bar is great, whether you're looking to belly up and have a beer, or sit in the beer garden and enjoy a drink in the sun. But most of all, this bar is my favorite place to get...... FISH AND CHIPS!!!!!!!!!! They have all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays, the wait is well worth it. You can also get this any other day of the week. They are huge fillets that are lightly breaded and the fish just melts in your mouth. The fries are perfect and if you're game, you'll get a side of peas with them as well. I can't tell you how many times I've gone here and gotten this dish. It's perfect every time. Like I said, Fridays are crazy and you'll wait for a table. The service is OK and people are friendly. They just tend to be on the slow side, even when the bar is not packed. If you're in the neighborhood on an afternoon and need a bite, stop in here. The back yard beer garden is nothing special, but you can enjoy some warm sun and are blocked out from Chicago winds blowing around. Fish and Chips! You owe it to your stomach to give this place a try! Oh... and they have Whiskey Flights! I mean how cool is that!!!
(4)
Alyssa R.
What a great place! I'm not sure I would enjoy this place as much during warmer weather, but on a cold winter's night, this pub with its fireplaces and warm, cozy, quiet atmosphere was absolutely perfect! I tried the leek pie, and it was delicious and filling. The fish and chips and the burgers are also reportedly very delicious. All meals are, I am sure, guaranteed to fill you up. Not a very large beer selection, however. I am definitely a fan!
(4)
Ken O.
Whatever they are doing... they are doing it right!!! The restaurant is on the smaller side. Plan to wait 15 - 20 minutes for a table- which is not bad. The restaurant definitely gives you the pub feeling. Fish (big portions) and chips are excellent. Plus, it's all you can eat. The nightly specials are also a great deal. The patrons are very well mixed. Great place to people watch when not conversing with your fellow diners. Glad the restaurant is couple of blocks away.
D of P: where men go to escape broism. This place is about as manly as it comes. Scotch. Dense beer. Meat. Animal heads on the wall. What it lacks is sports, and therefore sports fans. Overall, this helps it be one of the few enjoyable places to be, especially during Cubs/Bears season when places are swarming with these types. I usually go Belhaven for beers for that Scottish feel (the Wee Heavy is bizarre, creamy, and good). Their burgers are not really top 5 (they cook them too much) but they're good and they honor my request to put a fried onion on top. The shepherd's pie is actually tasty and works well. The real winner is the fried mac n cheese triangles. I used to frequent this place in the summer when they did outdoor. It's a good place to have on the corner.
(4)
Kori E.
We came here Friday for the all you can eat fish n chips. We arrived to a packed bar and an hour and a half wait. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a round of beers. I had the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle IPA and it was OK. I like a really hoppy beer and this beer didn't muster up. We were finally seated close to that 1.5 hour mark and I couldn't have been more excited to finally get my fish n chips. I had been eye balling them as they were served to various tables and I couldn't wait. Unfortunately, they look a lot better than they taste. They are good, don't get me wrong, but they are not the best fish n chips I've had. I would have liked more fries, not underneath my greasy fish, and the fish was just that...kinda greasy. We left stuffed to the gills (no pun intended) and both agreed we would try other places before returning to Duke.
(3)
Diane M.
Best Shepherd's pie in Chicago (although they said it was truly a cottage pie). And fish and chips. And choice of ales and ciders. Only problem is no televisions (although I understand why, I still would like to see games!). But the food is always steamy hot and flavorful and fresh! Yummy!
(5)
Archer W.
Good booze. Good food. Great patio.
(4)
Laura C.
Drinks here on a low-key Saturday night turned out to be a hilarious comedy spectacle. Had the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and friends had ciders, both of which were on tap and delicious. Erubiel, a server/actor, entertained us all night with his amusing stories and observations. The Duke is the only Scottish pub in Chicago (for those of you needing a reason to try it out). Unassuming from the street view, the interior is a long space with wooden tables and a comfortable pub feel. I'll be back to try the food and more drinks!
(4)
Karen L.
A friend suggested Duke of Perth for a recent get-together. I had never been, and got there first. The place was packed, and since there was no where to wait and no one around to ask about a table (Seat yourself? Wait to be seated? Unclear...), I sort of waited awkwardly by the door until a busboy pointed out the hostess to me. I was seated after a 10-15 minute wait, and my friend finally showed up at that point. We ordered the fish and chips, which were excellent, and my friend was quite excited about the whiskey selection. However, the rest of the menu seemed kind of limited -- burgers and chicken sandwiches with different toppings, and that was pretty much it. They're not shy about their prices either, and i can think of more interesting sandwiches I'd rather spend $10-12 on. We were there on an "all you can eat" night, but I don't eat much, so it wasn't really a bargin for me. Service was fine, though the waitress kept bumping into me because the place is so small and cramped. It was also pretty loud, which made it hard to carry on a conversation with the person right across the table from me. Overall, for the price and atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled. While I wouldn't say that I'll never go back, I'm definitely not in a big hurry any time soon.
(2)
Terri M.
Ok, right up front let me say that this is not the normal review for a restaurant. I didn't have the food. I don't care about the food. I have no intention of eating the food. Looked ok but bar food is not really my thing. But as anybody who knows will attest, I do like bars. And not those sissy girlie bars. I like bars that know how to serve a real whisky in a real whiskey glass. So when a friend invited me to the northside for a scotch flight or two, I was in. Seriously excellent selection. I travel quite a bit with my families for work so I've been to a tasting or ten. Why bother when I can now just head up to Duke of Perth.
(4)
Jackie H.
I came in here for the first time on a snowy day and I don't recall ever begin so happy to walk into a room. The fire was crackling. The bar was decorated for the holidays. There was a table ready and waiting for us. I felt like I had stepped out of Chicago and into some comfy British Isles fantasy land. No TVs? No problem! I've gone back a few times since then, but no visit ever compared to my first. But then again, how could they? Whenever I find myself getting depressed about the impending winter, I just remind myself that every step closer to snowfall is a step closer to replicating the perfect Duke of Perth afternoon. Awesome.
(4)
Mariah V.
Mac and cheese fritters. Yes. I can't hate a place with mac and cheese fritters. (I will probably regret saying this one day). I wanted to order the meatloaf, but they were out. Granted it was around 10pm on a Sunday, so maybe making an entire meatloaf was not worth it for them. Instead I got the bangers and mash (which comes with a bunch of peas), and it was satisfying. Meat and potatoes is a magical combination, after all. It was really quiet when we were there, so we didn't have any problem with service or whatnot. I had the scottish ale and the scottish lager, which were both good. I need to come back to try some of their whiskies, because their malt list is outrageous. If you're like me and my best friend, you sit down for a quick dinner expecting to be there for maybe an hour. Then you look at the time, and 2 hours have passed. That's why I love really chill places like Duke of Perth, where I'm not going to be pushed out the door after sitting around for hours. This place is cool, because it isn't trying too hard. There are mismatched tables, the deer head above the bar wears a hat, and their website even says, "Due to our mind numbing laziness all items and prices are subject to change." I love this kind of attitude, so I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Carol K.
Peas, peas and more peas, please! For no matter what you order at the Duke of Perth, those bright green pearls come along as a side dish. That's okay by me cuz I'm a pea girl but if you don't like them- be prepared. There was no wait on our last visit but we arrived around 10pm on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. We were seated right away in the front, ordered a couple of beers and then began to look at the menu. My friend got the meatloaf which was quite good, served with peas and potatoes and I went with the fish- also served with peas and fries. His was clearly the winner of the night as it almost tasted just like mom's! The ambiance is warm and inviting- oh sure- it's a pub in a box with the fireplaces, the wooden tables and bar and the framed pictures on the walls, but they do a good job in making it feel real, rather than the plastic bar it could be. Service was quick and friendly, the food was good and on this cold night the ambiance warmed us up. Who knew the Duke of Perth would come through so strongly as our visit there was just a whim? But given the experience we had, you can bet we'll be back. Afterall . . . .they have PEAS!!
(4)
Matt M.
The Duke of Perth is a great place to go on a lazy Sunday! I went and sat at the bar, opened with the fish and chips, which they are well known for. They were great, no surprise. Then I sat there for three hours and played war with the girl next to me and chatted with the friendly bartender. I highly recommend going at dusk or around sundown... the window is west facing and it gets really pretty. Also, they have good beers and no TV's! No Tv's is huge for me. TV is lame.
(4)
Long Q.
Best days to go? WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY! Why you ask? unlimited delicious beer battered fish and chips! my job here is done! Perhaps not yet!!? I want to give a waitress named Alexis a shout-out! she was so awesome! very attentive, friendly and I must say those are two very important characteristics in an unlimited fried fish situation! How did they lose one star? one word! RATS! I am from NYC we see rats bigger than cats so yea I am still coming back for the fish and chips and beer!
(4)
Johnny T.
Even after a billion years in Chicago, I still get annoyed by the coming onslaught of cold. The bite, the gloom, the knowledge that it's going to last for six months... it gets to you. Me. It gets to me. I, eventually, get over it but the first few months are rough... but they'll now get a little easier. I have the perfect place to go chase away the cold weather blues. Again, for years, I passed by this spot, looked into the dark glasses to see patrons happily eating and drinking away... and I kept it moving. I don't know why I never felt the gravitational pull to go inside but all that time DoP was eating away at my stubbornness and taking up space in my subconscious. On one on-chilly night, I had the hankering for something different. "What about that Perth place?" I thought. Good thought. This is perfect pub food made even more perfect by beer and homeyness. Without a doubt, come for the fish and chips. AYCE anything is, usually, worth the price of admission. This fish is seriously worth the hype. Pair it with some beer and bring some good friends along and you have the makings of a wonderful Chicago evening. But, don't limit yourself to the fish. The sandwiches are the real deal, as well. My favorite is the James Watt. I don't know who he was, but I like him. After all, his namesake sandwich includes chicken, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy seasoning. It's a bit of a mess, but it's so worth it. Emotional eaters, this sandwich will sate all your needs. Promise. I like the idea of the Islay sandwich, but I want to be able to pile more stuff on it. It's a chicken breast sandwich and you're given the option to put all sorts of delicious things on top like hot peppers, various cheeseS, onions, hot sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and BACON. But faced with all these choices, you can only put three on top of the bird. This is probably done for ease of eating, but I think I speak for all fattys when I say that I want to put it all on the sandwich. Let me live the dream. For as good as the fish and chips are, I don't know that the concept translates well to bread. I was a wee bit (see what I did there?) disappointed in the size and execution of the fish po-boy. For a place that boasts Moby Dick-sized fish pieces, the sandwich is rather small and forgettable. Stick with the battered fish on a plate (although the veggies on the sandwich add a nice pop). Duke of Perth: offering essential ways to survive the Chicago winter.
(4)
Matthew S.
I do this little thing I call "my adventure day". Basically, it means that there is no possible way for me to make my flat any cleaner than it is, so I decide to explore a new corner of the city. But you say "um, but Matthew, you're a northsider...how is this exploring?" and to this I say "I leave my flat less than J.D. Salinger left his." I explored a few book shops, and visited Belmont Army Navy surplus. Then I decided I wanted to treat myself to a super cozy dinner. Voila...Duke of Perth. When I walked in, I knew it was exactly what my minds eye had been craving. Small, intimate, smiling people, a fireplace, dim lighting. Fiddle music playing. I was warmly greeted with a smile. This is where I cringe. The waitress said "two?" No, it was JUST ME. You see, this was also the first time I've ever eaten alone in a restaurant. I wanted this to be part of my adventure. I got a small table in the back part of the place, near another fireplace. I was seated near a group of older men who appeared to be catching up after a long while. It was a good energy back there. I was loving the wooden tables and wooden chairs. The walls were filled with interesting framed pictures. I ordered the fish and chips and a pint of beer. The fish and chips are served with peas. It was a great meal to go with my great day. When I left, it was just going on 630 - and there was a HUGE wait at this point. This was on a Saturday. As I left, I pulled my scarf tighter, and flipped up the collar of my jacket. Snow was lightly falling. A couple holding hands passed me on the sidewalk. She was laughing. At that moment, I realized I had no choice but to chalk this up to one of my best days in Chicago.
(5)
Rachel R.
Pass on this place if you can unless you like Scotch and beer. Came for the fish & chips and should have stopped somewhere else for that. I had heard such good things about this place and was disappointed. The great thing about the place, the beer.
(3)
Georgia K.
This cozy Scottish pub is a solid choice if you're into pub grub, Scottish or English beer, and an endless whiskey selection. For whatever reason, pub fare doesn't excite me-- but DOP's beer list, burgers, salads, and fish & chips are pretty decent. The service is so-so. The adorb patio in the back scores major points.
(3)
Kimberly M.
Great fish and chips, all-you-can-eat on Wednesday and Friday. I've tried 50% of the menu and it is 100% delicious! Great selection of Scotch. No tv's but full of great conversation. It can get pretty crowded on Friday nights until the fish and chip crowd leaves around 10pm. Friendly service. And a nice big beer garden for those sunny summer days=)
(4)
Chi L.
This is one of my new favs. Hands down. The burgers- all of them- are amazing. I love the patio. I've been walking by this place for years and never thought to walk in. What a surprise when I finally did and tried the food. Beers are a bit pricey but no major complaints there. LOVE!
(5)
Arvind R.
Good food, good scotch
(5)
Martin P.
I enjoyed my experience here. A small pub with good service. I ordered the Fish and chips and I was not disappointed. The fish was flaky, the breading crispy, and flavorful. The chips were decent. The space is a bit small, but it adds to the quaintness of the atmosphere. If I am wanting fish and chips, this is the place I will go. An added bonus was it was all the fish I could eat!!!
(3)
brett j.
What's not to love? It's one of the coziest places in Chicago. I can down many pints tasty Scottish beer while eating fish and chips (all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays) next to a fireplace, not be distracted by some ugly TV. The service is always friendly. It's the ultra cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and Scottish beers (fraoch? alba? wee heavey? check, check, check!) that make Duke of Perth so endearing and worthy of 5 stars. If only I liked Scotch more I'd give the Duke 6 stars!
(5)
Don S.
Went for the fish fry during lunch. Terrific. Great assortment of unique Scottish ales. Very worth a visit. Tried Weather Mark's fish fry, not my taste. I prefer the beer batter that Duke of Perth fries the fish in, and no disapproving looks for eating more. Bar tender was top notch professional. Worth a trip if what you want are perfect fish 'n chips. Somebody rode the bus for an hour and half for the fish fry when I was there.
(5)
Amy R.
Thursday night beer and wings! :) Always ask for your wings extra crispy and you won't regret it! They also have great outdoor seating. The only thing is they close it pretty early.
(4)
Malcolm Jamal W.
Wow, all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. Nice back garden. The fish and chips was great! Very crispy. The fries were surprisingly good. Nice Scottish beers I'd never had before. Yummy yum yum. I left here smiling.
(4)
Jeff K.
It was good. No wows. Nothing that makes me jump up and down out of joy or hop or run back here, but it was definitely not bad either. I came here with the boyfriend for a late brunch on a Saturday, was able to get a table, food was served promptly, and the beer was cold. If I was back in the area I would no doubt come back here for food again, but am not adding it to the list of destination spots.
(3)
Natalie S.
I fell in love with my husband over endless fish and chips and chocolate stout here at Duke of Perth. Ahhh... memories. He introduced me to this place on one of our first dates and we were smitten with each other and the food. I honestly haven't had anything else here because we would intentionally only hit this place up on a Wednesday or Friday when they have all you can eat fish and chips. They do it very well. The only place I've had fish and chips better is in London. The fish always comes out crispy, never oily and the fries are awesome. I occasionally will give the stovies a try, which are delicious as well. Peas: meh. They could certainly keep them so I have more room for my fish. I think they should work on something more authentic like mashed peas. But, it's fine the way it is. They have a great beer selection and the servers are always very helpful and friendly. It can get very crowded 7pm and later on the weekend so either be prepared to stand around and wait or try to get in early.
(4)
James T.
The Duke doesn't need another five star review, but too bad ya' kilt wearin' bampot, you're getting one anyway. The term "pub" gets haphazardly tossed around in this city. Some of these places think that having cardboard shamrocks taped to the walls and serving Carlsberg automatically makes them a "proper European" pub." However, "pub" is just short for "public house." That means a pub should really just feel like being in someone else's living room, and that's exactly what it's like at The Duke. It has a rustic country pub charm to it which, believe it or not, is becoming more and more rare in the UK. You won't hear any loud Nickelback music coming from this place, and since there's no TV, you won't have to worry about the place filling up with sports hooligans. It's just a comfortable place to have a chat with a friend or even read a book. The beer selection definitely parallels the British theme serving popular UK breweries like Belhaven, Young's and Fuller's, all of which are on tap. Of course, if you're a boring old lager boy looking for a bottle of Budweiser, they can accommodate you too. I'll add that it would be great if they had imperial sized pints for their beers, and also if they had a hand pump cask, but those are just extra luxuries that aren't particularly necessary to having a good pub. What makes this place so popular, and what keeps me coming back is the food. I can only comment on two menu items. First, the reason you're probably reading this, is the fish & chips. I'm aware that a lot of places say they have fish & chips when really all it is is a couple of Gorton's fillets and some thin fries that may or may not be accompanied by a bottle of Heinz vinegar. The Duke will give you two healthy portions of fresh cod, some decent sized pub style chips, a side of peas, and Sarson's vinegar or Lea & Perrins Worcester sauce. This is the real thing, folks. What they put on your plate is no different than any other respectable pub in the UK, and it's fantastic. Plus, on Wednesday and Friday, it's all you can eat! Then there's the shepherd's pie. Now, I didn't have this; my fiance did. But to really give you an idea of what the shepherd's pie was like, you have to know a little bit about her. She's English. And not like high hair and too much makeup East London type of English; she's the posh Hampshire everything looks like an episode of Masterpiece Theater English. She laughs at us for spelling "color" without a "U", she thinks cricket is a manlier sport than baseball, she looks at King George III with the same reverence as we do John Wayne, she thinks that because we drive on the right we can't possibly do anything correctly. That type of English. She said it was the best shepherd's pie she's ever had. Now that's saying something.
I've been going here since college...and that's a while now. The last time we dined, I was disappointed. My husband had chicken sandwich which was only alright he said. I didn't try it. I had the veggie sandwich. Grilled onions, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and goat cheese on bread. I remember the fries as being really good. These were old and sparse. We both started with a salad, which was good. I love the dressing. Our service was only average. Somebody dropped a tray of glasses. I mean, that happens. It just didn't seem as lackluster as it once was. Maybe I should have gone with the fish and chips. Maybe I should have had more beers. We'll still go back, we'll never drop it from our go to spot before the movies, but the last time we were here it was only ok. My husband loves that there is no tv in there. I like the crowd, not stuck up.
(3)
George G.
I've been to Duke of Perth several times, and each time I regret having to leave. And I'm always dying to go back! All you can eat fish and chips on Weds and Fridays.... Yeah, right. I don't know how anyone could eat more than they are served in the first serving! Incredibly generous portions of both fish and chips! I saw a reviewer mention the fish being "mushy", and another saying the fish was "previously frozen". Not that I have ever experienced... I'm not a huge fish person - but DAMN - that's some great fish!!! And I had a guest with me from the UK who insists Duke of Perth has one of the best fish and chip meals he's ever eaten - a very high complement indeed! The rest of the menu is "intriguing". From sandwiches to meals - I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. It is definitely Scottish comfort food at its best! I highly recommend the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogch Leek Sticks (My UK friend from schooled me that it is the name that translates into 'The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the Red Cave" and is a town in Angelsey, which sits off the north west coast of Wales). The beer menu is literally second to none, if you're looking for a great selection. Their on-tap Belhaven Scottish Wee Heavy is out of this world!!! (I hardly find any bar that serves a on-tap Wee Heavy). The staff is absolutely fantastic. They don't know me from anyone else that walks in the place, yet I'm always treated like a regular. I wish I knew the bartenders name, but he gave us a fantastic "tour" of great Scotches. He prides himself in turning a non-Scotch drinker to a Scotch lover based upon likes/dislikes of other liquors. He even has a special "flight" for those that typically drink Vodka! ...and at the end of the evening - I always have money left in my pocket! The prices are VERY reasonable given the neighborhood they're located.
(5)
Karry G.
the fish and chips were amazing!! I took my mom here and she loved it . we did the all you can eat Friday deal but the was so much food that I didn't have room for seconds! my only complaint was that the wine was kinda pricey for the size of the glass
(5)
Allie J.
I was pleasantly surprised by Duke of Perth! I was told we were going to a Scottish restaurant for a friend's birthday. My initial inclination was umm....not quite sure about Scottish food. I have to say- it was quite delicious! We were with a large group so we tried the leek and mushroom appetizers which were both good. I had the fish n chips and they were great! The batter was light and crispy- not too heavy. Friends had the leek pot pie and the salmon which i tried and which were both good. Very comfortable atmosphere- great for groups.
(4)
David R.
Beers on tap include Belhaven Scottish Ale, Belhaven Twisted Thistle, and Belhaven Stout. I always intend to get one of each but end up drinking multiple Scottish Ales because that is seriously one of my five favorite beers of all time. I've taken some visitors here twice in the last few weeks and everyone's enjoyed it. Consequently, I've tried several entrees too. The leek pie gets a B, slightly soupy but tasty. The salmon/cod cakes are a B+ on flavor but you get only two of them. The meatloaf (lamb, veal, beef, and pork/garlic sausage...yowza) gets a B+ too, but watch out because that entree is a DAMN lot of food. Of course, the fish and chips are still great. Monday is two-for-one entrees. That is a hell of a deal. It bothers me that someone has misspelled "whisky" as "whiskey" on their Malt of the Month board. Come on, guys. One last thing--there is an impossibly cute blonde waitress with glasses but she's never been my server. If she is reading this--miss, please seat me in your section next time. I promise that I'm not as scary as I look.
(5)
Joshua H.
You've got to love a Scottish pub where you'll find a guy or two in a kilt once in a while. The scotch selection is awesome, as is the beer selection (as far as Scottish and English ales). I also believe that they put some sort of crack in their meatloaf. Meatloaf that good does not exist without chemical enhancement of some kind. The service and atmosphere are great as well. If you've never been, I suggest you come by. It is hard to get in on the all-you-can-eat fish and chips nights.
(4)
Jenny B.
I went on a Friday around 6:30, so of course it was incredibly busy. We were told a 20 maybe 30 minute wait, and we waited over an hour. But I do have to say, the fish fry and drinks were way worth it! I'm used to endless fish fries in which you have to ask multiple times and wait forever for more, but the waitress was on top of it. She actually asked us before we thought about asking and didn't believe we didn't want a 3rd round. SO.. be prepared to stand in a crowded room for a long time, but I promise it will be worth it!
(4)
Michael S.
Really good fish and chips! Glad didn't go on a Friday for their special on it.. Went on a Thursday night and was a little disappointed it wasn't all you can eat every night for fish and chips, but the guy on the phone assured us that we would be full after one order of it. Kind of true.. We can eat! Ordered two fish and chips and a few wings which was on special as well as their mac and cheese bites. The fish and chips was really good. The breading was just right and the fish was nice and flaky. The fries were really good as well. I thought the peas were just okay, but to be fair peas just don't excite me. The wings were good, but they weren't what I expected for the biggest wings in the city. Seemed pretty standard to me.. Mac and cheese bites.. oh man.. these were good. I think it was the frying of it that made me like it a lot... Overall with the service I have to say a worthwhile place to visit!
(4)
Alex B.
I am giving this place five stars and haven't even tried their Scotch selection, which should tell you how good it is. My wife and I had lunch there with a friend last weekend and it was outstanding. Blue cheese burger was cooked perfectly, the fries were that addictive mix of crispy fried batter and fluffy potato, and the Belhaven ale was exactly what the rest of the meal called for. We will be coming back frequently.
(5)
Lauren B.
Delicious!! Great beers and great food. Try the "stovies." They're mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions mixed in. Absolutely wonderful. Nice relaxing atmosphere with great music.
(5)
Heidi M.
It was the perfect grey afternoon in Chicago to have scotch and eat fish and chips. Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips for $10.95. Brian at the bar was really nice and made the afternoon even better. Steve had his scotch and I have my fish and chips and to top it off - Free WiFI! Bonus!! And this from an Irish Girl at that...
(4)
Colin E.
One time I came here and sat next to a table of old English actors, in all black with their scarves, carrying on and telling old theater stories loudly. I drank a great scotch flight, ate the wonderful fish and chips, loved the ambience.
(4)
Tenzo D.
Went here when it first opened about fifteen years ago. One of the best pubs in Chicago Went back a week ago and did the whisky tastings. Ok, It gets another star.
(5)
Alicia D.
Was told the wait would be "25 minutes" an hour and a half ago. Still being told it will be "another 20 minutes," "any minute now". I feel hosed. The food is decent but not worth being lied to. I'm too far in now. You got me duke.
(1)
Dan G.
We came here after catching a good flick at the Landmark Theater (also getting out of the 100+ degree weather outside). The place was busy and we were told there was a little bit of a wait. No problem, we wanted a drink. I had an expertly made old fashion (too much Mad Men lately) and she had a spiked Arnold Palmer. I will have to come back for some of their rare scotch and Scottish beer the drink menu looked amazing. We were seated not to long after we got our drink. We both opted for the all you can eat Fish and Chips, a great deal for 10.25. The fish looked hand breaded and fried. Not the boxed fish you usually see at a all you can eat fish fry. The fries and tarter sauce went perfectly with the fish. It looked and tasted like fish in chips you could get in a small bar in Scotland. The service was good even though it was crowded. A real enjoyable time and will become a tradition after seeing a movie.
(4)
Lindsay S.
I loathe fish but for some reason a craving for battered and fried fish with a side of fries comes at me super hard about twice a year. And this place served it up! And it was even all you can eat (which I did not partake of - one was more than enough - but I saw some going for a second plate) Great service. No TVs - I'll go to a sports bar if I want them the best beer line up - I had a Belhaven Ale and YUM. The brews from Scotland and UK are amazing Whiskey. Flight. --I'll leave you to think about that And above all I heard they were the best fish and chips in the city. And they didn't disappoint. I prepared myself to say "meh" and instead I can't wait for my next craving. This place is the best for a cold Scottish drafts, some fried goodness, good conversation and some fireplaces to warm yourself by.
(4)
Derrick T.
Duke of Perth... what happened? Were you affected by the recession? Have times been tough? Have my memory been altered by another race of beings that made me think this place was heavenly for their fish and chips? My most recent visit last night resulted in disappointment. The fish were falling apart, the coating was soggy (from oil)and barely there, the peas tasted like they were frozen and reheated but empty shells of their past selves... My old memory the past 5 times I've been here were of firm well coated fish, delicious to taste and wonderous to touch, peas that were full bodied almost tasting like fresh peas. The fries remain tasty. The burgers remain gorgeous and delicious. The scotch list remains wonderful. The beer remains excellent. These items really give it the three stars... but with the downgrade in fish and peas, I was sorely disappointed. I can only hope Duke of Perth restores its AYCE to it's former glory days... and when it does, can someone let me know? Please?
(3)
Shannon M.
On a rainy day recently the family capped off a day in the Lakeview area with dinner at the Duke of Perth. I've been to many an Irish pub in my life, but never a Scottish one, so when I heard about this place I had to drag the crew along. My first impression was that it was quite dark, even for a pub, probably partly thanks to the rainy day, but without the aid of the fairy lights still left up from Christmas I'm not sure I'd have been able to read the menu. We sat at a wobbly table (Dad would lean on one side and the table top would lurch upward about 3 inches!) with a bench seemingly made from a church pew, in the front room near the bar. It was early, so not a big crowd and minimal noise. Warming drinks were called for; there was a sizeable list of hot beverages, including a "ScHOTch toddy," hot buttered rum, hot port, and hot apple cider with rum (my choice -- it came with a clove-studded orange-slice. The rum was evident in taste but didn't overwhelm the apple, and wasn't a super-boozy drink; I didn't want a buzz per se at 4 pm). There are also many beers from Scotland, Ireland, England and elsewhere (US and Germany, mainly), and a listing of Scotches, of course. I started my meal with the French onion soup (tasty on a rather raw day, though rather than being capped with the toast and cheese like most places, the clearly premade cheese toast came on the side, to be dunked in the soup), and opted for the fish and chips as entree, since that is my barometer for measuring a pub's worth. These were rather skinny strips of fish, beer-battered (oddly, with PBR!); good taste, though so flaky that they somewhat disintegrated in parts. The fries weren't too exciting; the fish came on top of them, so i think the steam and heat made them a little soggy. The fish and chips came with peas, which is perhaps a Scottish thing but didn't appeal to me. My father and brother both also got the fish and chips; my mom rebelled and got the Sean Connery burger, which was big and messy, but when asked for the verdict, she declared, "Sean was good" (good night, everybody!) Our waitress was unobtrusive but got the job done; nice work. Overall, this place was a nice stop for dinner on a rainy night. Watch your step when you leave, though; I tripped down the two big steps going out the front door (I'd hate to see the headers people take after downing several pints of Belhaven!)
(3)
Ian G.
It took one visit to make this me home pub! Being both Scottish AND Fatty, "The Duke" had an immediate initial appeal to me. Visited first with a very dear friend for fish and chips on a Friday and instantly felt home. It has the charm, feel, and vibe of all of those wonderful pubs in Scotland that I love and miss. Roaring fires when its cold, perfectly-lit interior, and friendly staff bring the sensation of the wee village pub where you feel that you could easily know and be known by everyone. The Duke's strict "no television" policy results in something rarely seen in most American pubs: patrons speaking to one another! Rare indeed, right? Down to brass tacks here: Quite possibly the BEST fish and chips I've had outside of bonnie Scotland (or dear old England, for that matter). So many other robust comfort foods abound and make you never want to leave; And with Belhaven on tap, why would anyone want to do so? Speaking of which, the tap serves up so many of those rare and hard to find pours and pints of Belhaven's finest brews along with several from Young's and Fuller's. The wife loves the Blackthorn Hard Cider. If you're uncertain what brew to order then get the "Wee Heavy" and I guarantee you'll like it. Oh the scotch... the lovely scotch. Whether a novice, an aspiring connoisseur, or a seasoned stillmaster ye'll find yourself a happy lad or lass with their large selection of lovely drams. Affordable to average pricing on their pours as well as some well-arranged flights for an average of about $20. Tips: Go for the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Wednesday vs. a Friday: its slightly less crowded. Its WORTH any wait.
(5)
Lisa H.
Normally, I'd be rating the "Duke" 4 stars but, we had a pretty bad experience last Saturday night - based on absolutely abysmal service. We actually walked out and left to go to Jake's Pub across the street. On a frigid Saturday night, all of the tables and barstools were taken - not surprisingly, as DOP is popular. 20-30 minutes wait for a table. We were SO excited to get hot cider and beers that we were happy to stand at the bar and wait for a table. The problem is, there IS no place in this crowded restaurant to wait or stand without being in somebody's way. We were constantly being pushed out of the way by rude servers and bartenders, and absolutely nobody would take an order from us. Not even the BARTENDER who was 2 feet away from us. Therefore, we stood around like a-holes for about 20 minutes drink-less, feeling incredibly awkward, and being constantly jostled. Finally, we couldn't take it anymore and left. I was actually embarassed that we had brought my fiance's sister here and that we had talked it up so much. NORMALLY - we have great service, great beers and we enjoy the food here. (Even if their "chips" are actually French fries and not authentic.) But I'm going to think twice about coming here on busy nights.
(3)
Scott P.
I really dig this place, but the scotch is a little overpriced in my always humble opinion. But everything here is good. Their selection of beer and scotch is incredible, and their all-you-can-eat fish is wicked tasty. Their outside seating in the back is great for nice days, but inside it's extremely comfortable as well. I don't know what I can say about this place that I haven't said about a dozen other places. The service was good, the selection was good, the location was good- it was all good. Sorry for the lame review. I'll do my next one in a staunch British accent.
(4)
Victor V.
someone once said, :Why go to England if you can visit one of Chicago's pubs?" Well, if you go to DOP, you'll know why. They try hard by trying not to try, but it's still trying. Their flights of three premium Scotches are pretty cool, and so it the mantelpiece, but England it is not. However, if you are looking for a getaway from American bars with their TVs and pool tables, this is not bad at all. Just keep in mind that ANY pub in London, Dublin or Liverpool is much much better.
(3)
Graham K.
One word: Service. I came here two days in a row last week; the first time I took my folks, and it was busy, and the wait times were lagging. But, it was 5pm, and folks were coming in for delicious food and drink. This is to be expected. Our food was wonderful, and we all had a great time. I had missed the place, since more than 6 months had gone by since my last visit: a wonderful summer afternoon on their back deck area. The day after I took my folks, I wanted to go back in the early afternoon, write holiday Thank You notes over some drinks and a lunch. I had the same server, there was less than half as many people at the early hour, and yet still.... Service. I could not believe how lacking it was. Between drinks, waiting for food, waiting for the bill... it was embarrassing. You should not have to wait 20 minutes between drinks. Maybe there was only one server for the place. I get that. But step it up and move a bit quicker. It will be many months before I experiment again. I'm very bummed to see poor service at a place I'm otherwise very happy to have in Lakeview.
(3)
David B.
Duke of Perth (no "the," just like the rock band "Eagles") has no TVs, free WiFi, AYCE fish & chips Wednesdays and Fridays, two-for-one entrees Mondays, and a 50c wings special Thursdays. These are all good reasons to stop in. During the winter, I try to get one of the tables by the fireplaces, and during the summer I sit outside. All year round, I gravitate towards the pies. Their shepherd's pie and their chicken & mushroom pie are both warm and satisfying in cold weather and not too heavy when it's hot. The rest of the menu won't thrill either your dietician or your cardiologist, but so what? It's a pub; you know the genre. It's good pub food. Full disclosure: I'm a regular at Duke of Perth. I've come to this place since 1996, sometimes more, sometimes less, but there's a long history, and I've got a strong pro-Duke bias. But why? Why come to this place once or twice a week for 15 years? Why do all my friends know of it as my "remote office?" Why did I become a Duke partisan? Simply: the people. I'm not giving Duke of Perth five stars because of the food; you can find individual examples of better food if you look in Chicago. I'm giving the place five stars because of the staff. The owner hires smart and hard-working people who are noticeably more interesting than everywhere else. All bars have servers who work in theater. Most places hire actors; Duke of Perth hires playwrights. And everyone who lives there--regulars, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff--makes the place a warm and comfortable place to have a bite, a beer, and a conversation.
(5)
Anne B.
This place has some seriously cool atmosphere. The food was only okay...that may, however, have been because I ordered something that was not fantastically tasty. Mushrooms can only go so far. My companion loved her dish, though, so maybe I'm just being picky. Really, though - it's an awesome place just to step in to. Stop by for something hot to drink until the weather warms up.
(4)
Tommy O.
Will update later. Cozy, atmosphere, but beer wasn't all that more special than your typical Irish bar and burger was below average. I'll have to return to try some more beers and the fish and chips.
(3)
Colleen D.
Went for fish fry. Very good. Will be back.
(4)
Erika G.
Utterly cute back patio - really pleasant that. Went here for dinner, and ordered the "famous" Fish n' Chips. Lots of malt vinegar. Check. The fish was crispy and moist - very good. Of course, I DOUSED it with vinegar, as is my wont. The chips were forgettable - aren't "chips" supposed to be what we here in the New World call "steak fries"? They were sort of soggy, pedestrian french fries. Tennant's Lager - all good. Dishing with a friend - even better. A pleasant place to hang and have a nosh - and a Scottish bar, not Irish!
(3)
Lindsee R.
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Duke, Duke...lalala My friend took me here for .50 wing night after a really terrible week. Service was slow and I was all set up to be disappointed when I saw the wings had some breading...but, boy was I wrong. The wings were huge and awesome. The breading is so thin it mostly serves to soak up sauce. The sauce could be a twee spicer, but that's neither here nor there for me. The "chips" were also really tasty, a good thickness that was neither steak nor skinny. Topped it all off with a really crisp, delish cider that I've been craving it ever since. I have no idea why people aren't busting the door down, but I'm not mad about it, though I'm rethinking having written this review...
(4)
Melissa H.
Love the cozy atmosphere, great back patio, my boyfriend loved the scotch list. Wings were tasty, too!
(4)
Nadeem P.
Wow...that's all I can say. Amazing scotch and beer selections, wonderful service, and all you can eat fish & chips?? Not only does this place do it all they do it extremely well and with a huge smile on their faces, this is my new favorite spot!!
(5)
Heather R.
If Duke of Perth were a person, I would've snagged 'em up and married him by now. I am in love with this bar/restaurant. I love everything about it and all it has to offer. I mostly frequent this bar on their "All You Can Eat Fish-N-Chips" nights (Wednesday+Friday from 5-9) because it's one of my favorite meals on the planet! When I bite into their fresh fish, it is cooked to perfection, along with the fries and serving of peas. The perfect combination! I usually wash it down with a "Wee Heavy" and I feel like I am transported back to Scotland enjoying my meal out of a newspaper poke. Being from Scotland (as in actually born there), Duke of Perth reminds me of being at home with my family and at a local pub. The decor on the wall is similar to what's on my mum's walls and it's great having wonderful Scottish Ale's and lagers on tap at my disposal. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly. They take great care of you, and the look and feel of the bar is very homey. That's how a bar should be. Again, another place with a great patio which I am constantly at in the summer months. This is my little hideaway and I encourage anyone who is in the mood for a night in Scotland to visit the Duke of Perth.
(5)
Molly L.
The beer selection, menu, scotch list, service and atmosphere are all fantastic, but the real star here is the fish and chips. Best fish and chips in Chicago, hands down. Get here early if you plan on coming for all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Friday night (especially during Lent).
(5)
Jack M.
I came here with a very large group and had a very satisfying experience. The waiter was probably the most adept at handling large groups waiter I have ever seen. Color me impressed. The Whiskey selection is out of control fantastic (i hate Whiskey but tried two that I actually liked!), although the beer selection, while varied and appropriate for the venue, just doesn't taste very good. Hopefully someday the UK region will hopefully revise their general beer recipe to not include moist sawdust. I did not order food, but friends commented that it was quite good.
(4)
Victor M.
I ate here before and I ate here recently. Therefore I have a valid review. AYCE Fish n Chips on Wed and Fri is the best. The fillets are pretty big and its accompanied by peas and hand cut fries. I had a friend who was interested in going but was not able to make it; he missed out. Here is how the conversation goes a day after. Friend: "How was the all you can eat fish sticks?" Me: "It's fish n chips, and they're the size of a plate." Friend: "Plates come in all shapes and sizes. Many restaurants are very stingy with the size of it. So I call them fish sticks." Me: "Hey, they're bigger than Long John Silvers and very crispy." Friend: "OHHH! When can we go?" Me: "I'll think about it..." They do get crowded, so anticipate a 10-20min wait depending on the time for 3 or 4 people.
(4)
Kate M.
I've been going there since it opened, when it was my local. Now I am not living in Chicago, I go back whenever I visit town. Unlike most US joints which try to approximate an Irish, English or Scottish "pub," this really is the real deal. Great selection of beers, malts, and excellent food. The service is top notch also. Bring your friends, grab a Belhaven Scottish Ale and a cozy corner. You won't regret it!
(5)
Virginia T.
Wow, so sorely disappointed in the Duke of Perth after my last visit. We went on a Friday night. I was expecting a long wait, being a weekend, a warm one at that, and all you can eat fish & chips night. We showed up at 7:15pm and were told that it would only be 30min. This is where things get hairy. We find some room at the bar, order a few drinks....and wait. After over an hour the hostess calls our name, we settle our tab at the bar, pick up our coats and head back with her.....then she stops us and says "oops, I called the wrong name, there is still one table (uncalled) ahead of you" and proceeded to make us wait another half an hour and sat the other table. Of course, we'd also lost our spots at the bar now. We finally sat down- C ordered the buffalo chicken salad, which he said was tasty- H got the meatloaf which she said was ok. J got the all you can eat fish and chips. The first plate came out quickly but was greasy and not very crisp. He ate all of the fish anyway-and asked for more. They very quickly brought out two more fillets (sans peas and chips). These were crisper and hot but still greasy. I ordered the grilled vegetable sandwich. The worst part was that it claimed to be marinated veggies, they were obviously not- and they were not cut anywhere near evenly. This meant that some parts were cooked, and then others were CRUNCHY. The peppers were undercooked, the goat cheese was sparse.....it was pretty bad. We were upset at how slow things were, how we were treated and the underwhelming food- so we were determined to get some of our moneys worth and ordered a third plate of fish & chips. This one was the best of the whole night. This was finally more the quality I'm used to from Duke of Perth.....so I guess the lesson learned is don't go if it is busy at all? I was really upset that they quoted such an inaccurate time, and that they called us and didn't end up seating us. The poor quality sealed the deal.....I'm not sure I can go back :(
(2)
Jessica S.
I love everything about Duke of Perth from the backyard patio, the mouth watering fish and chips, to the great beer list. A great neighborhood hang out.
(5)
Kathy L.
I hear this place has an amazing selection of whiskey, but don't ask me about whiskey, because I don't know a darn thing. What I do know is fried food and damnnnnnn does this place deliver!!! The fish and chips here are amazing, not just best in the city but best I have ever had!! Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat (which is pretty dangerous). I prefer Monday, which is two for one entrees...my friend and I used to come here and get a salad and fish and chips and split both. We would get the fried food fix and some veggies mixed in there. They also have an amazing appetizer, the fried veggie mix. Other things are good here but I can only review on what I know and this is where I go for fried food. I will be sad to leave Chicago because I am almost certain that I will never find another fried food place like this again. Another thing about this place that I love - I can actually come here and talk to people. There aren't TVs anywhere and the music is never horrendously loud.
(5)
Michael H.
I've been in Lakeview for 10 years and visited for the first time. A very cozy restaurant perfect for this chilly time of year. Hearty fare and an extensive scotch list. Try the Scottish burger with an egg and red pepper. Goes perfect with a Bass Ale. Also a good spot to go to before catching a movie at the Landmark Theater on Diversey and Clark.
(4)
Kevin T.
Great pub food. Burgers, fish & chips, Shepard's pie. Awesome collection of whisky and brews!
(5)
Daniel A.
Peas and Scots! What more could you ask for? In a city that is inundated with 'authentic' Irish pubs that consist of nothing more than 20 TVs and a wooden sign out front, The Duke of Perth is a breath of fresh air. Beware though, if you want a Guinness they only serve it in a can. The good news is that they have their own stout that is amazing.
(4)
James B.
I had a great experience here, when I was just looking for some mediocre bar food. I entered despite (or because of) the unassuming storefront, since there was an advertised "all you can eat fish and chips" special. I was not disappointed. This was some very good beer-battered fried fish, served with fries and peas. I also got a Belhaven Scottish Stout, which went well with the food, and had possibly the best texture of any stout I've gotten. While I only stopped in for a quick dinner with friends, I look forward to coming back here sometime soon to try some different food and drinks. It looked like there was an extensive Scotch selection behind the bar, and I'm interested in the "stovies" that could be had as a side in lieu of fries.
(4)
Nicolette D.
Unlike wine aficionados, if your a Scotch drinker it's hard to find a place that does flights. You must come here. They have several flights of 3 Scotches each priced between $19-$30 available. Each collection has a laminated guide to help you identify what your tasting. We ordered the "Duke's Malt Goggles" and lunch. Server was a pro, food was great & we bought 2 out of the 3 we tried afterwards. This place is precious, one of the few places that exist where a Scotch drinker is appreciated. I also didn't think a bars without TV's blaring even existed, how refreshing! A perfect winter afternoon.
(5)
Angela J.
I have a disease. I am a yelp addict. If I find myself in a new neighborhood, I turn to yelp rather than explore on my own. I figure, life is short, I'd rather know I'm going to eat well. But then again, there's something to be said for a sense of adventure... I'll be adventurous tomorrow... Duke of Perth had great reviews and was a half mile from the bar I was at for a birthday, I headed over w/ a few friends w/ hopes for some decent late night food and a drink or two. Holy scotch flights and veggie fries! We sat down minutes before the kitchen was closing and opted for a few appetizers, the mini burgers w/ au jus were definitely an elevation on the traditional slider and I was impressed. The draught beer list is short but all encompassing and the scotch list seems impressive (I'm waiting a few more years before honing my scotch habit). Definitely a great neighborhood place that's a step above a traditional bar food scene.
(4)
Joe S.
This is my favorite bar to go to in the neighborhood. No TV's, nice laid back atmosphere with people sitting around and talking at normal adult levels, and best of all great Scotch and Beer. The bartender will know a great deal about the Scotch menu so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations if you're new. The food is also fantastic too, and I recommend their hot wings which have a nice crispy fried coating + a delicious hot buffalo sauce. Would recommend this place to anyone who travels to Lakeview looking for a place to hangout. 5 stars.
(5)
Magneto L.
I'm not much for fish, but the rest of the food is great, the scotch selection amazing, and the people that work there are awesome. I almost took away a star for no tv's, but I guess that is some people's thing, and probably a welcome refuge from the cub fan idiots that stumble south into our fine neighborhood....
(5)
William Laurence P.
Great little place! I always feel like an ex-pat in Dublin, yet somehow I always step back out onto North Clark street. Love Muffin & I enjoy it for date night. My favorite experience was getting there early one autumn evening after a day of holiday shopping and running into a friend who was also having supper solo at DoP. We had a warm, cozy meal and a great scotch flight, next to the fireplace & and most importantly before it gets standing room only. Love the fish fry and scotch! Bangers & Mashed ain't so bad either. Enjoy! Satya, WLP3
(5)
Jenny R.
They had me at 'hard cider on tap'. How could I not fall head over heels for you, Duke? The Shepard's pie is always delicious and the service here is friendly. Everything I've eaten here has been perfection. I've never been able to actually make it in the door for the all you can eat fish-n-chips nights though. There are so many others waiting. Someday we'll be together again, Duke.
(4)
Marvin A.
Went here during NYE. It also fell on a day that they had an unlimited fish and chips special. Service: For a pub, it was exceptional. Our waitress accommodated our urgency for a quick bite before going to a NYE party before the countdown. Food: The fish and chips... well... were fish and chips. You can't really screw that up. And no please don't recommend me a place that will prove me wrong. My sister found the chips underneath the fish did not suit her taste since they were soggy and greasy. Libations: This was the first time I tried a dark stout. DELICIOUS. Beer milkshake? Yes please. I would definitely come back here if only to try out their other beers.
(4)
Caty H.
Been here a lot, and always love it! 1st) Twisted Thistle, I love you. This ale is amazing! I can't find it anywhere nearer to me, in Wicker Park... But I'm not sure I'd want to because... 2nd) Their fish and chips are 100% beer battered goodness. These are the best fish and chips I've ever had, and yes I've been to the UK... these are like a good spin on British food! Dip them in a little of their tartar sauce, and you'll be singing praises to this place with me. 3rd) The service is unsurpassed. Granted, one of the bartenders is in a theatre company with a friend of mine, so she's a connection... Still, I see them giving the same impeccable service to everyone. Guys... Duke of Perth, go there NOW! You will not be sorry you did!
(4)
Sara E.
The fish & chips here are yummy, so yummy, in fact, that I am refusing to go back tonight for MORE fish & chips because it's all-you-can-eat fish & chips night and crazy fish & chips people will crowd in to eat fish & chips. Fish & chips.
(4)
Amanda C.
Don't judge this place by its cover. On the outside it looks ok- honestly, I probably wouldn't have stopped in here without reading the positive yelp reviews first. You would never know it's a super cozy Scottish restaurant/bar with great food and atmopshere. Upon arrival, we were initially told there would be a 15 minute wait and we could sit at the bar which had plenty of open seats, but the table was ready in about a minute. Every Wednesday and Friday they have all you can eat fish and chips for $9.95, which is a DEAL, and I couldn't even finish one plate. You can observe Lent all year long! The fish, fries, peas and tartar sauce were all delicious and they also have a great beer selection at moderate prices. Enjoyed the old pictures and items on the walls, including the stuffed goat head wearing sunglasses. I definitely want to come back here and try some of their other options.
(4)
Jamie B.
If I have a hankering for fish and chips, Duke of Perth is definitely where I'm headed. It's the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago and I can't fail to mention that 2 days a week (Weds, Fri) it is all you can eat! The batter on the fish is not too heavy and it doesn't get soggy. Just the perfect amount of crisp with a quality piece of fish. Oh and the fact they give you peas (which actually taste great), make you feel slightly less guilty for stuffing your face with a bunch of fried food. Unlike some places that do all you can eat fish n' chips, they actually will come back to your table in a timely fashion to see if you'd like more, ask if you want both fish and fries, and not judge you if you eat more than the average person. I like the feel of the place as well. It's pretty cozy with the dim lighting and dark wood interior, which is so nice during the long winters. In the summer they open up a back patio which is nice as well, but nothing special.
(5)
Risa P.
The plan: to get here early on a Friday night for the fish and chips and beat the crowds The realization: It is a Friday during Lent. Oops. The crowds were there and in full force, babies everywhere. We had to wait about an hour (even after they told us it was a half an hour wait) and we were kind of squished in the doorway or near the bar. That part was pretty crappy. You felt like you were watching other people eat and were part of their dining experience. Blah. We sat down and were quickly served the fish and chips. The food was good--both the fish and chips were piping hot and fried to their all glory. The chocolate stout was good. The waiter was nice. We were also able to get a different side besides peas. The cucumber salad was delish! However, you can only get the peas as a refill as part of the all you can eat. I wanted more cucumber salad! The food and service was good, it was too squished and to in and out for my liking. My parents were in town and it would have been nice to have a slower relaxed evening with them, without feeling like you were being pushed away. Especially after an hour wait. My sister, who lives in Australia, is already wanting to come here when she comes to the States for a month. We may go here or I may try to put something else on tap.
(3)
James B.
Great little patio out back.
(5)
Luan N.
I went on a Monday when they have 2 for 1 entrees. I ordered the fish n chips, accompanied by Tennents lager, which was something I had regularly when I stayed in Edinburgh. Portions were enough, but nothing like the portions you get in the pubs in the UK. Sometimes you can get a cod fillet as long as 14 in. The thing that annoyed me the most about the dish was, the batter kept sliding off the meat. The taste of the batter was just not right and was soggy as well. I've had fish n chips at least on 30 different occasions anywhere from London to Iverness. For a pub that prides itself on being Scottish, I was expecting a little more. Even my UK buddy concurred with my opinion. So, it's no doubt a great deal. But, if you're looking for really good fish n chips, I don't think it's representative. I give the dish 2 stars, but adding an extra star for having Tennents and a decent beer garden.
(3)
Susan L.
Duke of Perth still tops my list of cozy places in the city! If you order food, get a side of the mustard-tarragon salad dressing and put it on EVERYTHING. You will leave with no regrets! Thanks for being such a reliable and delicious place, Duke of Perth!
(5)
Tia T.
I may not remember a lot from my Catholic school days, just the essentials. Glad to say that the Duke of Perth has been instrumental in helping me observe the great tradition of eating FISH on FRIDAY! All of the fish and chips and peas you care to devour are yours for $10 bucks...and don't forget the tarter sauce and vinegar. Ya heard! Good, greasy, simple cod fish and chips. Add a pint of Guinness or Strongbow cider and you're in heaven! It may in fact be as close as I get to the promise land, but Sister Therese Mary would still be proud.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday around 5pm. It was nice and quiet (which is perfect), but not deserted. The staff were friendly and helpful. Beer selection was decent. All you can eat fish and chips was good. If you've every actually been to a Scottish pub, you know that this isn't particularly authentic, but it avoids theme-y-ness enough to be enjoyable. They did play cheesy bagpipe music until someone told them to turn it off. The one thing that did bother me was that they started to lead us to a table when we walked in. I know this sound stupid, but I think pub, I think you sit where you like, you order food at the bar and they bring it to you. I guess this American remnant is too hard to let go of.
(4)
Green D.
I had the bacon cheese burger and skins. The meal was average pub grub, IMO. Atmosphere was great. Service average. Food average. Beer selection was above average. Scotch selection looked great!
(3)
Kar M.
The problem with places that have an unlimited anything is that I have no self-control. You say "all you can eat," I tearfully reply "I can eat all." So even though they have this amazing-sounding potato-leek business, I am helplessly drawn to the AYCE fish & chips, eating well beyond comfort, finishing off husband's peas, being a hero for the table when the most recent crispy additions threaten to go to waste. It's good enough. But lord teach me moderation. Beer selection is humble yet solid, but then you came for the scotch. Service is spot on for the atmosphere. I'll try again, when I'm stronger.
(3)
Katya L.
I've been coming here off and on for a while. The fish and chips are quite nice, and for a bar they do a mean salad. But really, come here for the whiskey and beer. They do a nitro pour of Belhaven's Wee Heavy that does not disappoint. Ever. I will always love the Duke of Perth because they are a cozy, wood-paneled bar with no televisions. NONE. Respect.
(4)
Meade M.
First let me say that The Duke is my favorite local pub, I go there to eat lunch, dinner, have a few drinks, and to sit and study. The Duke of Perth, almost has it nailed, it's almost perfect. Where they have seriously fallen down on the job is food and non alcoholic hot drinks. The Good: Their lunch/dinner menu is very good if uninspiring, the fried mac and cheese bites are fantastic. The coffee The beer The Bad: The desserts leave a lot to be desired, they all taste frozen, and the choices aren't very interesting. They don't have milk for the coffee only cream, which makes no sense. Their hot tea selection is terrible. They should really consider serving brunch on the weekends, they open at noon Saturday and Sunday and they would do some very good business if they started serving a full Scottish and maybe some oatmeal and pancakes. This is a young neighborhood and there aren't many places to get some good greasy hangover cure eggs and bacon, not to mention a mimosa.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
I love this place! It's cozy in winter (esp. if you get a table by one of the fireplaces), and it's great in the summer (huge outdoor patio). The fish and chips are yummy, and they have a nice selection of beer and whiskey. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (maybe two) to be seated on a Friday night, esp. during Lent. You will be told "about 20 minutes", but I think they really mean an hour plus "about 20 minutes". I've been coming here for years, so I'm used to the drill. It's well worth the wait though, so just grab a beer or a hot buttered rum, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait. :)
(4)
Kat L.
No frills, great food, easy location. I've read some of the other reviews saying that the service isn't great, that the place is loud... Yeah, it's a bar. Not everything in Chicago has a to be frou-frou pain in the ass. If you want a great hoppy beer selection and amazing food for a reasonable price, go to Duke of Perth. If you want a pain in the ass place with lovely decor, crummy food, and a large bill, go to Lula Cafe.
(4)
Anna H.
I've been a few times, and always had a great experience. The beer selection is lovely and I hear the whiskey and scotch collection is stellar, though I haven't tried it out yet. Last night, after ordering a Belhaven Wee Heavy and a Guiness, the server brought me a sample of what he thought I might want to drink next, just because he felt like it. I love that...he made my friend and me feel special without being over-attentive, and we both tried new beers that we might not have otherwise. Also, there was a secondary waiter who kept our water glasses topped off all night long, which really meant a lot to me this morning when I woke up without a headache! I also had the 'All You Can Eat' fish & chips special last night...heavenly. They could have given me more fries to start out with, but I ate way too much to complain. I love that they keep malt vinegar on the table, too, as that's a must-have in my book when you're talking fried fish. The only thing I don't like is the lighting in the rear (indoor) part of the restaurant. It's just a tiny bit too bright, but too dim to be well-lit - so you can read your menu, but it's still not the most comfortable place to drink more than a few beers. Then again, I guess that's why the bar exists!
(4)
Jerry B.
Really nice, cozy Scottish pub. Good Belhaven beer. Had the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogoch for the appetizer. Very good, kind of like an Awesome Blossom, but less messy. Had fish and chips and fish po-boy. Both fried perfectly. Efficient, friendly service. No TV screens makes the place adds to the friendly atmosphere. Definitely would return, maybe before/after a Cubs game.
(5)
Alex F.
This is one of my favorite restobars in Chicago. They have, by far, the best scotch selection in the city. I really like the option of scotch flights on the back of the scotch menu. It's a great idea. The food is pretty good and there is a nice little patio in the back. Drawbacks? The bar is wayyyyyyyyyyy too small. The atmosphere is kind of weird. It kindof feels like a bar, but it seems to get treated more like a restaurant. I don't think the owners really wanted to decide what it was, so it's a hybrid, which I dont really like. I don't know... go and decide for yourself. Try the Islay flight.
(4)
steve b.
We've lived about 3 blocks from this place for 5 years and walked, driven, and rode by it countless times - but finally went for dinner tonight, and it was absolutely great. Good atmosphere, great food, nice people - we'll absolutely be back soon.
(5)
Melissa D.
One word can sum up Duke of Perth! Wow! My boyfriend and I went out on an adventure one Friday night to find somewhere new to eat. We ended up walking right into Duke of Perth. What a fabulous find! The beer selections were great. The prices seem pretty fair. I had a Belhaven Scottish Ale. It was perfect. I think my boyfriend had a Miller Lite. Can't go wrong there. They have the best fish fry I've had in quite awhile. My boyfriend ordered the All You Can Eat Fish Fry and it was under 10 bucks. I was uber impressed. I still am. It was just that good. I believe it came with peas and fries. Not too sure about the peas, but the fries were great. I ordered a burger. It wasn't just your ordinary burger either. It was amazing. It had a horseradish crust, which I've never had before.To tell you the truth I haven't even heard of that before. But, YUM! The burger was huge, the fries were really good too! Especially if you dipped them in the vinegar that comes with the fish! Our service was a bit on the slow side, however, the place was packed and it seemed she had a pretty large section. The server did get our beers to us pretty quickly though. Two thumbs up for that. Im not really into the whole scotch and whiskey scene, but from what I can remember there was like 100 of them or so to choose from, for all of you malt snobs. We will definitely be back, Duke of Perth.
(5)
Steve M.
Fish and chips? Check. All you can eat? Whaaaaaa??? This place is great. It's got great atmosphere, and whiskey flights! It made me feel like I was in Scotland. Oh yea, all you can eat fish and chips is crazy, yo.
(4)
Karyn K.
Duke of Perth is a cozy and fun pub, where people were crowding in on a cold and snowy night. With a table in the back, we were left to eat and drink and enjoy ourselves! I am not a big fish person, so I turned down the Fish and Chips, but most people in Duke of Perth were eating the Fish and Chips (all you can eat special on Friday). I had the Sean Connery burger (no bun) and added the chipotle sauce from another sandwich (yum!). I also had the steamed veggies on the side. There are some servers that look very annoyed when you make changes like this, but this waitress wanted to make sure that I had made all the changes I wanted! This is a great place and I can't believe I waited so long to check out a place in my neighborhood! Can't wait to head back!
(4)
Will D.
I love the Duke and always bring friends,especially on ayce fish and chips nights. Unfortunately the crowd can be brutal, especially in the winter, but if you go a little early or after the rush, you can feast and drink hearty stouts and feel like you're worlds away from Chicago. In fact, it really does feel odd to come out of this pub into the modern world after spending a few hours here. There are lots of knickknacks that seem genuine, not faux, and the tables and lingo add to the pub atmosphere. The fish is amazing--crispy batter and tender filets, with thick chips and peas. To be honest I don't think I've ever had anything else here, but the shepherd's pie looks good. The selection of beers, ales, stouts, and whiskeys is terrific, and it's easy to try a different variety every time. I've been here many times and have always enjoyed it although the wait can be horrendous and there's nowhere to stand while you're waiting. If they could figure that out, this would be my idea of pub heaven.
(4)
Jean C.
Since it is Lent and all, I am trying to be a good Catholic and not have meat on Fridays. So what's a girl to eat? Fish and chips of course! I had my eye on this place for some time and thought today would be the perfect opportunity to go. We arrived around 7pm and yes, I know it is prime time for dinner. I put our name on the list and was told it would be about an hour and half. Well, much to our surprise, it was only 45 minutes! Yay! We got a table in the back room which was quieter than the bar area. We ordered the fish and chips and it came out fairly quickly. The fish was hot, lightly fried, flaky and delicious. We got two big strips along with fries and peas. The peas were ok. They were cold and I could have done without. After eating all of my fish, most of the fries and a little of my peas, I was done. So much for all you can eat! My cousin had an extra helping of the fish but my husband and I had to throw in the proverbial towel. The portion size is perfect and the service was spot on. The busboy filled our water glasses even if the glass was mostly full. I would definitely come back for their fish and chips special. I think I may try Wednesday and hope that it's less crowded. But I doubt it.
(4)
Leon I.
The dangerous combination of the two phrases "All you can eat." and "Deep-fried food" makes Wendsdays and Fridays at Duke of Perth something to avoid. And I avoid it by showing up and making a food baby. The Fish 'n' Chips at Duke of Perth are not the best Fish 'n' Chips I've had. But because like most Americans I easily confuse quality with quantity, I'm happy to squelch any complaints I might have with a second helping. Now to be fair, the quality of the F'n'Cs at D.O.P. is not abysmal. It's actually quite good for a North American chipper. The fish is always served hot and not too greasy, but it really needs to be salted, vinegared and tarter saused to get at much flavor. The chips are... ok. I don't remember ever going to a chipper in Scotland (Which is presumably the standard at Duke Of Perth), but I lived around the corner from the legendary Burdick's in Dublin at one time. So that becomes my standard, and D.O.P. is no Burdick's. But where Burdick's has the quality in terms of the food, Duke Of Perth is a pub with some excellent beer, and flights of single malt Scotch. There's nothing like a buzz to season almost any food, and that goes doubly for unlimited amounts of a fried food. I do have to also laud Duke Of Perth for a convivial atmosphere. Every time I've been there I've enjoyed the room, and been able to enjoy my companions without a lot of the loud obnoxious down-sides of places that use the term 'Pub." This is a good Pub! Not a great chipper! I think that's fair and as advertised... I'll be back.
(3)
P S.
Hiding from the law? On a date with a fugly? Hit up the Duke because no one will see you in there. Forget bringing a book to this bar unless you have one o' them cool book lights (or want to sit in the brighter back room). Joint is dark! Ok anyway, as I often say about fish and chips, either I've never had it done right or I just don't like it - but the Duke's version had been on my radar for years and I finally was able to put them to the test. They upped the ante a bit as their fish was perfectly battered and tasty so that's a good thing, but really... fish and chips are fish and chips, shrug. The potato skins were standard, the fried mac & cheese thingies were ok but I wouldn't get them again. I don't know... there's nothing about DoP that would make me have to go back unless perhaps I was in the area and looking for a pint.
(3)
Alex F.
What first brought me into Duke of Perth is that I heard somewhere (perhaps on Yelp? hm?) that they don't have any TVs. There's something admirable about an old-school joint that refuses to sell out and litter their dive-bar walls with bright, loud, seizure-inducing gigantic flat screens that look more out of place than Gary Bucey in a convent. The idea is to retain the concept behind a neighborhood tavern: A place where you can go to relax, have a few beers, and - wait for it, this is the shocker - TALK to people. Maybe even people you DON'T KNOW. Oh, the horror! We hung out in the beer garden, which is freshly painted and walled off from the alleys and other houses so it's got a nice, cozy atmosphere. They serve Real Actual Beer, which I availed myself of the opportunity to drink. There was only one stupid beer on tap (PBR), so they're doing pretty well. Ended up talking with a couple of guys who were apparent regulars at this establishment until I had to go to work. They informed me that the fish and chips are, in fact, worth the hype. I'll trust them on that and come back to try them next time.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.
I love Fish and Chips! And since this was AWESOME fish and chips, and I don't know any other place in Chicago that has fish and chips, all my fish-loving stars are going to Duke of Perth. We went on a Wednesday all-you-can-eat night, and though we expected a long wait, we were seated immediately (for inside. There was a wait for the back patio). The atmosphere at Duke of Perth is awesome-- no TV's! The music wasn't too loud, the wooden furniture was warm and inviting, and clearly lots of people were easily engaged in real conversation. And the fish! mmmm. Crispy and fresh with lots of fries, and peas! Restaurants never serve peas, and since they're one of my favorite veggies, a full star goes just to the peas. I was pretty stuffed after about a piece and a half of fish, but my date ordered another round, just cause we could. Mmmmm. Even if we'd had to wait, it would have totally been worth it.
(5)
Erika K.
I first thought this place would be just another corny celtic pub, but it turned out to be a pretty cool place. They have a really unique selection of scottish beer and whisky flights! I ordered the scotch burger which was really tasty and it was a nice sized portion with fries. I'm tempted to go back and try the bangers and mash.
(3)
Colin G.
This place has been consistently amazing every time.
(5)
Katherine S.
I will say that the food was decent, the beer was amazing and the service sucked. It's "all you can eat" fish and chips...but when you ask for seconds, they question you to high hell. My boyfriend ordered a second round only to get the 3rd degree in disbelief that he could "actually" eat more. I swear he was scowled at when the bartender actually brought him a second helping. He explained that they had to ask bc there was such a waste of food in the past with the "all you can eat" theme... SO WHY OFFER IT? It took forever for us to be served and, I must say, the waitress (who had been the bartender when we walked in, but switched to the floor) gave us both the creeps. As I said the beer was really great though!
(2)
S-Guard M.
I was a big fan of Duke of Perth... I use to eat and drink at the old Earls of Lockness. I got the Shepherds pie for dinner, it was more like an appetizer. A very small portion. The entree Is served in a medium size chilly crock, you also get a side of peas.. I'm still hungry, but I'm so disappointed at the moment i can't look at the menu again. The overall taste was fair, usually ground meat when not seasoned enough taste, well like unseasoned ground meat. Their fish & chips night is worth coming to.
(2)
Elizabeth B.
I caught so much shit for my last review of DoP that I decided to try again. Tonight was the night: $0.50 jumbo wing night! My mate and I began with a basket of chips (fries) and 10 wings split half-and-half BBQ and buffalo. The chips were limp and soggy and really disappointing. The wings were huge and meaty and juicy BUT the sauce was only average. I expected the buffalo and BBQ sauces to be more flavorful and tangy but instead they were simply mediocre. There was nothing really special or memorable about them. The bleu cheese dressing was the most disappointing thing about the meal. I prefer potent bleu cheese flavor. It tasted like they "homemade" it by throwing a few bleu cheese crumbles into some mayo. I think it's really cool that the wings are so big but DoP is doing themselves a huge disservice by using cheap-tasting bland-tasting sauces. If I were just looking for big portions, I'd go to Old Country Buffet but I am looking for good food. I would expect someplace like DoP to really pack a punch with big flavors. This is the second time I have visited DoP and the last time I will allow this place to leave me underwhelmed. I won't be back.
(2)
StereoKiller P.
This place has a FANTASTIC single malt selection, and as a bonus... it seems that the staff is actually trained on it, which is quite rare. The food is also quite good. Good beer selection and if you go in the summer you can eat on the patio which wins because you can't see the busy street while you eat. Those are the good points. The Duke of Perth does lose a star to me because it tends to be insanely crowded. When you wait for a table, the odds are that you'll be standing in the middle of the dining area to wait, which feels a bit strange. They also removed the curried beef from the menu, which was the best thing on it!
(4)
Heather R.
Beer was delicious, but the food wasn't that fantastic, and the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing.
(3)
Lola T.
Duke of Perth was quite an enjoyable, unique and delicious adventure! The inside was dimly lit and mysterious. Wooden seats, white lights and fireplaces. I would definitely consider this a fun date restaurant. I was pleased with the warm atmosphere, unique selection of beers on tap, all you can eat fish and chips and exciting scotch flight adventures. We were seated in wooden booth in the middle corner of the restaurant, best spot in the house! I started off the evening with a Scottish Lager on tap, delish! Of course we ordered the all you can eat fish and chips. I only ate 1 serving, but they were very good and I'm a sucker for french fries (which were awesome). The fish and chips also come with peas, which I proceeded to get all over the table. Now to the scotch adventures....We ordered two different scotch flights, Sherry Amour and For Peats Sake. I never had a scotch flight before last night. It was a lot of fun learning and tasting different scotches and experiencing the flavors/scents you go through with each one. Good stuff all around:) I will definitely be back!
(5)
Jay R.
Great fish & chips and friendly service I had been wanting fish and chips for a while. Although I tried to time my craving with the all-you-can-eat special on Wednesdays and Fridays, we ended up going on a Tuesday. My wife and I started with Tennants lager as recommended by our server. It went great with all the food we had and we had a lot. The portions are healthy. Then we ordered the Haggis wings and asked that they be cooked a little extra to make sure they were crispy and the sauce be served on the side. My wife loves dipping sauces and the larger the variety, the better. I asked the waitress for honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo sauces. The wings came out perfect to order. And to our surprise she had included ranch and blue cheese on the plate. We had a good laugh at the vast selection of sauces. Then she remembered she had forgotten her favorite one, tarragon mustard. Indeed, it was very good. A few minutes later another waitress walked by and said, "your missing our best sauce!" She brought out a delicious chipotle sauce. We had so many dipping sauces and appreciates the effort and kindness everyone took to make our dinner memorable and fun. We both ordered fish and chips. The fish was crispy with just the right amount of crunchy crust. The fish was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Numerous times I found myself not dipping the fish into any of the numerous sauces (by this point we had also acquired tartar sauce, ketchup, and vinegar) as I did not want to hide the delightful flavor... Can you believe that! I think it's the best fish & chips in the city, although our fries had mixed reviews. Mine were crispy and crunchy and stayed that way throughout the meal. However, my wife's were a bit soggy. Not a big deal though since she had the cucumber salad as well and really enjoyed it. My suggestion is request the fries well-done and on a separate plate, if you really want them crispy. If your a scotch drinker you will enjoy the scotch flights that the Duke of Perth offers. The flights are served on a little wooden trays so its easy to keep the different tastings apart. Another thing I liked is how each flight is served with a explanation card that points out what to look for in each scotch. The cards are cool as it really helps to understand the more subtle flavors and smells of each different scotch.
(5)
Meredith B.
Went here with some friends on a Friday night, and I was pleasantly surprised! This pub had such an authentic vibe - no TVs, just antlers on the wall and specials like "hot toddy" written on a chalkboard. We were even able to get a table on a weekend! I had their hard cider on tap, which was very good - and I'm just generally impressed about all their British Isles beers. Such a nice change from the usual bar selection. The food smelled delicious, I'd love to come back for fish 'n' chips. It was a great place to have a casual evening with friends and some really great beer. You get the feeling that real British people would actually come here....
(4)
Kwoky L.
I am amazed at their selection of Scotch. You can literally get one from every region of Scotland. I also like the all-you-can-eat fish and chips for about $10 on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last time I ate there, I had five fish fillets. I can kinda taste that the fish was previously frozen but there's no fishy smell and quite nice overall for that price.The chips and peas are not my favorite though. I've had better. Don't miss the fried leeks. They are delicious!
(3)
Sara A.
Duke...Duke...Duke.... Duke of Perth....Perth...Perth I really, really, really like this bar, I just wish it was closer to me. Went there last Friday night with my friend around 10pm for some scotch and whiskey drinks and some fish and chips. The hot toddy was strong and citrus-y and the fish crispy, just the way I like it. We got a table right away in the place, where the decor is warm and inviting, and it has a fireplace. The wait staff was a little slow, but they were busy with some large groups in the back. Overall, great place that's not pretentious to hang with friends
(4)
Mary M.
A lovely, lovely pub! In summer there is the back patio and Tennant's lager; in winter it's delightfully cozy and dim with your double chocolate stout. The Murrayfield Mac never fails to make me happy. Come here with friends; come alone and read a good book at the bar. Just get in there before everyone else does. Cannot forget to mention my favorite feature of this bar: NO TV's. AT ALL. The Duke of Perth is heaven in a pub.
(5)
Dane K.
Good inexpensive food... Almost everything on their menu is under $10. On Wednesday and Friday they have unlimited fish and chips ($10). We went on a Friday... I wasn't really all that hungry even, but ordered the fish and chips.. Service all around was on the slowwww side. It took a long time to get our food, particularly considering we ordered fish and chips, which is what 60% of the people there were eating as well... The kitchen should've just been churning it out, but they weren't... Later we were asked if we wanted more fish, and about 20 minutes later got it. Fish and chips themselves were good... (first batch of fries needed salt). I've had many other fish and chips that were in the "just as good" category, but that's not to detract that the fact that theirs were good. They also serve up peas with them. After that our waiter disappeared... we had other things to do, so I had to literally go stand by the cash register to get my check and pay it. Their outdoor patio is decent and a bit bigger than expected. We showed up at 9pmish on a Friday night and got a table without waiting. They seemed to allow customers to smoke in it, though, which I don't quite understand, and if I had smelled it I would've had a real issue with everyone involved.
(4)
Collin G.
I want to like The Duke of Perth, I really do. I went there one night with my wife after a movie. Very cozy place, great selection of beer, Single Malt Scotch Whisky and what looks like a nice food menu. Now to my concerns: "Dear Bar Staff: You work at a Scottish Pub, yeah? If a customer asks, "Do you have haggis?" please do not respond by insulting the dish (and thereby insulting the customer). You may or may not be a vegetarian (not a big deal). You may or may not have ever had haggis (probably not). A polite, "No, sorry." would suffice. I don't need to witness your histrionics while you lecture me about a food you know nothing about. Sincerely, Collin G." The bar itself really is cozy. In this instance, the staff: not so much.
(3)
Jonathan C.
Nice old time feel to the inside Fireplace is a great touch Wed and Friday is all you can eat fish n chips for 9.50 They have amazing scotch flights. You can sample various areas of Scotland for a decent price. It is amazing. I love Scotch
(5)
Eric L.
2 for food, 5 for scotch selection. i generally don't boost ratings just because people own more bottles in their collection, but duke of perth is a scotch bar and that's their thing.
(3)
Amanda S.
Love the Duke of Perth. I will admit that my boyfriend and I sought it out. It's considered the last real Scottish pub in Chicago. My boyfriend is off the boat Scottish so naturally we had to try it out. It was great. They have a great range of beers and gave me more Belhaven options then I'd ever expect (Get the twisted thistle if it's still on tap it's amazing). The food was also worthy of a trip back. I had a veggie sandwich but I will go back for the fish and chips apparently they are the best in the city. We sat at the bar but was shocked to see how busy they restaurant was on a monday night. The bartender was nice and we never felt rushed. We must have sat there for 3 hours. There are no TVs which was great it forced us to talk to the people around us. It was a great experience and we will be going back.
(5)
Dylan F.
Not like this place needs another great review but I feel that a place this authentic deserves it's dues. It is the only place in the Lakeview neighborhood that I feel totally comfortable walking into alone and sitting down at the little bar and unwinding. Drinking alone is not for the faint of heart--especially when there are no TV's in sight. (people who got to a bar alone then stare glassy-eyed at a TV get no props from me--they might as well be at home) Duke creates a space that feels comfortable, subdued, friendly--and I daresay, wholesome. Much has been said about the offerings--they are stellar and complete the appeal of the place for me. But I go more for the atmosphere.
(4)
Erin B.
'eh..I thought this was gonna be the best place ever based on the Yelp reviews. Thank God for good company, otherwise I would have been one crabby Yelper! My friend and I were sat at a "tight fit" table(that's how the waitress described it, and boy was she right!), and were crammed in the corner. Didn't mind though, cause my namesake and I had a good time despite this! Had a burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. I might stop back, but only if someone insisted.
(3)
Kimberly D.
I can't tell you about the food- all I can do is comment on the HORRIBLE service. Friday night 7 pm, we get there to quite a crowd waiting. Of course people waiting, is always a sign of good food, right? We've got approximately 3 hours until we have to catch a show, so when we ask the "hostess"(I use that term loosely, more like a condescending, power- hungry seater) we ask "how long is the wait?" she replies flatly, "20-40 minutes". We've got 20 minutes so we tell her "I guess we'll just wait outside". It's chilly outside, but there is absolutely no where to wait inside the place. We can't even get a drink. We are huddled outside, standing in an ally watching people come and go out of this place. After about 40 minutes of standing in the cold, we realize at least 40 minutes have passed....we send a member of our party to check the wait. She tells him, well I'm sorry sir, people just aren't moving, yet we hear her keep telling new people the same thing, when they ask how long is the wait..."20-40 minute wait"...I said to her "why do you keep telling people that?? It's no where NEAR 20-40 minute wait! In fact, it's now 8:30 and we are STILL waiting. Now we are too invested to go anywhere else, it's too late to go anywhere else, and our show starts in an hour. The hostess was snotty, she snickered and shrugged her shoulders when we told her how long we've waited. She clearly could not care less if we ever got seated, or if we ever came back. I would NEVER go back. There are too many choices to eat at wonderful restaurants in our great City. No body has to stand in the cold for sub par looking fried fish....with a side of " snide".
(1)
Carolynne M.
I am dreaming, right? I am curled up in my warm bed, cats next to me, my mind foggily switching between unconciousness and semi-lucidity. I say this because this cant be for real..... -The Duke of Perth got a hard core fish hater to eat fish? -And not just ate it, but LIKED it? ENJOYED it? Oh no, this must be imagined! Although I dont think even my bizarre dream-center could concoct something as outre as this! It's true though. The Duke of Perth made a fish even Andy M will eat, and MAY ORDER FOR HIMSELF next time! Folks, I dont know even how to begin to tell you how monumental this is. This gives hope to us all! I can now see the day ahead of us when fish eaters and non fish eaters will unite! We shall sit at the same table, raising our chocolate stouts and proudly proclaiming victory over seafood debates! Oh Duke of Perth, thank you. Maybe it was the PBR batter that did it, who knows. I wont question it. Its a damn good fish and chips plate and you worked your magic. I am humbled and bow to your greatness!
(5)
Norris A.
I happened to be in the area to meet some friends and we stumbled upon this tiny bar around lunchtime. A sign out front said there was "all you can eat fish and chips" inside so we stampeded through the door. It's a pokey little place,not plush or hip but has a welcoming lived-in character and was cosy on a winter's afternoon. It is Scottish themed and so there are plenty of Scottish beers and whiskies and menu suggestions. Fish and chips drew us through the door...all you can eat for $10 and all four of us ordered just that (as we share one brain) There were also peas included which adds some color. While some of my group are adventurous and ordered Scottish Ale I asked for a big sudsy draft Guinness. When I was told by the solo friendly waitress that it was only available in cans I had to weigh up my options....go to another bar to find it and talk to my friends via cell phone or suck it up and deal with it like a man? I ordered a "draught" Guinness but only on the condition that she would keep the fact that it was from a can to herself and keep me in the dark. Off she went. I know a thing or two about fish and chips as I am from the U.K and I know it tastes better with a Guinness. British parents see to it that their kids are well nourished and think nothing of spending 5 minutes to put a good meal on the table by going out to the fish and chip shop on the corner and bringing it back, wrapped in vinegar drenched newspaper. The kids get their Guinness in a sippy-cup if they are too young to pour their own. Anyway- back to the Duke of Perth. The drinks were going down a treat when the food came. Hot crunchy filets in a golden crisp light batter served with what appeared to be hand-cut fries with hints of skin here and there. Plenty of peas (not the mushy variety but rather garden peas). Vinegar was provided without asking which gets a thumbs-up. More beer! was the cry. I think only one of us needed more food after the first plate which proved to be "all you can eat" for three of us. A special word for the waitress- she ran the floor by herself and was constantly in motion and constantly in good humor. Fast, friendly, funny and efficient. Hard to ask for more. I can't talk about their other food choices but hope to try some on future visits. For now I am just happy to know there is some solid fish and chips available at a great price every Wednesday and Friday at the D.O.P.
(4)
Dawn G.
I love this place for their food- their service is why they lose 1 star- The first time they were great- second, the waitress kind of threw the menus at us and seemed annoyed I didn't order a beer and needed a refill- but for their fish *unlimited* and no tv's..I can't complain and will always come back- even their burgers are great. I do have to say though- if you're a fan of that- the no tv''s and fish or great burgers go- it's so peaceful to be in a pub and not have to yell at my bf over tv's and sports neither of us care about. Their is street parking/downside sort of, but fairly easy...don't forget too they get packed on the fish nights!
(4)
Jared B.
Duke's really doesn't need a review from me as everything has been stated, but it is one of my favorite pubs so it's goin down. As a lover of all whiskey this place is heaven. Their list is crazy big so you will not be disappointed. Their standard beer label is pretty good although I wish they had more options. The food is always good. I would recommend the fish fry or the Bruce Burger. I've been going here for over a year and have yet to get a table in the patio so can't really talk about it except that I really want to sit out there at some point! lol. I guess that shows how much people love the place. The bartenders and waitresses are always really nice and helpful. I salute the Duke!
(5)
Lawrence Y.
Stopped in last night with a few friends who had recommended this place. I'm ALL ABOUT all-you-can-eat places! $10 for the fish & chips meal was not bad at all. For those of you who don't like green peas (I particularly can't eat peas alone), you have the option of getting steamed veggies which is what I opted for (carrots, broccoli, and caulliflower). The fries were standard, and the cod was good. I was full just after my second plate (probably like 6 or 7 pieces). I'd suggest coming here on an empty stomach if you really want to reap in on the AYCE madness. As for the service, I don't know what was going on with the server we had but she had a subtle biatchery going on. She totally called my friend fat. Oh, and soda refills are not free!
(3)
Ayako M.
I tend to stay away from bars in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park vicinity...or any vicinity where I may run into frat house douchebags with popped collars. So I didn't really want to go to The Duke of Perth, which is conveniently located near the Landmark Cinema known for showing great foreign cinema and small run independent film...I figured I was too hopped up on my own importance at having seen a movie SO cutting edge, it would blow your mind away! I mean, my brain was like, three times its normal size due the massive amount of culture I had just taken in...then my companion said the magic words, "well, Wednesday is ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH AND CHIPS" and I was like, n00ch! The place was awesome, very chill and relaxed. Filled with all types of people just having a pint or a whiskey and enjoying the traditional Fish n' Chips with malt vinegar and mushy peas. Awesome selection of beers and of course whiskey. Friendly bartender, friendly patrons, lot's of dark wood and comfy bar stools, I can't ask for more!
(4)
Dustin W.
This place makes me happy.
(5)
Christine F.
This place has (arguably) the best fish and chips that i've had in the city. Mmm. I understand why it's always so crowded We got here on a cold, disgusting Chicago winter night. It was crowded as hell inside, but somehow, we snagged a table right by the window. Good timing, I suppose. We started off with "vegetable fries" as an appetizer (which are fried veggies) and they came with 3 dipping sauces: Sweet and sour, mustard and a curry like dipping sauce. It was really good. The veggie fries lacked a bit of salt, but that's an easily remedied problem! My fiance and myself both ordered the fish and chips, which came with fries and peas. It's a HUGE serving, we should have just split one. I wasn't even able to eat half of mine. It's a lot of fish. We then tottered off into the night, full of fish, beer and vegetable fries. Can life get much better?
(4)
Kathryn M.
Nearly every Wednesday when trying to decide what to eat, my roomie and I give eachother the "wanna get fish and chips?" look. Because $10 for a big (and quite tasty - no frozen crap here) plate of fish, chips, and peas is a great deal in itself, but on Wednesdays it's All You Can Eat. And that's even better. Plus with this cold weather, the cozy and alluring fireplaces are just what you need to warm your body and soul. Well, that and the great line-up of scotches. :) This past Friday we were out with a group and we decided to hit up the Duke, and wow, I had never been here on a weekend!! The wait was an hour for a table, so be warned!!! Get here on a weekday if you can! After a couple of pre-dinner drinks at Jake's, we headed back over to the Duke to claim our table. I decided to opt out of the all-you-can-eat on this occasion, as I usually can only eat one plate anyway, and I got the Chicken Pot Pie instead. Be careful, because this thing comes out piping hot - I had to remove the puff pastry top and let the steam out for about 5 minutes before I was brave enough to take a bite! But it was a warm, comforting dish and I'd definitely get it again. Our server was great on this busy night, and she was did a good job anticipating the fish and chips refills so that no one had to wait for seconds. Awesome. I can't wait until the next Wednesday that we can do it all over again.
(4)
Brandon S.
I love Scotch and I love cozy pubs, so a bar that mixes both of those elements should be awesome, right? Wrong. My friend and I ventured in here at about 11 pm of Satrurday night. Now, I realize this is a mostly chill bar, but this was a little scary. Everyone, from the patrons to the staff, looked pissed off to be there. After waiting about 15 minutes a waiter took our order. Then it took another 20 minutes to get our Scotch. Now perhaps the bartender had to crack open the casket of single malt himself and test for impurities, but it usally takes me about 10 seconds to pour a scotch. I opted for the 11 year old Oban, nothing special, tasted like every other decent scotch i've had. I don't know, perhaps it was the fact that the lights gave the place a weird tint, or the slow service. Or everyone looking at me like a had a SARS mask on, but next time I will just swill my usual bottle of Johnnie Walker Red in my apartment. It's cheaper, no one will judge me, and I don't have to put on pants. Btw, who orders food from a Scotch bar at 1130 pm on a Saturday?
(2)
Carol J.
Best single malt scotch collection outside of Scotland for the love of Loch Ness. Awesome, authentic fish and chips (and I'm not a fishy lover), traditional Shepard's Pie and excellent hot toddies. I also have been known to enjoy some of the delicious ales available but that was back when I was a beer drinking hellion. Very warm and snug environment and always an engaging soul to warm your heart with a story with the ever so lilting brogue of the motherland.
(5)
Aaron B.
The claim of best fish and chips in the city is highly debatable. I went here the other night with a friend and tried these infamous fish and chips. Not the best I have ever had. Somewhat soggy, very flaky, needed a fork to eat them and served with like 5 fries. When you get good fish and chips they should be thick enough for you to eat them with your fingers not fall apart as soon as you touch them. Also they should be served with a basket of chips not two. The beer I had was ok, but I was really unimpressed with the fact that I couldn't get a real black and tan here. I know its Scottish but seriously, Guinness not on tap? Come on.... The interior is very small and the table we sat at was termed 'a tight squeeze' by the waitress, this was being very kind. I didn't mind the small table though since good company can outweigh simple deficiencies like these. However, if you are going with someone you really don't want to talk to be sure to avoid the 'tight squeeze' table!
(3)
Janet L.
This place is great! I go for the all-you-can-eat fish & chips even though I never need more than what they provide me on the first plate. Come hungry!! They also have a decent selection of beers (and I think other liquors), and the rest of the menu had some interesting and tasty-sounding entrees! I'd definitely come out here more often if it were more accessible (a bit of a walk from the El stop, especially since it's winter...), but a great spot nonetheless. It's super-crowded and busy, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors while waiting at the bar for your table.
(4)
Brian W.
As the 363rd reviewer, I'm not sure what's left for me to say, other than I was wholly charmed by the atmosphere but surprisingly underwhelmed by the fish-n-chips, which rate as merely serviceable.
(3)
Rebecca H.
