I've been drinking at Dukes for my entire University career. It's right across the street, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the food can't be beaten. I'd like to think that I've been there more than most, and certainly I've been on a first name basis with the people who run the place for a long time now. Until recently, however, I didn't have concrete evidence of this.
Dukes keeps several glasses and mugs in the fridge, mostly used during the day when people are there for the food, not the drinking. If a professor came in, for example, they would likely be given a glass to drink out of, as opposed to the cheap plastic beer cups the students get at night when the heavy drinking happens. In addition to these, however, there are several personalized mugs, sandblasted with DUKES and a name. Back in my first year, there were only three of these mugs (that I ever saw, at least) and the people who had them were the most regular of the regulars; the guys who if you walked in on any random night, you'd be sure to see them. They were celebrities. Out of the hundreds of people who were Dukes regulars, only these guys were recognized for their time.
In the last year or so, since Dukes changed hands, the mugs have become a bit more prevalent. I know probably close to ten people who have mugs, and in some ways this is too bad because it dilutes what was once the highest of honours for Dukes patrons. That said, I'm still enormously proud to say I have my own Dukes mug, as of Friday night. I have joined that illustrious group of guys who, when getting beer from the counter, are given a glass mug instead of a plastic cup. It's wonderful.
