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The Duchess
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Duchess
7.9
This newer all-day cafe brings British-inspired elegance to downtown Pleasanton, with a surprisingly excellent burger that regulars call the best they've had. The beautifully decorated outdoor restaurant space serves everything from high tea to dinner, but the burger has become an unexpected standout.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Duchess Burger, Kusshi Oysters, Duchess Croissant
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: British-inspired elegance with an unexpectedly excellent burger
Who should go: Instagram-savvy diners seeking beautiful outdoor ambiance
When to visit: Brunch for full experience, lunch for the burger
What to order: The burger (trust the reviews), oysters, croissant
Insider tip: Despite the British tea-house vibe, their hamburger consistently wins raves
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on St Mary St and surrounding downtown streets. Public lot nearby off Peters Ave. Easier parking than Main St restaurants since it's slightly off the main drag.
Dress code: Smart casual - elevated from typical Pleasanton dining. Sundresses, nice jeans with a blouse, collared shirts fit the aesthetic. You'll feel underdressed in workout clothes.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - designed for conversation. The outdoor space is peaceful, perfect for catching up or intimate discussion without shouting.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation, call ahead recommended for weekend evenings
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, short wait possible during peak brunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple salads, beetroot carpaccio, caprese avocado salad, soups, and breakfast items without meat
Vegan options: Moderate options - salads can be modified, soup of the day sometimes vegan, ask server for current options
Gluten-free options: Yes - several dishes marked gluten-free including salads and proteins. Staff knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - possibly the best first-date spot in downtown Pleasanton. The beautiful outdoor setting photographs well, the ambiance is romantic without being stuffy, and the menu offers enough variety to accommodate different tastes. Impressive without trying too hard.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch and weekday dinners. Weekend brunch and Saturday dinner benefit from a reservation - call ahead or book online. The outdoor patio fills up on nice evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children and teens who can appreciate the setting. Not a playground atmosphere, but well-behaved kids are welcome. The brunch menu has approachable options. Consider Vic's All Star Kitchen for younger children who need more casual surroundings.
Do they do high tea? The British-inspired menu and elegant setting evoke tea house vibes, with pastries, croissants, and artisanal coffee. While not a formal high tea service with tiered trays, the aesthetic and menu capture that refined café experience.
How's the burger at a place like this? Surprisingly the sleeper hit of the menu. Multiple reviewers call it the best burger they've had, period. Don't let the elegant setting fool you - they take the burger seriously. It's become a local secret among regulars who come specifically for it.
Best For
Better for: Date nights, girlfriend brunches, and anyone wanting Instagram-worthy ambiance with legitimately good food. The outdoor space is the most beautiful casual dining setting in downtown Pleasanton. Perfect when you want to feel transported somewhere special.
Skip if: You want sports on TV, a rowdy group dinner, or classic pub atmosphere. For game day, hit The Neighborhood or Sunshine Saloon. For pure burger focus without the frills, Bob's Giant Burgers delivers. The Duchess is about the experience as much as the food.
The Duchess
7.9
Charming downtown spot with raw-bar staples and bistro plates; oysters, mussels, and crisp fish & chips headline a seafood-friendly menu. Popular for patio hangs and cocktails before shows on Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kumamoto/Kusshi Oysters with Jalapeño Mignonette, Mussels in Tomato–Saffron Broth, Fish & Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Downtown raw-bar focus with oysters and seafood-forward small plates.
Who should go: Cocktail and oyster lovers near Main Street
When to visit: Golden hour for patio and raw-bar snacks
What to order: Oysters, mussels, fish & chips
Insider tip: Raw-bar items can be limited—ask what’s freshest before ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and nearby lots are free but fill up quickly after 6pm; best luck a block off Main near Division Street.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar buzz inside but outdoor tables allow comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; patio tables go first.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like salads and pasta; menu leans seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead or modify salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several items marked GF including grilled fish and salads, though fryer items share oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and raw bar make for a fun, low-pressure first date spot with shareable plates and good cocktails.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weekdays or off-hours; weekends fill fast, so try early happy hour or call ahead for bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — menu and vibe cater more to adults and groups, though older teens are fine at lunch.
Best For
Better for: Great for seafood small plates, oysters, and cocktails before Main Street events — livelier than most nearby spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or full entrée-style seafood meal; opt for Hap’s Original instead.
Hours
Monday9:30am - 8pm
Tuesday9:30am - 8pm
Wednesday9:30am - 8pm
Thursday9:30am - 8pm
Friday9:30am - 8pm
Saturday9:30am - 8pm
Sunday9:30am - 8pm