Duck Soup

Talk about one of the best day trips. We love to check out little hole in the wall stores and this one takes the cake. The expectation changes the minute you open the door. BLOWN away at what you get here. We spent close to $400 but we came out enriched from chocolate history we never expected and scored some things we really have enjoyed eating and using since our visit. This is the place that solely produces the Skybar which if you are a true Bostonian you would remember this popular candy from the 80’s oh my it’s as good as I remember it to be. You can grab some samples. Buy your very own newly made bar. Or even better they sell oopsies in little plastic clamshell containers which for me is perfect because I like to just have a piece broken off here and there. If you are in need of some kitchen gadgets look no further. They have pretty much anything you might be looking for if not more. You know that saying you found something you never thought you needed? Well here is where you will say that many times. They also do have quite the selection of international snacks/candy. A large variety of “spirits” including some pretty high end whiskeys and bourbons. If you are a coffee person it’s a must to pick up some beans or have them grind some up for you. My fav is the duck soup blend. It’s really strong with chocolate notes and reminds me of an adult indulgence instead of a traditional cup of coffee. It’s a hot cocoa feel but it’s still that coffee you make to drink. It’s simply devine. They do have some “gear” clothing that’s got the vintage graphics feel, toys and books. It’s a store you would expect on newbury street packed with all sorts of corners and crevices filled with interesting things. Did I mention the staff? It’s not often people engage more than a hello and goodbye or simple greetings. Here they are more. You get a docent in reality. They will tell you all about the chocolate they make (that you can watch them in full production) and the stores conception if you like. I won’t spoil that by telling you about that here because I think the in person experience is well worth the wait. I will leave you with this though. They have the whole roll (hard to find) chocolate necco wafers!!!! I hope you enjoy your experience as much as we did and this review helps navigate you there.

A gem of a shop. So many unique and global items. More of a kitchen boutique, one might say, and perhaps on the pricer side for some. Worth a visit. They also are the SkyBar factory! Interesting history this place has.

I recently recommended this incredible business to my daughter and her friends, who are in their late 20's and living in the Boston area - "should take a ride out to Sudbury sometime and check out Duck Soup! We discovered this amazing place many years ago when we lived in Sudbury [1987-1992]. They really do a great job in EVERYTHING they do!" I used the word business, because they are so much more than a store! Gourmet selections, cooking classes, kitchen equipment, and even a candy manufacturer! Several years ago, my brother and his wife were celebrating a Big Wedding Anniversary, so I ordered a.case of their favorite candy when they were kids - SKYBAR! They were Thrilled!! Sadly, I don't have any photos to provide... I believe that means we need to take a trip there from the South Shore, where we moved to, back in 1992.

What a wonderful store! So many great culinary finds from hot sauces to jams to homemade chocolates. I was in heaven!!

Shopped at Duck Soup recently for the first time in quite a while. I was hoping to find a particular kitchen appliance and buy from a local shop instead of online. Found exactly what I wanted AND price was actually better than Amazon. Found several other gifts and stocking stuffers also. The shop is a very welcoming place to browse, with a very interesting variety of kitchen goods, food and liquor items, and international specialties. Definitely worth a visit!

We had an absolutely magical experience at duck soup for a birthday party. We selected a cupcake making and decorating class. Everything was meticulously organized.

If you’re looking to put together a high quality gift duck soup is the place to go! They have a wonderful selection to choose from and the staff is very helpful and friend! I put together a holiday gift box for my in laws who live in upstate New York. It was so easy and convenient. Duck soup offers shipping and the package was delivered the next day. Thank you for all of your help Duck Soup!

