Since opening in 1968, Longhorn Bar & Grill served as a cornerstone of Grantville, nestled in the Vons shopping center near Kaiser Permanente’s Zion Medical Center. Its Western vibe, adorned with John Wayne memorabilia, drew families, sports fans, and regulars for burgers, steaks, and brunch, earning praise for its welcoming atmosphere and dishes like the double-patty Duke burger with bacon and BBQ sauce.
The new venture is led by a seasoned ownership group with deep roots in San Diego’s hospitality industry, including the founder of Regal Beagle, Regal Seagull, Sidecar, and Bottle Rocket, alongside collaborators from Sidecar. The team plans a full renovation of the 5,766-square-foot space, aiming to blend modern cocktails and elevated pub fare with the site's storied legacy.
"The ownership group consists of me, Matt Guilbert of Regal Beagle, Regal Seagull, Sidecar, and Bottle Rocket, Jesse Melton of Sidecar and Bottle Rocket, and Garrett Haislip," wrote The Duke co-owner Logan Henry.
The Duke Cocktails & Grub will retain the location's community focus while introducing a contemporary menu and classic Americana aesthetic. Despite the bar being named after John Wayne's longtime nickname, "The Duke", ownership insists the remodel was meant to "remove that part of the bar." There will still be a small bust statue of the Hollywood legion located inside the premises. The ownership group expressed enthusiasm for revitalizing the space, hoping to honor its history while appealing to a new generation of patrons in Allied Gardens and beyond.
The Duke Cocktails & Grub will open later this year at 6519 Mission Gorge Road in San Diegos Grantville neighborhood. For more information, follow @thedukecocktailsandgrub on Instagram.
The Duke Cocktails & Grub will retain the location's community focus while introducing a contemporary menu and classic Americana aesthetic. Despite the bar being named after John Wayne's longtime nickname, "The Duke", ownership insists the remodel was meant to "remove that part of the bar." There will still be a small bust statue of the Hollywood legion located inside the premises. The ownership group expressed enthusiasm for revitalizing the space, hoping to honor its history while appealing to a new generation of patrons in Allied Gardens and beyond.
The Duke Cocktails & Grub will open later this year at 6519 Mission Gorge Road in San Diegos Grantville neighborhood. For more information, follow @thedukecocktailsandgrub on Instagram.
Originally published on April 18, 2025.