#1 - Good beer. Yay! Also, my SO said the scotch flight was good, but I didn't taste it. #2 - AYCE fish and chips! My SO ordered these. He was happy with them! I got some salmon cakes - they were good but small. Our waiter snuck me in some fish and chips to fill in the hole. Thank you! I don't have a #3 - the service was fast and friendly and the place was (relatively) clean and (relatively) quiet. I think we all agree this is a winner!
(4)
Sarah F.
Haven't been here on a Friday night in a while...and I was tempted to pull the fire alarm to clear the place out. There's no way they weren't over the occupancy limits, but the 90+ minute wait for the table ended up being worth it once the unlimited fish & chips plates for $9.95 started coming. Mountains of flaky, battered fish are served over a bed of fries and peas with a portion of tartar sauce on the side. I have to agree with the other folks who contend Duke of Perth serves up the best fish & chips in the city (at least from what I've tasted). Be sure to sample from the extensive list of scotch while you're there, or consider one of the flights.
(4)
James M.
Atmosphere is nice, definitely has that classic pub style and they have put effort into appearing Scottish. Waitstaff didn't dress the part so much, but they were friendly. We only had to wait for about 10 Min. to get a table and the hostess was very apologetic. I happened to go on a Wed. for the all you can eat fish 'n' chips. The menu looked good, but I love fish so I stuck with that. I will say they are not stingy on the portions and they give you chips and peas as well. Texture was good but the taste of all three was lacking, fairly bland. They don't hesitate to bring you more, though. The beer and whiskey selection saved this place. Belhaven and Fullers are great. The latter has London Pride and a Winter Skl ales, both are quite tasty. A friend bought a whiskey flight which came out on a wooden board with places for three small glasses. Each was very distinct - not the kind of selection or presentation I have seen at other places. Bottom line, not too impressed with the food, but I got a good vibe and I would easily give it another shot. The beer and whiskey are worth a trip.
(3)
Andy M.
What a perfect place to pop into on a cold November day. It's dark, rustic, and quite cozy. We stumbled upon the Duke of Perth after a Black Friday shopping binge. We were cold, tired and hungry. Carolynne r. and I both felt at home right away. This place reminds me of some of the rural pubs I used to frequent when I lived in Holland. Our visit fell upon a Friday when they have their all you can eat fish and Chips. I hate fish, so I ordered the Black Angus, Blue Cheese burger. The burger was wonderful, but the big surprise is that I actually enjoyed the fish and chips. Did I say that I hated fish? The fried fish just melted in your mouth, and the tartar sauce made it perfect. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. The Duke of Perth is a cozy pub with an old world feel that is totally unique to anything that I have experienced in Chicago. The food, service and atmosphere were all top notch. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Sandy N.
Came here on a Friday night to try their all you can eat fish & chips special. There was a long wait, probably because it was a Friday during Lent, but also because it was a Friday. We ended up waiting for over 40 minutes for a 2-person table. Service was good, fish was great. Unfortunately, I couldn't handle more than one plate of fish and chips. Would come again though, on another night!
(3)
Naveen S.
Oh, Duke of Perth, why are you not closer to my place. I grew up in London and randomly have these cravings for Fish n Chips. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I find a $10 all you can eat Fish n Chips place. Honestly, how can you go wrong? The price for all you can eat is the same as it is for a regular order, so you don't have to feel bad if you went with the intent of AYCE but realized you were full after that one meal and scotch toddy. Will be back!
(4)
Allen J.
This place is good- especially their fish and chips. But, seriously with the no soda refills? We don't live in Manhattan. That refill you are denying me on my Diet Pepsi cost you less than a nickel. Definitely makes me think twice before going back.
(2)
Jennifer P.
I have had fish & chips on the brain for a while. love love loved it. perfect amount of batter/breading...tender fish....yummy fries/chips. also had the wings...yummy (and on special that night, too!) great beer...had the fuller's london pride....delish... highly recommended! thumbs up!
(5)
Dustin N.
Excellent pub feel and great fish and chips on Wed/Fri All-you-can-eat for $9.99. Outdoor seating in the summer is in the back and rather quiet and relaxed. Beer selection is good, I wish it changed up more often.
(4)
James E.
Came here for the second time last night - LOVED IT! Great food, great atmosphere. It's such a chill bar / restaurant and it's amazing what having no TVs can do to make the place feel so much more relaxed. Great selection of beers, too. I had the Sheppard's Pie and the hubs had the burger. The pie was very good and the burger is something that is going to bring me back so I can get my own damn burger and not have to be limited to a bite of my soulmate's. The horseradish crust was just slightly horseradishy, so it wasn't overwhelming. Oh man. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Susan F.
Not bad, not great. I ordered the chicken finders and my friend ordered a burger. His burger looked alright, but all of his fries were charred, really badly. My chicken fingers were very good actually, and the dijon/chipotle mustard sauce was really delish. The service was good and the outdoor seating was very nice and quiet. Overall, I think I ill have to try more there, but like I said, the experience was kind of forgetable.
(3)
Steve D.
Fish and chips is the way to go here. My parents were in for the weekend and I brought them this past Friday, as I understood they offered a good fish fry, and it delivered. For $9.95 you get all you can eat. Good, crispy fish, good fries, and peas!! On Friday's be prepared to wait, we did for about a half hour. But, the 3 of us ordered fish and chips and it arrived promptly in like 2 minutes, which is really nice. We were worried that after waiting a while we would miss the show we had tickets to, but with the quick service we were finished eating 20 minutes after we sat down. It's a bar like any other, it's loud, but the decent quality of the fish made up for this. I would definitely go back if I have a taste for fish fry, but only on Wednesdays or Fridays, as this is when it's all you can eat. Not to say I would pile that much food into myself, but there's something comforting about all you can eat being attached to what you ordered.
(4)
Don Z.
Good stuff from a suburb bar. The meatloaf was monstrous plate of food. Bland as expected from a British pub. Beer selection was good. After a few pints, had to have a scotch. I enjoyed talking to Brian for an hour or so and he pointed me to the train with my suitcase. For some reason I slept through my entire flight back to California.
(5)
Amanda S.
We came on a Wed. For the "all u can eat fish and chips." All four of us ordered the fish and chips and wine and beer. The drinks came and were good, then the food came and it was good. Two pieces of fried cod fish, green peas and French fries. When we were finished eating that plate our not-so friendly waitress asked if we would like more and we all said yes and ordered another round of drinks. My friend and I had eaten the first plate and put our napkin on the finished plate. The waitress came back with one plate with a few fries on it, with four pieces of the fish on it for all of us to share. Clearly not all u can eat and rude service. The ambience felt like we were in someone's old dingy living room. Will never go back.
(1)
Tom T.
Duke of Perth has its good days and its not so good. I go here about once a month for dinner with some friends. The first time I came here I had a Scotch Egg Burger. It was incredible. Ever since I've been chasing the purple dragon ordering those damn burgers and they've never been the same. I think something changed in the kitchen, the food just isn't quite as good. They have some interesting things on the menu though, definitely a good change from the norm. I also like that they don't have TVs in here and it's quite dark. I like the atmosphere. Service has always been good, not stellar, but good and friendly. I like that they have a fancy beer selection but I do not like that I don't like any of the beers here. It costs quite a bit to drink here simply because they don't serve any cheap beers. I think they might serve Bud Light, but I hate Bud Light. Subsequently, I usually end up spending about $20 on food and $80 on beer...not cool. It also appears to be a little dirty at times with gnats swarming around and whatnot. I'll be back, but on a less frequent basis. It wouldn't take much for this place to be really special, but something tells me making this place nicer would ruin its purpose and charm. I'll say check it out, but don't get your hopes up. Instead, drown them in a lot of beer and heavily fried foods. Even the vegetables are deep fried here!
(3)
Paul H.
Duke of Perth has been on my radar for a while now as I am a huge fan of fish and chips. So, I managed to stop by for lunch recently. I grabbed a table in the back patio, which was unexpectedly nice. The server was great (she was managing a table full of drunken out of town cubs/reds fans - navigating their bad manners with a certain amount of sass of her own, nicely played!) I ordered the fish and chip and a nice lager, which I had heard from a number of people were just amazing. Don't get me wrong, they were good; crisp without too much breading. They weren't the best I've ever had, better than average to be sure. I think that I'll go back and try out the whisky selection and have another order of fish (perhaps on an all-you-can-eat night).
(3)
megan s.
OVERPRICED CRAPPY FOOD. I got the salmon cod cakes. gross. I was expecting plump little tasty cakes,instead I got flat, crispy, greasy pancakes with no flavor. That was $10!!!! The tartar sauce tasted like straight up miracle whip. My boyfriend got chicken club, which was not a club at all but rather a flavorless regular chicken sandwich. No toast in sight. ...Don't waste your time.
(1)
Janis W.
We ate here the other night and I had a really delicious burger. I never knew their burgers were so good. They don't play up the burger aspect, so I've always ordered from the UK side of the menu. This used to be one of the only bars in Chicago where you could get cider on tap. Now others have gotten with the program, but this pub still rules. Friendly, cozy, 2 fireplaces, lots of whiskey choices.
(4)
Vladimir K.
I was stoked to go to a Scottish place, since that's what I am. It was okay I guess, but just way too expensive for what it is. I think I might like it better if it was in a different location.
(3)
Laura K.
Love this place. I used to live right down the street so maybe I'm biased but they have the BEST beer you will ever have. If you go, try the Belhaven Scottish Ale. It's unbelievably smooth and satisfying. If you want something a little more filling, go for the Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It's incredibly smooth and creamy. Absolutely delicious! The burgers are yummy and their chicken and mushroom pie is amazing. I also cannot get enough of their fries. They have specials almost every night of the week - Monday being buy one entree get one free. In the summer they have a back patio area that's very quaint and shaded by a few trees.
(5)
Mar'ia A.
I loved this little Lincoln Park establishment. Small, quaint and cozy. My guest ordered several single malts and some draft beers (GREAT SELECTION!). I order several appetizers. The wait staff and bartender were quiet and unassuming but quick and helpful. The food was piping hot (order the fried mushrooms with a side of ranch DIVINE!) and hearty. What a gem- will visit again if we have the chance.
(5)
Charlie M.
Growing up in Wisconsin, you learn that there are two basic kinds of pubs: those that serve pizza, and those that have a Friday Fish Fry. If your chef can't fry fish, you better start ordering more tomatoes. Moving to Chicago, I discovered that deep-fried fish didn't have the presence it does north of the border. In fact, my first few times ordering it was disillusioning. I hadn't realized you could actually mess up fried fish. It's batter, not plaster of Paris! As such, my first visit to Duke of Perth was like stumbling upon a sanctuary of sorts. Then I looked at the scotch list. Long story short: it's top-notch (all-you-can-eat on Wed. and Fri.) fish and chips (and peas) and the best place in Chicago to find your new favorite lowland single malt. The draft beer list runs only about eight selections deep, but they're all beers you're not going to find everywhere and worth exploring - if you have room. Decor is dim yet cozy. Kitschy antiques, church pew seating and exposed beams create an "old world" feeling, like maybe the place was a public house before it was a pub. I can't say too much about anything else on their menu, but the only negative comment I've heard on the matter is "I wish I got the fish fry," and I'm pretty sure they were just jealous.
(5)
Tom K.
Scottish brews and a good selection of single malts make this place one of my favs. On top of that, they turn out some good food as well.
(5)
Yoyo M.
A very low key, chill place that's warm and inviting. I've been here a few times with good friends and it's perfect for when you just feel like talking, grabbing a good beer, good bar food and really relaxing. This is not a place to go to be seen but it's not divey either. I will keep coming back.
(4)
Rita W.
We went here last night with my girlfriends - we always walk past this place but have never gone there. We got here at 6pm which we thought was pretty early and we still had to wait about 20 minutes. We are not too sure if they really put our name down because a party of three that came in after our party of four was seated before us. After waiting another ten minutes for a four top to open up, my roommate went and talked to the hostess and we were seated promptly. For as busy as it was, service did not take as long as I had expected. My friends ordered the fish and chips deal. I can see why there is a big draw for this, the pieces of fish were HUGE and looked as if they were perfectly fried, the fries were hot and a bit crispy on the outside, perfectly mushy on the inside, just the way I like my fries. My veggie sandwich was mediocre. I have to say, unless you are planning on getting the all you can eat fried fish and fries deal, I do not feel that the wait was forth it for this place.
(3)
Peter P.
GREAT FISH AND CHIPS, GREAT WHISKEY SELECTION, and AWESOME UNABLETOPRONOUNCEFRIEDONIONLEEK!! I tried to eat "ALL I COULD" but the fish they fry is ludicrously huge; after three fish, I couldn't eat anymore. The cod quality is superb. I can't wait to try their other dishes such as the shepherd's pie. 15 year old whiskey was worth every dollar; with a drop of water infused in it, the single malt tasted fantastic. I can't wait to go back and try out all the whiskey from different Scottish regions.
(5)
Stephen R.
I fell in love with "The Duke" then fell out of it. Maybe it was the smoking ban. Maybe the $5 pints get tiring on the wallet. Something happened and it's just blah now. Monday night food specials (1 entree, 1 free) is still amazing, and the fish and chips with malt vinegar (!) is always awesome. And nothing beats the beer garden patio on warm summer nights! Great place for some outdoor space not far from Diversey/Clark. But what was a great post-work "adult" spot has become more family friendly. I saw a stroller being rolled in there one night and was absolutely beside myself! Strollers! Children! Augh! And when you're dropping -- at minimum -- $5 a drink as there is never a drink special, it's no fun. It made me wish I could still smoke in the front bar, as a child deterrent more than anything. Oh, Duke. :(
(3)
Vio V.
Duke of Perth is probably the best place to spend a relaxing Friday night after a week of hard work, or a chill evening hanging out and talking with friends any other day of the week. This hole-in-the-wall Scottish Pub specializes in Scottish Whiskey and the best Fish&Chips in the city. Fresh fish and chips are $10 for all you can eat on Wednesday and Friday, but the portions are so big (and delicious) that it is a good deal any day of the week. If you're not a whiskey fan, Duke of Perth also carries a nice selection of delicious European beer. I would recommend trying a flight of whiskey anyway for the experience. The only pitfall here is that the alcohol is a bit on the expensive side and that the pub can get a crowded at dinnertime. The atmosphere, however, is great. The place looks a bit sketchy on the outside but is quite cozy inside with fireplaces burning warmly in the winter. Many people seem to be complaining about the size of the place, but I think that this is part of the charm. It makes me feel like I am transported back to Europe.
(5)
Amy S.
Three words...FISH AND CHIPS! Came here on a whim one day and I made the mistake of ordering a grilled vegetable sandwich. The sandwich was very good, but my bf ordered the fish and chips and boy was I jealous!!! The portion was huge, so I was lucky enough to get a taste (my bf can be a little stingy (just kidding G...loves ya!)). The beer batter (or whatever it is) was perfect and it wasn't too greasy. I was just very impressed by it...if you can't tell :) They have all you can eat nights, but I'm not sure who would be able to finish more than one portion of it....but it would be worth it if you have a HUGE appetite.
(4)
Kellen T.
I always walk past this place and wish I was inside rather than going to some shitty bar someplace else. Well this last Friday I was finally able to stop by and spent my entire evening dining on fish, fine beers, and chatting with the extremely intelligent bar tender. I enjoyed my experience at D-o-P, and cannot think of another place in Chicago like it. All to often bars or pubs in this town overwhelm their patrons with loud music, two dozen 52" televisions, and flirtatious scantily clad waitresses. While sitting at my table I was surprise by the amazing choice in music and even made a few comments to my friends about how impressed with it I was. The food is great. Classic. The beer was a big amazement. Having lived in Chicago I have not been very impressed with most bars beer selection in relation to it's prices. The Duke of Perth has some great beers that go very well with all it's good. The bar has an extensive whiskey and scotch selection and the bar tender was more than willing to help me select a whiskey to go with my meal. Duke of Perth is a great experience!
(4)
Pauline S.
just stopped in for a beer before a movie and I can't wait to go back! I'd imagine that this is the perfect place to sip a good brew or whiskey on a snowy Chicago night while enjoying the all you can eat fish-and-chips. the atmosphere is everything you want in a good pub.
(4)
Nicole L.
It was wintery Sunday afternoon and they had very few customers. And yet the service was terrible and they managed to run out of menu items including coffee! Maybe it was bad luck? The atmosphere is the major redeeming quality (including two fireplaces to cozy up to on a chilly day).
(2)
Dean K.
Went there the other night specifically for the fish fry. This is a great winter place so I try to get there for the fish once in a while. It was good, as always. But the real winner was my girlfriend's burger. It was topped with horseradish and served au jus. Whoa. As much as the fish there will always call my name, I'm going to start venturing out into other areas of the menu. These guys can cook.
(4)
Emily F.
This place pretty much has the fish & chips award locked up. The all-you-can-eat on Wed & Fri is one of the best deals in town...if you are hungry again before the end of the night you have some kind of hormonal problem. I have a weakness for Scottish beer. I think it's probably the best beer on the planet. DoP doesn't disappoint with it's selection. I wish I could go tonight, but I can't justify leaving the house for dinner when there's so many Thanksgiving leftovers to be eaten. You and I have a date next Friday, Duke of Perth!
(5)
Heather K.
Amazing weekday deals, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, whisky, beers, but everyone knows that already. I just wanted to add that Duke of Perth has a great selection of winter cocktails, too! Cocoa, warm apple cider and coffee, with or without your choice of booze. Hot buttered rum. Hot toddies. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Chris R.
Really I mean to give this place 4.5 stars, but yelp won't let me. But if anyone from Duke of Perth is reading, know that you're almost perfect. And that's pretty good! I am a fan of the beer selection, decor, food, service staff, and the awesome back patio in the summer. I guess I could write more, but it would just be to say that this place is great. So this is a short one. The end.
(4)
Kearsten D.
This is the absolute BEST place for fish and chips. Feels just like a real Scottish pub. Great food, great beer, great service.
(5)
Kourtney L.
went here for my birthday this summer and everything was great except the temp inside. we eventually moved outside and all was well but the 30-40 minutes spent inside were absolutely terrible. i knocked a star off for that. great selection of beer and great food too.
(3)
Maya D.
This is my favorite bar in Lakeview, and one of my favorites in all of Chicago. The servers are really nice, and they know a lot about Scotch. The Scotch list is great! It's lively, yet quiet enough to actually have a conversation. AND THERE IS NO TV.
(4)
Christopher B.
Loved it! We ordered the mac and cheese bites for the appetizer, which came with a chili sauce, it was delicious!!! We moved to Shepard's Pie (my partner had this) and I selected the Fish and Chips...both were oh so good!!! The fish was flaky, and had great flavor! The service was great as well! Very attentive, the decor was that of an English pub, very cozy. We really enjoyed ourselves, after we were finished with dinner, we sat and chatted a bit, did not feel rushed at all. This is a new favorite for us, we will definitely be back!!! Oh and on Mondays, they offer buy one entree, get one free!!
(5)
David H.
A great all you can eat deal can be had on a fish fry, which is especially appreciated during Lent. In addition they serve a good pub style menu, so if fish isn't your food of choice, then you and all of your group can dine in comfort and old European style. The back patio is great for sitting on a summer day and or evening and trying their extensive beer list. The staff is friendly and down to earth, so this would make a great second date choice, too. Guys and girls, bring your wallet full, because you will want to spend the whole evening by candle light. Cheers!
(4)
Andre W.
Sigh...this is one of those places I took for granted when I lived in the area for 4 years. I always meant to come but Jake's across the street always seemed more attractive in terms of drinking. I have to apologize to DOP as I didn't know you were such a cool joint. A couple of friends had been telling me about their Thurs deal for 50 cent jumbo wings. I also found out this is a scotch bar in which I had no idea...I am a scotch lover so right up my alley. The place itself is nothing special in terms of looks as its pretty dark and average looking but they make up for it with delicious BBQ and buffalo wings. I smashed maybe 10 and took the rest home with me. The service was definitely on par as the girl serving us was nice and always had a smile on her face. Scotch list is pretty extensive...pretty much a scotch lover's dream. I hear they have a all you can eat fish and chips night which they are locally famous for. May need to check that out, but Thursdays definitely has my attention.
(4)
Michael P.
I've never been disappointed, I've never been thrilled. I evaluate this place as a real restaurant, not a bar. Speaking of bars, the liquor and beer selection is pretty good. They have the Harp and Guinness and ciders and all the stuff of that ilk. Atmosphere is decent. Fireplaces are good in the winter. Back room is a little narrow and crowded, some of the tables have seen better days. Service and food are very inconsistent. Some times the service has been very nice and attentive. Other times it has been the bare minimum. Some of the food - like the burgers - is very good, other food is on par with a hot dog stand. As part of our meal one time, we ordered chicken fingers (no, I'm not 6, but they sounded good) and they were about what I'm used to getting at a lower-end sports bar. And the sauce was in a cheap plastic cup. And the chicken was lukewarm. A couple times the fish-n-chips was great, another time the fish was greasy and disgusting. I really can't justify going here anymore 'cause I have no idea if I'll get good DoP or bad DoP.
(3)
Matt P.
A great secret beer garden out back. My wife and I and to the Duke on Friday night and enjoyed a few drinks in a great environment.
(4)
Ben A.
Apparently on Monday nights they offer buy one get one free on all food except appetizers (i.e., burgers, entrees, sandwiches). I ordered the meatloaf which is served with mashed potatoes, peas and mashed rutabaga. The meatloaf was ok, nothing extraordinary by any means. The sides were ok as well. The portions are kind of small though as I was still hungry. My friend ordered the shepherds pie which came with a side of peas. He as well was not sated with the portion size, so we ordered the potato skin appetizer. The plate of 4 loaded potato skins (cheese, bacon, sauted onions, scallions, side of sour cream) was delicious! We ordered draft beers which were decent. They also seem to have quite an extensive whiskey and scotch menu. The service was friendly and prompt! The ambiance is laid-back. Multiple tables and bar seating, in addition to a fairly large back patio seating area with umbrellas. No tvs adorn the walls. Overall, great service, decent food, good drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. I'll be back for the fish and chips. Lastly, ask the server to pronounce the leek sticks appetizer.
(4)
Megan C.
Went on a Wednesday. Nice, laid-back atmosphere. The back patio is quite charming. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely recommend the fish fry.
(4)
Michael N.
UPDATE: They've since (?) opened a ~50-seat patio which, while nothing special, does give you the option of dining outside on a nice day instead in the dark wood library atmosphere.
(5)
Eowyn K.
Another great find from Yelp. I wish this pub was closer to home. It is a low frills, neighborhood bar. There are no TVs, no loud music or bar games. The main sounds are from the patrons themselves. A comfortable buzz instead of trying to yell over the music. Through the back of the bar is an enclosed garden/back patio. The only aspect of the pub I would change is that the bathroom is a single so there can be a bit of a line. I was excited that they had Pimm's, a very rare find in the US. This alone made me very happy. We were equally happy with the food, though I'm not sure how mac and cheese bites are Scottish. They tasted good anyway. I had the fish and chips, as this is what they are known for, and I was not disappointed. Completely up to my expectations. I think it was partly due to the breading. A friend had chicken fingers and the breading was just as good, light and not overwhelming. They came with peas, not mushy peas, but this is the US and frankly we just do not like mushy peas here. We were throughly happy, a great place in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)
John K.
First off, not a fan. Second, staff needs to be nicer to men wearing Kilts. Third, the fish in the fish tank are not meant to be used for the fish fry.
(2)
Jeannette K.
Insulting bartender and bad service tonight at the bar. And when I asked why they had $10.25 All U Can Eat fish & Chips on Friday night on their website and the bill came to us at $11.95 his answer" lady are you really that upset about $1.50. We don't know how to correct our website." He continued to look at me like I had 2-heads. How Insulting to me. I wish I would have deducted the tip by that amount.I won't go back. We had to wait an hour to get a seat after being told it would be 40 minutes.-got a spot at the bar-had to constantly wave this Irish bartender down for Menus, drinks, food order--then wVe wave wave for the bill. I had 1-order of fish because it was too much work to get any more . Got there at 7--got out at 9:45p.
(1)
Natalie Q.
Food, great. Beer, awesome. Place, eh. I love me some Scottish pub food. The saddest thing as has been mentioned is the tiny portions on the pie type items. They are almost appetizer size portions and they don't give you enough fries. However, the endless fish and chips twice a week is totally worth going for. I'm not sure about other food items but I was satisfied. Not the best fish and chips ever but really good for the price and the fact they were bottomless. The beer selection is excellent. They have a diverse style selection and some other things on draft or bottled. I loved the Black and Scottish ale. Smooth and nice to drink. The atmosphere is, chaotic. It's small and it gets packed fast. We got there early and it seemed a little full but by 7pm it was at capacity. It was difficult just to leave. I can't imagine how difficult it was to get a drink at the bar. The crowd is definitely full on Fridays at 7pm. The only negatives would be the fact a lot of people bring several children there. It really doesn't seem like the place and it was a bit of an annoyance. Their parents always want you to give them space and seats like they're king of some place probably a high rise somewhere. The clientele here tends to lean more Lincoln Park than Lakeview and those LP people are super rude. I've never been elbowed so many times by pretentious people without apology.
(4)
En B.
Best fries in town. And I had a lot of fries this visit :) good fish n chips and chill vibe. Loved the music playing and the bartender was super nice
(5)
Hollina U.
This place is great. My brother was in town and really wanted some fish and chips, so I took him here-- the other good reviews motivated me, and also it's walking distance from my apartment. Came here on a Sunday when both the Cubs and the Blackhawks were playing, so it was DEAD since there are no TVs. All the better for us to get fast service! Brother got the fish and chips and I decided to try the Trawlerman's Pie. First of all, I had never heard of a Trawlerman's Pie, and my only experience with Scottish food was eating a really nasty Shepherd's Pie in Nanjing, China--- after that, I was like savory pies are NASTY. Anyway, Sean the bartender recommended the pie since I said I don't like breaded meat, and was really accommodating by swapping out the green peas for steamed veggies. The trawlerman pie didn't really seem like a pie, it was a little pot of seafood topped with mashed potatoes and cheese---- freaking DE-LISH. What I liked best about the place is that the bartender was so helpful in giving me his thoughts on what food he thought would suit my taste, telling us about the history of Scotch, and giving my brother suggestions on what Scotch to order, and just being entertaining and friendly. There's also a lot of character in the pub-- maybe that's what other Scottish bars are supposed to look like? I definitely want to go back for a drink here again! I think next time I'll try the fish po'boy.
(5)
Dan P.
This place has the best fish and chips I have had in Chicago, which is all that the wife and I get there. If there is other food, I don't know what it is. The wait staff is professional and friendly. Our regular server there has been with the restaurant for years an knows us. Always says hi. All you can eat nights on Wednesday and Friday is awesome, but the regular portions are sufficient. I am rarely able to get more than one extra fillet. Beer selection is great, but i usually don't have room for alcohol. The fried fish is filling and delicious.
(5)
Andy W.
We were here on a saturday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. We had heard many good things but never walked around the corner to try it. We ordered some appetizers for the table and everyone ordered a meal. The appetizers were pretty standard (I always enjoy a good potato skin) but nothing to rave about. On the contrary, the main courses were DELICIOUS. The meatloaf was awesome and the chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked. The side dishes were delicious as well. The downsides were that the waiter was kind of rude and that there is no free refills on soft drinks. Our waiter really never came back to the table to check on us. The service wasn't great but the food was really good. A good place for a casual bite to eat.
(3)
Jessie T.
Finally made my way in here! Soooo cute! Since it was wednesday, I got the all you can eat fish and chips. The fish was cod, and light and crispy and pure deliciousness. The fish was nice and crunchy on the outside and hot and flaky on the inside. Sooo good. The fries were good. Homemade, still with skin, thicker cut. Good ol' fries. And it came with.... peas! Like a legit side of perfect peas. Tarter sauce was normal old, good tasty tartar. NO COMPLAINTS. We sat right by a fire place.. freaking adorable. Love the decor. Love the food. Check it out. And the bartender is hot
(4)
AV G.
Nice. Went here for lunch about 3pm on a Friday--place was mostly empty. Cool spot--a lot of atmosphere. No better Fish and Chips in this town. Only complaint is that they serve regular peas, not the appropriate smooshy peas. Good tap selection for beer--Fun Place.
(4)
Jessie Elizabeth J.
Comfy atmosphere and extensive liquor menu! Come for the unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays, but avoid the pot pie-was of marie callender microwavable portion and quality.
(3)
Rishabh A.
Specials: Monday - Buy 1 entree and get 1 free Tuesday - Special price on wine Wednesday - Unlimited fish and chips Thursday - 50 cents chicken wings Friday - Unlimited fish and chips Best deal is on Monday (Buy 1 entree and get 1 free), if you want to eat at some place on Monday. Wednesdays and Fridays - Not that good. The price is same as regular fish and chips and one portion is more than sufficient for a normal diet. Thursdays - Good deal. They have the biggest chicken wings, I have had in Chicago. They have good meat and are tasty. If you want a healthier option they have grilled wings as well but are obviously not as tasty as fried (regular) ones. They have two sauces BBQ and hot. I would say get both of them mixed and it tastes good. I have been to this place a million times on Thursdays to get the chicken wings and would definitely recommend it. For drinks they have Scottish beer and a page full of scotch options. Drinks are really good. Ambience is kind of an English bar and the music is not that loud. If you want to go with friends for good food and drinks then I would definitely recommend this place. Summertime secret: They have a back porch which is really awesome during summer months. Go and try it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Kelley T.
Surprised my BF after dragging him to Lincoln Park Zoo for the day. He LOVES anything scotch and was incredibly impressed by the selection. We started with the breaded mushrooms, and were not impressed. They didn't have any flavor besides mushroom, and we love horseradish that smacks you in the face, but this didn't seem to have any in it at all. The fish and chips made up for the mushrooms. SO GOOD!!!! I hate peas, so the BF got bonus peas (If I had known the dish came with peas I would have gotten something different) The chips were the perfect combo of crunch and soft, and the fish was amazing. I love blackhorn, so much better than the sweet crappy ciders us American's think are good. Even the smokey scotch drinker was impressed by it. I'd say thing only thing we were disappointed in was our waiter. Apparently he was new, and made this known by saying "I hope I'm not coming across as creepy" which of course made him look creepy, and we totally busted him sniffing the scotch glass when he took it back to the bar... ummmm....
(4)
S R.
Outstanding. I had the Watt Chicken Sand and my friend had the Leeke Pie. Both were absolutely delicious. Even better, they were enjoyed for lunch in a Sunday. This city is overrun with mediocre brunch on Sundays. DoP is brilliant for resisting the trend and serving good food at lunchtime. Thank you DoP
(5)
A E.
It was a below freezing February evening in Chicago and we were looking for an adult beverage and a bite to eat so we Yelped the closest bar to us, Duke of Perth was the winner and I am thrilled it was! Walking into this warm, dim-lit, cozy spot felt like walking into Heaven. It's got a romantic vibe to it but it's also super casual. Our table right in front of the fireplace and our hot toddys were exactly what we needed to thaw out. Our server was polite and attentive. Our food (I got fish and chips and he got sliders) was delicious. This place was the perfect ending to our day.
(5)
Amy N.
Haven't been to such a nice pub since I was actually in the UK. Fantastic fish and chips, lovely scotch selection, and very pleasant servers. A very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere perfect for a quick meal or relaxing for a long chat with friends. Best of all, fish and chips are all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays. Definitely give this place a try as soon as you can!
(5)
Jennie T.
Best fish and chips in town, indeed! My boyfriend's in love with their wings. He goes almost every Thursday for their 50-cent jumbo wings. I'd go with him sometimes, and they are delicious. The buffalo wings are pretty big, and they're a good value. Duke of Perth offers them with several sticks of celery and an option of either bleu cheese or ranch dressing. I prefer bleu cheese for the wings and ranch for the celery sticks. My favorite weekly deal is their Monday "two for one entree" deal. I usually order their fish and chips. The plate comes with half a plate of peas. I like peas, but not that much so I ask to skip the peas. I was afraid that they'd give me the same amount of fish and chips, but nope, they gave me a full plate of fish and chips. Hurray! I love how crispy the chips (fries) are. They're fried just right. The fish is flaky and delicious. I'm always happy whenever I order this plate. They have an all-you-can-eat fish and chips deal on Wednesdays and Fridays, but one plate is usually enough for me so I can't imagine I'd get much value out of those days.
(5)
R.A. H.
Always nice to come to The Duke. For a drink or for a meal. The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but what they have is hot and filling. Fans of All you Can Eat fish & chips should definitely stop by for this special. The fries are decent and don't even need to be dunked in anything. I've had several of their burgers as well as their Shepard's Pie. Good comfort food. The bartender is always nice and during the warmer months you can get a seat outside on their patio. Cider on tap is Blackthorn. Clear of taste with a nice crisp feel. Small bar, so it can get crowded. A good place for locals and visitors alike. It's not the Plaza. It's a pub. And you don't need to be Scottish to enjoy it. Stop by for a while. You might like it and come back again.
(4)
Rich W.
Food is good. Service is great and the price and specials they have are fantastic. We went when they did two for one entrees on Monday night. We got our fill of great Scottish and English beers while enjoying a Shepherd's Pie that will blow your hair back. The fish and chips were also a fantastic entree choice. Next time, I'll be doing a Whiskey flight or two.
(5)
Bryant M.
No foos, no darts, no golden tee, no pool. Good beer on tap, good atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio in back. Lack of games is why we rated it it low
(2)
Joanna T.
Duke of Perth never changes! I've been here infrequently over the past 9 years, and each time is pretty much the same. No TVs, Scotch flights, crappy beer selection, authentic Scottish food. I don't drink Scotch much and I don't know good Scotch, but my hubby does and loves the flights. I would get beer, but not such a fan of Scottish beer or Guinness. No local crafts here. I'll stick with a Pimms Cup, thank you. I love the comfort of Scottish food and this place delivers. May not be as good as a pub in Scotland, but where else in Chicago can you get this? Love bangers and mash. And there is a 2 for 1 special on Monday nights. I love fish and chips and it's all you can eat on Friday, but one portion is more than enough for me. We honeymooned in Edinburgh and this place makes me nostalgic.
(4)
Rob Z.
Great Scotch Selection...
(4)
Brittney B.
Kinda went there out of pure boredom on a Saturday night. I'm new to the area, and have been trying to find places close to home. I really enjoyed it. No loud music, no tvs. It was nice. I love the warm drink with a "kick-o-booze." The beer selection is pretty good, too. I definitely recommend the potato skins; they were so good. All in all, I really enjoy this place and I'll be back.
(4)
Rebecca C.
This is one of those places that I never really think to go, but every time I pass it I want to stop in. There's a fair beer selection, mostly English beers that I've never heard of, but the bartender is great at making recommendations if you know how to explain what you like properly. He poured me a few samples and I was happy with what I decided on. The beer garden out back is not necessarily quaint or cute like some of the other places in the neighborhood- it's a pretty standard patio tables with beer logo plastered umbrellas, but it's very sectioned off from the noise of Clark street, and is a great secluded patio if you want to have a nice casual lunch with someone. The boy and I usually get the fish and chips, and the fries are oh so delicious here! If you're in the hood this place is definitely worth a stop!
(4)
Stephanie H.
I went here recently with a friend for the AYCE fish and chips on Wednesday (they have it Friday too). We sat on the back patio, and we both ordered the fish and chips. The food and service was great. Pretty awesome for $11.95! So glad this place is in my neighborhood!
(5)
Kassidy W.
Read more for food and decor BUT honestly, I knocked this down for the manager or whoever it is poor attitude. Our server was friendly, attentive and adorable but he kept micromanaging so badly. When they weren't in eye sight, he berated and corrected her thinking we couldn't hear but then came back to the table using a very friendly, overtly fake, chipper voice. She was obviously new but doing great. Humans like that disgust me. Okay, onward! The place is dirty and dingy and the walls are all scuffed up (-1 star) but that's why we don't sit inside. Outside in the back is a beautiful patio blocked by colorful brick walls and set in a quiet neighborhood. There are no tvs, no drunk bros and no annoying you-know-what's trying to impress said bros. It's peaceful, quiet and makes it easy to forget where you're at. (+2 stars) The beer list is short but has something for everyone and it's very obvious the taps are well taken care of and the bartender knows a good pour. (+1) (-2 stars) The food is...okay. Which is sad. The burger was huge but dripping in grease, the French fries were mushy, the peas tasteless. Only thing we loved were the fried mushrooms! HUGE! And yummy. TLDR- unprofessional upper staff, good beer, blah food, dirty inside, great outside, order the fried mushrooms.
(3)
Marc W.
It had been 5+ years since I wandered in here last and the place hasn't changed much.....very good thing. The early afternoon bartender was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their scotch inventory, which is the only reason I felt like making the stop. Thanks nameless bartender. It was easy to see that he had an appreciation for scotch. Did not eat anything, so no reporting on the food. Beers on tap were leaning on the English side. Cant go wrong there. Vitals: 4 shots of scotch I had never had $30
(5)
Alexis T.
Loved the Belhaven Scottish Ale and Dry Blackthorn Hard Cider. The food we had was pleasant, I would have liked a little more flavor to the banger and some pepper or herb in the Cock a Leekie Pie but all in all it was a nice entree. We will definitely be back. I like that you can actually talk to the person you are with; music is playing but not too loud. We haven't tried the fish n chips yet but plan on it. We are thinking it will be our local pub now.
(4)
phillip h.
Ok. I've had better Shepherds pie at other michigan pubs. Bar tender was nice. They were really slow because of the bad weather.
(3)
Fred S.
The Shepherds Pie along with the Cock-a-Leekie Pie are both amazing! The Trawlerman's Pie is also worth getting. On Friday's the all you can eat fish is real good, but you won't eat nearly as much as you think you will...it's a wee bit greasy (which is what makes it so, so good). Their fish Po-boy is pretty good too. It's a fun place for a date (especially in the late spring when it's warm and you can sit outside, but not so warm that you are sweating balls if you're stuck inside). If you can tolerate the hipster waitstaff and their ongoing game of "what can I pierce or tattoo next?" it is a great place to fingerbang a girlfriend about 85% of the way to an orgasm without anyone even noticing (if she isn't a screamer) All-in-all it's a great place to go.
(4)
Stephen S.
Yes the fish and chips are amazing and all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays dares you to go for the second plate. Wasn't a fan of the wait on a Friday night (quoted to be 45 mins when we put our name in but ended up being an hour and a half). Wish it was Chicago's best kept secret but everyone knows the Duke of Perth is the real deal.
(4)
Ryan C.
Friday night: all you can eat fish n chips with a scotch flight. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Kevin R.
On Thursdays they offer a 50¢ chicken wing deal that is a great value. The wings are above average size and well cooked. Two sauce options, BBQ and Buffalo, that are not very spicy and should appeal to almost everyone.
(4)
Tammy P.
My favorite pub in the city. NO TV's!!!! They have a small fireplace in the front and a large one in the back. They used to play traditional Celtic music which made for a perfect experience, but they don't anymore, so at times the atmosphere is a little annoying. The all you can eat fish and chips is an awesome deal, as are the 50 cent wings.
(5)
Shiv B.
I had a wonderful evening recently at Dukes. My boyfriend and I met a friend for dinner on a Friday. We were lucky enough to get a seat in their adorable hidden beer garden out back. I ordered the tattie skins, my boyfriend got the bangers and mash while our friend got the bottomless fish fry. We each also got our alcoholic beverage of choice. The drinks and good were amazing. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because they forgot about my food, even though they comped the order and still gave it to me in a doggie bag to take home. Overall, great food, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Charles M.
Food was good and service was excellent. Knocked off a star because they charge for soda refills and despite advertising them selves as a wifi hot spot no wifi was available.
(4)
Lily S.
Unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. What else do you need? My husband doesn't even like fish but he loves the fish at DoP! Great beer selection and good prices. It's also really cozy..big fireplace and dim lighting.
(5)
Keith T.
I use to live half a block away from the Duke of Perth in the mid 90's, and use to eat there with some regularity at the time. I moved to the burbs in 1999-2000 and had not been to it since then. I was in the city last year and pleasantly surprised when I noticed it was still there. Since then, I've made a point to pop in and eat every now if I'm on the near north side. Their Shepherds Pie is what left a lasting memory of the place for me... It's very good! I also enjoy their endless fish and chips. It's some of the best Cod I've eaten. I don't drink, but I know they have a large selection of beer from the UK. It can get busy on the weekend and I don't think they take reservations.
(5)
Nancy D.
Great staff here, and a great place for scotch. The food is consistently good, although I wouldn't recommend getting anything fried other than the fish on the fish fry special days as the oil will make whatever you are eating taste like fish. As I mentioned the scotch selection is fantastic, and one of my favorite things to do is to find a scotch I like here then walk down the street to Binny's and pick up a bottle of it. The selection of beers is also unique, and I would strongly recommend trying the Wee Heavy (on draft). It is not as good out of a can, but on draft at Duke of Perth... amazing.
(4)
Rachel B.
Good fish and chips. Great whiskey and scotch list (and flights). Can get so unbelievably busy on weekends though, with nowhere to stand. Does not take reservations or allow you to leave a phone number which adds to the extra crazy standing situation.
(4)
Caren D.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago :) They have specials everyday and by far, the ALL YOU CAN EAT Fish & Chips for $10.99 every Wednesday & Friday is the best! That's such an amazing deal, and not to mention - those are delicious fish & chips! The Shepherd's pie is also pretty good and the scotch, whisky selections are quite extensive. My friend ordered one that albeit costed $12, but was super delicious according to him. Service is good, if not one of the best. Wait staff are super nice and even the bus-boys refill your water at a timely manner. Such a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)
John B.
Great fish and chips, and draft beer selection. This was my second visit and both times I experienced excellent service. Good outdoor area as well, would recommend!
(5)
Judith M.
The scotch menu made me miss the poetry of Doyles in my long lost past in Boston, that's great. The service was EXCELLENT- really world class, better than some much more expensive joints I've been in. Both the waiter and the back staff: friendly, exact, vigillant with out being pushy. Top notch. SO - why the 3 stars. Sigh. The Fish and Chips. People, I am sad to report- Beer batter is EXCELLENT. Fish SUCKS. It was not flaky, it was mush. The chips were not greasy in a good way- they were oily in a bad way. I was in trouble w/ the SO who'd wanted to go get the tried and true F&S @ the Elephant and Castle, but NOOOO I got all "that's a chain with an appeal to the tourists" and there we were- bad fish. I'm not going to be listened to for weeks. Shepards Pie- ok. Decent. I'd go for more potato myself. Meatloaf- I liked the red peppers in it, & really loved the accompanying rutabega smash, but the gravy was Not Ok. um-great beer. So --- 5 stars for drinx and servcie, three stars for general food, but 2 stars for the fish= 3 stars.
(3)
Sharon F.
In from NYC for a long w/e in Chicago with some friends. A friend highly recommended this place for all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on Friday, so we came. We ordered the very delicious chocolate stout on tap and our server patiently and pleasantly answered all of our questions. She let us sub their chips for an order of stovies the first round. I've never had stovies before, it was basically a healthier version of mashed potatoes, mixed w/ broth instead of cream & butter. But that's where the healthy eating ended! Now began our eating extravaganza! We kept on sending our plate out for more fried fish. I'm not even sure if it was fried cod, the fish was a thinner portion, but I actually preferred it this way, because it was very light and moist. Interestingly, each subsequent plate that came back was smaller. Were they playing mind games with us? Did we think we were getting more food because it took over the plate? Or did they simply run out of larger plates? It didn't really matter, we ate well and left very happy. It was empty when we sat down at 5:30, but an hour later when we left, the place was packed, with standing room only. That's a good sign.
(4)
Jonathan F.
It's been three years since I've lived in Chicago, where the Duke was my favorite bar/restaurant/place/thing in the universe. You would think three years of living in other so-called gastronomic hubs would have displaced the Duke from its little tartan throne, but not even close. Allow me to wax nostalgic and paint a picture for you. It's Sunday, you are pleasantly sleepy having just taken in little art house film at the theater up the street. It's cold and raining and as you step from the theater and take in your first cleansing breath of winter air, you realize you are absolutely starving. Good thing there's an old friend waiting for you just up the street. Come out of the rain - it beckons. Dry your coat by the fire. It's not crowded when you walk in and the bartender gives you a knowing nod. You grab your favorite table by the fireplace, remove your coat and cap, and order a pint of Fuller's London Pride. You consult the menu needlessly (everything on it is great but there's only one thing you want right now) and order the fish and chips when the server comes back with your beer... Want to know how the story ends? Go there and see for yourself. There literally isn't a better place to be on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon than beside the fire having a pint with the Duke. Amen.
(5)
Diana B.
After dinner, my friend and I stopped in this cozy pub to have a drink. I soon realized, we should've eaten here! Monday night has 2-4-1 entree specials! I ordered a draft beer, because I am not a scotch drinker. I wish I was though because this is the place for it. Very extensive scotch menu but they also have a full bar for anyone else who can't guzzle down Tobacco flavored whiskey. The bar feels like a movie set, if your lucky, you might even get the table with the fireplace. Overall, this place is a welcoming, casual place to stop in and have a drink with some friends or even a date. I believe the back room is large enough if you're with a larger group.
(3)
Yvonne B.
Ha ha ha! The memory of our experience there makes me chuckle, but I don't want to go back for more laughs. My party of four stopped in after a movie and ate in the outdoor, garden area. For a Saturday night, I think it was pretty dead. There was a couple seated near us who smoked cigarettes (we understood that there wasn't supposed to be smoking in that area, but nobody talked to them about it). Two of my friends ordered shepherd's pie to share (the peas were on the side and there were absolutely no comments about the dish whatsoever). We also got some fried macaroni and cheese later in the evening (they were okay, but not good). M ordered two or three glasses of Bourbon, S got some booze and tonic mix, and I got an Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned is where things got really funny. It came in a tall, clunky, water glass. I don't know if you know what an Old Fashioned is, but that's completely 100% wrong. There was a lemon slice inside and a healthy dose of seltzer water or ginger-ale. That's not supposed to happen in an Old Fashioned either. We asked the server (who was a real sweetheart and good at her job) for another one, but made correctly. She came out with a second one (shorter glass, no seltzer water, same lemon) and said two things: 1) She would have to charge us for both "Old Fashioneds." 2) The bartender has been making drinks for 30 years and insisted he knew how to make an Old Fashioned. At midnight they turned off the outdoor lights and ushered everyone out (they weren't closing, but the outside part was). We paid our bill (a surprising $121) and left.
(1)
B A.
My review might be higher if I had the fish and if the smell of Pinesol did not overpower our dining experience (about 2 pm on a Tuesday). The selection of Scottish and English libations is of course good. The burger was fine but a bit on the small side; the chicken pot pie was a bit bland. Overall, the place could use a coat of paint.
(3)
Kate M.
After a movie at the nearby Landmark Cinema (in one of the shaking theaters, but that's another review all together) we were hungry. The hostess greeted us and it went something like this... "Table for two please" "Do you want to sit inside or outside?" "Oh, do you have a beer garden?" "No" "Oh, ok, inside I guess then" Shows us to a table where we can see the outdoor seating (insert squinty suspicious eyes here) "Um, can we sit outside?" "Yeah, sure" So we sat outside. It was a nice outdoor seating area (apparently not a beer garden). It would warrant that fifth star if the chairs and tables were a little more comfortable. The food was really good. I happen to eat a lot of fish and chips, you know, trying to eat healthy and all. Anywho, the fish and chips were served with peas and were pretty tasty. Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat fish and chips. I'm not sure how much more one could eat than what is originally served, but I guess if you're starving it would be a good deal. I stole a bite of the meatloaf and mashed parsnips too and both were really good. The service wasn't too bad. I didn't really notice the server coming and going though, which is a good sign I think. I'd recommend the Duke of Perth if you're looking for some good fish and chips and beer and a relaxed environment. I'm sure I'll be back again soon enough...
(4)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: endless fish fry. What else is there to be said? Duke of Perth is THE place to be on a Friday during Lent. It's a smaller joint, with a homey, Scottish pub feel. It took around 30 minutes to seat four of us. We spent that time grabbing a drink across the street because there was zero room to move in Duke. Once we got a seat, delicious beer and food awaited us. Great beer choices from across the pond. We all opted for the Fish Fry. Perfectly battered and fried cod with fries and peas. Yes, peas. The combo worked fantasticly. Best of all, it's endless. Keep the plates a'coming! So good, worth the wait.
(4)
Chris H.
I thought this place was just fine. They have a great beer garden out back and the staff is very nice. The leek strips were great, and the fish and chips were solid. You can also get flights of scotch if you want to experiment. All in all, the place was good but nothing special.
(3)
Leonard P.
I just love the Duke of Perth. It's one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Chicago over 20 years ago, and I was a regular for a big hunk of the 1990s; I live in Seattle now, but I recently visited Chicago again, and the Duke is as good as ever. In fact, in at least one regard, it's better -- the place underwent a serious overcrowding problem a while back but we went on a Friday night and it was busy but very manageable, with the waitstaff seeming far less harried. The all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays are unstoppable (served with the world's least eaten peas), and of course, the Scotch selection is just staggering. They have every decent single malt made, and some fine beers as well (try the Orkney Skullsplitter). The decor is warm, the back patio is inviting, the Lillte Willie cartoons in the bathroom are hilariously impenetrable, and the waitstaff is the sexiest in town. I can't say enough about this place.
(5)
H G.
Hot toddy and fireplace were the keywords of my search. After reading Matthew S.'s review, I could not help but give Duke of Perth a try. Also, I like fish & chips, and bright green peas are always alluring. I want to give Duke of Perth 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'll be generous and round up since I did enjoy myself. Yet I feel a bit of luck was involved. I arrived on time, and as usual, my friend did not. The two seats in front of the fireplace were actually open and the waitress said those were exactly where she was going to seat me. She answered my questions about the hot toddies, while I was really balking (in my mind) over the prices ($8+?). I think I expected something in the $4 to $5 range. Then, the someone came over and diminished the fire. Or actually, I thought she was turning it down, but it seem like it went off totally. It came roaring back up after a while. Also, I did notice how fortunate I was to not have to wait since people were awkwardly standing by the bar. It was definitely a tight fit to navigate through the place. Finally, my friend arrived and you know what I ordered. She ordered the same. It wasn't the all-you-can-eat night. Even so, we were very pleased at the ample amount of food that was presented. Yet the waitress could not hide her disappointment when I didn't order a liquored hot toddy and just went with plain hot apple cider (about $3). The fried fish was good, but could have been cooked a bit longer. I love the peas, while the chips were okay. The dark wood decor always appeals to me, so combined with the fireplaces, DOP felt quite homey. I'll reconsider the hot toddy when I'm not so hungry & low on cash.
(4)
Robin W.
Boyfriend and I were sucked in as we walked by..... dim lighting, old wood, a sign for fish and chips AND shepherd's pie..we added it up and KNEW this place would have the best beer! Though we were expecting Guinness, we soon discovered that we were in a SCOTTISH BAR, not an Irish one! This proved to be a blessing because we were instead offered: -- Scottish Belhaven (seriously one of the best drafts i've ever had). -- Good prices, around $10 a meal...$4.50 a draft. -- 75 kinds of single-malt whiskey. -- The Pogues playing on the speakers! -- Awesome and filling veggie options, like Leak Pie and perfectly crisp beer battered Fish n Chips. -- People of all kinds, family's with babies in high chairs, young hooligans, and wonderful drunken characters stationed at the bars spouting off tales of travel and where they purchased their "newest caps." Don't worry boys, I'm gunna get me a cap and meet you in the beer garden.
(4)
Liz O.
There is rarely a Thursday that passes without a craving for a frothy Wee Heavy. And Duke of Perth pours a delicious draft. After living across the street for a year, my scotch and wing loving friends made Thursdays at the Duke a regular gathering. And now, after three years away, I still crave a trip to the Duke. Our reunion trips back have lived up to my daydreams. The WeeHeavy still tastes magically delicious and the scotch never disappoints. My wing-loving friends still drool over the Duke recipe. I occasionally select the leek pie or a side salad, and while I do appreciate the quality of their homeland inspired grub, I do feel like the menu is uninspiring to someone seeking healthier options. It would be awesome if they put a vegetarian on spin on some of the classic dishes. That would take this from a 4 to a 5.
(4)
Brandie T.
Greeaaaat First impression!! I came with a group for the Friday night Fish all-you-can-eat night. I hadn't had Fish and Chips in a LONG time; well, what *I* THOUGHT were Fish and chips, that is. Turns out I was just eating fried fish and french fries!! These? These were TRUE Fish and Chips! oh --- WOW -- the flavour! Light, and flavourful and nearly melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness! They share their wonderful Fish with us on Wednesdays and Fridays -- run, do not walk to this wonderful establishment! I'll have to do this again sometime! YUMMEH!
(5)
Elizabeth W.
This place is worth reviewing again. We've been back multiple times over this past year, including nights on the town with guests we wanted to show a good time, and everyone seems to love this place without fail. Still love the Fish n Chips with peas and the various scotch flights. Such a relaxed, neighborhood pub feel. The last couple of times I've really been into their beer selections, too. I will definitely miss The Duke of Perth!
(5)
Amy J.
I'm a fan of pubs more than any other bar. Duke of Perth plays bitchin' tunes which already made me an instant fan. The drinks are reasonably priced. They have a nice beer garden if you're into that sort of thing. I heard they have good fish and chips but I didn't try it. Overall, I like this neighborhood pub. I hope more people patronize it. It's a good place to sit and catch up with old friends, which is exactly what I did when I was there.
(4)
K W.
What to do after a long day of beach volleyball when there is still sunny warm weather to enjoy, but you are too tired to move? A big plate of fish and chips and a few beers in the DOP beer garden is my tasty new answer. The beer garden is a lovely, plant filled urban oasis that I wish I had known about sooner. During the colder months (all 9 of them grrr) the Duke is a nice cozy place to hang with friends by a fireplace and escape from the tv-filled sports bars near my home. Try the Wee Heavy.
(5)
Tom G.
This has been one of my favorite places in Chicago for years! A little Scottish pub in Lincoln Park, specializing in single malt scotches. They have a huge single malt menu! Nice outside patio as well. The food is quite good pub far, and the atmosphere is definitely authentic British pub!
(5)
Nick S.
I'm not much of a bar food guy but I have to admit I was impressed. If I lived in the neighborhood I would come here much more often. If I'm not confusing myself here, I remember it being difficult to squeeze past the tables and the people sitting at them, to get to the restroom when it got busier. The fish and chips here = win.
(4)
Nancy H.
Mmm.. love the all-you-can-eat fish & chips on Wednesdays & Fridays for $9.50. We stuffed ourselves silly with fish, chips, shepard's pie (which was slightly disappointing; $9.50 for shepard's pie only as large as a French onion soup bowl but had good flavor), and beer. Definitely gets crowded, so be prepared to wait for a table. The decor inside is rustic, like you are dining in a Scottish home complete with a wood-burning fireplace - definitely feels cozy on a winter night!
(5)
Carolyn G.
This place was PACKED last night with lots of folks interested in the lenten special: all you can eat fish and chips. Our group arrived at 5:30 and the place was already packed to the gills. We waited for a while, but finally managed to get seated in front of the gas fireplace. The ambience was pretty good at that point! The fish was tasty, the fries were pretty good, too, but the best part was the beer! I started with a Youngs Chocolate Stout (YUM!) but then wanted to make sure I had room for lots of fish and chips, so I moved on to a lighter beer (can't remember the name), which was good, too. Even though the place was really busy, service was pretty darn good - and quick! The staff didn't seem to care that we sat around for a while after eat, as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. Oh, and they brought her fish out with a lit candle on it! I'm sure, though, that the folks still waiting for tables were wishing we'd just get up and leave already. Overall, a pleasant evening. Well worth the $9.95 for all you can eat fish and chips, which were truly all you can eat. :)
(4)
Linsey C.
Amazing fish and chips! I understand there's going to be a wait for amazing fish and chips at an all you can eat fish and chips place on Good Friday...however, the hostess was way off on her wait time. She said it'd be 30 minutes...we waited over an hour. I understand she has no control over how long people linger at a table after eating, but from my understanding they are pretty busy all the time so I expected a more accurate estimation. Anyway, it's not a large place so you end up standing next to people who are eating...a little awkward when they know you want their table. We finally were sat in the back which I appreciated because the front was crammed with people by that point. The server was great and brought us our beers right away and our fish came out soon after. The fish is delicious. The breading is lighter than I anticipated which allowed me to eat more...I think I had 5 or 6 pieces. I didn't eat the fries or peas, just came for the fish! I'll be back for sure, the fish is worth the wait!
(4)
lola d.
Holy bonkers! The fish and chips are amazing! Not only are they amazing, they are "in your face" huge! It's inconceivable! You pair this perfectly battered fish with a nice cold beer and you have got yourself the best meal on earth! Que rico (delicious)! Fridays: all you can eat fish and chips---go, go go! ...and the staff is great too.
(5)
Eric M.
Unlimited fish and chips drew me in, the amazing beer selection got me to stay. Be prepared to travel to England in just a few blocks by visiting Duke of Perth. The food appears to be authentic and the bar is stocked with great bourbons and whiskeys. It's a little small so you may have to wait and be seated pretty close to someone else, but that makes it just more fun, right?
(4)
Jennifer K.
I was cold, tired and hungry. All I really wanted to do was curl up on my couch and gobble up my chocolate bar while thawing in the living room. My friends suggested dinner and I half-heartedly agreed. I bundled myself up with a down jacket and a thick scarf to go trudging through four blocks. Thank goodness it was in the neighborhood or I might have just stayed put at home. The interior is dark with low lighting, sparsely decorated and has a very "homey" sort of vibe. There's the different beers available written out on chalk. The bar tiself is stocked, mostly with good Scotch whiskey. There's no loud television to distract patrons, just seats and tables for diners and drinkers to mull over. My friends and I sat over at the table with the small fireplace. With the crappy weather outside, I felt fairly cozy with the fire crackling beside me. Suitably warm and ready for dinner, I had the shepherd's pie. I needed comfort food, and Duke of Perth delivered. At first, I thought the dish was a bit on the small side, but once I dug in, I realized how heavy the meal sat in my stomach. Yummy mashed potatoes, ground beef and veggies settled comfortably in my tummy. The light ales on tap went well with the meal. And the price wasn't so bad either. The Duke of Perth is not for everyone. Spaces are a bit tight, there's nothing to keep you going besides good food, good ale and good company. It's a great place if you want to have comfort food while conversing with friends. But if you want a raucous time, there are other louder pubs in the city. I like it because it's a place to unwind after a tough day - it's quiet and subdued. But maybe it's because I went during a weekday.
(3)
Evan D.
This is a wonderful bar in the middle of frat-boy Lincoln Park hell. No televisions, no really loud music, and a fireplace make it a great place to sample some scotch and have a conversation. The scotch list is extensive, and the bartenders are usually happy to recommend something for the n00bs among us (such as myself). For non-scotch drinkers, the beer list is special too, and is particularly strong on British Isles ales. I've heard legendary things about the all-you-can-eat fish and chips, but haven't gotten the chance to try it yet (I'm reserving my fifth star for when I do). The Duke's fish-and-chips buffet would be a great place to break a diet, though, considering the location just 2 blocks from the Weight Watchers center.
(4)
Erin T.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout and a leek and potato pie - delicious. Great food, great beer, and a great staff. Nice patio in the summer, too. It can get crazy crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, which sadly is when I often feel my stout and potato pie cravings coming on. I try not to come here for dinner on a weekend because I can't be asked to suffer drunkards when I'm getting my leek and potato pie on. It's a fun, chill weeknight bar, though. Nice place to sit at the bar. And when I do come here on the crowded weekends everyone else looks like they're having a good time while I'm trying to chow down!
(5)
Dave S.
Fried fish is one of my true weaknesses. Even bad fried fish is relatively satisfying. When you have good top of the line stuff that is sold at a reasonable price, you have got me the balls! Well with that being said... This place has me by the balls! Friday night All You Can Eat Fish!!!!!!!!! This is really good stuff too and at a reasonable price. What more can I ask for? Let me tell you what more I could ask for... I would like to finish my meal and not be stuck in a fetal position from being stuck in an area that does not allow me to move any limb or any other part of my body (except for my hands to my mouth) We we extremely cramped in here, which cost them a star (almost two) I will be back but not as often as i would like! The cramped conditions will always make me think twice. The fish will bring me back again however.
(4)
Tony F.
Fish and Chips all you can eat on Wed and Friday. The staff is ALWAYS friendly. They have awesome ales from Scotland on tap. If you are into Scotch, they also have a good compliment of that too. Plus it's really close the LandMark Century theatre, which plays all the cool non-mainstream movies here in the city. the Duke is one of the many reasons I love living in the city and it's always a place I take friends from out of town.
(5)
Mike P.
Living so close, I guess it's a sad thing that I only have visited Duke of Perth once. Now that I'm switching neighborhoods, hopefully I'll get back. The Wednesday/Friday fish fry is very good, I hear. My wife and I actually went her on Valentine's Day when we had are original plans cancelled. It was quite good, eating from the standard menu. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy.
(4)
Lindsey B.
Love The Duke. Their fish and chips is so freakin' tasty! And their mini cheeseburgers are so damn cute. I actually took pictures and then posed them with this mini wish doll my friend has. Yeah I know. I was a little tipsy. BUT it was a great photo op for the doll and the teeny burgers. The staff is always so friendly and the wait is never long. Plus they have pretty much any kind of drink you could ever want. I like that in a boyfriend.. I mean Bar.
(4)
Timothy M.
No annoying TVs or super loud frat guys? Am I in the right neighborhood? I thought this place was on Clark Street! Ah, but they've chosen to take the TVs out and cater to a more European-wannabe clientle. Not that I'm complaining, because this pub is cozy, the beer is delicious, and the food is insanely good. Try starting off with something you haven't had before (Jess is right, the Twisted Thistle is a great brew). The mac & cheese fritters were an idea straight from God's own brain. The fish and chips were so incredibly dank, the only reason I could see trying to challenge the "bottomless" plate would be to stuff some into your bag under the table for a snack later. They are so scrumptious and will fill you up. A really good deal is the Monday night two-for-one entree. If you're ballsy, you could even try the whisky tray to sample some great Scottish whisky. In all, this place makes you feel very comfortable and I think I'll be coming here often in the winter to feel warm.
(4)
Martin P.
This Place has the best Fish N Chips anywhere! Come when its all you can eat! I had a hard time in the past because of all the smoking BUT Thanks to Chicago and the No Smoking rule I will be back often. The batter is perfect and the fish is never greasy...almost sweet. Amazing! Great Price, Amazing Food.
(5)
Brad B.
Oh Duke of Perth, how I love thee... Best fish and chips (and even a special all you can eat, for you fat bastards) once a week. Kick ass staff. M the barkeep, brought back Tom & Jerry (yum) mix and cheese curds from his family home in WI and shared them with all the patrons last week. C'mon. Who does that? He does. Lovely guy. Tell him I said so. Beers. Scotch. Fireplace. Nuff said. (oh wait....for all you people from out of town: ITS HORRIBLE DONT GO)
(5)
Deborah E.
Ahhh.....The Duke of Perth. Or, as I fondly refer to it, The Puke of Derth. Simply stated - I love it. Now, mind you - I am not a beer drinker - and I am only vouching here for the Fish N Chips - oh! And the deep fried mushrooms - god, those are good! They are served with some sort of horseradishy sauce - yummmmmm! Though I loved it, I didn't frequent it as much during the smoking days as the ventilation sucked. But now that the smokers are outside, I will be going more.
(5)
Melissa B.
All you can eat fish and chips. Need I say more? I mean, c'mon. And has anyone mentioned the peas? That's the real reason the boy wants to go there all the time. The beer list is odd, but interesting. Why not try something new? How about an elderberry beer? Service is great, even when the patrons get stupid drunk with old friends (ahem). So why not 5 stars? The only problem is the seating inside is very cramped. I recommend waiting 'til the patio opens.
(4)
Thelma T.
I made it to this legendary pub as a tourist trek after reading about it in Gourmet magazine. It was great. The ambiance was frenzied zen - a juxtaposition of crusty elders,yuppies and hipsters. The wait was about an hour, but it was during the "all you can eat special" Their signature, fish n chips is incredible. I had a symphony of pleasure on my palate; I Loved the exotic suds too.
(5)
Job E.
Went for Fish and Chips Wednesday. Place was busy and had to wait for a table. I wish I could give it a better rating, but, honestly, my Fish and Chips fell flat. The beer is good. The atmosphere is excellent. On an entertaining note, this was a fun eavesdropping visit. Conversation from the neighbor table included phrases like "I might cancel my subscription to 'Massive Asses'" and "Do you think STDs run rampant at retirement communities?"
(3)
Andrew C.
The Duke of Perth is a great pub. But it's more than that. The scotch menu is excellent (one of the best in the area) and the waitstaff is very knowledgeable when you're trying to select a scotch. The Duke has a decent selection of Scottish beers on draught with enough variety to keep a beer fan like me from being bored. That said, it's more than scotch and bitters. The fish and chips are excellent and the burgers are juicy and placed in front of you faster than you'd expect. The atmosphere nice and dark and the Duke is generally fairly quiet except Thursday through Saturday (which is to be expected). The rest of the week it's a great place to bring a board game or a deck of cards and linger over a couple beers or glasses of scotch. Definite keeper.
(4)
Rich G.
Great Fish and Chips .. what more is there to say??
(4)
Rachel Y.
I love Duke of Perth - it's one of those good pubs that provide a cozy and inviting haven. And in the summer, their patio is just as fabulous as their fire stove is in the winter. Word of warning though regarding the food - the salmon hash is basically extremely fried fish. I was a bit disappointed - it wasn't bad but I was envisioning a sort of pot pie type of thing. So if you are in a situation like i was and are debating between one of their burgers (which are amazing) or the salmon hash...go with the burger. I definitely will next time!
(4)
Jonathan A.
The fish and chips are the best I have had in the city. And all you can eat for 10 or 11 bucks on Fridays! With green peas! The beer selection is unique and interesting. The atmosphere is small cozy pub, and authentic. Little stools rock. Great all around.
(4)
Emily C.
The folks were in town on a Sunday afternoon. After a drive up Clark we came upon an open parking spot in front of Duke's. When I first heard the name I had flashbacks of this totally hungry/obnoxious bar back in Grand Rapids with the same name where many undergraduate nights were spent and lots of regretful interactions were made. So I told you that to tell you this: Duke's of Perth is so far from anything frat like or, and I hate to say it, but the sort of typical Lincoln Park bars in that vicinity. First of all they have NO tv. And they advertise it which I love. So don't come here if you want to watch "the game." We sat in the back near the fire place which was really cozy as this was a wicked cold day. Dad ordered the chocolate stout which he loved and mom got a Bodington. I had work to do so stuck to my water. Mom and I both ordered the Islay chicken sandwich which you pick three options to accompany the juicy chicken breast. I had onions, mushrooms and BBQ sauce. We were both really satisfied. Dad ordered the, and you have to love the name of this burger, the Sean Connery Burger. Naturally what ensued next was us talking like Sean Connery on SNL's Jeopardy "I'm on to you Trebek." He loved his burger. Both sandwiches come with a huge side of fries. The service was a bit sketch as we were the only ones there and waited about 40 minutes for our food. It's a fairly good sized space so hopefully the service is better when it is filled up. Oh and the bathroom: gross. And why is it so dark? Anyway good food, good drinks good atmosphere, avoid the bathroom and get a spot the fire, you'll surely have a nice afternoon.
(4)
Jess S.
Twisted Thistle - you're a friggin delicious beer. Now that I have that out of the way.... After the delicious leek pie and eyeing all the plates that passed our table, I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Seriously. No joke. Great comfort food. Perfect for those chilly nights. Two of us went in on a Saturday night at 6, plenty of seating (which slowly but surely filled up). Dark and cozy, it was comfortable. Attentive & personable waitstaff. All in all a great experience. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jeff D.
Great Fish and Chips! Man for the price of 9.99, you can't go wrong with this all you eat deal! The (Lake Perch?) is breaded so lightly and the peas that go with it is great! There is service is quicker than what I remember when I went a year ago. Plus, it's a cozy atmosphere. Easy parking around as well.
(4)
Johnny A.
Being a Wisconsin boy, born and raised in the Brew City baby!! I LOVE ME SOME FISH FRY'S!!! and after several try's at other spots in the Chi, i have to say, The Duke of Perth is my favorite place to go to belly up at the bar and eat me some fish fry. Better yet it is a Scottish bar and being Irish-American, this place feels comfy and cozy to me and has a great beer selection, they have the bell haven wee-heavy, one of my favs..did i mention on Wednesdays and Fridays its ALL-u-CAN !! for 10 duckets a plate!! laddy! it don't get better than this !! present day, being lent, i am heading there for an early dinner.. see you there!! Cheers!
(5)
Sarah K.
there's no place like home ... there's no place like home .... I love this pub more than I love my cell phone and I love my cell phone more than I love my own parents so you do the math .... and much like the purpose of my parents, this place is responsible for shaping many of the values, goals and views that I hold dear to this day. Um, while we're at it ... its also served as the backdrop for my causing a fair share of problems, issues, emotional destruction and a well deserved breakup .... or two. I'm sarah ... ... but c'mon ... beer, good. scotch, good. and they even have a sean connery burger for christ's sakes! i'm homesick now ... sniff.
(5)
Colleen B.
I know I've been here twice and I know I enjoyed whatever it is that I ate but I also know that they had chocolaty beer... so I don't remember much else. Oh! I also remember that it was nice and toasty warm and cozy when it was HORRIBLE AND COLD outside. I'll be back now that it's not the dead of winter. I wonder if they still have the chocolate beer...
(4)
Paul A.
No TV! That in and of itself is five stars in my book! It also helps that they have a terrific single malt selection, the service is always excellent and the pubgrub with a Scottish flair is terrific.
(5)
Sara G.
I had a great glass of cider and a very pleasant shepherd's pie. Steve seemed to enjoy his leek pie and Michael said the fish and chips were indeed very good. As much as anything, though, I just liked the dark, cozy pub atmosphere, and the fireplace. We lucked out and hit the place on a quiet Monday night, so there was no trouble getting a table and we could talk quietly. A really pleasant meal.
(3)
A. R.
You can't go wrong with The Duke, whether you're stopping in simply for a beer or sitting down for a meal. The menu has good "bar food" but also other unique fare you won't find at the place across the street. The All You Can Eat Fish Fry is the best you'll get in the city. On a Friday or Saturday evening you can expect to wait for a table, which can be a little awkward esp during the winter as there isn't a whole lot of room to stand around and the bar has maybe a dozen stools. Great outdoor seating during the warm months.
(5)
Jerry K.
Get your London Pub fix here - AWESOME
(4)
Katherine R.
EXCELLENT Scotch selection. All available by the glass for a very decent price. I love Scotch, my parents love Scotch, my boyfriend loves Scotch, one of my best friends loves Scotch, and we all love coming here to try different Scotches. This is a great place to cozy up in the winter months (next to the fireplace -- did I mention there was a fireplace?) and sip a stiff drink in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. I recommend coming here on two-for-one entree night with a friend and spending your extra $8 on another glass of, you guessed it, Scotch.
(4)
jeff c.
i got the chance to hang out at this fine establishment for a few hours yesterday. the ambience and service were good, and they had a nice selection of scottish beers on draft. i was excited because as i was waiting (finishing off a book for a book club meeting), i realized that it was bottomless fish and chips night! how could this go wrong? well, i'll tell you. maybe i was a little too excited about the fish and chips, because i was pretty disappointed when they came out. the batter was very light - good sign. the fish was flaky - another good sign. BUT...it just wasn't tasty! i tried vineagar. i tried salt. i tried tartar sauce. all of this was to no avail. so as much as i like the place itself, to be so disappointed in what should be a staple food like fish and chips at a place like this means i can only give it 3 stars. sorry.
(3)
Jim S.
Yes, the fish and chips are great. The beer selections are fine and the Scotch choices are the best in the city. My problem comes in the fact that they try to slip in taxes on beers on top of their prices. I consider D of P a bar that happens to serve some great food....and therefore when the price of a pint is listed as $8 that is assumed to be tax included.....BUT IT'S NOT!! Sorry for the 2 star review....but if you want the price of your pint to be $8.88 instead of $8 list that on the menus. Or better yet just charge $9. How sad for your waitresses to have to sit there and count out the tax every time they need to cash someone out who is just drinking.
(2)
Eric S.
I recently moved to California and spent a few weeks saying sad goodbyes to friends and loved ones in Chicago. But Duke of Perth, you were the hardest to leave behind. Where do I begin? If you are a scotch lover (which I became after living across the street from the DOP for two years), this is simply the best place to go in Chicago. The scotch list is a bit daunting, but the bartender can give you a recommendation, or try one of the four scotch "flights" they have available. The place is dark and cozy on the inside, leafy and cozy in the outside beer garden. Both are great. And then there's the food. I made it a goal try everything on their menu, and I can't say that anything disappointed. My favorites: wings, meatloaf, pot pie, veggie sandwich, and of course the fish n' chips. I highly recommend grabbing a friend and going on Monday nights for 2-for-1 dinner entrees. Duke, every time I go back to visit Chitown, you can be sure that I will pay you a visit.
(5)
Cathy H.
Like it! Weds/Fri all you can eat fish and chips--the chips were REALLY good. My favorite part is that they actually have PIMMS at the bar. So far, I've only found two places in Chicago that have Pimms: Duke of Perth and Quenchers. Nothing like fish and chips and a Pimms Cup to take you right back to Edinburgh.
(4)
Esther L.
Good fish and chips. Good deal. Had to reduce a star because my credit card statement reflected a higher tip given to the server than I had recorded on my receipt.
(4)
Drew S.
A pub that loves its scotchy scotch scotch. There's a page with a couple dozen scotches from each variety and age bracket. I went with the scotch flight for 16 buckarooos. It comes with 3 samples and detailed tasting notes that read "nose: peaches body: smoked peat moss aroma: fresh cloverfields in spring finish: juniper berries" The food seemed up par and they had a fireplace. Oh, and once I saw a blimp.
(5)
Mark Z.
We went there for the all you can eat fish and chips, as well as the scotch selection. Neither disappointed! Let's start with the food. You'd think on an all you can eat fish night, that the fish would be under/over cooked or just not good. That was the farthest thing from the truth. It was absolutely delicious fish, and the servers couldn't be happier to bring out another round of fish. Next, the scotch. There are over 75 different types! Most were delicious. The only thing that would take marks away were the server's knowledge of scotch. He really didn't know a thing. So either hitch up to the bar (the bartender is the owner) and ask him for recommendations, or study up the online menu prior to visiting. Regardless, it's a mostly can't go wrong deal on the menu. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Steve G.
You know, when it comes down to it, this place is just okay. Sure, it's novel to sit in a bar that feels Scottish, and order foods with silly names, and read a page long Scotch menu, etc. But this places gets uncomfortably crowded on the weekends, and the food isn't all that fantastic. Duke of Perth is the hipster equivalent of Medieval Times.
The Duke is a great cozy place to have a meal. I hope you are not shy because you will be sitting right next to everyone else there. Also, when it gets busy you will have to wait in the front for a table which gets very crowded with only a few people. I feel bad though, because I feel like I am hovering over people waiting for them to finish, so we can have their table. I would recommend the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesday or Friday. The beer selection is pretty good.
(4)
Matt R.
After a long day, the Duke of Perth is just the place for comfort cooking, great beer, and/or a good single malt. Hung out in the beer garden last night and it was a perfect night to be there!
(4)
David W.
Oh My Brad B was right This Fat bastard thoroughly enjoyed the all you can eat Fish and Chips Served both on Wednesdays and fridays Oh my although i do consider myself a big eater i was only able to accomplish 2 servings of the delectably home made fish i guess it was due to the fact that i finished everything else that was on my plate as well as a couple of pints of beer.. I've been to this place a couple of times and yeah I guess i do like it.. A little side note though i think they need to add a little bit more salt in the batter there
(4)
Jerry M.
The Duke's got a great ambience, the beers are good - Strongbow on tap! Great specials on various days - Mondays i think is 2 meals for the price of 1, Wed and Fridays are all you can eat fish and chips, and even more specials that I don't know about. Beer garden is awesome in back. But I don't like their fish and chips for some reason - they're too bready for me, but I know lots of folks who love the fish and chips, so it's just my little quirk. And they come with peas - ewww! You can ask for to sub fries if you don't like peas, so that's a good plus in my book. The menu seems authentic, but not for veggies - unless you like salads!
(4)
Sarah W.
I always seem to end up here on the all-you-can-eat Fish 'n Chips night, even though I don't eat fish. What I do eat--and lots of it--is the Leek Pie: potatoes, vegetables, and a little bit of magic, all baked together with cheese on top, served with peas or mixed vegetables on the side. The name might not win you over, but this is addictively delicious, and a great option for those of us who are not meat-inclined. My husband is equally enthusiastic about the Sheppard's Pie. They have unique Scottish and English beers on tap. I particularly enjoy the Belhaven Scottish Ale, which has the creaminess of a Guinness and a smooth, malty flavor. The Duke is of course known for its extensive Scotch offerings, and I've taken advantage of their flights, which come with helpful explanations of each malt. The restaurant itself is not enormous, but there is a huge patio in back that practically doubles their seating capacity so it's a great place to go in the summer. It's a good place to have dinner and drinks before a movie at the Landmark.
(5)
Jenn L.
If I died, I'd want to go to the Duke for eternity. The fish and chips are the best in the nation, the 25 cent (ginormous, larger than a fat opera singer's boob) chicken wings on Thursdays, one of the best scotch selections in town, and two words: Wee Heavy. The bar's vibe is pure pub loveliness: dark and filled with good smells and drunken stories. UPDATE: The wings are now 50 cents a piece. While this is upsetting, keep in mind that these wings are still much larger than any other chicken wings I've eaten before. So still a good deal. Oh, and try the leek pie. It's fantastic.
One of my favorite places in the hood; I little bit of Scotland in the heart of Lincoln Park. In the winter it's great because it's warm and cozy, love the native music playing in the background, and they have winter warmer concoctions that are oh-so-tasty. In the summer, it's equally as awesome in the quaint, backyard patio. Perfect place to sit back with a few beers and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Oh, and the food kicks ass. Big fan of the pot pies and unusually good house salad dressing.
(5)
joel t.
love this bar. absolutely love it. mike is about as nice a guy as you'll ever find behind the bar. and better yet, he actually knows his stuff. i consider myself pretty well versed in the world of single malt scotch, and he's always been spot on in recommendations. (he definitely won't recommend a speyside when your leanings are towards an islay.) so if you're new to single malts, talk to him. he knows what questions to ask, and he is never, ever judgmental. as for the food, well.....it's fair. (fare? get it?). the hebridean leek pie is a personal fave, although i'm not a huge fan of peas, and it comes with a copious amount. on the plus side, it gives me ample opportunity to test my pea balancing skills. (the malt vinegar bottle works nicely, and my record is four.) as for beer, they do have a couple of belhavens on tap. (twisted thistle is an excellent european i.p.a.) and where else can you get a bottle of 'alba' (scotch pine ale) or a bottle of 'fraoch'? (heather ale). the overall atmosphere is cozy, warm, dark, and welcoming. no tv's, no music playing, so conversation is easy. this is simply one of the better pubs in chicago.
(4)
Joel T.
Next time you're in the mood for an Irish pub, make a slight adjustment and go Scottish. Plenty of fine Scotch whiskys and the type of food you'd expect, plus a nice collection of ales. The back yard makes a nice gathering spot for some old-timey whisky sipping.
(4)
Ingrid C.
The scotch selection is excellent!!!! best in town. I am not a big fun of fish and chips, so I haven't tried it, but everybody that I've been there with, agreed that is the best fish and chips in the city. I honestly only go there for the scotch. they carry the Laphroaig 15 years which is my favorite and isn't easy to find. So to be honest that simple reason already makes this place great. Location is good, service is good, the scotch is the best!
(5)
Joel T.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I popped into this place for the first time: more bottles of whisky (no 'e') than i've ever seen in one bar. The barman (who is a woman, but i'm not sure what people in England and Scotland call a woman behind the bar) was so knowledgeable and friendly that I wished i lived in walking distance. There are many evenings of rarefied pleasure on those shelves. Also, grub is terrific and the place is big enough that crowds won't necessarily bother. Also, no fruit machines, blaring Gaga, sports on tv, tartan corniness. At least not whenever i've been in.
(5)
Luke S.
This place was a surprising treat! I've walked by this place hundreds of times and finally decided to stop in. I'm really glad I did. I wasn't sure what to get, but the waiter recommended the meatloaf. It was perfect, be sure to get the veggies as a side rather than the peas. It also came with mashed potatoes that melted in your mouth. I'm definitely coming back to try the all you can eat fish and chips on a Wednesday or Friday. I didn't drink but the drink list was long and looked to be fairly reasonably priced.
(4)
Dima M.
I don't know how I have missed this part the past few years that I have been coming to this place, but this is the first year I saw the outdoor patio area. It's very nice and secluded to the back of the bar, instead of the front or along the sidewalk. This is great, as it doesn't get too crowded, but you can still enjoy a good ale in fresh air. The outdoor area is big enough that it doubles the seating capacity of the bar.
(4)
Sarah A.
Must try the Robert the Bruce Burger. I absolutely love that you can choose some hearty toppings. They also have a unique beer selection on tap including Scottish, English and Irish Ales. The patio in the back is also great during the summer. I love specials and they have specials M-F, including an all-you-can-eat Fish 'n' Chips dinner. Don't wanna miss this place.
(4)
Jon J.
The Duke is one of my favorites. They've got great food and a unique selection of English and Scottish beers & liquors available. It's just a good place to chill and have a conversation, as they don't have any TVs (a bonus) and don't crank up the music too loudly. It tends to get crowded, however, and there isn't much space to stand if the bar and tables are all filled up. All that aside, it's still a great bar, a definite standout in a homogeneous neighborhood.
(4)
Ralph F.
Duke used to be REALLY good. A change in ownership has brought the place down. Yes, the fish n chips are very good. The burgers used to be larger (and cheaper). Their fried mushrooms are what keeps me coming back. This is a place we used to go to nearly weekly. Now I will cave in to the fried shroom cravings once every six months or so.
(2)
choong l.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. Sure, the staff is not the most perky or attentive, but they've got character -- chat up with them and they'll treat you like regulars (a lot of them have been, or currently are, regulars themselves). Now, this doesn't mean that your food and drinks will be served any faster or they'll refill your water any more promptly, but at least you'll learn to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while sipping on a delicious pint of Young's Double Chocolate Stout (this is a rather recent addition; one of the old regulars, McEwans, is no longer served). The bar's rather small -- only long enough for about 8 stools -- but this also means that you'll get to know the bartender before the night is over (hello Mike!). The atmosphere is one of dark, mahogany wood, antique furnitures and exposed brick wall along a long hall that leads to a beer garden in the rear patio. The musical selection is pretty random and my favorite part: no TV. This place is not much for people watching, either, which is how I prefer it -- kinda like an oasis of cozy, comfortable pub half way between the Diversey/Clark and Wriglyville concentration of loud, seen-to-be-seen bars. While the bar has some hard-to-find Scottish beers (e.g. Orkney Island Skull Splitter), it also has decent selection of great English beers (Young's Double Chocolate Stout begs to be consumed!) as well. If your taste for bars run closer to TV-free, chat-friendly pubs (but not a dive) like Hop Leaf, you'll really enjoy a pint at The Duke of Perth. For others, please hop on a cab and go a mile up along Clark St.; I heard that there's a place called, "John Barleycorn," that might do you better.
(5)
Julina B.
Super fish n chips and fantastic wings! I stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while visiting Chicago in search of good beer. Don't be fooled by the this small unassuming bar. They've got big food and good drink. Try the Scottish Stout. Not to mention they offer single malt tasters.
(5)
Bry H.
When I need to get in touch with my Scottish roots, I come to this place. They have Belhaven on tap.. yum. I'm not the biggest fan of fried food, but every now and again you just need something thrown in the frier... This is the place. If you are a healthy eater this is NOT the place to be. But I love Duke!
(4)
Marven K.
Great atmosphere, unbelievable fish and chips and and amazing imported beer selection.
(4)
Moira S.
The best fish and chips in the city hands down. Expect a wait on Friday nights when it is all you can F&C. Their cod cakes and chicken and mushroom pie are delightful as well. Great Scottish beer selection and good atmosphere.
(5)
Kate B.
Due to yelp, and the the yelp help my friends and I read on a daily basis, a group of us decided to start a "supper club" so that we can try out some of the restaurants we have read about. This was our first restaurant - we went on a Friday night for their all you can eat Fish & Chips. Being from the east coast, I am very picky about my seafood, but I would have to say Duke of Perth did a very nice job with their fish. Our waitress was a little slow, but very,very friendly and gave us good recommendations on the beers they had on tap. Plus as soon as one persons plate was empty of fish, chips and peas, a heaping plate of fish and chips was brought to the table immediately.
(4)
Katy G.
Great beer, and good food. What more could you possibly want?
(5)
Jessica R.
I've been here twice...and since I mention Maggie R. in every other review, I may as well do so again. My first experience, with Maggie R., was nice and quiet. We both chowed on fish and chips. Btw, Monday is BOGO entrees! Aside from that, the fried fish and potatoes were very nice. I loved that the Malt Vinegar was conveniently placed in the center of the table. My second time, tonight, was as easily as nice. I dined with 5 other friends, (including Maggie R.), and the service was just right. I tried the Slam'n Salmon and Cod Cakes, served with fries and tartar sauce. Very swell! Again, the service was very efficient.
(4)
Lindsay N.
I love this place so much. My first visit was on a Wednesday and of course I got the fish and chips. My good friend got an amazing pear and Gorgonzola salad. The food was amazing and the waiter even brought out extra fish and chips so my friend could have some of my serving as well. Most restaurants won't do that, so I was pretty impressed. Needless to say, we visit this place often. Great server, great food, nice atmoshpere.
(5)
Jessica M.
My hubby and I have been here many times, and have always enjoyed it. We bring out of town guests here a lot, or come with friends. The Fish n'Chips Wed/Fri is the best bet. We've also tried burgers, root veggies and meat pie, all which were good. The only thing I tried here that I didn't like was the crab/fish cakes? Don't really remember exactly what it was, but it had a weird spice and was cold. I will stick with fish n chips most likely with return visits, which also comes with peas :) To top it off, they have a great beer selection! We usually find a new favorite every time we go!
(4)
Van D.
Best fish and chips in the city so you can't beat the all you can eat fish and chip nights on Wed and Fri. Good selection of beers and patio in the back is great in the summer. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu since I ONLY eat fish and chips here. Maybe one day I will actually order something else......nah.
(4)
Amanda Z.
I used to live a few blocks from here and used to frequent it often. Service can be spotty, but the food is generally good. I enjoy the fish and chips, although the "all you can eat" is wasted on me. I can never eat more than one order! Be prepared for long waits during Fridays in Lent. When the weather is nice, they have a lovely beer garden in the back of the restaurant. I also love that there are no TV's.