I had been on a mission to find my long lost Sky Bars...I was so excited when I found them yet again here at Duck Soup online. They had been sold out for quite a while, but I was checking the website daily. Yesterday, at long last, they were available! I clicked purchase in a heartbeat and paid with Apple Pay in just one more swift motion. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. Louise called me shortly afterwards to help me complete the checkout process/shipping, which I totally overlooked in my moment of excitement. She told me that they would ship the same afternoon. Less than an hour later, I had a tracking number from UPS, and about an hour ago, I had my first Sky Bar in a few years. They taste as good as ever, rich also with nostalgia! I definitely feel like a kid again tonight. I am so happy that someone has rescued and resuscitated Sky Bar. Then, I was intrigued by the name of the store, Duck Soup, and began to peruse the website. Wow! They've even got some of my favorites from the UK and Canada, and it's all "vintage," or nostalgic candy...Me thinks next time a trip to Sudbury is in order! I'm almost certain I was in there as a teenager. I can almost see/taste/smell the store after having been on the website. It definitely seems like a trip down memory lane worth taking!

This is a great store and staff, with an eclectic (and wonderful) selection of confections, specialty food, coffee, kitchen things and more surprises. (and a small local business) We had our daughters birthday party here where the kids did a baking class where they worked in small groups to make and bake 4 cupcakes each! The kids (a mix of boys and girls) all had an absolute blast. The owner Louise was amazing, very patient, super kind. We and our daughter loved everything. We highly recommend this store for cool confections, coffee, specialty food items and kitchen stuff. Definitely for cooking classes and birthday celebrations!

Duck Soup is such a treasure! They have a unique variety and something for everyone. Today I ran in on my way to visit a friend hoping to pick up something quick as a gift and Louise helped me whip up the perfect gift basket and wrapped it in minutes. So knowledgeable about the products and I had to leave before I bought the whole store! Worth a visit!

Great selection of novelty lighters and hot sauces. Staff is really nice, unique and qwerky. By the way THEY DO NOT HAVE DUCK SOUP LOL I literally came here because I was craving stork and was like eh I guess duck sounds good right now (finding fresh stork on the east coast is tricky) anywhosen. I really like the Canadian maple syrup they sell - it's behind the counter so it's hard to notice until you're checking out. My hubby likes to get his work shirts from here too. Really good all around family owned store.

I have reviewed this beautiful local gem in the past, because of their wares. You never know what you will find. We are a fan of the Duck Soup blend, their #1 seller. We buy by the beans. MANY at a time, and at 10 cents off if you recycle the bags. Not bad. But today... AHHHH today. I am of the school of the Duck. I hadn't had a chance to sign up for any of their cooking classes. And I've had a couple of friends complain about the price. Not cheap. But not expensive. If you consider that it is a mom and pop shop (or more so a feisty grandmom on entrepreneurial steroids and a very supportive family and community network...) It's Sudbury. AND the ingredients are quality. You get what you pay for. Small group for afternoon tea. And a sampling of bubbles. On the docket - how to prepare a "proper" English cup of tea. Yea. Traditional cucumber tea-time sandwiches. Nothing complicated there. BUT making millionaires shortbread... and traditional fluffy, airy and delicate SCONES with a hefty dose of clotted cream and jam... Weather was dreadful. Dirty and icy. 2 of the chefs for the day couldn't make it, but with 6 brave souls, one delightful instructor, super clean kitchen, gadgets, American and Irish butters (LOTS OF BUTTER, LIKE BUTTER and more BUTTER), caster sugar, get in and get dirty hands - we had to breathe in sunshine through the grey sky. Simply magic. If you haven't come by, its worth the visit! Booze is comparable with Total Wine AND you can find special oddities. And commodities. And Cheese. AND killer baguettes (insider secret - they don't bake on Sundays, but if you MUST carb it - they sell them frozen...). CANT WAIT FOR MY NEXT CLASS! Oh, and in case you need something to do and you want to dispose of some dead presidents, they offer PRIVATE cooking classes so you can celebrate and eat and be merry with your friends. And a mooching stranger. PM me - I'll come and help out! I will shamelessly join for the people. AND the food!

