We recently got the chance to sit down with the owners of Patchogue’s latest new restaurant, Duke’s, to talk about the new venture, and their longtime partnership. The local eatery is the latest from Mike Avino, owner of Catch Oyster Bar, and newcomer Ron Siders. With backup from Mike’s father, seasoned restauranteur Jim Avino, owner/operator of several local restaurants in the community, it seems Patchogue may have another new hotspot on its hands.
Mike and Ron have have been close friends since elementary school, both playing football together on Bellport High School’s 2001 Championship team, both attending college at Oneonta State later, and now finally decided to take the plunge into business together. Ron told us “We always had a love for good food, even during college we hosted big cookouts and get togethers, and experimented making custom gourmet hot dogs, sausages, smoked kilbasa.” Mike continued, “It was very natural fit. Ron had been running catering events and festivals for Catch already, we had been talking about it for a long time, and when opportunity for the space popped up, we went for it.”
Located on South Ocean Avenue (across from James Joyce & Taiko 360) Duke’s is a 1200 sq. foot space, with seating for around 30+, and has retro-vintage inspired vibe to the decor and atmosphere. The concept and name come from a long lost local hero, Duke the Patchogue police dog who lived during the 1940s. “Duke was a service dog in the 1940s-1950s from Patchogue, there are a lot of old stories about his heroism. The 4 corners was known to be his hangout spot. We wanted to pay tribute to a little piece of Patchogue history that seems to be more and more forgotten.” Siders told us.
As for the eats, customers can plan on delicious fried and comfort foods, but of course with a Duke’s twist. From our quick sneak peak at the menu, we saw some delicious sounding smash burger sliders, hot wings from a 35-year old family recipe, and complimenting sides like mac & cheese, or Duke’s fries. We also saw some adults only desserts, such as hard root beer or hard orange soda vanilla floats for adults! But in honor of its namesake pup, Duke’s specialty will of course be their custom gourmet hot dogs, in all sorts of delicious and fun styles/varieties. Their dogs come courtesy of next-door neighbor Karl Ehmer’s Butcher, who designed a custom hot dog only available at Dukes. “We are proudly serving Karl Ehmer hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats.” Other local suppliers include the award-winning Blue Duck Bakery based in Riverhead and of course Bluepoint Beers.
Ron, Mike, and their crew of family and helpers have been working round the clock to get ready for next week’s Alive After Five opening event on June 27th.
Patchogue Today will also be raffling off gift certificates to Catch and Dukes at our Alive After Five booth as well! Make sure to come down!