(4)
Jason Z.
I stopped in here a couple Fridays ago, for the all you can eat fish and chips. I thought the place might be packed, but I got seated right away (there would have been a lengthy wait had I wanted to sit outside). Mere moments after I ordered my meal, I had an overflowing plate of fish and chips. Theses were probably the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Before I could finish my first plate, the waitress was at my table asking if I'd like seconds of anything, and again, mere moments after ordering, they were there. The bar itself is old Scottish charm. Duke could easily be any of the pubs I was in Glasgow. I'll be back there on another Friday, hopefully I'll be able to sit outside this time.
(4)
Eric A.
If there were a way to teleport from L.A. to Chicago for a drink, I'd be at the Duke of Perth every time I went out for drinks. Being a single malt fan, this is by far one of the most authentic-feeling and cozy pubs this side of the Loch Ness. I have celebrated two birthdays here, and when I left Chicago for the glitz and glamor of NYC, I had a going away party here. And all three times, everyone showed up, and stayed quite awhile! And while I'd like to think that it was all because I embody the acme of charm and charsima; I'm sure it was because when you get here, you feel like you're home. Just try and get in here on a cold fall evening after 7 PM. Not a seat to be had. And they don't turn tables that quickly. By the way, the fish and chips special on Fridays (all you can eat) can't be beat.
(5)
diana R.
This place served us poisonous food (rancid meat). I wish I was joking but my stomach, my boyfriends stomach, and my boyfriend's sister's stomach never lie. I could understand one person getting sick, or two people getting sick maaybe. But if three people ordered the same burgers with the same meat at the same place, something smells fishy. The fish n' chips I guess were all right I guess. That's what our "friend's" got. This place man. Foul. I was sick. I really felt like it was the end, I threw up for two days straight. I was promising myself, PRAYing that this horryfying nausea would end. This meat is cursed with e.coli and bad vibes. I became a vegetarian because of this place. You can go if you want to go, but you're gonna barf your body out. I mean, real though, try to AVOID THE MEAT. Go there. Avoid the meat, you might be alright. BUT IF YOU EAT it, You'll be singing a different song. I pray for those who think they can battle the duke of perth.
(1)
Kyle S.
The second I walked in, it was instantly my favorite Chicago restaurant. As my brother and I entered, the entire bar was standing with their glasses raised, listening to a man in a deep Scottish accent, wishing his great friend off to fight in Iraq. It was a touching scene, and instantly added character to the the Duke of Perth. We even went up and talked to the strangers after our meal, many true Scots, some American. This added to the atmosphere, as you know it's not just one of those "Irish" bars which pop up all over Chicago, but really no true Irishmen drink there, just college frat boys. So the character of this place was undeniable. I enjoyed the meal, although there was not much privacy when eating, we were almost on top of someone else, but I didn't mind. If you are going for the romantic dinner, i wouldn't say come here. But if you want a good time, and find perhaps a new fav restaurant in the Lakeview area, hit this up. This is the place I recommend to people when they are looking for a fun place to go. I have since visited again, and needed to try to Fish and Chips. Although it was all you can eat, I think everything on my plate filled me up enough that I didn't need anymore. The prices for the food was quite reasonable, and I loved having peas served as well. I haven't had those since I was little. The one thing that gets expensive is the beer and alcohol selection, and I would expect that, as they do not just serve your American beers, but a great selection of dark, European beers.
(5)
Lesley G.
I feel like this place gets a lot of hype, but I think it's just fine. They have good beers that you don't see everywhere, probably because there aren't a lot of Scottish bars around, seems like the Brits and Irish claim all the pubish spaces in the hood. And the food is all good, but it comes at a price, a pretty high one. I go here when my friend's suggest it, but I don't think I've ever suggested it myself. So, like the stars say, I think it's "A-OK."
(3)
Abbey H.
If you're lucky on your visit to Duke of Perth, you'll get seated in front of the little gas fireplace. Yeah, I know, real fireplaces burn wood, but I'll take what I can get on a freezing Chicago winter evening. There's always a great selection of warm drinks, like hot buttered rum (holy wow), and hot chocolate or coffee with booze. Food is tasty, soups especially. It's dark and cozy, unpretentious, not too loud, plus my favorite perk, it's 2 blocks from the Landmark Theater. Fill your belly with comfort food, then try not to fall asleep during your movie. It's worth it.
(4)
Rob L.
Although the back patio was full, (though strangely it didn't look it), my friends decided to sweat it out in the front at the bar. Just getting back from dinner a little while ago I wasn't able to munch on any of their food, but I did have a lovely beer, medium body full of flavor and served cool.. not cold. Excellent. One of my friends was liking their selection of fine scotches and my other friend had a cold and refreshing cider. Our bartender, (whom might be the owner), was friendly, not intrusive and knew how to pour a pint proper. I have heard from many that the food is great and so is the beer garden... but alas.. I wasn't able to try either... so I guess that means I have to come back.
(3)
Kristin C.
I give the Duke props for staying strictly Scottish and not bending too much towards typical bar food fare. I went here Friday night and it wasn't too packed. I was pretty bummed out because what I really wanted to try was not available but still on the menu (frustrating). I pulled out a quick plan "B" and ordered the mini burger appetizer flight for my meal. I had a side salad too. Those little burgies were FANTASTIC. Very tasty and very cute. The bill came and was a little pricier than I expected. The only thing I don't like about the Duke is how it's a little too restaurant-y. It seems like this place wants to have a Pub feel but it just doesn't. It would be so cool if the decor was a little more pub-rustic.
(3)
Josette J.
I came here for the "All You Can Eat" fish and chips. The fish were battered just right; it really was a pleasure to eat. The dish comes with green peas and chips. I really would have loved to have this dish with an ale, but I was driving so I cannot comment on their alcohol selection :) To clear up other reviews on the chips, traditional chips are served slightly soggy--not crispy. So, don't expect to get them crispy, folks :) I gave 3 stars because while the food was good and the atmosphere acceptable, the service was bad. I had to get up and get my own menu and silverware from the waitress/service corner after waiting at my table for 5 minutes. This incident might not sound so bad, but there were only 5 other patrons in the establishment, so the waitress wasn't busy at all, merely chatting.
(3)
Leigh K.
After wavering back and forth one night on where to eat for dinner, we ended up at one of Zachary's favorites, The Duke of Perth. This place earned 100 points immediately when I noticed that they have Strongbow on tap. Not many Chicago bars can boast that. A plethora of points were added throughout our meal. We decided that for dinner we wanted to split appetizers, so we ordered the deep fried mac 'n cheese, fried vegetables, and chicken satay, along with cream of broccoli soup. Brennan's review of the veggie fries was right on. They go SO well with the three sauces they are served with, though my favorite was the sweet chili. The deep fried mac 'n cheese sounded too good to be true and it was. It was definitely something I'm glad I ordered so I could try it, but I don't think I'll get it again. It's just too rich even for a carb lover like me. The breading on the ouside of the chicken satay made it uniquely crisp. I made a sad faced lions face and begged Zachary to let me have one more than I was entitled to since we were splitting the meal. My pouty face can move mountains...or earn me chicken satay. Yum! Our waitress was nice but a bit scatterbrained. When we had asked her about the soup of the day she seemingly tried to talk us out of ordering the cream of broccoli because "it is just too creamy," but if I (and most of the general populace) end up ordering a creamy soup, we actually want it creamy. Maybe she truly had a vendetta against the soup, because she forgot to bring it out until I reminded her well after we had begun chowing down. Isn't soup supposed to come out first? Maybe a Either way, she was apologetic and maybe she will one day learn to make amends with the soup; its' only crime is being too creamlicious.
(4)
Niko X.
Go here for the Fish and Chips... washed down with lots of great draft beer. The Duke serves up just about the best Fish and Chips I've ever had. Beer battered to perfection; the batter isn't too thick, isn't too thin, and is just crunchy enough to handle a healthy dousing of malt vinegar, without losing its crispiness. I was visiting a friend who goes to Northwestern, and this really hit the spot. It's definitely worth the trip over to Lakeview.
(5)
Larry B.
A truly great pub in a city full of wannable pubs. Duke of Perth offers good pub grub including the aforementioned fish and chips. Nice selection of beer on tap. Great selection of Scotch including flights which is a nice way of sampling some of those expensive single malts that you would likely have never tried otherwise. I cozy albiet small bar at the front of the room. great place.
(4)
Cary F.
Never in my life have I waited for 2-hours for a table. But during this Lenten season, I have been on a journey to find the best Fish'n Chips in Chicago, and was willing to wait to see if the Duke would live up to it reputation. Not only did this place live up to the title of best Fish'n Chips, it blew it out of the water! The fish was perfectly battered, flaky and tasty. It melted in your mouth and filled you with a joy that only God could. I truely believe that Catholics don't eat meat on Friday's so they can goto the Duke for Fish'n Chips. At $10 a head for all you can eat, you cannot beat this meal.
(5)
Michael H.
Cold weather. Warm, hearty food. Duke of Perth. Perfect, right? Not quite. To begin with, the seating area was poorly arranged. This doesn't seem like a big deal unless you're sitting at a "table" that's about 18" by 30" near the restroom while there are several feet of usable space between tables adjacent to you. Not a good way to start the meal. My burger was dry and the fries were soggy. My companion's chicken and mushroom pie was oddly flavored with something sweet and nutty that we just couldn't figure out. On the plus side, the beer selection was quite good. I don't see myself eating here again.
(2)
Gwen B.
Very charming pub in a small nook in Lakeview with the Best fish and chips in the city--truly amazing. If you are a whiskey drinker, you will love their whiskey menu. It's a great find--especially for those chilly nights in Chicago.
(5)
Elton G.
I recently revisited the Duke of Perth after a long absence. I used to live across the street from it and would take everybody there. I'm happy to report that it has retained same mega-cozy ambiance and comforting pub food that I remember from before. A wintry night of Scottish ales (plus a PBR to keep Frank Booth happy), a fireplace, a fish sandwich and friends made for a very pleasant evening.
(5)
Mark T.
I could not have spent my Friday night at a better place. Their fish and chips are absolutely killer (not to mention that on Wed and Fri night they are all you can eat, even tho I could only put down two orders of fish) Their beer selection has a good sampling form Scotland, Ireland, and England alike. For a scotch drinker like myself this place is a MUST. By far the best single malt menu around. Service was great and I met a lot of nice people sitting @ the bar. You will see me there next Friday as well if that sums it all up. Just yell for Mark T, if you are good looking I might answer.
(5)
Dave C.
This place is stupendous; as close as you can get to a good Scottish pub outside of Scotland! I've traveled a great deal in my life and constantly have a severe case of wanderlust, and the Duke never fails to satiate that at least a bit due to the faithful Scottish feel on the inside, the excellent draft beer and scotch selection, and the almost constant international crowd that frequents it. The pros: -Excellent draft (and bottle) beer selection -Excellent scotch whiskey selection -Top-notch food, with a menu offering both traditional U.K. pub food (fish and chips, shepherd's/leek pie, etc) seamlessly alongside more traditional favorites (such as burgers and chicken strips) with creative twists -A dark, relaxed, well-decorated interior highly conducive to long bouts of relaxation -A wonderfully friendly staff, topped off by Mike, one of the friendliest and most chill bartenders around (in my opinion) -Always good, eclectic music playing, from classic pipe favorites to The Postal Service -All-you-can-eat fish and chips (with fries and peas on the side) every Wednesday and Friday night -During the temperate months, they have a killer back patio with trees and shrubs that easily can make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city. Some of my best memories are of hanging out with 7-8 good friends on that patio, forgetting our problems with great food and great pints. The cons: -It's a bit pricey. Entrees run anywhere from $8 to $15, with appetizers running around $5 to $8. The food + atmosphere + staff make the price well worth it, but it still is pretty easy to run up a healthy bill. -Wednesday and Friday nights can be pretty packed due to the all-you-can-eat fish and chips (and rightly so - they're fantastic!). It does create a fun, friendly environment, but not being a huge place, it can get tight, and the wait times can increase significantly. Overall, when you can afford to spend a little more than usual for a hangout, hang out here. I frequently stop in for a pint of my favorite beer - the Young's Double Chocolate Stout - and end up emerging two hours later following 3-4 pints and a side of stovies, their generously-portioned delicious garlic mashed potato, despite having already eaten dinner. I always want to stay "just a little bit longer!"
(5)
Samuel M.
DOP is a great spot to linger for an entire evening with a group of good people. The place feels like a Scottish hunting manor on the inside, which contributes to the cozy, friendly atmosphere. All-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $10 is pretty much unbeatable, and the fish is among the best I have tasted on this side of the pond. However, as other reviewers have stated, the accompaniments (chips and peas) leave something to be desired. The beer list, if a bit pricey, is worth the expenditure, as the offerings are mostly authentic Scottish brews that I haven't seen anywhere else in the city (including a few traditional IPAs with great hop flavor but low enough ABVs to be sessionable). I did not have a Scotch flight, but given the authenticity of the other elements of my experience here, I can't imagine it's anything other than authentic and delicious. Definitely worth many visits
(4)
Melissa K.
After reading so many great reviews about this place, I was super excited to try it. I was sadly disappointed. Maybe they had an off night, I was just not impressed. It felt more like a restaurant then a pub and the food I had was alright. The fries were fantastic though. Our waitress seemed less then interested in helping us and another waitress had to run our credit card since ours was too busy chatting with friends. Don't get me wrong, I used to waitress in college, but if you're 20 feet from your table you should be able to run their credit card and see that they want to leave. I suppose I'll have to go back with a different mindset to see if it gets any better.
(2)
Dann B.
All you can eat fish fry every Friday has kept me coming back. I also recommend the Hearth Burger for a tasty tasty meal. The beer on tap is extremely impressive, lots of hearty drinks from the British Isles. The staff is really nice and smart and they serve more scotch than I ever thought existed. Do not come here to drink a beer and read a book as the lighting is very dim. All in all a darn authentic Scottish pub.
(4)
Jessica G.
I was just here on Saturday for lunch and drinks. Great beer selection and the food was sooo good!! I had a roasted poblano pepper soup, which you could tell was homemade goodness and the fish and chips, which were equally as amazing. It's cozy with fireplaces, non-cheesy Christmas music, and really makes you feel like you're in a Scottish pub. Duke of perth gets an extra star because they have hot spiked drinks (especially great since it's chilly outside)!!! Also, the service was very friendly. Will definitely be back! Wish we had something comparable in Wicker Park.
(5)
Benjamin B.
One of the VERY FEW places this near to "The Heart of Darkness" that I will go to. Although every time I go there, my friends stare at me in disbelief when I reject their high-brow fingers of Scotch for my scrum-diddly-umptious three fingers of Maker's Mark. The people that frequent this place seem to vary between down-to-earth intellectuals to elitist hot-balloon heads. The wait staff is too busy to really give you a look to make sure yer happy, but so is life. I like the decor, woodsy... Scottishy or whatever the hell the ethnicity is. I dunno. I like it alright, better that some of my friends go there though... otherwise I prolly wouldn't go to "The Duke" because of where it is... deep in the bowels of... ooooooooooo... I dun even want to think about it. *shudder*
(4)
David M.
I've been there for the Wings and Fish & Chips. The wings were good. They are big and meaty wings, not like BW3's. I have had the fish & chips 3 times and I would say once I was like "meh", once I was like "pretty good", and last time I thought "Wow! Great fried fish!". So I guess consistency hasn't been the best. They have a nice patio in the back for the great beer in the summer. I like the Twisted Thistle.
(4)
Joshua G.
I grab lunch from here often and the food is always tasty.
(4)
Kimberly C.
Much like everyone's grandfather, or so everyone tells me when I mention it, I love scotch. Yes, really. Imagine my joy and ecstasy upon finding a scotch bar. Seriously, not just a LIST, a MENU of scotch - one that I am happily working my way through. The food is authentic, love the beer selection (ahhh, Bellhaven), and they have a fireplace. Clearly, I need nothing else. I will most definetly be frequenting this place in the winter, as I have discovered the heat in my apartment leaves much to be desired. It's not really the place for a Miller light, and don't expect a riotous crowd, or a rocking singles scene, but if you are just serious about your drinking, this place is probably worth a look.
(5)
Lynn M.
Everytime I visit Chicago, I have to stop here. Great fish and chips, breaded mushrooms, and incredible selection of scotch. Great vibe and outdoor area out back. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sy S.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....best fish and chips.
(4)
Michelle H.
Many different beers- they even have one called "Skull Splitters" ale. Declined to try it, to me that even sounded scary. (They have brews mainly from Scotland and England) All- you - can eat Fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday, but this time I tried the Angus beef curried skewers, which were excellent, and served with a mustard sauce. To drink, I tried a cider drink, which was crisp and clean, and only mildly sweet. If you are to sit in the non-smoking section in the back, beware of the swinging door to the kitchen, for it has a frosted glass pane, and is constantly opening and closing in the walkway. Be ready to move quickly. The ambiance is quite nice, with friendly and attentive service. Another reason I will return is the fact that they have Point Special Lager on the beer menu, and it is one of the few place I can find my favorite Wisconsin brews on tap.
(4)
Brandon H.
I have so much love for this joint, I can't believe it wasn't my first review. While it can get stupid crowded for the all-you-can eat nights (Wed. & Fri.), it is SO completely worth it. Stunning selection of single malts from all the regions (Speyside, Highland, Islay) and ice cold Tennent's on draught! Great food, killer atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff make the Duke a must. But good luck parking anywhere near it.
(5)
L T.
2.5 stars... Went here for a friend's b-day on a Friday evening during Lent. The nearly 2 hour wait wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't been so far away from the bar for the 1st 45 min... Lots of good babysitting dollars down the drain. LOL.. Being smushed up against strangers is always better when you have a drink in your hand! Of course we were so close together, there was barely room to lift the drink to the mouth. I shouldn't be harsh b/c I fully expected a long wait to eat all-you-care-to-eat-fish during Lent. If it hadn't been someone's b-day.... All that being said, the hostess and the servers were pleasant. The crowd was mellow, the food was good, the beer was great. Had a nice time with friends.
(3)
Mark B.
Like the Duke, especially when enjoying my beer and food out in the patio during a nice, balmy evening. I always seem to miss the crowds that I've heard about here, which means I have great timing. The food and service are excellent, as is the beer selection.
(5)
Sarah J.
One of the best outdoor patios/beer gardens in the city... Great beer, laid back vibe, not a tv in sight! My only complaint is the fish & chip smell. (vegetarian.. sorry.. I realize that is why alot of people come here!) Great bar, though!
(4)
Kathryn M.
Upon moving to the neighborhood, I have walked past the Duke of Perth many times. Sometimes when I walk by I make a mental note to go there (which I forget a block later), or I don't even notice it. My friend and I were looking for somewhere new to have lunch. Luckily this time when we walked by Duke of Perth we noticed it AND decided to go in. We both had a huge chicken sandwich, with your choice of 3 toppings and fries for $8.95. Not a bad deal at all. Waitress was fun, lots of spunk. The scotch list is impressive, we'll have to bring our boyfriends here so they can start their attempt to work their way through the scotch list. The decor is very simple. It feels like someone's home, with the old family portraits, fireplace, and drafts. A great place to spend a quiet afternoon with good food and good friends.
(4)
Drea E.
This was the best fish and chips I've had in the States ever, anywhere. We had to wait a bit for our seats, but who even notices the wait when you have a hoppy IPA to sip on and good company to enjoy. The service was outstanding, the food was great and the atmosphere was perfect.
(5)
Michael H.
One of my favorite places of all-time! They have some of the best, most unique pub food around. There are always great beers on tap and every time I've been there, except for one occasion, the waitstaff has been exemplary. Great place to go for a drink without having drunks fall all over you!
(5)
Liz S.
A *lovely* pub with great staff. They went out of their way to make it possible for our large group of 9 to sit together. Also, I like it when wait staff know their beer, I don't always want to depend on the bartender for a suggestion. So, thank you Duke for having a knowledgeable staff. They also have some pretty good food. I ordered a burger here and was only able to eat half so, the portions are pretty big; it's your general bar food with a Scottish spin on it. The bar is on the small side, so don't expect to bring in more than 10 or so people and think you'll be able to sit with each other. But it's definitely a bar to check out if you're in the area, esp since they have more unusual beers.
(4)
Justin M.
I used to live down the street from this place....it is a great bar! I actually kind of miss this place. Great beers on tap, and some of the best fish and chips around! I remember one time I was so drunk, the bartender called a cab for me and paid the fare. It was a $2.85 ride, haha. Funny, and awesome at the same time.
(4)
Sean K.
Duke of Perth is- far and away- my favorite bar in Chicago. The food is excellent. I could live on their fried fish (which is all you can eat on Fridays and I think Wednesdays too) and chips. Other good menu choices include the Shepherd's Pie, the Hearthfire burger, and the meatloaf. Scottish comfort food- God bless it. The beer and whisky selection are fantastic as well. They have a host of Scottish and English beers that can be tough to find in Chicago- including personal favorites like the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle. On top of all of the good food and drink, the atmosphere is perfect. Unlike the mammoth sports bars a short way up the street in Wrigleyville, Duke of Perth is quiet enough to have a decent conversation, the staff is friendly, and the decor just feels....comfortable. Whenever I have a friend from out of town visit the city, Duke of Perth is the bar I take them to. It's the perfect place for a bite to eat, a drink, and peace if mind.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Mon, Wed, Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Katy G.
Great beer, and good food. What more could you possibly want?
(5)K W.
What to do after a long day of beach volleyball when there is still sunny warm weather to enjoy, but you are too tired to move? A big plate of fish and chips and a few beers in the DOP beer garden is my tasty new answer. The beer garden is a lovely, plant filled urban oasis that I wish I had known about sooner. During the colder months (all 9 of them grrr) the Duke is a nice cozy place to hang with friends by a fireplace and escape from the tv-filled sports bars near my home. Try the Wee Heavy.
(5)Tom G.
This has been one of my favorite places in Chicago for years! A little Scottish pub in Lincoln Park, specializing in single malt scotches. They have a huge single malt menu! Nice outside patio as well. The food is quite good pub far, and the atmosphere is definitely authentic British pub!
(5)Nick S.
I'm not much of a bar food guy but I have to admit I was impressed. If I lived in the neighborhood I would come here much more often. If I'm not confusing myself here, I remember it being difficult to squeeze past the tables and the people sitting at them, to get to the restroom when it got busier. The fish and chips here = win.
(4)Nancy H.
Mmm.. love the all-you-can-eat fish & chips on Wednesdays & Fridays for $9.50. We stuffed ourselves silly with fish, chips, shepard's pie (which was slightly disappointing; $9.50 for shepard's pie only as large as a French onion soup bowl but had good flavor), and beer. Definitely gets crowded, so be prepared to wait for a table. The decor inside is rustic, like you are dining in a Scottish home complete with a wood-burning fireplace - definitely feels cozy on a winter night!
(5)Carolyn G.
This place was PACKED last night with lots of folks interested in the lenten special: all you can eat fish and chips. Our group arrived at 5:30 and the place was already packed to the gills. We waited for a while, but finally managed to get seated in front of the gas fireplace. The ambience was pretty good at that point! The fish was tasty, the fries were pretty good, too, but the best part was the beer! I started with a Youngs Chocolate Stout (YUM!) but then wanted to make sure I had room for lots of fish and chips, so I moved on to a lighter beer (can't remember the name), which was good, too. Even though the place was really busy, service was pretty darn good - and quick! The staff didn't seem to care that we sat around for a while after eat, as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. Oh, and they brought her fish out with a lit candle on it! I'm sure, though, that the folks still waiting for tables were wishing we'd just get up and leave already. Overall, a pleasant evening. Well worth the $9.95 for all you can eat fish and chips, which were truly all you can eat. :)
(4)Linsey C.
Amazing fish and chips! I understand there's going to be a wait for amazing fish and chips at an all you can eat fish and chips place on Good Friday...however, the hostess was way off on her wait time. She said it'd be 30 minutes...we waited over an hour. I understand she has no control over how long people linger at a table after eating, but from my understanding they are pretty busy all the time so I expected a more accurate estimation. Anyway, it's not a large place so you end up standing next to people who are eating...a little awkward when they know you want their table. We finally were sat in the back which I appreciated because the front was crammed with people by that point. The server was great and brought us our beers right away and our fish came out soon after. The fish is delicious. The breading is lighter than I anticipated which allowed me to eat more...I think I had 5 or 6 pieces. I didn't eat the fries or peas, just came for the fish! I'll be back for sure, the fish is worth the wait!
(4)lola d.
Holy bonkers! The fish and chips are amazing! Not only are they amazing, they are "in your face" huge! It's inconceivable! You pair this perfectly battered fish with a nice cold beer and you have got yourself the best meal on earth! Que rico (delicious)! Fridays: all you can eat fish and chips---go, go go! ...and the staff is great too.
(5)Eric M.
Unlimited fish and chips drew me in, the amazing beer selection got me to stay. Be prepared to travel to England in just a few blocks by visiting Duke of Perth. The food appears to be authentic and the bar is stocked with great bourbons and whiskeys. It's a little small so you may have to wait and be seated pretty close to someone else, but that makes it just more fun, right?
(4)Jennifer K.
I was cold, tired and hungry. All I really wanted to do was curl up on my couch and gobble up my chocolate bar while thawing in the living room. My friends suggested dinner and I half-heartedly agreed. I bundled myself up with a down jacket and a thick scarf to go trudging through four blocks. Thank goodness it was in the neighborhood or I might have just stayed put at home. The interior is dark with low lighting, sparsely decorated and has a very "homey" sort of vibe. There's the different beers available written out on chalk. The bar tiself is stocked, mostly with good Scotch whiskey. There's no loud television to distract patrons, just seats and tables for diners and drinkers to mull over. My friends and I sat over at the table with the small fireplace. With the crappy weather outside, I felt fairly cozy with the fire crackling beside me. Suitably warm and ready for dinner, I had the shepherd's pie. I needed comfort food, and Duke of Perth delivered. At first, I thought the dish was a bit on the small side, but once I dug in, I realized how heavy the meal sat in my stomach. Yummy mashed potatoes, ground beef and veggies settled comfortably in my tummy. The light ales on tap went well with the meal. And the price wasn't so bad either. The Duke of Perth is not for everyone. Spaces are a bit tight, there's nothing to keep you going besides good food, good ale and good company. It's a great place if you want to have comfort food while conversing with friends. But if you want a raucous time, there are other louder pubs in the city. I like it because it's a place to unwind after a tough day - it's quiet and subdued. But maybe it's because I went during a weekday.
(3)Evan D.
This is a wonderful bar in the middle of frat-boy Lincoln Park hell. No televisions, no really loud music, and a fireplace make it a great place to sample some scotch and have a conversation. The scotch list is extensive, and the bartenders are usually happy to recommend something for the n00bs among us (such as myself). For non-scotch drinkers, the beer list is special too, and is particularly strong on British Isles ales. I've heard legendary things about the all-you-can-eat fish and chips, but haven't gotten the chance to try it yet (I'm reserving my fifth star for when I do). The Duke's fish-and-chips buffet would be a great place to break a diet, though, considering the location just 2 blocks from the Weight Watchers center.
(4)Erin T.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout and a leek and potato pie - delicious. Great food, great beer, and a great staff. Nice patio in the summer, too. It can get crazy crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, which sadly is when I often feel my stout and potato pie cravings coming on. I try not to come here for dinner on a weekend because I can't be asked to suffer drunkards when I'm getting my leek and potato pie on. It's a fun, chill weeknight bar, though. Nice place to sit at the bar. And when I do come here on the crowded weekends everyone else looks like they're having a good time while I'm trying to chow down!
(5)Dave S.
Fried fish is one of my true weaknesses. Even bad fried fish is relatively satisfying. When you have good top of the line stuff that is sold at a reasonable price, you have got me the balls! Well with that being said... This place has me by the balls! Friday night All You Can Eat Fish!!!!!!!!! This is really good stuff too and at a reasonable price. What more can I ask for? Let me tell you what more I could ask for... I would like to finish my meal and not be stuck in a fetal position from being stuck in an area that does not allow me to move any limb or any other part of my body (except for my hands to my mouth) We we extremely cramped in here, which cost them a star (almost two) I will be back but not as often as i would like! The cramped conditions will always make me think twice. The fish will bring me back again however.
(4)Tony F.
Fish and Chips all you can eat on Wed and Friday. The staff is ALWAYS friendly. They have awesome ales from Scotland on tap. If you are into Scotch, they also have a good compliment of that too. Plus it's really close the LandMark Century theatre, which plays all the cool non-mainstream movies here in the city. the Duke is one of the many reasons I love living in the city and it's always a place I take friends from out of town.
(5)Mike P.
Living so close, I guess it's a sad thing that I only have visited Duke of Perth once. Now that I'm switching neighborhoods, hopefully I'll get back. The Wednesday/Friday fish fry is very good, I hear. My wife and I actually went her on Valentine's Day when we had are original plans cancelled. It was quite good, eating from the standard menu. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy.
(4)Lindsey B.
Love The Duke. Their fish and chips is so freakin' tasty! And their mini cheeseburgers are so damn cute. I actually took pictures and then posed them with this mini wish doll my friend has. Yeah I know. I was a little tipsy. BUT it was a great photo op for the doll and the teeny burgers. The staff is always so friendly and the wait is never long. Plus they have pretty much any kind of drink you could ever want. I like that in a boyfriend.. I mean Bar.
(4)Timothy M.
No annoying TVs or super loud frat guys? Am I in the right neighborhood? I thought this place was on Clark Street! Ah, but they've chosen to take the TVs out and cater to a more European-wannabe clientle. Not that I'm complaining, because this pub is cozy, the beer is delicious, and the food is insanely good. Try starting off with something you haven't had before (Jess is right, the Twisted Thistle is a great brew). The mac & cheese fritters were an idea straight from God's own brain. The fish and chips were so incredibly dank, the only reason I could see trying to challenge the "bottomless" plate would be to stuff some into your bag under the table for a snack later. They are so scrumptious and will fill you up. A really good deal is the Monday night two-for-one entree. If you're ballsy, you could even try the whisky tray to sample some great Scottish whisky. In all, this place makes you feel very comfortable and I think I'll be coming here often in the winter to feel warm.
(4)Martin P.
This Place has the best Fish N Chips anywhere! Come when its all you can eat! I had a hard time in the past because of all the smoking BUT Thanks to Chicago and the No Smoking rule I will be back often. The batter is perfect and the fish is never greasy...almost sweet. Amazing! Great Price, Amazing Food.
(5)Brad B.
Oh Duke of Perth, how I love thee... Best fish and chips (and even a special all you can eat, for you fat bastards) once a week. Kick ass staff. M the barkeep, brought back Tom & Jerry (yum) mix and cheese curds from his family home in WI and shared them with all the patrons last week. C'mon. Who does that? He does. Lovely guy. Tell him I said so. Beers. Scotch. Fireplace. Nuff said. (oh wait....for all you people from out of town: ITS HORRIBLE DONT GO)
(5)Deborah E.
Ahhh.....The Duke of Perth. Or, as I fondly refer to it, The Puke of Derth. Simply stated - I love it. Now, mind you - I am not a beer drinker - and I am only vouching here for the Fish N Chips - oh! And the deep fried mushrooms - god, those are good! They are served with some sort of horseradishy sauce - yummmmmm! Though I loved it, I didn't frequent it as much during the smoking days as the ventilation sucked. But now that the smokers are outside, I will be going more.
(5)Melissa B.
All you can eat fish and chips. Need I say more? I mean, c'mon. And has anyone mentioned the peas? That's the real reason the boy wants to go there all the time. The beer list is odd, but interesting. Why not try something new? How about an elderberry beer? Service is great, even when the patrons get stupid drunk with old friends (ahem). So why not 5 stars? The only problem is the seating inside is very cramped. I recommend waiting 'til the patio opens.
(4)Thelma T.
I made it to this legendary pub as a tourist trek after reading about it in Gourmet magazine. It was great. The ambiance was frenzied zen - a juxtaposition of crusty elders,yuppies and hipsters. The wait was about an hour, but it was during the "all you can eat special" Their signature, fish n chips is incredible. I had a symphony of pleasure on my palate; I Loved the exotic suds too.
(5)Job E.
Went for Fish and Chips Wednesday. Place was busy and had to wait for a table. I wish I could give it a better rating, but, honestly, my Fish and Chips fell flat. The beer is good. The atmosphere is excellent. On an entertaining note, this was a fun eavesdropping visit. Conversation from the neighbor table included phrases like "I might cancel my subscription to 'Massive Asses'" and "Do you think STDs run rampant at retirement communities?"
(3)Andrew C.
The Duke of Perth is a great pub. But it's more than that. The scotch menu is excellent (one of the best in the area) and the waitstaff is very knowledgeable when you're trying to select a scotch. The Duke has a decent selection of Scottish beers on draught with enough variety to keep a beer fan like me from being bored. That said, it's more than scotch and bitters. The fish and chips are excellent and the burgers are juicy and placed in front of you faster than you'd expect. The atmosphere nice and dark and the Duke is generally fairly quiet except Thursday through Saturday (which is to be expected). The rest of the week it's a great place to bring a board game or a deck of cards and linger over a couple beers or glasses of scotch. Definite keeper.
(4)Rich G.
Great Fish and Chips .. what more is there to say??
(4)Rachel Y.
I love Duke of Perth - it's one of those good pubs that provide a cozy and inviting haven. And in the summer, their patio is just as fabulous as their fire stove is in the winter. Word of warning though regarding the food - the salmon hash is basically extremely fried fish. I was a bit disappointed - it wasn't bad but I was envisioning a sort of pot pie type of thing. So if you are in a situation like i was and are debating between one of their burgers (which are amazing) or the salmon hash...go with the burger. I definitely will next time!
(4)Jonathan A.
The fish and chips are the best I have had in the city. And all you can eat for 10 or 11 bucks on Fridays! With green peas! The beer selection is unique and interesting. The atmosphere is small cozy pub, and authentic. Little stools rock. Great all around.
(4)Sarah K.
there's no place like home ... there's no place like home .... I love this pub more than I love my cell phone and I love my cell phone more than I love my own parents so you do the math .... and much like the purpose of my parents, this place is responsible for shaping many of the values, goals and views that I hold dear to this day. Um, while we're at it ... its also served as the backdrop for my causing a fair share of problems, issues, emotional destruction and a well deserved breakup .... or two. I'm sarah ... ... but c'mon ... beer, good. scotch, good. and they even have a sean connery burger for christ's sakes! i'm homesick now ... sniff.
(5)Emily C.
The folks were in town on a Sunday afternoon. After a drive up Clark we came upon an open parking spot in front of Duke's. When I first heard the name I had flashbacks of this totally hungry/obnoxious bar back in Grand Rapids with the same name where many undergraduate nights were spent and lots of regretful interactions were made. So I told you that to tell you this: Duke's of Perth is so far from anything frat like or, and I hate to say it, but the sort of typical Lincoln Park bars in that vicinity. First of all they have NO tv. And they advertise it which I love. So don't come here if you want to watch "the game." We sat in the back near the fire place which was really cozy as this was a wicked cold day. Dad ordered the chocolate stout which he loved and mom got a Bodington. I had work to do so stuck to my water. Mom and I both ordered the Islay chicken sandwich which you pick three options to accompany the juicy chicken breast. I had onions, mushrooms and BBQ sauce. We were both really satisfied. Dad ordered the, and you have to love the name of this burger, the Sean Connery Burger. Naturally what ensued next was us talking like Sean Connery on SNL's Jeopardy "I'm on to you Trebek." He loved his burger. Both sandwiches come with a huge side of fries. The service was a bit sketch as we were the only ones there and waited about 40 minutes for our food. It's a fairly good sized space so hopefully the service is better when it is filled up. Oh and the bathroom: gross. And why is it so dark? Anyway good food, good drinks good atmosphere, avoid the bathroom and get a spot the fire, you'll surely have a nice afternoon.
(4)Jess S.
Twisted Thistle - you're a friggin delicious beer. Now that I have that out of the way.... After the delicious leek pie and eyeing all the plates that passed our table, I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Seriously. No joke. Great comfort food. Perfect for those chilly nights. Two of us went in on a Saturday night at 6, plenty of seating (which slowly but surely filled up). Dark and cozy, it was comfortable. Attentive & personable waitstaff. All in all a great experience. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Jeff D.
Great Fish and Chips! Man for the price of 9.99, you can't go wrong with this all you eat deal! The (Lake Perch?) is breaded so lightly and the peas that go with it is great! There is service is quicker than what I remember when I went a year ago. Plus, it's a cozy atmosphere. Easy parking around as well.
(4)Johnny A.
Being a Wisconsin boy, born and raised in the Brew City baby!! I LOVE ME SOME FISH FRY'S!!! and after several try's at other spots in the Chi, i have to say, The Duke of Perth is my favorite place to go to belly up at the bar and eat me some fish fry. Better yet it is a Scottish bar and being Irish-American, this place feels comfy and cozy to me and has a great beer selection, they have the bell haven wee-heavy, one of my favs..did i mention on Wednesdays and Fridays its ALL-u-CAN !! for 10 duckets a plate!! laddy! it don't get better than this !! present day, being lent, i am heading there for an early dinner.. see you there!! Cheers!
(5)Colleen B.
I know I've been here twice and I know I enjoyed whatever it is that I ate but I also know that they had chocolaty beer... so I don't remember much else. Oh! I also remember that it was nice and toasty warm and cozy when it was HORRIBLE AND COLD outside. I'll be back now that it's not the dead of winter. I wonder if they still have the chocolate beer...
(4)Paul A.
No TV! That in and of itself is five stars in my book! It also helps that they have a terrific single malt selection, the service is always excellent and the pubgrub with a Scottish flair is terrific.
(5)Sara G.
I had a great glass of cider and a very pleasant shepherd's pie. Steve seemed to enjoy his leek pie and Michael said the fish and chips were indeed very good. As much as anything, though, I just liked the dark, cozy pub atmosphere, and the fireplace. We lucked out and hit the place on a quiet Monday night, so there was no trouble getting a table and we could talk quietly. A really pleasant meal.
(3)A. R.
You can't go wrong with The Duke, whether you're stopping in simply for a beer or sitting down for a meal. The menu has good "bar food" but also other unique fare you won't find at the place across the street. The All You Can Eat Fish Fry is the best you'll get in the city. On a Friday or Saturday evening you can expect to wait for a table, which can be a little awkward esp during the winter as there isn't a whole lot of room to stand around and the bar has maybe a dozen stools. Great outdoor seating during the warm months.
(5)Jerry K.
Get your London Pub fix here - AWESOME
(4)Katherine R.
EXCELLENT Scotch selection. All available by the glass for a very decent price. I love Scotch, my parents love Scotch, my boyfriend loves Scotch, one of my best friends loves Scotch, and we all love coming here to try different Scotches. This is a great place to cozy up in the winter months (next to the fireplace -- did I mention there was a fireplace?) and sip a stiff drink in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. I recommend coming here on two-for-one entree night with a friend and spending your extra $8 on another glass of, you guessed it, Scotch.
(4)jeff c.
i got the chance to hang out at this fine establishment for a few hours yesterday. the ambience and service were good, and they had a nice selection of scottish beers on draft. i was excited because as i was waiting (finishing off a book for a book club meeting), i realized that it was bottomless fish and chips night! how could this go wrong? well, i'll tell you. maybe i was a little too excited about the fish and chips, because i was pretty disappointed when they came out. the batter was very light - good sign. the fish was flaky - another good sign. BUT...it just wasn't tasty! i tried vineagar. i tried salt. i tried tartar sauce. all of this was to no avail. so as much as i like the place itself, to be so disappointed in what should be a staple food like fish and chips at a place like this means i can only give it 3 stars. sorry.
(3)Jim S.
Yes, the fish and chips are great. The beer selections are fine and the Scotch choices are the best in the city. My problem comes in the fact that they try to slip in taxes on beers on top of their prices. I consider D of P a bar that happens to serve some great food....and therefore when the price of a pint is listed as $8 that is assumed to be tax included.....BUT IT'S NOT!! Sorry for the 2 star review....but if you want the price of your pint to be $8.88 instead of $8 list that on the menus. Or better yet just charge $9. How sad for your waitresses to have to sit there and count out the tax every time they need to cash someone out who is just drinking.
(2)Eric S.
I recently moved to California and spent a few weeks saying sad goodbyes to friends and loved ones in Chicago. But Duke of Perth, you were the hardest to leave behind. Where do I begin? If you are a scotch lover (which I became after living across the street from the DOP for two years), this is simply the best place to go in Chicago. The scotch list is a bit daunting, but the bartender can give you a recommendation, or try one of the four scotch "flights" they have available. The place is dark and cozy on the inside, leafy and cozy in the outside beer garden. Both are great. And then there's the food. I made it a goal try everything on their menu, and I can't say that anything disappointed. My favorites: wings, meatloaf, pot pie, veggie sandwich, and of course the fish n' chips. I highly recommend grabbing a friend and going on Monday nights for 2-for-1 dinner entrees. Duke, every time I go back to visit Chitown, you can be sure that I will pay you a visit.
(5)Cathy H.
Like it! Weds/Fri all you can eat fish and chips--the chips were REALLY good. My favorite part is that they actually have PIMMS at the bar. So far, I've only found two places in Chicago that have Pimms: Duke of Perth and Quenchers. Nothing like fish and chips and a Pimms Cup to take you right back to Edinburgh.
(4)Esther L.
Good fish and chips. Good deal. Had to reduce a star because my credit card statement reflected a higher tip given to the server than I had recorded on my receipt.
(4)Drew S.
A pub that loves its scotchy scotch scotch. There's a page with a couple dozen scotches from each variety and age bracket. I went with the scotch flight for 16 buckarooos. It comes with 3 samples and detailed tasting notes that read "nose: peaches body: smoked peat moss aroma: fresh cloverfields in spring finish: juniper berries" The food seemed up par and they had a fireplace. Oh, and once I saw a blimp.
(5)Mark Z.
We went there for the all you can eat fish and chips, as well as the scotch selection. Neither disappointed! Let's start with the food. You'd think on an all you can eat fish night, that the fish would be under/over cooked or just not good. That was the farthest thing from the truth. It was absolutely delicious fish, and the servers couldn't be happier to bring out another round of fish. Next, the scotch. There are over 75 different types! Most were delicious. The only thing that would take marks away were the server's knowledge of scotch. He really didn't know a thing. So either hitch up to the bar (the bartender is the owner) and ask him for recommendations, or study up the online menu prior to visiting. Regardless, it's a mostly can't go wrong deal on the menu. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Steve G.
You know, when it comes down to it, this place is just okay. Sure, it's novel to sit in a bar that feels Scottish, and order foods with silly names, and read a page long Scotch menu, etc. But this places gets uncomfortably crowded on the weekends, and the food isn't all that fantastic. Duke of Perth is the hipster equivalent of Medieval Times.
(3)Norris A.
I happened to be in the area to meet some friends and we stumbled upon this tiny bar around lunchtime. A sign out front said there was "all you can eat fish and chips" inside so we stampeded through the door. It's a pokey little place,not plush or hip but has a welcoming lived-in character and was cosy on a winter's afternoon. It is Scottish themed and so there are plenty of Scottish beers and whiskies and menu suggestions. Fish and chips drew us through the door...all you can eat for $10 and all four of us ordered just that (as we share one brain) There were also peas included which adds some color. While some of my group are adventurous and ordered Scottish Ale I asked for a big sudsy draft Guinness. When I was told by the solo friendly waitress that it was only available in cans I had to weigh up my options....go to another bar to find it and talk to my friends via cell phone or suck it up and deal with it like a man? I ordered a "draught" Guinness but only on the condition that she would keep the fact that it was from a can to herself and keep me in the dark. Off she went. I know a thing or two about fish and chips as I am from the U.K and I know it tastes better with a Guinness. British parents see to it that their kids are well nourished and think nothing of spending 5 minutes to put a good meal on the table by going out to the fish and chip shop on the corner and bringing it back, wrapped in vinegar drenched newspaper. The kids get their Guinness in a sippy-cup if they are too young to pour their own. Anyway- back to the Duke of Perth. The drinks were going down a treat when the food came. Hot crunchy filets in a golden crisp light batter served with what appeared to be hand-cut fries with hints of skin here and there. Plenty of peas (not the mushy variety but rather garden peas). Vinegar was provided without asking which gets a thumbs-up. More beer! was the cry. I think only one of us needed more food after the first plate which proved to be "all you can eat" for three of us. A special word for the waitress- she ran the floor by herself and was constantly in motion and constantly in good humor. Fast, friendly, funny and efficient. Hard to ask for more. I can't talk about their other food choices but hope to try some on future visits. For now I am just happy to know there is some solid fish and chips available at a great price every Wednesday and Friday at the D.O.P.
(4)Dawn G.
I love this place for their food- their service is why they lose 1 star- The first time they were great- second, the waitress kind of threw the menus at us and seemed annoyed I didn't order a beer and needed a refill- but for their fish *unlimited* and no tv's..I can't complain and will always come back- even their burgers are great. I do have to say though- if you're a fan of that- the no tv''s and fish or great burgers go- it's so peaceful to be in a pub and not have to yell at my bf over tv's and sports neither of us care about. Their is street parking/downside sort of, but fairly easy...don't forget too they get packed on the fish nights!
(4)Ayako M.
I tend to stay away from bars in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park vicinity...or any vicinity where I may run into frat house douchebags with popped collars. So I didn't really want to go to The Duke of Perth, which is conveniently located near the Landmark Cinema known for showing great foreign cinema and small run independent film...I figured I was too hopped up on my own importance at having seen a movie SO cutting edge, it would blow your mind away! I mean, my brain was like, three times its normal size due the massive amount of culture I had just taken in...then my companion said the magic words, "well, Wednesday is ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH AND CHIPS" and I was like, n00ch! The place was awesome, very chill and relaxed. Filled with all types of people just having a pint or a whiskey and enjoying the traditional Fish n' Chips with malt vinegar and mushy peas. Awesome selection of beers and of course whiskey. Friendly bartender, friendly patrons, lot's of dark wood and comfy bar stools, I can't ask for more!
(4)Dustin W.
This place makes me happy.
(5)Keenan S.
I am in love with The Duke of Perth. The atmosphere is a wonderful change from most of the bars I've been to (no T.V. is a NECESSITY!), and, especially on the weekdays, has some great Celtic melody quietly playing in the background (a little more contemporary stuff plays on the weekends, but I won't fault it, because it's not obnoxious and loud). I've only ever had the fish and chips, but I think they are enough by themselves to lure anyone in. My fiancée is not big on fish, but even she thinks they're fabulous. The batter is phenomenal and the fish is always fried to perfection, with comparably delicious chips and peas served alongside. While the beer list is small, there's some quality brews to be had. The real draw, though, is the extensive list of scotch. It's insane how many there are to choose from, and I wish I had more time and money in my life to try them all. I may reach that goal sometime, though, because I plan to come back here as often as possible, even if I go bankrupt in the process. Ah, the life of an American consumer.
(4)Sean L.
The Duke is a great cozy place to have a meal. I hope you are not shy because you will be sitting right next to everyone else there. Also, when it gets busy you will have to wait in the front for a table which gets very crowded with only a few people. I feel bad though, because I feel like I am hovering over people waiting for them to finish, so we can have their table. I would recommend the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesday or Friday. The beer selection is pretty good.
(4)Matt R.
After a long day, the Duke of Perth is just the place for comfort cooking, great beer, and/or a good single malt. Hung out in the beer garden last night and it was a perfect night to be there!
(4)David W.
Oh My Brad B was right This Fat bastard thoroughly enjoyed the all you can eat Fish and Chips Served both on Wednesdays and fridays Oh my although i do consider myself a big eater i was only able to accomplish 2 servings of the delectably home made fish i guess it was due to the fact that i finished everything else that was on my plate as well as a couple of pints of beer.. I've been to this place a couple of times and yeah I guess i do like it.. A little side note though i think they need to add a little bit more salt in the batter there
(4)Jerry M.
The Duke's got a great ambience, the beers are good - Strongbow on tap! Great specials on various days - Mondays i think is 2 meals for the price of 1, Wed and Fridays are all you can eat fish and chips, and even more specials that I don't know about. Beer garden is awesome in back. But I don't like their fish and chips for some reason - they're too bready for me, but I know lots of folks who love the fish and chips, so it's just my little quirk. And they come with peas - ewww! You can ask for to sub fries if you don't like peas, so that's a good plus in my book. The menu seems authentic, but not for veggies - unless you like salads!
(4)Sarah W.
I always seem to end up here on the all-you-can-eat Fish 'n Chips night, even though I don't eat fish. What I do eat--and lots of it--is the Leek Pie: potatoes, vegetables, and a little bit of magic, all baked together with cheese on top, served with peas or mixed vegetables on the side. The name might not win you over, but this is addictively delicious, and a great option for those of us who are not meat-inclined. My husband is equally enthusiastic about the Sheppard's Pie. They have unique Scottish and English beers on tap. I particularly enjoy the Belhaven Scottish Ale, which has the creaminess of a Guinness and a smooth, malty flavor. The Duke is of course known for its extensive Scotch offerings, and I've taken advantage of their flights, which come with helpful explanations of each malt. The restaurant itself is not enormous, but there is a huge patio in back that practically doubles their seating capacity so it's a great place to go in the summer. It's a good place to have dinner and drinks before a movie at the Landmark.
(5)Jenn L.
If I died, I'd want to go to the Duke for eternity. The fish and chips are the best in the nation, the 25 cent (ginormous, larger than a fat opera singer's boob) chicken wings on Thursdays, one of the best scotch selections in town, and two words: Wee Heavy. The bar's vibe is pure pub loveliness: dark and filled with good smells and drunken stories. UPDATE: The wings are now 50 cents a piece. While this is upsetting, keep in mind that these wings are still much larger than any other chicken wings I've eaten before. So still a good deal. Oh, and try the leek pie. It's fantastic.
(5)David S.
My 4 star rating is really because I've been here several times and love the place. I'll add the unfortunately part later. This is a Scottish bar in a city packed with Irish Bars. Cool décor, good to very good food, and superior selection of Scotch Whiskey and Scottish Ales. Oh how I remember my first bottle of Scotch when I was living in Germany 10 years ago (a Glenmorangie). Back then I started with one shot in a glass of water slowly making the mix stronger and stronger. Today, I'm almost always drinking neat unless its cask strength or a wicked strong Islay. Duke of Perth has more choices of a dram to pour than any other bar in this city. Truly, if you love Scotch this is where you need to be. They even have Scotch flights if you're looking for a good tasting. I'll admit, as much as I like this place I don't do the flights. They keep the costs down by making 1 of the 3 in the flights a less than par Scotch. Or, at least, I rate 1 of the 3 on each but the high end flights as subpar. Is any Scotch subpar though? Wednesdays and Fridays they have all you can eat fish fry. No fish and chips compare to actually being in Ireland but this is some of the best you will get in the city. I was disappointed with my service this last weekend as the server didn't know scotch and was rather inattentive in a non-packed restaurant. However, as I've been there many times over I can also say that was unusual for them as they are usually great! All-in-all if you're into Scotch Whiskey or even wanting to learn or try new Scotch this is the place to go. They even have a nice little patio out back. Let me know when you're going, I'll love talking Scotch almost as much as drinking it. I don't hand out 5 stars because they need to be more elusive in my opinion but this place is the closest I've come. Granted that probably has a lot to do with my affinity for Scotch. Prost, Cheers, Salud, Bon Appetit, and all those great wishes!
(4)Rebecca T.
One of my favorite places in the hood; I little bit of Scotland in the heart of Lincoln Park. In the winter it's great because it's warm and cozy, love the native music playing in the background, and they have winter warmer concoctions that are oh-so-tasty. In the summer, it's equally as awesome in the quaint, backyard patio. Perfect place to sit back with a few beers and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Oh, and the food kicks ass. Big fan of the pot pies and unusually good house salad dressing.
(5)joel t.
love this bar. absolutely love it. mike is about as nice a guy as you'll ever find behind the bar. and better yet, he actually knows his stuff. i consider myself pretty well versed in the world of single malt scotch, and he's always been spot on in recommendations. (he definitely won't recommend a speyside when your leanings are towards an islay.) so if you're new to single malts, talk to him. he knows what questions to ask, and he is never, ever judgmental. as for the food, well.....it's fair. (fare? get it?). the hebridean leek pie is a personal fave, although i'm not a huge fan of peas, and it comes with a copious amount. on the plus side, it gives me ample opportunity to test my pea balancing skills. (the malt vinegar bottle works nicely, and my record is four.) as for beer, they do have a couple of belhavens on tap. (twisted thistle is an excellent european i.p.a.) and where else can you get a bottle of 'alba' (scotch pine ale) or a bottle of 'fraoch'? (heather ale). the overall atmosphere is cozy, warm, dark, and welcoming. no tv's, no music playing, so conversation is easy. this is simply one of the better pubs in chicago.
(4)Joel T.
Next time you're in the mood for an Irish pub, make a slight adjustment and go Scottish. Plenty of fine Scotch whiskys and the type of food you'd expect, plus a nice collection of ales. The back yard makes a nice gathering spot for some old-timey whisky sipping.
(4)Ingrid C.
The scotch selection is excellent!!!! best in town. I am not a big fun of fish and chips, so I haven't tried it, but everybody that I've been there with, agreed that is the best fish and chips in the city. I honestly only go there for the scotch. they carry the Laphroaig 15 years which is my favorite and isn't easy to find. So to be honest that simple reason already makes this place great. Location is good, service is good, the scotch is the best!
(5)Joel T.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I popped into this place for the first time: more bottles of whisky (no 'e') than i've ever seen in one bar. The barman (who is a woman, but i'm not sure what people in England and Scotland call a woman behind the bar) was so knowledgeable and friendly that I wished i lived in walking distance. There are many evenings of rarefied pleasure on those shelves. Also, grub is terrific and the place is big enough that crowds won't necessarily bother. Also, no fruit machines, blaring Gaga, sports on tv, tartan corniness. At least not whenever i've been in.
(5)Luke S.
This place was a surprising treat! I've walked by this place hundreds of times and finally decided to stop in. I'm really glad I did. I wasn't sure what to get, but the waiter recommended the meatloaf. It was perfect, be sure to get the veggies as a side rather than the peas. It also came with mashed potatoes that melted in your mouth. I'm definitely coming back to try the all you can eat fish and chips on a Wednesday or Friday. I didn't drink but the drink list was long and looked to be fairly reasonably priced.
(4)Dima M.
I don't know how I have missed this part the past few years that I have been coming to this place, but this is the first year I saw the outdoor patio area. It's very nice and secluded to the back of the bar, instead of the front or along the sidewalk. This is great, as it doesn't get too crowded, but you can still enjoy a good ale in fresh air. The outdoor area is big enough that it doubles the seating capacity of the bar.
(4)Sarah A.
Must try the Robert the Bruce Burger. I absolutely love that you can choose some hearty toppings. They also have a unique beer selection on tap including Scottish, English and Irish Ales. The patio in the back is also great during the summer. I love specials and they have specials M-F, including an all-you-can-eat Fish 'n' Chips dinner. Don't wanna miss this place.
(4)Jon J.
The Duke is one of my favorites. They've got great food and a unique selection of English and Scottish beers & liquors available. It's just a good place to chill and have a conversation, as they don't have any TVs (a bonus) and don't crank up the music too loudly. It tends to get crowded, however, and there isn't much space to stand if the bar and tables are all filled up. All that aside, it's still a great bar, a definite standout in a homogeneous neighborhood.
(4)Ralph F.
Duke used to be REALLY good. A change in ownership has brought the place down. Yes, the fish n chips are very good. The burgers used to be larger (and cheaper). Their fried mushrooms are what keeps me coming back. This is a place we used to go to nearly weekly. Now I will cave in to the fried shroom cravings once every six months or so.
(2)Jessica R.
I've been here twice...and since I mention Maggie R. in every other review, I may as well do so again. My first experience, with Maggie R., was nice and quiet. We both chowed on fish and chips. Btw, Monday is BOGO entrees! Aside from that, the fried fish and potatoes were very nice. I loved that the Malt Vinegar was conveniently placed in the center of the table. My second time, tonight, was as easily as nice. I dined with 5 other friends, (including Maggie R.), and the service was just right. I tried the Slam'n Salmon and Cod Cakes, served with fries and tartar sauce. Very swell! Again, the service was very efficient.
(4)Lindsay N.
I love this place so much. My first visit was on a Wednesday and of course I got the fish and chips. My good friend got an amazing pear and Gorgonzola salad. The food was amazing and the waiter even brought out extra fish and chips so my friend could have some of my serving as well. Most restaurants won't do that, so I was pretty impressed. Needless to say, we visit this place often. Great server, great food, nice atmoshpere.
(5)choong l.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. Sure, the staff is not the most perky or attentive, but they've got character -- chat up with them and they'll treat you like regulars (a lot of them have been, or currently are, regulars themselves). Now, this doesn't mean that your food and drinks will be served any faster or they'll refill your water any more promptly, but at least you'll learn to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while sipping on a delicious pint of Young's Double Chocolate Stout (this is a rather recent addition; one of the old regulars, McEwans, is no longer served). The bar's rather small -- only long enough for about 8 stools -- but this also means that you'll get to know the bartender before the night is over (hello Mike!). The atmosphere is one of dark, mahogany wood, antique furnitures and exposed brick wall along a long hall that leads to a beer garden in the rear patio. The musical selection is pretty random and my favorite part: no TV. This place is not much for people watching, either, which is how I prefer it -- kinda like an oasis of cozy, comfortable pub half way between the Diversey/Clark and Wriglyville concentration of loud, seen-to-be-seen bars. While the bar has some hard-to-find Scottish beers (e.g. Orkney Island Skull Splitter), it also has decent selection of great English beers (Young's Double Chocolate Stout begs to be consumed!) as well. If your taste for bars run closer to TV-free, chat-friendly pubs (but not a dive) like Hop Leaf, you'll really enjoy a pint at The Duke of Perth. For others, please hop on a cab and go a mile up along Clark St.; I heard that there's a place called, "John Barleycorn," that might do you better.
(5)Julina B.
Super fish n chips and fantastic wings! I stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while visiting Chicago in search of good beer. Don't be fooled by the this small unassuming bar. They've got big food and good drink. Try the Scottish Stout. Not to mention they offer single malt tasters.
(5)Bry H.
When I need to get in touch with my Scottish roots, I come to this place. They have Belhaven on tap.. yum. I'm not the biggest fan of fried food, but every now and again you just need something thrown in the frier... This is the place. If you are a healthy eater this is NOT the place to be. But I love Duke!
(4)Marven K.
Great atmosphere, unbelievable fish and chips and and amazing imported beer selection.
(4)Moira S.
The best fish and chips in the city hands down. Expect a wait on Friday nights when it is all you can F&C. Their cod cakes and chicken and mushroom pie are delightful as well. Great Scottish beer selection and good atmosphere.
(5)Kate B.
Due to yelp, and the the yelp help my friends and I read on a daily basis, a group of us decided to start a "supper club" so that we can try out some of the restaurants we have read about. This was our first restaurant - we went on a Friday night for their all you can eat Fish & Chips. Being from the east coast, I am very picky about my seafood, but I would have to say Duke of Perth did a very nice job with their fish. Our waitress was a little slow, but very,very friendly and gave us good recommendations on the beers they had on tap. Plus as soon as one persons plate was empty of fish, chips and peas, a heaping plate of fish and chips was brought to the table immediately.
(4)Jessica M.
My hubby and I have been here many times, and have always enjoyed it. We bring out of town guests here a lot, or come with friends. The Fish n'Chips Wed/Fri is the best bet. We've also tried burgers, root veggies and meat pie, all which were good. The only thing I tried here that I didn't like was the crab/fish cakes? Don't really remember exactly what it was, but it had a weird spice and was cold. I will stick with fish n chips most likely with return visits, which also comes with peas :) To top it off, they have a great beer selection! We usually find a new favorite every time we go!
(4)Van D.
Best fish and chips in the city so you can't beat the all you can eat fish and chip nights on Wed and Fri. Good selection of beers and patio in the back is great in the summer. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu since I ONLY eat fish and chips here. Maybe one day I will actually order something else......nah.
(4)Amanda Z.
I used to live a few blocks from here and used to frequent it often. Service can be spotty, but the food is generally good. I enjoy the fish and chips, although the "all you can eat" is wasted on me. I can never eat more than one order! Be prepared for long waits during Fridays in Lent. When the weather is nice, they have a lovely beer garden in the back of the restaurant. I also love that there are no TV's.
(4)Jason Z.
I stopped in here a couple Fridays ago, for the all you can eat fish and chips. I thought the place might be packed, but I got seated right away (there would have been a lengthy wait had I wanted to sit outside). Mere moments after I ordered my meal, I had an overflowing plate of fish and chips. Theses were probably the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Before I could finish my first plate, the waitress was at my table asking if I'd like seconds of anything, and again, mere moments after ordering, they were there. The bar itself is old Scottish charm. Duke could easily be any of the pubs I was in Glasgow. I'll be back there on another Friday, hopefully I'll be able to sit outside this time.
(4)Eric A.
If there were a way to teleport from L.A. to Chicago for a drink, I'd be at the Duke of Perth every time I went out for drinks. Being a single malt fan, this is by far one of the most authentic-feeling and cozy pubs this side of the Loch Ness. I have celebrated two birthdays here, and when I left Chicago for the glitz and glamor of NYC, I had a going away party here. And all three times, everyone showed up, and stayed quite awhile! And while I'd like to think that it was all because I embody the acme of charm and charsima; I'm sure it was because when you get here, you feel like you're home. Just try and get in here on a cold fall evening after 7 PM. Not a seat to be had. And they don't turn tables that quickly. By the way, the fish and chips special on Fridays (all you can eat) can't be beat.
(5)diana R.
This place served us poisonous food (rancid meat). I wish I was joking but my stomach, my boyfriends stomach, and my boyfriend's sister's stomach never lie. I could understand one person getting sick, or two people getting sick maaybe. But if three people ordered the same burgers with the same meat at the same place, something smells fishy. The fish n' chips I guess were all right I guess. That's what our "friend's" got. This place man. Foul. I was sick. I really felt like it was the end, I threw up for two days straight. I was promising myself, PRAYing that this horryfying nausea would end. This meat is cursed with e.coli and bad vibes. I became a vegetarian because of this place. You can go if you want to go, but you're gonna barf your body out. I mean, real though, try to AVOID THE MEAT. Go there. Avoid the meat, you might be alright. BUT IF YOU EAT it, You'll be singing a different song. I pray for those who think they can battle the duke of perth.
(1)Kyle S.
The second I walked in, it was instantly my favorite Chicago restaurant. As my brother and I entered, the entire bar was standing with their glasses raised, listening to a man in a deep Scottish accent, wishing his great friend off to fight in Iraq. It was a touching scene, and instantly added character to the the Duke of Perth. We even went up and talked to the strangers after our meal, many true Scots, some American. This added to the atmosphere, as you know it's not just one of those "Irish" bars which pop up all over Chicago, but really no true Irishmen drink there, just college frat boys. So the character of this place was undeniable. I enjoyed the meal, although there was not much privacy when eating, we were almost on top of someone else, but I didn't mind. If you are going for the romantic dinner, i wouldn't say come here. But if you want a good time, and find perhaps a new fav restaurant in the Lakeview area, hit this up. This is the place I recommend to people when they are looking for a fun place to go. I have since visited again, and needed to try to Fish and Chips. Although it was all you can eat, I think everything on my plate filled me up enough that I didn't need anymore. The prices for the food was quite reasonable, and I loved having peas served as well. I haven't had those since I was little. The one thing that gets expensive is the beer and alcohol selection, and I would expect that, as they do not just serve your American beers, but a great selection of dark, European beers.
(5)Lesley G.
I feel like this place gets a lot of hype, but I think it's just fine. They have good beers that you don't see everywhere, probably because there aren't a lot of Scottish bars around, seems like the Brits and Irish claim all the pubish spaces in the hood. And the food is all good, but it comes at a price, a pretty high one. I go here when my friend's suggest it, but I don't think I've ever suggested it myself. So, like the stars say, I think it's "A-OK."
(3)Abbey H.
If you're lucky on your visit to Duke of Perth, you'll get seated in front of the little gas fireplace. Yeah, I know, real fireplaces burn wood, but I'll take what I can get on a freezing Chicago winter evening. There's always a great selection of warm drinks, like hot buttered rum (holy wow), and hot chocolate or coffee with booze. Food is tasty, soups especially. It's dark and cozy, unpretentious, not too loud, plus my favorite perk, it's 2 blocks from the Landmark Theater. Fill your belly with comfort food, then try not to fall asleep during your movie. It's worth it.
(4)Rob L.
Although the back patio was full, (though strangely it didn't look it), my friends decided to sweat it out in the front at the bar. Just getting back from dinner a little while ago I wasn't able to munch on any of their food, but I did have a lovely beer, medium body full of flavor and served cool.. not cold. Excellent. One of my friends was liking their selection of fine scotches and my other friend had a cold and refreshing cider. Our bartender, (whom might be the owner), was friendly, not intrusive and knew how to pour a pint proper. I have heard from many that the food is great and so is the beer garden... but alas.. I wasn't able to try either... so I guess that means I have to come back.
(3)Kristin C.
I give the Duke props for staying strictly Scottish and not bending too much towards typical bar food fare. I went here Friday night and it wasn't too packed. I was pretty bummed out because what I really wanted to try was not available but still on the menu (frustrating). I pulled out a quick plan "B" and ordered the mini burger appetizer flight for my meal. I had a side salad too. Those little burgies were FANTASTIC. Very tasty and very cute. The bill came and was a little pricier than I expected. The only thing I don't like about the Duke is how it's a little too restaurant-y. It seems like this place wants to have a Pub feel but it just doesn't. It would be so cool if the decor was a little more pub-rustic.
(3)Josette J.
I came here for the "All You Can Eat" fish and chips. The fish were battered just right; it really was a pleasure to eat. The dish comes with green peas and chips. I really would have loved to have this dish with an ale, but I was driving so I cannot comment on their alcohol selection :) To clear up other reviews on the chips, traditional chips are served slightly soggy--not crispy. So, don't expect to get them crispy, folks :) I gave 3 stars because while the food was good and the atmosphere acceptable, the service was bad. I had to get up and get my own menu and silverware from the waitress/service corner after waiting at my table for 5 minutes. This incident might not sound so bad, but there were only 5 other patrons in the establishment, so the waitress wasn't busy at all, merely chatting.
(3)Leigh K.
After wavering back and forth one night on where to eat for dinner, we ended up at one of Zachary's favorites, The Duke of Perth. This place earned 100 points immediately when I noticed that they have Strongbow on tap. Not many Chicago bars can boast that. A plethora of points were added throughout our meal. We decided that for dinner we wanted to split appetizers, so we ordered the deep fried mac 'n cheese, fried vegetables, and chicken satay, along with cream of broccoli soup. Brennan's review of the veggie fries was right on. They go SO well with the three sauces they are served with, though my favorite was the sweet chili. The deep fried mac 'n cheese sounded too good to be true and it was. It was definitely something I'm glad I ordered so I could try it, but I don't think I'll get it again. It's just too rich even for a carb lover like me. The breading on the ouside of the chicken satay made it uniquely crisp. I made a sad faced lions face and begged Zachary to let me have one more than I was entitled to since we were splitting the meal. My pouty face can move mountains...or earn me chicken satay. Yum! Our waitress was nice but a bit scatterbrained. When we had asked her about the soup of the day she seemingly tried to talk us out of ordering the cream of broccoli because "it is just too creamy," but if I (and most of the general populace) end up ordering a creamy soup, we actually want it creamy. Maybe she truly had a vendetta against the soup, because she forgot to bring it out until I reminded her well after we had begun chowing down. Isn't soup supposed to come out first? Maybe a Either way, she was apologetic and maybe she will one day learn to make amends with the soup; its' only crime is being too creamlicious.
(4)Niko X.
Go here for the Fish and Chips... washed down with lots of great draft beer. The Duke serves up just about the best Fish and Chips I've ever had. Beer battered to perfection; the batter isn't too thick, isn't too thin, and is just crunchy enough to handle a healthy dousing of malt vinegar, without losing its crispiness. I was visiting a friend who goes to Northwestern, and this really hit the spot. It's definitely worth the trip over to Lakeview.
(5)Larry B.
A truly great pub in a city full of wannable pubs. Duke of Perth offers good pub grub including the aforementioned fish and chips. Nice selection of beer on tap. Great selection of Scotch including flights which is a nice way of sampling some of those expensive single malts that you would likely have never tried otherwise. I cozy albiet small bar at the front of the room. great place.
(4)Cary F.
Never in my life have I waited for 2-hours for a table. But during this Lenten season, I have been on a journey to find the best Fish'n Chips in Chicago, and was willing to wait to see if the Duke would live up to it reputation. Not only did this place live up to the title of best Fish'n Chips, it blew it out of the water! The fish was perfectly battered, flaky and tasty. It melted in your mouth and filled you with a joy that only God could. I truely believe that Catholics don't eat meat on Friday's so they can goto the Duke for Fish'n Chips. At $10 a head for all you can eat, you cannot beat this meal.
(5)Michael H.
Cold weather. Warm, hearty food. Duke of Perth. Perfect, right? Not quite. To begin with, the seating area was poorly arranged. This doesn't seem like a big deal unless you're sitting at a "table" that's about 18" by 30" near the restroom while there are several feet of usable space between tables adjacent to you. Not a good way to start the meal. My burger was dry and the fries were soggy. My companion's chicken and mushroom pie was oddly flavored with something sweet and nutty that we just couldn't figure out. On the plus side, the beer selection was quite good. I don't see myself eating here again.
(2)Gwen B.
Very charming pub in a small nook in Lakeview with the Best fish and chips in the city--truly amazing. If you are a whiskey drinker, you will love their whiskey menu. It's a great find--especially for those chilly nights in Chicago.
(5)Elton G.
I recently revisited the Duke of Perth after a long absence. I used to live across the street from it and would take everybody there. I'm happy to report that it has retained same mega-cozy ambiance and comforting pub food that I remember from before. A wintry night of Scottish ales (plus a PBR to keep Frank Booth happy), a fireplace, a fish sandwich and friends made for a very pleasant evening.
(5)Mark T.
I could not have spent my Friday night at a better place. Their fish and chips are absolutely killer (not to mention that on Wed and Fri night they are all you can eat, even tho I could only put down two orders of fish) Their beer selection has a good sampling form Scotland, Ireland, and England alike. For a scotch drinker like myself this place is a MUST. By far the best single malt menu around. Service was great and I met a lot of nice people sitting @ the bar. You will see me there next Friday as well if that sums it all up. Just yell for Mark T, if you are good looking I might answer.
(5)Melissa K.
After reading so many great reviews about this place, I was super excited to try it. I was sadly disappointed. Maybe they had an off night, I was just not impressed. It felt more like a restaurant then a pub and the food I had was alright. The fries were fantastic though. Our waitress seemed less then interested in helping us and another waitress had to run our credit card since ours was too busy chatting with friends. Don't get me wrong, I used to waitress in college, but if you're 20 feet from your table you should be able to run their credit card and see that they want to leave. I suppose I'll have to go back with a different mindset to see if it gets any better.
(2)Dann B.
All you can eat fish fry every Friday has kept me coming back. I also recommend the Hearth Burger for a tasty tasty meal. The beer on tap is extremely impressive, lots of hearty drinks from the British Isles. The staff is really nice and smart and they serve more scotch than I ever thought existed. Do not come here to drink a beer and read a book as the lighting is very dim. All in all a darn authentic Scottish pub.
(4)Dave C.
This place is stupendous; as close as you can get to a good Scottish pub outside of Scotland! I've traveled a great deal in my life and constantly have a severe case of wanderlust, and the Duke never fails to satiate that at least a bit due to the faithful Scottish feel on the inside, the excellent draft beer and scotch selection, and the almost constant international crowd that frequents it. The pros: -Excellent draft (and bottle) beer selection -Excellent scotch whiskey selection -Top-notch food, with a menu offering both traditional U.K. pub food (fish and chips, shepherd's/leek pie, etc) seamlessly alongside more traditional favorites (such as burgers and chicken strips) with creative twists -A dark, relaxed, well-decorated interior highly conducive to long bouts of relaxation -A wonderfully friendly staff, topped off by Mike, one of the friendliest and most chill bartenders around (in my opinion) -Always good, eclectic music playing, from classic pipe favorites to The Postal Service -All-you-can-eat fish and chips (with fries and peas on the side) every Wednesday and Friday night -During the temperate months, they have a killer back patio with trees and shrubs that easily can make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city. Some of my best memories are of hanging out with 7-8 good friends on that patio, forgetting our problems with great food and great pints. The cons: -It's a bit pricey. Entrees run anywhere from $8 to $15, with appetizers running around $5 to $8. The food + atmosphere + staff make the price well worth it, but it still is pretty easy to run up a healthy bill. -Wednesday and Friday nights can be pretty packed due to the all-you-can-eat fish and chips (and rightly so - they're fantastic!). It does create a fun, friendly environment, but not being a huge place, it can get tight, and the wait times can increase significantly. Overall, when you can afford to spend a little more than usual for a hangout, hang out here. I frequently stop in for a pint of my favorite beer - the Young's Double Chocolate Stout - and end up emerging two hours later following 3-4 pints and a side of stovies, their generously-portioned delicious garlic mashed potato, despite having already eaten dinner. I always want to stay "just a little bit longer!"
(5)Samuel M.
DOP is a great spot to linger for an entire evening with a group of good people. The place feels like a Scottish hunting manor on the inside, which contributes to the cozy, friendly atmosphere. All-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $10 is pretty much unbeatable, and the fish is among the best I have tasted on this side of the pond. However, as other reviewers have stated, the accompaniments (chips and peas) leave something to be desired. The beer list, if a bit pricey, is worth the expenditure, as the offerings are mostly authentic Scottish brews that I haven't seen anywhere else in the city (including a few traditional IPAs with great hop flavor but low enough ABVs to be sessionable). I did not have a Scotch flight, but given the authenticity of the other elements of my experience here, I can't imagine it's anything other than authentic and delicious. Definitely worth many visits
(4)Jessica G.
I was just here on Saturday for lunch and drinks. Great beer selection and the food was sooo good!! I had a roasted poblano pepper soup, which you could tell was homemade goodness and the fish and chips, which were equally as amazing. It's cozy with fireplaces, non-cheesy Christmas music, and really makes you feel like you're in a Scottish pub. Duke of perth gets an extra star because they have hot spiked drinks (especially great since it's chilly outside)!!! Also, the service was very friendly. Will definitely be back! Wish we had something comparable in Wicker Park.
(5)Benjamin B.
One of the VERY FEW places this near to "The Heart of Darkness" that I will go to. Although every time I go there, my friends stare at me in disbelief when I reject their high-brow fingers of Scotch for my scrum-diddly-umptious three fingers of Maker's Mark. The people that frequent this place seem to vary between down-to-earth intellectuals to elitist hot-balloon heads. The wait staff is too busy to really give you a look to make sure yer happy, but so is life. I like the decor, woodsy... Scottishy or whatever the hell the ethnicity is. I dunno. I like it alright, better that some of my friends go there though... otherwise I prolly wouldn't go to "The Duke" because of where it is... deep in the bowels of... ooooooooooo... I dun even want to think about it. *shudder*
(4)David M.
I've been there for the Wings and Fish & Chips. The wings were good. They are big and meaty wings, not like BW3's. I have had the fish & chips 3 times and I would say once I was like "meh", once I was like "pretty good", and last time I thought "Wow! Great fried fish!". So I guess consistency hasn't been the best. They have a nice patio in the back for the great beer in the summer. I like the Twisted Thistle.
(4)Joshua G.
I grab lunch from here often and the food is always tasty.
(4)Kimberly C.
Much like everyone's grandfather, or so everyone tells me when I mention it, I love scotch. Yes, really. Imagine my joy and ecstasy upon finding a scotch bar. Seriously, not just a LIST, a MENU of scotch - one that I am happily working my way through. The food is authentic, love the beer selection (ahhh, Bellhaven), and they have a fireplace. Clearly, I need nothing else. I will most definetly be frequenting this place in the winter, as I have discovered the heat in my apartment leaves much to be desired. It's not really the place for a Miller light, and don't expect a riotous crowd, or a rocking singles scene, but if you are just serious about your drinking, this place is probably worth a look.
(5)Lynn M.
Everytime I visit Chicago, I have to stop here. Great fish and chips, breaded mushrooms, and incredible selection of scotch. Great vibe and outdoor area out back. Highly recommend.
(5)Sy S.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....best fish and chips.
(4)Michelle H.
Many different beers- they even have one called "Skull Splitters" ale. Declined to try it, to me that even sounded scary. (They have brews mainly from Scotland and England) All- you - can eat Fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday, but this time I tried the Angus beef curried skewers, which were excellent, and served with a mustard sauce. To drink, I tried a cider drink, which was crisp and clean, and only mildly sweet. If you are to sit in the non-smoking section in the back, beware of the swinging door to the kitchen, for it has a frosted glass pane, and is constantly opening and closing in the walkway. Be ready to move quickly. The ambiance is quite nice, with friendly and attentive service. Another reason I will return is the fact that they have Point Special Lager on the beer menu, and it is one of the few place I can find my favorite Wisconsin brews on tap.
(4)Brandon H.
I have so much love for this joint, I can't believe it wasn't my first review. While it can get stupid crowded for the all-you-can eat nights (Wed. & Fri.), it is SO completely worth it. Stunning selection of single malts from all the regions (Speyside, Highland, Islay) and ice cold Tennent's on draught! Great food, killer atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff make the Duke a must. But good luck parking anywhere near it.
(5)L T.
2.5 stars... Went here for a friend's b-day on a Friday evening during Lent. The nearly 2 hour wait wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't been so far away from the bar for the 1st 45 min... Lots of good babysitting dollars down the drain. LOL.. Being smushed up against strangers is always better when you have a drink in your hand! Of course we were so close together, there was barely room to lift the drink to the mouth. I shouldn't be harsh b/c I fully expected a long wait to eat all-you-care-to-eat-fish during Lent. If it hadn't been someone's b-day.... All that being said, the hostess and the servers were pleasant. The crowd was mellow, the food was good, the beer was great. Had a nice time with friends.
(3)Mark B.
Like the Duke, especially when enjoying my beer and food out in the patio during a nice, balmy evening. I always seem to miss the crowds that I've heard about here, which means I have great timing. The food and service are excellent, as is the beer selection.
(5)Sarah J.
One of the best outdoor patios/beer gardens in the city... Great beer, laid back vibe, not a tv in sight! My only complaint is the fish & chip smell. (vegetarian.. sorry.. I realize that is why alot of people come here!) Great bar, though!
(4)Kathryn M.
Upon moving to the neighborhood, I have walked past the Duke of Perth many times. Sometimes when I walk by I make a mental note to go there (which I forget a block later), or I don't even notice it. My friend and I were looking for somewhere new to have lunch. Luckily this time when we walked by Duke of Perth we noticed it AND decided to go in. We both had a huge chicken sandwich, with your choice of 3 toppings and fries for $8.95. Not a bad deal at all. Waitress was fun, lots of spunk. The scotch list is impressive, we'll have to bring our boyfriends here so they can start their attempt to work their way through the scotch list. The decor is very simple. It feels like someone's home, with the old family portraits, fireplace, and drafts. A great place to spend a quiet afternoon with good food and good friends.
(4)Drea E.
This was the best fish and chips I've had in the States ever, anywhere. We had to wait a bit for our seats, but who even notices the wait when you have a hoppy IPA to sip on and good company to enjoy. The service was outstanding, the food was great and the atmosphere was perfect.
(5)Michael H.
One of my favorite places of all-time! They have some of the best, most unique pub food around. There are always great beers on tap and every time I've been there, except for one occasion, the waitstaff has been exemplary. Great place to go for a drink without having drunks fall all over you!
(5)Liz S.
A *lovely* pub with great staff. They went out of their way to make it possible for our large group of 9 to sit together. Also, I like it when wait staff know their beer, I don't always want to depend on the bartender for a suggestion. So, thank you Duke for having a knowledgeable staff. They also have some pretty good food. I ordered a burger here and was only able to eat half so, the portions are pretty big; it's your general bar food with a Scottish spin on it. The bar is on the small side, so don't expect to bring in more than 10 or so people and think you'll be able to sit with each other. But it's definitely a bar to check out if you're in the area, esp since they have more unusual beers.
(4)Justin M.
I used to live down the street from this place....it is a great bar! I actually kind of miss this place. Great beers on tap, and some of the best fish and chips around! I remember one time I was so drunk, the bartender called a cab for me and paid the fare. It was a $2.85 ride, haha. Funny, and awesome at the same time.
(4)Sean K.
Duke of Perth is- far and away- my favorite bar in Chicago. The food is excellent. I could live on their fried fish (which is all you can eat on Fridays and I think Wednesdays too) and chips. Other good menu choices include the Shepherd's Pie, the Hearthfire burger, and the meatloaf. Scottish comfort food- God bless it. The beer and whisky selection are fantastic as well. They have a host of Scottish and English beers that can be tough to find in Chicago- including personal favorites like the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle. On top of all of the good food and drink, the atmosphere is perfect. Unlike the mammoth sports bars a short way up the street in Wrigleyville, Duke of Perth is quiet enough to have a decent conversation, the staff is friendly, and the decor just feels....comfortable. Whenever I have a friend from out of town visit the city, Duke of Perth is the bar I take them to. It's the perfect place for a bite to eat, a drink, and peace if mind.
(5)Justin B.
Fish was perfectly breaded, beer was cold, fries were hot and the peas were a nice touch. And all of this for $10.25 with unlimited amounts of food on a Wednesday or Friday? And a patio? And quick, friendly service? Yessir!!
(5)Sarah V.
I always feel so astute when I come to The Duke of Perth. It's my "I feel like wearing glasses and a cardigan today and having a discussion on human trafficking in the United States while sipping on this batch of micro brew from the Midwest" kind of bar. The Duke is also a perfectly acceptable bar for my book club to sit in and not discuss a book, but rather the necessity of a new wave of boy bands. The Duke is multi-functional. The Duke is also splendid for having a cup of coffee and using the WiFi on the weekends to do work when you've spent your internet money on beer, or to have a casual dinner with your other, noshing on fresh fish and chips, two-fisted burgers and Irish delicacies. In the spring, scratch that, late summer, when it's actually warm enough to sit outside, The Duke opens its beer garden with pretty flowers and plants to help drift you away to The Duke's motherland. In the fall/winter/spring, when it's bitter cold and snowing/sleeting/drizzling, The Duke invites you to relax and imbibe one of its micro brews on tap and enjoy the crackling fire in the stone hearth. So to recap, The Duke is actually a perfectly acceptable bar for any of your needs whether it's to enjoy a beer in the sunshine, by a fire, while conversing with your mate, in a group of friends, while doing real-world work, or over a plate of food. It's my go-to spot for all of the above.
(4)Liz A.
This is a unique find for chicago. They are a true Scottish bar with a very rustic interior, fireplace and all. They also have a very thorough selection of malt flights, and a very friendly wait staff that is willing to help with any questions and give great advice on selections. The best part of this bar is the amazing selection of British food. Wednesday and Friday nights are all you can eat fish and chips, and the fish is excellent! You can choose from fries or two different styles of mashes potatoes for your side plus the peas that come with each plate. The prices are incredible; the most competitive rates I've ever seen for an all you can eat in chicago; it really is like being at a country fish fry except with a great chicago location. Love this place!
(5)Timothy L.
Top-notch service, excellent whisky selection, beers were unique and good. We ordered the AYCE fish and chips and it was "okay." Good batter, but the fish was mushy instead of flakey. Favorite part of the dish were the peas. Still a good value for what you get. Head a lot of "Scottish" accents from among the customers, so the nationals must like it.
(3)Neil R.
I'm a scotch fan so naturally this place drew me in. The scotch line up did not disappoint. The interior is very nice but somewhat dark - that does add to the appeal to an extent. The food was pretty good - I would not say outstanding but it was definitely above average. In my view, this is a great place to grab a drink and hang out with friends but I would probably not go here again for dinner specifically.
(4)Kyle H.
How could my visits to Duke of Perth be separated by a decade? Yep. Last night was my second visit for the all you can eat Friday Fish Fry (also on Wednesdays), and the last time I was there was over a decade ago. I'm happy to report that conviviality and good table service still reigns at Duke of Perth. And so do the crowds! Wow, this place is as popular as Lady Gaga at a Trani convention. Was quoted a 30-40 minute wait by the girl taking names on her little scratch pad, and we were only too happy to wait with a lager in hand. But confused as to why larger tables were being seated well before us (2), and tables of two even being combined to accomodate said groups. Finally, an hour 15 wait later, and I had to remind the girl we were there, and although she said she was looking for me, we never heard her call my name or any names! A better (or brighter) system here is needed. But that's where the negatives end, because the fish is crisp and light, some of the best fish fry this Wisconsin boy has ever tasted! Served with peas and fries, the offer to add more fish was frequent. Service impeccable for a casual dining place. Stop in for a pint on their large patio, fish fry or other Scottish delights; Duke of Perth is solid!
(4)Hannah C.
This place is a treat! The fish and chips were evidently delicious and plentiful. Service was super attentive, even though they were quite busy. The chicken club was average, but the stovies (mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions) were AMAZING! They have a great selection of beer and whiskey. They had a few wines and other drinks, although it would have been nice to have a few more choices. We would definitely return here!
(4)Maggie M.
Cozy atmosphere with two fireplaces. Scottish themed with a good hard cider. They only have Guinness in a bottle. Not on draft but they have this Scottish stout which is just as good if you're into that kind of thing. Don't come in the winter if you wanna be cozy! It was definitely a bit chilly. Wednesday and Fridays they have all you can eat fish and chips with peas. TALK ABOUT GOOD. The staff was also super nice and witty.
(5)Mike D.
Great food and service. Went with my family (12 and 9) and felt perfectly comfortable. Try the historic Scottish beers
(4)Green T.
The "food" is bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Just don't bother. Go if you like a wide selection of beers and whiskeys and don't feel like walking to a more reasonably-priced place that offers the same. Duke offers a decent going-out experience due to its cozy ambiance absence of TV screens (which is unfortunately rare). I appreciate that they seat people quickly even at busy times (though be careful to avoid getting seated by the bathroom, those folks did not look happy at all). But seriously, the food... everything was cooked-from-frozen. I think they stay afloat on the atmosphere alone.
(1)Michael G.
Fish and chips to rival Aberdeen, and a scotch menu that would amaze an edinburgher. Authentic, quaint, delicious, reasonable
(5)Valerie H.
Excellent burgers and fish and chips. Have enjoyed many times and was pleasantly surprised by what a tremendous job our server did interacting with our kids as this is really more of a pub environment than family restaurant. If only there was another in the burbs...
(5)Adriane P.
I wonder if the real Duke of Perth knows there's a pub named after him in Lakeview? I suppose I'd know if there was a pub named Duchess of Awesome because I'd have to sign off on them using my title. It's small, crowded, and loud. Real loud so that you can't hear the faint music over chattering voices. Our table was very close to the other one so much my back rested against another lady's. My partner fixed that by moving our table closer to the wall adjacent, even then we were uber close. His chair wobbled too, so he swapped it. It says on the window embossed "Authentic Ale and Cider!" um they only have one kind of cider. We ordered: The Cider Good, very crisp, not too sweet. Young's Double Chocolate Stout Good, but heavy. Haggis Wings (Hot) According to them the largest wings in town. Thankfully made of chicken not haggis. Do haggis have wings anyhow? Isn't it guts? I'm not sure they are the largest but definitely meaty. Not hot at all. My partner said in a poetic comparison, "If these wings were salsa, they'd be labeled mild." If I were salsa I'd be labeled hot. The Ghillies Meatloaf A slow-cooked blend of lamb, beef, veal, and garlic sausage with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, mashed rutabaga, and peas. Very tender but bland. The meat and potatoes needed more seasoning and more gravy. The mashed rutabaga he liked more than me but it was ok. We both liked the peas. People serve peas more (and brussel sprouts, in my opinion). The service was spotty. We got a box to go and the busser just handed it to my which is fine, if awkward and the box was very flimsy. The prices were a touch high, for what it is and where it is. Not very authentic overall and certainly not a destination spot. But we'd try it again if we are close.
(3)Carolyn L.
Oh man I need to write my reviews sooner! I went here a few months ago on a date. Not the fanciest of dates, but it was a place I'd been wanting to check out for awhile. I honestly can't remember much about the place. I remember that I was leaning toward the fish and chips because I always love fish and chips. But I think I ordered the Sean Connery burger instead: burger with sauteed onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. That sounds like me. It is pretty hard to mess up a burger so I'm sure I liked it. The beer and food were fairly priced. The outdoor patio area looked really cute but it was super hot outside so we opted for the interior. Service was fine. It's just that nothing really sticks out about this place, hence the average rating. If I lived closer, I'd probably make this a regular spot. And I will go back to try the fish and chips so look out for a followup review!
(3)Mike M.
They have an awesome whiskey selection and one of the better fish and chips I've had in Chicago.
(4)Joel G.
Have been here several times. They have one nitro beer on tap, several scottish beers and a selection of other beers that's decent. Not as good as many new bars specializing in beers but not bad. The place is busy on Fridays for the fish fry and they do a good job of it. Quality fish, decent fries. Staff is always great and keeps you loaded up on what you are eating and drinking. Nice hidden beer garden once the weather warms up. I like this place for a Thursday beer with some friends or a Friday for a good fish fry.
(3)Selina K.
I had been here before and had a great time but my recent visit on a Saturday night was very disappointing. My friend and I felt rushed by our waitress even though they weren't that busy. We weren't even given a drink menu to look at. My friend clearly told her he wanted to start a tab, and instead we were surprised to see her come back with our 2 drinks already charged to the card. Overall, we felt like we were unwanted and she wanted to get us out quickly for whatever reason.
(1)K R.
I have to say.. the place is nice.. but a little rant.. they don't really have the ability to accommodate large groups. I am lucky it's cold/flu season and a lot of my would be guests at my birthday thingy.. were unable to make it. If they had come they would have been stuck somewhere else. We kind of felt a bit unwelcome... :-/ However.. I rate this place rather high because our waitress was fast and she was kind of nice.. and the busboy was hilarious and lots of fun himself. They also had never ending fish n chips and they were the bomb!! yum!! I would go here on a date rather than with a big party honestly. Good food.. very quiet music..dark.. I liked it..just not for my occasion.
(4)Regina K.
I love that it doesn't have TVs and it has a nice beer selection. I don't want to be driven crazy by a ton of TVs when enjoying tasty bevs with a friend.
(4)Pat R.
The fish and chips are great a light batter and not fishy, but the wait staff is fantastic, so pleasant. They make the wait easier to handle. Thanks
(4)Keith A.
Oh man, the fish n chips here were pure heaven. It wasn't so much about the bread on the outside as much as it was the insane meltiness of the fish. This was some utterly delicious fish. The peas weren't classic mushy english peas, but that's not really that big of a problem. The fries were pretty classic, but the fish was the real start at least as far as it was concerned. Of course, what kind of DoP review would this be without noting the whiskey that is here. They aren't cheap, and it sure as hell added up fast for me. Still, it was great being able to have it at a fast disposal. It also helped that my friend with me really knows his whiskey. The service here was real good. Granted, we were in here around 4ish on a friday (had to take advantage of the unlimited fish n chips), but the bartender knew his stuff and was more than willing to lend a suggestion. DoP has an old school feel to it. Pretty classic and it does make you want to drink there for a while. Obviously that's the goal for them, and it works out perfectly.
(4)George A.
Went for Fish & Chips of lunch and it was great , the fish was chrispy and the batter wasn't to heavy the fish was good. Love the atmosphere and beer was good.
(5)Jason L.
It was a cool Spring evening in the city. My buddy Sean and I decided to meet up to catch up on old times with a little scotch and whiskey. Enter our favorite go-to spot: The Duke of Perth (affectionately known to us as "The Duke"). The Duke of Perth may not look like much from the outside, but, upon entering its doorstep, you are instantaneously whisked away (no pun intended) to Scotland. Try their Fish 'N Chips; perhaps the best in the city. While most of the food is decent, bordering on average, what you are really here for is the scotch. "The Duke" is one of the few places in the city that can boast a scotch selection from every region of Scotland. Highlands and Speysides to Island and Campbeltown malts, "The Duke" has it all. This place even has a few Nippon malts from Japan! If you are looking for a good after work spot to enjoy a few scotches with your buddies, and simply don't have time to wait for hours outside of Longman and Eagle (or even if you do have the time), check out "The Duke."
(4)Ben K.
This place has been a classic winter warm-up spot for me for some time. They have a cozy atmosphere, and the food is pretty tasty. All you can eat fish & chips on Wednesday and Friday is a great deal, and they do a fantastic job frying their fish with a light crispy batter, and bringing you out seconds if you can handle it. With that said, I have one complaint. Last time in here, for an exciting celebration, a buddy and I ordered the "Full Monty" scotch flight, a $100 trio of 20+ year aged scotches, all of which were delicious, but the pour size was embarrassing. Less than a shot was in each of the three glasses. I know these are expensive, but we felt hosed, and barely got even a miniscule taste each of all three. This has to be the worst value in the whole place.
(3)Brian L.
I go to this place almost everytime I go to see a film at Landmark. It's pretty much right across the street, so it's awfully convenient. The atmosphere in this place is really nice. Really laid back. It definitely captures an old pub sort of atmosphere. Old wooden everything, and a list a mile long with different sorts of Scotch from Scotland. Beers as well. No TVs, so no douchebags. Fake fireplaces, but real fire. Fish n Chips. Damn good burgers. I haven't even been when it's been crowded. Almost always get seated immediately. I wish this place was closer to me, cause I think I'd be a regular... not necessarily only to dine, but to spend some time at the bar chatting it up with some of the regulars. There's definitely a positive vibe in this place.
(4)Elise K.
Duke of Perth is a great place to randomly walk into and see a table of friends already there. The inside is small... It is hard to get a table! In the summer there is a great outdoor patio in the back. The patio is walled in, well lit and just a nice place to be. This doesn't mean it is any easier to get a table in the summer though! I've heard that the food... Especially the fish is great they say. I will have to try the food someday.... But let's focus on the drinks! There is a full bar and many Irish beers. A full list of Irish whiskies will keep you busy. Finally the service is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a place to go that will make you night... Try DOP! Truly a neighborhood gem with a secret garden.
(5)A. M.
We got here at 6:15 pm on a Friday and it was packed! Granted the bar area isn't that large but still....it was clearly a hot spot. We finally found the hostess and put in our name - we were told about 20-30 minutes for a table. We moseyed up to the bar and grabbed some beers - all of which were delicious. 45 minutes later we still weren't seated but we didn't mind because we had a feeling it would take longer. Once we were seated though (about hour wait), everything was amazing. We sat down and the waitress immediately greeted us despite having to push her way through the hordes of people surrounding our table. We sat in the bar area - not by choice, but necessity. Either way it wasn't a big deal. We ordered the all you can eat fish and then the mac and cheese fritter apps. The food arrived disturbingly fast - all hot and delicious. I have to say this was probably the best fish fry I've had (and I've had plenty!) The fish was fresh, hot, and perfectly fried. The chips were good too. The peas, a welcomed addition. I don't know what is in the tartar sauce but it was AMAZING. I didn't get a second helping because honestly the first helping is truly plenty but it is nice to have that option available if you are really hungry. Overall I really loved this place. The food was great and if I'm ever craving a fish fry, I know now where it is at. I will just make sure to get there early so I don't have to wait forever!
(4)Laura H.
If you're new to Scotch and want to try some without spending a ton of money buying bottles or glasses of something you might not like, come here. They have flights from $22-100. They suggested the Roving Drover as a good one since we didn't know what to pick. There was enough for me to drink and give my friend a taste of each as well. This place is warm with a fireplace and great old wood tables and benches. It's decorated like my grandpa's basement, which is perfect.
(4)Karen N.
Quick service, good place to eat and drink when I go to Landmark theater. I always order the fish and chips there, very light batter.
(3)Misty S.
I love this place! SPECIALS Monday - Two for one entree Wed & Fri - All you can eat fish and chips $9 Thursday - $0.50 jumbo wings The menu is packed with comfort food like meatloaf, Shepard's Pie, burgers and sandwiches. My favorite has to be their FISH and CHIPS. Crispy, lightly breaded and tasty! It is also comforting to know that the quality has remained top notch over the years. I find that this place can be pretty packed on Wed and Fri nights for the all you can eat deal. The dining area in the back is dimly lit and has a fireplace. It's a cozy place to have dinner and drinks and enjoy good company. The beer and whiskey list is extensive and there is something for everyone. I'm a Guinness fan and I enjoy the Belhaven Wee Heavy beer found here. It is described as full bodied, rich and malty sweet ale with caramel and nutty overtones...mmm. Street parking is not too difficult to find, at least on a week night.
(5)Mary T.
When I told my friends was attending an anti-Superbowl knitting meetup at Duke of Perth, I'll admit I got some strange looks. Those looks were soon followed by what in their minds constituted better offers, but frankly I was looking forward to this for three reasons: 1) I'm indifferent about the Superbowl, heck I'm indifferent about football in general. 2) I've been wanting to visit Duke of Perth for ages and now had the perfect reason. 3) I'm working on a pair of bitchin socks and wanted to make some serious headway. The location couldn't have been better, since Duke of Perth is TV-less it was relatively quiet except for the bartender's nice background mix and our animated conversation. It also wasn't very crowded since those wanting to go out and not watch the Superbowl seem to be in the minority. We were given a table in the back room next to the fireplace. If you're going to work or read, I recommend the back room as it's better lit than the front. We were also comped a few appetizers and went with the vegetable fries and the mac and cheese fritters - both were excellent. (Sidenote: Don't come here if you plan on couting calories, points or anything else; most items here are fried or laden with cheese or other sinful stuff.) I think the sauces were what made the vegetable fries; the sweet chili was downright addictive and the curry mayo was pretty tasty too. I usually don't care for fried mac and cheese, but what made this so good was that the mac didn't taste like it came from a blue box and the tangy harissa sauce. I'd love it if they served and entree portion of regular mac and cheese. For my main meal I settled on fish po-boy and a side of chips with some Dry Blackthorn cider to wash it down. The po-boy was ok. I wish the roll (like an italian beef roll) were thinner, every time I bit down fish or veggies squirted out the other end. The thickness of the bread also overpowered the tast of their mambo tartar sauce. The fries were good, even better with the malt that automatically resides on the tables. Next time I think I'd go with something different. Some of our group opted for dessert, ordering the trifle and the three-layer banana cake. While trifle isn't my thing, it was interesting to learn that the fruits in it rotate - this time it was peaches and berries. The trifle is also the only dessert made in-house. They also had two cheesecake options, but I think the overall dessert selections may rotate. Service was great. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive and made sure that no pint or wine glass ran dry. She was also quite knowledgeable about DoP's beer selection, most of which hails from the UK or Ireland, and help guide anyone to selections she thought they'd enjoy. (They also have an extensive malt list too) For me, this was a perfect way to spend Superbowl Sunday - I ate a little too much, drank a little too much, made some headway on my socks, and didn't miss watching the game one bit. TIP: Wednesdays and Fridays they offer AYCE fish and chips.
(4)Frances A.
Mediocre. Enjoyed the fish & chips... However, I prefer to sub my chips w/ sweet potato fries. Makes for a more interesting spread. Although the idea of all-you-can-eat is tempting, they pretty much scrimp on the whole spread - leaving you solely with the fish. Fried leeks were interesting. Don't see that nearly enough. Would've loved a little more tartar, or maybe some blue cheese perhaps? I love craft beer, love Scottish Ales, but I feel that Duke of Perth scrimps a little on the selection. I love Robert the Bruce. Super malty brown ale, and hey have nothing of the sort. Fun quiet chill ambiance. No hurry or stress which is nice, but there's nothing really about it that would necessarily bring me back over and over. Shmeh...
(2)Scott K.
A great escape. The Duke of Perth is not your usual Clark Street - north of Armitage south of Grace - bar filled with obnoxious drunkards barely graduated from the frat house. Its bartenders and servers are amicable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the patrons are fun. I've always had a good time here with all different kinds crowds. Wednesdays and Fridays are AYCE fish and chips for $10 that are really quite tasty (although I can barely finish the initial serving as it is quite generous). I myself am a bit of a Scotch enthusiast and it is fun to introduce newcomers to the dram with the Scotch flight options. Plenty of Scottish beer offerings, too, for those more inclined to that sort of drink. If you're looking for a casual night out,The Duke of Perth is a solid bet.
(4)Autumn H.
I love the beers on tap. Great place to get a drink. The shepherds pie and fish & chips are tasty.... but The fish is good, not great. A crumb style crust not beer batter. It should be beer batter. They don't have any HP sauce. Fires are fries but nothing special. It's good to get a great drink and eat ok food. That said I'd never come for the food alone and unless it's half off plate nights it's overpriced food.
(3)Jeffrey K.
A solid pub in the Lakeview area that serves good beer and decent food at a fair price. They've got a list of scotches to run through as well. Outdoor seating when it's warm and cozy indoors when it's cold. A fine place to huddle over a beer while the wind whips down Clark.
(4)Mike K.
Walsh got Da Duke. I goh Da Duke as well. But I goh Da Duke uh Pairth. So, tha Duke uh Pairth es a Scoh-ish Pub, aye? Ehts pints, wheskays and bairgurs. And ehts rather uh dive. Maybay ehts beh-uh fair drenken' than eht es for ate-en. I only thought tha food was okee. I goh tha fraight lakes, tha bairgur, the cheps, a pint uh lahguh and then another pint uh lahguh. The fraight lakes were, uh, entresten. Of course, the fraight part was lovely, but tha lake part? Noh so much. Too cheway. The cheps? Fresh and pairfect. The lahguh? You kedden'? Brilliant. The bairgur? Eh, noh a patch on tha bairgurs eht tha Grafton, Duke's or Jairy's of tha wayrld, ef ya ask may. Maybay tha Duke uh Pairth es beh-uh fair drenken' than fair ate-en'? Maybay ahll bay back fair tha drenken'. Cannae say ahll bay back fair tha bairgur sence eht was only okee en muy uhpenion. Thray stahrs.
(3)Kyle T.
Great deal on Wednesdays and Fridays for all you can eat fish and chips for 10.95 (or around there). Their whiskey selection is great too. If you are looking for a nice whiskey bar with some good food then check this place out
(4)Joel W.
Very classic looking scottish bar. Huge back patio. Good fish and chips! Our server, a girl, big into Sons of Anarchy, AD...we talked her into Dexter.
(4)Archer W.
Good booze. Good food. Great patio.
(4)Chuck K.
For my 100th Yelp Review, I'm choosing to pay homage to Duke of Perth in Lakeview! This bar is great, whether you're looking to belly up and have a beer, or sit in the beer garden and enjoy a drink in the sun. But most of all, this bar is my favorite place to get...... FISH AND CHIPS!!!!!!!!!! They have all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays, the wait is well worth it. You can also get this any other day of the week. They are huge fillets that are lightly breaded and the fish just melts in your mouth. The fries are perfect and if you're game, you'll get a side of peas with them as well. I can't tell you how many times I've gone here and gotten this dish. It's perfect every time. Like I said, Fridays are crazy and you'll wait for a table. The service is OK and people are friendly. They just tend to be on the slow side, even when the bar is not packed. If you're in the neighborhood on an afternoon and need a bite, stop in here. The back yard beer garden is nothing special, but you can enjoy some warm sun and are blocked out from Chicago winds blowing around. Fish and Chips! You owe it to your stomach to give this place a try! Oh... and they have Whiskey Flights! I mean how cool is that!!!
(4)Alyssa R.
What a great place! I'm not sure I would enjoy this place as much during warmer weather, but on a cold winter's night, this pub with its fireplaces and warm, cozy, quiet atmosphere was absolutely perfect! I tried the leek pie, and it was delicious and filling. The fish and chips and the burgers are also reportedly very delicious. All meals are, I am sure, guaranteed to fill you up. Not a very large beer selection, however. I am definitely a fan!
(4)Ken O.
Whatever they are doing... they are doing it right!!! The restaurant is on the smaller side. Plan to wait 15 - 20 minutes for a table- which is not bad. The restaurant definitely gives you the pub feeling. Fish (big portions) and chips are excellent. Plus, it's all you can eat. The nightly specials are also a great deal. The patrons are very well mixed. Great place to people watch when not conversing with your fellow diners. Glad the restaurant is couple of blocks away.
(5)Laura C.
Drinks here on a low-key Saturday night turned out to be a hilarious comedy spectacle. Had the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and friends had ciders, both of which were on tap and delicious. Erubiel, a server/actor, entertained us all night with his amusing stories and observations. The Duke is the only Scottish pub in Chicago (for those of you needing a reason to try it out). Unassuming from the street view, the interior is a long space with wooden tables and a comfortable pub feel. I'll be back to try the food and more drinks!
(4)Jeff K.
It was good. No wows. Nothing that makes me jump up and down out of joy or hop or run back here, but it was definitely not bad either. I came here with the boyfriend for a late brunch on a Saturday, was able to get a table, food was served promptly, and the beer was cold. If I was back in the area I would no doubt come back here for food again, but am not adding it to the list of destination spots.
(3)Karen M.
This place is the closest thing to a real authentic Scottish pub that you'll find outside of Edinburgh. I rediscovered it during a visit to the Lakeview neighborhood with my husband. They carry a wide selection of single-malt whiskeys as well as Belhaven ales, stouts, and lagers. (We're normally Guinness fans but Belhaven is a good substitute.) My husband was hoping for Tennent's lager, which is what he used to drink all the time when he was stationed in Scotland, but alas, that is one Scottish brew The Duke of Perth doesn't carry because of distribution problems. (Although they do have a sign for it on the wall.) The food is good old-fashioned pub grub like burgers and chicken wings, along with regional dishes like shepherd's pie, leek pie, bangers and mash, and beer-battered fish-and-chips (all-you-can-eat on Wednesdays and Fridays). The place is cozy (meaning small), with hunting lodge décor including a small fireplace, farming tools and other Scottish memorabilia on the walls, and a stuffed deer's head wearing a cop's hat mounted over the bar. There's also a quaint little outdoor beer garden with potted plants in back, which is nice if the weather is good and you don't mind swatting flies away from your food. Also - no TV, so we actually got to have a conversation with the bartender. If I remember correctly, the Duke of Perth is packed to the gills on Wednesday and especially Friday nights for the all-you-can-eat special, and service can be kind of slow then. So try to get there early if you can so you can get a good seat and soak up the atmosphere.
(4)Anna V.
D of P: where men go to escape broism. This place is about as manly as it comes. Scotch. Dense beer. Meat. Animal heads on the wall. What it lacks is sports, and therefore sports fans. Overall, this helps it be one of the few enjoyable places to be, especially during Cubs/Bears season when places are swarming with these types. I usually go Belhaven for beers for that Scottish feel (the Wee Heavy is bizarre, creamy, and good). Their burgers are not really top 5 (they cook them too much) but they're good and they honor my request to put a fried onion on top. The shepherd's pie is actually tasty and works well. The real winner is the fried mac n cheese triangles. I used to frequent this place in the summer when they did outdoor. It's a good place to have on the corner.
(4)Kori E.
We came here Friday for the all you can eat fish n chips. We arrived to a packed bar and an hour and a half wait. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a round of beers. I had the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle IPA and it was OK. I like a really hoppy beer and this beer didn't muster up. We were finally seated close to that 1.5 hour mark and I couldn't have been more excited to finally get my fish n chips. I had been eye balling them as they were served to various tables and I couldn't wait. Unfortunately, they look a lot better than they taste. They are good, don't get me wrong, but they are not the best fish n chips I've had. I would have liked more fries, not underneath my greasy fish, and the fish was just that...kinda greasy. We left stuffed to the gills (no pun intended) and both agreed we would try other places before returning to Duke.
(3)Diane M.
Best Shepherd's pie in Chicago (although they said it was truly a cottage pie). And fish and chips. And choice of ales and ciders. Only problem is no televisions (although I understand why, I still would like to see games!). But the food is always steamy hot and flavorful and fresh! Yummy!
(5)Karen L.
A friend suggested Duke of Perth for a recent get-together. I had never been, and got there first. The place was packed, and since there was no where to wait and no one around to ask about a table (Seat yourself? Wait to be seated? Unclear...), I sort of waited awkwardly by the door until a busboy pointed out the hostess to me. I was seated after a 10-15 minute wait, and my friend finally showed up at that point. We ordered the fish and chips, which were excellent, and my friend was quite excited about the whiskey selection. However, the rest of the menu seemed kind of limited -- burgers and chicken sandwiches with different toppings, and that was pretty much it. They're not shy about their prices either, and i can think of more interesting sandwiches I'd rather spend $10-12 on. We were there on an "all you can eat" night, but I don't eat much, so it wasn't really a bargin for me. Service was fine, though the waitress kept bumping into me because the place is so small and cramped. It was also pretty loud, which made it hard to carry on a conversation with the person right across the table from me. Overall, for the price and atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled. While I wouldn't say that I'll never go back, I'm definitely not in a big hurry any time soon.
(2)Terri M.
Ok, right up front let me say that this is not the normal review for a restaurant. I didn't have the food. I don't care about the food. I have no intention of eating the food. Looked ok but bar food is not really my thing. But as anybody who knows will attest, I do like bars. And not those sissy girlie bars. I like bars that know how to serve a real whisky in a real whiskey glass. So when a friend invited me to the northside for a scotch flight or two, I was in. Seriously excellent selection. I travel quite a bit with my families for work so I've been to a tasting or ten. Why bother when I can now just head up to Duke of Perth.
(4)Jackie H.
I came in here for the first time on a snowy day and I don't recall ever begin so happy to walk into a room. The fire was crackling. The bar was decorated for the holidays. There was a table ready and waiting for us. I felt like I had stepped out of Chicago and into some comfy British Isles fantasy land. No TVs? No problem! I've gone back a few times since then, but no visit ever compared to my first. But then again, how could they? Whenever I find myself getting depressed about the impending winter, I just remind myself that every step closer to snowfall is a step closer to replicating the perfect Duke of Perth afternoon. Awesome.
(4)Martin P.
I enjoyed my experience here. A small pub with good service. I ordered the Fish and chips and I was not disappointed. The fish was flaky, the breading crispy, and flavorful. The chips were decent. The space is a bit small, but it adds to the quaintness of the atmosphere. If I am wanting fish and chips, this is the place I will go. An added bonus was it was all the fish I could eat!!!
(3)brett j.
What's not to love? It's one of the coziest places in Chicago. I can down many pints tasty Scottish beer while eating fish and chips (all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays) next to a fireplace, not be distracted by some ugly TV. The service is always friendly. It's the ultra cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and Scottish beers (fraoch? alba? wee heavey? check, check, check!) that make Duke of Perth so endearing and worthy of 5 stars. If only I liked Scotch more I'd give the Duke 6 stars!
(5)Mariah V.
Mac and cheese fritters. Yes. I can't hate a place with mac and cheese fritters. (I will probably regret saying this one day). I wanted to order the meatloaf, but they were out. Granted it was around 10pm on a Sunday, so maybe making an entire meatloaf was not worth it for them. Instead I got the bangers and mash (which comes with a bunch of peas), and it was satisfying. Meat and potatoes is a magical combination, after all. It was really quiet when we were there, so we didn't have any problem with service or whatnot. I had the scottish ale and the scottish lager, which were both good. I need to come back to try some of their whiskies, because their malt list is outrageous. If you're like me and my best friend, you sit down for a quick dinner expecting to be there for maybe an hour. Then you look at the time, and 2 hours have passed. That's why I love really chill places like Duke of Perth, where I'm not going to be pushed out the door after sitting around for hours. This place is cool, because it isn't trying too hard. There are mismatched tables, the deer head above the bar wears a hat, and their website even says, "Due to our mind numbing laziness all items and prices are subject to change." I love this kind of attitude, so I'll definitely be back.
(4)Carol K.
Peas, peas and more peas, please! For no matter what you order at the Duke of Perth, those bright green pearls come along as a side dish. That's okay by me cuz I'm a pea girl but if you don't like them- be prepared. There was no wait on our last visit but we arrived around 10pm on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. We were seated right away in the front, ordered a couple of beers and then began to look at the menu. My friend got the meatloaf which was quite good, served with peas and potatoes and I went with the fish- also served with peas and fries. His was clearly the winner of the night as it almost tasted just like mom's! The ambiance is warm and inviting- oh sure- it's a pub in a box with the fireplaces, the wooden tables and bar and the framed pictures on the walls, but they do a good job in making it feel real, rather than the plastic bar it could be. Service was quick and friendly, the food was good and on this cold night the ambiance warmed us up. Who knew the Duke of Perth would come through so strongly as our visit there was just a whim? But given the experience we had, you can bet we'll be back. Afterall . . . .they have PEAS!!
(4)Matt M.
The Duke of Perth is a great place to go on a lazy Sunday! I went and sat at the bar, opened with the fish and chips, which they are well known for. They were great, no surprise. Then I sat there for three hours and played war with the girl next to me and chatted with the friendly bartender. I highly recommend going at dusk or around sundown... the window is west facing and it gets really pretty. Also, they have good beers and no TV's! No Tv's is huge for me. TV is lame.
(4)Long Q.
Best days to go? WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY! Why you ask? unlimited delicious beer battered fish and chips! my job here is done! Perhaps not yet!!? I want to give a waitress named Alexis a shout-out! she was so awesome! very attentive, friendly and I must say those are two very important characteristics in an unlimited fried fish situation! How did they lose one star? one word! RATS! I am from NYC we see rats bigger than cats so yea I am still coming back for the fish and chips and beer!
(4)Johnny T.
Even after a billion years in Chicago, I still get annoyed by the coming onslaught of cold. The bite, the gloom, the knowledge that it's going to last for six months... it gets to you. Me. It gets to me. I, eventually, get over it but the first few months are rough... but they'll now get a little easier. I have the perfect place to go chase away the cold weather blues. Again, for years, I passed by this spot, looked into the dark glasses to see patrons happily eating and drinking away... and I kept it moving. I don't know why I never felt the gravitational pull to go inside but all that time DoP was eating away at my stubbornness and taking up space in my subconscious. On one on-chilly night, I had the hankering for something different. "What about that Perth place?" I thought. Good thought. This is perfect pub food made even more perfect by beer and homeyness. Without a doubt, come for the fish and chips. AYCE anything is, usually, worth the price of admission. This fish is seriously worth the hype. Pair it with some beer and bring some good friends along and you have the makings of a wonderful Chicago evening. But, don't limit yourself to the fish. The sandwiches are the real deal, as well. My favorite is the James Watt. I don't know who he was, but I like him. After all, his namesake sandwich includes chicken, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy seasoning. It's a bit of a mess, but it's so worth it. Emotional eaters, this sandwich will sate all your needs. Promise. I like the idea of the Islay sandwich, but I want to be able to pile more stuff on it. It's a chicken breast sandwich and you're given the option to put all sorts of delicious things on top like hot peppers, various cheeseS, onions, hot sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and BACON. But faced with all these choices, you can only put three on top of the bird. This is probably done for ease of eating, but I think I speak for all fattys when I say that I want to put it all on the sandwich. Let me live the dream. For as good as the fish and chips are, I don't know that the concept translates well to bread. I was a wee bit (see what I did there?) disappointed in the size and execution of the fish po-boy. For a place that boasts Moby Dick-sized fish pieces, the sandwich is rather small and forgettable. Stick with the battered fish on a plate (although the veggies on the sandwich add a nice pop). Duke of Perth: offering essential ways to survive the Chicago winter.
(4)Don S.
Went for the fish fry during lunch. Terrific. Great assortment of unique Scottish ales. Very worth a visit. Tried Weather Mark's fish fry, not my taste. I prefer the beer batter that Duke of Perth fries the fish in, and no disapproving looks for eating more. Bar tender was top notch professional. Worth a trip if what you want are perfect fish 'n chips. Somebody rode the bus for an hour and half for the fish fry when I was there.
(5)Amy R.
Thursday night beer and wings! :) Always ask for your wings extra crispy and you won't regret it! They also have great outdoor seating. The only thing is they close it pretty early.
(4)Malcolm Jamal W.
Wow, all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. Nice back garden. The fish and chips was great! Very crispy. The fries were surprisingly good. Nice Scottish beers I'd never had before. Yummy yum yum. I left here smiling.
(4)Matthew S.
I do this little thing I call "my adventure day". Basically, it means that there is no possible way for me to make my flat any cleaner than it is, so I decide to explore a new corner of the city. But you say "um, but Matthew, you're a northsider...how is this exploring?" and to this I say "I leave my flat less than J.D. Salinger left his." I explored a few book shops, and visited Belmont Army Navy surplus. Then I decided I wanted to treat myself to a super cozy dinner. Voila...Duke of Perth. When I walked in, I knew it was exactly what my minds eye had been craving. Small, intimate, smiling people, a fireplace, dim lighting. Fiddle music playing. I was warmly greeted with a smile. This is where I cringe. The waitress said "two?" No, it was JUST ME. You see, this was also the first time I've ever eaten alone in a restaurant. I wanted this to be part of my adventure. I got a small table in the back part of the place, near another fireplace. I was seated near a group of older men who appeared to be catching up after a long while. It was a good energy back there. I was loving the wooden tables and wooden chairs. The walls were filled with interesting framed pictures. I ordered the fish and chips and a pint of beer. The fish and chips are served with peas. It was a great meal to go with my great day. When I left, it was just going on 630 - and there was a HUGE wait at this point. This was on a Saturday. As I left, I pulled my scarf tighter, and flipped up the collar of my jacket. Snow was lightly falling. A couple holding hands passed me on the sidewalk. She was laughing. At that moment, I realized I had no choice but to chalk this up to one of my best days in Chicago.
(5)Rachel R.
Pass on this place if you can unless you like Scotch and beer. Came for the fish & chips and should have stopped somewhere else for that. I had heard such good things about this place and was disappointed. The great thing about the place, the beer.
(3)Georgia K.
This cozy Scottish pub is a solid choice if you're into pub grub, Scottish or English beer, and an endless whiskey selection. For whatever reason, pub fare doesn't excite me-- but DOP's beer list, burgers, salads, and fish & chips are pretty decent. The service is so-so. The adorb patio in the back scores major points.
(3)Kimberly M.
Great fish and chips, all-you-can-eat on Wednesday and Friday. I've tried 50% of the menu and it is 100% delicious! Great selection of Scotch. No tv's but full of great conversation. It can get pretty crowded on Friday nights until the fish and chip crowd leaves around 10pm. Friendly service. And a nice big beer garden for those sunny summer days=)
(4)Chi L.
This is one of my new favs. Hands down. The burgers- all of them- are amazing. I love the patio. I've been walking by this place for years and never thought to walk in. What a surprise when I finally did and tried the food. Beers are a bit pricey but no major complaints there. LOVE!
(5)Arvind R.
Good food, good scotch
(5)Natalie S.
I fell in love with my husband over endless fish and chips and chocolate stout here at Duke of Perth. Ahhh... memories. He introduced me to this place on one of our first dates and we were smitten with each other and the food. I honestly haven't had anything else here because we would intentionally only hit this place up on a Wednesday or Friday when they have all you can eat fish and chips. They do it very well. The only place I've had fish and chips better is in London. The fish always comes out crispy, never oily and the fries are awesome. I occasionally will give the stovies a try, which are delicious as well. Peas: meh. They could certainly keep them so I have more room for my fish. I think they should work on something more authentic like mashed peas. But, it's fine the way it is. They have a great beer selection and the servers are always very helpful and friendly. It can get very crowded 7pm and later on the weekend so either be prepared to stand around and wait or try to get in early.
(4)James T.
The Duke doesn't need another five star review, but too bad ya' kilt wearin' bampot, you're getting one anyway. The term "pub" gets haphazardly tossed around in this city. Some of these places think that having cardboard shamrocks taped to the walls and serving Carlsberg automatically makes them a "proper European" pub." However, "pub" is just short for "public house." That means a pub should really just feel like being in someone else's living room, and that's exactly what it's like at The Duke. It has a rustic country pub charm to it which, believe it or not, is becoming more and more rare in the UK. You won't hear any loud Nickelback music coming from this place, and since there's no TV, you won't have to worry about the place filling up with sports hooligans. It's just a comfortable place to have a chat with a friend or even read a book. The beer selection definitely parallels the British theme serving popular UK breweries like Belhaven, Young's and Fuller's, all of which are on tap. Of course, if you're a boring old lager boy looking for a bottle of Budweiser, they can accommodate you too. I'll add that it would be great if they had imperial sized pints for their beers, and also if they had a hand pump cask, but those are just extra luxuries that aren't particularly necessary to having a good pub. What makes this place so popular, and what keeps me coming back is the food. I can only comment on two menu items. First, the reason you're probably reading this, is the fish & chips. I'm aware that a lot of places say they have fish & chips when really all it is is a couple of Gorton's fillets and some thin fries that may or may not be accompanied by a bottle of Heinz vinegar. The Duke will give you two healthy portions of fresh cod, some decent sized pub style chips, a side of peas, and Sarson's vinegar or Lea & Perrins Worcester sauce. This is the real thing, folks. What they put on your plate is no different than any other respectable pub in the UK, and it's fantastic. Plus, on Wednesday and Friday, it's all you can eat! Then there's the shepherd's pie. Now, I didn't have this; my fiance did. But to really give you an idea of what the shepherd's pie was like, you have to know a little bit about her. She's English. And not like high hair and too much makeup East London type of English; she's the posh Hampshire everything looks like an episode of Masterpiece Theater English. She laughs at us for spelling "color" without a "U", she thinks cricket is a manlier sport than baseball, she looks at King George III with the same reverence as we do John Wayne, she thinks that because we drive on the right we can't possibly do anything correctly. That type of English. She said it was the best shepherd's pie she's ever had. Now that's saying something.
(5)Brett F.
Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Perth, Perth.... Well, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh Nothing can stop me now 'Cause I'm the Duke of Perth So hey yeah yeah yeah ------------------------------------------------ Betcha didn't know how prolific those lyrics really were until now. Super Complex. Well, fortunately for us the restaurant DoP keeps things just as simplistic as our man Gene Chandler. Straightforward, uncomplicated, effortless. Love it. A pretty fail safe formula... that's what you'll find in the cozy, pub atmosphere of Duke's. Tasty and delicious Fish 'n Chips, cold beer straight from Scotland, Ireland and England and a gaggle of single malt whiskeys to send you straight to the floor in no time. I've found the 'comfort food' here is most appealing and to be honest, downright delicious. Favorites include: tater skins, HOT wings, the Murrayfield Mac (deep fried mac 'n cheese bites with zesty harissa sauce) and, for the insatiably adventurous, the Scotch Egg Burger - a heaping beef patty topped with a luscious fried egg! As one might imagine healthier options fall utterly flat at DoP and leave you with nothing but insane envy for your fellow diners plate. Leave the salads, grilled chicken and veggie fries for another 'schmo to be disappointed by. Summers at DoP bring with them an inviting and charming Beer Garden as well as the Monday Night Recession Special = Buy One, Get One Entrées. Score! And don't forget you can also still rock the all-you-can-eat Wednesday and Friday night fish 'n chips fry up making Duke's one of the most wallet friendly dining out locales in town. So while you certainly won't need to put dinner on credit, do know that an extra roomy stomach and stretchy pants are still required.
(4)Thatgirl T.
I've been going here since college...and that's a while now. The last time we dined, I was disappointed. My husband had chicken sandwich which was only alright he said. I didn't try it. I had the veggie sandwich. Grilled onions, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and goat cheese on bread. I remember the fries as being really good. These were old and sparse. We both started with a salad, which was good. I love the dressing. Our service was only average. Somebody dropped a tray of glasses. I mean, that happens. It just didn't seem as lackluster as it once was. Maybe I should have gone with the fish and chips. Maybe I should have had more beers. We'll still go back, we'll never drop it from our go to spot before the movies, but the last time we were here it was only ok. My husband loves that there is no tv in there. I like the crowd, not stuck up.
(3)Lauren B.
Delicious!! Great beers and great food. Try the "stovies." They're mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions mixed in. Absolutely wonderful. Nice relaxing atmosphere with great music.
(5)Heidi M.
It was the perfect grey afternoon in Chicago to have scotch and eat fish and chips. Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips for $10.95. Brian at the bar was really nice and made the afternoon even better. Steve had his scotch and I have my fish and chips and to top it off - Free WiFI! Bonus!! And this from an Irish Girl at that...
(4)Colin E.
One time I came here and sat next to a table of old English actors, in all black with their scarves, carrying on and telling old theater stories loudly. I drank a great scotch flight, ate the wonderful fish and chips, loved the ambience.
(4)George G.
I've been to Duke of Perth several times, and each time I regret having to leave. And I'm always dying to go back! All you can eat fish and chips on Weds and Fridays.... Yeah, right. I don't know how anyone could eat more than they are served in the first serving! Incredibly generous portions of both fish and chips! I saw a reviewer mention the fish being "mushy", and another saying the fish was "previously frozen". Not that I have ever experienced... I'm not a huge fish person - but DAMN - that's some great fish!!! And I had a guest with me from the UK who insists Duke of Perth has one of the best fish and chip meals he's ever eaten - a very high complement indeed! The rest of the menu is "intriguing". From sandwiches to meals - I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. It is definitely Scottish comfort food at its best! I highly recommend the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogch Leek Sticks (My UK friend from schooled me that it is the name that translates into 'The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the Red Cave" and is a town in Angelsey, which sits off the north west coast of Wales). The beer menu is literally second to none, if you're looking for a great selection. Their on-tap Belhaven Scottish Wee Heavy is out of this world!!! (I hardly find any bar that serves a on-tap Wee Heavy). The staff is absolutely fantastic. They don't know me from anyone else that walks in the place, yet I'm always treated like a regular. I wish I knew the bartenders name, but he gave us a fantastic "tour" of great Scotches. He prides himself in turning a non-Scotch drinker to a Scotch lover based upon likes/dislikes of other liquors. He even has a special "flight" for those that typically drink Vodka! ...and at the end of the evening - I always have money left in my pocket! The prices are VERY reasonable given the neighborhood they're located.
(5)Karry G.
the fish and chips were amazing!! I took my mom here and she loved it . we did the all you can eat Friday deal but the was so much food that I didn't have room for seconds! my only complaint was that the wine was kinda pricey for the size of the glass
(5)Allie J.
I was pleasantly surprised by Duke of Perth! I was told we were going to a Scottish restaurant for a friend's birthday. My initial inclination was umm....not quite sure about Scottish food. I have to say- it was quite delicious! We were with a large group so we tried the leek and mushroom appetizers which were both good. I had the fish n chips and they were great! The batter was light and crispy- not too heavy. Friends had the leek pot pie and the salmon which i tried and which were both good. Very comfortable atmosphere- great for groups.
(4)Tenzo D.
Went here when it first opened about fifteen years ago. One of the best pubs in Chicago Went back a week ago and did the whisky tastings. Ok, It gets another star.
(5)Alicia D.
Was told the wait would be "25 minutes" an hour and a half ago. Still being told it will be "another 20 minutes," "any minute now". I feel hosed. The food is decent but not worth being lied to. I'm too far in now. You got me duke.
(1)David R.
Beers on tap include Belhaven Scottish Ale, Belhaven Twisted Thistle, and Belhaven Stout. I always intend to get one of each but end up drinking multiple Scottish Ales because that is seriously one of my five favorite beers of all time. I've taken some visitors here twice in the last few weeks and everyone's enjoyed it. Consequently, I've tried several entrees too. The leek pie gets a B, slightly soupy but tasty. The salmon/cod cakes are a B+ on flavor but you get only two of them. The meatloaf (lamb, veal, beef, and pork/garlic sausage...yowza) gets a B+ too, but watch out because that entree is a DAMN lot of food. Of course, the fish and chips are still great. Monday is two-for-one entrees. That is a hell of a deal. It bothers me that someone has misspelled "whisky" as "whiskey" on their Malt of the Month board. Come on, guys. One last thing--there is an impossibly cute blonde waitress with glasses but she's never been my server. If she is reading this--miss, please seat me in your section next time. I promise that I'm not as scary as I look.
(5)Joshua H.
You've got to love a Scottish pub where you'll find a guy or two in a kilt once in a while. The scotch selection is awesome, as is the beer selection (as far as Scottish and English ales). I also believe that they put some sort of crack in their meatloaf. Meatloaf that good does not exist without chemical enhancement of some kind. The service and atmosphere are great as well. If you've never been, I suggest you come by. It is hard to get in on the all-you-can-eat fish and chips nights.
(4)Jenny B.
I went on a Friday around 6:30, so of course it was incredibly busy. We were told a 20 maybe 30 minute wait, and we waited over an hour. But I do have to say, the fish fry and drinks were way worth it! I'm used to endless fish fries in which you have to ask multiple times and wait forever for more, but the waitress was on top of it. She actually asked us before we thought about asking and didn't believe we didn't want a 3rd round. SO.. be prepared to stand in a crowded room for a long time, but I promise it will be worth it!
(4)Michael S.
Really good fish and chips! Glad didn't go on a Friday for their special on it.. Went on a Thursday night and was a little disappointed it wasn't all you can eat every night for fish and chips, but the guy on the phone assured us that we would be full after one order of it. Kind of true.. We can eat! Ordered two fish and chips and a few wings which was on special as well as their mac and cheese bites. The fish and chips was really good. The breading was just right and the fish was nice and flaky. The fries were really good as well. I thought the peas were just okay, but to be fair peas just don't excite me. The wings were good, but they weren't what I expected for the biggest wings in the city. Seemed pretty standard to me.. Mac and cheese bites.. oh man.. these were good. I think it was the frying of it that made me like it a lot... Overall with the service I have to say a worthwhile place to visit!
(4)Alex B.
I am giving this place five stars and haven't even tried their Scotch selection, which should tell you how good it is. My wife and I had lunch there with a friend last weekend and it was outstanding. Blue cheese burger was cooked perfectly, the fries were that addictive mix of crispy fried batter and fluffy potato, and the Belhaven ale was exactly what the rest of the meal called for. We will be coming back frequently.
(5)Dan G.
We came here after catching a good flick at the Landmark Theater (also getting out of the 100+ degree weather outside). The place was busy and we were told there was a little bit of a wait. No problem, we wanted a drink. I had an expertly made old fashion (too much Mad Men lately) and she had a spiked Arnold Palmer. I will have to come back for some of their rare scotch and Scottish beer the drink menu looked amazing. We were seated not to long after we got our drink. We both opted for the all you can eat Fish and Chips, a great deal for 10.25. The fish looked hand breaded and fried. Not the boxed fish you usually see at a all you can eat fish fry. The fries and tarter sauce went perfectly with the fish. It looked and tasted like fish in chips you could get in a small bar in Scotland. The service was good even though it was crowded. A real enjoyable time and will become a tradition after seeing a movie.
(4)Lindsay S.
I loathe fish but for some reason a craving for battered and fried fish with a side of fries comes at me super hard about twice a year. And this place served it up! And it was even all you can eat (which I did not partake of - one was more than enough - but I saw some going for a second plate) Great service. No TVs - I'll go to a sports bar if I want them the best beer line up - I had a Belhaven Ale and YUM. The brews from Scotland and UK are amazing Whiskey. Flight. --I'll leave you to think about that And above all I heard they were the best fish and chips in the city. And they didn't disappoint. I prepared myself to say "meh" and instead I can't wait for my next craving. This place is the best for a cold Scottish drafts, some fried goodness, good conversation and some fireplaces to warm yourself by.
(4)Derrick T.
Duke of Perth... what happened? Were you affected by the recession? Have times been tough? Have my memory been altered by another race of beings that made me think this place was heavenly for their fish and chips? My most recent visit last night resulted in disappointment. The fish were falling apart, the coating was soggy (from oil)and barely there, the peas tasted like they were frozen and reheated but empty shells of their past selves... My old memory the past 5 times I've been here were of firm well coated fish, delicious to taste and wonderous to touch, peas that were full bodied almost tasting like fresh peas. The fries remain tasty. The burgers remain gorgeous and delicious. The scotch list remains wonderful. The beer remains excellent. These items really give it the three stars... but with the downgrade in fish and peas, I was sorely disappointed. I can only hope Duke of Perth restores its AYCE to it's former glory days... and when it does, can someone let me know? Please?
(3)Victor V.
someone once said, :Why go to England if you can visit one of Chicago's pubs?" Well, if you go to DOP, you'll know why. They try hard by trying not to try, but it's still trying. Their flights of three premium Scotches are pretty cool, and so it the mantelpiece, but England it is not. However, if you are looking for a getaway from American bars with their TVs and pool tables, this is not bad at all. Just keep in mind that ANY pub in London, Dublin or Liverpool is much much better.
(3)Shannon M.
On a rainy day recently the family capped off a day in the Lakeview area with dinner at the Duke of Perth. I've been to many an Irish pub in my life, but never a Scottish one, so when I heard about this place I had to drag the crew along. My first impression was that it was quite dark, even for a pub, probably partly thanks to the rainy day, but without the aid of the fairy lights still left up from Christmas I'm not sure I'd have been able to read the menu. We sat at a wobbly table (Dad would lean on one side and the table top would lurch upward about 3 inches!) with a bench seemingly made from a church pew, in the front room near the bar. It was early, so not a big crowd and minimal noise. Warming drinks were called for; there was a sizeable list of hot beverages, including a "ScHOTch toddy," hot buttered rum, hot port, and hot apple cider with rum (my choice -- it came with a clove-studded orange-slice. The rum was evident in taste but didn't overwhelm the apple, and wasn't a super-boozy drink; I didn't want a buzz per se at 4 pm). There are also many beers from Scotland, Ireland, England and elsewhere (US and Germany, mainly), and a listing of Scotches, of course. I started my meal with the French onion soup (tasty on a rather raw day, though rather than being capped with the toast and cheese like most places, the clearly premade cheese toast came on the side, to be dunked in the soup), and opted for the fish and chips as entree, since that is my barometer for measuring a pub's worth. These were rather skinny strips of fish, beer-battered (oddly, with PBR!); good taste, though so flaky that they somewhat disintegrated in parts. The fries weren't too exciting; the fish came on top of them, so i think the steam and heat made them a little soggy. The fish and chips came with peas, which is perhaps a Scottish thing but didn't appeal to me. My father and brother both also got the fish and chips; my mom rebelled and got the Sean Connery burger, which was big and messy, but when asked for the verdict, she declared, "Sean was good" (good night, everybody!) Our waitress was unobtrusive but got the job done; nice work. Overall, this place was a nice stop for dinner on a rainy night. Watch your step when you leave, though; I tripped down the two big steps going out the front door (I'd hate to see the headers people take after downing several pints of Belhaven!)
(3)Erika G.
Utterly cute back patio - really pleasant that. Went here for dinner, and ordered the "famous" Fish n' Chips. Lots of malt vinegar. Check. The fish was crispy and moist - very good. Of course, I DOUSED it with vinegar, as is my wont. The chips were forgettable - aren't "chips" supposed to be what we here in the New World call "steak fries"? They were sort of soggy, pedestrian french fries. Tennant's Lager - all good. Dishing with a friend - even better. A pleasant place to hang and have a nosh - and a Scottish bar, not Irish!
(3)Lindsee R.
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Duke, Duke...lalala My friend took me here for .50 wing night after a really terrible week. Service was slow and I was all set up to be disappointed when I saw the wings had some breading...but, boy was I wrong. The wings were huge and awesome. The breading is so thin it mostly serves to soak up sauce. The sauce could be a twee spicer, but that's neither here nor there for me. The "chips" were also really tasty, a good thickness that was neither steak nor skinny. Topped it all off with a really crisp, delish cider that I've been craving it ever since. I have no idea why people aren't busting the door down, but I'm not mad about it, though I'm rethinking having written this review...
(4)Ian G.
It took one visit to make this me home pub! Being both Scottish AND Fatty, "The Duke" had an immediate initial appeal to me. Visited first with a very dear friend for fish and chips on a Friday and instantly felt home. It has the charm, feel, and vibe of all of those wonderful pubs in Scotland that I love and miss. Roaring fires when its cold, perfectly-lit interior, and friendly staff bring the sensation of the wee village pub where you feel that you could easily know and be known by everyone. The Duke's strict "no television" policy results in something rarely seen in most American pubs: patrons speaking to one another! Rare indeed, right? Down to brass tacks here: Quite possibly the BEST fish and chips I've had outside of bonnie Scotland (or dear old England, for that matter). So many other robust comfort foods abound and make you never want to leave; And with Belhaven on tap, why would anyone want to do so? Speaking of which, the tap serves up so many of those rare and hard to find pours and pints of Belhaven's finest brews along with several from Young's and Fuller's. The wife loves the Blackthorn Hard Cider. If you're uncertain what brew to order then get the "Wee Heavy" and I guarantee you'll like it. Oh the scotch... the lovely scotch. Whether a novice, an aspiring connoisseur, or a seasoned stillmaster ye'll find yourself a happy lad or lass with their large selection of lovely drams. Affordable to average pricing on their pours as well as some well-arranged flights for an average of about $20. Tips: Go for the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Wednesday vs. a Friday: its slightly less crowded. Its WORTH any wait.
(5)Lisa H.
Normally, I'd be rating the "Duke" 4 stars but, we had a pretty bad experience last Saturday night - based on absolutely abysmal service. We actually walked out and left to go to Jake's Pub across the street. On a frigid Saturday night, all of the tables and barstools were taken - not surprisingly, as DOP is popular. 20-30 minutes wait for a table. We were SO excited to get hot cider and beers that we were happy to stand at the bar and wait for a table. The problem is, there IS no place in this crowded restaurant to wait or stand without being in somebody's way. We were constantly being pushed out of the way by rude servers and bartenders, and absolutely nobody would take an order from us. Not even the BARTENDER who was 2 feet away from us. Therefore, we stood around like a-holes for about 20 minutes drink-less, feeling incredibly awkward, and being constantly jostled. Finally, we couldn't take it anymore and left. I was actually embarassed that we had brought my fiance's sister here and that we had talked it up so much. NORMALLY - we have great service, great beers and we enjoy the food here. (Even if their "chips" are actually French fries and not authentic.) But I'm going to think twice about coming here on busy nights.
(3)Scott P.
I really dig this place, but the scotch is a little overpriced in my always humble opinion. But everything here is good. Their selection of beer and scotch is incredible, and their all-you-can-eat fish is wicked tasty. Their outside seating in the back is great for nice days, but inside it's extremely comfortable as well. I don't know what I can say about this place that I haven't said about a dozen other places. The service was good, the selection was good, the location was good- it was all good. Sorry for the lame review. I'll do my next one in a staunch British accent.
(4)Graham K.
One word: Service. I came here two days in a row last week; the first time I took my folks, and it was busy, and the wait times were lagging. But, it was 5pm, and folks were coming in for delicious food and drink. This is to be expected. Our food was wonderful, and we all had a great time. I had missed the place, since more than 6 months had gone by since my last visit: a wonderful summer afternoon on their back deck area. The day after I took my folks, I wanted to go back in the early afternoon, write holiday Thank You notes over some drinks and a lunch. I had the same server, there was less than half as many people at the early hour, and yet still.... Service. I could not believe how lacking it was. Between drinks, waiting for food, waiting for the bill... it was embarrassing. You should not have to wait 20 minutes between drinks. Maybe there was only one server for the place. I get that. But step it up and move a bit quicker. It will be many months before I experiment again. I'm very bummed to see poor service at a place I'm otherwise very happy to have in Lakeview.
(3)David B.
Duke of Perth (no "the," just like the rock band "Eagles") has no TVs, free WiFi, AYCE fish & chips Wednesdays and Fridays, two-for-one entrees Mondays, and a 50c wings special Thursdays. These are all good reasons to stop in. During the winter, I try to get one of the tables by the fireplaces, and during the summer I sit outside. All year round, I gravitate towards the pies. Their shepherd's pie and their chicken & mushroom pie are both warm and satisfying in cold weather and not too heavy when it's hot. The rest of the menu won't thrill either your dietician or your cardiologist, but so what? It's a pub; you know the genre. It's good pub food. Full disclosure: I'm a regular at Duke of Perth. I've come to this place since 1996, sometimes more, sometimes less, but there's a long history, and I've got a strong pro-Duke bias. But why? Why come to this place once or twice a week for 15 years? Why do all my friends know of it as my "remote office?" Why did I become a Duke partisan? Simply: the people. I'm not giving Duke of Perth five stars because of the food; you can find individual examples of better food if you look in Chicago. I'm giving the place five stars because of the staff. The owner hires smart and hard-working people who are noticeably more interesting than everywhere else. All bars have servers who work in theater. Most places hire actors; Duke of Perth hires playwrights. And everyone who lives there--regulars, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff--makes the place a warm and comfortable place to have a bite, a beer, and a conversation.
(5)Anne B.
This place has some seriously cool atmosphere. The food was only okay...that may, however, have been because I ordered something that was not fantastically tasty. Mushrooms can only go so far. My companion loved her dish, though, so maybe I'm just being picky. Really, though - it's an awesome place just to step in to. Stop by for something hot to drink until the weather warms up.
(4)Tommy O.
Will update later. Cozy, atmosphere, but beer wasn't all that more special than your typical Irish bar and burger was below average. I'll have to return to try some more beers and the fish and chips.
(3)Colleen D.
Went for fish fry. Very good. Will be back.
(4)Melissa H.
Love the cozy atmosphere, great back patio, my boyfriend loved the scotch list. Wings were tasty, too!
(4)Nadeem P.
Wow...that's all I can say. Amazing scotch and beer selections, wonderful service, and all you can eat fish & chips?? Not only does this place do it all they do it extremely well and with a huge smile on their faces, this is my new favorite spot!!
(5)Heather R.
If Duke of Perth were a person, I would've snagged 'em up and married him by now. I am in love with this bar/restaurant. I love everything about it and all it has to offer. I mostly frequent this bar on their "All You Can Eat Fish-N-Chips" nights (Wednesday+Friday from 5-9) because it's one of my favorite meals on the planet! When I bite into their fresh fish, it is cooked to perfection, along with the fries and serving of peas. The perfect combination! I usually wash it down with a "Wee Heavy" and I feel like I am transported back to Scotland enjoying my meal out of a newspaper poke. Being from Scotland (as in actually born there), Duke of Perth reminds me of being at home with my family and at a local pub. The decor on the wall is similar to what's on my mum's walls and it's great having wonderful Scottish Ale's and lagers on tap at my disposal. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly. They take great care of you, and the look and feel of the bar is very homey. That's how a bar should be. Again, another place with a great patio which I am constantly at in the summer months. This is my little hideaway and I encourage anyone who is in the mood for a night in Scotland to visit the Duke of Perth.
(5)Molly L.
The beer selection, menu, scotch list, service and atmosphere are all fantastic, but the real star here is the fish and chips. Best fish and chips in Chicago, hands down. Get here early if you plan on coming for all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Friday night (especially during Lent).
(5)Jack M.
I came here with a very large group and had a very satisfying experience. The waiter was probably the most adept at handling large groups waiter I have ever seen. Color me impressed. The Whiskey selection is out of control fantastic (i hate Whiskey but tried two that I actually liked!), although the beer selection, while varied and appropriate for the venue, just doesn't taste very good. Hopefully someday the UK region will hopefully revise their general beer recipe to not include moist sawdust. I did not order food, but friends commented that it was quite good.
(4)Victor M.
I ate here before and I ate here recently. Therefore I have a valid review. AYCE Fish n Chips on Wed and Fri is the best. The fillets are pretty big and its accompanied by peas and hand cut fries. I had a friend who was interested in going but was not able to make it; he missed out. Here is how the conversation goes a day after. Friend: "How was the all you can eat fish sticks?" Me: "It's fish n chips, and they're the size of a plate." Friend: "Plates come in all shapes and sizes. Many restaurants are very stingy with the size of it. So I call them fish sticks." Me: "Hey, they're bigger than Long John Silvers and very crispy." Friend: "OHHH! When can we go?" Me: "I'll think about it..." They do get crowded, so anticipate a 10-20min wait depending on the time for 3 or 4 people.
(4)Kate M.
I've been going there since it opened, when it was my local. Now I am not living in Chicago, I go back whenever I visit town. Unlike most US joints which try to approximate an Irish, English or Scottish "pub," this really is the real deal. Great selection of beers, malts, and excellent food. The service is top notch also. Bring your friends, grab a Belhaven Scottish Ale and a cozy corner. You won't regret it!
(5)Virginia T.
Wow, so sorely disappointed in the Duke of Perth after my last visit. We went on a Friday night. I was expecting a long wait, being a weekend, a warm one at that, and all you can eat fish & chips night. We showed up at 7:15pm and were told that it would only be 30min. This is where things get hairy. We find some room at the bar, order a few drinks....and wait. After over an hour the hostess calls our name, we settle our tab at the bar, pick up our coats and head back with her.....then she stops us and says "oops, I called the wrong name, there is still one table (uncalled) ahead of you" and proceeded to make us wait another half an hour and sat the other table. Of course, we'd also lost our spots at the bar now. We finally sat down- C ordered the buffalo chicken salad, which he said was tasty- H got the meatloaf which she said was ok. J got the all you can eat fish and chips. The first plate came out quickly but was greasy and not very crisp. He ate all of the fish anyway-and asked for more. They very quickly brought out two more fillets (sans peas and chips). These were crisper and hot but still greasy. I ordered the grilled vegetable sandwich. The worst part was that it claimed to be marinated veggies, they were obviously not- and they were not cut anywhere near evenly. This meant that some parts were cooked, and then others were CRUNCHY. The peppers were undercooked, the goat cheese was sparse.....it was pretty bad. We were upset at how slow things were, how we were treated and the underwhelming food- so we were determined to get some of our moneys worth and ordered a third plate of fish & chips. This one was the best of the whole night. This was finally more the quality I'm used to from Duke of Perth.....so I guess the lesson learned is don't go if it is busy at all? I was really upset that they quoted such an inaccurate time, and that they called us and didn't end up seating us. The poor quality sealed the deal.....I'm not sure I can go back :(
(2)Jessica S.
I love everything about Duke of Perth from the backyard patio, the mouth watering fish and chips, to the great beer list. A great neighborhood hang out.
(5)Kathy L.
I hear this place has an amazing selection of whiskey, but don't ask me about whiskey, because I don't know a darn thing. What I do know is fried food and damnnnnnn does this place deliver!!! The fish and chips here are amazing, not just best in the city but best I have ever had!! Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat (which is pretty dangerous). I prefer Monday, which is two for one entrees...my friend and I used to come here and get a salad and fish and chips and split both. We would get the fried food fix and some veggies mixed in there. They also have an amazing appetizer, the fried veggie mix. Other things are good here but I can only review on what I know and this is where I go for fried food. I will be sad to leave Chicago because I am almost certain that I will never find another fried food place like this again. Another thing about this place that I love - I can actually come here and talk to people. There aren't TVs anywhere and the music is never horrendously loud.
(5)Michael H.
I've been in Lakeview for 10 years and visited for the first time. A very cozy restaurant perfect for this chilly time of year. Hearty fare and an extensive scotch list. Try the Scottish burger with an egg and red pepper. Goes perfect with a Bass Ale. Also a good spot to go to before catching a movie at the Landmark Theater on Diversey and Clark.
(4)Kevin T.
Great pub food. Burgers, fish & chips, Shepard's pie. Awesome collection of whisky and brews!
(5)Daniel A.
Peas and Scots! What more could you ask for? In a city that is inundated with 'authentic' Irish pubs that consist of nothing more than 20 TVs and a wooden sign out front, The Duke of Perth is a breath of fresh air. Beware though, if you want a Guinness they only serve it in a can. The good news is that they have their own stout that is amazing.
(4)James B.
I had a great experience here, when I was just looking for some mediocre bar food. I entered despite (or because of) the unassuming storefront, since there was an advertised "all you can eat fish and chips" special. I was not disappointed. This was some very good beer-battered fried fish, served with fries and peas. I also got a Belhaven Scottish Stout, which went well with the food, and had possibly the best texture of any stout I've gotten. While I only stopped in for a quick dinner with friends, I look forward to coming back here sometime soon to try some different food and drinks. It looked like there was an extensive Scotch selection behind the bar, and I'm interested in the "stovies" that could be had as a side in lieu of fries.
(4)Nicolette D.
Unlike wine aficionados, if your a Scotch drinker it's hard to find a place that does flights. You must come here. They have several flights of 3 Scotches each priced between $19-$30 available. Each collection has a laminated guide to help you identify what your tasting. We ordered the "Duke's Malt Goggles" and lunch. Server was a pro, food was great & we bought 2 out of the 3 we tried afterwards. This place is precious, one of the few places that exist where a Scotch drinker is appreciated. I also didn't think a bars without TV's blaring even existed, how refreshing! A perfect winter afternoon.
(5)Angela J.
I have a disease. I am a yelp addict. If I find myself in a new neighborhood, I turn to yelp rather than explore on my own. I figure, life is short, I'd rather know I'm going to eat well. But then again, there's something to be said for a sense of adventure... I'll be adventurous tomorrow... Duke of Perth had great reviews and was a half mile from the bar I was at for a birthday, I headed over w/ a few friends w/ hopes for some decent late night food and a drink or two. Holy scotch flights and veggie fries! We sat down minutes before the kitchen was closing and opted for a few appetizers, the mini burgers w/ au jus were definitely an elevation on the traditional slider and I was impressed. The draught beer list is short but all encompassing and the scotch list seems impressive (I'm waiting a few more years before honing my scotch habit). Definitely a great neighborhood place that's a step above a traditional bar food scene.
(4)Joe S.
This is my favorite bar to go to in the neighborhood. No TV's, nice laid back atmosphere with people sitting around and talking at normal adult levels, and best of all great Scotch and Beer. The bartender will know a great deal about the Scotch menu so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations if you're new. The food is also fantastic too, and I recommend their hot wings which have a nice crispy fried coating + a delicious hot buffalo sauce. Would recommend this place to anyone who travels to Lakeview looking for a place to hangout. 5 stars.
(5)Magneto L.
I'm not much for fish, but the rest of the food is great, the scotch selection amazing, and the people that work there are awesome. I almost took away a star for no tv's, but I guess that is some people's thing, and probably a welcome refuge from the cub fan idiots that stumble south into our fine neighborhood....
(5)William Laurence P.
Great little place! I always feel like an ex-pat in Dublin, yet somehow I always step back out onto North Clark street. Love Muffin & I enjoy it for date night. My favorite experience was getting there early one autumn evening after a day of holiday shopping and running into a friend who was also having supper solo at DoP. We had a warm, cozy meal and a great scotch flight, next to the fireplace & and most importantly before it gets standing room only. Love the fish fry and scotch! Bangers & Mashed ain't so bad either. Enjoy! Satya, WLP3
(5)Jenny R.
They had me at 'hard cider on tap'. How could I not fall head over heels for you, Duke? The Shepard's pie is always delicious and the service here is friendly. Everything I've eaten here has been perfection. I've never been able to actually make it in the door for the all you can eat fish-n-chips nights though. There are so many others waiting. Someday we'll be together again, Duke.
(4)Marvin A.
Went here during NYE. It also fell on a day that they had an unlimited fish and chips special. Service: For a pub, it was exceptional. Our waitress accommodated our urgency for a quick bite before going to a NYE party before the countdown. Food: The fish and chips... well... were fish and chips. You can't really screw that up. And no please don't recommend me a place that will prove me wrong. My sister found the chips underneath the fish did not suit her taste since they were soggy and greasy. Libations: This was the first time I tried a dark stout. DELICIOUS. Beer milkshake? Yes please. I would definitely come back here if only to try out their other beers.
(4)Caty H.
Been here a lot, and always love it! 1st) Twisted Thistle, I love you. This ale is amazing! I can't find it anywhere nearer to me, in Wicker Park... But I'm not sure I'd want to because... 2nd) Their fish and chips are 100% beer battered goodness. These are the best fish and chips I've ever had, and yes I've been to the UK... these are like a good spin on British food! Dip them in a little of their tartar sauce, and you'll be singing praises to this place with me. 3rd) The service is unsurpassed. Granted, one of the bartenders is in a theatre company with a friend of mine, so she's a connection... Still, I see them giving the same impeccable service to everyone. Guys... Duke of Perth, go there NOW! You will not be sorry you did!
(4)Sara E.
The fish & chips here are yummy, so yummy, in fact, that I am refusing to go back tonight for MORE fish & chips because it's all-you-can-eat fish & chips night and crazy fish & chips people will crowd in to eat fish & chips. Fish & chips.
(4)Amanda C.
Don't judge this place by its cover. On the outside it looks ok- honestly, I probably wouldn't have stopped in here without reading the positive yelp reviews first. You would never know it's a super cozy Scottish restaurant/bar with great food and atmopshere. Upon arrival, we were initially told there would be a 15 minute wait and we could sit at the bar which had plenty of open seats, but the table was ready in about a minute. Every Wednesday and Friday they have all you can eat fish and chips for $9.95, which is a DEAL, and I couldn't even finish one plate. You can observe Lent all year long! The fish, fries, peas and tartar sauce were all delicious and they also have a great beer selection at moderate prices. Enjoyed the old pictures and items on the walls, including the stuffed goat head wearing sunglasses. I definitely want to come back here and try some of their other options.
(4)Jamie B.
If I have a hankering for fish and chips, Duke of Perth is definitely where I'm headed. It's the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago and I can't fail to mention that 2 days a week (Weds, Fri) it is all you can eat! The batter on the fish is not too heavy and it doesn't get soggy. Just the perfect amount of crisp with a quality piece of fish. Oh and the fact they give you peas (which actually taste great), make you feel slightly less guilty for stuffing your face with a bunch of fried food. Unlike some places that do all you can eat fish n' chips, they actually will come back to your table in a timely fashion to see if you'd like more, ask if you want both fish and fries, and not judge you if you eat more than the average person. I like the feel of the place as well. It's pretty cozy with the dim lighting and dark wood interior, which is so nice during the long winters. In the summer they open up a back patio which is nice as well, but nothing special.
(5)Risa P.
The plan: to get here early on a Friday night for the fish and chips and beat the crowds The realization: It is a Friday during Lent. Oops. The crowds were there and in full force, babies everywhere. We had to wait about an hour (even after they told us it was a half an hour wait) and we were kind of squished in the doorway or near the bar. That part was pretty crappy. You felt like you were watching other people eat and were part of their dining experience. Blah. We sat down and were quickly served the fish and chips. The food was good--both the fish and chips were piping hot and fried to their all glory. The chocolate stout was good. The waiter was nice. We were also able to get a different side besides peas. The cucumber salad was delish! However, you can only get the peas as a refill as part of the all you can eat. I wanted more cucumber salad! The food and service was good, it was too squished and to in and out for my liking. My parents were in town and it would have been nice to have a slower relaxed evening with them, without feeling like you were being pushed away. Especially after an hour wait. My sister, who lives in Australia, is already wanting to come here when she comes to the States for a month. We may go here or I may try to put something else on tap.
(3)James B.
Great little patio out back.
(5)Luan N.
I went on a Monday when they have 2 for 1 entrees. I ordered the fish n chips, accompanied by Tennents lager, which was something I had regularly when I stayed in Edinburgh. Portions were enough, but nothing like the portions you get in the pubs in the UK. Sometimes you can get a cod fillet as long as 14 in. The thing that annoyed me the most about the dish was, the batter kept sliding off the meat. The taste of the batter was just not right and was soggy as well. I've had fish n chips at least on 30 different occasions anywhere from London to Iverness. For a pub that prides itself on being Scottish, I was expecting a little more. Even my UK buddy concurred with my opinion. So, it's no doubt a great deal. But, if you're looking for really good fish n chips, I don't think it's representative. I give the dish 2 stars, but adding an extra star for having Tennents and a decent beer garden.
(3)Susan L.
Duke of Perth still tops my list of cozy places in the city! If you order food, get a side of the mustard-tarragon salad dressing and put it on EVERYTHING. You will leave with no regrets! Thanks for being such a reliable and delicious place, Duke of Perth!
(5)Tia T.
I may not remember a lot from my Catholic school days, just the essentials. Glad to say that the Duke of Perth has been instrumental in helping me observe the great tradition of eating FISH on FRIDAY! All of the fish and chips and peas you care to devour are yours for $10 bucks...and don't forget the tarter sauce and vinegar. Ya heard! Good, greasy, simple cod fish and chips. Add a pint of Guinness or Strongbow cider and you're in heaven! It may in fact be as close as I get to the promise land, but Sister Therese Mary would still be proud.
(4)Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday around 5pm. It was nice and quiet (which is perfect), but not deserted. The staff were friendly and helpful. Beer selection was decent. All you can eat fish and chips was good. If you've every actually been to a Scottish pub, you know that this isn't particularly authentic, but it avoids theme-y-ness enough to be enjoyable. They did play cheesy bagpipe music until someone told them to turn it off. The one thing that did bother me was that they started to lead us to a table when we walked in. I know this sound stupid, but I think pub, I think you sit where you like, you order food at the bar and they bring it to you. I guess this American remnant is too hard to let go of.
(4)Green D.
I had the bacon cheese burger and skins. The meal was average pub grub, IMO. Atmosphere was great. Service average. Food average. Beer selection was above average. Scotch selection looked great!
(3)Kar M.
The problem with places that have an unlimited anything is that I have no self-control. You say "all you can eat," I tearfully reply "I can eat all." So even though they have this amazing-sounding potato-leek business, I am helplessly drawn to the AYCE fish & chips, eating well beyond comfort, finishing off husband's peas, being a hero for the table when the most recent crispy additions threaten to go to waste. It's good enough. But lord teach me moderation. Beer selection is humble yet solid, but then you came for the scotch. Service is spot on for the atmosphere. I'll try again, when I'm stronger.
(3)Katya L.
I've been coming here off and on for a while. The fish and chips are quite nice, and for a bar they do a mean salad. But really, come here for the whiskey and beer. They do a nitro pour of Belhaven's Wee Heavy that does not disappoint. Ever. I will always love the Duke of Perth because they are a cozy, wood-paneled bar with no televisions. NONE. Respect.
(4)Meade M.
First let me say that The Duke is my favorite local pub, I go there to eat lunch, dinner, have a few drinks, and to sit and study. The Duke of Perth, almost has it nailed, it's almost perfect. Where they have seriously fallen down on the job is food and non alcoholic hot drinks. The Good: Their lunch/dinner menu is very good if uninspiring, the fried mac and cheese bites are fantastic. The coffee The beer The Bad: The desserts leave a lot to be desired, they all taste frozen, and the choices aren't very interesting. They don't have milk for the coffee only cream, which makes no sense. Their hot tea selection is terrible. They should really consider serving brunch on the weekends, they open at noon Saturday and Sunday and they would do some very good business if they started serving a full Scottish and maybe some oatmeal and pancakes. This is a young neighborhood and there aren't many places to get some good greasy hangover cure eggs and bacon, not to mention a mimosa.
(4)Elizabeth M.
I love this place! It's cozy in winter (esp. if you get a table by one of the fireplaces), and it's great in the summer (huge outdoor patio). The fish and chips are yummy, and they have a nice selection of beer and whiskey. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (maybe two) to be seated on a Friday night, esp. during Lent. You will be told "about 20 minutes", but I think they really mean an hour plus "about 20 minutes". I've been coming here for years, so I'm used to the drill. It's well worth the wait though, so just grab a beer or a hot buttered rum, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait. :)
(4)Kat L.
No frills, great food, easy location. I've read some of the other reviews saying that the service isn't great, that the place is loud... Yeah, it's a bar. Not everything in Chicago has a to be frou-frou pain in the ass. If you want a great hoppy beer selection and amazing food for a reasonable price, go to Duke of Perth. If you want a pain in the ass place with lovely decor, crummy food, and a large bill, go to Lula Cafe.
(4)S-Guard M.
I was a big fan of Duke of Perth... I use to eat and drink at the old Earls of Lockness. I got the Shepherds pie for dinner, it was more like an appetizer. A very small portion. The entree Is served in a medium size chilly crock, you also get a side of peas.. I'm still hungry, but I'm so disappointed at the moment i can't look at the menu again. The overall taste was fair, usually ground meat when not seasoned enough taste, well like unseasoned ground meat. Their fish & chips night is worth coming to.
(2)Anna H.
I've been a few times, and always had a great experience. The beer selection is lovely and I hear the whiskey and scotch collection is stellar, though I haven't tried it out yet. Last night, after ordering a Belhaven Wee Heavy and a Guiness, the server brought me a sample of what he thought I might want to drink next, just because he felt like it. I love that...he made my friend and me feel special without being over-attentive, and we both tried new beers that we might not have otherwise. Also, there was a secondary waiter who kept our water glasses topped off all night long, which really meant a lot to me this morning when I woke up without a headache! I also had the 'All You Can Eat' fish & chips special last night...heavenly. They could have given me more fries to start out with, but I ate way too much to complain. I love that they keep malt vinegar on the table, too, as that's a must-have in my book when you're talking fried fish. The only thing I don't like is the lighting in the rear (indoor) part of the restaurant. It's just a tiny bit too bright, but too dim to be well-lit - so you can read your menu, but it's still not the most comfortable place to drink more than a few beers. Then again, I guess that's why the bar exists!
(4)Jerry B.
Really nice, cozy Scottish pub. Good Belhaven beer. Had the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogoch for the appetizer. Very good, kind of like an Awesome Blossom, but less messy. Had fish and chips and fish po-boy. Both fried perfectly. Efficient, friendly service. No TV screens makes the place adds to the friendly atmosphere. Definitely would return, maybe before/after a Cubs game.
(5)Alex F.
This is one of my favorite restobars in Chicago. They have, by far, the best scotch selection in the city. I really like the option of scotch flights on the back of the scotch menu. It's a great idea. The food is pretty good and there is a nice little patio in the back. Drawbacks? The bar is wayyyyyyyyyyy too small. The atmosphere is kind of weird. It kindof feels like a bar, but it seems to get treated more like a restaurant. I don't think the owners really wanted to decide what it was, so it's a hybrid, which I dont really like. I don't know... go and decide for yourself. Try the Islay flight.
(4)steve b.
We've lived about 3 blocks from this place for 5 years and walked, driven, and rode by it countless times - but finally went for dinner tonight, and it was absolutely great. Good atmosphere, great food, nice people - we'll absolutely be back soon.
(5)Sara A.
Duke...Duke...Duke.... Duke of Perth....Perth...Perth I really, really, really like this bar, I just wish it was closer to me. Went there last Friday night with my friend around 10pm for some scotch and whiskey drinks and some fish and chips. The hot toddy was strong and citrus-y and the fish crispy, just the way I like it. We got a table right away in the place, where the decor is warm and inviting, and it has a fireplace. The wait staff was a little slow, but they were busy with some large groups in the back. Overall, great place that's not pretentious to hang with friends
(4)Melissa D.
One word can sum up Duke of Perth! Wow! My boyfriend and I went out on an adventure one Friday night to find somewhere new to eat. We ended up walking right into Duke of Perth. What a fabulous find! The beer selections were great. The prices seem pretty fair. I had a Belhaven Scottish Ale. It was perfect. I think my boyfriend had a Miller Lite. Can't go wrong there. They have the best fish fry I've had in quite awhile. My boyfriend ordered the All You Can Eat Fish Fry and it was under 10 bucks. I was uber impressed. I still am. It was just that good. I believe it came with peas and fries. Not too sure about the peas, but the fries were great. I ordered a burger. It wasn't just your ordinary burger either. It was amazing. It had a horseradish crust, which I've never had before.To tell you the truth I haven't even heard of that before. But, YUM! The burger was huge, the fries were really good too! Especially if you dipped them in the vinegar that comes with the fish! Our service was a bit on the slow side, however, the place was packed and it seemed she had a pretty large section. The server did get our beers to us pretty quickly though. Two thumbs up for that. Im not really into the whole scotch and whiskey scene, but from what I can remember there was like 100 of them or so to choose from, for all of you malt snobs. We will definitely be back, Duke of Perth.
(5)Steve M.
Fish and chips? Check. All you can eat? Whaaaaaa??? This place is great. It's got great atmosphere, and whiskey flights! It made me feel like I was in Scotland. Oh yea, all you can eat fish and chips is crazy, yo.
(4)Karyn K.
Duke of Perth is a cozy and fun pub, where people were crowding in on a cold and snowy night. With a table in the back, we were left to eat and drink and enjoy ourselves! I am not a big fish person, so I turned down the Fish and Chips, but most people in Duke of Perth were eating the Fish and Chips (all you can eat special on Friday). I had the Sean Connery burger (no bun) and added the chipotle sauce from another sandwich (yum!). I also had the steamed veggies on the side. There are some servers that look very annoyed when you make changes like this, but this waitress wanted to make sure that I had made all the changes I wanted! This is a great place and I can't believe I waited so long to check out a place in my neighborhood! Can't wait to head back!
(4)Will D.
I love the Duke and always bring friends,especially on ayce fish and chips nights. Unfortunately the crowd can be brutal, especially in the winter, but if you go a little early or after the rush, you can feast and drink hearty stouts and feel like you're worlds away from Chicago. In fact, it really does feel odd to come out of this pub into the modern world after spending a few hours here. There are lots of knickknacks that seem genuine, not faux, and the tables and lingo add to the pub atmosphere. The fish is amazing--crispy batter and tender filets, with thick chips and peas. To be honest I don't think I've ever had anything else here, but the shepherd's pie looks good. The selection of beers, ales, stouts, and whiskeys is terrific, and it's easy to try a different variety every time. I've been here many times and have always enjoyed it although the wait can be horrendous and there's nowhere to stand while you're waiting. If they could figure that out, this would be my idea of pub heaven.
(4)Jean C.
Since it is Lent and all, I am trying to be a good Catholic and not have meat on Fridays. So what's a girl to eat? Fish and chips of course! I had my eye on this place for some time and thought today would be the perfect opportunity to go. We arrived around 7pm and yes, I know it is prime time for dinner. I put our name on the list and was told it would be about an hour and half. Well, much to our surprise, it was only 45 minutes! Yay! We got a table in the back room which was quieter than the bar area. We ordered the fish and chips and it came out fairly quickly. The fish was hot, lightly fried, flaky and delicious. We got two big strips along with fries and peas. The peas were ok. They were cold and I could have done without. After eating all of my fish, most of the fries and a little of my peas, I was done. So much for all you can eat! My cousin had an extra helping of the fish but my husband and I had to throw in the proverbial towel. The portion size is perfect and the service was spot on. The busboy filled our water glasses even if the glass was mostly full. I would definitely come back for their fish and chips special. I think I may try Wednesday and hope that it's less crowded. But I doubt it.
(4)Leon I.
The dangerous combination of the two phrases "All you can eat." and "Deep-fried food" makes Wendsdays and Fridays at Duke of Perth something to avoid. And I avoid it by showing up and making a food baby. The Fish 'n' Chips at Duke of Perth are not the best Fish 'n' Chips I've had. But because like most Americans I easily confuse quality with quantity, I'm happy to squelch any complaints I might have with a second helping. Now to be fair, the quality of the F'n'Cs at D.O.P. is not abysmal. It's actually quite good for a North American chipper. The fish is always served hot and not too greasy, but it really needs to be salted, vinegared and tarter saused to get at much flavor. The chips are... ok. I don't remember ever going to a chipper in Scotland (Which is presumably the standard at Duke Of Perth), but I lived around the corner from the legendary Burdick's in Dublin at one time. So that becomes my standard, and D.O.P. is no Burdick's. But where Burdick's has the quality in terms of the food, Duke Of Perth is a pub with some excellent beer, and flights of single malt Scotch. There's nothing like a buzz to season almost any food, and that goes doubly for unlimited amounts of a fried food. I do have to also laud Duke Of Perth for a convivial atmosphere. Every time I've been there I've enjoyed the room, and been able to enjoy my companions without a lot of the loud obnoxious down-sides of places that use the term 'Pub." This is a good Pub! Not a great chipper! I think that's fair and as advertised... I'll be back.
(3)P S.
Hiding from the law? On a date with a fugly? Hit up the Duke because no one will see you in there. Forget bringing a book to this bar unless you have one o' them cool book lights (or want to sit in the brighter back room). Joint is dark! Ok anyway, as I often say about fish and chips, either I've never had it done right or I just don't like it - but the Duke's version had been on my radar for years and I finally was able to put them to the test. They upped the ante a bit as their fish was perfectly battered and tasty so that's a good thing, but really... fish and chips are fish and chips, shrug. The potato skins were standard, the fried mac & cheese thingies were ok but I wouldn't get them again. I don't know... there's nothing about DoP that would make me have to go back unless perhaps I was in the area and looking for a pint.
(3)Alex F.
What first brought me into Duke of Perth is that I heard somewhere (perhaps on Yelp? hm?) that they don't have any TVs. There's something admirable about an old-school joint that refuses to sell out and litter their dive-bar walls with bright, loud, seizure-inducing gigantic flat screens that look more out of place than Gary Bucey in a convent. The idea is to retain the concept behind a neighborhood tavern: A place where you can go to relax, have a few beers, and - wait for it, this is the shocker - TALK to people. Maybe even people you DON'T KNOW. Oh, the horror! We hung out in the beer garden, which is freshly painted and walled off from the alleys and other houses so it's got a nice, cozy atmosphere. They serve Real Actual Beer, which I availed myself of the opportunity to drink. There was only one stupid beer on tap (PBR), so they're doing pretty well. Ended up talking with a couple of guys who were apparent regulars at this establishment until I had to go to work. They informed me that the fish and chips are, in fact, worth the hype. I'll trust them on that and come back to try them next time.
(5)Sarah Beth B.
I love Fish and Chips! And since this was AWESOME fish and chips, and I don't know any other place in Chicago that has fish and chips, all my fish-loving stars are going to Duke of Perth. We went on a Wednesday all-you-can-eat night, and though we expected a long wait, we were seated immediately (for inside. There was a wait for the back patio). The atmosphere at Duke of Perth is awesome-- no TV's! The music wasn't too loud, the wooden furniture was warm and inviting, and clearly lots of people were easily engaged in real conversation. And the fish! mmmm. Crispy and fresh with lots of fries, and peas! Restaurants never serve peas, and since they're one of my favorite veggies, a full star goes just to the peas. I was pretty stuffed after about a piece and a half of fish, but my date ordered another round, just cause we could. Mmmmm. Even if we'd had to wait, it would have totally been worth it.
(5)Erika K.
I first thought this place would be just another corny celtic pub, but it turned out to be a pretty cool place. They have a really unique selection of scottish beer and whisky flights! I ordered the scotch burger which was really tasty and it was a nice sized portion with fries. I'm tempted to go back and try the bangers and mash.
(3)Colin G.
This place has been consistently amazing every time.
(5)Katherine S.
I will say that the food was decent, the beer was amazing and the service sucked. It's "all you can eat" fish and chips...but when you ask for seconds, they question you to high hell. My boyfriend ordered a second round only to get the 3rd degree in disbelief that he could "actually" eat more. I swear he was scowled at when the bartender actually brought him a second helping. He explained that they had to ask bc there was such a waste of food in the past with the "all you can eat" theme... SO WHY OFFER IT? It took forever for us to be served and, I must say, the waitress (who had been the bartender when we walked in, but switched to the floor) gave us both the creeps. As I said the beer was really great though!
(2)Elizabeth B.
I caught so much shit for my last review of DoP that I decided to try again. Tonight was the night: $0.50 jumbo wing night! My mate and I began with a basket of chips (fries) and 10 wings split half-and-half BBQ and buffalo. The chips were limp and soggy and really disappointing. The wings were huge and meaty and juicy BUT the sauce was only average. I expected the buffalo and BBQ sauces to be more flavorful and tangy but instead they were simply mediocre. There was nothing really special or memorable about them. The bleu cheese dressing was the most disappointing thing about the meal. I prefer potent bleu cheese flavor. It tasted like they "homemade" it by throwing a few bleu cheese crumbles into some mayo. I think it's really cool that the wings are so big but DoP is doing themselves a huge disservice by using cheap-tasting bland-tasting sauces. If I were just looking for big portions, I'd go to Old Country Buffet but I am looking for good food. I would expect someplace like DoP to really pack a punch with big flavors. This is the second time I have visited DoP and the last time I will allow this place to leave me underwhelmed. I won't be back.
(2)StereoKiller P.
This place has a FANTASTIC single malt selection, and as a bonus... it seems that the staff is actually trained on it, which is quite rare. The food is also quite good. Good beer selection and if you go in the summer you can eat on the patio which wins because you can't see the busy street while you eat. Those are the good points. The Duke of Perth does lose a star to me because it tends to be insanely crowded. When you wait for a table, the odds are that you'll be standing in the middle of the dining area to wait, which feels a bit strange. They also removed the curried beef from the menu, which was the best thing on it!
(4)Heather R.
Beer was delicious, but the food wasn't that fantastic, and the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing.
(3)Lola T.
Duke of Perth was quite an enjoyable, unique and delicious adventure! The inside was dimly lit and mysterious. Wooden seats, white lights and fireplaces. I would definitely consider this a fun date restaurant. I was pleased with the warm atmosphere, unique selection of beers on tap, all you can eat fish and chips and exciting scotch flight adventures. We were seated in wooden booth in the middle corner of the restaurant, best spot in the house! I started off the evening with a Scottish Lager on tap, delish! Of course we ordered the all you can eat fish and chips. I only ate 1 serving, but they were very good and I'm a sucker for french fries (which were awesome). The fish and chips also come with peas, which I proceeded to get all over the table. Now to the scotch adventures....We ordered two different scotch flights, Sherry Amour and For Peats Sake. I never had a scotch flight before last night. It was a lot of fun learning and tasting different scotches and experiencing the flavors/scents you go through with each one. Good stuff all around:) I will definitely be back!
(5)Jay R.
Great fish & chips and friendly service I had been wanting fish and chips for a while. Although I tried to time my craving with the all-you-can-eat special on Wednesdays and Fridays, we ended up going on a Tuesday. My wife and I started with Tennants lager as recommended by our server. It went great with all the food we had and we had a lot. The portions are healthy. Then we ordered the Haggis wings and asked that they be cooked a little extra to make sure they were crispy and the sauce be served on the side. My wife loves dipping sauces and the larger the variety, the better. I asked the waitress for honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo sauces. The wings came out perfect to order. And to our surprise she had included ranch and blue cheese on the plate. We had a good laugh at the vast selection of sauces. Then she remembered she had forgotten her favorite one, tarragon mustard. Indeed, it was very good. A few minutes later another waitress walked by and said, "your missing our best sauce!" She brought out a delicious chipotle sauce. We had so many dipping sauces and appreciates the effort and kindness everyone took to make our dinner memorable and fun. We both ordered fish and chips. The fish was crispy with just the right amount of crunchy crust. The fish was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Numerous times I found myself not dipping the fish into any of the numerous sauces (by this point we had also acquired tartar sauce, ketchup, and vinegar) as I did not want to hide the delightful flavor... Can you believe that! I think it's the best fish & chips in the city, although our fries had mixed reviews. Mine were crispy and crunchy and stayed that way throughout the meal. However, my wife's were a bit soggy. Not a big deal though since she had the cucumber salad as well and really enjoyed it. My suggestion is request the fries well-done and on a separate plate, if you really want them crispy. If your a scotch drinker you will enjoy the scotch flights that the Duke of Perth offers. The flights are served on a little wooden trays so its easy to keep the different tastings apart. Another thing I liked is how each flight is served with a explanation card that points out what to look for in each scotch. The cards are cool as it really helps to understand the more subtle flavors and smells of each different scotch.
(5)Meredith B.
Went here with some friends on a Friday night, and I was pleasantly surprised! This pub had such an authentic vibe - no TVs, just antlers on the wall and specials like "hot toddy" written on a chalkboard. We were even able to get a table on a weekend! I had their hard cider on tap, which was very good - and I'm just generally impressed about all their British Isles beers. Such a nice change from the usual bar selection. The food smelled delicious, I'd love to come back for fish 'n' chips. It was a great place to have a casual evening with friends and some really great beer. You get the feeling that real British people would actually come here....
(4)Kwoky L.
I am amazed at their selection of Scotch. You can literally get one from every region of Scotland. I also like the all-you-can-eat fish and chips for about $10 on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last time I ate there, I had five fish fillets. I can kinda taste that the fish was previously frozen but there's no fishy smell and quite nice overall for that price.The chips and peas are not my favorite though. I've had better. Don't miss the fried leeks. They are delicious!
(3)Mary M.
A lovely, lovely pub! In summer there is the back patio and Tennant's lager; in winter it's delightfully cozy and dim with your double chocolate stout. The Murrayfield Mac never fails to make me happy. Come here with friends; come alone and read a good book at the bar. Just get in there before everyone else does. Cannot forget to mention my favorite feature of this bar: NO TV's. AT ALL. The Duke of Perth is heaven in a pub.
(5)Dane K.
Good inexpensive food... Almost everything on their menu is under $10. On Wednesday and Friday they have unlimited fish and chips ($10). We went on a Friday... I wasn't really all that hungry even, but ordered the fish and chips.. Service all around was on the slowwww side. It took a long time to get our food, particularly considering we ordered fish and chips, which is what 60% of the people there were eating as well... The kitchen should've just been churning it out, but they weren't... Later we were asked if we wanted more fish, and about 20 minutes later got it. Fish and chips themselves were good... (first batch of fries needed salt). I've had many other fish and chips that were in the "just as good" category, but that's not to detract that the fact that theirs were good. They also serve up peas with them. After that our waiter disappeared... we had other things to do, so I had to literally go stand by the cash register to get my check and pay it. Their outdoor patio is decent and a bit bigger than expected. We showed up at 9pmish on a Friday night and got a table without waiting. They seemed to allow customers to smoke in it, though, which I don't quite understand, and if I had smelled it I would've had a real issue with everyone involved.
(4)Collin G.
I want to like The Duke of Perth, I really do. I went there one night with my wife after a movie. Very cozy place, great selection of beer, Single Malt Scotch Whisky and what looks like a nice food menu. Now to my concerns: "Dear Bar Staff: You work at a Scottish Pub, yeah? If a customer asks, "Do you have haggis?" please do not respond by insulting the dish (and thereby insulting the customer). You may or may not be a vegetarian (not a big deal). You may or may not have ever had haggis (probably not). A polite, "No, sorry." would suffice. I don't need to witness your histrionics while you lecture me about a food you know nothing about. Sincerely, Collin G." The bar itself really is cozy. In this instance, the staff: not so much.
(3)Jonathan C.
Nice old time feel to the inside Fireplace is a great touch Wed and Friday is all you can eat fish n chips for 9.50 They have amazing scotch flights. You can sample various areas of Scotland for a decent price. It is amazing. I love Scotch
(5)Eric L.
2 for food, 5 for scotch selection. i generally don't boost ratings just because people own more bottles in their collection, but duke of perth is a scotch bar and that's their thing.
(3)Amanda S.
Love the Duke of Perth. I will admit that my boyfriend and I sought it out. It's considered the last real Scottish pub in Chicago. My boyfriend is off the boat Scottish so naturally we had to try it out. It was great. They have a great range of beers and gave me more Belhaven options then I'd ever expect (Get the twisted thistle if it's still on tap it's amazing). The food was also worthy of a trip back. I had a veggie sandwich but I will go back for the fish and chips apparently they are the best in the city. We sat at the bar but was shocked to see how busy they restaurant was on a monday night. The bartender was nice and we never felt rushed. We must have sat there for 3 hours. There are no TVs which was great it forced us to talk to the people around us. It was a great experience and we will be going back.
(5)Dylan F.
Not like this place needs another great review but I feel that a place this authentic deserves it's dues. It is the only place in the Lakeview neighborhood that I feel totally comfortable walking into alone and sitting down at the little bar and unwinding. Drinking alone is not for the faint of heart--especially when there are no TV's in sight. (people who got to a bar alone then stare glassy-eyed at a TV get no props from me--they might as well be at home) Duke creates a space that feels comfortable, subdued, friendly--and I daresay, wholesome. Much has been said about the offerings--they are stellar and complete the appeal of the place for me. But I go more for the atmosphere.
(4)Erin B.
'eh..I thought this was gonna be the best place ever based on the Yelp reviews. Thank God for good company, otherwise I would have been one crabby Yelper! My friend and I were sat at a "tight fit" table(that's how the waitress described it, and boy was she right!), and were crammed in the corner. Didn't mind though, cause my namesake and I had a good time despite this! Had a burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. I might stop back, but only if someone insisted.
(3)Jared B.
Duke's really doesn't need a review from me as everything has been stated, but it is one of my favorite pubs so it's goin down. As a lover of all whiskey this place is heaven. Their list is crazy big so you will not be disappointed. Their standard beer label is pretty good although I wish they had more options. The food is always good. I would recommend the fish fry or the Bruce Burger. I've been going here for over a year and have yet to get a table in the patio so can't really talk about it except that I really want to sit out there at some point! lol. I guess that shows how much people love the place. The bartenders and waitresses are always really nice and helpful. I salute the Duke!
(5)Lawrence Y.
Stopped in last night with a few friends who had recommended this place. I'm ALL ABOUT all-you-can-eat places! $10 for the fish & chips meal was not bad at all. For those of you who don't like green peas (I particularly can't eat peas alone), you have the option of getting steamed veggies which is what I opted for (carrots, broccoli, and caulliflower). The fries were standard, and the cod was good. I was full just after my second plate (probably like 6 or 7 pieces). I'd suggest coming here on an empty stomach if you really want to reap in on the AYCE madness. As for the service, I don't know what was going on with the server we had but she had a subtle biatchery going on. She totally called my friend fat. Oh, and soda refills are not free!
(3)Kimberly D.
I can't tell you about the food- all I can do is comment on the HORRIBLE service. Friday night 7 pm, we get there to quite a crowd waiting. Of course people waiting, is always a sign of good food, right? We've got approximately 3 hours until we have to catch a show, so when we ask the "hostess"(I use that term loosely, more like a condescending, power- hungry seater) we ask "how long is the wait?" she replies flatly, "20-40 minutes". We've got 20 minutes so we tell her "I guess we'll just wait outside". It's chilly outside, but there is absolutely no where to wait inside the place. We can't even get a drink. We are huddled outside, standing in an ally watching people come and go out of this place. After about 40 minutes of standing in the cold, we realize at least 40 minutes have passed....we send a member of our party to check the wait. She tells him, well I'm sorry sir, people just aren't moving, yet we hear her keep telling new people the same thing, when they ask how long is the wait..."20-40 minute wait"...I said to her "why do you keep telling people that?? It's no where NEAR 20-40 minute wait! In fact, it's now 8:30 and we are STILL waiting. Now we are too invested to go anywhere else, it's too late to go anywhere else, and our show starts in an hour. The hostess was snotty, she snickered and shrugged her shoulders when we told her how long we've waited. She clearly could not care less if we ever got seated, or if we ever came back. I would NEVER go back. There are too many choices to eat at wonderful restaurants in our great City. No body has to stand in the cold for sub par looking fried fish....with a side of " snide".
(1)Carolynne M.
I am dreaming, right? I am curled up in my warm bed, cats next to me, my mind foggily switching between unconciousness and semi-lucidity. I say this because this cant be for real..... -The Duke of Perth got a hard core fish hater to eat fish? -And not just ate it, but LIKED it? ENJOYED it? Oh no, this must be imagined! Although I dont think even my bizarre dream-center could concoct something as outre as this! It's true though. The Duke of Perth made a fish even Andy M will eat, and MAY ORDER FOR HIMSELF next time! Folks, I dont know even how to begin to tell you how monumental this is. This gives hope to us all! I can now see the day ahead of us when fish eaters and non fish eaters will unite! We shall sit at the same table, raising our chocolate stouts and proudly proclaiming victory over seafood debates! Oh Duke of Perth, thank you. Maybe it was the PBR batter that did it, who knows. I wont question it. Its a damn good fish and chips plate and you worked your magic. I am humbled and bow to your greatness!
(5)Rebecca H.
#1 - Good beer. Yay! Also, my SO said the scotch flight was good, but I didn't taste it. #2 - AYCE fish and chips! My SO ordered these. He was happy with them! I got some salmon cakes - they were good but small. Our waiter snuck me in some fish and chips to fill in the hole. Thank you! I don't have a #3 - the service was fast and friendly and the place was (relatively) clean and (relatively) quiet. I think we all agree this is a winner!
(4)Christine F.
This place has (arguably) the best fish and chips that i've had in the city. Mmm. I understand why it's always so crowded We got here on a cold, disgusting Chicago winter night. It was crowded as hell inside, but somehow, we snagged a table right by the window. Good timing, I suppose. We started off with "vegetable fries" as an appetizer (which are fried veggies) and they came with 3 dipping sauces: Sweet and sour, mustard and a curry like dipping sauce. It was really good. The veggie fries lacked a bit of salt, but that's an easily remedied problem! My fiance and myself both ordered the fish and chips, which came with fries and peas. It's a HUGE serving, we should have just split one. I wasn't even able to eat half of mine. It's a lot of fish. We then tottered off into the night, full of fish, beer and vegetable fries. Can life get much better?
(4)Kathryn M.
Nearly every Wednesday when trying to decide what to eat, my roomie and I give eachother the "wanna get fish and chips?" look. Because $10 for a big (and quite tasty - no frozen crap here) plate of fish, chips, and peas is a great deal in itself, but on Wednesdays it's All You Can Eat. And that's even better. Plus with this cold weather, the cozy and alluring fireplaces are just what you need to warm your body and soul. Well, that and the great line-up of scotches. :) This past Friday we were out with a group and we decided to hit up the Duke, and wow, I had never been here on a weekend!! The wait was an hour for a table, so be warned!!! Get here on a weekday if you can! After a couple of pre-dinner drinks at Jake's, we headed back over to the Duke to claim our table. I decided to opt out of the all-you-can-eat on this occasion, as I usually can only eat one plate anyway, and I got the Chicken Pot Pie instead. Be careful, because this thing comes out piping hot - I had to remove the puff pastry top and let the steam out for about 5 minutes before I was brave enough to take a bite! But it was a warm, comforting dish and I'd definitely get it again. Our server was great on this busy night, and she was did a good job anticipating the fish and chips refills so that no one had to wait for seconds. Awesome. I can't wait until the next Wednesday that we can do it all over again.
(4)Brandon S.
I love Scotch and I love cozy pubs, so a bar that mixes both of those elements should be awesome, right? Wrong. My friend and I ventured in here at about 11 pm of Satrurday night. Now, I realize this is a mostly chill bar, but this was a little scary. Everyone, from the patrons to the staff, looked pissed off to be there. After waiting about 15 minutes a waiter took our order. Then it took another 20 minutes to get our Scotch. Now perhaps the bartender had to crack open the casket of single malt himself and test for impurities, but it usally takes me about 10 seconds to pour a scotch. I opted for the 11 year old Oban, nothing special, tasted like every other decent scotch i've had. I don't know, perhaps it was the fact that the lights gave the place a weird tint, or the slow service. Or everyone looking at me like a had a SARS mask on, but next time I will just swill my usual bottle of Johnnie Walker Red in my apartment. It's cheaper, no one will judge me, and I don't have to put on pants. Btw, who orders food from a Scotch bar at 1130 pm on a Saturday?
(2)Carol J.
Best single malt scotch collection outside of Scotland for the love of Loch Ness. Awesome, authentic fish and chips (and I'm not a fishy lover), traditional Shepard's Pie and excellent hot toddies. I also have been known to enjoy some of the delicious ales available but that was back when I was a beer drinking hellion. Very warm and snug environment and always an engaging soul to warm your heart with a story with the ever so lilting brogue of the motherland.
(5)Aaron B.
The claim of best fish and chips in the city is highly debatable. I went here the other night with a friend and tried these infamous fish and chips. Not the best I have ever had. Somewhat soggy, very flaky, needed a fork to eat them and served with like 5 fries. When you get good fish and chips they should be thick enough for you to eat them with your fingers not fall apart as soon as you touch them. Also they should be served with a basket of chips not two. The beer I had was ok, but I was really unimpressed with the fact that I couldn't get a real black and tan here. I know its Scottish but seriously, Guinness not on tap? Come on.... The interior is very small and the table we sat at was termed 'a tight squeeze' by the waitress, this was being very kind. I didn't mind the small table though since good company can outweigh simple deficiencies like these. However, if you are going with someone you really don't want to talk to be sure to avoid the 'tight squeeze' table!
(3)Janet L.
This place is great! I go for the all-you-can-eat fish & chips even though I never need more than what they provide me on the first plate. Come hungry!! They also have a decent selection of beers (and I think other liquors), and the rest of the menu had some interesting and tasty-sounding entrees! I'd definitely come out here more often if it were more accessible (a bit of a walk from the El stop, especially since it's winter...), but a great spot nonetheless. It's super-crowded and busy, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors while waiting at the bar for your table.
(4)Brian W.
As the 363rd reviewer, I'm not sure what's left for me to say, other than I was wholly charmed by the atmosphere but surprisingly underwhelmed by the fish-n-chips, which rate as merely serviceable.
(3)Sarah F.
Haven't been here on a Friday night in a while...and I was tempted to pull the fire alarm to clear the place out. There's no way they weren't over the occupancy limits, but the 90+ minute wait for the table ended up being worth it once the unlimited fish & chips plates for $9.95 started coming. Mountains of flaky, battered fish are served over a bed of fries and peas with a portion of tartar sauce on the side. I have to agree with the other folks who contend Duke of Perth serves up the best fish & chips in the city (at least from what I've tasted). Be sure to sample from the extensive list of scotch while you're there, or consider one of the flights.
(4)James M.
Atmosphere is nice, definitely has that classic pub style and they have put effort into appearing Scottish. Waitstaff didn't dress the part so much, but they were friendly. We only had to wait for about 10 Min. to get a table and the hostess was very apologetic. I happened to go on a Wed. for the all you can eat fish 'n' chips. The menu looked good, but I love fish so I stuck with that. I will say they are not stingy on the portions and they give you chips and peas as well. Texture was good but the taste of all three was lacking, fairly bland. They don't hesitate to bring you more, though. The beer and whiskey selection saved this place. Belhaven and Fullers are great. The latter has London Pride and a Winter Skl ales, both are quite tasty. A friend bought a whiskey flight which came out on a wooden board with places for three small glasses. Each was very distinct - not the kind of selection or presentation I have seen at other places. Bottom line, not too impressed with the food, but I got a good vibe and I would easily give it another shot. The beer and whiskey are worth a trip.
(3)Andy M.
What a perfect place to pop into on a cold November day. It's dark, rustic, and quite cozy. We stumbled upon the Duke of Perth after a Black Friday shopping binge. We were cold, tired and hungry. Carolynne r. and I both felt at home right away. This place reminds me of some of the rural pubs I used to frequent when I lived in Holland. Our visit fell upon a Friday when they have their all you can eat fish and Chips. I hate fish, so I ordered the Black Angus, Blue Cheese burger. The burger was wonderful, but the big surprise is that I actually enjoyed the fish and chips. Did I say that I hated fish? The fried fish just melted in your mouth, and the tartar sauce made it perfect. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. The Duke of Perth is a cozy pub with an old world feel that is totally unique to anything that I have experienced in Chicago. The food, service and atmosphere were all top notch. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Sandy N.
Came here on a Friday night to try their all you can eat fish & chips special. There was a long wait, probably because it was a Friday during Lent, but also because it was a Friday. We ended up waiting for over 40 minutes for a 2-person table. Service was good, fish was great. Unfortunately, I couldn't handle more than one plate of fish and chips. Would come again though, on another night!
(3)Naveen S.
Oh, Duke of Perth, why are you not closer to my place. I grew up in London and randomly have these cravings for Fish n Chips. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I find a $10 all you can eat Fish n Chips place. Honestly, how can you go wrong? The price for all you can eat is the same as it is for a regular order, so you don't have to feel bad if you went with the intent of AYCE but realized you were full after that one meal and scotch toddy. Will be back!
(4)Allen J.
This place is good- especially their fish and chips. But, seriously with the no soda refills? We don't live in Manhattan. That refill you are denying me on my Diet Pepsi cost you less than a nickel. Definitely makes me think twice before going back.
(2)Jennifer P.
I have had fish & chips on the brain for a while. love love loved it. perfect amount of batter/breading...tender fish....yummy fries/chips. also had the wings...yummy (and on special that night, too!) great beer...had the fuller's london pride....delish... highly recommended! thumbs up!
(5)Dustin N.
Excellent pub feel and great fish and chips on Wed/Fri All-you-can-eat for $9.99. Outdoor seating in the summer is in the back and rather quiet and relaxed. Beer selection is good, I wish it changed up more often.
(4)James E.
Came here for the second time last night - LOVED IT! Great food, great atmosphere. It's such a chill bar / restaurant and it's amazing what having no TVs can do to make the place feel so much more relaxed. Great selection of beers, too. I had the Sheppard's Pie and the hubs had the burger. The pie was very good and the burger is something that is going to bring me back so I can get my own damn burger and not have to be limited to a bite of my soulmate's. The horseradish crust was just slightly horseradishy, so it wasn't overwhelming. Oh man. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Susan F.
Not bad, not great. I ordered the chicken finders and my friend ordered a burger. His burger looked alright, but all of his fries were charred, really badly. My chicken fingers were very good actually, and the dijon/chipotle mustard sauce was really delish. The service was good and the outdoor seating was very nice and quiet. Overall, I think I ill have to try more there, but like I said, the experience was kind of forgetable.
(3)Steve D.
Fish and chips is the way to go here. My parents were in for the weekend and I brought them this past Friday, as I understood they offered a good fish fry, and it delivered. For $9.95 you get all you can eat. Good, crispy fish, good fries, and peas!! On Friday's be prepared to wait, we did for about a half hour. But, the 3 of us ordered fish and chips and it arrived promptly in like 2 minutes, which is really nice. We were worried that after waiting a while we would miss the show we had tickets to, but with the quick service we were finished eating 20 minutes after we sat down. It's a bar like any other, it's loud, but the decent quality of the fish made up for this. I would definitely go back if I have a taste for fish fry, but only on Wednesdays or Fridays, as this is when it's all you can eat. Not to say I would pile that much food into myself, but there's something comforting about all you can eat being attached to what you ordered.
(4)Don Z.
Good stuff from a suburb bar. The meatloaf was monstrous plate of food. Bland as expected from a British pub. Beer selection was good. After a few pints, had to have a scotch. I enjoyed talking to Brian for an hour or so and he pointed me to the train with my suitcase. For some reason I slept through my entire flight back to California.
(5)Amanda S.
We came on a Wed. For the "all u can eat fish and chips." All four of us ordered the fish and chips and wine and beer. The drinks came and were good, then the food came and it was good. Two pieces of fried cod fish, green peas and French fries. When we were finished eating that plate our not-so friendly waitress asked if we would like more and we all said yes and ordered another round of drinks. My friend and I had eaten the first plate and put our napkin on the finished plate. The waitress came back with one plate with a few fries on it, with four pieces of the fish on it for all of us to share. Clearly not all u can eat and rude service. The ambience felt like we were in someone's old dingy living room. Will never go back.
(1)Tom T.
Duke of Perth has its good days and its not so good. I go here about once a month for dinner with some friends. The first time I came here I had a Scotch Egg Burger. It was incredible. Ever since I've been chasing the purple dragon ordering those damn burgers and they've never been the same. I think something changed in the kitchen, the food just isn't quite as good. They have some interesting things on the menu though, definitely a good change from the norm. I also like that they don't have TVs in here and it's quite dark. I like the atmosphere. Service has always been good, not stellar, but good and friendly. I like that they have a fancy beer selection but I do not like that I don't like any of the beers here. It costs quite a bit to drink here simply because they don't serve any cheap beers. I think they might serve Bud Light, but I hate Bud Light. Subsequently, I usually end up spending about $20 on food and $80 on beer...not cool. It also appears to be a little dirty at times with gnats swarming around and whatnot. I'll be back, but on a less frequent basis. It wouldn't take much for this place to be really special, but something tells me making this place nicer would ruin its purpose and charm. I'll say check it out, but don't get your hopes up. Instead, drown them in a lot of beer and heavily fried foods. Even the vegetables are deep fried here!
(3)Paul H.
Duke of Perth has been on my radar for a while now as I am a huge fan of fish and chips. So, I managed to stop by for lunch recently. I grabbed a table in the back patio, which was unexpectedly nice. The server was great (she was managing a table full of drunken out of town cubs/reds fans - navigating their bad manners with a certain amount of sass of her own, nicely played!) I ordered the fish and chip and a nice lager, which I had heard from a number of people were just amazing. Don't get me wrong, they were good; crisp without too much breading. They weren't the best I've ever had, better than average to be sure. I think that I'll go back and try out the whisky selection and have another order of fish (perhaps on an all-you-can-eat night).
(3)megan s.
OVERPRICED CRAPPY FOOD. I got the salmon cod cakes. gross. I was expecting plump little tasty cakes,instead I got flat, crispy, greasy pancakes with no flavor. That was $10!!!! The tartar sauce tasted like straight up miracle whip. My boyfriend got chicken club, which was not a club at all but rather a flavorless regular chicken sandwich. No toast in sight. ...Don't waste your time.
(1)Janis W.
We ate here the other night and I had a really delicious burger. I never knew their burgers were so good. They don't play up the burger aspect, so I've always ordered from the UK side of the menu. This used to be one of the only bars in Chicago where you could get cider on tap. Now others have gotten with the program, but this pub still rules. Friendly, cozy, 2 fireplaces, lots of whiskey choices.
(4)Vladimir K.
I was stoked to go to a Scottish place, since that's what I am. It was okay I guess, but just way too expensive for what it is. I think I might like it better if it was in a different location.
(3)Laura K.
Love this place. I used to live right down the street so maybe I'm biased but they have the BEST beer you will ever have. If you go, try the Belhaven Scottish Ale. It's unbelievably smooth and satisfying. If you want something a little more filling, go for the Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It's incredibly smooth and creamy. Absolutely delicious! The burgers are yummy and their chicken and mushroom pie is amazing. I also cannot get enough of their fries. They have specials almost every night of the week - Monday being buy one entree get one free. In the summer they have a back patio area that's very quaint and shaded by a few trees.
(5)Mar'ia A.
I loved this little Lincoln Park establishment. Small, quaint and cozy. My guest ordered several single malts and some draft beers (GREAT SELECTION!). I order several appetizers. The wait staff and bartender were quiet and unassuming but quick and helpful. The food was piping hot (order the fried mushrooms with a side of ranch DIVINE!) and hearty. What a gem- will visit again if we have the chance.
(5)Charlie M.
Growing up in Wisconsin, you learn that there are two basic kinds of pubs: those that serve pizza, and those that have a Friday Fish Fry. If your chef can't fry fish, you better start ordering more tomatoes. Moving to Chicago, I discovered that deep-fried fish didn't have the presence it does north of the border. In fact, my first few times ordering it was disillusioning. I hadn't realized you could actually mess up fried fish. It's batter, not plaster of Paris! As such, my first visit to Duke of Perth was like stumbling upon a sanctuary of sorts. Then I looked at the scotch list. Long story short: it's top-notch (all-you-can-eat on Wed. and Fri.) fish and chips (and peas) and the best place in Chicago to find your new favorite lowland single malt. The draft beer list runs only about eight selections deep, but they're all beers you're not going to find everywhere and worth exploring - if you have room. Decor is dim yet cozy. Kitschy antiques, church pew seating and exposed beams create an "old world" feeling, like maybe the place was a public house before it was a pub. I can't say too much about anything else on their menu, but the only negative comment I've heard on the matter is "I wish I got the fish fry," and I'm pretty sure they were just jealous.
(5)Tom K.
Scottish brews and a good selection of single malts make this place one of my favs. On top of that, they turn out some good food as well.
(5)Yoyo M.
A very low key, chill place that's warm and inviting. I've been here a few times with good friends and it's perfect for when you just feel like talking, grabbing a good beer, good bar food and really relaxing. This is not a place to go to be seen but it's not divey either. I will keep coming back.
(4)Rita W.
We went here last night with my girlfriends - we always walk past this place but have never gone there. We got here at 6pm which we thought was pretty early and we still had to wait about 20 minutes. We are not too sure if they really put our name down because a party of three that came in after our party of four was seated before us. After waiting another ten minutes for a four top to open up, my roommate went and talked to the hostess and we were seated promptly. For as busy as it was, service did not take as long as I had expected. My friends ordered the fish and chips deal. I can see why there is a big draw for this, the pieces of fish were HUGE and looked as if they were perfectly fried, the fries were hot and a bit crispy on the outside, perfectly mushy on the inside, just the way I like my fries. My veggie sandwich was mediocre. I have to say, unless you are planning on getting the all you can eat fried fish and fries deal, I do not feel that the wait was forth it for this place.
(3)Peter P.
GREAT FISH AND CHIPS, GREAT WHISKEY SELECTION, and AWESOME UNABLETOPRONOUNCEFRIEDONIONLEEK!! I tried to eat "ALL I COULD" but the fish they fry is ludicrously huge; after three fish, I couldn't eat anymore. The cod quality is superb. I can't wait to try their other dishes such as the shepherd's pie. 15 year old whiskey was worth every dollar; with a drop of water infused in it, the single malt tasted fantastic. I can't wait to go back and try out all the whiskey from different Scottish regions.
(5)Stephen R.
I fell in love with "The Duke" then fell out of it. Maybe it was the smoking ban. Maybe the $5 pints get tiring on the wallet. Something happened and it's just blah now. Monday night food specials (1 entree, 1 free) is still amazing, and the fish and chips with malt vinegar (!) is always awesome. And nothing beats the beer garden patio on warm summer nights! Great place for some outdoor space not far from Diversey/Clark. But what was a great post-work "adult" spot has become more family friendly. I saw a stroller being rolled in there one night and was absolutely beside myself! Strollers! Children! Augh! And when you're dropping -- at minimum -- $5 a drink as there is never a drink special, it's no fun. It made me wish I could still smoke in the front bar, as a child deterrent more than anything. Oh, Duke. :(
(3)Vio V.
Duke of Perth is probably the best place to spend a relaxing Friday night after a week of hard work, or a chill evening hanging out and talking with friends any other day of the week. This hole-in-the-wall Scottish Pub specializes in Scottish Whiskey and the best Fish&Chips in the city. Fresh fish and chips are $10 for all you can eat on Wednesday and Friday, but the portions are so big (and delicious) that it is a good deal any day of the week. If you're not a whiskey fan, Duke of Perth also carries a nice selection of delicious European beer. I would recommend trying a flight of whiskey anyway for the experience. The only pitfall here is that the alcohol is a bit on the expensive side and that the pub can get a crowded at dinnertime. The atmosphere, however, is great. The place looks a bit sketchy on the outside but is quite cozy inside with fireplaces burning warmly in the winter. Many people seem to be complaining about the size of the place, but I think that this is part of the charm. It makes me feel like I am transported back to Europe.
(5)Amy S.
Three words...FISH AND CHIPS! Came here on a whim one day and I made the mistake of ordering a grilled vegetable sandwich. The sandwich was very good, but my bf ordered the fish and chips and boy was I jealous!!! The portion was huge, so I was lucky enough to get a taste (my bf can be a little stingy (just kidding G...loves ya!)). The beer batter (or whatever it is) was perfect and it wasn't too greasy. I was just very impressed by it...if you can't tell :) They have all you can eat nights, but I'm not sure who would be able to finish more than one portion of it....but it would be worth it if you have a HUGE appetite.
(4)Kellen T.
I always walk past this place and wish I was inside rather than going to some shitty bar someplace else. Well this last Friday I was finally able to stop by and spent my entire evening dining on fish, fine beers, and chatting with the extremely intelligent bar tender. I enjoyed my experience at D-o-P, and cannot think of another place in Chicago like it. All to often bars or pubs in this town overwhelm their patrons with loud music, two dozen 52" televisions, and flirtatious scantily clad waitresses. While sitting at my table I was surprise by the amazing choice in music and even made a few comments to my friends about how impressed with it I was. The food is great. Classic. The beer was a big amazement. Having lived in Chicago I have not been very impressed with most bars beer selection in relation to it's prices. The Duke of Perth has some great beers that go very well with all it's good. The bar has an extensive whiskey and scotch selection and the bar tender was more than willing to help me select a whiskey to go with my meal. Duke of Perth is a great experience!
(4)Pauline S.
just stopped in for a beer before a movie and I can't wait to go back! I'd imagine that this is the perfect place to sip a good brew or whiskey on a snowy Chicago night while enjoying the all you can eat fish-and-chips. the atmosphere is everything you want in a good pub.
(4)Nicole L.
It was wintery Sunday afternoon and they had very few customers. And yet the service was terrible and they managed to run out of menu items including coffee! Maybe it was bad luck? The atmosphere is the major redeeming quality (including two fireplaces to cozy up to on a chilly day).
(2)Dean K.
Went there the other night specifically for the fish fry. This is a great winter place so I try to get there for the fish once in a while. It was good, as always. But the real winner was my girlfriend's burger. It was topped with horseradish and served au jus. Whoa. As much as the fish there will always call my name, I'm going to start venturing out into other areas of the menu. These guys can cook.
(4)Emily F.
This place pretty much has the fish & chips award locked up. The all-you-can-eat on Wed & Fri is one of the best deals in town...if you are hungry again before the end of the night you have some kind of hormonal problem. I have a weakness for Scottish beer. I think it's probably the best beer on the planet. DoP doesn't disappoint with it's selection. I wish I could go tonight, but I can't justify leaving the house for dinner when there's so many Thanksgiving leftovers to be eaten. You and I have a date next Friday, Duke of Perth!
(5)Heather K.
Amazing weekday deals, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, whisky, beers, but everyone knows that already. I just wanted to add that Duke of Perth has a great selection of winter cocktails, too! Cocoa, warm apple cider and coffee, with or without your choice of booze. Hot buttered rum. Hot toddies. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Chris R.
Really I mean to give this place 4.5 stars, but yelp won't let me. But if anyone from Duke of Perth is reading, know that you're almost perfect. And that's pretty good! I am a fan of the beer selection, decor, food, service staff, and the awesome back patio in the summer. I guess I could write more, but it would just be to say that this place is great. So this is a short one. The end.
(4)Kearsten D.
This is the absolute BEST place for fish and chips. Feels just like a real Scottish pub. Great food, great beer, great service.
(5)Kourtney L.
went here for my birthday this summer and everything was great except the temp inside. we eventually moved outside and all was well but the 30-40 minutes spent inside were absolutely terrible. i knocked a star off for that. great selection of beer and great food too.
(3)Maya D.
This is my favorite bar in Lakeview, and one of my favorites in all of Chicago. The servers are really nice, and they know a lot about Scotch. The Scotch list is great! It's lively, yet quiet enough to actually have a conversation. AND THERE IS NO TV.
(4)sarah r.
great food and even better beer list
(4)Jessica B.
Great beer, great whiskey and great food. Although the scottish-themed food is very, very good (the leek pie and chicken pie in particular) if you are in the mood for a truly top-notch burger this is the place to come. My husband and I recently discovered that all burgers can be done with veggie burgers instead, for those vegetarians out there. The prices for the quality of beer they have are really fair (around $5-$6 for a pint). We often go on Sunday afternoons, and sit in the garden, and do some work. They have wireless, and the serving staff is great - Arubial in particular (sorry if I butchered the spelling). The music is usually celtic, and goes well with the feel of the place. This is my husband's favorite restaurant, and is on the top of my list.
(5)Katie H.
This is probably as traditional a Scottish pub as you're likely to get in the Midwest. Well as traditional British Isles I really mean (I'm looking at you, shitty Wrigleyville "Oirish" Pubs with stupid names like Tipsy O'Flootherhans that think they're so fucking Mick because they serve Guinness and have a paper shamrock stuck to the wall. I hate you so bad.) Ahem! Duke of Perth was lovely. The fish and chips were excellent and they knew to have malt vinegar on the table. I look forward to trying their cottage pie on 2 fer 1 Mondays. My chocolate stout was tits also. Also the ambiance is superb - no loud bar music or TVs. They have a beer garden but it was plumb full-up when we went but no worries. I think this will be an excellent winter spot. The back of the house is cozy and dim. Very inviting. Finally, wish I knew more about single-malt scotch too because this seems like the place to get it. I can't justify dropping $25 on a dram because I know I won't properly appreciate it and I'll just make the shot-grimace. But if it's your thing, I reckon you should come here.
(4)Alexandra B.
What in the world happened to this place! I had been coming here every now and again for about a year and every time I go, it gets worse and worse. I don't know if they got a new cook or what, but the food is DISGUSTING. The last time I was here I had a veggie burger and I mean, how can you screw that up? It comes out of a box and your throw it on the grill. Somehow, they removed all flavor from it, along with all flavor in the french fries. I felt like I was eating a meal for someone who just had a triple bypass and had to cut out the fat and salt. My bf's meal was just as offensive, as was our appetizer. I didn't finish even two bites before we paid and left. We will not be going back anytime soon. And really, $7 for a small hot apple cider? Give me a break.
(1)Anjali B.
I gotta say - I've eaten a LOT of fish and chips in my time - in London, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, and these are among the top ones. Yeah, it's crowded - but to me, that makes it more authentic - in the UK if a pub is crowded (and it often is) you sit with strangers, and that's part of the whole experience. The bartender is on top of his game, and friendly to boot, even when it's crazy busy (friday nights, in my experience)... It feels as close to a neighborhood pub as any I've been too. And the fish and chips are delish! The peas aren't bad either :).
(5)Ania G.
By far, the best (fancy) pub food I've ever had, though cheap it is not. Great outdoor seating in back in the summer.
(4)Clare D.
I was trying to find a good pub to go have some good girl talk over some good beer, and I decided to try Duke of Perth. I don't know if you can be a connoisseur of english isle food, but I may come close to it. I almost gave them five stars due to the malt vinegar being on the table alone. But then, oh joy of joys, they have Blackthorn cider. I love blackthorn. It is my favorite cider, and no one really carries it here since people like the woodchuck i guess. Anyway the blackthorn was wonderfully cold and not that horrifically expensive. Now I hate fish, but I love the "fish and chips" idea. I always ask if they will do beer battered chicken instead of fish (as most real UK fish and chips shops carry the chicken). The cook not only did it for me from scratch, but it was so good that they might actually make it a permanent option. The beer garden was also very cute, quiet and relaxed. It was nicely decorated with plants and I would definitely recommend it for the summer (or whenever it is warm).
(5)Mary Lee G.
I truly enjoyed my pre-movie snack here. I'm a total sucker for a fireplace and we got to sit right next to one of theirs. The single malt flight was a really good choice for the inexperienced scotch drinker that I am and it was served with a single card so I could cheat and say things like "yes, that finish was long with increasing spice." My sandwich (The James Watt) was decent, though to be fair I did only order it so I could say "James Watt invented the steam engine." What I liked most about this place was the atmosphere, it filled me with physical and mental warmth. I'm really excited to go back and try fish and chips (with extra, extra, extra malt vinegar--yum!)
(4)Gaige G.
Definitely a nice place to check out. Would rate it higher if the food were better and if it were a bit bigger with more bar seating space. It would be awesome as only a pub and no restaurant. It would really really rock if they converted it totally to a bar/pub complete with darts and the like. The atmosphere really feels like you stepped into an old world pub and any place that has awesome selection of UK beers, port and single malt and other warm tasty concoctions is not to be missed. Will warm your cockels....er whatever. Check it out!
(3)Alex R.
Ok, I'm now an official whiskey drinker, and this place has an amazing Irish whiskey selection. Try one (or two) flights -- these people really know what they are doing!
(5)Amanda C.
So after a fatty mexican dinner across the street, the husb and I (& 2 friends) stumbled into this bar for a drink. It has a really laid back atomosphere and the service is great. Even though they were busy serving people that were eating dinner, they let us grab a table just for drinks. We had 3 or 4 beers and left but I will be back to more drinks and possibly some food.
(4)Steph F.
it is still a mystery to me of how i could live next door to TDoP and not weigh 748 kilos from gorging on mac 'n cheese fritters, beer and/or whiskey, and all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips nights. sublime, breezy yet secretive, outdoor patio. long live the scot(tish pub)s!
(5)Sandi P.
I was up to really like this place - beer, fish & chips, where can you go wrong. It just didn't cut it for authenticity. I am English so I know my way around fish and chips and these were just average. Frankly (and I know you city types will howl here) but the fried fish at Cracker Barrel on Fridays is better. The chips were definitely homemade and had a good taste but were rather limp. The fish, while generous in portion size (3 long pieces) was lacking in flavor. Without the addition of multiple lashings of malt vinegar (which appalls my husband) I would say it was pretty tasteless. The accompanying peas were good but tartar sauce as a standard accompaniment - yuck and so not authentic.Might as well serve coleslaw and pretend you are at Long Johns. Beer selections are ok here. We were disappointed as they have been out of the Thistle beer for 2 weeks now. Service was fine though and the food arrived quickly. Not bad but I will continue my search for excellent fish and chips - suggestions Yelpers???
(3)James C.
Straight from old england to your plate! All you can eat fish and chips.. best I have had so far in Chi! They are of the traditional fair with a side of peas (no not mushy) and drown them in vintager! Deliciously followed with some cider and a nice dark beer! Service was very friendly and the price not to shabby!
(4)Guy P.
I came here on a whim in January, and it has been my Friday Night spot every since! The fish and chips special is amazing (that statement coming from a bonefied burger guy). The portions are generous, and they really do keep it coming until you are ready to burst. The waiter, Emelio and busboy, Alfredo are extremely friendly and attentive. It would be a crime to come here and not sample some of the varieties of beer that they have on tap, it is definitely a refreshing change from the standard Miller/Budweiser offerings of most places. My only advice, this place is JAM PACKED on Friday nights, so if you are in the mood for a more quiet evening, any other night will do.
(4)Derek S.
last spring and a few times this summer i finally spent some time at the duke; i'd wanted to check it out because of my interest in scotch, and it didn't disappoint. aside from their insanely broad selection of scotches, they serve very good food and have super friendly servers. one of my biggest complaints at bars that endeavor to serve single malts is the serving sizes, which vary greatly around the city. duke of perth offers up very healthy servings, and their flights are put together expertly. i highly recommend anyone interested in single malts (and a menu to pair well with single malts) to check this place out.
(4)Kelly B.
Love, love, love this bar. Although I am a scotch drinker, I don't really know that much about scotch. However, the bartender here is SO knowledgeable and introduces me to a new scotch every time I come. The bar is laid back and I believe they have a nice patio (I haven't ventured out there yet during my visits). This is the first bar I ever visited when I moved here 3 mo. ago and it is STILL my favorite.
(5)Paul C.
The place has the awesomest beer selection. I love going here in the warmer months and sitting outside with a great draft. Not a fan of the food at all though. I was lured in by the fish and chips, but they are a greasy mess. Tried the fried mushroom apetizer and it literally explodes grease in your mouth like those old pieces of gum that had juice in the center. Food=grossness. Booze=heaven.
(4)Jennifer B.
I have spent many an evening in pubs in the UK and this one wins the prize for feeling the most authentic. It's dark, the tables are close together, there is a wood stove for when the weather gets chilly and there is no tv blaring soccer or rugby. The beers are good, the food is great (can you beat all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $9.50? I don't think so) and the service is fantastic. This is definitely our old standby when we want no fuss food and drink at a relaxed place.
(5)Daniel Y.
I love everything about this place. I love that there are no TVs with ESPN blaring at you. I love the atmosphere (bars can never have too much taxidermy IMO). Of course, who can say bad things about drinking good single malt scotch? Duke of Perth is fantastic.
(5)Jennifer L.
OK so to continue my list of reviews of fish and chips in Chicago, we hit Duke of Perth one all you can eat Wednesday night. As I told the waitress these are the best we've had yet in Chicago. We're British and fish and chips are one of the things we miss most from home. Having so many places to eat them here is so great! While they weren't super authentic - no place in Chicago has mastered the concept of frying their chips/fries in clean oil yet - they were delicious. The batter was light, the fish was of excellent quality, the chips (although dark) were fresh and yummy and didn't taste of butter which is something that always annoys me about fries in this city. Even the peas looked freshly boiled as opposed to the microwaved 30 minutes ago peas we often see. And yes having malt vinegar on the table gets an extra point! Plus they made asking for seconds (on all you can eat night) very easy! My daughter had the chicken fingers too and there was a lot for the price. She couldn't finish them even though they were fresh and well made. The only thing I don't like about this pub is that it's so dark. I could barely see my food! It may be traditional in some country village of Scotland to not turn the lights on but in the rest of the country they like to see what's around them. So one star deducted for trying to save money on electricity but otherwise it's 5 stars all the way.
(4)Chad S.
The atmosphere was nice, and we had a great time with friends. We devoured the vegetable fries. I could have eaten a couple portions of them. Our server was nice and friendly. However, I had the shepherd's pie, and wasn't overly impressed. It consisted of a beefy soup with mushrooms. I suggest cut back on the mushrooms and make the beef mixture not so soupy. Others in my group had fish and chips and loved them, so I give this place 3.5 stars.
(3)Mike K.
So i didnt make it to the big Yelp event on Friday...I know, I suck. i got stuck dealing with super-emotional and hyper-active middle school basketball kids who I'd rather see in my gym than doing god knows what if i left early to go party. So I was super late and no able to go...boo me. I did finally meet up with the gf and we went out traveling on some random Friday night, starving for food...starving! I just wanted to drink, really, and after several misfortunate events we ended up in front of Duke of Perth, hungry, thirst, and needing to use the washroom. Now there is nothing like a fish fry on Fridays, especially if you're from Wisconsin, or apparrently, England. My gf had the fish and chips thingy why Im almost sure I had a burger of some sort. I do remember I had fries with salt and vinegar, so I must have had a burger...probably a good one. But its the cider drink they offer that I'll remember most. i had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in my glass it was soooo good! Its worth the trip just to drink the cider alone!
(4)Dee W.
Yum! Their fish and chips are yummy here. They have an extensive list of scotch here and when the weather is nice, they have a nice beer garden, too. Go for their 'all you can eat fish and chips' on Wednesday and Fridays.
(4)Ellen M.
All I have to say is........ To alcohol, The cause of and the solution to, All of life's problems, Love the Duke of Perth, If you don't, Then u prolly don't belong here, Se ya.
(5)david g.
Been back here a few more times, service has improved a lot, Best Fish and Chips in Chicago
(4)Jeff W.
I like Duke of Perth. I seem to like it most on Monday's when all the entrees are two-for-one. They have above average burgers and chicken sandwiches in addition to their more traditional fish and chips. I'm not a fish and chips aficionado but they were tasty when I had them. My recommendation is a burger with horseradish crust. 'Crust' is not exactly the right description, it has more the consistency of dense mash potatoes that they lay on top of the burger, if that makes sense. It's good though. Fries or mashers have been a solid side for me. There are quite a few other entrees I'm looking forward to trying, but Monday comes but once a week. They have a lot of cool beers but I would like to see them do some beer flights or beer tastings, rather than only being able to get a whole pint. My only other beef is that there is not a TV inside. I assume they are well aware there is no TV, and it is probably not the ambiance they are looking for, but good burgers and authentic beers kind of cries out for a game to be on, at least for me. Staff is very nice and there beer garden is great in the summer, the inside is a little dark and smokey. The whole place does have a cool European pub vibe to it. Enjoy.
(4)J D.
count me in as a huge fan of the Duke. all-you-can-eat fish and chips wednesday and friday for $10? COME ON! could it get any better than that? light, crispy, and buttery cod, yum! they give you tarter sauce, but trust me, go with the malt vinegar. they don't serve mushy peas, but really, who actually likes mushy peas? the rest of their food is pretty damn good too and let's not forget the excellent beer selection, on tap, of some not often seen British and Scottish beers. and the scotch. woah.
(4)Jessica M.
A cozy and classy Scottish bar with really nice bartenders and the best music at any bar in the city.
(5)Mariana P.
Damn was that soup creamy! As previously mentioned, the soup is definitely amazing. Yum yum, and I am usually not one to order cream of broccoli! They have a great selection of beers. The ambiance is so British that I felt that I had been flown to a small-town pub in England. The waitress was a little scatter-brained, but she was trying her best. Will definitely go back.
(4)Matt M.
This place made me think of what a small town pub along the Scottish or English countryside would be like. Woody decor with a stag on just about every decorative piece I saw, as well as a large stuffed buck head over the bar. My roommate and I staggered in here on a Saturday afternoon after a long night beforehand, so we did not sample any of the many fine ales that appear to be on tap, but I did get the fish and chips, which was excellent.
(4)Mork M.
Scotch bar. Don't go for anything else, they have a lot of other things but when you have scotch why bother?
(5)shivi d.
We had such a good time here. Plus my fiancée thought I was seriously cool to take him to a scotch bar. Their scotch flights are interesting. They can make every burger on their menu into a veggie version. Plus their fried mushrooms were rolled in such a good obviously fresh and handmade batter. The aosphere is cozy with a fireplace as a focal point when you walk in. Such a great place to duck out of the cold. It's really a 3.5 but I had to round up to 4 stars.
(4)Tom K.
it just isn't the same as i remember. maybe is was the waiting and waiting and waiting that first night. and an $8 bottle of beer?
(4)Jason P.
Seems like a lot of people gave this place a 5 star...so I only had to follow up with my 4 star because of the service. Yes the bartended did know his stuff but when my buddies and I walked in, we ordered our first round with the waitress and never saw her again. We ended up ordering at the bar with the quick-whitted bartender. I'll go back here for sure, and the atmosphere is pretty solid. This is not a typical lincoln park bar, which makes it all the much more better for a change.
(4)Y R.
Great beers on tap (any Belhaven is delicious, but especially the wee-heavy). Great scotch selection. Fantastic fish-and-chips (all you can eat on wednesdays and fridays). Outdoor patio is fantastic on a summer evening. Service is always good too.
(4)Jon L.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Great food. Great Beers. Perfect place to catch up with old friends for a lunch or dinner. A real dude place.
(5)Travis P.
I went here on a Wednesday night. I ordered the "all you can eat" fish and chips. "All you can eat" in quotes because no normal person would ever need more than one plate of it. It was a pretty huge portion, and the Scottish beers filled in the cracks just in case. Which, by the way, they had a unique beer selection. I sampled a couple brews and settled on an IPA. This place has no TVs, which I find quite appealing. I sat with a group of friends, had good conversation, and slowly got drunk on the fancy Scottish beers. Edit: To answer a question left in a complement, the fish and chips was pretty average for bar food. Good, but nothing extraordinary. The place was was full on the Wednesday night that I was there, but we managed to get a table. Parking is what parking always is in Lakeview: bad.
(4)Ben C.
Great selection of scotch and wiskey. If you are looking to sit down somewhere rather quite and have a drink/pint then this is your spot. All you can eat fish fry on Wednesday (?); otherwise the food is just your average bar fare.
(2)Nina W.
Duke of Perth is a Scottish pub, almost hidden to everybody except the locals in the area. It seems small, but isn't. There are two rooms located in this bar. The first room is smoking, the second, non-smoking. It's the kind of place that your friends invite you to on a cold, blistering evening for some good old fish n' chips or Shepard's Pie and conversation. What's on tap isn't bad either. This pub feels very authentic, with its dark brown painted trim and uneven floors. For a Wednesday night, it was packed. Service was excellent. I spent $20.00 for a plate of fish n' chips and two ciders without tip. Would I visit the Duke of Perth again? In a heartbeat.
(5)A.S. V.
I'm forever grateful to them for introducing me to my favorite winter beer -- Fuller's London Porter. And I'm foreverafter disappointed that they no longer carry it on tap (or in a bottle) even though it's available across the street at Binny's. For Scotch fans, they have an excellent selection, the atmosphere is warm and possibly authentic (I've been to England, but not Scotland), and the fish and chips pretty great.
(4)Steve R.
Amen on the strongbow! Had a great plate of fish and chips, in a very nice dining room. Super laid back, I like this place a lot.
(4)Margaret J.
Duke of Perth is a great, cozy neighborhood bar. They have a nice selection (not huge, but nice) of Scottish and English beers. They have the most authentic fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. It is a great bar that is as close to an English pub that I have found in Chicago. A great find!
(4)Adam L.
The Duke of Perth is a nice spot tucked in just off Clark and Oakdale. I only went once, but I can say that the fish and chips is excellent and well worth the trip. It's huge, beer battered, and delicious.
(4)Mindy S.
I had to stop in here for the all you can eat fish and chips (wednesdays and fridays), as I've heard such good things about it. The outdoor patio is so quaint and perfect to sit outside if the weather is nice. I don't eat fried fish often, but I did really enjoy it here. Add some vinegar and it's even better. I thought the fries were just ok, but i'm also one for crispy fries, which these were not. It's a nice change for every once in a while.
(3)Rocky B.
The Duke of Perth definitely serves up some of the best fish and chips. Mmm, douse them with some vinegar and...heaven. Cozy bar that can get kind of cramped but to have that fried, greasy goodness...so worth it.
(4)Edward L.
I love the Duke! A Belhaven and a Single Malt Scotch are wonderful precursors to the fish and chips. Mike the bartender is a Scotch expert and can recommend the best Scotch for any palete. On Friday nights the wait is long but well worth it. During the Summer the patio is open which cuts down on the wait time. We have been going to the Duke for more than ten years.
(5)Mark W.
Really authentic feeling Scottish Pub- from the sign over the door, down to the food. If that wasn't enough- some of the menu items include a Robert the Bruce burger... Sean Connery burger and other such famous Scots immortalized forever into sandwich form. To drink, the Duke offers an extensive whiskey list and some great beers on draft from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm not a fish fan, but everyone I've ever gone with has gotten the fish n chips. It's an all-you-can-eat special... but you shouldn't really require seconds. I've heard nothing but raves about the fish here from everyone I've ever taken. The sandwiches/burgers are pretty good. Delicious fries (chips). The grilled chicken is really good. Service is always excellent (ironically, I think my servers have been just about every ethnicity except Scottish). Duke of Perth is a must try for an authentic Scottish pub experience.
(5)Lee W.
Great fish and chips -- I even eat the peas that come with them! I'm not sure I'd do that anywhere else. Good beer selection -- and even some pretty good food specials during the week. It's definitely most crowded on Fridays and Wednesdays for all-you-can-eat fish and chips night (rightfully so!) and more laid back the other nights. Even on a Saturday night you can usually get right in for dinner -- just don't come too hungry, it's not all-you-can eat!
(4)Joshua M.
Good fish and chips... the service was about three stars but I'll give them a freebie based on it being St. Patrick's day.
(4)Zac w.
one of my favorite bars in lakeview. The beer selection is really interesting, they have something like 100 varieties of whiskey from Scotland and the bartender can talk about their relative merits all night. Food is basic pub food, but good. The atmosphere is relaxed and classy.
(5)molly c.
i used to date a guy that lived almost across the street from duke of perth. tasty food. good burgers, i love the fish and chips (the peas MAKE THE MEAL) and hella good soup. nice chill crowd that is SO non-representative of the area. check it out for a quiet night out in lakeview, and then hit up jake's and get your booze on. EDIT - so, um yeah. the veggie fries and mac and cheese thingers. so good. SO good. fried beets are awesome.
(4)Tiffany T.
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. This place is awesome!
(5)Lawrence S.
This is a must if you are in Lakeview . Good selection of imports and a fish and Chips special on Wednesday and Friday nights . We had been by the Duke a few times and had never stopped ..( Our mistake ) On a warm Friday night we stopped in for a pint . we were greeted and sat in the bar we both had the Fish and Chips served with peas . The food was wonderful and barkeeper Mike was quick to refill our brews.No loud music, no loud tv and we were able to talk to other Cub fans that had wandered in after the game . It became very obvious this is where the locals go for a quality dinner . We will be sure to stop back at the Duke . What a great time we had .....
(4)Rick V.
I love this place, probably my fave either for food, atmosphere or drinks. You really can't beat their selection of scotch, and their beers are outstanding (I like the Young's Oatmeal Stout or McEwan's Ale). Best bet is their fish & chips, but they also have good sandwiches, pies and other munchies (such as "Haggis Wings"). I usually sit at the end of the bar, to soak up the atmosphere and it's a great spot for people watching. Try their beer garden in warmer weather!
(5)Frank G.
Normally I don't go furhter north than Roosevelt rd. But, there are a few places that I 'll make an exception for. ONe such place cures all the grumblings a first-generation scotsmen could want. The Duke of Perth being one of them. This place is fabulous for it's all you can eat fish and chips and 2 for one entree nights. The fish and "chips are excellent however the crowning achievement of this establish ment is the it's scotch wiskey selection and the fact that it has multiple scottish brews on draught.. The only thing better than a bit of Belhaven's "Wee Heavy", is washing it down with some very good scotch. Stick with any from the "speyside" region of the isle( this is the region best known for it's scotch making craft). Best time to go is saturday around 1pm. Go there on an overcast afternoon and get completely pished on ale and wiskey, it'll be good for ya. Plus you'll miss the usual people whom live around the lincoln park area
(4)Lauren S.
This is a great neighborhood pub; the food is pretty good, but what makes this place great is the atmosphere. In the winter it is very warm and cozy and in the summer the outdoor patio is oh so nice. The wide selection of beer can't be beat but I do wish they would add to their wine list. Overall, a good place to go if you're in for something different than your average bar.
(3)J V.
Food so-so, whoever heard of a scottish/english 5-star restaurant? Really now. Come here for the Scotch. Scotch, Scotch, Scotch... I love Scotch.
(5)Natalie P.
Great fish n chips and on Wednesdays & Fridays and its all you can eat. I really like the beer selection too. The back patio is nice (they have really nice flowers planted and lanterns) but they need some updated patio furniture. The inside is very cozy and the service is great. One of my favorite pubs.
(4)Diana C.
Went to this place a few nights ago and thought it was great. We had the fried mac-n-cheese appetizer and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner...yum! Very generous portion of chicken on the salad. Tasty vodka lemonades, too!
(5)Mark W.
What makes the Duke special is that it's a local Scottish Pub created by a Scottish excop, who plowed everything he had into this place. He did it long before the trendy corporate "Mc-Pubs" we now see scattered throughout the city and it still beats every one of them in charm, quality and service. I started going to the Duke in the early 90's and just went again last week and it stands the test of time. Great Food, Great Service, Clean Establishment with old school values. Colin, the owner and ex Scotland Copper, keeps things neat and his service staff is outstanding. Michael at the bar is a legend and a seasoned barkeep in his own right. I've gone to the Duke throughout my lifetime and all of them are memorable in their own way. Illinois Masonic is down the street and I celebrated the birth of my daughter one night over fine scotch and Cigars with a bunch of pals and Bag Pipers. In the 90's they had live pipers and Irish Bands every weekend. Sadly, the bastard neighbors upstairs complained and it was discontinued. Long live the sound of the Pipes! The outside is nice in the summer and fall but I prefer the bar room with its old tables and classic Pub woodwork. Grab some friends on a cold snowy night and settle in for plate of fish and chips with peas. Sample the Chicken Wings, for sure. They are truly amazing. I like them with extra Blue Cheese Crumple and Pint of Scottish Ale! "Aye Laddie, I can hear the pipes a callin me home"... Might have to go tonite.
(5)Elizabeth C.
Hands down the best fish and chips in the city. It's like a candy store for anyone who enjoys a really nice single malt. Go during the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
(5)Shannon S.
This cute little pub has great specials. On Monday's it is buy one entree get one free. Wed and Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips. Our food was ok, I have heard from other people it is usually pretty good. I got the fish and chips. The fish had a good taste but the chips, not so much. They have a good variety of sandwiches and burgers on their menu. Our waitress wasn't very attentive, but we weren't in that much of a hurry either.
(3)Jenny I.
It's true. If it's not Scottish, it's crap. Excellent woody bar with a manly selection of booze. Girls that really like bourbon hang out here, so men with a serious need for a real lady, you should get wise and dip this trip. I don't drink beer much or any liquor that's brown in hue...so I was pretty bored.
(4)Kristin M.
mmmmm fish and chips... All-you-can eat on Friday-def A+! What more is there to say? (oh it gets REALLY crowded, which sucks)
(4)M S.
Unusual circumstances and a festive mood allowed me to visit this place in the middle of the day. I loved the beer selection. The staff was friendly, and I shared a chicken pot pie with a friend. It was delicious and inexpensive. There were other patrons eating lunch and enjoying a beer and some quiet time. Check this place out early in the day if you ever have the luxury. I had a good time, and I will go back for the fish and chips soon.
(5)Lee C.
Best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Everything else I've had here was also excellent, including a couple great vegetarian options, like the leek pie. Great beer selection, nice outdoor patio in summer and cozy dining room in the winter. Go.
(5)Ashley M.
the Duke has an awesome beer and whiskey selection. they offer flights of whiskey in case you want to sample a few. the food is good too. i always order the belhaven wee heavy beer and their mini burgers. Service is always great and i love the lack of televisions! ESPN on 8 different screens makes me dizzy! Atmosphere is dark and cozy. go during off peak hours to avoid a crowd.
(4)A G.
Went for the Lenten fish fry on Friday night. We waited for about 15 minutes for a table (word to the wise, there is not much waiting room at this place and it tends to get pretty crowded). Finally got a table and was very impressed with the fish. Also, they had a very nice list of Scottish/English beers.
(4)Tobia C.
This place will rock your kilt off if you're not careful. Excellent food and a kick a** selection of scotch. The leek and potato soup is to die for, Braveheart style.
(4)Chris S.
The food is excellent, but the beer is the best. Many brews that are hard to come by elsewhere, and the bartenders are geniuses when it comes to beer and scotch. They know more about proccesses and flavors than anyone.
(4)a w.
Who says you have to travel all the way to England to get some good fish and chips? Head over to Duke of Perth and you'll probably get something even better. And on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can get all-you-can-eat fish and chips all day long for 10 dollars!! Pretty yummy!
(5)TeaAddict G.
This is a solid choice for dinner and drinks. We had fish and chips (all you can eat on Wed and Fri). The fish were atual pieces of fillet, which was a nice touch. The entree came with peas too - got to have your veggies! A great selection of single malt - i was told - and the double chocolate beer on tap tasted yummy. Most importantly, it'a not one of those bars overrun with 60 inch flat screen in your face playing 10,000 different football games, AND you can have a decent conversation without yelling. Back patio available, and reasonable price!
(4)Lulu T.
oooh the duke of perth....
(2)Mark P.
Great Scottish ales on tap. Love the fish and chips. Decent horseradish crusted burger.
(4)Noran W.
If it nay Scottish, it"s crap. At least that is what my husband says every time we dine here. It is a narrow local pub with dining. It can get crowded on all-you-can-eat-fish nites, especially during Lent--up to 1-2 hour wait. The tables are for dining, not drinking, so the bar can get crowded quickly. This crowd though normally polite. The bar stocks an extensive scotch and whiskey selection, with a chalk board listing of beers, ales, and stouts from the land of heather. The place is decorated with items from Scotland. The bartender always attentive, though how busy he gets. I enjoy the sherry selection myself here. Now the food--I adore bringing friends here for the fish-it is perfectly cooked and served with great fries and peas. I hate peas, but I always eat them here!! Their soups are homemade and very tasty, along with the bread served . They have traditional Scottish dishes, and other bar Fare with a Scottish twist. The menu is a great read, written with humor and wit. I have never been disappointed with a meal here!!!! The table and chairs are rustic, and the bathroom a little cramped. I never have had the delight of dining in their patio, but I bet it is as great as the other raters say.
(5)Christopher B.
Loved it! We ordered the mac and cheese bites for the appetizer, which came with a chili sauce, it was delicious!!! We moved to Shepard's Pie (my partner had this) and I selected the Fish and Chips...both were oh so good!!! The fish was flaky, and had great flavor! The service was great as well! Very attentive, the decor was that of an English pub, very cozy. We really enjoyed ourselves, after we were finished with dinner, we sat and chatted a bit, did not feel rushed at all. This is a new favorite for us, we will definitely be back!!! Oh and on Mondays, they offer buy one entree, get one free!!
(5)David H.
A great all you can eat deal can be had on a fish fry, which is especially appreciated during Lent. In addition they serve a good pub style menu, so if fish isn't your food of choice, then you and all of your group can dine in comfort and old European style. The back patio is great for sitting on a summer day and or evening and trying their extensive beer list. The staff is friendly and down to earth, so this would make a great second date choice, too. Guys and girls, bring your wallet full, because you will want to spend the whole evening by candle light. Cheers!
(4)Andre W.
Sigh...this is one of those places I took for granted when I lived in the area for 4 years. I always meant to come but Jake's across the street always seemed more attractive in terms of drinking. I have to apologize to DOP as I didn't know you were such a cool joint. A couple of friends had been telling me about their Thurs deal for 50 cent jumbo wings. I also found out this is a scotch bar in which I had no idea...I am a scotch lover so right up my alley. The place itself is nothing special in terms of looks as its pretty dark and average looking but they make up for it with delicious BBQ and buffalo wings. I smashed maybe 10 and took the rest home with me. The service was definitely on par as the girl serving us was nice and always had a smile on her face. Scotch list is pretty extensive...pretty much a scotch lover's dream. I hear they have a all you can eat fish and chips night which they are locally famous for. May need to check that out, but Thursdays definitely has my attention.
(4)Michael P.
I've never been disappointed, I've never been thrilled. I evaluate this place as a real restaurant, not a bar. Speaking of bars, the liquor and beer selection is pretty good. They have the Harp and Guinness and ciders and all the stuff of that ilk. Atmosphere is decent. Fireplaces are good in the winter. Back room is a little narrow and crowded, some of the tables have seen better days. Service and food are very inconsistent. Some times the service has been very nice and attentive. Other times it has been the bare minimum. Some of the food - like the burgers - is very good, other food is on par with a hot dog stand. As part of our meal one time, we ordered chicken fingers (no, I'm not 6, but they sounded good) and they were about what I'm used to getting at a lower-end sports bar. And the sauce was in a cheap plastic cup. And the chicken was lukewarm. A couple times the fish-n-chips was great, another time the fish was greasy and disgusting. I really can't justify going here anymore 'cause I have no idea if I'll get good DoP or bad DoP.
(3)Matt P.
A great secret beer garden out back. My wife and I and to the Duke on Friday night and enjoyed a few drinks in a great environment.
(4)AV G.
Nice. Went here for lunch about 3pm on a Friday--place was mostly empty. Cool spot--a lot of atmosphere. No better Fish and Chips in this town. Only complaint is that they serve regular peas, not the appropriate smooshy peas. Good tap selection for beer--Fun Place.
(4)Jessie Elizabeth J.
Comfy atmosphere and extensive liquor menu! Come for the unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays, but avoid the pot pie-was of marie callender microwavable portion and quality.
(3)Ben A.
Apparently on Monday nights they offer buy one get one free on all food except appetizers (i.e., burgers, entrees, sandwiches). I ordered the meatloaf which is served with mashed potatoes, peas and mashed rutabaga. The meatloaf was ok, nothing extraordinary by any means. The sides were ok as well. The portions are kind of small though as I was still hungry. My friend ordered the shepherds pie which came with a side of peas. He as well was not sated with the portion size, so we ordered the potato skin appetizer. The plate of 4 loaded potato skins (cheese, bacon, sauted onions, scallions, side of sour cream) was delicious! We ordered draft beers which were decent. They also seem to have quite an extensive whiskey and scotch menu. The service was friendly and prompt! The ambiance is laid-back. Multiple tables and bar seating, in addition to a fairly large back patio seating area with umbrellas. No tvs adorn the walls. Overall, great service, decent food, good drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. I'll be back for the fish and chips. Lastly, ask the server to pronounce the leek sticks appetizer.
(4)Megan C.
Went on a Wednesday. Nice, laid-back atmosphere. The back patio is quite charming. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely recommend the fish fry.
(4)Michael N.
UPDATE: They've since (?) opened a ~50-seat patio which, while nothing special, does give you the option of dining outside on a nice day instead in the dark wood library atmosphere.
(5)Eowyn K.
Another great find from Yelp. I wish this pub was closer to home. It is a low frills, neighborhood bar. There are no TVs, no loud music or bar games. The main sounds are from the patrons themselves. A comfortable buzz instead of trying to yell over the music. Through the back of the bar is an enclosed garden/back patio. The only aspect of the pub I would change is that the bathroom is a single so there can be a bit of a line. I was excited that they had Pimm's, a very rare find in the US. This alone made me very happy. We were equally happy with the food, though I'm not sure how mac and cheese bites are Scottish. They tasted good anyway. I had the fish and chips, as this is what they are known for, and I was not disappointed. Completely up to my expectations. I think it was partly due to the breading. A friend had chicken fingers and the breading was just as good, light and not overwhelming. They came with peas, not mushy peas, but this is the US and frankly we just do not like mushy peas here. We were throughly happy, a great place in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)John K.
First off, not a fan. Second, staff needs to be nicer to men wearing Kilts. Third, the fish in the fish tank are not meant to be used for the fish fry.
(2)Jeannette K.
Insulting bartender and bad service tonight at the bar. And when I asked why they had $10.25 All U Can Eat fish & Chips on Friday night on their website and the bill came to us at $11.95 his answer" lady are you really that upset about $1.50. We don't know how to correct our website." He continued to look at me like I had 2-heads. How Insulting to me. I wish I would have deducted the tip by that amount.I won't go back. We had to wait an hour to get a seat after being told it would be 40 minutes.-got a spot at the bar-had to constantly wave this Irish bartender down for Menus, drinks, food order--then wVe wave wave for the bill. I had 1-order of fish because it was too much work to get any more . Got there at 7--got out at 9:45p.
(1)Natalie Q.
Food, great. Beer, awesome. Place, eh. I love me some Scottish pub food. The saddest thing as has been mentioned is the tiny portions on the pie type items. They are almost appetizer size portions and they don't give you enough fries. However, the endless fish and chips twice a week is totally worth going for. I'm not sure about other food items but I was satisfied. Not the best fish and chips ever but really good for the price and the fact they were bottomless. The beer selection is excellent. They have a diverse style selection and some other things on draft or bottled. I loved the Black and Scottish ale. Smooth and nice to drink. The atmosphere is, chaotic. It's small and it gets packed fast. We got there early and it seemed a little full but by 7pm it was at capacity. It was difficult just to leave. I can't imagine how difficult it was to get a drink at the bar. The crowd is definitely full on Fridays at 7pm. The only negatives would be the fact a lot of people bring several children there. It really doesn't seem like the place and it was a bit of an annoyance. Their parents always want you to give them space and seats like they're king of some place probably a high rise somewhere. The clientele here tends to lean more Lincoln Park than Lakeview and those LP people are super rude. I've never been elbowed so many times by pretentious people without apology.
(4)En B.
Best fries in town. And I had a lot of fries this visit :) good fish n chips and chill vibe. Loved the music playing and the bartender was super nice
(5)Amy N.
Haven't been to such a nice pub since I was actually in the UK. Fantastic fish and chips, lovely scotch selection, and very pleasant servers. A very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere perfect for a quick meal or relaxing for a long chat with friends. Best of all, fish and chips are all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays. Definitely give this place a try as soon as you can!
(5)Brittney B.
Kinda went there out of pure boredom on a Saturday night. I'm new to the area, and have been trying to find places close to home. I really enjoyed it. No loud music, no tvs. It was nice. I love the warm drink with a "kick-o-booze." The beer selection is pretty good, too. I definitely recommend the potato skins; they were so good. All in all, I really enjoy this place and I'll be back.
(4)Hollina U.
This place is great. My brother was in town and really wanted some fish and chips, so I took him here-- the other good reviews motivated me, and also it's walking distance from my apartment. Came here on a Sunday when both the Cubs and the Blackhawks were playing, so it was DEAD since there are no TVs. All the better for us to get fast service! Brother got the fish and chips and I decided to try the Trawlerman's Pie. First of all, I had never heard of a Trawlerman's Pie, and my only experience with Scottish food was eating a really nasty Shepherd's Pie in Nanjing, China--- after that, I was like savory pies are NASTY. Anyway, Sean the bartender recommended the pie since I said I don't like breaded meat, and was really accommodating by swapping out the green peas for steamed veggies. The trawlerman pie didn't really seem like a pie, it was a little pot of seafood topped with mashed potatoes and cheese---- freaking DE-LISH. What I liked best about the place is that the bartender was so helpful in giving me his thoughts on what food he thought would suit my taste, telling us about the history of Scotch, and giving my brother suggestions on what Scotch to order, and just being entertaining and friendly. There's also a lot of character in the pub-- maybe that's what other Scottish bars are supposed to look like? I definitely want to go back for a drink here again! I think next time I'll try the fish po'boy.
(5)Dan P.
This place has the best fish and chips I have had in Chicago, which is all that the wife and I get there. If there is other food, I don't know what it is. The wait staff is professional and friendly. Our regular server there has been with the restaurant for years an knows us. Always says hi. All you can eat nights on Wednesday and Friday is awesome, but the regular portions are sufficient. I am rarely able to get more than one extra fillet. Beer selection is great, but i usually don't have room for alcohol. The fried fish is filling and delicious.
(5)Andy W.
We were here on a saturday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. We had heard many good things but never walked around the corner to try it. We ordered some appetizers for the table and everyone ordered a meal. The appetizers were pretty standard (I always enjoy a good potato skin) but nothing to rave about. On the contrary, the main courses were DELICIOUS. The meatloaf was awesome and the chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked. The side dishes were delicious as well. The downsides were that the waiter was kind of rude and that there is no free refills on soft drinks. Our waiter really never came back to the table to check on us. The service wasn't great but the food was really good. A good place for a casual bite to eat.
(3)Jessie T.
Finally made my way in here! Soooo cute! Since it was wednesday, I got the all you can eat fish and chips. The fish was cod, and light and crispy and pure deliciousness. The fish was nice and crunchy on the outside and hot and flaky on the inside. Sooo good. The fries were good. Homemade, still with skin, thicker cut. Good ol' fries. And it came with.... peas! Like a legit side of perfect peas. Tarter sauce was normal old, good tasty tartar. NO COMPLAINTS. We sat right by a fire place.. freaking adorable. Love the decor. Love the food. Check it out. And the bartender is hot
(4)Rishabh A.
Specials: Monday - Buy 1 entree and get 1 free Tuesday - Special price on wine Wednesday - Unlimited fish and chips Thursday - 50 cents chicken wings Friday - Unlimited fish and chips Best deal is on Monday (Buy 1 entree and get 1 free), if you want to eat at some place on Monday. Wednesdays and Fridays - Not that good. The price is same as regular fish and chips and one portion is more than sufficient for a normal diet. Thursdays - Good deal. They have the biggest chicken wings, I have had in Chicago. They have good meat and are tasty. If you want a healthier option they have grilled wings as well but are obviously not as tasty as fried (regular) ones. They have two sauces BBQ and hot. I would say get both of them mixed and it tastes good. I have been to this place a million times on Thursdays to get the chicken wings and would definitely recommend it. For drinks they have Scottish beer and a page full of scotch options. Drinks are really good. Ambience is kind of an English bar and the music is not that loud. If you want to go with friends for good food and drinks then I would definitely recommend this place. Summertime secret: They have a back porch which is really awesome during summer months. Go and try it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Kelley T.
Surprised my BF after dragging him to Lincoln Park Zoo for the day. He LOVES anything scotch and was incredibly impressed by the selection. We started with the breaded mushrooms, and were not impressed. They didn't have any flavor besides mushroom, and we love horseradish that smacks you in the face, but this didn't seem to have any in it at all. The fish and chips made up for the mushrooms. SO GOOD!!!! I hate peas, so the BF got bonus peas (If I had known the dish came with peas I would have gotten something different) The chips were the perfect combo of crunch and soft, and the fish was amazing. I love blackhorn, so much better than the sweet crappy ciders us American's think are good. Even the smokey scotch drinker was impressed by it. I'd say thing only thing we were disappointed in was our waiter. Apparently he was new, and made this known by saying "I hope I'm not coming across as creepy" which of course made him look creepy, and we totally busted him sniffing the scotch glass when he took it back to the bar... ummmm....
(4)S R.
Outstanding. I had the Watt Chicken Sand and my friend had the Leeke Pie. Both were absolutely delicious. Even better, they were enjoyed for lunch in a Sunday. This city is overrun with mediocre brunch on Sundays. DoP is brilliant for resisting the trend and serving good food at lunchtime. Thank you DoP
(5)A E.
It was a below freezing February evening in Chicago and we were looking for an adult beverage and a bite to eat so we Yelped the closest bar to us, Duke of Perth was the winner and I am thrilled it was! Walking into this warm, dim-lit, cozy spot felt like walking into Heaven. It's got a romantic vibe to it but it's also super casual. Our table right in front of the fireplace and our hot toddys were exactly what we needed to thaw out. Our server was polite and attentive. Our food (I got fish and chips and he got sliders) was delicious. This place was the perfect ending to our day.
(5)Jennie T.
Best fish and chips in town, indeed! My boyfriend's in love with their wings. He goes almost every Thursday for their 50-cent jumbo wings. I'd go with him sometimes, and they are delicious. The buffalo wings are pretty big, and they're a good value. Duke of Perth offers them with several sticks of celery and an option of either bleu cheese or ranch dressing. I prefer bleu cheese for the wings and ranch for the celery sticks. My favorite weekly deal is their Monday "two for one entree" deal. I usually order their fish and chips. The plate comes with half a plate of peas. I like peas, but not that much so I ask to skip the peas. I was afraid that they'd give me the same amount of fish and chips, but nope, they gave me a full plate of fish and chips. Hurray! I love how crispy the chips (fries) are. They're fried just right. The fish is flaky and delicious. I'm always happy whenever I order this plate. They have an all-you-can-eat fish and chips deal on Wednesdays and Fridays, but one plate is usually enough for me so I can't imagine I'd get much value out of those days.
(5)R.A. H.
Always nice to come to The Duke. For a drink or for a meal. The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but what they have is hot and filling. Fans of All you Can Eat fish & chips should definitely stop by for this special. The fries are decent and don't even need to be dunked in anything. I've had several of their burgers as well as their Shepard's Pie. Good comfort food. The bartender is always nice and during the warmer months you can get a seat outside on their patio. Cider on tap is Blackthorn. Clear of taste with a nice crisp feel. Small bar, so it can get crowded. A good place for locals and visitors alike. It's not the Plaza. It's a pub. And you don't need to be Scottish to enjoy it. Stop by for a while. You might like it and come back again.
(4)Rich W.
Food is good. Service is great and the price and specials they have are fantastic. We went when they did two for one entrees on Monday night. We got our fill of great Scottish and English beers while enjoying a Shepherd's Pie that will blow your hair back. The fish and chips were also a fantastic entree choice. Next time, I'll be doing a Whiskey flight or two.
(5)Bryant M.
No foos, no darts, no golden tee, no pool. Good beer on tap, good atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio in back. Lack of games is why we rated it it low
(2)Joanna T.
Duke of Perth never changes! I've been here infrequently over the past 9 years, and each time is pretty much the same. No TVs, Scotch flights, crappy beer selection, authentic Scottish food. I don't drink Scotch much and I don't know good Scotch, but my hubby does and loves the flights. I would get beer, but not such a fan of Scottish beer or Guinness. No local crafts here. I'll stick with a Pimms Cup, thank you. I love the comfort of Scottish food and this place delivers. May not be as good as a pub in Scotland, but where else in Chicago can you get this? Love bangers and mash. And there is a 2 for 1 special on Monday nights. I love fish and chips and it's all you can eat on Friday, but one portion is more than enough for me. We honeymooned in Edinburgh and this place makes me nostalgic.
(4)Rob Z.
Great Scotch Selection...
(4)Rebecca C.
This is one of those places that I never really think to go, but every time I pass it I want to stop in. There's a fair beer selection, mostly English beers that I've never heard of, but the bartender is great at making recommendations if you know how to explain what you like properly. He poured me a few samples and I was happy with what I decided on. The beer garden out back is not necessarily quaint or cute like some of the other places in the neighborhood- it's a pretty standard patio tables with beer logo plastered umbrellas, but it's very sectioned off from the noise of Clark street, and is a great secluded patio if you want to have a nice casual lunch with someone. The boy and I usually get the fish and chips, and the fries are oh so delicious here! If you're in the hood this place is definitely worth a stop!
(4)Stephanie H.
I went here recently with a friend for the AYCE fish and chips on Wednesday (they have it Friday too). We sat on the back patio, and we both ordered the fish and chips. The food and service was great. Pretty awesome for $11.95! So glad this place is in my neighborhood!
(5)Kassidy W.
Read more for food and decor BUT honestly, I knocked this down for the manager or whoever it is poor attitude. Our server was friendly, attentive and adorable but he kept micromanaging so badly. When they weren't in eye sight, he berated and corrected her thinking we couldn't hear but then came back to the table using a very friendly, overtly fake, chipper voice. She was obviously new but doing great. Humans like that disgust me. Okay, onward! The place is dirty and dingy and the walls are all scuffed up (-1 star) but that's why we don't sit inside. Outside in the back is a beautiful patio blocked by colorful brick walls and set in a quiet neighborhood. There are no tvs, no drunk bros and no annoying you-know-what's trying to impress said bros. It's peaceful, quiet and makes it easy to forget where you're at. (+2 stars) The beer list is short but has something for everyone and it's very obvious the taps are well taken care of and the bartender knows a good pour. (+1) (-2 stars) The food is...okay. Which is sad. The burger was huge but dripping in grease, the French fries were mushy, the peas tasteless. Only thing we loved were the fried mushrooms! HUGE! And yummy. TLDR- unprofessional upper staff, good beer, blah food, dirty inside, great outside, order the fried mushrooms.
(3)Marc W.
It had been 5+ years since I wandered in here last and the place hasn't changed much.....very good thing. The early afternoon bartender was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their scotch inventory, which is the only reason I felt like making the stop. Thanks nameless bartender. It was easy to see that he had an appreciation for scotch. Did not eat anything, so no reporting on the food. Beers on tap were leaning on the English side. Cant go wrong there. Vitals: 4 shots of scotch I had never had $30
(5)Alexis T.
Loved the Belhaven Scottish Ale and Dry Blackthorn Hard Cider. The food we had was pleasant, I would have liked a little more flavor to the banger and some pepper or herb in the Cock a Leekie Pie but all in all it was a nice entree. We will definitely be back. I like that you can actually talk to the person you are with; music is playing but not too loud. We haven't tried the fish n chips yet but plan on it. We are thinking it will be our local pub now.
(4)phillip h.
Ok. I've had better Shepherds pie at other michigan pubs. Bar tender was nice. They were really slow because of the bad weather.
(3)Fred S.
The Shepherds Pie along with the Cock-a-Leekie Pie are both amazing! The Trawlerman's Pie is also worth getting. On Friday's the all you can eat fish is real good, but you won't eat nearly as much as you think you will...it's a wee bit greasy (which is what makes it so, so good). Their fish Po-boy is pretty good too. It's a fun place for a date (especially in the late spring when it's warm and you can sit outside, but not so warm that you are sweating balls if you're stuck inside). If you can tolerate the hipster waitstaff and their ongoing game of "what can I pierce or tattoo next?" it is a great place to fingerbang a girlfriend about 85% of the way to an orgasm without anyone even noticing (if she isn't a screamer) All-in-all it's a great place to go.
(4)Stephen S.
Yes the fish and chips are amazing and all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays dares you to go for the second plate. Wasn't a fan of the wait on a Friday night (quoted to be 45 mins when we put our name in but ended up being an hour and a half). Wish it was Chicago's best kept secret but everyone knows the Duke of Perth is the real deal.
(4)Ryan C.
Friday night: all you can eat fish n chips with a scotch flight. You can't go wrong.
(4)Kevin R.
On Thursdays they offer a 50¢ chicken wing deal that is a great value. The wings are above average size and well cooked. Two sauce options, BBQ and Buffalo, that are not very spicy and should appeal to almost everyone.
(4)Tammy P.
My favorite pub in the city. NO TV's!!!! They have a small fireplace in the front and a large one in the back. They used to play traditional Celtic music which made for a perfect experience, but they don't anymore, so at times the atmosphere is a little annoying. The all you can eat fish and chips is an awesome deal, as are the 50 cent wings.
(5)Shiv B.
I had a wonderful evening recently at Dukes. My boyfriend and I met a friend for dinner on a Friday. We were lucky enough to get a seat in their adorable hidden beer garden out back. I ordered the tattie skins, my boyfriend got the bangers and mash while our friend got the bottomless fish fry. We each also got our alcoholic beverage of choice. The drinks and good were amazing. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because they forgot about my food, even though they comped the order and still gave it to me in a doggie bag to take home. Overall, great food, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back.
(4)Charles M.
Food was good and service was excellent. Knocked off a star because they charge for soda refills and despite advertising them selves as a wifi hot spot no wifi was available.
(4)Lily S.
Unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. What else do you need? My husband doesn't even like fish but he loves the fish at DoP! Great beer selection and good prices. It's also really cozy..big fireplace and dim lighting.
(5)Keith T.
I use to live half a block away from the Duke of Perth in the mid 90's, and use to eat there with some regularity at the time. I moved to the burbs in 1999-2000 and had not been to it since then. I was in the city last year and pleasantly surprised when I noticed it was still there. Since then, I've made a point to pop in and eat every now if I'm on the near north side. Their Shepherds Pie is what left a lasting memory of the place for me... It's very good! I also enjoy their endless fish and chips. It's some of the best Cod I've eaten. I don't drink, but I know they have a large selection of beer from the UK. It can get busy on the weekend and I don't think they take reservations.
(5)Nancy D.
Great staff here, and a great place for scotch. The food is consistently good, although I wouldn't recommend getting anything fried other than the fish on the fish fry special days as the oil will make whatever you are eating taste like fish. As I mentioned the scotch selection is fantastic, and one of my favorite things to do is to find a scotch I like here then walk down the street to Binny's and pick up a bottle of it. The selection of beers is also unique, and I would strongly recommend trying the Wee Heavy (on draft). It is not as good out of a can, but on draft at Duke of Perth... amazing.
(4)Rachel B.
Good fish and chips. Great whiskey and scotch list (and flights). Can get so unbelievably busy on weekends though, with nowhere to stand. Does not take reservations or allow you to leave a phone number which adds to the extra crazy standing situation.
(4)Caren D.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago :) They have specials everyday and by far, the ALL YOU CAN EAT Fish & Chips for $10.99 every Wednesday & Friday is the best! That's such an amazing deal, and not to mention - those are delicious fish & chips! The Shepherd's pie is also pretty good and the scotch, whisky selections are quite extensive. My friend ordered one that albeit costed $12, but was super delicious according to him. Service is good, if not one of the best. Wait staff are super nice and even the bus-boys refill your water at a timely manner. Such a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)John B.
Great fish and chips, and draft beer selection. This was my second visit and both times I experienced excellent service. Good outdoor area as well, would recommend!
(5)Judith M.
The scotch menu made me miss the poetry of Doyles in my long lost past in Boston, that's great. The service was EXCELLENT- really world class, better than some much more expensive joints I've been in. Both the waiter and the back staff: friendly, exact, vigillant with out being pushy. Top notch. SO - why the 3 stars. Sigh. The Fish and Chips. People, I am sad to report- Beer batter is EXCELLENT. Fish SUCKS. It was not flaky, it was mush. The chips were not greasy in a good way- they were oily in a bad way. I was in trouble w/ the SO who'd wanted to go get the tried and true F&S @ the Elephant and Castle, but NOOOO I got all "that's a chain with an appeal to the tourists" and there we were- bad fish. I'm not going to be listened to for weeks. Shepards Pie- ok. Decent. I'd go for more potato myself. Meatloaf- I liked the red peppers in it, & really loved the accompanying rutabega smash, but the gravy was Not Ok. um-great beer. So --- 5 stars for drinx and servcie, three stars for general food, but 2 stars for the fish= 3 stars.
(3)Sharon F.
In from NYC for a long w/e in Chicago with some friends. A friend highly recommended this place for all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on Friday, so we came. We ordered the very delicious chocolate stout on tap and our server patiently and pleasantly answered all of our questions. She let us sub their chips for an order of stovies the first round. I've never had stovies before, it was basically a healthier version of mashed potatoes, mixed w/ broth instead of cream & butter. But that's where the healthy eating ended! Now began our eating extravaganza! We kept on sending our plate out for more fried fish. I'm not even sure if it was fried cod, the fish was a thinner portion, but I actually preferred it this way, because it was very light and moist. Interestingly, each subsequent plate that came back was smaller. Were they playing mind games with us? Did we think we were getting more food because it took over the plate? Or did they simply run out of larger plates? It didn't really matter, we ate well and left very happy. It was empty when we sat down at 5:30, but an hour later when we left, the place was packed, with standing room only. That's a good sign.
(4)Jonathan F.
It's been three years since I've lived in Chicago, where the Duke was my favorite bar/restaurant/place/thing in the universe. You would think three years of living in other so-called gastronomic hubs would have displaced the Duke from its little tartan throne, but not even close. Allow me to wax nostalgic and paint a picture for you. It's Sunday, you are pleasantly sleepy having just taken in little art house film at the theater up the street. It's cold and raining and as you step from the theater and take in your first cleansing breath of winter air, you realize you are absolutely starving. Good thing there's an old friend waiting for you just up the street. Come out of the rain - it beckons. Dry your coat by the fire. It's not crowded when you walk in and the bartender gives you a knowing nod. You grab your favorite table by the fireplace, remove your coat and cap, and order a pint of Fuller's London Pride. You consult the menu needlessly (everything on it is great but there's only one thing you want right now) and order the fish and chips when the server comes back with your beer... Want to know how the story ends? Go there and see for yourself. There literally isn't a better place to be on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon than beside the fire having a pint with the Duke. Amen.
(5)Diana B.
After dinner, my friend and I stopped in this cozy pub to have a drink. I soon realized, we should've eaten here! Monday night has 2-4-1 entree specials! I ordered a draft beer, because I am not a scotch drinker. I wish I was though because this is the place for it. Very extensive scotch menu but they also have a full bar for anyone else who can't guzzle down Tobacco flavored whiskey. The bar feels like a movie set, if your lucky, you might even get the table with the fireplace. Overall, this place is a welcoming, casual place to stop in and have a drink with some friends or even a date. I believe the back room is large enough if you're with a larger group.
(3)Yvonne B.
Ha ha ha! The memory of our experience there makes me chuckle, but I don't want to go back for more laughs. My party of four stopped in after a movie and ate in the outdoor, garden area. For a Saturday night, I think it was pretty dead. There was a couple seated near us who smoked cigarettes (we understood that there wasn't supposed to be smoking in that area, but nobody talked to them about it). Two of my friends ordered shepherd's pie to share (the peas were on the side and there were absolutely no comments about the dish whatsoever). We also got some fried macaroni and cheese later in the evening (they were okay, but not good). M ordered two or three glasses of Bourbon, S got some booze and tonic mix, and I got an Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned is where things got really funny. It came in a tall, clunky, water glass. I don't know if you know what an Old Fashioned is, but that's completely 100% wrong. There was a lemon slice inside and a healthy dose of seltzer water or ginger-ale. That's not supposed to happen in an Old Fashioned either. We asked the server (who was a real sweetheart and good at her job) for another one, but made correctly. She came out with a second one (shorter glass, no seltzer water, same lemon) and said two things: 1) She would have to charge us for both "Old Fashioneds." 2) The bartender has been making drinks for 30 years and insisted he knew how to make an Old Fashioned. At midnight they turned off the outdoor lights and ushered everyone out (they weren't closing, but the outside part was). We paid our bill (a surprising $121) and left.
(1)B A.
My review might be higher if I had the fish and if the smell of Pinesol did not overpower our dining experience (about 2 pm on a Tuesday). The selection of Scottish and English libations is of course good. The burger was fine but a bit on the small side; the chicken pot pie was a bit bland. Overall, the place could use a coat of paint.
(3)Kate M.
After a movie at the nearby Landmark Cinema (in one of the shaking theaters, but that's another review all together) we were hungry. The hostess greeted us and it went something like this... "Table for two please" "Do you want to sit inside or outside?" "Oh, do you have a beer garden?" "No" "Oh, ok, inside I guess then" Shows us to a table where we can see the outdoor seating (insert squinty suspicious eyes here) "Um, can we sit outside?" "Yeah, sure" So we sat outside. It was a nice outdoor seating area (apparently not a beer garden). It would warrant that fifth star if the chairs and tables were a little more comfortable. The food was really good. I happen to eat a lot of fish and chips, you know, trying to eat healthy and all. Anywho, the fish and chips were served with peas and were pretty tasty. Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat fish and chips. I'm not sure how much more one could eat than what is originally served, but I guess if you're starving it would be a good deal. I stole a bite of the meatloaf and mashed parsnips too and both were really good. The service wasn't too bad. I didn't really notice the server coming and going though, which is a good sign I think. I'd recommend the Duke of Perth if you're looking for some good fish and chips and beer and a relaxed environment. I'm sure I'll be back again soon enough...
(4)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: endless fish fry. What else is there to be said? Duke of Perth is THE place to be on a Friday during Lent. It's a smaller joint, with a homey, Scottish pub feel. It took around 30 minutes to seat four of us. We spent that time grabbing a drink across the street because there was zero room to move in Duke. Once we got a seat, delicious beer and food awaited us. Great beer choices from across the pond. We all opted for the Fish Fry. Perfectly battered and fried cod with fries and peas. Yes, peas. The combo worked fantasticly. Best of all, it's endless. Keep the plates a'coming! So good, worth the wait.
(4)Chris H.
I thought this place was just fine. They have a great beer garden out back and the staff is very nice. The leek strips were great, and the fish and chips were solid. You can also get flights of scotch if you want to experiment. All in all, the place was good but nothing special.
(3)Leonard P.
I just love the Duke of Perth. It's one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Chicago over 20 years ago, and I was a regular for a big hunk of the 1990s; I live in Seattle now, but I recently visited Chicago again, and the Duke is as good as ever. In fact, in at least one regard, it's better -- the place underwent a serious overcrowding problem a while back but we went on a Friday night and it was busy but very manageable, with the waitstaff seeming far less harried. The all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays are unstoppable (served with the world's least eaten peas), and of course, the Scotch selection is just staggering. They have every decent single malt made, and some fine beers as well (try the Orkney Skullsplitter). The decor is warm, the back patio is inviting, the Lillte Willie cartoons in the bathroom are hilariously impenetrable, and the waitstaff is the sexiest in town. I can't say enough about this place.
(5)H G.
Hot toddy and fireplace were the keywords of my search. After reading Matthew S.'s review, I could not help but give Duke of Perth a try. Also, I like fish & chips, and bright green peas are always alluring. I want to give Duke of Perth 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'll be generous and round up since I did enjoy myself. Yet I feel a bit of luck was involved. I arrived on time, and as usual, my friend did not. The two seats in front of the fireplace were actually open and the waitress said those were exactly where she was going to seat me. She answered my questions about the hot toddies, while I was really balking (in my mind) over the prices ($8+?). I think I expected something in the $4 to $5 range. Then, the someone came over and diminished the fire. Or actually, I thought she was turning it down, but it seem like it went off totally. It came roaring back up after a while. Also, I did notice how fortunate I was to not have to wait since people were awkwardly standing by the bar. It was definitely a tight fit to navigate through the place. Finally, my friend arrived and you know what I ordered. She ordered the same. It wasn't the all-you-can-eat night. Even so, we were very pleased at the ample amount of food that was presented. Yet the waitress could not hide her disappointment when I didn't order a liquored hot toddy and just went with plain hot apple cider (about $3). The fried fish was good, but could have been cooked a bit longer. I love the peas, while the chips were okay. The dark wood decor always appeals to me, so combined with the fireplaces, DOP felt quite homey. I'll reconsider the hot toddy when I'm not so hungry & low on cash.
(4)Robin W.
Boyfriend and I were sucked in as we walked by..... dim lighting, old wood, a sign for fish and chips AND shepherd's pie..we added it up and KNEW this place would have the best beer! Though we were expecting Guinness, we soon discovered that we were in a SCOTTISH BAR, not an Irish one! This proved to be a blessing because we were instead offered: -- Scottish Belhaven (seriously one of the best drafts i've ever had). -- Good prices, around $10 a meal...$4.50 a draft. -- 75 kinds of single-malt whiskey. -- The Pogues playing on the speakers! -- Awesome and filling veggie options, like Leak Pie and perfectly crisp beer battered Fish n Chips. -- People of all kinds, family's with babies in high chairs, young hooligans, and wonderful drunken characters stationed at the bars spouting off tales of travel and where they purchased their "newest caps." Don't worry boys, I'm gunna get me a cap and meet you in the beer garden.
(4)Liz O.
There is rarely a Thursday that passes without a craving for a frothy Wee Heavy. And Duke of Perth pours a delicious draft. After living across the street for a year, my scotch and wing loving friends made Thursdays at the Duke a regular gathering. And now, after three years away, I still crave a trip to the Duke. Our reunion trips back have lived up to my daydreams. The WeeHeavy still tastes magically delicious and the scotch never disappoints. My wing-loving friends still drool over the Duke recipe. I occasionally select the leek pie or a side salad, and while I do appreciate the quality of their homeland inspired grub, I do feel like the menu is uninspiring to someone seeking healthier options. It would be awesome if they put a vegetarian on spin on some of the classic dishes. That would take this from a 4 to a 5.
(4)Brandie T.
Greeaaaat First impression!! I came with a group for the Friday night Fish all-you-can-eat night. I hadn't had Fish and Chips in a LONG time; well, what *I* THOUGHT were Fish and chips, that is. Turns out I was just eating fried fish and french fries!! These? These were TRUE Fish and Chips! oh --- WOW -- the flavour! Light, and flavourful and nearly melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness! They share their wonderful Fish with us on Wednesdays and Fridays -- run, do not walk to this wonderful establishment! I'll have to do this again sometime! YUMMEH!
(5)Elizabeth W.
This place is worth reviewing again. We've been back multiple times over this past year, including nights on the town with guests we wanted to show a good time, and everyone seems to love this place without fail. Still love the Fish n Chips with peas and the various scotch flights. Such a relaxed, neighborhood pub feel. The last couple of times I've really been into their beer selections, too. I will definitely miss The Duke of Perth!
(5)Amy J.
I'm a fan of pubs more than any other bar. Duke of Perth plays bitchin' tunes which already made me an instant fan. The drinks are reasonably priced. They have a nice beer garden if you're into that sort of thing. I heard they have good fish and chips but I didn't try it. Overall, I like this neighborhood pub. I hope more people patronize it. It's a good place to sit and catch up with old friends, which is exactly what I did when I was there.
(4)sarah r.
great food and even better beer list
(4)Jessica B.
Great beer, great whiskey and great food. Although the scottish-themed food is very, very good (the leek pie and chicken pie in particular) if you are in the mood for a truly top-notch burger this is the place to come. My husband and I recently discovered that all burgers can be done with veggie burgers instead, for those vegetarians out there. The prices for the quality of beer they have are really fair (around $5-$6 for a pint). We often go on Sunday afternoons, and sit in the garden, and do some work. They have wireless, and the serving staff is great - Arubial in particular (sorry if I butchered the spelling). The music is usually celtic, and goes well with the feel of the place. This is my husband's favorite restaurant, and is on the top of my list.
(5)Katie H.
This is probably as traditional a Scottish pub as you're likely to get in the Midwest. Well as traditional British Isles I really mean (I'm looking at you, shitty Wrigleyville "Oirish" Pubs with stupid names like Tipsy O'Flootherhans that think they're so fucking Mick because they serve Guinness and have a paper shamrock stuck to the wall. I hate you so bad.) Ahem! Duke of Perth was lovely. The fish and chips were excellent and they knew to have malt vinegar on the table. I look forward to trying their cottage pie on 2 fer 1 Mondays. My chocolate stout was tits also. Also the ambiance is superb - no loud bar music or TVs. They have a beer garden but it was plumb full-up when we went but no worries. I think this will be an excellent winter spot. The back of the house is cozy and dim. Very inviting. Finally, wish I knew more about single-malt scotch too because this seems like the place to get it. I can't justify dropping $25 on a dram because I know I won't properly appreciate it and I'll just make the shot-grimace. But if it's your thing, I reckon you should come here.
(4)Alexandra B.
What in the world happened to this place! I had been coming here every now and again for about a year and every time I go, it gets worse and worse. I don't know if they got a new cook or what, but the food is DISGUSTING. The last time I was here I had a veggie burger and I mean, how can you screw that up? It comes out of a box and your throw it on the grill. Somehow, they removed all flavor from it, along with all flavor in the french fries. I felt like I was eating a meal for someone who just had a triple bypass and had to cut out the fat and salt. My bf's meal was just as offensive, as was our appetizer. I didn't finish even two bites before we paid and left. We will not be going back anytime soon. And really, $7 for a small hot apple cider? Give me a break.
(1)Anjali B.
I gotta say - I've eaten a LOT of fish and chips in my time - in London, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, and these are among the top ones. Yeah, it's crowded - but to me, that makes it more authentic - in the UK if a pub is crowded (and it often is) you sit with strangers, and that's part of the whole experience. The bartender is on top of his game, and friendly to boot, even when it's crazy busy (friday nights, in my experience)... It feels as close to a neighborhood pub as any I've been too. And the fish and chips are delish! The peas aren't bad either :).
(5)Ania G.
By far, the best (fancy) pub food I've ever had, though cheap it is not. Great outdoor seating in back in the summer.
(4)Clare D.
I was trying to find a good pub to go have some good girl talk over some good beer, and I decided to try Duke of Perth. I don't know if you can be a connoisseur of english isle food, but I may come close to it. I almost gave them five stars due to the malt vinegar being on the table alone. But then, oh joy of joys, they have Blackthorn cider. I love blackthorn. It is my favorite cider, and no one really carries it here since people like the woodchuck i guess. Anyway the blackthorn was wonderfully cold and not that horrifically expensive. Now I hate fish, but I love the "fish and chips" idea. I always ask if they will do beer battered chicken instead of fish (as most real UK fish and chips shops carry the chicken). The cook not only did it for me from scratch, but it was so good that they might actually make it a permanent option. The beer garden was also very cute, quiet and relaxed. It was nicely decorated with plants and I would definitely recommend it for the summer (or whenever it is warm).
(5)Mary Lee G.
I truly enjoyed my pre-movie snack here. I'm a total sucker for a fireplace and we got to sit right next to one of theirs. The single malt flight was a really good choice for the inexperienced scotch drinker that I am and it was served with a single card so I could cheat and say things like "yes, that finish was long with increasing spice." My sandwich (The James Watt) was decent, though to be fair I did only order it so I could say "James Watt invented the steam engine." What I liked most about this place was the atmosphere, it filled me with physical and mental warmth. I'm really excited to go back and try fish and chips (with extra, extra, extra malt vinegar--yum!)
(4)Gaige G.
Definitely a nice place to check out. Would rate it higher if the food were better and if it were a bit bigger with more bar seating space. It would be awesome as only a pub and no restaurant. It would really really rock if they converted it totally to a bar/pub complete with darts and the like. The atmosphere really feels like you stepped into an old world pub and any place that has awesome selection of UK beers, port and single malt and other warm tasty concoctions is not to be missed. Will warm your cockels....er whatever. Check it out!
(3)Alex R.
Ok, I'm now an official whiskey drinker, and this place has an amazing Irish whiskey selection. Try one (or two) flights -- these people really know what they are doing!
(5)Amanda C.
So after a fatty mexican dinner across the street, the husb and I (& 2 friends) stumbled into this bar for a drink. It has a really laid back atomosphere and the service is great. Even though they were busy serving people that were eating dinner, they let us grab a table just for drinks. We had 3 or 4 beers and left but I will be back to more drinks and possibly some food.
(4)Steph F.
it is still a mystery to me of how i could live next door to TDoP and not weigh 748 kilos from gorging on mac 'n cheese fritters, beer and/or whiskey, and all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips nights. sublime, breezy yet secretive, outdoor patio. long live the scot(tish pub)s!
(5)Sandi P.
I was up to really like this place - beer, fish & chips, where can you go wrong. It just didn't cut it for authenticity. I am English so I know my way around fish and chips and these were just average. Frankly (and I know you city types will howl here) but the fried fish at Cracker Barrel on Fridays is better. The chips were definitely homemade and had a good taste but were rather limp. The fish, while generous in portion size (3 long pieces) was lacking in flavor. Without the addition of multiple lashings of malt vinegar (which appalls my husband) I would say it was pretty tasteless. The accompanying peas were good but tartar sauce as a standard accompaniment - yuck and so not authentic.Might as well serve coleslaw and pretend you are at Long Johns. Beer selections are ok here. We were disappointed as they have been out of the Thistle beer for 2 weeks now. Service was fine though and the food arrived quickly. Not bad but I will continue my search for excellent fish and chips - suggestions Yelpers???
(3)James C.
Straight from old england to your plate! All you can eat fish and chips.. best I have had so far in Chi! They are of the traditional fair with a side of peas (no not mushy) and drown them in vintager! Deliciously followed with some cider and a nice dark beer! Service was very friendly and the price not to shabby!
(4)Guy P.
I came here on a whim in January, and it has been my Friday Night spot every since! The fish and chips special is amazing (that statement coming from a bonefied burger guy). The portions are generous, and they really do keep it coming until you are ready to burst. The waiter, Emelio and busboy, Alfredo are extremely friendly and attentive. It would be a crime to come here and not sample some of the varieties of beer that they have on tap, it is definitely a refreshing change from the standard Miller/Budweiser offerings of most places. My only advice, this place is JAM PACKED on Friday nights, so if you are in the mood for a more quiet evening, any other night will do.
(4)Derek S.
last spring and a few times this summer i finally spent some time at the duke; i'd wanted to check it out because of my interest in scotch, and it didn't disappoint. aside from their insanely broad selection of scotches, they serve very good food and have super friendly servers. one of my biggest complaints at bars that endeavor to serve single malts is the serving sizes, which vary greatly around the city. duke of perth offers up very healthy servings, and their flights are put together expertly. i highly recommend anyone interested in single malts (and a menu to pair well with single malts) to check this place out.
(4)Kelly B.
Love, love, love this bar. Although I am a scotch drinker, I don't really know that much about scotch. However, the bartender here is SO knowledgeable and introduces me to a new scotch every time I come. The bar is laid back and I believe they have a nice patio (I haven't ventured out there yet during my visits). This is the first bar I ever visited when I moved here 3 mo. ago and it is STILL my favorite.
(5)Paul C.
The place has the awesomest beer selection. I love going here in the warmer months and sitting outside with a great draft. Not a fan of the food at all though. I was lured in by the fish and chips, but they are a greasy mess. Tried the fried mushroom apetizer and it literally explodes grease in your mouth like those old pieces of gum that had juice in the center. Food=grossness. Booze=heaven.
(4)Jennifer B.
I have spent many an evening in pubs in the UK and this one wins the prize for feeling the most authentic. It's dark, the tables are close together, there is a wood stove for when the weather gets chilly and there is no tv blaring soccer or rugby. The beers are good, the food is great (can you beat all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $9.50? I don't think so) and the service is fantastic. This is definitely our old standby when we want no fuss food and drink at a relaxed place.
(5)Daniel Y.
I love everything about this place. I love that there are no TVs with ESPN blaring at you. I love the atmosphere (bars can never have too much taxidermy IMO). Of course, who can say bad things about drinking good single malt scotch? Duke of Perth is fantastic.
(5)Jennifer L.
OK so to continue my list of reviews of fish and chips in Chicago, we hit Duke of Perth one all you can eat Wednesday night. As I told the waitress these are the best we've had yet in Chicago. We're British and fish and chips are one of the things we miss most from home. Having so many places to eat them here is so great! While they weren't super authentic - no place in Chicago has mastered the concept of frying their chips/fries in clean oil yet - they were delicious. The batter was light, the fish was of excellent quality, the chips (although dark) were fresh and yummy and didn't taste of butter which is something that always annoys me about fries in this city. Even the peas looked freshly boiled as opposed to the microwaved 30 minutes ago peas we often see. And yes having malt vinegar on the table gets an extra point! Plus they made asking for seconds (on all you can eat night) very easy! My daughter had the chicken fingers too and there was a lot for the price. She couldn't finish them even though they were fresh and well made. The only thing I don't like about this pub is that it's so dark. I could barely see my food! It may be traditional in some country village of Scotland to not turn the lights on but in the rest of the country they like to see what's around them. So one star deducted for trying to save money on electricity but otherwise it's 5 stars all the way.
(4)Chad S.
The atmosphere was nice, and we had a great time with friends. We devoured the vegetable fries. I could have eaten a couple portions of them. Our server was nice and friendly. However, I had the shepherd's pie, and wasn't overly impressed. It consisted of a beefy soup with mushrooms. I suggest cut back on the mushrooms and make the beef mixture not so soupy. Others in my group had fish and chips and loved them, so I give this place 3.5 stars.
(3)Mike K.
So i didnt make it to the big Yelp event on Friday...I know, I suck. i got stuck dealing with super-emotional and hyper-active middle school basketball kids who I'd rather see in my gym than doing god knows what if i left early to go party. So I was super late and no able to go...boo me. I did finally meet up with the gf and we went out traveling on some random Friday night, starving for food...starving! I just wanted to drink, really, and after several misfortunate events we ended up in front of Duke of Perth, hungry, thirst, and needing to use the washroom. Now there is nothing like a fish fry on Fridays, especially if you're from Wisconsin, or apparrently, England. My gf had the fish and chips thingy why Im almost sure I had a burger of some sort. I do remember I had fries with salt and vinegar, so I must have had a burger...probably a good one. But its the cider drink they offer that I'll remember most. i had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in my glass it was soooo good! Its worth the trip just to drink the cider alone!
(4)Dee W.
Yum! Their fish and chips are yummy here. They have an extensive list of scotch here and when the weather is nice, they have a nice beer garden, too. Go for their 'all you can eat fish and chips' on Wednesday and Fridays.
(4)Ellen M.
All I have to say is........ To alcohol, The cause of and the solution to, All of life's problems, Love the Duke of Perth, If you don't, Then u prolly don't belong here, Se ya.
(5)david g.
Been back here a few more times, service has improved a lot, Best Fish and Chips in Chicago
(4)Jeff W.
I like Duke of Perth. I seem to like it most on Monday's when all the entrees are two-for-one. They have above average burgers and chicken sandwiches in addition to their more traditional fish and chips. I'm not a fish and chips aficionado but they were tasty when I had them. My recommendation is a burger with horseradish crust. 'Crust' is not exactly the right description, it has more the consistency of dense mash potatoes that they lay on top of the burger, if that makes sense. It's good though. Fries or mashers have been a solid side for me. There are quite a few other entrees I'm looking forward to trying, but Monday comes but once a week. They have a lot of cool beers but I would like to see them do some beer flights or beer tastings, rather than only being able to get a whole pint. My only other beef is that there is not a TV inside. I assume they are well aware there is no TV, and it is probably not the ambiance they are looking for, but good burgers and authentic beers kind of cries out for a game to be on, at least for me. Staff is very nice and there beer garden is great in the summer, the inside is a little dark and smokey. The whole place does have a cool European pub vibe to it. Enjoy.
(4)J D.
count me in as a huge fan of the Duke. all-you-can-eat fish and chips wednesday and friday for $10? COME ON! could it get any better than that? light, crispy, and buttery cod, yum! they give you tarter sauce, but trust me, go with the malt vinegar. they don't serve mushy peas, but really, who actually likes mushy peas? the rest of their food is pretty damn good too and let's not forget the excellent beer selection, on tap, of some not often seen British and Scottish beers. and the scotch. woah.
(4)Jessica M.
A cozy and classy Scottish bar with really nice bartenders and the best music at any bar in the city.
(5)Mariana P.
Damn was that soup creamy! As previously mentioned, the soup is definitely amazing. Yum yum, and I am usually not one to order cream of broccoli! They have a great selection of beers. The ambiance is so British that I felt that I had been flown to a small-town pub in England. The waitress was a little scatter-brained, but she was trying her best. Will definitely go back.
(4)Matt M.
This place made me think of what a small town pub along the Scottish or English countryside would be like. Woody decor with a stag on just about every decorative piece I saw, as well as a large stuffed buck head over the bar. My roommate and I staggered in here on a Saturday afternoon after a long night beforehand, so we did not sample any of the many fine ales that appear to be on tap, but I did get the fish and chips, which was excellent.
(4)Mork M.
Scotch bar. Don't go for anything else, they have a lot of other things but when you have scotch why bother?
(5)shivi d.
We had such a good time here. Plus my fiancée thought I was seriously cool to take him to a scotch bar. Their scotch flights are interesting. They can make every burger on their menu into a veggie version. Plus their fried mushrooms were rolled in such a good obviously fresh and handmade batter. The aosphere is cozy with a fireplace as a focal point when you walk in. Such a great place to duck out of the cold. It's really a 3.5 but I had to round up to 4 stars.
(4)Tom K.
it just isn't the same as i remember. maybe is was the waiting and waiting and waiting that first night. and an $8 bottle of beer?
(4)Jason P.
Seems like a lot of people gave this place a 5 star...so I only had to follow up with my 4 star because of the service. Yes the bartended did know his stuff but when my buddies and I walked in, we ordered our first round with the waitress and never saw her again. We ended up ordering at the bar with the quick-whitted bartender. I'll go back here for sure, and the atmosphere is pretty solid. This is not a typical lincoln park bar, which makes it all the much more better for a change.
(4)Y R.
Great beers on tap (any Belhaven is delicious, but especially the wee-heavy). Great scotch selection. Fantastic fish-and-chips (all you can eat on wednesdays and fridays). Outdoor patio is fantastic on a summer evening. Service is always good too.
(4)Jon L.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Great food. Great Beers. Perfect place to catch up with old friends for a lunch or dinner. A real dude place.
(5)Travis P.
I went here on a Wednesday night. I ordered the "all you can eat" fish and chips. "All you can eat" in quotes because no normal person would ever need more than one plate of it. It was a pretty huge portion, and the Scottish beers filled in the cracks just in case. Which, by the way, they had a unique beer selection. I sampled a couple brews and settled on an IPA. This place has no TVs, which I find quite appealing. I sat with a group of friends, had good conversation, and slowly got drunk on the fancy Scottish beers. Edit: To answer a question left in a complement, the fish and chips was pretty average for bar food. Good, but nothing extraordinary. The place was was full on the Wednesday night that I was there, but we managed to get a table. Parking is what parking always is in Lakeview: bad.
(4)Ben C.
Great selection of scotch and wiskey. If you are looking to sit down somewhere rather quite and have a drink/pint then this is your spot. All you can eat fish fry on Wednesday (?); otherwise the food is just your average bar fare.
(2)Nina W.
Duke of Perth is a Scottish pub, almost hidden to everybody except the locals in the area. It seems small, but isn't. There are two rooms located in this bar. The first room is smoking, the second, non-smoking. It's the kind of place that your friends invite you to on a cold, blistering evening for some good old fish n' chips or Shepard's Pie and conversation. What's on tap isn't bad either. This pub feels very authentic, with its dark brown painted trim and uneven floors. For a Wednesday night, it was packed. Service was excellent. I spent $20.00 for a plate of fish n' chips and two ciders without tip. Would I visit the Duke of Perth again? In a heartbeat.
(5)A.S. V.
I'm forever grateful to them for introducing me to my favorite winter beer -- Fuller's London Porter. And I'm foreverafter disappointed that they no longer carry it on tap (or in a bottle) even though it's available across the street at Binny's. For Scotch fans, they have an excellent selection, the atmosphere is warm and possibly authentic (I've been to England, but not Scotland), and the fish and chips pretty great.
(4)Steve R.
Amen on the strongbow! Had a great plate of fish and chips, in a very nice dining room. Super laid back, I like this place a lot.
(4)Margaret J.
Duke of Perth is a great, cozy neighborhood bar. They have a nice selection (not huge, but nice) of Scottish and English beers. They have the most authentic fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. It is a great bar that is as close to an English pub that I have found in Chicago. A great find!
(4)Adam L.
The Duke of Perth is a nice spot tucked in just off Clark and Oakdale. I only went once, but I can say that the fish and chips is excellent and well worth the trip. It's huge, beer battered, and delicious.
(4)Mindy S.
I had to stop in here for the all you can eat fish and chips (wednesdays and fridays), as I've heard such good things about it. The outdoor patio is so quaint and perfect to sit outside if the weather is nice. I don't eat fried fish often, but I did really enjoy it here. Add some vinegar and it's even better. I thought the fries were just ok, but i'm also one for crispy fries, which these were not. It's a nice change for every once in a while.
(3)Rocky B.
The Duke of Perth definitely serves up some of the best fish and chips. Mmm, douse them with some vinegar and...heaven. Cozy bar that can get kind of cramped but to have that fried, greasy goodness...so worth it.
(4)Edward L.
I love the Duke! A Belhaven and a Single Malt Scotch are wonderful precursors to the fish and chips. Mike the bartender is a Scotch expert and can recommend the best Scotch for any palete. On Friday nights the wait is long but well worth it. During the Summer the patio is open which cuts down on the wait time. We have been going to the Duke for more than ten years.
(5)Mark W.
Really authentic feeling Scottish Pub- from the sign over the door, down to the food. If that wasn't enough- some of the menu items include a Robert the Bruce burger... Sean Connery burger and other such famous Scots immortalized forever into sandwich form. To drink, the Duke offers an extensive whiskey list and some great beers on draft from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm not a fish fan, but everyone I've ever gone with has gotten the fish n chips. It's an all-you-can-eat special... but you shouldn't really require seconds. I've heard nothing but raves about the fish here from everyone I've ever taken. The sandwiches/burgers are pretty good. Delicious fries (chips). The grilled chicken is really good. Service is always excellent (ironically, I think my servers have been just about every ethnicity except Scottish). Duke of Perth is a must try for an authentic Scottish pub experience.
(5)Lee W.
Great fish and chips -- I even eat the peas that come with them! I'm not sure I'd do that anywhere else. Good beer selection -- and even some pretty good food specials during the week. It's definitely most crowded on Fridays and Wednesdays for all-you-can-eat fish and chips night (rightfully so!) and more laid back the other nights. Even on a Saturday night you can usually get right in for dinner -- just don't come too hungry, it's not all-you-can eat!
(4)Joshua M.
Good fish and chips... the service was about three stars but I'll give them a freebie based on it being St. Patrick's day.
(4)Zac w.
one of my favorite bars in lakeview. The beer selection is really interesting, they have something like 100 varieties of whiskey from Scotland and the bartender can talk about their relative merits all night. Food is basic pub food, but good. The atmosphere is relaxed and classy.
(5)molly c.
i used to date a guy that lived almost across the street from duke of perth. tasty food. good burgers, i love the fish and chips (the peas MAKE THE MEAL) and hella good soup. nice chill crowd that is SO non-representative of the area. check it out for a quiet night out in lakeview, and then hit up jake's and get your booze on. EDIT - so, um yeah. the veggie fries and mac and cheese thingers. so good. SO good. fried beets are awesome.
(4)Tiffany T.
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. This place is awesome!
(5)Lawrence S.
This is a must if you are in Lakeview . Good selection of imports and a fish and Chips special on Wednesday and Friday nights . We had been by the Duke a few times and had never stopped ..( Our mistake ) On a warm Friday night we stopped in for a pint . we were greeted and sat in the bar we both had the Fish and Chips served with peas . The food was wonderful and barkeeper Mike was quick to refill our brews.No loud music, no loud tv and we were able to talk to other Cub fans that had wandered in after the game . It became very obvious this is where the locals go for a quality dinner . We will be sure to stop back at the Duke . What a great time we had .....
(4)Rick V.
I love this place, probably my fave either for food, atmosphere or drinks. You really can't beat their selection of scotch, and their beers are outstanding (I like the Young's Oatmeal Stout or McEwan's Ale). Best bet is their fish & chips, but they also have good sandwiches, pies and other munchies (such as "Haggis Wings"). I usually sit at the end of the bar, to soak up the atmosphere and it's a great spot for people watching. Try their beer garden in warmer weather!
(5)Frank G.
Normally I don't go furhter north than Roosevelt rd. But, there are a few places that I 'll make an exception for. ONe such place cures all the grumblings a first-generation scotsmen could want. The Duke of Perth being one of them. This place is fabulous for it's all you can eat fish and chips and 2 for one entree nights. The fish and "chips are excellent however the crowning achievement of this establish ment is the it's scotch wiskey selection and the fact that it has multiple scottish brews on draught.. The only thing better than a bit of Belhaven's "Wee Heavy", is washing it down with some very good scotch. Stick with any from the "speyside" region of the isle( this is the region best known for it's scotch making craft). Best time to go is saturday around 1pm. Go there on an overcast afternoon and get completely pished on ale and wiskey, it'll be good for ya. Plus you'll miss the usual people whom live around the lincoln park area
(4)Lauren S.
This is a great neighborhood pub; the food is pretty good, but what makes this place great is the atmosphere. In the winter it is very warm and cozy and in the summer the outdoor patio is oh so nice. The wide selection of beer can't be beat but I do wish they would add to their wine list. Overall, a good place to go if you're in for something different than your average bar.
(3)J V.
Food so-so, whoever heard of a scottish/english 5-star restaurant? Really now. Come here for the Scotch. Scotch, Scotch, Scotch... I love Scotch.
(5)Natalie P.
Great fish n chips and on Wednesdays & Fridays and its all you can eat. I really like the beer selection too. The back patio is nice (they have really nice flowers planted and lanterns) but they need some updated patio furniture. The inside is very cozy and the service is great. One of my favorite pubs.
(4)Diana C.
Went to this place a few nights ago and thought it was great. We had the fried mac-n-cheese appetizer and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad for dinner...yum! Very generous portion of chicken on the salad. Tasty vodka lemonades, too!
(5)Mark W.
What makes the Duke special is that it's a local Scottish Pub created by a Scottish excop, who plowed everything he had into this place. He did it long before the trendy corporate "Mc-Pubs" we now see scattered throughout the city and it still beats every one of them in charm, quality and service. I started going to the Duke in the early 90's and just went again last week and it stands the test of time. Great Food, Great Service, Clean Establishment with old school values. Colin, the owner and ex Scotland Copper, keeps things neat and his service staff is outstanding. Michael at the bar is a legend and a seasoned barkeep in his own right. I've gone to the Duke throughout my lifetime and all of them are memorable in their own way. Illinois Masonic is down the street and I celebrated the birth of my daughter one night over fine scotch and Cigars with a bunch of pals and Bag Pipers. In the 90's they had live pipers and Irish Bands every weekend. Sadly, the bastard neighbors upstairs complained and it was discontinued. Long live the sound of the Pipes! The outside is nice in the summer and fall but I prefer the bar room with its old tables and classic Pub woodwork. Grab some friends on a cold snowy night and settle in for plate of fish and chips with peas. Sample the Chicken Wings, for sure. They are truly amazing. I like them with extra Blue Cheese Crumple and Pint of Scottish Ale! "Aye Laddie, I can hear the pipes a callin me home"... Might have to go tonite.
(5)Elizabeth C.
Hands down the best fish and chips in the city. It's like a candy store for anyone who enjoys a really nice single malt. Go during the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
(5)Shannon S.
This cute little pub has great specials. On Monday's it is buy one entree get one free. Wed and Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips. Our food was ok, I have heard from other people it is usually pretty good. I got the fish and chips. The fish had a good taste but the chips, not so much. They have a good variety of sandwiches and burgers on their menu. Our waitress wasn't very attentive, but we weren't in that much of a hurry either.
(3)Jenny I.
It's true. If it's not Scottish, it's crap. Excellent woody bar with a manly selection of booze. Girls that really like bourbon hang out here, so men with a serious need for a real lady, you should get wise and dip this trip. I don't drink beer much or any liquor that's brown in hue...so I was pretty bored.
(4)Kristin M.
mmmmm fish and chips... All-you-can eat on Friday-def A+! What more is there to say? (oh it gets REALLY crowded, which sucks)
(4)M S.
Unusual circumstances and a festive mood allowed me to visit this place in the middle of the day. I loved the beer selection. The staff was friendly, and I shared a chicken pot pie with a friend. It was delicious and inexpensive. There were other patrons eating lunch and enjoying a beer and some quiet time. Check this place out early in the day if you ever have the luxury. I had a good time, and I will go back for the fish and chips soon.
(5)Lee C.
Best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Everything else I've had here was also excellent, including a couple great vegetarian options, like the leek pie. Great beer selection, nice outdoor patio in summer and cozy dining room in the winter. Go.
(5)Ashley M.
the Duke has an awesome beer and whiskey selection. they offer flights of whiskey in case you want to sample a few. the food is good too. i always order the belhaven wee heavy beer and their mini burgers. Service is always great and i love the lack of televisions! ESPN on 8 different screens makes me dizzy! Atmosphere is dark and cozy. go during off peak hours to avoid a crowd.
(4)A G.
Went for the Lenten fish fry on Friday night. We waited for about 15 minutes for a table (word to the wise, there is not much waiting room at this place and it tends to get pretty crowded). Finally got a table and was very impressed with the fish. Also, they had a very nice list of Scottish/English beers.
(4)Tobia C.
This place will rock your kilt off if you're not careful. Excellent food and a kick a** selection of scotch. The leek and potato soup is to die for, Braveheart style.
(4)Chris S.
The food is excellent, but the beer is the best. Many brews that are hard to come by elsewhere, and the bartenders are geniuses when it comes to beer and scotch. They know more about proccesses and flavors than anyone.
(4)a w.
Who says you have to travel all the way to England to get some good fish and chips? Head over to Duke of Perth and you'll probably get something even better. And on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can get all-you-can-eat fish and chips all day long for 10 dollars!! Pretty yummy!
(5)TeaAddict G.
This is a solid choice for dinner and drinks. We had fish and chips (all you can eat on Wed and Fri). The fish were atual pieces of fillet, which was a nice touch. The entree came with peas too - got to have your veggies! A great selection of single malt - i was told - and the double chocolate beer on tap tasted yummy. Most importantly, it'a not one of those bars overrun with 60 inch flat screen in your face playing 10,000 different football games, AND you can have a decent conversation without yelling. Back patio available, and reasonable price!
(4)Lulu T.
oooh the duke of perth....
(2)Mark P.
Great Scottish ales on tap. Love the fish and chips. Decent horseradish crusted burger.
(4)Noran W.
If it nay Scottish, it"s crap. At least that is what my husband says every time we dine here. It is a narrow local pub with dining. It can get crowded on all-you-can-eat-fish nites, especially during Lent--up to 1-2 hour wait. The tables are for dining, not drinking, so the bar can get crowded quickly. This crowd though normally polite. The bar stocks an extensive scotch and whiskey selection, with a chalk board listing of beers, ales, and stouts from the land of heather. The place is decorated with items from Scotland. The bartender always attentive, though how busy he gets. I enjoy the sherry selection myself here. Now the food--I adore bringing friends here for the fish-it is perfectly cooked and served with great fries and peas. I hate peas, but I always eat them here!! Their soups are homemade and very tasty, along with the bread served . They have traditional Scottish dishes, and other bar Fare with a Scottish twist. The menu is a great read, written with humor and wit. I have never been disappointed with a meal here!!!! The table and chairs are rustic, and the bathroom a little cramped. I never have had the delight of dining in their patio, but I bet it is as great as the other raters say.
(5)Justin B.
Fish was perfectly breaded, beer was cold, fries were hot and the peas were a nice touch. And all of this for $10.25 with unlimited amounts of food on a Wednesday or Friday? And a patio? And quick, friendly service? Yessir!!
(5)Sarah V.
I always feel so astute when I come to The Duke of Perth. It's my "I feel like wearing glasses and a cardigan today and having a discussion on human trafficking in the United States while sipping on this batch of micro brew from the Midwest" kind of bar. The Duke is also a perfectly acceptable bar for my book club to sit in and not discuss a book, but rather the necessity of a new wave of boy bands. The Duke is multi-functional. The Duke is also splendid for having a cup of coffee and using the WiFi on the weekends to do work when you've spent your internet money on beer, or to have a casual dinner with your other, noshing on fresh fish and chips, two-fisted burgers and Irish delicacies. In the spring, scratch that, late summer, when it's actually warm enough to sit outside, The Duke opens its beer garden with pretty flowers and plants to help drift you away to The Duke's motherland. In the fall/winter/spring, when it's bitter cold and snowing/sleeting/drizzling, The Duke invites you to relax and imbibe one of its micro brews on tap and enjoy the crackling fire in the stone hearth. So to recap, The Duke is actually a perfectly acceptable bar for any of your needs whether it's to enjoy a beer in the sunshine, by a fire, while conversing with your mate, in a group of friends, while doing real-world work, or over a plate of food. It's my go-to spot for all of the above.
(4)Liz A.
This is a unique find for chicago. They are a true Scottish bar with a very rustic interior, fireplace and all. They also have a very thorough selection of malt flights, and a very friendly wait staff that is willing to help with any questions and give great advice on selections. The best part of this bar is the amazing selection of British food. Wednesday and Friday nights are all you can eat fish and chips, and the fish is excellent! You can choose from fries or two different styles of mashes potatoes for your side plus the peas that come with each plate. The prices are incredible; the most competitive rates I've ever seen for an all you can eat in chicago; it really is like being at a country fish fry except with a great chicago location. Love this place!
(5)Timothy L.
Top-notch service, excellent whisky selection, beers were unique and good. We ordered the AYCE fish and chips and it was "okay." Good batter, but the fish was mushy instead of flakey. Favorite part of the dish were the peas. Still a good value for what you get. Head a lot of "Scottish" accents from among the customers, so the nationals must like it.
(3)Neil R.
I'm a scotch fan so naturally this place drew me in. The scotch line up did not disappoint. The interior is very nice but somewhat dark - that does add to the appeal to an extent. The food was pretty good - I would not say outstanding but it was definitely above average. In my view, this is a great place to grab a drink and hang out with friends but I would probably not go here again for dinner specifically.
(4)Kyle H.
How could my visits to Duke of Perth be separated by a decade? Yep. Last night was my second visit for the all you can eat Friday Fish Fry (also on Wednesdays), and the last time I was there was over a decade ago. I'm happy to report that conviviality and good table service still reigns at Duke of Perth. And so do the crowds! Wow, this place is as popular as Lady Gaga at a Trani convention. Was quoted a 30-40 minute wait by the girl taking names on her little scratch pad, and we were only too happy to wait with a lager in hand. But confused as to why larger tables were being seated well before us (2), and tables of two even being combined to accomodate said groups. Finally, an hour 15 wait later, and I had to remind the girl we were there, and although she said she was looking for me, we never heard her call my name or any names! A better (or brighter) system here is needed. But that's where the negatives end, because the fish is crisp and light, some of the best fish fry this Wisconsin boy has ever tasted! Served with peas and fries, the offer to add more fish was frequent. Service impeccable for a casual dining place. Stop in for a pint on their large patio, fish fry or other Scottish delights; Duke of Perth is solid!
(4)Hannah C.
This place is a treat! The fish and chips were evidently delicious and plentiful. Service was super attentive, even though they were quite busy. The chicken club was average, but the stovies (mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions) were AMAZING! They have a great selection of beer and whiskey. They had a few wines and other drinks, although it would have been nice to have a few more choices. We would definitely return here!
(4)Maggie M.
Cozy atmosphere with two fireplaces. Scottish themed with a good hard cider. They only have Guinness in a bottle. Not on draft but they have this Scottish stout which is just as good if you're into that kind of thing. Don't come in the winter if you wanna be cozy! It was definitely a bit chilly. Wednesday and Fridays they have all you can eat fish and chips with peas. TALK ABOUT GOOD. The staff was also super nice and witty.
(5)Mike D.
Great food and service. Went with my family (12 and 9) and felt perfectly comfortable. Try the historic Scottish beers
(4)Green T.
The "food" is bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Just don't bother. Go if you like a wide selection of beers and whiskeys and don't feel like walking to a more reasonably-priced place that offers the same. Duke offers a decent going-out experience due to its cozy ambiance absence of TV screens (which is unfortunately rare). I appreciate that they seat people quickly even at busy times (though be careful to avoid getting seated by the bathroom, those folks did not look happy at all). But seriously, the food... everything was cooked-from-frozen. I think they stay afloat on the atmosphere alone.
(1)Michael G.
Fish and chips to rival Aberdeen, and a scotch menu that would amaze an edinburgher. Authentic, quaint, delicious, reasonable
(5)Valerie H.
Excellent burgers and fish and chips. Have enjoyed many times and was pleasantly surprised by what a tremendous job our server did interacting with our kids as this is really more of a pub environment than family restaurant. If only there was another in the burbs...
(5)Adriane P.
I wonder if the real Duke of Perth knows there's a pub named after him in Lakeview? I suppose I'd know if there was a pub named Duchess of Awesome because I'd have to sign off on them using my title. It's small, crowded, and loud. Real loud so that you can't hear the faint music over chattering voices. Our table was very close to the other one so much my back rested against another lady's. My partner fixed that by moving our table closer to the wall adjacent, even then we were uber close. His chair wobbled too, so he swapped it. It says on the window embossed "Authentic Ale and Cider!" um they only have one kind of cider. We ordered: The Cider Good, very crisp, not too sweet. Young's Double Chocolate Stout Good, but heavy. Haggis Wings (Hot) According to them the largest wings in town. Thankfully made of chicken not haggis. Do haggis have wings anyhow? Isn't it guts? I'm not sure they are the largest but definitely meaty. Not hot at all. My partner said in a poetic comparison, "If these wings were salsa, they'd be labeled mild." If I were salsa I'd be labeled hot. The Ghillies Meatloaf A slow-cooked blend of lamb, beef, veal, and garlic sausage with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, mashed rutabaga, and peas. Very tender but bland. The meat and potatoes needed more seasoning and more gravy. The mashed rutabaga he liked more than me but it was ok. We both liked the peas. People serve peas more (and brussel sprouts, in my opinion). The service was spotty. We got a box to go and the busser just handed it to my which is fine, if awkward and the box was very flimsy. The prices were a touch high, for what it is and where it is. Not very authentic overall and certainly not a destination spot. But we'd try it again if we are close.
(3)Carolyn L.
Oh man I need to write my reviews sooner! I went here a few months ago on a date. Not the fanciest of dates, but it was a place I'd been wanting to check out for awhile. I honestly can't remember much about the place. I remember that I was leaning toward the fish and chips because I always love fish and chips. But I think I ordered the Sean Connery burger instead: burger with sauteed onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. That sounds like me. It is pretty hard to mess up a burger so I'm sure I liked it. The beer and food were fairly priced. The outdoor patio area looked really cute but it was super hot outside so we opted for the interior. Service was fine. It's just that nothing really sticks out about this place, hence the average rating. If I lived closer, I'd probably make this a regular spot. And I will go back to try the fish and chips so look out for a followup review!
(3)Mike M.
They have an awesome whiskey selection and one of the better fish and chips I've had in Chicago.
(4)Joel G.
Have been here several times. They have one nitro beer on tap, several scottish beers and a selection of other beers that's decent. Not as good as many new bars specializing in beers but not bad. The place is busy on Fridays for the fish fry and they do a good job of it. Quality fish, decent fries. Staff is always great and keeps you loaded up on what you are eating and drinking. Nice hidden beer garden once the weather warms up. I like this place for a Thursday beer with some friends or a Friday for a good fish fry.
(3)Selina K.
I had been here before and had a great time but my recent visit on a Saturday night was very disappointing. My friend and I felt rushed by our waitress even though they weren't that busy. We weren't even given a drink menu to look at. My friend clearly told her he wanted to start a tab, and instead we were surprised to see her come back with our 2 drinks already charged to the card. Overall, we felt like we were unwanted and she wanted to get us out quickly for whatever reason.
(1)K R.
I have to say.. the place is nice.. but a little rant.. they don't really have the ability to accommodate large groups. I am lucky it's cold/flu season and a lot of my would be guests at my birthday thingy.. were unable to make it. If they had come they would have been stuck somewhere else. We kind of felt a bit unwelcome... :-/ However.. I rate this place rather high because our waitress was fast and she was kind of nice.. and the busboy was hilarious and lots of fun himself. They also had never ending fish n chips and they were the bomb!! yum!! I would go here on a date rather than with a big party honestly. Good food.. very quiet music..dark.. I liked it..just not for my occasion.
(4)Regina K.
I love that it doesn't have TVs and it has a nice beer selection. I don't want to be driven crazy by a ton of TVs when enjoying tasty bevs with a friend.
(4)Pat R.
The fish and chips are great a light batter and not fishy, but the wait staff is fantastic, so pleasant. They make the wait easier to handle. Thanks
(4)Keith A.
Oh man, the fish n chips here were pure heaven. It wasn't so much about the bread on the outside as much as it was the insane meltiness of the fish. This was some utterly delicious fish. The peas weren't classic mushy english peas, but that's not really that big of a problem. The fries were pretty classic, but the fish was the real start at least as far as it was concerned. Of course, what kind of DoP review would this be without noting the whiskey that is here. They aren't cheap, and it sure as hell added up fast for me. Still, it was great being able to have it at a fast disposal. It also helped that my friend with me really knows his whiskey. The service here was real good. Granted, we were in here around 4ish on a friday (had to take advantage of the unlimited fish n chips), but the bartender knew his stuff and was more than willing to lend a suggestion. DoP has an old school feel to it. Pretty classic and it does make you want to drink there for a while. Obviously that's the goal for them, and it works out perfectly.
(4)George A.
Went for Fish & Chips of lunch and it was great , the fish was chrispy and the batter wasn't to heavy the fish was good. Love the atmosphere and beer was good.
(5)Jason L.
It was a cool Spring evening in the city. My buddy Sean and I decided to meet up to catch up on old times with a little scotch and whiskey. Enter our favorite go-to spot: The Duke of Perth (affectionately known to us as "The Duke"). The Duke of Perth may not look like much from the outside, but, upon entering its doorstep, you are instantaneously whisked away (no pun intended) to Scotland. Try their Fish 'N Chips; perhaps the best in the city. While most of the food is decent, bordering on average, what you are really here for is the scotch. "The Duke" is one of the few places in the city that can boast a scotch selection from every region of Scotland. Highlands and Speysides to Island and Campbeltown malts, "The Duke" has it all. This place even has a few Nippon malts from Japan! If you are looking for a good after work spot to enjoy a few scotches with your buddies, and simply don't have time to wait for hours outside of Longman and Eagle (or even if you do have the time), check out "The Duke."
(4)Ben K.
This place has been a classic winter warm-up spot for me for some time. They have a cozy atmosphere, and the food is pretty tasty. All you can eat fish & chips on Wednesday and Friday is a great deal, and they do a fantastic job frying their fish with a light crispy batter, and bringing you out seconds if you can handle it. With that said, I have one complaint. Last time in here, for an exciting celebration, a buddy and I ordered the "Full Monty" scotch flight, a $100 trio of 20+ year aged scotches, all of which were delicious, but the pour size was embarrassing. Less than a shot was in each of the three glasses. I know these are expensive, but we felt hosed, and barely got even a miniscule taste each of all three. This has to be the worst value in the whole place.
(3)Brian L.
I go to this place almost everytime I go to see a film at Landmark. It's pretty much right across the street, so it's awfully convenient. The atmosphere in this place is really nice. Really laid back. It definitely captures an old pub sort of atmosphere. Old wooden everything, and a list a mile long with different sorts of Scotch from Scotland. Beers as well. No TVs, so no douchebags. Fake fireplaces, but real fire. Fish n Chips. Damn good burgers. I haven't even been when it's been crowded. Almost always get seated immediately. I wish this place was closer to me, cause I think I'd be a regular... not necessarily only to dine, but to spend some time at the bar chatting it up with some of the regulars. There's definitely a positive vibe in this place.
(4)Elise K.
Duke of Perth is a great place to randomly walk into and see a table of friends already there. The inside is small... It is hard to get a table! In the summer there is a great outdoor patio in the back. The patio is walled in, well lit and just a nice place to be. This doesn't mean it is any easier to get a table in the summer though! I've heard that the food... Especially the fish is great they say. I will have to try the food someday.... But let's focus on the drinks! There is a full bar and many Irish beers. A full list of Irish whiskies will keep you busy. Finally the service is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a place to go that will make you night... Try DOP! Truly a neighborhood gem with a secret garden.
(5)A. M.
We got here at 6:15 pm on a Friday and it was packed! Granted the bar area isn't that large but still....it was clearly a hot spot. We finally found the hostess and put in our name - we were told about 20-30 minutes for a table. We moseyed up to the bar and grabbed some beers - all of which were delicious. 45 minutes later we still weren't seated but we didn't mind because we had a feeling it would take longer. Once we were seated though (about hour wait), everything was amazing. We sat down and the waitress immediately greeted us despite having to push her way through the hordes of people surrounding our table. We sat in the bar area - not by choice, but necessity. Either way it wasn't a big deal. We ordered the all you can eat fish and then the mac and cheese fritter apps. The food arrived disturbingly fast - all hot and delicious. I have to say this was probably the best fish fry I've had (and I've had plenty!) The fish was fresh, hot, and perfectly fried. The chips were good too. The peas, a welcomed addition. I don't know what is in the tartar sauce but it was AMAZING. I didn't get a second helping because honestly the first helping is truly plenty but it is nice to have that option available if you are really hungry. Overall I really loved this place. The food was great and if I'm ever craving a fish fry, I know now where it is at. I will just make sure to get there early so I don't have to wait forever!
(4)Laura H.
If you're new to Scotch and want to try some without spending a ton of money buying bottles or glasses of something you might not like, come here. They have flights from $22-100. They suggested the Roving Drover as a good one since we didn't know what to pick. There was enough for me to drink and give my friend a taste of each as well. This place is warm with a fireplace and great old wood tables and benches. It's decorated like my grandpa's basement, which is perfect.
(4)Karen N.
Quick service, good place to eat and drink when I go to Landmark theater. I always order the fish and chips there, very light batter.
(3)Misty S.
I love this place! SPECIALS Monday - Two for one entree Wed & Fri - All you can eat fish and chips $9 Thursday - $0.50 jumbo wings The menu is packed with comfort food like meatloaf, Shepard's Pie, burgers and sandwiches. My favorite has to be their FISH and CHIPS. Crispy, lightly breaded and tasty! It is also comforting to know that the quality has remained top notch over the years. I find that this place can be pretty packed on Wed and Fri nights for the all you can eat deal. The dining area in the back is dimly lit and has a fireplace. It's a cozy place to have dinner and drinks and enjoy good company. The beer and whiskey list is extensive and there is something for everyone. I'm a Guinness fan and I enjoy the Belhaven Wee Heavy beer found here. It is described as full bodied, rich and malty sweet ale with caramel and nutty overtones...mmm. Street parking is not too difficult to find, at least on a week night.
(5)Mary T.
When I told my friends was attending an anti-Superbowl knitting meetup at Duke of Perth, I'll admit I got some strange looks. Those looks were soon followed by what in their minds constituted better offers, but frankly I was looking forward to this for three reasons: 1) I'm indifferent about the Superbowl, heck I'm indifferent about football in general. 2) I've been wanting to visit Duke of Perth for ages and now had the perfect reason. 3) I'm working on a pair of bitchin socks and wanted to make some serious headway. The location couldn't have been better, since Duke of Perth is TV-less it was relatively quiet except for the bartender's nice background mix and our animated conversation. It also wasn't very crowded since those wanting to go out and not watch the Superbowl seem to be in the minority. We were given a table in the back room next to the fireplace. If you're going to work or read, I recommend the back room as it's better lit than the front. We were also comped a few appetizers and went with the vegetable fries and the mac and cheese fritters - both were excellent. (Sidenote: Don't come here if you plan on couting calories, points or anything else; most items here are fried or laden with cheese or other sinful stuff.) I think the sauces were what made the vegetable fries; the sweet chili was downright addictive and the curry mayo was pretty tasty too. I usually don't care for fried mac and cheese, but what made this so good was that the mac didn't taste like it came from a blue box and the tangy harissa sauce. I'd love it if they served and entree portion of regular mac and cheese. For my main meal I settled on fish po-boy and a side of chips with some Dry Blackthorn cider to wash it down. The po-boy was ok. I wish the roll (like an italian beef roll) were thinner, every time I bit down fish or veggies squirted out the other end. The thickness of the bread also overpowered the tast of their mambo tartar sauce. The fries were good, even better with the malt that automatically resides on the tables. Next time I think I'd go with something different. Some of our group opted for dessert, ordering the trifle and the three-layer banana cake. While trifle isn't my thing, it was interesting to learn that the fruits in it rotate - this time it was peaches and berries. The trifle is also the only dessert made in-house. They also had two cheesecake options, but I think the overall dessert selections may rotate. Service was great. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive and made sure that no pint or wine glass ran dry. She was also quite knowledgeable about DoP's beer selection, most of which hails from the UK or Ireland, and help guide anyone to selections she thought they'd enjoy. (They also have an extensive malt list too) For me, this was a perfect way to spend Superbowl Sunday - I ate a little too much, drank a little too much, made some headway on my socks, and didn't miss watching the game one bit. TIP: Wednesdays and Fridays they offer AYCE fish and chips.
(4)Frances A.
Mediocre. Enjoyed the fish & chips... However, I prefer to sub my chips w/ sweet potato fries. Makes for a more interesting spread. Although the idea of all-you-can-eat is tempting, they pretty much scrimp on the whole spread - leaving you solely with the fish. Fried leeks were interesting. Don't see that nearly enough. Would've loved a little more tartar, or maybe some blue cheese perhaps? I love craft beer, love Scottish Ales, but I feel that Duke of Perth scrimps a little on the selection. I love Robert the Bruce. Super malty brown ale, and hey have nothing of the sort. Fun quiet chill ambiance. No hurry or stress which is nice, but there's nothing really about it that would necessarily bring me back over and over. Shmeh...
(2)Scott K.
A great escape. The Duke of Perth is not your usual Clark Street - north of Armitage south of Grace - bar filled with obnoxious drunkards barely graduated from the frat house. Its bartenders and servers are amicable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the patrons are fun. I've always had a good time here with all different kinds crowds. Wednesdays and Fridays are AYCE fish and chips for $10 that are really quite tasty (although I can barely finish the initial serving as it is quite generous). I myself am a bit of a Scotch enthusiast and it is fun to introduce newcomers to the dram with the Scotch flight options. Plenty of Scottish beer offerings, too, for those more inclined to that sort of drink. If you're looking for a casual night out,The Duke of Perth is a solid bet.
(4)Autumn H.
I love the beers on tap. Great place to get a drink. The shepherds pie and fish & chips are tasty.... but The fish is good, not great. A crumb style crust not beer batter. It should be beer batter. They don't have any HP sauce. Fires are fries but nothing special. It's good to get a great drink and eat ok food. That said I'd never come for the food alone and unless it's half off plate nights it's overpriced food.
(3)Jeffrey K.
A solid pub in the Lakeview area that serves good beer and decent food at a fair price. They've got a list of scotches to run through as well. Outdoor seating when it's warm and cozy indoors when it's cold. A fine place to huddle over a beer while the wind whips down Clark.
(4)Mike K.
Walsh got Da Duke. I goh Da Duke as well. But I goh Da Duke uh Pairth. So, tha Duke uh Pairth es a Scoh-ish Pub, aye? Ehts pints, wheskays and bairgurs. And ehts rather uh dive. Maybay ehts beh-uh fair drenken' than eht es for ate-en. I only thought tha food was okee. I goh tha fraight lakes, tha bairgur, the cheps, a pint uh lahguh and then another pint uh lahguh. The fraight lakes were, uh, entresten. Of course, the fraight part was lovely, but tha lake part? Noh so much. Too cheway. The cheps? Fresh and pairfect. The lahguh? You kedden'? Brilliant. The bairgur? Eh, noh a patch on tha bairgurs eht tha Grafton, Duke's or Jairy's of tha wayrld, ef ya ask may. Maybay tha Duke uh Pairth es beh-uh fair drenken' than fair ate-en'? Maybay ahll bay back fair tha drenken'. Cannae say ahll bay back fair tha bairgur sence eht was only okee en muy uhpenion. Thray stahrs.
(3)Kyle T.
Great deal on Wednesdays and Fridays for all you can eat fish and chips for 10.95 (or around there). Their whiskey selection is great too. If you are looking for a nice whiskey bar with some good food then check this place out
(4)Joel W.
Very classic looking scottish bar. Huge back patio. Good fish and chips! Our server, a girl, big into Sons of Anarchy, AD...we talked her into Dexter.
(4)Chuck K.
For my 100th Yelp Review, I'm choosing to pay homage to Duke of Perth in Lakeview! This bar is great, whether you're looking to belly up and have a beer, or sit in the beer garden and enjoy a drink in the sun. But most of all, this bar is my favorite place to get...... FISH AND CHIPS!!!!!!!!!! They have all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays, the wait is well worth it. You can also get this any other day of the week. They are huge fillets that are lightly breaded and the fish just melts in your mouth. The fries are perfect and if you're game, you'll get a side of peas with them as well. I can't tell you how many times I've gone here and gotten this dish. It's perfect every time. Like I said, Fridays are crazy and you'll wait for a table. The service is OK and people are friendly. They just tend to be on the slow side, even when the bar is not packed. If you're in the neighborhood on an afternoon and need a bite, stop in here. The back yard beer garden is nothing special, but you can enjoy some warm sun and are blocked out from Chicago winds blowing around. Fish and Chips! You owe it to your stomach to give this place a try! Oh... and they have Whiskey Flights! I mean how cool is that!!!
(4)Alyssa R.
What a great place! I'm not sure I would enjoy this place as much during warmer weather, but on a cold winter's night, this pub with its fireplaces and warm, cozy, quiet atmosphere was absolutely perfect! I tried the leek pie, and it was delicious and filling. The fish and chips and the burgers are also reportedly very delicious. All meals are, I am sure, guaranteed to fill you up. Not a very large beer selection, however. I am definitely a fan!
(4)Ken O.
Whatever they are doing... they are doing it right!!! The restaurant is on the smaller side. Plan to wait 15 - 20 minutes for a table- which is not bad. The restaurant definitely gives you the pub feeling. Fish (big portions) and chips are excellent. Plus, it's all you can eat. The nightly specials are also a great deal. The patrons are very well mixed. Great place to people watch when not conversing with your fellow diners. Glad the restaurant is couple of blocks away.
(5)Karen M.
This place is the closest thing to a real authentic Scottish pub that you'll find outside of Edinburgh. I rediscovered it during a visit to the Lakeview neighborhood with my husband. They carry a wide selection of single-malt whiskeys as well as Belhaven ales, stouts, and lagers. (We're normally Guinness fans but Belhaven is a good substitute.) My husband was hoping for Tennent's lager, which is what he used to drink all the time when he was stationed in Scotland, but alas, that is one Scottish brew The Duke of Perth doesn't carry because of distribution problems. (Although they do have a sign for it on the wall.) The food is good old-fashioned pub grub like burgers and chicken wings, along with regional dishes like shepherd's pie, leek pie, bangers and mash, and beer-battered fish-and-chips (all-you-can-eat on Wednesdays and Fridays). The place is cozy (meaning small), with hunting lodge décor including a small fireplace, farming tools and other Scottish memorabilia on the walls, and a stuffed deer's head wearing a cop's hat mounted over the bar. There's also a quaint little outdoor beer garden with potted plants in back, which is nice if the weather is good and you don't mind swatting flies away from your food. Also - no TV, so we actually got to have a conversation with the bartender. If I remember correctly, the Duke of Perth is packed to the gills on Wednesday and especially Friday nights for the all-you-can-eat special, and service can be kind of slow then. So try to get there early if you can so you can get a good seat and soak up the atmosphere.
(4)Anna V.
D of P: where men go to escape broism. This place is about as manly as it comes. Scotch. Dense beer. Meat. Animal heads on the wall. What it lacks is sports, and therefore sports fans. Overall, this helps it be one of the few enjoyable places to be, especially during Cubs/Bears season when places are swarming with these types. I usually go Belhaven for beers for that Scottish feel (the Wee Heavy is bizarre, creamy, and good). Their burgers are not really top 5 (they cook them too much) but they're good and they honor my request to put a fried onion on top. The shepherd's pie is actually tasty and works well. The real winner is the fried mac n cheese triangles. I used to frequent this place in the summer when they did outdoor. It's a good place to have on the corner.
(4)Kori E.
We came here Friday for the all you can eat fish n chips. We arrived to a packed bar and an hour and a half wait. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a round of beers. I had the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle IPA and it was OK. I like a really hoppy beer and this beer didn't muster up. We were finally seated close to that 1.5 hour mark and I couldn't have been more excited to finally get my fish n chips. I had been eye balling them as they were served to various tables and I couldn't wait. Unfortunately, they look a lot better than they taste. They are good, don't get me wrong, but they are not the best fish n chips I've had. I would have liked more fries, not underneath my greasy fish, and the fish was just that...kinda greasy. We left stuffed to the gills (no pun intended) and both agreed we would try other places before returning to Duke.
(3)Diane M.
Best Shepherd's pie in Chicago (although they said it was truly a cottage pie). And fish and chips. And choice of ales and ciders. Only problem is no televisions (although I understand why, I still would like to see games!). But the food is always steamy hot and flavorful and fresh! Yummy!
(5)Archer W.
Good booze. Good food. Great patio.
(4)Laura C.
Drinks here on a low-key Saturday night turned out to be a hilarious comedy spectacle. Had the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and friends had ciders, both of which were on tap and delicious. Erubiel, a server/actor, entertained us all night with his amusing stories and observations. The Duke is the only Scottish pub in Chicago (for those of you needing a reason to try it out). Unassuming from the street view, the interior is a long space with wooden tables and a comfortable pub feel. I'll be back to try the food and more drinks!
(4)Karen L.
A friend suggested Duke of Perth for a recent get-together. I had never been, and got there first. The place was packed, and since there was no where to wait and no one around to ask about a table (Seat yourself? Wait to be seated? Unclear...), I sort of waited awkwardly by the door until a busboy pointed out the hostess to me. I was seated after a 10-15 minute wait, and my friend finally showed up at that point. We ordered the fish and chips, which were excellent, and my friend was quite excited about the whiskey selection. However, the rest of the menu seemed kind of limited -- burgers and chicken sandwiches with different toppings, and that was pretty much it. They're not shy about their prices either, and i can think of more interesting sandwiches I'd rather spend $10-12 on. We were there on an "all you can eat" night, but I don't eat much, so it wasn't really a bargin for me. Service was fine, though the waitress kept bumping into me because the place is so small and cramped. It was also pretty loud, which made it hard to carry on a conversation with the person right across the table from me. Overall, for the price and atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled. While I wouldn't say that I'll never go back, I'm definitely not in a big hurry any time soon.
(2)Terri M.
Ok, right up front let me say that this is not the normal review for a restaurant. I didn't have the food. I don't care about the food. I have no intention of eating the food. Looked ok but bar food is not really my thing. But as anybody who knows will attest, I do like bars. And not those sissy girlie bars. I like bars that know how to serve a real whisky in a real whiskey glass. So when a friend invited me to the northside for a scotch flight or two, I was in. Seriously excellent selection. I travel quite a bit with my families for work so I've been to a tasting or ten. Why bother when I can now just head up to Duke of Perth.
(4)Jackie H.
I came in here for the first time on a snowy day and I don't recall ever begin so happy to walk into a room. The fire was crackling. The bar was decorated for the holidays. There was a table ready and waiting for us. I felt like I had stepped out of Chicago and into some comfy British Isles fantasy land. No TVs? No problem! I've gone back a few times since then, but no visit ever compared to my first. But then again, how could they? Whenever I find myself getting depressed about the impending winter, I just remind myself that every step closer to snowfall is a step closer to replicating the perfect Duke of Perth afternoon. Awesome.
(4)Mariah V.
Mac and cheese fritters. Yes. I can't hate a place with mac and cheese fritters. (I will probably regret saying this one day). I wanted to order the meatloaf, but they were out. Granted it was around 10pm on a Sunday, so maybe making an entire meatloaf was not worth it for them. Instead I got the bangers and mash (which comes with a bunch of peas), and it was satisfying. Meat and potatoes is a magical combination, after all. It was really quiet when we were there, so we didn't have any problem with service or whatnot. I had the scottish ale and the scottish lager, which were both good. I need to come back to try some of their whiskies, because their malt list is outrageous. If you're like me and my best friend, you sit down for a quick dinner expecting to be there for maybe an hour. Then you look at the time, and 2 hours have passed. That's why I love really chill places like Duke of Perth, where I'm not going to be pushed out the door after sitting around for hours. This place is cool, because it isn't trying too hard. There are mismatched tables, the deer head above the bar wears a hat, and their website even says, "Due to our mind numbing laziness all items and prices are subject to change." I love this kind of attitude, so I'll definitely be back.
(4)Carol K.
Peas, peas and more peas, please! For no matter what you order at the Duke of Perth, those bright green pearls come along as a side dish. That's okay by me cuz I'm a pea girl but if you don't like them- be prepared. There was no wait on our last visit but we arrived around 10pm on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. We were seated right away in the front, ordered a couple of beers and then began to look at the menu. My friend got the meatloaf which was quite good, served with peas and potatoes and I went with the fish- also served with peas and fries. His was clearly the winner of the night as it almost tasted just like mom's! The ambiance is warm and inviting- oh sure- it's a pub in a box with the fireplaces, the wooden tables and bar and the framed pictures on the walls, but they do a good job in making it feel real, rather than the plastic bar it could be. Service was quick and friendly, the food was good and on this cold night the ambiance warmed us up. Who knew the Duke of Perth would come through so strongly as our visit there was just a whim? But given the experience we had, you can bet we'll be back. Afterall . . . .they have PEAS!!
(4)Matt M.
The Duke of Perth is a great place to go on a lazy Sunday! I went and sat at the bar, opened with the fish and chips, which they are well known for. They were great, no surprise. Then I sat there for three hours and played war with the girl next to me and chatted with the friendly bartender. I highly recommend going at dusk or around sundown... the window is west facing and it gets really pretty. Also, they have good beers and no TV's! No Tv's is huge for me. TV is lame.
(4)Long Q.
Best days to go? WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY! Why you ask? unlimited delicious beer battered fish and chips! my job here is done! Perhaps not yet!!? I want to give a waitress named Alexis a shout-out! she was so awesome! very attentive, friendly and I must say those are two very important characteristics in an unlimited fried fish situation! How did they lose one star? one word! RATS! I am from NYC we see rats bigger than cats so yea I am still coming back for the fish and chips and beer!
(4)Johnny T.
Even after a billion years in Chicago, I still get annoyed by the coming onslaught of cold. The bite, the gloom, the knowledge that it's going to last for six months... it gets to you. Me. It gets to me. I, eventually, get over it but the first few months are rough... but they'll now get a little easier. I have the perfect place to go chase away the cold weather blues. Again, for years, I passed by this spot, looked into the dark glasses to see patrons happily eating and drinking away... and I kept it moving. I don't know why I never felt the gravitational pull to go inside but all that time DoP was eating away at my stubbornness and taking up space in my subconscious. On one on-chilly night, I had the hankering for something different. "What about that Perth place?" I thought. Good thought. This is perfect pub food made even more perfect by beer and homeyness. Without a doubt, come for the fish and chips. AYCE anything is, usually, worth the price of admission. This fish is seriously worth the hype. Pair it with some beer and bring some good friends along and you have the makings of a wonderful Chicago evening. But, don't limit yourself to the fish. The sandwiches are the real deal, as well. My favorite is the James Watt. I don't know who he was, but I like him. After all, his namesake sandwich includes chicken, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy seasoning. It's a bit of a mess, but it's so worth it. Emotional eaters, this sandwich will sate all your needs. Promise. I like the idea of the Islay sandwich, but I want to be able to pile more stuff on it. It's a chicken breast sandwich and you're given the option to put all sorts of delicious things on top like hot peppers, various cheeseS, onions, hot sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and BACON. But faced with all these choices, you can only put three on top of the bird. This is probably done for ease of eating, but I think I speak for all fattys when I say that I want to put it all on the sandwich. Let me live the dream. For as good as the fish and chips are, I don't know that the concept translates well to bread. I was a wee bit (see what I did there?) disappointed in the size and execution of the fish po-boy. For a place that boasts Moby Dick-sized fish pieces, the sandwich is rather small and forgettable. Stick with the battered fish on a plate (although the veggies on the sandwich add a nice pop). Duke of Perth: offering essential ways to survive the Chicago winter.
(4)Matthew S.
I do this little thing I call "my adventure day". Basically, it means that there is no possible way for me to make my flat any cleaner than it is, so I decide to explore a new corner of the city. But you say "um, but Matthew, you're a northsider...how is this exploring?" and to this I say "I leave my flat less than J.D. Salinger left his." I explored a few book shops, and visited Belmont Army Navy surplus. Then I decided I wanted to treat myself to a super cozy dinner. Voila...Duke of Perth. When I walked in, I knew it was exactly what my minds eye had been craving. Small, intimate, smiling people, a fireplace, dim lighting. Fiddle music playing. I was warmly greeted with a smile. This is where I cringe. The waitress said "two?" No, it was JUST ME. You see, this was also the first time I've ever eaten alone in a restaurant. I wanted this to be part of my adventure. I got a small table in the back part of the place, near another fireplace. I was seated near a group of older men who appeared to be catching up after a long while. It was a good energy back there. I was loving the wooden tables and wooden chairs. The walls were filled with interesting framed pictures. I ordered the fish and chips and a pint of beer. The fish and chips are served with peas. It was a great meal to go with my great day. When I left, it was just going on 630 - and there was a HUGE wait at this point. This was on a Saturday. As I left, I pulled my scarf tighter, and flipped up the collar of my jacket. Snow was lightly falling. A couple holding hands passed me on the sidewalk. She was laughing. At that moment, I realized I had no choice but to chalk this up to one of my best days in Chicago.
(5)Rachel R.
Pass on this place if you can unless you like Scotch and beer. Came for the fish & chips and should have stopped somewhere else for that. I had heard such good things about this place and was disappointed. The great thing about the place, the beer.
(3)Georgia K.
This cozy Scottish pub is a solid choice if you're into pub grub, Scottish or English beer, and an endless whiskey selection. For whatever reason, pub fare doesn't excite me-- but DOP's beer list, burgers, salads, and fish & chips are pretty decent. The service is so-so. The adorb patio in the back scores major points.
(3)Kimberly M.
Great fish and chips, all-you-can-eat on Wednesday and Friday. I've tried 50% of the menu and it is 100% delicious! Great selection of Scotch. No tv's but full of great conversation. It can get pretty crowded on Friday nights until the fish and chip crowd leaves around 10pm. Friendly service. And a nice big beer garden for those sunny summer days=)
(4)Chi L.
This is one of my new favs. Hands down. The burgers- all of them- are amazing. I love the patio. I've been walking by this place for years and never thought to walk in. What a surprise when I finally did and tried the food. Beers are a bit pricey but no major complaints there. LOVE!
(5)Arvind R.
Good food, good scotch
(5)Martin P.
I enjoyed my experience here. A small pub with good service. I ordered the Fish and chips and I was not disappointed. The fish was flaky, the breading crispy, and flavorful. The chips were decent. The space is a bit small, but it adds to the quaintness of the atmosphere. If I am wanting fish and chips, this is the place I will go. An added bonus was it was all the fish I could eat!!!
(3)brett j.
What's not to love? It's one of the coziest places in Chicago. I can down many pints tasty Scottish beer while eating fish and chips (all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays) next to a fireplace, not be distracted by some ugly TV. The service is always friendly. It's the ultra cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and Scottish beers (fraoch? alba? wee heavey? check, check, check!) that make Duke of Perth so endearing and worthy of 5 stars. If only I liked Scotch more I'd give the Duke 6 stars!
(5)Don S.
Went for the fish fry during lunch. Terrific. Great assortment of unique Scottish ales. Very worth a visit. Tried Weather Mark's fish fry, not my taste. I prefer the beer batter that Duke of Perth fries the fish in, and no disapproving looks for eating more. Bar tender was top notch professional. Worth a trip if what you want are perfect fish 'n chips. Somebody rode the bus for an hour and half for the fish fry when I was there.
(5)Amy R.
Thursday night beer and wings! :) Always ask for your wings extra crispy and you won't regret it! They also have great outdoor seating. The only thing is they close it pretty early.
(4)Malcolm Jamal W.
Wow, all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. Nice back garden. The fish and chips was great! Very crispy. The fries were surprisingly good. Nice Scottish beers I'd never had before. Yummy yum yum. I left here smiling.
(4)Jeff K.
It was good. No wows. Nothing that makes me jump up and down out of joy or hop or run back here, but it was definitely not bad either. I came here with the boyfriend for a late brunch on a Saturday, was able to get a table, food was served promptly, and the beer was cold. If I was back in the area I would no doubt come back here for food again, but am not adding it to the list of destination spots.
(3)Natalie S.
I fell in love with my husband over endless fish and chips and chocolate stout here at Duke of Perth. Ahhh... memories. He introduced me to this place on one of our first dates and we were smitten with each other and the food. I honestly haven't had anything else here because we would intentionally only hit this place up on a Wednesday or Friday when they have all you can eat fish and chips. They do it very well. The only place I've had fish and chips better is in London. The fish always comes out crispy, never oily and the fries are awesome. I occasionally will give the stovies a try, which are delicious as well. Peas: meh. They could certainly keep them so I have more room for my fish. I think they should work on something more authentic like mashed peas. But, it's fine the way it is. They have a great beer selection and the servers are always very helpful and friendly. It can get very crowded 7pm and later on the weekend so either be prepared to stand around and wait or try to get in early.
(4)James T.
The Duke doesn't need another five star review, but too bad ya' kilt wearin' bampot, you're getting one anyway. The term "pub" gets haphazardly tossed around in this city. Some of these places think that having cardboard shamrocks taped to the walls and serving Carlsberg automatically makes them a "proper European" pub." However, "pub" is just short for "public house." That means a pub should really just feel like being in someone else's living room, and that's exactly what it's like at The Duke. It has a rustic country pub charm to it which, believe it or not, is becoming more and more rare in the UK. You won't hear any loud Nickelback music coming from this place, and since there's no TV, you won't have to worry about the place filling up with sports hooligans. It's just a comfortable place to have a chat with a friend or even read a book. The beer selection definitely parallels the British theme serving popular UK breweries like Belhaven, Young's and Fuller's, all of which are on tap. Of course, if you're a boring old lager boy looking for a bottle of Budweiser, they can accommodate you too. I'll add that it would be great if they had imperial sized pints for their beers, and also if they had a hand pump cask, but those are just extra luxuries that aren't particularly necessary to having a good pub. What makes this place so popular, and what keeps me coming back is the food. I can only comment on two menu items. First, the reason you're probably reading this, is the fish & chips. I'm aware that a lot of places say they have fish & chips when really all it is is a couple of Gorton's fillets and some thin fries that may or may not be accompanied by a bottle of Heinz vinegar. The Duke will give you two healthy portions of fresh cod, some decent sized pub style chips, a side of peas, and Sarson's vinegar or Lea & Perrins Worcester sauce. This is the real thing, folks. What they put on your plate is no different than any other respectable pub in the UK, and it's fantastic. Plus, on Wednesday and Friday, it's all you can eat! Then there's the shepherd's pie. Now, I didn't have this; my fiance did. But to really give you an idea of what the shepherd's pie was like, you have to know a little bit about her. She's English. And not like high hair and too much makeup East London type of English; she's the posh Hampshire everything looks like an episode of Masterpiece Theater English. She laughs at us for spelling "color" without a "U", she thinks cricket is a manlier sport than baseball, she looks at King George III with the same reverence as we do John Wayne, she thinks that because we drive on the right we can't possibly do anything correctly. That type of English. She said it was the best shepherd's pie she's ever had. Now that's saying something.
(5)Brett F.
Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Perth, Perth.... Well, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh Nothing can stop me now 'Cause I'm the Duke of Perth So hey yeah yeah yeah ------------------------------------------------ Betcha didn't know how prolific those lyrics really were until now. Super Complex. Well, fortunately for us the restaurant DoP keeps things just as simplistic as our man Gene Chandler. Straightforward, uncomplicated, effortless. Love it. A pretty fail safe formula... that's what you'll find in the cozy, pub atmosphere of Duke's. Tasty and delicious Fish 'n Chips, cold beer straight from Scotland, Ireland and England and a gaggle of single malt whiskeys to send you straight to the floor in no time. I've found the 'comfort food' here is most appealing and to be honest, downright delicious. Favorites include: tater skins, HOT wings, the Murrayfield Mac (deep fried mac 'n cheese bites with zesty harissa sauce) and, for the insatiably adventurous, the Scotch Egg Burger - a heaping beef patty topped with a luscious fried egg! As one might imagine healthier options fall utterly flat at DoP and leave you with nothing but insane envy for your fellow diners plate. Leave the salads, grilled chicken and veggie fries for another 'schmo to be disappointed by. Summers at DoP bring with them an inviting and charming Beer Garden as well as the Monday Night Recession Special = Buy One, Get One Entrées. Score! And don't forget you can also still rock the all-you-can-eat Wednesday and Friday night fish 'n chips fry up making Duke's one of the most wallet friendly dining out locales in town. So while you certainly won't need to put dinner on credit, do know that an extra roomy stomach and stretchy pants are still required.
(4)Thatgirl T.
I've been going here since college...and that's a while now. The last time we dined, I was disappointed. My husband had chicken sandwich which was only alright he said. I didn't try it. I had the veggie sandwich. Grilled onions, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and goat cheese on bread. I remember the fries as being really good. These were old and sparse. We both started with a salad, which was good. I love the dressing. Our service was only average. Somebody dropped a tray of glasses. I mean, that happens. It just didn't seem as lackluster as it once was. Maybe I should have gone with the fish and chips. Maybe I should have had more beers. We'll still go back, we'll never drop it from our go to spot before the movies, but the last time we were here it was only ok. My husband loves that there is no tv in there. I like the crowd, not stuck up.
(3)George G.
I've been to Duke of Perth several times, and each time I regret having to leave. And I'm always dying to go back! All you can eat fish and chips on Weds and Fridays.... Yeah, right. I don't know how anyone could eat more than they are served in the first serving! Incredibly generous portions of both fish and chips! I saw a reviewer mention the fish being "mushy", and another saying the fish was "previously frozen". Not that I have ever experienced... I'm not a huge fish person - but DAMN - that's some great fish!!! And I had a guest with me from the UK who insists Duke of Perth has one of the best fish and chip meals he's ever eaten - a very high complement indeed! The rest of the menu is "intriguing". From sandwiches to meals - I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. It is definitely Scottish comfort food at its best! I highly recommend the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogch Leek Sticks (My UK friend from schooled me that it is the name that translates into 'The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the Red Cave" and is a town in Angelsey, which sits off the north west coast of Wales). The beer menu is literally second to none, if you're looking for a great selection. Their on-tap Belhaven Scottish Wee Heavy is out of this world!!! (I hardly find any bar that serves a on-tap Wee Heavy). The staff is absolutely fantastic. They don't know me from anyone else that walks in the place, yet I'm always treated like a regular. I wish I knew the bartenders name, but he gave us a fantastic "tour" of great Scotches. He prides himself in turning a non-Scotch drinker to a Scotch lover based upon likes/dislikes of other liquors. He even has a special "flight" for those that typically drink Vodka! ...and at the end of the evening - I always have money left in my pocket! The prices are VERY reasonable given the neighborhood they're located.
(5)Karry G.
the fish and chips were amazing!! I took my mom here and she loved it . we did the all you can eat Friday deal but the was so much food that I didn't have room for seconds! my only complaint was that the wine was kinda pricey for the size of the glass
(5)Allie J.
I was pleasantly surprised by Duke of Perth! I was told we were going to a Scottish restaurant for a friend's birthday. My initial inclination was umm....not quite sure about Scottish food. I have to say- it was quite delicious! We were with a large group so we tried the leek and mushroom appetizers which were both good. I had the fish n chips and they were great! The batter was light and crispy- not too heavy. Friends had the leek pot pie and the salmon which i tried and which were both good. Very comfortable atmosphere- great for groups.
(4)David R.
Beers on tap include Belhaven Scottish Ale, Belhaven Twisted Thistle, and Belhaven Stout. I always intend to get one of each but end up drinking multiple Scottish Ales because that is seriously one of my five favorite beers of all time. I've taken some visitors here twice in the last few weeks and everyone's enjoyed it. Consequently, I've tried several entrees too. The leek pie gets a B, slightly soupy but tasty. The salmon/cod cakes are a B+ on flavor but you get only two of them. The meatloaf (lamb, veal, beef, and pork/garlic sausage...yowza) gets a B+ too, but watch out because that entree is a DAMN lot of food. Of course, the fish and chips are still great. Monday is two-for-one entrees. That is a hell of a deal. It bothers me that someone has misspelled "whisky" as "whiskey" on their Malt of the Month board. Come on, guys. One last thing--there is an impossibly cute blonde waitress with glasses but she's never been my server. If she is reading this--miss, please seat me in your section next time. I promise that I'm not as scary as I look.
(5)Joshua H.
You've got to love a Scottish pub where you'll find a guy or two in a kilt once in a while. The scotch selection is awesome, as is the beer selection (as far as Scottish and English ales). I also believe that they put some sort of crack in their meatloaf. Meatloaf that good does not exist without chemical enhancement of some kind. The service and atmosphere are great as well. If you've never been, I suggest you come by. It is hard to get in on the all-you-can-eat fish and chips nights.
(4)Jenny B.
I went on a Friday around 6:30, so of course it was incredibly busy. We were told a 20 maybe 30 minute wait, and we waited over an hour. But I do have to say, the fish fry and drinks were way worth it! I'm used to endless fish fries in which you have to ask multiple times and wait forever for more, but the waitress was on top of it. She actually asked us before we thought about asking and didn't believe we didn't want a 3rd round. SO.. be prepared to stand in a crowded room for a long time, but I promise it will be worth it!
(4)Michael S.
Really good fish and chips! Glad didn't go on a Friday for their special on it.. Went on a Thursday night and was a little disappointed it wasn't all you can eat every night for fish and chips, but the guy on the phone assured us that we would be full after one order of it. Kind of true.. We can eat! Ordered two fish and chips and a few wings which was on special as well as their mac and cheese bites. The fish and chips was really good. The breading was just right and the fish was nice and flaky. The fries were really good as well. I thought the peas were just okay, but to be fair peas just don't excite me. The wings were good, but they weren't what I expected for the biggest wings in the city. Seemed pretty standard to me.. Mac and cheese bites.. oh man.. these were good. I think it was the frying of it that made me like it a lot... Overall with the service I have to say a worthwhile place to visit!
(4)Alex B.
I am giving this place five stars and haven't even tried their Scotch selection, which should tell you how good it is. My wife and I had lunch there with a friend last weekend and it was outstanding. Blue cheese burger was cooked perfectly, the fries were that addictive mix of crispy fried batter and fluffy potato, and the Belhaven ale was exactly what the rest of the meal called for. We will be coming back frequently.
(5)Lauren B.
Delicious!! Great beers and great food. Try the "stovies." They're mashed potatoes with beef stock and onions mixed in. Absolutely wonderful. Nice relaxing atmosphere with great music.
(5)Heidi M.
It was the perfect grey afternoon in Chicago to have scotch and eat fish and chips. Friday's they have all you can eat fish and chips for $10.95. Brian at the bar was really nice and made the afternoon even better. Steve had his scotch and I have my fish and chips and to top it off - Free WiFI! Bonus!! And this from an Irish Girl at that...
(4)Colin E.
One time I came here and sat next to a table of old English actors, in all black with their scarves, carrying on and telling old theater stories loudly. I drank a great scotch flight, ate the wonderful fish and chips, loved the ambience.
(4)Tenzo D.
Went here when it first opened about fifteen years ago. One of the best pubs in Chicago Went back a week ago and did the whisky tastings. Ok, It gets another star.
(5)Alicia D.
Was told the wait would be "25 minutes" an hour and a half ago. Still being told it will be "another 20 minutes," "any minute now". I feel hosed. The food is decent but not worth being lied to. I'm too far in now. You got me duke.
(1)Dan G.
We came here after catching a good flick at the Landmark Theater (also getting out of the 100+ degree weather outside). The place was busy and we were told there was a little bit of a wait. No problem, we wanted a drink. I had an expertly made old fashion (too much Mad Men lately) and she had a spiked Arnold Palmer. I will have to come back for some of their rare scotch and Scottish beer the drink menu looked amazing. We were seated not to long after we got our drink. We both opted for the all you can eat Fish and Chips, a great deal for 10.25. The fish looked hand breaded and fried. Not the boxed fish you usually see at a all you can eat fish fry. The fries and tarter sauce went perfectly with the fish. It looked and tasted like fish in chips you could get in a small bar in Scotland. The service was good even though it was crowded. A real enjoyable time and will become a tradition after seeing a movie.
(4)Lindsay S.
I loathe fish but for some reason a craving for battered and fried fish with a side of fries comes at me super hard about twice a year. And this place served it up! And it was even all you can eat (which I did not partake of - one was more than enough - but I saw some going for a second plate) Great service. No TVs - I'll go to a sports bar if I want them the best beer line up - I had a Belhaven Ale and YUM. The brews from Scotland and UK are amazing Whiskey. Flight. --I'll leave you to think about that And above all I heard they were the best fish and chips in the city. And they didn't disappoint. I prepared myself to say "meh" and instead I can't wait for my next craving. This place is the best for a cold Scottish drafts, some fried goodness, good conversation and some fireplaces to warm yourself by.
(4)Derrick T.
Duke of Perth... what happened? Were you affected by the recession? Have times been tough? Have my memory been altered by another race of beings that made me think this place was heavenly for their fish and chips? My most recent visit last night resulted in disappointment. The fish were falling apart, the coating was soggy (from oil)and barely there, the peas tasted like they were frozen and reheated but empty shells of their past selves... My old memory the past 5 times I've been here were of firm well coated fish, delicious to taste and wonderous to touch, peas that were full bodied almost tasting like fresh peas. The fries remain tasty. The burgers remain gorgeous and delicious. The scotch list remains wonderful. The beer remains excellent. These items really give it the three stars... but with the downgrade in fish and peas, I was sorely disappointed. I can only hope Duke of Perth restores its AYCE to it's former glory days... and when it does, can someone let me know? Please?
(3)Shannon M.
On a rainy day recently the family capped off a day in the Lakeview area with dinner at the Duke of Perth. I've been to many an Irish pub in my life, but never a Scottish one, so when I heard about this place I had to drag the crew along. My first impression was that it was quite dark, even for a pub, probably partly thanks to the rainy day, but without the aid of the fairy lights still left up from Christmas I'm not sure I'd have been able to read the menu. We sat at a wobbly table (Dad would lean on one side and the table top would lurch upward about 3 inches!) with a bench seemingly made from a church pew, in the front room near the bar. It was early, so not a big crowd and minimal noise. Warming drinks were called for; there was a sizeable list of hot beverages, including a "ScHOTch toddy," hot buttered rum, hot port, and hot apple cider with rum (my choice -- it came with a clove-studded orange-slice. The rum was evident in taste but didn't overwhelm the apple, and wasn't a super-boozy drink; I didn't want a buzz per se at 4 pm). There are also many beers from Scotland, Ireland, England and elsewhere (US and Germany, mainly), and a listing of Scotches, of course. I started my meal with the French onion soup (tasty on a rather raw day, though rather than being capped with the toast and cheese like most places, the clearly premade cheese toast came on the side, to be dunked in the soup), and opted for the fish and chips as entree, since that is my barometer for measuring a pub's worth. These were rather skinny strips of fish, beer-battered (oddly, with PBR!); good taste, though so flaky that they somewhat disintegrated in parts. The fries weren't too exciting; the fish came on top of them, so i think the steam and heat made them a little soggy. The fish and chips came with peas, which is perhaps a Scottish thing but didn't appeal to me. My father and brother both also got the fish and chips; my mom rebelled and got the Sean Connery burger, which was big and messy, but when asked for the verdict, she declared, "Sean was good" (good night, everybody!) Our waitress was unobtrusive but got the job done; nice work. Overall, this place was a nice stop for dinner on a rainy night. Watch your step when you leave, though; I tripped down the two big steps going out the front door (I'd hate to see the headers people take after downing several pints of Belhaven!)
(3)Ian G.
It took one visit to make this me home pub! Being both Scottish AND Fatty, "The Duke" had an immediate initial appeal to me. Visited first with a very dear friend for fish and chips on a Friday and instantly felt home. It has the charm, feel, and vibe of all of those wonderful pubs in Scotland that I love and miss. Roaring fires when its cold, perfectly-lit interior, and friendly staff bring the sensation of the wee village pub where you feel that you could easily know and be known by everyone. The Duke's strict "no television" policy results in something rarely seen in most American pubs: patrons speaking to one another! Rare indeed, right? Down to brass tacks here: Quite possibly the BEST fish and chips I've had outside of bonnie Scotland (or dear old England, for that matter). So many other robust comfort foods abound and make you never want to leave; And with Belhaven on tap, why would anyone want to do so? Speaking of which, the tap serves up so many of those rare and hard to find pours and pints of Belhaven's finest brews along with several from Young's and Fuller's. The wife loves the Blackthorn Hard Cider. If you're uncertain what brew to order then get the "Wee Heavy" and I guarantee you'll like it. Oh the scotch... the lovely scotch. Whether a novice, an aspiring connoisseur, or a seasoned stillmaster ye'll find yourself a happy lad or lass with their large selection of lovely drams. Affordable to average pricing on their pours as well as some well-arranged flights for an average of about $20. Tips: Go for the all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Wednesday vs. a Friday: its slightly less crowded. Its WORTH any wait.
(5)Lisa H.
Normally, I'd be rating the "Duke" 4 stars but, we had a pretty bad experience last Saturday night - based on absolutely abysmal service. We actually walked out and left to go to Jake's Pub across the street. On a frigid Saturday night, all of the tables and barstools were taken - not surprisingly, as DOP is popular. 20-30 minutes wait for a table. We were SO excited to get hot cider and beers that we were happy to stand at the bar and wait for a table. The problem is, there IS no place in this crowded restaurant to wait or stand without being in somebody's way. We were constantly being pushed out of the way by rude servers and bartenders, and absolutely nobody would take an order from us. Not even the BARTENDER who was 2 feet away from us. Therefore, we stood around like a-holes for about 20 minutes drink-less, feeling incredibly awkward, and being constantly jostled. Finally, we couldn't take it anymore and left. I was actually embarassed that we had brought my fiance's sister here and that we had talked it up so much. NORMALLY - we have great service, great beers and we enjoy the food here. (Even if their "chips" are actually French fries and not authentic.) But I'm going to think twice about coming here on busy nights.
(3)Scott P.
I really dig this place, but the scotch is a little overpriced in my always humble opinion. But everything here is good. Their selection of beer and scotch is incredible, and their all-you-can-eat fish is wicked tasty. Their outside seating in the back is great for nice days, but inside it's extremely comfortable as well. I don't know what I can say about this place that I haven't said about a dozen other places. The service was good, the selection was good, the location was good- it was all good. Sorry for the lame review. I'll do my next one in a staunch British accent.
(4)Victor V.
someone once said, :Why go to England if you can visit one of Chicago's pubs?" Well, if you go to DOP, you'll know why. They try hard by trying not to try, but it's still trying. Their flights of three premium Scotches are pretty cool, and so it the mantelpiece, but England it is not. However, if you are looking for a getaway from American bars with their TVs and pool tables, this is not bad at all. Just keep in mind that ANY pub in London, Dublin or Liverpool is much much better.
(3)Graham K.
One word: Service. I came here two days in a row last week; the first time I took my folks, and it was busy, and the wait times were lagging. But, it was 5pm, and folks were coming in for delicious food and drink. This is to be expected. Our food was wonderful, and we all had a great time. I had missed the place, since more than 6 months had gone by since my last visit: a wonderful summer afternoon on their back deck area. The day after I took my folks, I wanted to go back in the early afternoon, write holiday Thank You notes over some drinks and a lunch. I had the same server, there was less than half as many people at the early hour, and yet still.... Service. I could not believe how lacking it was. Between drinks, waiting for food, waiting for the bill... it was embarrassing. You should not have to wait 20 minutes between drinks. Maybe there was only one server for the place. I get that. But step it up and move a bit quicker. It will be many months before I experiment again. I'm very bummed to see poor service at a place I'm otherwise very happy to have in Lakeview.
(3)David B.
Duke of Perth (no "the," just like the rock band "Eagles") has no TVs, free WiFi, AYCE fish & chips Wednesdays and Fridays, two-for-one entrees Mondays, and a 50c wings special Thursdays. These are all good reasons to stop in. During the winter, I try to get one of the tables by the fireplaces, and during the summer I sit outside. All year round, I gravitate towards the pies. Their shepherd's pie and their chicken & mushroom pie are both warm and satisfying in cold weather and not too heavy when it's hot. The rest of the menu won't thrill either your dietician or your cardiologist, but so what? It's a pub; you know the genre. It's good pub food. Full disclosure: I'm a regular at Duke of Perth. I've come to this place since 1996, sometimes more, sometimes less, but there's a long history, and I've got a strong pro-Duke bias. But why? Why come to this place once or twice a week for 15 years? Why do all my friends know of it as my "remote office?" Why did I become a Duke partisan? Simply: the people. I'm not giving Duke of Perth five stars because of the food; you can find individual examples of better food if you look in Chicago. I'm giving the place five stars because of the staff. The owner hires smart and hard-working people who are noticeably more interesting than everywhere else. All bars have servers who work in theater. Most places hire actors; Duke of Perth hires playwrights. And everyone who lives there--regulars, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff--makes the place a warm and comfortable place to have a bite, a beer, and a conversation.
(5)Anne B.
This place has some seriously cool atmosphere. The food was only okay...that may, however, have been because I ordered something that was not fantastically tasty. Mushrooms can only go so far. My companion loved her dish, though, so maybe I'm just being picky. Really, though - it's an awesome place just to step in to. Stop by for something hot to drink until the weather warms up.
(4)Tommy O.
Will update later. Cozy, atmosphere, but beer wasn't all that more special than your typical Irish bar and burger was below average. I'll have to return to try some more beers and the fish and chips.
(3)Colleen D.
Went for fish fry. Very good. Will be back.
(4)Erika G.
Utterly cute back patio - really pleasant that. Went here for dinner, and ordered the "famous" Fish n' Chips. Lots of malt vinegar. Check. The fish was crispy and moist - very good. Of course, I DOUSED it with vinegar, as is my wont. The chips were forgettable - aren't "chips" supposed to be what we here in the New World call "steak fries"? They were sort of soggy, pedestrian french fries. Tennant's Lager - all good. Dishing with a friend - even better. A pleasant place to hang and have a nosh - and a Scottish bar, not Irish!
(3)Lindsee R.
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Perth, Duke, Duke...lalala My friend took me here for .50 wing night after a really terrible week. Service was slow and I was all set up to be disappointed when I saw the wings had some breading...but, boy was I wrong. The wings were huge and awesome. The breading is so thin it mostly serves to soak up sauce. The sauce could be a twee spicer, but that's neither here nor there for me. The "chips" were also really tasty, a good thickness that was neither steak nor skinny. Topped it all off with a really crisp, delish cider that I've been craving it ever since. I have no idea why people aren't busting the door down, but I'm not mad about it, though I'm rethinking having written this review...
(4)Melissa H.
Love the cozy atmosphere, great back patio, my boyfriend loved the scotch list. Wings were tasty, too!
(4)Nadeem P.
Wow...that's all I can say. Amazing scotch and beer selections, wonderful service, and all you can eat fish & chips?? Not only does this place do it all they do it extremely well and with a huge smile on their faces, this is my new favorite spot!!
(5)Heather R.
If Duke of Perth were a person, I would've snagged 'em up and married him by now. I am in love with this bar/restaurant. I love everything about it and all it has to offer. I mostly frequent this bar on their "All You Can Eat Fish-N-Chips" nights (Wednesday+Friday from 5-9) because it's one of my favorite meals on the planet! When I bite into their fresh fish, it is cooked to perfection, along with the fries and serving of peas. The perfect combination! I usually wash it down with a "Wee Heavy" and I feel like I am transported back to Scotland enjoying my meal out of a newspaper poke. Being from Scotland (as in actually born there), Duke of Perth reminds me of being at home with my family and at a local pub. The decor on the wall is similar to what's on my mum's walls and it's great having wonderful Scottish Ale's and lagers on tap at my disposal. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly. They take great care of you, and the look and feel of the bar is very homey. That's how a bar should be. Again, another place with a great patio which I am constantly at in the summer months. This is my little hideaway and I encourage anyone who is in the mood for a night in Scotland to visit the Duke of Perth.
(5)Molly L.
The beer selection, menu, scotch list, service and atmosphere are all fantastic, but the real star here is the fish and chips. Best fish and chips in Chicago, hands down. Get here early if you plan on coming for all-you-can-eat fish and chips on a Friday night (especially during Lent).
(5)Jack M.
I came here with a very large group and had a very satisfying experience. The waiter was probably the most adept at handling large groups waiter I have ever seen. Color me impressed. The Whiskey selection is out of control fantastic (i hate Whiskey but tried two that I actually liked!), although the beer selection, while varied and appropriate for the venue, just doesn't taste very good. Hopefully someday the UK region will hopefully revise their general beer recipe to not include moist sawdust. I did not order food, but friends commented that it was quite good.
(4)Victor M.
I ate here before and I ate here recently. Therefore I have a valid review. AYCE Fish n Chips on Wed and Fri is the best. The fillets are pretty big and its accompanied by peas and hand cut fries. I had a friend who was interested in going but was not able to make it; he missed out. Here is how the conversation goes a day after. Friend: "How was the all you can eat fish sticks?" Me: "It's fish n chips, and they're the size of a plate." Friend: "Plates come in all shapes and sizes. Many restaurants are very stingy with the size of it. So I call them fish sticks." Me: "Hey, they're bigger than Long John Silvers and very crispy." Friend: "OHHH! When can we go?" Me: "I'll think about it..." They do get crowded, so anticipate a 10-20min wait depending on the time for 3 or 4 people.
(4)Kate M.
I've been going there since it opened, when it was my local. Now I am not living in Chicago, I go back whenever I visit town. Unlike most US joints which try to approximate an Irish, English or Scottish "pub," this really is the real deal. Great selection of beers, malts, and excellent food. The service is top notch also. Bring your friends, grab a Belhaven Scottish Ale and a cozy corner. You won't regret it!
(5)Virginia T.
Wow, so sorely disappointed in the Duke of Perth after my last visit. We went on a Friday night. I was expecting a long wait, being a weekend, a warm one at that, and all you can eat fish & chips night. We showed up at 7:15pm and were told that it would only be 30min. This is where things get hairy. We find some room at the bar, order a few drinks....and wait. After over an hour the hostess calls our name, we settle our tab at the bar, pick up our coats and head back with her.....then she stops us and says "oops, I called the wrong name, there is still one table (uncalled) ahead of you" and proceeded to make us wait another half an hour and sat the other table. Of course, we'd also lost our spots at the bar now. We finally sat down- C ordered the buffalo chicken salad, which he said was tasty- H got the meatloaf which she said was ok. J got the all you can eat fish and chips. The first plate came out quickly but was greasy and not very crisp. He ate all of the fish anyway-and asked for more. They very quickly brought out two more fillets (sans peas and chips). These were crisper and hot but still greasy. I ordered the grilled vegetable sandwich. The worst part was that it claimed to be marinated veggies, they were obviously not- and they were not cut anywhere near evenly. This meant that some parts were cooked, and then others were CRUNCHY. The peppers were undercooked, the goat cheese was sparse.....it was pretty bad. We were upset at how slow things were, how we were treated and the underwhelming food- so we were determined to get some of our moneys worth and ordered a third plate of fish & chips. This one was the best of the whole night. This was finally more the quality I'm used to from Duke of Perth.....so I guess the lesson learned is don't go if it is busy at all? I was really upset that they quoted such an inaccurate time, and that they called us and didn't end up seating us. The poor quality sealed the deal.....I'm not sure I can go back :(
(2)Jessica S.
I love everything about Duke of Perth from the backyard patio, the mouth watering fish and chips, to the great beer list. A great neighborhood hang out.
(5)Kathy L.
I hear this place has an amazing selection of whiskey, but don't ask me about whiskey, because I don't know a darn thing. What I do know is fried food and damnnnnnn does this place deliver!!! The fish and chips here are amazing, not just best in the city but best I have ever had!! Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat (which is pretty dangerous). I prefer Monday, which is two for one entrees...my friend and I used to come here and get a salad and fish and chips and split both. We would get the fried food fix and some veggies mixed in there. They also have an amazing appetizer, the fried veggie mix. Other things are good here but I can only review on what I know and this is where I go for fried food. I will be sad to leave Chicago because I am almost certain that I will never find another fried food place like this again. Another thing about this place that I love - I can actually come here and talk to people. There aren't TVs anywhere and the music is never horrendously loud.
(5)Michael H.
I've been in Lakeview for 10 years and visited for the first time. A very cozy restaurant perfect for this chilly time of year. Hearty fare and an extensive scotch list. Try the Scottish burger with an egg and red pepper. Goes perfect with a Bass Ale. Also a good spot to go to before catching a movie at the Landmark Theater on Diversey and Clark.
(4)Kevin T.
Great pub food. Burgers, fish & chips, Shepard's pie. Awesome collection of whisky and brews!
(5)Daniel A.
Peas and Scots! What more could you ask for? In a city that is inundated with 'authentic' Irish pubs that consist of nothing more than 20 TVs and a wooden sign out front, The Duke of Perth is a breath of fresh air. Beware though, if you want a Guinness they only serve it in a can. The good news is that they have their own stout that is amazing.
(4)James B.
I had a great experience here, when I was just looking for some mediocre bar food. I entered despite (or because of) the unassuming storefront, since there was an advertised "all you can eat fish and chips" special. I was not disappointed. This was some very good beer-battered fried fish, served with fries and peas. I also got a Belhaven Scottish Stout, which went well with the food, and had possibly the best texture of any stout I've gotten. While I only stopped in for a quick dinner with friends, I look forward to coming back here sometime soon to try some different food and drinks. It looked like there was an extensive Scotch selection behind the bar, and I'm interested in the "stovies" that could be had as a side in lieu of fries.
(4)Nicolette D.
Unlike wine aficionados, if your a Scotch drinker it's hard to find a place that does flights. You must come here. They have several flights of 3 Scotches each priced between $19-$30 available. Each collection has a laminated guide to help you identify what your tasting. We ordered the "Duke's Malt Goggles" and lunch. Server was a pro, food was great & we bought 2 out of the 3 we tried afterwards. This place is precious, one of the few places that exist where a Scotch drinker is appreciated. I also didn't think a bars without TV's blaring even existed, how refreshing! A perfect winter afternoon.
(5)Angela J.
I have a disease. I am a yelp addict. If I find myself in a new neighborhood, I turn to yelp rather than explore on my own. I figure, life is short, I'd rather know I'm going to eat well. But then again, there's something to be said for a sense of adventure... I'll be adventurous tomorrow... Duke of Perth had great reviews and was a half mile from the bar I was at for a birthday, I headed over w/ a few friends w/ hopes for some decent late night food and a drink or two. Holy scotch flights and veggie fries! We sat down minutes before the kitchen was closing and opted for a few appetizers, the mini burgers w/ au jus were definitely an elevation on the traditional slider and I was impressed. The draught beer list is short but all encompassing and the scotch list seems impressive (I'm waiting a few more years before honing my scotch habit). Definitely a great neighborhood place that's a step above a traditional bar food scene.
(4)Joe S.
This is my favorite bar to go to in the neighborhood. No TV's, nice laid back atmosphere with people sitting around and talking at normal adult levels, and best of all great Scotch and Beer. The bartender will know a great deal about the Scotch menu so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations if you're new. The food is also fantastic too, and I recommend their hot wings which have a nice crispy fried coating + a delicious hot buffalo sauce. Would recommend this place to anyone who travels to Lakeview looking for a place to hangout. 5 stars.
(5)Magneto L.
I'm not much for fish, but the rest of the food is great, the scotch selection amazing, and the people that work there are awesome. I almost took away a star for no tv's, but I guess that is some people's thing, and probably a welcome refuge from the cub fan idiots that stumble south into our fine neighborhood....
(5)William Laurence P.
Great little place! I always feel like an ex-pat in Dublin, yet somehow I always step back out onto North Clark street. Love Muffin & I enjoy it for date night. My favorite experience was getting there early one autumn evening after a day of holiday shopping and running into a friend who was also having supper solo at DoP. We had a warm, cozy meal and a great scotch flight, next to the fireplace & and most importantly before it gets standing room only. Love the fish fry and scotch! Bangers & Mashed ain't so bad either. Enjoy! Satya, WLP3
(5)Jenny R.
They had me at 'hard cider on tap'. How could I not fall head over heels for you, Duke? The Shepard's pie is always delicious and the service here is friendly. Everything I've eaten here has been perfection. I've never been able to actually make it in the door for the all you can eat fish-n-chips nights though. There are so many others waiting. Someday we'll be together again, Duke.
(4)Marvin A.
Went here during NYE. It also fell on a day that they had an unlimited fish and chips special. Service: For a pub, it was exceptional. Our waitress accommodated our urgency for a quick bite before going to a NYE party before the countdown. Food: The fish and chips... well... were fish and chips. You can't really screw that up. And no please don't recommend me a place that will prove me wrong. My sister found the chips underneath the fish did not suit her taste since they were soggy and greasy. Libations: This was the first time I tried a dark stout. DELICIOUS. Beer milkshake? Yes please. I would definitely come back here if only to try out their other beers.
(4)Caty H.
Been here a lot, and always love it! 1st) Twisted Thistle, I love you. This ale is amazing! I can't find it anywhere nearer to me, in Wicker Park... But I'm not sure I'd want to because... 2nd) Their fish and chips are 100% beer battered goodness. These are the best fish and chips I've ever had, and yes I've been to the UK... these are like a good spin on British food! Dip them in a little of their tartar sauce, and you'll be singing praises to this place with me. 3rd) The service is unsurpassed. Granted, one of the bartenders is in a theatre company with a friend of mine, so she's a connection... Still, I see them giving the same impeccable service to everyone. Guys... Duke of Perth, go there NOW! You will not be sorry you did!
(4)Sara E.
The fish & chips here are yummy, so yummy, in fact, that I am refusing to go back tonight for MORE fish & chips because it's all-you-can-eat fish & chips night and crazy fish & chips people will crowd in to eat fish & chips. Fish & chips.
(4)Amanda C.
Don't judge this place by its cover. On the outside it looks ok- honestly, I probably wouldn't have stopped in here without reading the positive yelp reviews first. You would never know it's a super cozy Scottish restaurant/bar with great food and atmopshere. Upon arrival, we were initially told there would be a 15 minute wait and we could sit at the bar which had plenty of open seats, but the table was ready in about a minute. Every Wednesday and Friday they have all you can eat fish and chips for $9.95, which is a DEAL, and I couldn't even finish one plate. You can observe Lent all year long! The fish, fries, peas and tartar sauce were all delicious and they also have a great beer selection at moderate prices. Enjoyed the old pictures and items on the walls, including the stuffed goat head wearing sunglasses. I definitely want to come back here and try some of their other options.
(4)Jamie B.
If I have a hankering for fish and chips, Duke of Perth is definitely where I'm headed. It's the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago and I can't fail to mention that 2 days a week (Weds, Fri) it is all you can eat! The batter on the fish is not too heavy and it doesn't get soggy. Just the perfect amount of crisp with a quality piece of fish. Oh and the fact they give you peas (which actually taste great), make you feel slightly less guilty for stuffing your face with a bunch of fried food. Unlike some places that do all you can eat fish n' chips, they actually will come back to your table in a timely fashion to see if you'd like more, ask if you want both fish and fries, and not judge you if you eat more than the average person. I like the feel of the place as well. It's pretty cozy with the dim lighting and dark wood interior, which is so nice during the long winters. In the summer they open up a back patio which is nice as well, but nothing special.
(5)Risa P.
The plan: to get here early on a Friday night for the fish and chips and beat the crowds The realization: It is a Friday during Lent. Oops. The crowds were there and in full force, babies everywhere. We had to wait about an hour (even after they told us it was a half an hour wait) and we were kind of squished in the doorway or near the bar. That part was pretty crappy. You felt like you were watching other people eat and were part of their dining experience. Blah. We sat down and were quickly served the fish and chips. The food was good--both the fish and chips were piping hot and fried to their all glory. The chocolate stout was good. The waiter was nice. We were also able to get a different side besides peas. The cucumber salad was delish! However, you can only get the peas as a refill as part of the all you can eat. I wanted more cucumber salad! The food and service was good, it was too squished and to in and out for my liking. My parents were in town and it would have been nice to have a slower relaxed evening with them, without feeling like you were being pushed away. Especially after an hour wait. My sister, who lives in Australia, is already wanting to come here when she comes to the States for a month. We may go here or I may try to put something else on tap.
(3)James B.
Great little patio out back.
(5)Luan N.
I went on a Monday when they have 2 for 1 entrees. I ordered the fish n chips, accompanied by Tennents lager, which was something I had regularly when I stayed in Edinburgh. Portions were enough, but nothing like the portions you get in the pubs in the UK. Sometimes you can get a cod fillet as long as 14 in. The thing that annoyed me the most about the dish was, the batter kept sliding off the meat. The taste of the batter was just not right and was soggy as well. I've had fish n chips at least on 30 different occasions anywhere from London to Iverness. For a pub that prides itself on being Scottish, I was expecting a little more. Even my UK buddy concurred with my opinion. So, it's no doubt a great deal. But, if you're looking for really good fish n chips, I don't think it's representative. I give the dish 2 stars, but adding an extra star for having Tennents and a decent beer garden.
(3)Susan L.
Duke of Perth still tops my list of cozy places in the city! If you order food, get a side of the mustard-tarragon salad dressing and put it on EVERYTHING. You will leave with no regrets! Thanks for being such a reliable and delicious place, Duke of Perth!
(5)Tia T.
I may not remember a lot from my Catholic school days, just the essentials. Glad to say that the Duke of Perth has been instrumental in helping me observe the great tradition of eating FISH on FRIDAY! All of the fish and chips and peas you care to devour are yours for $10 bucks...and don't forget the tarter sauce and vinegar. Ya heard! Good, greasy, simple cod fish and chips. Add a pint of Guinness or Strongbow cider and you're in heaven! It may in fact be as close as I get to the promise land, but Sister Therese Mary would still be proud.
(4)Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday around 5pm. It was nice and quiet (which is perfect), but not deserted. The staff were friendly and helpful. Beer selection was decent. All you can eat fish and chips was good. If you've every actually been to a Scottish pub, you know that this isn't particularly authentic, but it avoids theme-y-ness enough to be enjoyable. They did play cheesy bagpipe music until someone told them to turn it off. The one thing that did bother me was that they started to lead us to a table when we walked in. I know this sound stupid, but I think pub, I think you sit where you like, you order food at the bar and they bring it to you. I guess this American remnant is too hard to let go of.
(4)Green D.
I had the bacon cheese burger and skins. The meal was average pub grub, IMO. Atmosphere was great. Service average. Food average. Beer selection was above average. Scotch selection looked great!
(3)Kar M.
The problem with places that have an unlimited anything is that I have no self-control. You say "all you can eat," I tearfully reply "I can eat all." So even though they have this amazing-sounding potato-leek business, I am helplessly drawn to the AYCE fish & chips, eating well beyond comfort, finishing off husband's peas, being a hero for the table when the most recent crispy additions threaten to go to waste. It's good enough. But lord teach me moderation. Beer selection is humble yet solid, but then you came for the scotch. Service is spot on for the atmosphere. I'll try again, when I'm stronger.
(3)Katya L.
I've been coming here off and on for a while. The fish and chips are quite nice, and for a bar they do a mean salad. But really, come here for the whiskey and beer. They do a nitro pour of Belhaven's Wee Heavy that does not disappoint. Ever. I will always love the Duke of Perth because they are a cozy, wood-paneled bar with no televisions. NONE. Respect.
(4)Meade M.
First let me say that The Duke is my favorite local pub, I go there to eat lunch, dinner, have a few drinks, and to sit and study. The Duke of Perth, almost has it nailed, it's almost perfect. Where they have seriously fallen down on the job is food and non alcoholic hot drinks. The Good: Their lunch/dinner menu is very good if uninspiring, the fried mac and cheese bites are fantastic. The coffee The beer The Bad: The desserts leave a lot to be desired, they all taste frozen, and the choices aren't very interesting. They don't have milk for the coffee only cream, which makes no sense. Their hot tea selection is terrible. They should really consider serving brunch on the weekends, they open at noon Saturday and Sunday and they would do some very good business if they started serving a full Scottish and maybe some oatmeal and pancakes. This is a young neighborhood and there aren't many places to get some good greasy hangover cure eggs and bacon, not to mention a mimosa.
(4)Elizabeth M.
I love this place! It's cozy in winter (esp. if you get a table by one of the fireplaces), and it's great in the summer (huge outdoor patio). The fish and chips are yummy, and they have a nice selection of beer and whiskey. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (maybe two) to be seated on a Friday night, esp. during Lent. You will be told "about 20 minutes", but I think they really mean an hour plus "about 20 minutes". I've been coming here for years, so I'm used to the drill. It's well worth the wait though, so just grab a beer or a hot buttered rum, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait. :)
(4)Kat L.
No frills, great food, easy location. I've read some of the other reviews saying that the service isn't great, that the place is loud... Yeah, it's a bar. Not everything in Chicago has a to be frou-frou pain in the ass. If you want a great hoppy beer selection and amazing food for a reasonable price, go to Duke of Perth. If you want a pain in the ass place with lovely decor, crummy food, and a large bill, go to Lula Cafe.
(4)Anna H.
I've been a few times, and always had a great experience. The beer selection is lovely and I hear the whiskey and scotch collection is stellar, though I haven't tried it out yet. Last night, after ordering a Belhaven Wee Heavy and a Guiness, the server brought me a sample of what he thought I might want to drink next, just because he felt like it. I love that...he made my friend and me feel special without being over-attentive, and we both tried new beers that we might not have otherwise. Also, there was a secondary waiter who kept our water glasses topped off all night long, which really meant a lot to me this morning when I woke up without a headache! I also had the 'All You Can Eat' fish & chips special last night...heavenly. They could have given me more fries to start out with, but I ate way too much to complain. I love that they keep malt vinegar on the table, too, as that's a must-have in my book when you're talking fried fish. The only thing I don't like is the lighting in the rear (indoor) part of the restaurant. It's just a tiny bit too bright, but too dim to be well-lit - so you can read your menu, but it's still not the most comfortable place to drink more than a few beers. Then again, I guess that's why the bar exists!
(4)Jerry B.
Really nice, cozy Scottish pub. Good Belhaven beer. Had the LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysilioÂgogogoch for the appetizer. Very good, kind of like an Awesome Blossom, but less messy. Had fish and chips and fish po-boy. Both fried perfectly. Efficient, friendly service. No TV screens makes the place adds to the friendly atmosphere. Definitely would return, maybe before/after a Cubs game.
(5)Alex F.
This is one of my favorite restobars in Chicago. They have, by far, the best scotch selection in the city. I really like the option of scotch flights on the back of the scotch menu. It's a great idea. The food is pretty good and there is a nice little patio in the back. Drawbacks? The bar is wayyyyyyyyyyy too small. The atmosphere is kind of weird. It kindof feels like a bar, but it seems to get treated more like a restaurant. I don't think the owners really wanted to decide what it was, so it's a hybrid, which I dont really like. I don't know... go and decide for yourself. Try the Islay flight.
(4)steve b.
We've lived about 3 blocks from this place for 5 years and walked, driven, and rode by it countless times - but finally went for dinner tonight, and it was absolutely great. Good atmosphere, great food, nice people - we'll absolutely be back soon.
(5)Melissa D.
One word can sum up Duke of Perth! Wow! My boyfriend and I went out on an adventure one Friday night to find somewhere new to eat. We ended up walking right into Duke of Perth. What a fabulous find! The beer selections were great. The prices seem pretty fair. I had a Belhaven Scottish Ale. It was perfect. I think my boyfriend had a Miller Lite. Can't go wrong there. They have the best fish fry I've had in quite awhile. My boyfriend ordered the All You Can Eat Fish Fry and it was under 10 bucks. I was uber impressed. I still am. It was just that good. I believe it came with peas and fries. Not too sure about the peas, but the fries were great. I ordered a burger. It wasn't just your ordinary burger either. It was amazing. It had a horseradish crust, which I've never had before.To tell you the truth I haven't even heard of that before. But, YUM! The burger was huge, the fries were really good too! Especially if you dipped them in the vinegar that comes with the fish! Our service was a bit on the slow side, however, the place was packed and it seemed she had a pretty large section. The server did get our beers to us pretty quickly though. Two thumbs up for that. Im not really into the whole scotch and whiskey scene, but from what I can remember there was like 100 of them or so to choose from, for all of you malt snobs. We will definitely be back, Duke of Perth.
(5)Steve M.
Fish and chips? Check. All you can eat? Whaaaaaa??? This place is great. It's got great atmosphere, and whiskey flights! It made me feel like I was in Scotland. Oh yea, all you can eat fish and chips is crazy, yo.
(4)Karyn K.
Duke of Perth is a cozy and fun pub, where people were crowding in on a cold and snowy night. With a table in the back, we were left to eat and drink and enjoy ourselves! I am not a big fish person, so I turned down the Fish and Chips, but most people in Duke of Perth were eating the Fish and Chips (all you can eat special on Friday). I had the Sean Connery burger (no bun) and added the chipotle sauce from another sandwich (yum!). I also had the steamed veggies on the side. There are some servers that look very annoyed when you make changes like this, but this waitress wanted to make sure that I had made all the changes I wanted! This is a great place and I can't believe I waited so long to check out a place in my neighborhood! Can't wait to head back!
(4)Will D.
I love the Duke and always bring friends,especially on ayce fish and chips nights. Unfortunately the crowd can be brutal, especially in the winter, but if you go a little early or after the rush, you can feast and drink hearty stouts and feel like you're worlds away from Chicago. In fact, it really does feel odd to come out of this pub into the modern world after spending a few hours here. There are lots of knickknacks that seem genuine, not faux, and the tables and lingo add to the pub atmosphere. The fish is amazing--crispy batter and tender filets, with thick chips and peas. To be honest I don't think I've ever had anything else here, but the shepherd's pie looks good. The selection of beers, ales, stouts, and whiskeys is terrific, and it's easy to try a different variety every time. I've been here many times and have always enjoyed it although the wait can be horrendous and there's nowhere to stand while you're waiting. If they could figure that out, this would be my idea of pub heaven.
(4)Jean C.
Since it is Lent and all, I am trying to be a good Catholic and not have meat on Fridays. So what's a girl to eat? Fish and chips of course! I had my eye on this place for some time and thought today would be the perfect opportunity to go. We arrived around 7pm and yes, I know it is prime time for dinner. I put our name on the list and was told it would be about an hour and half. Well, much to our surprise, it was only 45 minutes! Yay! We got a table in the back room which was quieter than the bar area. We ordered the fish and chips and it came out fairly quickly. The fish was hot, lightly fried, flaky and delicious. We got two big strips along with fries and peas. The peas were ok. They were cold and I could have done without. After eating all of my fish, most of the fries and a little of my peas, I was done. So much for all you can eat! My cousin had an extra helping of the fish but my husband and I had to throw in the proverbial towel. The portion size is perfect and the service was spot on. The busboy filled our water glasses even if the glass was mostly full. I would definitely come back for their fish and chips special. I think I may try Wednesday and hope that it's less crowded. But I doubt it.
(4)Leon I.
The dangerous combination of the two phrases "All you can eat." and "Deep-fried food" makes Wendsdays and Fridays at Duke of Perth something to avoid. And I avoid it by showing up and making a food baby. The Fish 'n' Chips at Duke of Perth are not the best Fish 'n' Chips I've had. But because like most Americans I easily confuse quality with quantity, I'm happy to squelch any complaints I might have with a second helping. Now to be fair, the quality of the F'n'Cs at D.O.P. is not abysmal. It's actually quite good for a North American chipper. The fish is always served hot and not too greasy, but it really needs to be salted, vinegared and tarter saused to get at much flavor. The chips are... ok. I don't remember ever going to a chipper in Scotland (Which is presumably the standard at Duke Of Perth), but I lived around the corner from the legendary Burdick's in Dublin at one time. So that becomes my standard, and D.O.P. is no Burdick's. But where Burdick's has the quality in terms of the food, Duke Of Perth is a pub with some excellent beer, and flights of single malt Scotch. There's nothing like a buzz to season almost any food, and that goes doubly for unlimited amounts of a fried food. I do have to also laud Duke Of Perth for a convivial atmosphere. Every time I've been there I've enjoyed the room, and been able to enjoy my companions without a lot of the loud obnoxious down-sides of places that use the term 'Pub." This is a good Pub! Not a great chipper! I think that's fair and as advertised... I'll be back.
(3)P S.
Hiding from the law? On a date with a fugly? Hit up the Duke because no one will see you in there. Forget bringing a book to this bar unless you have one o' them cool book lights (or want to sit in the brighter back room). Joint is dark! Ok anyway, as I often say about fish and chips, either I've never had it done right or I just don't like it - but the Duke's version had been on my radar for years and I finally was able to put them to the test. They upped the ante a bit as their fish was perfectly battered and tasty so that's a good thing, but really... fish and chips are fish and chips, shrug. The potato skins were standard, the fried mac & cheese thingies were ok but I wouldn't get them again. I don't know... there's nothing about DoP that would make me have to go back unless perhaps I was in the area and looking for a pint.
(3)Alex F.
What first brought me into Duke of Perth is that I heard somewhere (perhaps on Yelp? hm?) that they don't have any TVs. There's something admirable about an old-school joint that refuses to sell out and litter their dive-bar walls with bright, loud, seizure-inducing gigantic flat screens that look more out of place than Gary Bucey in a convent. The idea is to retain the concept behind a neighborhood tavern: A place where you can go to relax, have a few beers, and - wait for it, this is the shocker - TALK to people. Maybe even people you DON'T KNOW. Oh, the horror! We hung out in the beer garden, which is freshly painted and walled off from the alleys and other houses so it's got a nice, cozy atmosphere. They serve Real Actual Beer, which I availed myself of the opportunity to drink. There was only one stupid beer on tap (PBR), so they're doing pretty well. Ended up talking with a couple of guys who were apparent regulars at this establishment until I had to go to work. They informed me that the fish and chips are, in fact, worth the hype. I'll trust them on that and come back to try them next time.
(5)Sarah Beth B.
I love Fish and Chips! And since this was AWESOME fish and chips, and I don't know any other place in Chicago that has fish and chips, all my fish-loving stars are going to Duke of Perth. We went on a Wednesday all-you-can-eat night, and though we expected a long wait, we were seated immediately (for inside. There was a wait for the back patio). The atmosphere at Duke of Perth is awesome-- no TV's! The music wasn't too loud, the wooden furniture was warm and inviting, and clearly lots of people were easily engaged in real conversation. And the fish! mmmm. Crispy and fresh with lots of fries, and peas! Restaurants never serve peas, and since they're one of my favorite veggies, a full star goes just to the peas. I was pretty stuffed after about a piece and a half of fish, but my date ordered another round, just cause we could. Mmmmm. Even if we'd had to wait, it would have totally been worth it.
(5)Erika K.
I first thought this place would be just another corny celtic pub, but it turned out to be a pretty cool place. They have a really unique selection of scottish beer and whisky flights! I ordered the scotch burger which was really tasty and it was a nice sized portion with fries. I'm tempted to go back and try the bangers and mash.
(3)Colin G.
This place has been consistently amazing every time.
(5)Katherine S.
I will say that the food was decent, the beer was amazing and the service sucked. It's "all you can eat" fish and chips...but when you ask for seconds, they question you to high hell. My boyfriend ordered a second round only to get the 3rd degree in disbelief that he could "actually" eat more. I swear he was scowled at when the bartender actually brought him a second helping. He explained that they had to ask bc there was such a waste of food in the past with the "all you can eat" theme... SO WHY OFFER IT? It took forever for us to be served and, I must say, the waitress (who had been the bartender when we walked in, but switched to the floor) gave us both the creeps. As I said the beer was really great though!
(2)S-Guard M.
I was a big fan of Duke of Perth... I use to eat and drink at the old Earls of Lockness. I got the Shepherds pie for dinner, it was more like an appetizer. A very small portion. The entree Is served in a medium size chilly crock, you also get a side of peas.. I'm still hungry, but I'm so disappointed at the moment i can't look at the menu again. The overall taste was fair, usually ground meat when not seasoned enough taste, well like unseasoned ground meat. Their fish & chips night is worth coming to.
(2)Elizabeth B.
I caught so much shit for my last review of DoP that I decided to try again. Tonight was the night: $0.50 jumbo wing night! My mate and I began with a basket of chips (fries) and 10 wings split half-and-half BBQ and buffalo. The chips were limp and soggy and really disappointing. The wings were huge and meaty and juicy BUT the sauce was only average. I expected the buffalo and BBQ sauces to be more flavorful and tangy but instead they were simply mediocre. There was nothing really special or memorable about them. The bleu cheese dressing was the most disappointing thing about the meal. I prefer potent bleu cheese flavor. It tasted like they "homemade" it by throwing a few bleu cheese crumbles into some mayo. I think it's really cool that the wings are so big but DoP is doing themselves a huge disservice by using cheap-tasting bland-tasting sauces. If I were just looking for big portions, I'd go to Old Country Buffet but I am looking for good food. I would expect someplace like DoP to really pack a punch with big flavors. This is the second time I have visited DoP and the last time I will allow this place to leave me underwhelmed. I won't be back.
(2)StereoKiller P.
This place has a FANTASTIC single malt selection, and as a bonus... it seems that the staff is actually trained on it, which is quite rare. The food is also quite good. Good beer selection and if you go in the summer you can eat on the patio which wins because you can't see the busy street while you eat. Those are the good points. The Duke of Perth does lose a star to me because it tends to be insanely crowded. When you wait for a table, the odds are that you'll be standing in the middle of the dining area to wait, which feels a bit strange. They also removed the curried beef from the menu, which was the best thing on it!
(4)Heather R.
Beer was delicious, but the food wasn't that fantastic, and the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing.
(3)Lola T.
Duke of Perth was quite an enjoyable, unique and delicious adventure! The inside was dimly lit and mysterious. Wooden seats, white lights and fireplaces. I would definitely consider this a fun date restaurant. I was pleased with the warm atmosphere, unique selection of beers on tap, all you can eat fish and chips and exciting scotch flight adventures. We were seated in wooden booth in the middle corner of the restaurant, best spot in the house! I started off the evening with a Scottish Lager on tap, delish! Of course we ordered the all you can eat fish and chips. I only ate 1 serving, but they were very good and I'm a sucker for french fries (which were awesome). The fish and chips also come with peas, which I proceeded to get all over the table. Now to the scotch adventures....We ordered two different scotch flights, Sherry Amour and For Peats Sake. I never had a scotch flight before last night. It was a lot of fun learning and tasting different scotches and experiencing the flavors/scents you go through with each one. Good stuff all around:) I will definitely be back!
(5)Jay R.
Great fish & chips and friendly service I had been wanting fish and chips for a while. Although I tried to time my craving with the all-you-can-eat special on Wednesdays and Fridays, we ended up going on a Tuesday. My wife and I started with Tennants lager as recommended by our server. It went great with all the food we had and we had a lot. The portions are healthy. Then we ordered the Haggis wings and asked that they be cooked a little extra to make sure they were crispy and the sauce be served on the side. My wife loves dipping sauces and the larger the variety, the better. I asked the waitress for honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo sauces. The wings came out perfect to order. And to our surprise she had included ranch and blue cheese on the plate. We had a good laugh at the vast selection of sauces. Then she remembered she had forgotten her favorite one, tarragon mustard. Indeed, it was very good. A few minutes later another waitress walked by and said, "your missing our best sauce!" She brought out a delicious chipotle sauce. We had so many dipping sauces and appreciates the effort and kindness everyone took to make our dinner memorable and fun. We both ordered fish and chips. The fish was crispy with just the right amount of crunchy crust. The fish was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Numerous times I found myself not dipping the fish into any of the numerous sauces (by this point we had also acquired tartar sauce, ketchup, and vinegar) as I did not want to hide the delightful flavor... Can you believe that! I think it's the best fish & chips in the city, although our fries had mixed reviews. Mine were crispy and crunchy and stayed that way throughout the meal. However, my wife's were a bit soggy. Not a big deal though since she had the cucumber salad as well and really enjoyed it. My suggestion is request the fries well-done and on a separate plate, if you really want them crispy. If your a scotch drinker you will enjoy the scotch flights that the Duke of Perth offers. The flights are served on a little wooden trays so its easy to keep the different tastings apart. Another thing I liked is how each flight is served with a explanation card that points out what to look for in each scotch. The cards are cool as it really helps to understand the more subtle flavors and smells of each different scotch.
(5)Meredith B.
Went here with some friends on a Friday night, and I was pleasantly surprised! This pub had such an authentic vibe - no TVs, just antlers on the wall and specials like "hot toddy" written on a chalkboard. We were even able to get a table on a weekend! I had their hard cider on tap, which was very good - and I'm just generally impressed about all their British Isles beers. Such a nice change from the usual bar selection. The food smelled delicious, I'd love to come back for fish 'n' chips. It was a great place to have a casual evening with friends and some really great beer. You get the feeling that real British people would actually come here....
(4)Kwoky L.
I am amazed at their selection of Scotch. You can literally get one from every region of Scotland. I also like the all-you-can-eat fish and chips for about $10 on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last time I ate there, I had five fish fillets. I can kinda taste that the fish was previously frozen but there's no fishy smell and quite nice overall for that price.The chips and peas are not my favorite though. I've had better. Don't miss the fried leeks. They are delicious!
(3)Sara A.
Duke...Duke...Duke.... Duke of Perth....Perth...Perth I really, really, really like this bar, I just wish it was closer to me. Went there last Friday night with my friend around 10pm for some scotch and whiskey drinks and some fish and chips. The hot toddy was strong and citrus-y and the fish crispy, just the way I like it. We got a table right away in the place, where the decor is warm and inviting, and it has a fireplace. The wait staff was a little slow, but they were busy with some large groups in the back. Overall, great place that's not pretentious to hang with friends
(4)Mary M.
A lovely, lovely pub! In summer there is the back patio and Tennant's lager; in winter it's delightfully cozy and dim with your double chocolate stout. The Murrayfield Mac never fails to make me happy. Come here with friends; come alone and read a good book at the bar. Just get in there before everyone else does. Cannot forget to mention my favorite feature of this bar: NO TV's. AT ALL. The Duke of Perth is heaven in a pub.
(5)Dane K.
Good inexpensive food... Almost everything on their menu is under $10. On Wednesday and Friday they have unlimited fish and chips ($10). We went on a Friday... I wasn't really all that hungry even, but ordered the fish and chips.. Service all around was on the slowwww side. It took a long time to get our food, particularly considering we ordered fish and chips, which is what 60% of the people there were eating as well... The kitchen should've just been churning it out, but they weren't... Later we were asked if we wanted more fish, and about 20 minutes later got it. Fish and chips themselves were good... (first batch of fries needed salt). I've had many other fish and chips that were in the "just as good" category, but that's not to detract that the fact that theirs were good. They also serve up peas with them. After that our waiter disappeared... we had other things to do, so I had to literally go stand by the cash register to get my check and pay it. Their outdoor patio is decent and a bit bigger than expected. We showed up at 9pmish on a Friday night and got a table without waiting. They seemed to allow customers to smoke in it, though, which I don't quite understand, and if I had smelled it I would've had a real issue with everyone involved.
(4)Collin G.
I want to like The Duke of Perth, I really do. I went there one night with my wife after a movie. Very cozy place, great selection of beer, Single Malt Scotch Whisky and what looks like a nice food menu. Now to my concerns: "Dear Bar Staff: You work at a Scottish Pub, yeah? If a customer asks, "Do you have haggis?" please do not respond by insulting the dish (and thereby insulting the customer). You may or may not be a vegetarian (not a big deal). You may or may not have ever had haggis (probably not). A polite, "No, sorry." would suffice. I don't need to witness your histrionics while you lecture me about a food you know nothing about. Sincerely, Collin G." The bar itself really is cozy. In this instance, the staff: not so much.
(3)Jonathan C.
Nice old time feel to the inside Fireplace is a great touch Wed and Friday is all you can eat fish n chips for 9.50 They have amazing scotch flights. You can sample various areas of Scotland for a decent price. It is amazing. I love Scotch
(5)Eric L.
2 for food, 5 for scotch selection. i generally don't boost ratings just because people own more bottles in their collection, but duke of perth is a scotch bar and that's their thing.
(3)Amanda S.
Love the Duke of Perth. I will admit that my boyfriend and I sought it out. It's considered the last real Scottish pub in Chicago. My boyfriend is off the boat Scottish so naturally we had to try it out. It was great. They have a great range of beers and gave me more Belhaven options then I'd ever expect (Get the twisted thistle if it's still on tap it's amazing). The food was also worthy of a trip back. I had a veggie sandwich but I will go back for the fish and chips apparently they are the best in the city. We sat at the bar but was shocked to see how busy they restaurant was on a monday night. The bartender was nice and we never felt rushed. We must have sat there for 3 hours. There are no TVs which was great it forced us to talk to the people around us. It was a great experience and we will be going back.
(5)Dylan F.
Not like this place needs another great review but I feel that a place this authentic deserves it's dues. It is the only place in the Lakeview neighborhood that I feel totally comfortable walking into alone and sitting down at the little bar and unwinding. Drinking alone is not for the faint of heart--especially when there are no TV's in sight. (people who got to a bar alone then stare glassy-eyed at a TV get no props from me--they might as well be at home) Duke creates a space that feels comfortable, subdued, friendly--and I daresay, wholesome. Much has been said about the offerings--they are stellar and complete the appeal of the place for me. But I go more for the atmosphere.
(4)Erin B.
'eh..I thought this was gonna be the best place ever based on the Yelp reviews. Thank God for good company, otherwise I would have been one crabby Yelper! My friend and I were sat at a "tight fit" table(that's how the waitress described it, and boy was she right!), and were crammed in the corner. Didn't mind though, cause my namesake and I had a good time despite this! Had a burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had. I might stop back, but only if someone insisted.
(3)Kimberly D.
I can't tell you about the food- all I can do is comment on the HORRIBLE service. Friday night 7 pm, we get there to quite a crowd waiting. Of course people waiting, is always a sign of good food, right? We've got approximately 3 hours until we have to catch a show, so when we ask the "hostess"(I use that term loosely, more like a condescending, power- hungry seater) we ask "how long is the wait?" she replies flatly, "20-40 minutes". We've got 20 minutes so we tell her "I guess we'll just wait outside". It's chilly outside, but there is absolutely no where to wait inside the place. We can't even get a drink. We are huddled outside, standing in an ally watching people come and go out of this place. After about 40 minutes of standing in the cold, we realize at least 40 minutes have passed....we send a member of our party to check the wait. She tells him, well I'm sorry sir, people just aren't moving, yet we hear her keep telling new people the same thing, when they ask how long is the wait..."20-40 minute wait"...I said to her "why do you keep telling people that?? It's no where NEAR 20-40 minute wait! In fact, it's now 8:30 and we are STILL waiting. Now we are too invested to go anywhere else, it's too late to go anywhere else, and our show starts in an hour. The hostess was snotty, she snickered and shrugged her shoulders when we told her how long we've waited. She clearly could not care less if we ever got seated, or if we ever came back. I would NEVER go back. There are too many choices to eat at wonderful restaurants in our great City. No body has to stand in the cold for sub par looking fried fish....with a side of " snide".
(1)Carolynne M.
I am dreaming, right? I am curled up in my warm bed, cats next to me, my mind foggily switching between unconciousness and semi-lucidity. I say this because this cant be for real..... -The Duke of Perth got a hard core fish hater to eat fish? -And not just ate it, but LIKED it? ENJOYED it? Oh no, this must be imagined! Although I dont think even my bizarre dream-center could concoct something as outre as this! It's true though. The Duke of Perth made a fish even Andy M will eat, and MAY ORDER FOR HIMSELF next time! Folks, I dont know even how to begin to tell you how monumental this is. This gives hope to us all! I can now see the day ahead of us when fish eaters and non fish eaters will unite! We shall sit at the same table, raising our chocolate stouts and proudly proclaiming victory over seafood debates! Oh Duke of Perth, thank you. Maybe it was the PBR batter that did it, who knows. I wont question it. Its a damn good fish and chips plate and you worked your magic. I am humbled and bow to your greatness!
(5)Norris A.
I happened to be in the area to meet some friends and we stumbled upon this tiny bar around lunchtime. A sign out front said there was "all you can eat fish and chips" inside so we stampeded through the door. It's a pokey little place,not plush or hip but has a welcoming lived-in character and was cosy on a winter's afternoon. It is Scottish themed and so there are plenty of Scottish beers and whiskies and menu suggestions. Fish and chips drew us through the door...all you can eat for $10 and all four of us ordered just that (as we share one brain) There were also peas included which adds some color. While some of my group are adventurous and ordered Scottish Ale I asked for a big sudsy draft Guinness. When I was told by the solo friendly waitress that it was only available in cans I had to weigh up my options....go to another bar to find it and talk to my friends via cell phone or suck it up and deal with it like a man? I ordered a "draught" Guinness but only on the condition that she would keep the fact that it was from a can to herself and keep me in the dark. Off she went. I know a thing or two about fish and chips as I am from the U.K and I know it tastes better with a Guinness. British parents see to it that their kids are well nourished and think nothing of spending 5 minutes to put a good meal on the table by going out to the fish and chip shop on the corner and bringing it back, wrapped in vinegar drenched newspaper. The kids get their Guinness in a sippy-cup if they are too young to pour their own. Anyway- back to the Duke of Perth. The drinks were going down a treat when the food came. Hot crunchy filets in a golden crisp light batter served with what appeared to be hand-cut fries with hints of skin here and there. Plenty of peas (not the mushy variety but rather garden peas). Vinegar was provided without asking which gets a thumbs-up. More beer! was the cry. I think only one of us needed more food after the first plate which proved to be "all you can eat" for three of us. A special word for the waitress- she ran the floor by herself and was constantly in motion and constantly in good humor. Fast, friendly, funny and efficient. Hard to ask for more. I can't talk about their other food choices but hope to try some on future visits. For now I am just happy to know there is some solid fish and chips available at a great price every Wednesday and Friday at the D.O.P.
(4)Dawn G.
I love this place for their food- their service is why they lose 1 star- The first time they were great- second, the waitress kind of threw the menus at us and seemed annoyed I didn't order a beer and needed a refill- but for their fish *unlimited* and no tv's..I can't complain and will always come back- even their burgers are great. I do have to say though- if you're a fan of that- the no tv''s and fish or great burgers go- it's so peaceful to be in a pub and not have to yell at my bf over tv's and sports neither of us care about. Their is street parking/downside sort of, but fairly easy...don't forget too they get packed on the fish nights!
(4)Jared B.
Duke's really doesn't need a review from me as everything has been stated, but it is one of my favorite pubs so it's goin down. As a lover of all whiskey this place is heaven. Their list is crazy big so you will not be disappointed. Their standard beer label is pretty good although I wish they had more options. The food is always good. I would recommend the fish fry or the Bruce Burger. I've been going here for over a year and have yet to get a table in the patio so can't really talk about it except that I really want to sit out there at some point! lol. I guess that shows how much people love the place. The bartenders and waitresses are always really nice and helpful. I salute the Duke!
(5)Lawrence Y.
Stopped in last night with a few friends who had recommended this place. I'm ALL ABOUT all-you-can-eat places! $10 for the fish & chips meal was not bad at all. For those of you who don't like green peas (I particularly can't eat peas alone), you have the option of getting steamed veggies which is what I opted for (carrots, broccoli, and caulliflower). The fries were standard, and the cod was good. I was full just after my second plate (probably like 6 or 7 pieces). I'd suggest coming here on an empty stomach if you really want to reap in on the AYCE madness. As for the service, I don't know what was going on with the server we had but she had a subtle biatchery going on. She totally called my friend fat. Oh, and soda refills are not free!
(3)Ayako M.
I tend to stay away from bars in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park vicinity...or any vicinity where I may run into frat house douchebags with popped collars. So I didn't really want to go to The Duke of Perth, which is conveniently located near the Landmark Cinema known for showing great foreign cinema and small run independent film...I figured I was too hopped up on my own importance at having seen a movie SO cutting edge, it would blow your mind away! I mean, my brain was like, three times its normal size due the massive amount of culture I had just taken in...then my companion said the magic words, "well, Wednesday is ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH AND CHIPS" and I was like, n00ch! The place was awesome, very chill and relaxed. Filled with all types of people just having a pint or a whiskey and enjoying the traditional Fish n' Chips with malt vinegar and mushy peas. Awesome selection of beers and of course whiskey. Friendly bartender, friendly patrons, lot's of dark wood and comfy bar stools, I can't ask for more!
(4)Dustin W.
This place makes me happy.
(5)Christine F.
This place has (arguably) the best fish and chips that i've had in the city. Mmm. I understand why it's always so crowded We got here on a cold, disgusting Chicago winter night. It was crowded as hell inside, but somehow, we snagged a table right by the window. Good timing, I suppose. We started off with "vegetable fries" as an appetizer (which are fried veggies) and they came with 3 dipping sauces: Sweet and sour, mustard and a curry like dipping sauce. It was really good. The veggie fries lacked a bit of salt, but that's an easily remedied problem! My fiance and myself both ordered the fish and chips, which came with fries and peas. It's a HUGE serving, we should have just split one. I wasn't even able to eat half of mine. It's a lot of fish. We then tottered off into the night, full of fish, beer and vegetable fries. Can life get much better?
(4)Kathryn M.
Nearly every Wednesday when trying to decide what to eat, my roomie and I give eachother the "wanna get fish and chips?" look. Because $10 for a big (and quite tasty - no frozen crap here) plate of fish, chips, and peas is a great deal in itself, but on Wednesdays it's All You Can Eat. And that's even better. Plus with this cold weather, the cozy and alluring fireplaces are just what you need to warm your body and soul. Well, that and the great line-up of scotches. :) This past Friday we were out with a group and we decided to hit up the Duke, and wow, I had never been here on a weekend!! The wait was an hour for a table, so be warned!!! Get here on a weekday if you can! After a couple of pre-dinner drinks at Jake's, we headed back over to the Duke to claim our table. I decided to opt out of the all-you-can-eat on this occasion, as I usually can only eat one plate anyway, and I got the Chicken Pot Pie instead. Be careful, because this thing comes out piping hot - I had to remove the puff pastry top and let the steam out for about 5 minutes before I was brave enough to take a bite! But it was a warm, comforting dish and I'd definitely get it again. Our server was great on this busy night, and she was did a good job anticipating the fish and chips refills so that no one had to wait for seconds. Awesome. I can't wait until the next Wednesday that we can do it all over again.
(4)Brandon S.
I love Scotch and I love cozy pubs, so a bar that mixes both of those elements should be awesome, right? Wrong. My friend and I ventured in here at about 11 pm of Satrurday night. Now, I realize this is a mostly chill bar, but this was a little scary. Everyone, from the patrons to the staff, looked pissed off to be there. After waiting about 15 minutes a waiter took our order. Then it took another 20 minutes to get our Scotch. Now perhaps the bartender had to crack open the casket of single malt himself and test for impurities, but it usally takes me about 10 seconds to pour a scotch. I opted for the 11 year old Oban, nothing special, tasted like every other decent scotch i've had. I don't know, perhaps it was the fact that the lights gave the place a weird tint, or the slow service. Or everyone looking at me like a had a SARS mask on, but next time I will just swill my usual bottle of Johnnie Walker Red in my apartment. It's cheaper, no one will judge me, and I don't have to put on pants. Btw, who orders food from a Scotch bar at 1130 pm on a Saturday?
(2)Carol J.
Best single malt scotch collection outside of Scotland for the love of Loch Ness. Awesome, authentic fish and chips (and I'm not a fishy lover), traditional Shepard's Pie and excellent hot toddies. I also have been known to enjoy some of the delicious ales available but that was back when I was a beer drinking hellion. Very warm and snug environment and always an engaging soul to warm your heart with a story with the ever so lilting brogue of the motherland.
(5)Aaron B.
The claim of best fish and chips in the city is highly debatable. I went here the other night with a friend and tried these infamous fish and chips. Not the best I have ever had. Somewhat soggy, very flaky, needed a fork to eat them and served with like 5 fries. When you get good fish and chips they should be thick enough for you to eat them with your fingers not fall apart as soon as you touch them. Also they should be served with a basket of chips not two. The beer I had was ok, but I was really unimpressed with the fact that I couldn't get a real black and tan here. I know its Scottish but seriously, Guinness not on tap? Come on.... The interior is very small and the table we sat at was termed 'a tight squeeze' by the waitress, this was being very kind. I didn't mind the small table though since good company can outweigh simple deficiencies like these. However, if you are going with someone you really don't want to talk to be sure to avoid the 'tight squeeze' table!
(3)Janet L.
This place is great! I go for the all-you-can-eat fish & chips even though I never need more than what they provide me on the first plate. Come hungry!! They also have a decent selection of beers (and I think other liquors), and the rest of the menu had some interesting and tasty-sounding entrees! I'd definitely come out here more often if it were more accessible (a bit of a walk from the El stop, especially since it's winter...), but a great spot nonetheless. It's super-crowded and busy, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors while waiting at the bar for your table.
(4)Brian W.
As the 363rd reviewer, I'm not sure what's left for me to say, other than I was wholly charmed by the atmosphere but surprisingly underwhelmed by the fish-n-chips, which rate as merely serviceable.
(3)Rebecca H.
#1 - Good beer. Yay! Also, my SO said the scotch flight was good, but I didn't taste it. #2 - AYCE fish and chips! My SO ordered these. He was happy with them! I got some salmon cakes - they were good but small. Our waiter snuck me in some fish and chips to fill in the hole. Thank you! I don't have a #3 - the service was fast and friendly and the place was (relatively) clean and (relatively) quiet. I think we all agree this is a winner!
(4)Sarah F.
Haven't been here on a Friday night in a while...and I was tempted to pull the fire alarm to clear the place out. There's no way they weren't over the occupancy limits, but the 90+ minute wait for the table ended up being worth it once the unlimited fish & chips plates for $9.95 started coming. Mountains of flaky, battered fish are served over a bed of fries and peas with a portion of tartar sauce on the side. I have to agree with the other folks who contend Duke of Perth serves up the best fish & chips in the city (at least from what I've tasted). Be sure to sample from the extensive list of scotch while you're there, or consider one of the flights.
(4)James M.
Atmosphere is nice, definitely has that classic pub style and they have put effort into appearing Scottish. Waitstaff didn't dress the part so much, but they were friendly. We only had to wait for about 10 Min. to get a table and the hostess was very apologetic. I happened to go on a Wed. for the all you can eat fish 'n' chips. The menu looked good, but I love fish so I stuck with that. I will say they are not stingy on the portions and they give you chips and peas as well. Texture was good but the taste of all three was lacking, fairly bland. They don't hesitate to bring you more, though. The beer and whiskey selection saved this place. Belhaven and Fullers are great. The latter has London Pride and a Winter Skl ales, both are quite tasty. A friend bought a whiskey flight which came out on a wooden board with places for three small glasses. Each was very distinct - not the kind of selection or presentation I have seen at other places. Bottom line, not too impressed with the food, but I got a good vibe and I would easily give it another shot. The beer and whiskey are worth a trip.
(3)Andy M.
What a perfect place to pop into on a cold November day. It's dark, rustic, and quite cozy. We stumbled upon the Duke of Perth after a Black Friday shopping binge. We were cold, tired and hungry. Carolynne r. and I both felt at home right away. This place reminds me of some of the rural pubs I used to frequent when I lived in Holland. Our visit fell upon a Friday when they have their all you can eat fish and Chips. I hate fish, so I ordered the Black Angus, Blue Cheese burger. The burger was wonderful, but the big surprise is that I actually enjoyed the fish and chips. Did I say that I hated fish? The fried fish just melted in your mouth, and the tartar sauce made it perfect. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. The Duke of Perth is a cozy pub with an old world feel that is totally unique to anything that I have experienced in Chicago. The food, service and atmosphere were all top notch. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Sandy N.
Came here on a Friday night to try their all you can eat fish & chips special. There was a long wait, probably because it was a Friday during Lent, but also because it was a Friday. We ended up waiting for over 40 minutes for a 2-person table. Service was good, fish was great. Unfortunately, I couldn't handle more than one plate of fish and chips. Would come again though, on another night!
(3)Naveen S.
Oh, Duke of Perth, why are you not closer to my place. I grew up in London and randomly have these cravings for Fish n Chips. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I find a $10 all you can eat Fish n Chips place. Honestly, how can you go wrong? The price for all you can eat is the same as it is for a regular order, so you don't have to feel bad if you went with the intent of AYCE but realized you were full after that one meal and scotch toddy. Will be back!
(4)Allen J.
This place is good- especially their fish and chips. But, seriously with the no soda refills? We don't live in Manhattan. That refill you are denying me on my Diet Pepsi cost you less than a nickel. Definitely makes me think twice before going back.
(2)Jennifer P.
I have had fish & chips on the brain for a while. love love loved it. perfect amount of batter/breading...tender fish....yummy fries/chips. also had the wings...yummy (and on special that night, too!) great beer...had the fuller's london pride....delish... highly recommended! thumbs up!
(5)Dustin N.
Excellent pub feel and great fish and chips on Wed/Fri All-you-can-eat for $9.99. Outdoor seating in the summer is in the back and rather quiet and relaxed. Beer selection is good, I wish it changed up more often.
(4)James E.
Came here for the second time last night - LOVED IT! Great food, great atmosphere. It's such a chill bar / restaurant and it's amazing what having no TVs can do to make the place feel so much more relaxed. Great selection of beers, too. I had the Sheppard's Pie and the hubs had the burger. The pie was very good and the burger is something that is going to bring me back so I can get my own damn burger and not have to be limited to a bite of my soulmate's. The horseradish crust was just slightly horseradishy, so it wasn't overwhelming. Oh man. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Susan F.
Not bad, not great. I ordered the chicken finders and my friend ordered a burger. His burger looked alright, but all of his fries were charred, really badly. My chicken fingers were very good actually, and the dijon/chipotle mustard sauce was really delish. The service was good and the outdoor seating was very nice and quiet. Overall, I think I ill have to try more there, but like I said, the experience was kind of forgetable.
(3)Steve D.
Fish and chips is the way to go here. My parents were in for the weekend and I brought them this past Friday, as I understood they offered a good fish fry, and it delivered. For $9.95 you get all you can eat. Good, crispy fish, good fries, and peas!! On Friday's be prepared to wait, we did for about a half hour. But, the 3 of us ordered fish and chips and it arrived promptly in like 2 minutes, which is really nice. We were worried that after waiting a while we would miss the show we had tickets to, but with the quick service we were finished eating 20 minutes after we sat down. It's a bar like any other, it's loud, but the decent quality of the fish made up for this. I would definitely go back if I have a taste for fish fry, but only on Wednesdays or Fridays, as this is when it's all you can eat. Not to say I would pile that much food into myself, but there's something comforting about all you can eat being attached to what you ordered.
(4)Don Z.
Good stuff from a suburb bar. The meatloaf was monstrous plate of food. Bland as expected from a British pub. Beer selection was good. After a few pints, had to have a scotch. I enjoyed talking to Brian for an hour or so and he pointed me to the train with my suitcase. For some reason I slept through my entire flight back to California.
(5)Amanda S.
We came on a Wed. For the "all u can eat fish and chips." All four of us ordered the fish and chips and wine and beer. The drinks came and were good, then the food came and it was good. Two pieces of fried cod fish, green peas and French fries. When we were finished eating that plate our not-so friendly waitress asked if we would like more and we all said yes and ordered another round of drinks. My friend and I had eaten the first plate and put our napkin on the finished plate. The waitress came back with one plate with a few fries on it, with four pieces of the fish on it for all of us to share. Clearly not all u can eat and rude service. The ambience felt like we were in someone's old dingy living room. Will never go back.
(1)Tom T.
Duke of Perth has its good days and its not so good. I go here about once a month for dinner with some friends. The first time I came here I had a Scotch Egg Burger. It was incredible. Ever since I've been chasing the purple dragon ordering those damn burgers and they've never been the same. I think something changed in the kitchen, the food just isn't quite as good. They have some interesting things on the menu though, definitely a good change from the norm. I also like that they don't have TVs in here and it's quite dark. I like the atmosphere. Service has always been good, not stellar, but good and friendly. I like that they have a fancy beer selection but I do not like that I don't like any of the beers here. It costs quite a bit to drink here simply because they don't serve any cheap beers. I think they might serve Bud Light, but I hate Bud Light. Subsequently, I usually end up spending about $20 on food and $80 on beer...not cool. It also appears to be a little dirty at times with gnats swarming around and whatnot. I'll be back, but on a less frequent basis. It wouldn't take much for this place to be really special, but something tells me making this place nicer would ruin its purpose and charm. I'll say check it out, but don't get your hopes up. Instead, drown them in a lot of beer and heavily fried foods. Even the vegetables are deep fried here!
(3)Paul H.
Duke of Perth has been on my radar for a while now as I am a huge fan of fish and chips. So, I managed to stop by for lunch recently. I grabbed a table in the back patio, which was unexpectedly nice. The server was great (she was managing a table full of drunken out of town cubs/reds fans - navigating their bad manners with a certain amount of sass of her own, nicely played!) I ordered the fish and chip and a nice lager, which I had heard from a number of people were just amazing. Don't get me wrong, they were good; crisp without too much breading. They weren't the best I've ever had, better than average to be sure. I think that I'll go back and try out the whisky selection and have another order of fish (perhaps on an all-you-can-eat night).
(3)megan s.
OVERPRICED CRAPPY FOOD. I got the salmon cod cakes. gross. I was expecting plump little tasty cakes,instead I got flat, crispy, greasy pancakes with no flavor. That was $10!!!! The tartar sauce tasted like straight up miracle whip. My boyfriend got chicken club, which was not a club at all but rather a flavorless regular chicken sandwich. No toast in sight. ...Don't waste your time.
(1)Janis W.
We ate here the other night and I had a really delicious burger. I never knew their burgers were so good. They don't play up the burger aspect, so I've always ordered from the UK side of the menu. This used to be one of the only bars in Chicago where you could get cider on tap. Now others have gotten with the program, but this pub still rules. Friendly, cozy, 2 fireplaces, lots of whiskey choices.
(4)Vladimir K.
I was stoked to go to a Scottish place, since that's what I am. It was okay I guess, but just way too expensive for what it is. I think I might like it better if it was in a different location.
(3)Laura K.
Love this place. I used to live right down the street so maybe I'm biased but they have the BEST beer you will ever have. If you go, try the Belhaven Scottish Ale. It's unbelievably smooth and satisfying. If you want something a little more filling, go for the Young's Double Chocolate Stout. It's incredibly smooth and creamy. Absolutely delicious! The burgers are yummy and their chicken and mushroom pie is amazing. I also cannot get enough of their fries. They have specials almost every night of the week - Monday being buy one entree get one free. In the summer they have a back patio area that's very quaint and shaded by a few trees.
(5)Mar'ia A.
I loved this little Lincoln Park establishment. Small, quaint and cozy. My guest ordered several single malts and some draft beers (GREAT SELECTION!). I order several appetizers. The wait staff and bartender were quiet and unassuming but quick and helpful. The food was piping hot (order the fried mushrooms with a side of ranch DIVINE!) and hearty. What a gem- will visit again if we have the chance.
(5)Charlie M.
Growing up in Wisconsin, you learn that there are two basic kinds of pubs: those that serve pizza, and those that have a Friday Fish Fry. If your chef can't fry fish, you better start ordering more tomatoes. Moving to Chicago, I discovered that deep-fried fish didn't have the presence it does north of the border. In fact, my first few times ordering it was disillusioning. I hadn't realized you could actually mess up fried fish. It's batter, not plaster of Paris! As such, my first visit to Duke of Perth was like stumbling upon a sanctuary of sorts. Then I looked at the scotch list. Long story short: it's top-notch (all-you-can-eat on Wed. and Fri.) fish and chips (and peas) and the best place in Chicago to find your new favorite lowland single malt. The draft beer list runs only about eight selections deep, but they're all beers you're not going to find everywhere and worth exploring - if you have room. Decor is dim yet cozy. Kitschy antiques, church pew seating and exposed beams create an "old world" feeling, like maybe the place was a public house before it was a pub. I can't say too much about anything else on their menu, but the only negative comment I've heard on the matter is "I wish I got the fish fry," and I'm pretty sure they were just jealous.
(5)Tom K.
Scottish brews and a good selection of single malts make this place one of my favs. On top of that, they turn out some good food as well.
(5)Yoyo M.
A very low key, chill place that's warm and inviting. I've been here a few times with good friends and it's perfect for when you just feel like talking, grabbing a good beer, good bar food and really relaxing. This is not a place to go to be seen but it's not divey either. I will keep coming back.
(4)Rita W.
We went here last night with my girlfriends - we always walk past this place but have never gone there. We got here at 6pm which we thought was pretty early and we still had to wait about 20 minutes. We are not too sure if they really put our name down because a party of three that came in after our party of four was seated before us. After waiting another ten minutes for a four top to open up, my roommate went and talked to the hostess and we were seated promptly. For as busy as it was, service did not take as long as I had expected. My friends ordered the fish and chips deal. I can see why there is a big draw for this, the pieces of fish were HUGE and looked as if they were perfectly fried, the fries were hot and a bit crispy on the outside, perfectly mushy on the inside, just the way I like my fries. My veggie sandwich was mediocre. I have to say, unless you are planning on getting the all you can eat fried fish and fries deal, I do not feel that the wait was forth it for this place.
(3)Peter P.
GREAT FISH AND CHIPS, GREAT WHISKEY SELECTION, and AWESOME UNABLETOPRONOUNCEFRIEDONIONLEEK!! I tried to eat "ALL I COULD" but the fish they fry is ludicrously huge; after three fish, I couldn't eat anymore. The cod quality is superb. I can't wait to try their other dishes such as the shepherd's pie. 15 year old whiskey was worth every dollar; with a drop of water infused in it, the single malt tasted fantastic. I can't wait to go back and try out all the whiskey from different Scottish regions.
(5)Stephen R.
I fell in love with "The Duke" then fell out of it. Maybe it was the smoking ban. Maybe the $5 pints get tiring on the wallet. Something happened and it's just blah now. Monday night food specials (1 entree, 1 free) is still amazing, and the fish and chips with malt vinegar (!) is always awesome. And nothing beats the beer garden patio on warm summer nights! Great place for some outdoor space not far from Diversey/Clark. But what was a great post-work "adult" spot has become more family friendly. I saw a stroller being rolled in there one night and was absolutely beside myself! Strollers! Children! Augh! And when you're dropping -- at minimum -- $5 a drink as there is never a drink special, it's no fun. It made me wish I could still smoke in the front bar, as a child deterrent more than anything. Oh, Duke. :(
(3)Vio V.
Duke of Perth is probably the best place to spend a relaxing Friday night after a week of hard work, or a chill evening hanging out and talking with friends any other day of the week. This hole-in-the-wall Scottish Pub specializes in Scottish Whiskey and the best Fish&Chips in the city. Fresh fish and chips are $10 for all you can eat on Wednesday and Friday, but the portions are so big (and delicious) that it is a good deal any day of the week. If you're not a whiskey fan, Duke of Perth also carries a nice selection of delicious European beer. I would recommend trying a flight of whiskey anyway for the experience. The only pitfall here is that the alcohol is a bit on the expensive side and that the pub can get a crowded at dinnertime. The atmosphere, however, is great. The place looks a bit sketchy on the outside but is quite cozy inside with fireplaces burning warmly in the winter. Many people seem to be complaining about the size of the place, but I think that this is part of the charm. It makes me feel like I am transported back to Europe.
(5)Amy S.
Three words...FISH AND CHIPS! Came here on a whim one day and I made the mistake of ordering a grilled vegetable sandwich. The sandwich was very good, but my bf ordered the fish and chips and boy was I jealous!!! The portion was huge, so I was lucky enough to get a taste (my bf can be a little stingy (just kidding G...loves ya!)). The beer batter (or whatever it is) was perfect and it wasn't too greasy. I was just very impressed by it...if you can't tell :) They have all you can eat nights, but I'm not sure who would be able to finish more than one portion of it....but it would be worth it if you have a HUGE appetite.
(4)Kellen T.
I always walk past this place and wish I was inside rather than going to some shitty bar someplace else. Well this last Friday I was finally able to stop by and spent my entire evening dining on fish, fine beers, and chatting with the extremely intelligent bar tender. I enjoyed my experience at D-o-P, and cannot think of another place in Chicago like it. All to often bars or pubs in this town overwhelm their patrons with loud music, two dozen 52" televisions, and flirtatious scantily clad waitresses. While sitting at my table I was surprise by the amazing choice in music and even made a few comments to my friends about how impressed with it I was. The food is great. Classic. The beer was a big amazement. Having lived in Chicago I have not been very impressed with most bars beer selection in relation to it's prices. The Duke of Perth has some great beers that go very well with all it's good. The bar has an extensive whiskey and scotch selection and the bar tender was more than willing to help me select a whiskey to go with my meal. Duke of Perth is a great experience!
(4)Pauline S.
just stopped in for a beer before a movie and I can't wait to go back! I'd imagine that this is the perfect place to sip a good brew or whiskey on a snowy Chicago night while enjoying the all you can eat fish-and-chips. the atmosphere is everything you want in a good pub.
(4)Nicole L.
It was wintery Sunday afternoon and they had very few customers. And yet the service was terrible and they managed to run out of menu items including coffee! Maybe it was bad luck? The atmosphere is the major redeeming quality (including two fireplaces to cozy up to on a chilly day).
(2)Dean K.
Went there the other night specifically for the fish fry. This is a great winter place so I try to get there for the fish once in a while. It was good, as always. But the real winner was my girlfriend's burger. It was topped with horseradish and served au jus. Whoa. As much as the fish there will always call my name, I'm going to start venturing out into other areas of the menu. These guys can cook.
(4)Emily F.
This place pretty much has the fish & chips award locked up. The all-you-can-eat on Wed & Fri is one of the best deals in town...if you are hungry again before the end of the night you have some kind of hormonal problem. I have a weakness for Scottish beer. I think it's probably the best beer on the planet. DoP doesn't disappoint with it's selection. I wish I could go tonight, but I can't justify leaving the house for dinner when there's so many Thanksgiving leftovers to be eaten. You and I have a date next Friday, Duke of Perth!
(5)Heather K.
Amazing weekday deals, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, whisky, beers, but everyone knows that already. I just wanted to add that Duke of Perth has a great selection of winter cocktails, too! Cocoa, warm apple cider and coffee, with or without your choice of booze. Hot buttered rum. Hot toddies. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Chris R.
Really I mean to give this place 4.5 stars, but yelp won't let me. But if anyone from Duke of Perth is reading, know that you're almost perfect. And that's pretty good! I am a fan of the beer selection, decor, food, service staff, and the awesome back patio in the summer. I guess I could write more, but it would just be to say that this place is great. So this is a short one. The end.
(4)Kearsten D.
This is the absolute BEST place for fish and chips. Feels just like a real Scottish pub. Great food, great beer, great service.
(5)Kourtney L.
went here for my birthday this summer and everything was great except the temp inside. we eventually moved outside and all was well but the 30-40 minutes spent inside were absolutely terrible. i knocked a star off for that. great selection of beer and great food too.
(3)Maya D.
This is my favorite bar in Lakeview, and one of my favorites in all of Chicago. The servers are really nice, and they know a lot about Scotch. The Scotch list is great! It's lively, yet quiet enough to actually have a conversation. AND THERE IS NO TV.
(4)Christopher B.
Loved it! We ordered the mac and cheese bites for the appetizer, which came with a chili sauce, it was delicious!!! We moved to Shepard's Pie (my partner had this) and I selected the Fish and Chips...both were oh so good!!! The fish was flaky, and had great flavor! The service was great as well! Very attentive, the decor was that of an English pub, very cozy. We really enjoyed ourselves, after we were finished with dinner, we sat and chatted a bit, did not feel rushed at all. This is a new favorite for us, we will definitely be back!!! Oh and on Mondays, they offer buy one entree, get one free!!
(5)David H.
A great all you can eat deal can be had on a fish fry, which is especially appreciated during Lent. In addition they serve a good pub style menu, so if fish isn't your food of choice, then you and all of your group can dine in comfort and old European style. The back patio is great for sitting on a summer day and or evening and trying their extensive beer list. The staff is friendly and down to earth, so this would make a great second date choice, too. Guys and girls, bring your wallet full, because you will want to spend the whole evening by candle light. Cheers!
(4)Andre W.
Sigh...this is one of those places I took for granted when I lived in the area for 4 years. I always meant to come but Jake's across the street always seemed more attractive in terms of drinking. I have to apologize to DOP as I didn't know you were such a cool joint. A couple of friends had been telling me about their Thurs deal for 50 cent jumbo wings. I also found out this is a scotch bar in which I had no idea...I am a scotch lover so right up my alley. The place itself is nothing special in terms of looks as its pretty dark and average looking but they make up for it with delicious BBQ and buffalo wings. I smashed maybe 10 and took the rest home with me. The service was definitely on par as the girl serving us was nice and always had a smile on her face. Scotch list is pretty extensive...pretty much a scotch lover's dream. I hear they have a all you can eat fish and chips night which they are locally famous for. May need to check that out, but Thursdays definitely has my attention.
(4)Michael P.
I've never been disappointed, I've never been thrilled. I evaluate this place as a real restaurant, not a bar. Speaking of bars, the liquor and beer selection is pretty good. They have the Harp and Guinness and ciders and all the stuff of that ilk. Atmosphere is decent. Fireplaces are good in the winter. Back room is a little narrow and crowded, some of the tables have seen better days. Service and food are very inconsistent. Some times the service has been very nice and attentive. Other times it has been the bare minimum. Some of the food - like the burgers - is very good, other food is on par with a hot dog stand. As part of our meal one time, we ordered chicken fingers (no, I'm not 6, but they sounded good) and they were about what I'm used to getting at a lower-end sports bar. And the sauce was in a cheap plastic cup. And the chicken was lukewarm. A couple times the fish-n-chips was great, another time the fish was greasy and disgusting. I really can't justify going here anymore 'cause I have no idea if I'll get good DoP or bad DoP.
(3)Matt P.
A great secret beer garden out back. My wife and I and to the Duke on Friday night and enjoyed a few drinks in a great environment.
(4)Ben A.
Apparently on Monday nights they offer buy one get one free on all food except appetizers (i.e., burgers, entrees, sandwiches). I ordered the meatloaf which is served with mashed potatoes, peas and mashed rutabaga. The meatloaf was ok, nothing extraordinary by any means. The sides were ok as well. The portions are kind of small though as I was still hungry. My friend ordered the shepherds pie which came with a side of peas. He as well was not sated with the portion size, so we ordered the potato skin appetizer. The plate of 4 loaded potato skins (cheese, bacon, sauted onions, scallions, side of sour cream) was delicious! We ordered draft beers which were decent. They also seem to have quite an extensive whiskey and scotch menu. The service was friendly and prompt! The ambiance is laid-back. Multiple tables and bar seating, in addition to a fairly large back patio seating area with umbrellas. No tvs adorn the walls. Overall, great service, decent food, good drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. I'll be back for the fish and chips. Lastly, ask the server to pronounce the leek sticks appetizer.
(4)Megan C.
Went on a Wednesday. Nice, laid-back atmosphere. The back patio is quite charming. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely recommend the fish fry.
(4)Michael N.
UPDATE: They've since (?) opened a ~50-seat patio which, while nothing special, does give you the option of dining outside on a nice day instead in the dark wood library atmosphere.
(5)Eowyn K.
Another great find from Yelp. I wish this pub was closer to home. It is a low frills, neighborhood bar. There are no TVs, no loud music or bar games. The main sounds are from the patrons themselves. A comfortable buzz instead of trying to yell over the music. Through the back of the bar is an enclosed garden/back patio. The only aspect of the pub I would change is that the bathroom is a single so there can be a bit of a line. I was excited that they had Pimm's, a very rare find in the US. This alone made me very happy. We were equally happy with the food, though I'm not sure how mac and cheese bites are Scottish. They tasted good anyway. I had the fish and chips, as this is what they are known for, and I was not disappointed. Completely up to my expectations. I think it was partly due to the breading. A friend had chicken fingers and the breading was just as good, light and not overwhelming. They came with peas, not mushy peas, but this is the US and frankly we just do not like mushy peas here. We were throughly happy, a great place in the Lincoln Park area.
(5)John K.
First off, not a fan. Second, staff needs to be nicer to men wearing Kilts. Third, the fish in the fish tank are not meant to be used for the fish fry.
(2)Jeannette K.
Insulting bartender and bad service tonight at the bar. And when I asked why they had $10.25 All U Can Eat fish & Chips on Friday night on their website and the bill came to us at $11.95 his answer" lady are you really that upset about $1.50. We don't know how to correct our website." He continued to look at me like I had 2-heads. How Insulting to me. I wish I would have deducted the tip by that amount.I won't go back. We had to wait an hour to get a seat after being told it would be 40 minutes.-got a spot at the bar-had to constantly wave this Irish bartender down for Menus, drinks, food order--then wVe wave wave for the bill. I had 1-order of fish because it was too much work to get any more . Got there at 7--got out at 9:45p.
(1)Natalie Q.
Food, great. Beer, awesome. Place, eh. I love me some Scottish pub food. The saddest thing as has been mentioned is the tiny portions on the pie type items. They are almost appetizer size portions and they don't give you enough fries. However, the endless fish and chips twice a week is totally worth going for. I'm not sure about other food items but I was satisfied. Not the best fish and chips ever but really good for the price and the fact they were bottomless. The beer selection is excellent. They have a diverse style selection and some other things on draft or bottled. I loved the Black and Scottish ale. Smooth and nice to drink. The atmosphere is, chaotic. It's small and it gets packed fast. We got there early and it seemed a little full but by 7pm it was at capacity. It was difficult just to leave. I can't imagine how difficult it was to get a drink at the bar. The crowd is definitely full on Fridays at 7pm. The only negatives would be the fact a lot of people bring several children there. It really doesn't seem like the place and it was a bit of an annoyance. Their parents always want you to give them space and seats like they're king of some place probably a high rise somewhere. The clientele here tends to lean more Lincoln Park than Lakeview and those LP people are super rude. I've never been elbowed so many times by pretentious people without apology.
(4)En B.
Best fries in town. And I had a lot of fries this visit :) good fish n chips and chill vibe. Loved the music playing and the bartender was super nice
(5)Hollina U.
This place is great. My brother was in town and really wanted some fish and chips, so I took him here-- the other good reviews motivated me, and also it's walking distance from my apartment. Came here on a Sunday when both the Cubs and the Blackhawks were playing, so it was DEAD since there are no TVs. All the better for us to get fast service! Brother got the fish and chips and I decided to try the Trawlerman's Pie. First of all, I had never heard of a Trawlerman's Pie, and my only experience with Scottish food was eating a really nasty Shepherd's Pie in Nanjing, China--- after that, I was like savory pies are NASTY. Anyway, Sean the bartender recommended the pie since I said I don't like breaded meat, and was really accommodating by swapping out the green peas for steamed veggies. The trawlerman pie didn't really seem like a pie, it was a little pot of seafood topped with mashed potatoes and cheese---- freaking DE-LISH. What I liked best about the place is that the bartender was so helpful in giving me his thoughts on what food he thought would suit my taste, telling us about the history of Scotch, and giving my brother suggestions on what Scotch to order, and just being entertaining and friendly. There's also a lot of character in the pub-- maybe that's what other Scottish bars are supposed to look like? I definitely want to go back for a drink here again! I think next time I'll try the fish po'boy.
(5)Dan P.
This place has the best fish and chips I have had in Chicago, which is all that the wife and I get there. If there is other food, I don't know what it is. The wait staff is professional and friendly. Our regular server there has been with the restaurant for years an knows us. Always says hi. All you can eat nights on Wednesday and Friday is awesome, but the regular portions are sufficient. I am rarely able to get more than one extra fillet. Beer selection is great, but i usually don't have room for alcohol. The fried fish is filling and delicious.
(5)Andy W.
We were here on a saturday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. We had heard many good things but never walked around the corner to try it. We ordered some appetizers for the table and everyone ordered a meal. The appetizers were pretty standard (I always enjoy a good potato skin) but nothing to rave about. On the contrary, the main courses were DELICIOUS. The meatloaf was awesome and the chicken sandwich was perfectly cooked. The side dishes were delicious as well. The downsides were that the waiter was kind of rude and that there is no free refills on soft drinks. Our waiter really never came back to the table to check on us. The service wasn't great but the food was really good. A good place for a casual bite to eat.
(3)Jessie T.
Finally made my way in here! Soooo cute! Since it was wednesday, I got the all you can eat fish and chips. The fish was cod, and light and crispy and pure deliciousness. The fish was nice and crunchy on the outside and hot and flaky on the inside. Sooo good. The fries were good. Homemade, still with skin, thicker cut. Good ol' fries. And it came with.... peas! Like a legit side of perfect peas. Tarter sauce was normal old, good tasty tartar. NO COMPLAINTS. We sat right by a fire place.. freaking adorable. Love the decor. Love the food. Check it out. And the bartender is hot
(4)AV G.
Nice. Went here for lunch about 3pm on a Friday--place was mostly empty. Cool spot--a lot of atmosphere. No better Fish and Chips in this town. Only complaint is that they serve regular peas, not the appropriate smooshy peas. Good tap selection for beer--Fun Place.
(4)Jessie Elizabeth J.
Comfy atmosphere and extensive liquor menu! Come for the unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays, but avoid the pot pie-was of marie callender microwavable portion and quality.
(3)Rishabh A.
Specials: Monday - Buy 1 entree and get 1 free Tuesday - Special price on wine Wednesday - Unlimited fish and chips Thursday - 50 cents chicken wings Friday - Unlimited fish and chips Best deal is on Monday (Buy 1 entree and get 1 free), if you want to eat at some place on Monday. Wednesdays and Fridays - Not that good. The price is same as regular fish and chips and one portion is more than sufficient for a normal diet. Thursdays - Good deal. They have the biggest chicken wings, I have had in Chicago. They have good meat and are tasty. If you want a healthier option they have grilled wings as well but are obviously not as tasty as fried (regular) ones. They have two sauces BBQ and hot. I would say get both of them mixed and it tastes good. I have been to this place a million times on Thursdays to get the chicken wings and would definitely recommend it. For drinks they have Scottish beer and a page full of scotch options. Drinks are really good. Ambience is kind of an English bar and the music is not that loud. If you want to go with friends for good food and drinks then I would definitely recommend this place. Summertime secret: They have a back porch which is really awesome during summer months. Go and try it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Kelley T.
Surprised my BF after dragging him to Lincoln Park Zoo for the day. He LOVES anything scotch and was incredibly impressed by the selection. We started with the breaded mushrooms, and were not impressed. They didn't have any flavor besides mushroom, and we love horseradish that smacks you in the face, but this didn't seem to have any in it at all. The fish and chips made up for the mushrooms. SO GOOD!!!! I hate peas, so the BF got bonus peas (If I had known the dish came with peas I would have gotten something different) The chips were the perfect combo of crunch and soft, and the fish was amazing. I love blackhorn, so much better than the sweet crappy ciders us American's think are good. Even the smokey scotch drinker was impressed by it. I'd say thing only thing we were disappointed in was our waiter. Apparently he was new, and made this known by saying "I hope I'm not coming across as creepy" which of course made him look creepy, and we totally busted him sniffing the scotch glass when he took it back to the bar... ummmm....
(4)S R.
Outstanding. I had the Watt Chicken Sand and my friend had the Leeke Pie. Both were absolutely delicious. Even better, they were enjoyed for lunch in a Sunday. This city is overrun with mediocre brunch on Sundays. DoP is brilliant for resisting the trend and serving good food at lunchtime. Thank you DoP
(5)A E.
It was a below freezing February evening in Chicago and we were looking for an adult beverage and a bite to eat so we Yelped the closest bar to us, Duke of Perth was the winner and I am thrilled it was! Walking into this warm, dim-lit, cozy spot felt like walking into Heaven. It's got a romantic vibe to it but it's also super casual. Our table right in front of the fireplace and our hot toddys were exactly what we needed to thaw out. Our server was polite and attentive. Our food (I got fish and chips and he got sliders) was delicious. This place was the perfect ending to our day.
(5)Amy N.
Haven't been to such a nice pub since I was actually in the UK. Fantastic fish and chips, lovely scotch selection, and very pleasant servers. A very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere perfect for a quick meal or relaxing for a long chat with friends. Best of all, fish and chips are all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays. Definitely give this place a try as soon as you can!
(5)Jennie T.
Best fish and chips in town, indeed! My boyfriend's in love with their wings. He goes almost every Thursday for their 50-cent jumbo wings. I'd go with him sometimes, and they are delicious. The buffalo wings are pretty big, and they're a good value. Duke of Perth offers them with several sticks of celery and an option of either bleu cheese or ranch dressing. I prefer bleu cheese for the wings and ranch for the celery sticks. My favorite weekly deal is their Monday "two for one entree" deal. I usually order their fish and chips. The plate comes with half a plate of peas. I like peas, but not that much so I ask to skip the peas. I was afraid that they'd give me the same amount of fish and chips, but nope, they gave me a full plate of fish and chips. Hurray! I love how crispy the chips (fries) are. They're fried just right. The fish is flaky and delicious. I'm always happy whenever I order this plate. They have an all-you-can-eat fish and chips deal on Wednesdays and Fridays, but one plate is usually enough for me so I can't imagine I'd get much value out of those days.
(5)R.A. H.
Always nice to come to The Duke. For a drink or for a meal. The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but what they have is hot and filling. Fans of All you Can Eat fish & chips should definitely stop by for this special. The fries are decent and don't even need to be dunked in anything. I've had several of their burgers as well as their Shepard's Pie. Good comfort food. The bartender is always nice and during the warmer months you can get a seat outside on their patio. Cider on tap is Blackthorn. Clear of taste with a nice crisp feel. Small bar, so it can get crowded. A good place for locals and visitors alike. It's not the Plaza. It's a pub. And you don't need to be Scottish to enjoy it. Stop by for a while. You might like it and come back again.
(4)Rich W.
Food is good. Service is great and the price and specials they have are fantastic. We went when they did two for one entrees on Monday night. We got our fill of great Scottish and English beers while enjoying a Shepherd's Pie that will blow your hair back. The fish and chips were also a fantastic entree choice. Next time, I'll be doing a Whiskey flight or two.
(5)Bryant M.
No foos, no darts, no golden tee, no pool. Good beer on tap, good atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio in back. Lack of games is why we rated it it low
(2)Joanna T.
Duke of Perth never changes! I've been here infrequently over the past 9 years, and each time is pretty much the same. No TVs, Scotch flights, crappy beer selection, authentic Scottish food. I don't drink Scotch much and I don't know good Scotch, but my hubby does and loves the flights. I would get beer, but not such a fan of Scottish beer or Guinness. No local crafts here. I'll stick with a Pimms Cup, thank you. I love the comfort of Scottish food and this place delivers. May not be as good as a pub in Scotland, but where else in Chicago can you get this? Love bangers and mash. And there is a 2 for 1 special on Monday nights. I love fish and chips and it's all you can eat on Friday, but one portion is more than enough for me. We honeymooned in Edinburgh and this place makes me nostalgic.
(4)Rob Z.
Great Scotch Selection...
(4)Brittney B.
Kinda went there out of pure boredom on a Saturday night. I'm new to the area, and have been trying to find places close to home. I really enjoyed it. No loud music, no tvs. It was nice. I love the warm drink with a "kick-o-booze." The beer selection is pretty good, too. I definitely recommend the potato skins; they were so good. All in all, I really enjoy this place and I'll be back.
(4)Rebecca C.
This is one of those places that I never really think to go, but every time I pass it I want to stop in. There's a fair beer selection, mostly English beers that I've never heard of, but the bartender is great at making recommendations if you know how to explain what you like properly. He poured me a few samples and I was happy with what I decided on. The beer garden out back is not necessarily quaint or cute like some of the other places in the neighborhood- it's a pretty standard patio tables with beer logo plastered umbrellas, but it's very sectioned off from the noise of Clark street, and is a great secluded patio if you want to have a nice casual lunch with someone. The boy and I usually get the fish and chips, and the fries are oh so delicious here! If you're in the hood this place is definitely worth a stop!
(4)Stephanie H.
I went here recently with a friend for the AYCE fish and chips on Wednesday (they have it Friday too). We sat on the back patio, and we both ordered the fish and chips. The food and service was great. Pretty awesome for $11.95! So glad this place is in my neighborhood!
(5)Kassidy W.
Read more for food and decor BUT honestly, I knocked this down for the manager or whoever it is poor attitude. Our server was friendly, attentive and adorable but he kept micromanaging so badly. When they weren't in eye sight, he berated and corrected her thinking we couldn't hear but then came back to the table using a very friendly, overtly fake, chipper voice. She was obviously new but doing great. Humans like that disgust me. Okay, onward! The place is dirty and dingy and the walls are all scuffed up (-1 star) but that's why we don't sit inside. Outside in the back is a beautiful patio blocked by colorful brick walls and set in a quiet neighborhood. There are no tvs, no drunk bros and no annoying you-know-what's trying to impress said bros. It's peaceful, quiet and makes it easy to forget where you're at. (+2 stars) The beer list is short but has something for everyone and it's very obvious the taps are well taken care of and the bartender knows a good pour. (+1) (-2 stars) The food is...okay. Which is sad. The burger was huge but dripping in grease, the French fries were mushy, the peas tasteless. Only thing we loved were the fried mushrooms! HUGE! And yummy. TLDR- unprofessional upper staff, good beer, blah food, dirty inside, great outside, order the fried mushrooms.
(3)Marc W.
It had been 5+ years since I wandered in here last and the place hasn't changed much.....very good thing. The early afternoon bartender was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their scotch inventory, which is the only reason I felt like making the stop. Thanks nameless bartender. It was easy to see that he had an appreciation for scotch. Did not eat anything, so no reporting on the food. Beers on tap were leaning on the English side. Cant go wrong there. Vitals: 4 shots of scotch I had never had $30
(5)Alexis T.
Loved the Belhaven Scottish Ale and Dry Blackthorn Hard Cider. The food we had was pleasant, I would have liked a little more flavor to the banger and some pepper or herb in the Cock a Leekie Pie but all in all it was a nice entree. We will definitely be back. I like that you can actually talk to the person you are with; music is playing but not too loud. We haven't tried the fish n chips yet but plan on it. We are thinking it will be our local pub now.
(4)phillip h.
Ok. I've had better Shepherds pie at other michigan pubs. Bar tender was nice. They were really slow because of the bad weather.
(3)Fred S.
The Shepherds Pie along with the Cock-a-Leekie Pie are both amazing! The Trawlerman's Pie is also worth getting. On Friday's the all you can eat fish is real good, but you won't eat nearly as much as you think you will...it's a wee bit greasy (which is what makes it so, so good). Their fish Po-boy is pretty good too. It's a fun place for a date (especially in the late spring when it's warm and you can sit outside, but not so warm that you are sweating balls if you're stuck inside). If you can tolerate the hipster waitstaff and their ongoing game of "what can I pierce or tattoo next?" it is a great place to fingerbang a girlfriend about 85% of the way to an orgasm without anyone even noticing (if she isn't a screamer) All-in-all it's a great place to go.
(4)Stephen S.
Yes the fish and chips are amazing and all you can eat on Wednesday and Fridays dares you to go for the second plate. Wasn't a fan of the wait on a Friday night (quoted to be 45 mins when we put our name in but ended up being an hour and a half). Wish it was Chicago's best kept secret but everyone knows the Duke of Perth is the real deal.
(4)Ryan C.
Friday night: all you can eat fish n chips with a scotch flight. You can't go wrong.
(4)Kevin R.
On Thursdays they offer a 50¢ chicken wing deal that is a great value. The wings are above average size and well cooked. Two sauce options, BBQ and Buffalo, that are not very spicy and should appeal to almost everyone.
(4)Tammy P.
My favorite pub in the city. NO TV's!!!! They have a small fireplace in the front and a large one in the back. They used to play traditional Celtic music which made for a perfect experience, but they don't anymore, so at times the atmosphere is a little annoying. The all you can eat fish and chips is an awesome deal, as are the 50 cent wings.
(5)Shiv B.
I had a wonderful evening recently at Dukes. My boyfriend and I met a friend for dinner on a Friday. We were lucky enough to get a seat in their adorable hidden beer garden out back. I ordered the tattie skins, my boyfriend got the bangers and mash while our friend got the bottomless fish fry. We each also got our alcoholic beverage of choice. The drinks and good were amazing. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because they forgot about my food, even though they comped the order and still gave it to me in a doggie bag to take home. Overall, great food, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back.
(4)Charles M.
Food was good and service was excellent. Knocked off a star because they charge for soda refills and despite advertising them selves as a wifi hot spot no wifi was available.
(4)Lily S.
Unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays. What else do you need? My husband doesn't even like fish but he loves the fish at DoP! Great beer selection and good prices. It's also really cozy..big fireplace and dim lighting.
(5)Keith T.
I use to live half a block away from the Duke of Perth in the mid 90's, and use to eat there with some regularity at the time. I moved to the burbs in 1999-2000 and had not been to it since then. I was in the city last year and pleasantly surprised when I noticed it was still there. Since then, I've made a point to pop in and eat every now if I'm on the near north side. Their Shepherds Pie is what left a lasting memory of the place for me... It's very good! I also enjoy their endless fish and chips. It's some of the best Cod I've eaten. I don't drink, but I know they have a large selection of beer from the UK. It can get busy on the weekend and I don't think they take reservations.
(5)Nancy D.
Great staff here, and a great place for scotch. The food is consistently good, although I wouldn't recommend getting anything fried other than the fish on the fish fry special days as the oil will make whatever you are eating taste like fish. As I mentioned the scotch selection is fantastic, and one of my favorite things to do is to find a scotch I like here then walk down the street to Binny's and pick up a bottle of it. The selection of beers is also unique, and I would strongly recommend trying the Wee Heavy (on draft). It is not as good out of a can, but on draft at Duke of Perth... amazing.
(4)Rachel B.
Good fish and chips. Great whiskey and scotch list (and flights). Can get so unbelievably busy on weekends though, with nowhere to stand. Does not take reservations or allow you to leave a phone number which adds to the extra crazy standing situation.
(4)Caren D.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago :) They have specials everyday and by far, the ALL YOU CAN EAT Fish & Chips for $10.99 every Wednesday & Friday is the best! That's such an amazing deal, and not to mention - those are delicious fish & chips! The Shepherd's pie is also pretty good and the scotch, whisky selections are quite extensive. My friend ordered one that albeit costed $12, but was super delicious according to him. Service is good, if not one of the best. Wait staff are super nice and even the bus-boys refill your water at a timely manner. Such a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)John B.
Great fish and chips, and draft beer selection. This was my second visit and both times I experienced excellent service. Good outdoor area as well, would recommend!
(5)Judith M.
The scotch menu made me miss the poetry of Doyles in my long lost past in Boston, that's great. The service was EXCELLENT- really world class, better than some much more expensive joints I've been in. Both the waiter and the back staff: friendly, exact, vigillant with out being pushy. Top notch. SO - why the 3 stars. Sigh. The Fish and Chips. People, I am sad to report- Beer batter is EXCELLENT. Fish SUCKS. It was not flaky, it was mush. The chips were not greasy in a good way- they were oily in a bad way. I was in trouble w/ the SO who'd wanted to go get the tried and true F&S @ the Elephant and Castle, but NOOOO I got all "that's a chain with an appeal to the tourists" and there we were- bad fish. I'm not going to be listened to for weeks. Shepards Pie- ok. Decent. I'd go for more potato myself. Meatloaf- I liked the red peppers in it, & really loved the accompanying rutabega smash, but the gravy was Not Ok. um-great beer. So --- 5 stars for drinx and servcie, three stars for general food, but 2 stars for the fish= 3 stars.
(3)Sharon F.
In from NYC for a long w/e in Chicago with some friends. A friend highly recommended this place for all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips on Friday, so we came. We ordered the very delicious chocolate stout on tap and our server patiently and pleasantly answered all of our questions. She let us sub their chips for an order of stovies the first round. I've never had stovies before, it was basically a healthier version of mashed potatoes, mixed w/ broth instead of cream & butter. But that's where the healthy eating ended! Now began our eating extravaganza! We kept on sending our plate out for more fried fish. I'm not even sure if it was fried cod, the fish was a thinner portion, but I actually preferred it this way, because it was very light and moist. Interestingly, each subsequent plate that came back was smaller. Were they playing mind games with us? Did we think we were getting more food because it took over the plate? Or did they simply run out of larger plates? It didn't really matter, we ate well and left very happy. It was empty when we sat down at 5:30, but an hour later when we left, the place was packed, with standing room only. That's a good sign.
(4)Jonathan F.
It's been three years since I've lived in Chicago, where the Duke was my favorite bar/restaurant/place/thing in the universe. You would think three years of living in other so-called gastronomic hubs would have displaced the Duke from its little tartan throne, but not even close. Allow me to wax nostalgic and paint a picture for you. It's Sunday, you are pleasantly sleepy having just taken in little art house film at the theater up the street. It's cold and raining and as you step from the theater and take in your first cleansing breath of winter air, you realize you are absolutely starving. Good thing there's an old friend waiting for you just up the street. Come out of the rain - it beckons. Dry your coat by the fire. It's not crowded when you walk in and the bartender gives you a knowing nod. You grab your favorite table by the fireplace, remove your coat and cap, and order a pint of Fuller's London Pride. You consult the menu needlessly (everything on it is great but there's only one thing you want right now) and order the fish and chips when the server comes back with your beer... Want to know how the story ends? Go there and see for yourself. There literally isn't a better place to be on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon than beside the fire having a pint with the Duke. Amen.
(5)Diana B.
After dinner, my friend and I stopped in this cozy pub to have a drink. I soon realized, we should've eaten here! Monday night has 2-4-1 entree specials! I ordered a draft beer, because I am not a scotch drinker. I wish I was though because this is the place for it. Very extensive scotch menu but they also have a full bar for anyone else who can't guzzle down Tobacco flavored whiskey. The bar feels like a movie set, if your lucky, you might even get the table with the fireplace. Overall, this place is a welcoming, casual place to stop in and have a drink with some friends or even a date. I believe the back room is large enough if you're with a larger group.
(3)Yvonne B.
Ha ha ha! The memory of our experience there makes me chuckle, but I don't want to go back for more laughs. My party of four stopped in after a movie and ate in the outdoor, garden area. For a Saturday night, I think it was pretty dead. There was a couple seated near us who smoked cigarettes (we understood that there wasn't supposed to be smoking in that area, but nobody talked to them about it). Two of my friends ordered shepherd's pie to share (the peas were on the side and there were absolutely no comments about the dish whatsoever). We also got some fried macaroni and cheese later in the evening (they were okay, but not good). M ordered two or three glasses of Bourbon, S got some booze and tonic mix, and I got an Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned is where things got really funny. It came in a tall, clunky, water glass. I don't know if you know what an Old Fashioned is, but that's completely 100% wrong. There was a lemon slice inside and a healthy dose of seltzer water or ginger-ale. That's not supposed to happen in an Old Fashioned either. We asked the server (who was a real sweetheart and good at her job) for another one, but made correctly. She came out with a second one (shorter glass, no seltzer water, same lemon) and said two things: 1) She would have to charge us for both "Old Fashioneds." 2) The bartender has been making drinks for 30 years and insisted he knew how to make an Old Fashioned. At midnight they turned off the outdoor lights and ushered everyone out (they weren't closing, but the outside part was). We paid our bill (a surprising $121) and left.
(1)B A.
My review might be higher if I had the fish and if the smell of Pinesol did not overpower our dining experience (about 2 pm on a Tuesday). The selection of Scottish and English libations is of course good. The burger was fine but a bit on the small side; the chicken pot pie was a bit bland. Overall, the place could use a coat of paint.
(3)Kate M.
After a movie at the nearby Landmark Cinema (in one of the shaking theaters, but that's another review all together) we were hungry. The hostess greeted us and it went something like this... "Table for two please" "Do you want to sit inside or outside?" "Oh, do you have a beer garden?" "No" "Oh, ok, inside I guess then" Shows us to a table where we can see the outdoor seating (insert squinty suspicious eyes here) "Um, can we sit outside?" "Yeah, sure" So we sat outside. It was a nice outdoor seating area (apparently not a beer garden). It would warrant that fifth star if the chairs and tables were a little more comfortable. The food was really good. I happen to eat a lot of fish and chips, you know, trying to eat healthy and all. Anywho, the fish and chips were served with peas and were pretty tasty. Wednesday and Friday are all you can eat fish and chips. I'm not sure how much more one could eat than what is originally served, but I guess if you're starving it would be a good deal. I stole a bite of the meatloaf and mashed parsnips too and both were really good. The service wasn't too bad. I didn't really notice the server coming and going though, which is a good sign I think. I'd recommend the Duke of Perth if you're looking for some good fish and chips and beer and a relaxed environment. I'm sure I'll be back again soon enough...
(4)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: endless fish fry. What else is there to be said? Duke of Perth is THE place to be on a Friday during Lent. It's a smaller joint, with a homey, Scottish pub feel. It took around 30 minutes to seat four of us. We spent that time grabbing a drink across the street because there was zero room to move in Duke. Once we got a seat, delicious beer and food awaited us. Great beer choices from across the pond. We all opted for the Fish Fry. Perfectly battered and fried cod with fries and peas. Yes, peas. The combo worked fantasticly. Best of all, it's endless. Keep the plates a'coming! So good, worth the wait.
(4)Chris H.
I thought this place was just fine. They have a great beer garden out back and the staff is very nice. The leek strips were great, and the fish and chips were solid. You can also get flights of scotch if you want to experiment. All in all, the place was good but nothing special.
(3)Leonard P.
I just love the Duke of Perth. It's one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Chicago over 20 years ago, and I was a regular for a big hunk of the 1990s; I live in Seattle now, but I recently visited Chicago again, and the Duke is as good as ever. In fact, in at least one regard, it's better -- the place underwent a serious overcrowding problem a while back but we went on a Friday night and it was busy but very manageable, with the waitstaff seeming far less harried. The all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays are unstoppable (served with the world's least eaten peas), and of course, the Scotch selection is just staggering. They have every decent single malt made, and some fine beers as well (try the Orkney Skullsplitter). The decor is warm, the back patio is inviting, the Lillte Willie cartoons in the bathroom are hilariously impenetrable, and the waitstaff is the sexiest in town. I can't say enough about this place.
(5)H G.
Hot toddy and fireplace were the keywords of my search. After reading Matthew S.'s review, I could not help but give Duke of Perth a try. Also, I like fish & chips, and bright green peas are always alluring. I want to give Duke of Perth 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'll be generous and round up since I did enjoy myself. Yet I feel a bit of luck was involved. I arrived on time, and as usual, my friend did not. The two seats in front of the fireplace were actually open and the waitress said those were exactly where she was going to seat me. She answered my questions about the hot toddies, while I was really balking (in my mind) over the prices ($8+?). I think I expected something in the $4 to $5 range. Then, the someone came over and diminished the fire. Or actually, I thought she was turning it down, but it seem like it went off totally. It came roaring back up after a while. Also, I did notice how fortunate I was to not have to wait since people were awkwardly standing by the bar. It was definitely a tight fit to navigate through the place. Finally, my friend arrived and you know what I ordered. She ordered the same. It wasn't the all-you-can-eat night. Even so, we were very pleased at the ample amount of food that was presented. Yet the waitress could not hide her disappointment when I didn't order a liquored hot toddy and just went with plain hot apple cider (about $3). The fried fish was good, but could have been cooked a bit longer. I love the peas, while the chips were okay. The dark wood decor always appeals to me, so combined with the fireplaces, DOP felt quite homey. I'll reconsider the hot toddy when I'm not so hungry & low on cash.
(4)Robin W.
Boyfriend and I were sucked in as we walked by..... dim lighting, old wood, a sign for fish and chips AND shepherd's pie..we added it up and KNEW this place would have the best beer! Though we were expecting Guinness, we soon discovered that we were in a SCOTTISH BAR, not an Irish one! This proved to be a blessing because we were instead offered: -- Scottish Belhaven (seriously one of the best drafts i've ever had). -- Good prices, around $10 a meal...$4.50 a draft. -- 75 kinds of single-malt whiskey. -- The Pogues playing on the speakers! -- Awesome and filling veggie options, like Leak Pie and perfectly crisp beer battered Fish n Chips. -- People of all kinds, family's with babies in high chairs, young hooligans, and wonderful drunken characters stationed at the bars spouting off tales of travel and where they purchased their "newest caps." Don't worry boys, I'm gunna get me a cap and meet you in the beer garden.
(4)Liz O.
There is rarely a Thursday that passes without a craving for a frothy Wee Heavy. And Duke of Perth pours a delicious draft. After living across the street for a year, my scotch and wing loving friends made Thursdays at the Duke a regular gathering. And now, after three years away, I still crave a trip to the Duke. Our reunion trips back have lived up to my daydreams. The WeeHeavy still tastes magically delicious and the scotch never disappoints. My wing-loving friends still drool over the Duke recipe. I occasionally select the leek pie or a side salad, and while I do appreciate the quality of their homeland inspired grub, I do feel like the menu is uninspiring to someone seeking healthier options. It would be awesome if they put a vegetarian on spin on some of the classic dishes. That would take this from a 4 to a 5.
(4)Brandie T.
Greeaaaat First impression!! I came with a group for the Friday night Fish all-you-can-eat night. I hadn't had Fish and Chips in a LONG time; well, what *I* THOUGHT were Fish and chips, that is. Turns out I was just eating fried fish and french fries!! These? These were TRUE Fish and Chips! oh --- WOW -- the flavour! Light, and flavourful and nearly melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness! They share their wonderful Fish with us on Wednesdays and Fridays -- run, do not walk to this wonderful establishment! I'll have to do this again sometime! YUMMEH!
(5)Elizabeth W.
This place is worth reviewing again. We've been back multiple times over this past year, including nights on the town with guests we wanted to show a good time, and everyone seems to love this place without fail. Still love the Fish n Chips with peas and the various scotch flights. Such a relaxed, neighborhood pub feel. The last couple of times I've really been into their beer selections, too. I will definitely miss The Duke of Perth!
(5)Amy J.
I'm a fan of pubs more than any other bar. Duke of Perth plays bitchin' tunes which already made me an instant fan. The drinks are reasonably priced. They have a nice beer garden if you're into that sort of thing. I heard they have good fish and chips but I didn't try it. Overall, I like this neighborhood pub. I hope more people patronize it. It's a good place to sit and catch up with old friends, which is exactly what I did when I was there.
(4)K W.
What to do after a long day of beach volleyball when there is still sunny warm weather to enjoy, but you are too tired to move? A big plate of fish and chips and a few beers in the DOP beer garden is my tasty new answer. The beer garden is a lovely, plant filled urban oasis that I wish I had known about sooner. During the colder months (all 9 of them grrr) the Duke is a nice cozy place to hang with friends by a fireplace and escape from the tv-filled sports bars near my home. Try the Wee Heavy.
(5)Tom G.
This has been one of my favorite places in Chicago for years! A little Scottish pub in Lincoln Park, specializing in single malt scotches. They have a huge single malt menu! Nice outside patio as well. The food is quite good pub far, and the atmosphere is definitely authentic British pub!
(5)Nick S.
I'm not much of a bar food guy but I have to admit I was impressed. If I lived in the neighborhood I would come here much more often. If I'm not confusing myself here, I remember it being difficult to squeeze past the tables and the people sitting at them, to get to the restroom when it got busier. The fish and chips here = win.
(4)Nancy H.
Mmm.. love the all-you-can-eat fish & chips on Wednesdays & Fridays for $9.50. We stuffed ourselves silly with fish, chips, shepard's pie (which was slightly disappointing; $9.50 for shepard's pie only as large as a French onion soup bowl but had good flavor), and beer. Definitely gets crowded, so be prepared to wait for a table. The decor inside is rustic, like you are dining in a Scottish home complete with a wood-burning fireplace - definitely feels cozy on a winter night!
(5)Carolyn G.
This place was PACKED last night with lots of folks interested in the lenten special: all you can eat fish and chips. Our group arrived at 5:30 and the place was already packed to the gills. We waited for a while, but finally managed to get seated in front of the gas fireplace. The ambience was pretty good at that point! The fish was tasty, the fries were pretty good, too, but the best part was the beer! I started with a Youngs Chocolate Stout (YUM!) but then wanted to make sure I had room for lots of fish and chips, so I moved on to a lighter beer (can't remember the name), which was good, too. Even though the place was really busy, service was pretty darn good - and quick! The staff didn't seem to care that we sat around for a while after eat, as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. Oh, and they brought her fish out with a lit candle on it! I'm sure, though, that the folks still waiting for tables were wishing we'd just get up and leave already. Overall, a pleasant evening. Well worth the $9.95 for all you can eat fish and chips, which were truly all you can eat. :)
(4)Linsey C.
Amazing fish and chips! I understand there's going to be a wait for amazing fish and chips at an all you can eat fish and chips place on Good Friday...however, the hostess was way off on her wait time. She said it'd be 30 minutes...we waited over an hour. I understand she has no control over how long people linger at a table after eating, but from my understanding they are pretty busy all the time so I expected a more accurate estimation. Anyway, it's not a large place so you end up standing next to people who are eating...a little awkward when they know you want their table. We finally were sat in the back which I appreciated because the front was crammed with people by that point. The server was great and brought us our beers right away and our fish came out soon after. The fish is delicious. The breading is lighter than I anticipated which allowed me to eat more...I think I had 5 or 6 pieces. I didn't eat the fries or peas, just came for the fish! I'll be back for sure, the fish is worth the wait!
(4)lola d.
Holy bonkers! The fish and chips are amazing! Not only are they amazing, they are "in your face" huge! It's inconceivable! You pair this perfectly battered fish with a nice cold beer and you have got yourself the best meal on earth! Que rico (delicious)! Fridays: all you can eat fish and chips---go, go go! ...and the staff is great too.
(5)Eric M.
Unlimited fish and chips drew me in, the amazing beer selection got me to stay. Be prepared to travel to England in just a few blocks by visiting Duke of Perth. The food appears to be authentic and the bar is stocked with great bourbons and whiskeys. It's a little small so you may have to wait and be seated pretty close to someone else, but that makes it just more fun, right?
(4)Jennifer K.
I was cold, tired and hungry. All I really wanted to do was curl up on my couch and gobble up my chocolate bar while thawing in the living room. My friends suggested dinner and I half-heartedly agreed. I bundled myself up with a down jacket and a thick scarf to go trudging through four blocks. Thank goodness it was in the neighborhood or I might have just stayed put at home. The interior is dark with low lighting, sparsely decorated and has a very "homey" sort of vibe. There's the different beers available written out on chalk. The bar tiself is stocked, mostly with good Scotch whiskey. There's no loud television to distract patrons, just seats and tables for diners and drinkers to mull over. My friends and I sat over at the table with the small fireplace. With the crappy weather outside, I felt fairly cozy with the fire crackling beside me. Suitably warm and ready for dinner, I had the shepherd's pie. I needed comfort food, and Duke of Perth delivered. At first, I thought the dish was a bit on the small side, but once I dug in, I realized how heavy the meal sat in my stomach. Yummy mashed potatoes, ground beef and veggies settled comfortably in my tummy. The light ales on tap went well with the meal. And the price wasn't so bad either. The Duke of Perth is not for everyone. Spaces are a bit tight, there's nothing to keep you going besides good food, good ale and good company. It's a great place if you want to have comfort food while conversing with friends. But if you want a raucous time, there are other louder pubs in the city. I like it because it's a place to unwind after a tough day - it's quiet and subdued. But maybe it's because I went during a weekday.
(3)Evan D.
This is a wonderful bar in the middle of frat-boy Lincoln Park hell. No televisions, no really loud music, and a fireplace make it a great place to sample some scotch and have a conversation. The scotch list is extensive, and the bartenders are usually happy to recommend something for the n00bs among us (such as myself). For non-scotch drinkers, the beer list is special too, and is particularly strong on British Isles ales. I've heard legendary things about the all-you-can-eat fish and chips, but haven't gotten the chance to try it yet (I'm reserving my fifth star for when I do). The Duke's fish-and-chips buffet would be a great place to break a diet, though, considering the location just 2 blocks from the Weight Watchers center.
(4)Erin T.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout and a leek and potato pie - delicious. Great food, great beer, and a great staff. Nice patio in the summer, too. It can get crazy crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, which sadly is when I often feel my stout and potato pie cravings coming on. I try not to come here for dinner on a weekend because I can't be asked to suffer drunkards when I'm getting my leek and potato pie on. It's a fun, chill weeknight bar, though. Nice place to sit at the bar. And when I do come here on the crowded weekends everyone else looks like they're having a good time while I'm trying to chow down!
(5)Dave S.
Fried fish is one of my true weaknesses. Even bad fried fish is relatively satisfying. When you have good top of the line stuff that is sold at a reasonable price, you have got me the balls! Well with that being said... This place has me by the balls! Friday night All You Can Eat Fish!!!!!!!!! This is really good stuff too and at a reasonable price. What more can I ask for? Let me tell you what more I could ask for... I would like to finish my meal and not be stuck in a fetal position from being stuck in an area that does not allow me to move any limb or any other part of my body (except for my hands to my mouth) We we extremely cramped in here, which cost them a star (almost two) I will be back but not as often as i would like! The cramped conditions will always make me think twice. The fish will bring me back again however.
(4)Tony F.
Fish and Chips all you can eat on Wed and Friday. The staff is ALWAYS friendly. They have awesome ales from Scotland on tap. If you are into Scotch, they also have a good compliment of that too. Plus it's really close the LandMark Century theatre, which plays all the cool non-mainstream movies here in the city. the Duke is one of the many reasons I love living in the city and it's always a place I take friends from out of town.
(5)Mike P.
Living so close, I guess it's a sad thing that I only have visited Duke of Perth once. Now that I'm switching neighborhoods, hopefully I'll get back. The Wednesday/Friday fish fry is very good, I hear. My wife and I actually went her on Valentine's Day when we had are original plans cancelled. It was quite good, eating from the standard menu. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy.
(4)Lindsey B.
Love The Duke. Their fish and chips is so freakin' tasty! And their mini cheeseburgers are so damn cute. I actually took pictures and then posed them with this mini wish doll my friend has. Yeah I know. I was a little tipsy. BUT it was a great photo op for the doll and the teeny burgers. The staff is always so friendly and the wait is never long. Plus they have pretty much any kind of drink you could ever want. I like that in a boyfriend.. I mean Bar.
(4)Timothy M.
No annoying TVs or super loud frat guys? Am I in the right neighborhood? I thought this place was on Clark Street! Ah, but they've chosen to take the TVs out and cater to a more European-wannabe clientle. Not that I'm complaining, because this pub is cozy, the beer is delicious, and the food is insanely good. Try starting off with something you haven't had before (Jess is right, the Twisted Thistle is a great brew). The mac & cheese fritters were an idea straight from God's own brain. The fish and chips were so incredibly dank, the only reason I could see trying to challenge the "bottomless" plate would be to stuff some into your bag under the table for a snack later. They are so scrumptious and will fill you up. A really good deal is the Monday night two-for-one entree. If you're ballsy, you could even try the whisky tray to sample some great Scottish whisky. In all, this place makes you feel very comfortable and I think I'll be coming here often in the winter to feel warm.
(4)Martin P.
This Place has the best Fish N Chips anywhere! Come when its all you can eat! I had a hard time in the past because of all the smoking BUT Thanks to Chicago and the No Smoking rule I will be back often. The batter is perfect and the fish is never greasy...almost sweet. Amazing! Great Price, Amazing Food.
(5)Brad B.
Oh Duke of Perth, how I love thee... Best fish and chips (and even a special all you can eat, for you fat bastards) once a week. Kick ass staff. M the barkeep, brought back Tom & Jerry (yum) mix and cheese curds from his family home in WI and shared them with all the patrons last week. C'mon. Who does that? He does. Lovely guy. Tell him I said so. Beers. Scotch. Fireplace. Nuff said. (oh wait....for all you people from out of town: ITS HORRIBLE DONT GO)
(5)Deborah E.
Ahhh.....The Duke of Perth. Or, as I fondly refer to it, The Puke of Derth. Simply stated - I love it. Now, mind you - I am not a beer drinker - and I am only vouching here for the Fish N Chips - oh! And the deep fried mushrooms - god, those are good! They are served with some sort of horseradishy sauce - yummmmmm! Though I loved it, I didn't frequent it as much during the smoking days as the ventilation sucked. But now that the smokers are outside, I will be going more.
(5)Melissa B.
All you can eat fish and chips. Need I say more? I mean, c'mon. And has anyone mentioned the peas? That's the real reason the boy wants to go there all the time. The beer list is odd, but interesting. Why not try something new? How about an elderberry beer? Service is great, even when the patrons get stupid drunk with old friends (ahem). So why not 5 stars? The only problem is the seating inside is very cramped. I recommend waiting 'til the patio opens.
(4)Thelma T.
I made it to this legendary pub as a tourist trek after reading about it in Gourmet magazine. It was great. The ambiance was frenzied zen - a juxtaposition of crusty elders,yuppies and hipsters. The wait was about an hour, but it was during the "all you can eat special" Their signature, fish n chips is incredible. I had a symphony of pleasure on my palate; I Loved the exotic suds too.
(5)Job E.
Went for Fish and Chips Wednesday. Place was busy and had to wait for a table. I wish I could give it a better rating, but, honestly, my Fish and Chips fell flat. The beer is good. The atmosphere is excellent. On an entertaining note, this was a fun eavesdropping visit. Conversation from the neighbor table included phrases like "I might cancel my subscription to 'Massive Asses'" and "Do you think STDs run rampant at retirement communities?"
(3)Andrew C.
The Duke of Perth is a great pub. But it's more than that. The scotch menu is excellent (one of the best in the area) and the waitstaff is very knowledgeable when you're trying to select a scotch. The Duke has a decent selection of Scottish beers on draught with enough variety to keep a beer fan like me from being bored. That said, it's more than scotch and bitters. The fish and chips are excellent and the burgers are juicy and placed in front of you faster than you'd expect. The atmosphere nice and dark and the Duke is generally fairly quiet except Thursday through Saturday (which is to be expected). The rest of the week it's a great place to bring a board game or a deck of cards and linger over a couple beers or glasses of scotch. Definite keeper.
(4)Rich G.
Great Fish and Chips .. what more is there to say??
(4)Rachel Y.
I love Duke of Perth - it's one of those good pubs that provide a cozy and inviting haven. And in the summer, their patio is just as fabulous as their fire stove is in the winter. Word of warning though regarding the food - the salmon hash is basically extremely fried fish. I was a bit disappointed - it wasn't bad but I was envisioning a sort of pot pie type of thing. So if you are in a situation like i was and are debating between one of their burgers (which are amazing) or the salmon hash...go with the burger. I definitely will next time!
(4)Jonathan A.
The fish and chips are the best I have had in the city. And all you can eat for 10 or 11 bucks on Fridays! With green peas! The beer selection is unique and interesting. The atmosphere is small cozy pub, and authentic. Little stools rock. Great all around.
(4)Emily C.
The folks were in town on a Sunday afternoon. After a drive up Clark we came upon an open parking spot in front of Duke's. When I first heard the name I had flashbacks of this totally hungry/obnoxious bar back in Grand Rapids with the same name where many undergraduate nights were spent and lots of regretful interactions were made. So I told you that to tell you this: Duke's of Perth is so far from anything frat like or, and I hate to say it, but the sort of typical Lincoln Park bars in that vicinity. First of all they have NO tv. And they advertise it which I love. So don't come here if you want to watch "the game." We sat in the back near the fire place which was really cozy as this was a wicked cold day. Dad ordered the chocolate stout which he loved and mom got a Bodington. I had work to do so stuck to my water. Mom and I both ordered the Islay chicken sandwich which you pick three options to accompany the juicy chicken breast. I had onions, mushrooms and BBQ sauce. We were both really satisfied. Dad ordered the, and you have to love the name of this burger, the Sean Connery Burger. Naturally what ensued next was us talking like Sean Connery on SNL's Jeopardy "I'm on to you Trebek." He loved his burger. Both sandwiches come with a huge side of fries. The service was a bit sketch as we were the only ones there and waited about 40 minutes for our food. It's a fairly good sized space so hopefully the service is better when it is filled up. Oh and the bathroom: gross. And why is it so dark? Anyway good food, good drinks good atmosphere, avoid the bathroom and get a spot the fire, you'll surely have a nice afternoon.
(4)Jess S.
Twisted Thistle - you're a friggin delicious beer. Now that I have that out of the way.... After the delicious leek pie and eyeing all the plates that passed our table, I want to go back and try everything on the menu. Seriously. No joke. Great comfort food. Perfect for those chilly nights. Two of us went in on a Saturday night at 6, plenty of seating (which slowly but surely filled up). Dark and cozy, it was comfortable. Attentive & personable waitstaff. All in all a great experience. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Jeff D.
Great Fish and Chips! Man for the price of 9.99, you can't go wrong with this all you eat deal! The (Lake Perch?) is breaded so lightly and the peas that go with it is great! There is service is quicker than what I remember when I went a year ago. Plus, it's a cozy atmosphere. Easy parking around as well.
(4)Johnny A.
Being a Wisconsin boy, born and raised in the Brew City baby!! I LOVE ME SOME FISH FRY'S!!! and after several try's at other spots in the Chi, i have to say, The Duke of Perth is my favorite place to go to belly up at the bar and eat me some fish fry. Better yet it is a Scottish bar and being Irish-American, this place feels comfy and cozy to me and has a great beer selection, they have the bell haven wee-heavy, one of my favs..did i mention on Wednesdays and Fridays its ALL-u-CAN !! for 10 duckets a plate!! laddy! it don't get better than this !! present day, being lent, i am heading there for an early dinner.. see you there!! Cheers!
(5)Sarah K.
there's no place like home ... there's no place like home .... I love this pub more than I love my cell phone and I love my cell phone more than I love my own parents so you do the math .... and much like the purpose of my parents, this place is responsible for shaping many of the values, goals and views that I hold dear to this day. Um, while we're at it ... its also served as the backdrop for my causing a fair share of problems, issues, emotional destruction and a well deserved breakup .... or two. I'm sarah ... ... but c'mon ... beer, good. scotch, good. and they even have a sean connery burger for christ's sakes! i'm homesick now ... sniff.
(5)Colleen B.
I know I've been here twice and I know I enjoyed whatever it is that I ate but I also know that they had chocolaty beer... so I don't remember much else. Oh! I also remember that it was nice and toasty warm and cozy when it was HORRIBLE AND COLD outside. I'll be back now that it's not the dead of winter. I wonder if they still have the chocolate beer...
(4)Paul A.
No TV! That in and of itself is five stars in my book! It also helps that they have a terrific single malt selection, the service is always excellent and the pubgrub with a Scottish flair is terrific.
(5)Sara G.
I had a great glass of cider and a very pleasant shepherd's pie. Steve seemed to enjoy his leek pie and Michael said the fish and chips were indeed very good. As much as anything, though, I just liked the dark, cozy pub atmosphere, and the fireplace. We lucked out and hit the place on a quiet Monday night, so there was no trouble getting a table and we could talk quietly. A really pleasant meal.
(3)A. R.
You can't go wrong with The Duke, whether you're stopping in simply for a beer or sitting down for a meal. The menu has good "bar food" but also other unique fare you won't find at the place across the street. The All You Can Eat Fish Fry is the best you'll get in the city. On a Friday or Saturday evening you can expect to wait for a table, which can be a little awkward esp during the winter as there isn't a whole lot of room to stand around and the bar has maybe a dozen stools. Great outdoor seating during the warm months.
(5)Jerry K.
Get your London Pub fix here - AWESOME
(4)Katherine R.
EXCELLENT Scotch selection. All available by the glass for a very decent price. I love Scotch, my parents love Scotch, my boyfriend loves Scotch, one of my best friends loves Scotch, and we all love coming here to try different Scotches. This is a great place to cozy up in the winter months (next to the fireplace -- did I mention there was a fireplace?) and sip a stiff drink in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. I recommend coming here on two-for-one entree night with a friend and spending your extra $8 on another glass of, you guessed it, Scotch.
(4)jeff c.
i got the chance to hang out at this fine establishment for a few hours yesterday. the ambience and service were good, and they had a nice selection of scottish beers on draft. i was excited because as i was waiting (finishing off a book for a book club meeting), i realized that it was bottomless fish and chips night! how could this go wrong? well, i'll tell you. maybe i was a little too excited about the fish and chips, because i was pretty disappointed when they came out. the batter was very light - good sign. the fish was flaky - another good sign. BUT...it just wasn't tasty! i tried vineagar. i tried salt. i tried tartar sauce. all of this was to no avail. so as much as i like the place itself, to be so disappointed in what should be a staple food like fish and chips at a place like this means i can only give it 3 stars. sorry.
(3)Jim S.
Yes, the fish and chips are great. The beer selections are fine and the Scotch choices are the best in the city. My problem comes in the fact that they try to slip in taxes on beers on top of their prices. I consider D of P a bar that happens to serve some great food....and therefore when the price of a pint is listed as $8 that is assumed to be tax included.....BUT IT'S NOT!! Sorry for the 2 star review....but if you want the price of your pint to be $8.88 instead of $8 list that on the menus. Or better yet just charge $9. How sad for your waitresses to have to sit there and count out the tax every time they need to cash someone out who is just drinking.
(2)Eric S.
I recently moved to California and spent a few weeks saying sad goodbyes to friends and loved ones in Chicago. But Duke of Perth, you were the hardest to leave behind. Where do I begin? If you are a scotch lover (which I became after living across the street from the DOP for two years), this is simply the best place to go in Chicago. The scotch list is a bit daunting, but the bartender can give you a recommendation, or try one of the four scotch "flights" they have available. The place is dark and cozy on the inside, leafy and cozy in the outside beer garden. Both are great. And then there's the food. I made it a goal try everything on their menu, and I can't say that anything disappointed. My favorites: wings, meatloaf, pot pie, veggie sandwich, and of course the fish n' chips. I highly recommend grabbing a friend and going on Monday nights for 2-for-1 dinner entrees. Duke, every time I go back to visit Chitown, you can be sure that I will pay you a visit.
(5)Cathy H.
Like it! Weds/Fri all you can eat fish and chips--the chips were REALLY good. My favorite part is that they actually have PIMMS at the bar. So far, I've only found two places in Chicago that have Pimms: Duke of Perth and Quenchers. Nothing like fish and chips and a Pimms Cup to take you right back to Edinburgh.
(4)Esther L.
Good fish and chips. Good deal. Had to reduce a star because my credit card statement reflected a higher tip given to the server than I had recorded on my receipt.
(4)Drew S.
A pub that loves its scotchy scotch scotch. There's a page with a couple dozen scotches from each variety and age bracket. I went with the scotch flight for 16 buckarooos. It comes with 3 samples and detailed tasting notes that read "nose: peaches body: smoked peat moss aroma: fresh cloverfields in spring finish: juniper berries" The food seemed up par and they had a fireplace. Oh, and once I saw a blimp.
(5)Mark Z.
We went there for the all you can eat fish and chips, as well as the scotch selection. Neither disappointed! Let's start with the food. You'd think on an all you can eat fish night, that the fish would be under/over cooked or just not good. That was the farthest thing from the truth. It was absolutely delicious fish, and the servers couldn't be happier to bring out another round of fish. Next, the scotch. There are over 75 different types! Most were delicious. The only thing that would take marks away were the server's knowledge of scotch. He really didn't know a thing. So either hitch up to the bar (the bartender is the owner) and ask him for recommendations, or study up the online menu prior to visiting. Regardless, it's a mostly can't go wrong deal on the menu. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Steve G.
You know, when it comes down to it, this place is just okay. Sure, it's novel to sit in a bar that feels Scottish, and order foods with silly names, and read a page long Scotch menu, etc. But this places gets uncomfortably crowded on the weekends, and the food isn't all that fantastic. Duke of Perth is the hipster equivalent of Medieval Times.
(3)Keenan S.
I am in love with The Duke of Perth. The atmosphere is a wonderful change from most of the bars I've been to (no T.V. is a NECESSITY!), and, especially on the weekdays, has some great Celtic melody quietly playing in the background (a little more contemporary stuff plays on the weekends, but I won't fault it, because it's not obnoxious and loud). I've only ever had the fish and chips, but I think they are enough by themselves to lure anyone in. My fiancée is not big on fish, but even she thinks they're fabulous. The batter is phenomenal and the fish is always fried to perfection, with comparably delicious chips and peas served alongside. While the beer list is small, there's some quality brews to be had. The real draw, though, is the extensive list of scotch. It's insane how many there are to choose from, and I wish I had more time and money in my life to try them all. I may reach that goal sometime, though, because I plan to come back here as often as possible, even if I go bankrupt in the process. Ah, the life of an American consumer.
(4)Sean L.
The Duke is a great cozy place to have a meal. I hope you are not shy because you will be sitting right next to everyone else there. Also, when it gets busy you will have to wait in the front for a table which gets very crowded with only a few people. I feel bad though, because I feel like I am hovering over people waiting for them to finish, so we can have their table. I would recommend the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesday or Friday. The beer selection is pretty good.
(4)Matt R.
After a long day, the Duke of Perth is just the place for comfort cooking, great beer, and/or a good single malt. Hung out in the beer garden last night and it was a perfect night to be there!
(4)David W.
Oh My Brad B was right This Fat bastard thoroughly enjoyed the all you can eat Fish and Chips Served both on Wednesdays and fridays Oh my although i do consider myself a big eater i was only able to accomplish 2 servings of the delectably home made fish i guess it was due to the fact that i finished everything else that was on my plate as well as a couple of pints of beer.. I've been to this place a couple of times and yeah I guess i do like it.. A little side note though i think they need to add a little bit more salt in the batter there
(4)Jerry M.
The Duke's got a great ambience, the beers are good - Strongbow on tap! Great specials on various days - Mondays i think is 2 meals for the price of 1, Wed and Fridays are all you can eat fish and chips, and even more specials that I don't know about. Beer garden is awesome in back. But I don't like their fish and chips for some reason - they're too bready for me, but I know lots of folks who love the fish and chips, so it's just my little quirk. And they come with peas - ewww! You can ask for to sub fries if you don't like peas, so that's a good plus in my book. The menu seems authentic, but not for veggies - unless you like salads!
(4)Sarah W.
I always seem to end up here on the all-you-can-eat Fish 'n Chips night, even though I don't eat fish. What I do eat--and lots of it--is the Leek Pie: potatoes, vegetables, and a little bit of magic, all baked together with cheese on top, served with peas or mixed vegetables on the side. The name might not win you over, but this is addictively delicious, and a great option for those of us who are not meat-inclined. My husband is equally enthusiastic about the Sheppard's Pie. They have unique Scottish and English beers on tap. I particularly enjoy the Belhaven Scottish Ale, which has the creaminess of a Guinness and a smooth, malty flavor. The Duke is of course known for its extensive Scotch offerings, and I've taken advantage of their flights, which come with helpful explanations of each malt. The restaurant itself is not enormous, but there is a huge patio in back that practically doubles their seating capacity so it's a great place to go in the summer. It's a good place to have dinner and drinks before a movie at the Landmark.
(5)Jenn L.
If I died, I'd want to go to the Duke for eternity. The fish and chips are the best in the nation, the 25 cent (ginormous, larger than a fat opera singer's boob) chicken wings on Thursdays, one of the best scotch selections in town, and two words: Wee Heavy. The bar's vibe is pure pub loveliness: dark and filled with good smells and drunken stories. UPDATE: The wings are now 50 cents a piece. While this is upsetting, keep in mind that these wings are still much larger than any other chicken wings I've eaten before. So still a good deal. Oh, and try the leek pie. It's fantastic.
(5)David S.
My 4 star rating is really because I've been here several times and love the place. I'll add the unfortunately part later. This is a Scottish bar in a city packed with Irish Bars. Cool décor, good to very good food, and superior selection of Scotch Whiskey and Scottish Ales. Oh how I remember my first bottle of Scotch when I was living in Germany 10 years ago (a Glenmorangie). Back then I started with one shot in a glass of water slowly making the mix stronger and stronger. Today, I'm almost always drinking neat unless its cask strength or a wicked strong Islay. Duke of Perth has more choices of a dram to pour than any other bar in this city. Truly, if you love Scotch this is where you need to be. They even have Scotch flights if you're looking for a good tasting. I'll admit, as much as I like this place I don't do the flights. They keep the costs down by making 1 of the 3 in the flights a less than par Scotch. Or, at least, I rate 1 of the 3 on each but the high end flights as subpar. Is any Scotch subpar though? Wednesdays and Fridays they have all you can eat fish fry. No fish and chips compare to actually being in Ireland but this is some of the best you will get in the city. I was disappointed with my service this last weekend as the server didn't know scotch and was rather inattentive in a non-packed restaurant. However, as I've been there many times over I can also say that was unusual for them as they are usually great! All-in-all if you're into Scotch Whiskey or even wanting to learn or try new Scotch this is the place to go. They even have a nice little patio out back. Let me know when you're going, I'll love talking Scotch almost as much as drinking it. I don't hand out 5 stars because they need to be more elusive in my opinion but this place is the closest I've come. Granted that probably has a lot to do with my affinity for Scotch. Prost, Cheers, Salud, Bon Appetit, and all those great wishes!
(4)Rebecca T.
One of my favorite places in the hood; I little bit of Scotland in the heart of Lincoln Park. In the winter it's great because it's warm and cozy, love the native music playing in the background, and they have winter warmer concoctions that are oh-so-tasty. In the summer, it's equally as awesome in the quaint, backyard patio. Perfect place to sit back with a few beers and enjoy a sunny afternoon. Oh, and the food kicks ass. Big fan of the pot pies and unusually good house salad dressing.
(5)joel t.
love this bar. absolutely love it. mike is about as nice a guy as you'll ever find behind the bar. and better yet, he actually knows his stuff. i consider myself pretty well versed in the world of single malt scotch, and he's always been spot on in recommendations. (he definitely won't recommend a speyside when your leanings are towards an islay.) so if you're new to single malts, talk to him. he knows what questions to ask, and he is never, ever judgmental. as for the food, well.....it's fair. (fare? get it?). the hebridean leek pie is a personal fave, although i'm not a huge fan of peas, and it comes with a copious amount. on the plus side, it gives me ample opportunity to test my pea balancing skills. (the malt vinegar bottle works nicely, and my record is four.) as for beer, they do have a couple of belhavens on tap. (twisted thistle is an excellent european i.p.a.) and where else can you get a bottle of 'alba' (scotch pine ale) or a bottle of 'fraoch'? (heather ale). the overall atmosphere is cozy, warm, dark, and welcoming. no tv's, no music playing, so conversation is easy. this is simply one of the better pubs in chicago.
(4)Joel T.
Next time you're in the mood for an Irish pub, make a slight adjustment and go Scottish. Plenty of fine Scotch whiskys and the type of food you'd expect, plus a nice collection of ales. The back yard makes a nice gathering spot for some old-timey whisky sipping.
(4)Ingrid C.
The scotch selection is excellent!!!! best in town. I am not a big fun of fish and chips, so I haven't tried it, but everybody that I've been there with, agreed that is the best fish and chips in the city. I honestly only go there for the scotch. they carry the Laphroaig 15 years which is my favorite and isn't easy to find. So to be honest that simple reason already makes this place great. Location is good, service is good, the scotch is the best!
(5)Joel T.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I popped into this place for the first time: more bottles of whisky (no 'e') than i've ever seen in one bar. The barman (who is a woman, but i'm not sure what people in England and Scotland call a woman behind the bar) was so knowledgeable and friendly that I wished i lived in walking distance. There are many evenings of rarefied pleasure on those shelves. Also, grub is terrific and the place is big enough that crowds won't necessarily bother. Also, no fruit machines, blaring Gaga, sports on tv, tartan corniness. At least not whenever i've been in.
(5)Luke S.
This place was a surprising treat! I've walked by this place hundreds of times and finally decided to stop in. I'm really glad I did. I wasn't sure what to get, but the waiter recommended the meatloaf. It was perfect, be sure to get the veggies as a side rather than the peas. It also came with mashed potatoes that melted in your mouth. I'm definitely coming back to try the all you can eat fish and chips on a Wednesday or Friday. I didn't drink but the drink list was long and looked to be fairly reasonably priced.
(4)Dima M.
I don't know how I have missed this part the past few years that I have been coming to this place, but this is the first year I saw the outdoor patio area. It's very nice and secluded to the back of the bar, instead of the front or along the sidewalk. This is great, as it doesn't get too crowded, but you can still enjoy a good ale in fresh air. The outdoor area is big enough that it doubles the seating capacity of the bar.
(4)Sarah A.
Must try the Robert the Bruce Burger. I absolutely love that you can choose some hearty toppings. They also have a unique beer selection on tap including Scottish, English and Irish Ales. The patio in the back is also great during the summer. I love specials and they have specials M-F, including an all-you-can-eat Fish 'n' Chips dinner. Don't wanna miss this place.
(4)Jon J.
The Duke is one of my favorites. They've got great food and a unique selection of English and Scottish beers & liquors available. It's just a good place to chill and have a conversation, as they don't have any TVs (a bonus) and don't crank up the music too loudly. It tends to get crowded, however, and there isn't much space to stand if the bar and tables are all filled up. All that aside, it's still a great bar, a definite standout in a homogeneous neighborhood.
(4)Ralph F.
Duke used to be REALLY good. A change in ownership has brought the place down. Yes, the fish n chips are very good. The burgers used to be larger (and cheaper). Their fried mushrooms are what keeps me coming back. This is a place we used to go to nearly weekly. Now I will cave in to the fried shroom cravings once every six months or so.
(2)choong l.
This is my favorite bar in Chicago. Sure, the staff is not the most perky or attentive, but they've got character -- chat up with them and they'll treat you like regulars (a lot of them have been, or currently are, regulars themselves). Now, this doesn't mean that your food and drinks will be served any faster or they'll refill your water any more promptly, but at least you'll learn to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while sipping on a delicious pint of Young's Double Chocolate Stout (this is a rather recent addition; one of the old regulars, McEwans, is no longer served). The bar's rather small -- only long enough for about 8 stools -- but this also means that you'll get to know the bartender before the night is over (hello Mike!). The atmosphere is one of dark, mahogany wood, antique furnitures and exposed brick wall along a long hall that leads to a beer garden in the rear patio. The musical selection is pretty random and my favorite part: no TV. This place is not much for people watching, either, which is how I prefer it -- kinda like an oasis of cozy, comfortable pub half way between the Diversey/Clark and Wriglyville concentration of loud, seen-to-be-seen bars. While the bar has some hard-to-find Scottish beers (e.g. Orkney Island Skull Splitter), it also has decent selection of great English beers (Young's Double Chocolate Stout begs to be consumed!) as well. If your taste for bars run closer to TV-free, chat-friendly pubs (but not a dive) like Hop Leaf, you'll really enjoy a pint at The Duke of Perth. For others, please hop on a cab and go a mile up along Clark St.; I heard that there's a place called, "John Barleycorn," that might do you better.
(5)Julina B.
Super fish n chips and fantastic wings! I stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while visiting Chicago in search of good beer. Don't be fooled by the this small unassuming bar. They've got big food and good drink. Try the Scottish Stout. Not to mention they offer single malt tasters.
(5)Bry H.
When I need to get in touch with my Scottish roots, I come to this place. They have Belhaven on tap.. yum. I'm not the biggest fan of fried food, but every now and again you just need something thrown in the frier... This is the place. If you are a healthy eater this is NOT the place to be. But I love Duke!
(4)Marven K.
Great atmosphere, unbelievable fish and chips and and amazing imported beer selection.
(4)Moira S.
The best fish and chips in the city hands down. Expect a wait on Friday nights when it is all you can F&C. Their cod cakes and chicken and mushroom pie are delightful as well. Great Scottish beer selection and good atmosphere.
(5)Kate B.
Due to yelp, and the the yelp help my friends and I read on a daily basis, a group of us decided to start a "supper club" so that we can try out some of the restaurants we have read about. This was our first restaurant - we went on a Friday night for their all you can eat Fish & Chips. Being from the east coast, I am very picky about my seafood, but I would have to say Duke of Perth did a very nice job with their fish. Our waitress was a little slow, but very,very friendly and gave us good recommendations on the beers they had on tap. Plus as soon as one persons plate was empty of fish, chips and peas, a heaping plate of fish and chips was brought to the table immediately.
(4)Katy G.
Great beer, and good food. What more could you possibly want?
(5)Jessica R.
I've been here twice...and since I mention Maggie R. in every other review, I may as well do so again. My first experience, with Maggie R., was nice and quiet. We both chowed on fish and chips. Btw, Monday is BOGO entrees! Aside from that, the fried fish and potatoes were very nice. I loved that the Malt Vinegar was conveniently placed in the center of the table. My second time, tonight, was as easily as nice. I dined with 5 other friends, (including Maggie R.), and the service was just right. I tried the Slam'n Salmon and Cod Cakes, served with fries and tartar sauce. Very swell! Again, the service was very efficient.
(4)Lindsay N.
I love this place so much. My first visit was on a Wednesday and of course I got the fish and chips. My good friend got an amazing pear and Gorgonzola salad. The food was amazing and the waiter even brought out extra fish and chips so my friend could have some of my serving as well. Most restaurants won't do that, so I was pretty impressed. Needless to say, we visit this place often. Great server, great food, nice atmoshpere.
(5)Jessica M.
My hubby and I have been here many times, and have always enjoyed it. We bring out of town guests here a lot, or come with friends. The Fish n'Chips Wed/Fri is the best bet. We've also tried burgers, root veggies and meat pie, all which were good. The only thing I tried here that I didn't like was the crab/fish cakes? Don't really remember exactly what it was, but it had a weird spice and was cold. I will stick with fish n chips most likely with return visits, which also comes with peas :) To top it off, they have a great beer selection! We usually find a new favorite every time we go!
(4)Van D.
Best fish and chips in the city so you can't beat the all you can eat fish and chip nights on Wed and Fri. Good selection of beers and patio in the back is great in the summer. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu since I ONLY eat fish and chips here. Maybe one day I will actually order something else......nah.
(4)Amanda Z.
I used to live a few blocks from here and used to frequent it often. Service can be spotty, but the food is generally good. I enjoy the fish and chips, although the "all you can eat" is wasted on me. I can never eat more than one order! Be prepared for long waits during Fridays in Lent. When the weather is nice, they have a lovely beer garden in the back of the restaurant. I also love that there are no TV's.
(4)Jason Z.
I stopped in here a couple Fridays ago, for the all you can eat fish and chips. I thought the place might be packed, but I got seated right away (there would have been a lengthy wait had I wanted to sit outside). Mere moments after I ordered my meal, I had an overflowing plate of fish and chips. Theses were probably the best fish and chips I've had in Chicago. Before I could finish my first plate, the waitress was at my table asking if I'd like seconds of anything, and again, mere moments after ordering, they were there. The bar itself is old Scottish charm. Duke could easily be any of the pubs I was in Glasgow. I'll be back there on another Friday, hopefully I'll be able to sit outside this time.
(4)Eric A.
If there were a way to teleport from L.A. to Chicago for a drink, I'd be at the Duke of Perth every time I went out for drinks. Being a single malt fan, this is by far one of the most authentic-feeling and cozy pubs this side of the Loch Ness. I have celebrated two birthdays here, and when I left Chicago for the glitz and glamor of NYC, I had a going away party here. And all three times, everyone showed up, and stayed quite awhile! And while I'd like to think that it was all because I embody the acme of charm and charsima; I'm sure it was because when you get here, you feel like you're home. Just try and get in here on a cold fall evening after 7 PM. Not a seat to be had. And they don't turn tables that quickly. By the way, the fish and chips special on Fridays (all you can eat) can't be beat.
(5)diana R.
This place served us poisonous food (rancid meat). I wish I was joking but my stomach, my boyfriends stomach, and my boyfriend's sister's stomach never lie. I could understand one person getting sick, or two people getting sick maaybe. But if three people ordered the same burgers with the same meat at the same place, something smells fishy. The fish n' chips I guess were all right I guess. That's what our "friend's" got. This place man. Foul. I was sick. I really felt like it was the end, I threw up for two days straight. I was promising myself, PRAYing that this horryfying nausea would end. This meat is cursed with e.coli and bad vibes. I became a vegetarian because of this place. You can go if you want to go, but you're gonna barf your body out. I mean, real though, try to AVOID THE MEAT. Go there. Avoid the meat, you might be alright. BUT IF YOU EAT it, You'll be singing a different song. I pray for those who think they can battle the duke of perth.
(1)Kyle S.
The second I walked in, it was instantly my favorite Chicago restaurant. As my brother and I entered, the entire bar was standing with their glasses raised, listening to a man in a deep Scottish accent, wishing his great friend off to fight in Iraq. It was a touching scene, and instantly added character to the the Duke of Perth. We even went up and talked to the strangers after our meal, many true Scots, some American. This added to the atmosphere, as you know it's not just one of those "Irish" bars which pop up all over Chicago, but really no true Irishmen drink there, just college frat boys. So the character of this place was undeniable. I enjoyed the meal, although there was not much privacy when eating, we were almost on top of someone else, but I didn't mind. If you are going for the romantic dinner, i wouldn't say come here. But if you want a good time, and find perhaps a new fav restaurant in the Lakeview area, hit this up. This is the place I recommend to people when they are looking for a fun place to go. I have since visited again, and needed to try to Fish and Chips. Although it was all you can eat, I think everything on my plate filled me up enough that I didn't need anymore. The prices for the food was quite reasonable, and I loved having peas served as well. I haven't had those since I was little. The one thing that gets expensive is the beer and alcohol selection, and I would expect that, as they do not just serve your American beers, but a great selection of dark, European beers.
(5)Lesley G.
I feel like this place gets a lot of hype, but I think it's just fine. They have good beers that you don't see everywhere, probably because there aren't a lot of Scottish bars around, seems like the Brits and Irish claim all the pubish spaces in the hood. And the food is all good, but it comes at a price, a pretty high one. I go here when my friend's suggest it, but I don't think I've ever suggested it myself. So, like the stars say, I think it's "A-OK."
(3)Abbey H.
If you're lucky on your visit to Duke of Perth, you'll get seated in front of the little gas fireplace. Yeah, I know, real fireplaces burn wood, but I'll take what I can get on a freezing Chicago winter evening. There's always a great selection of warm drinks, like hot buttered rum (holy wow), and hot chocolate or coffee with booze. Food is tasty, soups especially. It's dark and cozy, unpretentious, not too loud, plus my favorite perk, it's 2 blocks from the Landmark Theater. Fill your belly with comfort food, then try not to fall asleep during your movie. It's worth it.
(4)Rob L.
Although the back patio was full, (though strangely it didn't look it), my friends decided to sweat it out in the front at the bar. Just getting back from dinner a little while ago I wasn't able to munch on any of their food, but I did have a lovely beer, medium body full of flavor and served cool.. not cold. Excellent. One of my friends was liking their selection of fine scotches and my other friend had a cold and refreshing cider. Our bartender, (whom might be the owner), was friendly, not intrusive and knew how to pour a pint proper. I have heard from many that the food is great and so is the beer garden... but alas.. I wasn't able to try either... so I guess that means I have to come back.
(3)Kristin C.
I give the Duke props for staying strictly Scottish and not bending too much towards typical bar food fare. I went here Friday night and it wasn't too packed. I was pretty bummed out because what I really wanted to try was not available but still on the menu (frustrating). I pulled out a quick plan "B" and ordered the mini burger appetizer flight for my meal. I had a side salad too. Those little burgies were FANTASTIC. Very tasty and very cute. The bill came and was a little pricier than I expected. The only thing I don't like about the Duke is how it's a little too restaurant-y. It seems like this place wants to have a Pub feel but it just doesn't. It would be so cool if the decor was a little more pub-rustic.
(3)Josette J.
I came here for the "All You Can Eat" fish and chips. The fish were battered just right; it really was a pleasure to eat. The dish comes with green peas and chips. I really would have loved to have this dish with an ale, but I was driving so I cannot comment on their alcohol selection :) To clear up other reviews on the chips, traditional chips are served slightly soggy--not crispy. So, don't expect to get them crispy, folks :) I gave 3 stars because while the food was good and the atmosphere acceptable, the service was bad. I had to get up and get my own menu and silverware from the waitress/service corner after waiting at my table for 5 minutes. This incident might not sound so bad, but there were only 5 other patrons in the establishment, so the waitress wasn't busy at all, merely chatting.
(3)Leigh K.
After wavering back and forth one night on where to eat for dinner, we ended up at one of Zachary's favorites, The Duke of Perth. This place earned 100 points immediately when I noticed that they have Strongbow on tap. Not many Chicago bars can boast that. A plethora of points were added throughout our meal. We decided that for dinner we wanted to split appetizers, so we ordered the deep fried mac 'n cheese, fried vegetables, and chicken satay, along with cream of broccoli soup. Brennan's review of the veggie fries was right on. They go SO well with the three sauces they are served with, though my favorite was the sweet chili. The deep fried mac 'n cheese sounded too good to be true and it was. It was definitely something I'm glad I ordered so I could try it, but I don't think I'll get it again. It's just too rich even for a carb lover like me. The breading on the ouside of the chicken satay made it uniquely crisp. I made a sad faced lions face and begged Zachary to let me have one more than I was entitled to since we were splitting the meal. My pouty face can move mountains...or earn me chicken satay. Yum! Our waitress was nice but a bit scatterbrained. When we had asked her about the soup of the day she seemingly tried to talk us out of ordering the cream of broccoli because "it is just too creamy," but if I (and most of the general populace) end up ordering a creamy soup, we actually want it creamy. Maybe she truly had a vendetta against the soup, because she forgot to bring it out until I reminded her well after we had begun chowing down. Isn't soup supposed to come out first? Maybe a Either way, she was apologetic and maybe she will one day learn to make amends with the soup; its' only crime is being too creamlicious.
(4)Niko X.
Go here for the Fish and Chips... washed down with lots of great draft beer. The Duke serves up just about the best Fish and Chips I've ever had. Beer battered to perfection; the batter isn't too thick, isn't too thin, and is just crunchy enough to handle a healthy dousing of malt vinegar, without losing its crispiness. I was visiting a friend who goes to Northwestern, and this really hit the spot. It's definitely worth the trip over to Lakeview.
(5)Larry B.
A truly great pub in a city full of wannable pubs. Duke of Perth offers good pub grub including the aforementioned fish and chips. Nice selection of beer on tap. Great selection of Scotch including flights which is a nice way of sampling some of those expensive single malts that you would likely have never tried otherwise. I cozy albiet small bar at the front of the room. great place.
(4)Cary F.
Never in my life have I waited for 2-hours for a table. But during this Lenten season, I have been on a journey to find the best Fish'n Chips in Chicago, and was willing to wait to see if the Duke would live up to it reputation. Not only did this place live up to the title of best Fish'n Chips, it blew it out of the water! The fish was perfectly battered, flaky and tasty. It melted in your mouth and filled you with a joy that only God could. I truely believe that Catholics don't eat meat on Friday's so they can goto the Duke for Fish'n Chips. At $10 a head for all you can eat, you cannot beat this meal.
(5)Michael H.
Cold weather. Warm, hearty food. Duke of Perth. Perfect, right? Not quite. To begin with, the seating area was poorly arranged. This doesn't seem like a big deal unless you're sitting at a "table" that's about 18" by 30" near the restroom while there are several feet of usable space between tables adjacent to you. Not a good way to start the meal. My burger was dry and the fries were soggy. My companion's chicken and mushroom pie was oddly flavored with something sweet and nutty that we just couldn't figure out. On the plus side, the beer selection was quite good. I don't see myself eating here again.
(2)Gwen B.
Very charming pub in a small nook in Lakeview with the Best fish and chips in the city--truly amazing. If you are a whiskey drinker, you will love their whiskey menu. It's a great find--especially for those chilly nights in Chicago.
(5)Elton G.
I recently revisited the Duke of Perth after a long absence. I used to live across the street from it and would take everybody there. I'm happy to report that it has retained same mega-cozy ambiance and comforting pub food that I remember from before. A wintry night of Scottish ales (plus a PBR to keep Frank Booth happy), a fireplace, a fish sandwich and friends made for a very pleasant evening.
(5)Mark T.
I could not have spent my Friday night at a better place. Their fish and chips are absolutely killer (not to mention that on Wed and Fri night they are all you can eat, even tho I could only put down two orders of fish) Their beer selection has a good sampling form Scotland, Ireland, and England alike. For a scotch drinker like myself this place is a MUST. By far the best single malt menu around. Service was great and I met a lot of nice people sitting @ the bar. You will see me there next Friday as well if that sums it all up. Just yell for Mark T, if you are good looking I might answer.
(5)Dave C.
This place is stupendous; as close as you can get to a good Scottish pub outside of Scotland! I've traveled a great deal in my life and constantly have a severe case of wanderlust, and the Duke never fails to satiate that at least a bit due to the faithful Scottish feel on the inside, the excellent draft beer and scotch selection, and the almost constant international crowd that frequents it. The pros: -Excellent draft (and bottle) beer selection -Excellent scotch whiskey selection -Top-notch food, with a menu offering both traditional U.K. pub food (fish and chips, shepherd's/leek pie, etc) seamlessly alongside more traditional favorites (such as burgers and chicken strips) with creative twists -A dark, relaxed, well-decorated interior highly conducive to long bouts of relaxation -A wonderfully friendly staff, topped off by Mike, one of the friendliest and most chill bartenders around (in my opinion) -Always good, eclectic music playing, from classic pipe favorites to The Postal Service -All-you-can-eat fish and chips (with fries and peas on the side) every Wednesday and Friday night -During the temperate months, they have a killer back patio with trees and shrubs that easily can make you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city. Some of my best memories are of hanging out with 7-8 good friends on that patio, forgetting our problems with great food and great pints. The cons: -It's a bit pricey. Entrees run anywhere from $8 to $15, with appetizers running around $5 to $8. The food + atmosphere + staff make the price well worth it, but it still is pretty easy to run up a healthy bill. -Wednesday and Friday nights can be pretty packed due to the all-you-can-eat fish and chips (and rightly so - they're fantastic!). It does create a fun, friendly environment, but not being a huge place, it can get tight, and the wait times can increase significantly. Overall, when you can afford to spend a little more than usual for a hangout, hang out here. I frequently stop in for a pint of my favorite beer - the Young's Double Chocolate Stout - and end up emerging two hours later following 3-4 pints and a side of stovies, their generously-portioned delicious garlic mashed potato, despite having already eaten dinner. I always want to stay "just a little bit longer!"
(5)Samuel M.
DOP is a great spot to linger for an entire evening with a group of good people. The place feels like a Scottish hunting manor on the inside, which contributes to the cozy, friendly atmosphere. All-you-can-eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday for $10 is pretty much unbeatable, and the fish is among the best I have tasted on this side of the pond. However, as other reviewers have stated, the accompaniments (chips and peas) leave something to be desired. The beer list, if a bit pricey, is worth the expenditure, as the offerings are mostly authentic Scottish brews that I haven't seen anywhere else in the city (including a few traditional IPAs with great hop flavor but low enough ABVs to be sessionable). I did not have a Scotch flight, but given the authenticity of the other elements of my experience here, I can't imagine it's anything other than authentic and delicious. Definitely worth many visits
(4)Melissa K.
After reading so many great reviews about this place, I was super excited to try it. I was sadly disappointed. Maybe they had an off night, I was just not impressed. It felt more like a restaurant then a pub and the food I had was alright. The fries were fantastic though. Our waitress seemed less then interested in helping us and another waitress had to run our credit card since ours was too busy chatting with friends. Don't get me wrong, I used to waitress in college, but if you're 20 feet from your table you should be able to run their credit card and see that they want to leave. I suppose I'll have to go back with a different mindset to see if it gets any better.
(2)Dann B.
All you can eat fish fry every Friday has kept me coming back. I also recommend the Hearth Burger for a tasty tasty meal. The beer on tap is extremely impressive, lots of hearty drinks from the British Isles. The staff is really nice and smart and they serve more scotch than I ever thought existed. Do not come here to drink a beer and read a book as the lighting is very dim. All in all a darn authentic Scottish pub.
(4)Jessica G.
I was just here on Saturday for lunch and drinks. Great beer selection and the food was sooo good!! I had a roasted poblano pepper soup, which you could tell was homemade goodness and the fish and chips, which were equally as amazing. It's cozy with fireplaces, non-cheesy Christmas music, and really makes you feel like you're in a Scottish pub. Duke of perth gets an extra star because they have hot spiked drinks (especially great since it's chilly outside)!!! Also, the service was very friendly. Will definitely be back! Wish we had something comparable in Wicker Park.
(5)Benjamin B.
One of the VERY FEW places this near to "The Heart of Darkness" that I will go to. Although every time I go there, my friends stare at me in disbelief when I reject their high-brow fingers of Scotch for my scrum-diddly-umptious three fingers of Maker's Mark. The people that frequent this place seem to vary between down-to-earth intellectuals to elitist hot-balloon heads. The wait staff is too busy to really give you a look to make sure yer happy, but so is life. I like the decor, woodsy... Scottishy or whatever the hell the ethnicity is. I dunno. I like it alright, better that some of my friends go there though... otherwise I prolly wouldn't go to "The Duke" because of where it is... deep in the bowels of... ooooooooooo... I dun even want to think about it. *shudder*
(4)David M.
I've been there for the Wings and Fish & Chips. The wings were good. They are big and meaty wings, not like BW3's. I have had the fish & chips 3 times and I would say once I was like "meh", once I was like "pretty good", and last time I thought "Wow! Great fried fish!". So I guess consistency hasn't been the best. They have a nice patio in the back for the great beer in the summer. I like the Twisted Thistle.
(4)Joshua G.
I grab lunch from here often and the food is always tasty.
(4)Kimberly C.
Much like everyone's grandfather, or so everyone tells me when I mention it, I love scotch. Yes, really. Imagine my joy and ecstasy upon finding a scotch bar. Seriously, not just a LIST, a MENU of scotch - one that I am happily working my way through. The food is authentic, love the beer selection (ahhh, Bellhaven), and they have a fireplace. Clearly, I need nothing else. I will most definetly be frequenting this place in the winter, as I have discovered the heat in my apartment leaves much to be desired. It's not really the place for a Miller light, and don't expect a riotous crowd, or a rocking singles scene, but if you are just serious about your drinking, this place is probably worth a look.
(5)Lynn M.
Everytime I visit Chicago, I have to stop here. Great fish and chips, breaded mushrooms, and incredible selection of scotch. Great vibe and outdoor area out back. Highly recommend.
(5)Sy S.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....best fish and chips.
(4)Michelle H.
Many different beers- they even have one called "Skull Splitters" ale. Declined to try it, to me that even sounded scary. (They have brews mainly from Scotland and England) All- you - can eat Fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday, but this time I tried the Angus beef curried skewers, which were excellent, and served with a mustard sauce. To drink, I tried a cider drink, which was crisp and clean, and only mildly sweet. If you are to sit in the non-smoking section in the back, beware of the swinging door to the kitchen, for it has a frosted glass pane, and is constantly opening and closing in the walkway. Be ready to move quickly. The ambiance is quite nice, with friendly and attentive service. Another reason I will return is the fact that they have Point Special Lager on the beer menu, and it is one of the few place I can find my favorite Wisconsin brews on tap.
(4)Brandon H.
I have so much love for this joint, I can't believe it wasn't my first review. While it can get stupid crowded for the all-you-can eat nights (Wed. & Fri.), it is SO completely worth it. Stunning selection of single malts from all the regions (Speyside, Highland, Islay) and ice cold Tennent's on draught! Great food, killer atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff make the Duke a must. But good luck parking anywhere near it.
(5)L T.
2.5 stars... Went here for a friend's b-day on a Friday evening during Lent. The nearly 2 hour wait wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't been so far away from the bar for the 1st 45 min... Lots of good babysitting dollars down the drain. LOL.. Being smushed up against strangers is always better when you have a drink in your hand! Of course we were so close together, there was barely room to lift the drink to the mouth. I shouldn't be harsh b/c I fully expected a long wait to eat all-you-care-to-eat-fish during Lent. If it hadn't been someone's b-day.... All that being said, the hostess and the servers were pleasant. The crowd was mellow, the food was good, the beer was great. Had a nice time with friends.
(3)Mark B.
Like the Duke, especially when enjoying my beer and food out in the patio during a nice, balmy evening. I always seem to miss the crowds that I've heard about here, which means I have great timing. The food and service are excellent, as is the beer selection.
(5)Sarah J.
One of the best outdoor patios/beer gardens in the city... Great beer, laid back vibe, not a tv in sight! My only complaint is the fish & chip smell. (vegetarian.. sorry.. I realize that is why alot of people come here!) Great bar, though!
(4)Kathryn M.
Upon moving to the neighborhood, I have walked past the Duke of Perth many times. Sometimes when I walk by I make a mental note to go there (which I forget a block later), or I don't even notice it. My friend and I were looking for somewhere new to have lunch. Luckily this time when we walked by Duke of Perth we noticed it AND decided to go in. We both had a huge chicken sandwich, with your choice of 3 toppings and fries for $8.95. Not a bad deal at all. Waitress was fun, lots of spunk. The scotch list is impressive, we'll have to bring our boyfriends here so they can start their attempt to work their way through the scotch list. The decor is very simple. It feels like someone's home, with the old family portraits, fireplace, and drafts. A great place to spend a quiet afternoon with good food and good friends.
(4)Drea E.
This was the best fish and chips I've had in the States ever, anywhere. We had to wait a bit for our seats, but who even notices the wait when you have a hoppy IPA to sip on and good company to enjoy. The service was outstanding, the food was great and the atmosphere was perfect.
(5)Michael H.
One of my favorite places of all-time! They have some of the best, most unique pub food around. There are always great beers on tap and every time I've been there, except for one occasion, the waitstaff has been exemplary. Great place to go for a drink without having drunks fall all over you!
(5)Liz S.
A *lovely* pub with great staff. They went out of their way to make it possible for our large group of 9 to sit together. Also, I like it when wait staff know their beer, I don't always want to depend on the bartender for a suggestion. So, thank you Duke for having a knowledgeable staff. They also have some pretty good food. I ordered a burger here and was only able to eat half so, the portions are pretty big; it's your general bar food with a Scottish spin on it. The bar is on the small side, so don't expect to bring in more than 10 or so people and think you'll be able to sit with each other. But it's definitely a bar to check out if you're in the area, esp since they have more unusual beers.
(4)Justin M.
I used to live down the street from this place....it is a great bar! I actually kind of miss this place. Great beers on tap, and some of the best fish and chips around! I remember one time I was so drunk, the bartender called a cab for me and paid the fare. It was a $2.85 ride, haha. Funny, and awesome at the same time.
(4)Sean K.
Duke of Perth is- far and away- my favorite bar in Chicago. The food is excellent. I could live on their fried fish (which is all you can eat on Fridays and I think Wednesdays too) and chips. Other good menu choices include the Shepherd's Pie, the Hearthfire burger, and the meatloaf. Scottish comfort food- God bless it. The beer and whisky selection are fantastic as well. They have a host of Scottish and English beers that can be tough to find in Chicago- including personal favorites like the Bellhaven Twisted Thistle. On top of all of the good food and drink, the atmosphere is perfect. Unlike the mammoth sports bars a short way up the street in Wrigleyville, Duke of Perth is quiet enough to have a decent conversation, the staff is friendly, and the decor just feels....comfortable. Whenever I have a friend from out of town visit the city, Duke of Perth is the bar I take them to. It's the perfect place for a bite to eat, a drink, and peace if mind.
(5)