Bought my wife a class for cake decorating for her birthday. She found out when she arrived that they combined the class of a few adults with a ten year olds birthday party!She is not anti kid by any means, but not what she expected. When we complained, owner basically said "tough shizzle" . Offered zero resolution. Bad way to run a business...used to shop there quite a bit, will not be from now on.

I wandered in last year around this time as I was just visiting the area and wanted a nice little gift for a friend. The associate (possibly owner) was awesomely helpful and picked out a nice olive oil and balsamic. This year the friend asked where I got the oil as she'd been conserving it because she loved it. I took the hint and came back up for another bottle. Instead of the previous staff there were 2 maybe high school aged girls who were definitely not rude but much more interested in each other's company. Any questions made me feel like I was interrupting. I took the oil to the register and the card continued to 'process' for a very long time as they chatted. Finally she noticed and redid the transaction (I could have said something but wanted to see how long it would take for the conversation to end). I guess my advice would be to go there if you know exactly what you want, but I would never have found that particular product the first time without help. Unless of course you are lucky enough to run into the woman I originally met, who wrapped it as a gift. This time I wasn't even offered a small bag. I didn't bother saying it was a gift or for help with another balsamic or something else to add as it didn't seem likely they would be knowledgeable or interested.

The owner, Louise, does not respond to email or phone calls. When you have her on the phone, she can be curt if she is not at the "selling end."

Louise the owner of Duck Soup and the new owner of Sky Bar candy is obnoxious and rude. I ordered two full boxes 24 count of Sky Bar candy . As a longtime old time candy buyer I had a few questions . Her people skills were non existent.

So, as many now know, when Necco went under, they got the recipe for the Sky Bar. I took a somewhat long drive (about 1hr 20m) and I was very impressed. Not only do they have Skybars, they have an awesome selection of international candy, hot sauces, and specialty liquor, amongst other interesting items. I just wish it wasn't so far away from me!

Duck Soup is a life-long love of mine. It's where I go to stock up on things I can't find anywhere else or for amazing coffee. They've kept their service going curbside in the pandemic, and the service and selection has remained incredible. This is the place for gourmet food and wine and fun and fancy kitchen finds. I've gotten everything from juicers to coffee to gin to pub mix here and can not recommend them enough.

Nice kitchen gadget and liquor store. Just about anything needed for the kitchen and higher end liquor and wine. Coffee bean selection for most tastes. Can be a bit pricey, so shop around as some items might be at HomeGoods for a fraction of what Duck Soup charged

Upscale kitchen paraphernalia & esoteric ingredients. Frequent specials on Wusthoff, All-Clad and coffee machines. Sexy selection of teas and teapots. I grew up coming here for swedish fish and have a "sweet spot" for this store still.

Amazing, wonderful place! Frank was so nice!!!! Got some delicious bread, ginger bread cookies, can some flaming hot sauce. 10/10 recommend

Great selection of a lot of random stuff, but I wonder how long the foods have been on the shelves. They have a good array of kitchen gadgets and food and might have that special hot sauce you've been searching for. Like people said before, the staff is completely unhelpful, but I didn't mind as I wasn't planning to actually buy anything there. They left me alone, which was perfectly fine with me.

Store is great, but people are unhelpful and...unhappy? Don't know what it is about so many of the shop owners/workers in this town, but there's not a lot of happy faces. Duck Soup has some great items and I try to get all my kitchen items at shops like this, but last week I went in and asked whether they had a particular kind of pepper mill and the guy behind the counter mumbled, "No, we don't", then turned away before I could ask whether they had another kind he would recommend. This experience is in line with a few others I've had there. I've decided to stop supporting them- who needs that kind of 'tude in a little shop?

We need to cut the folks at Duck Soup some slack. For bona-fide foodies it was and is a wondrously quacky place to prowl into corners and expect the unexpected. Can you find prepared demi-glace at Trader Joe's? You can at Duck Soup (have you ever tried to make your own demi-glace?). And where else can you find Japanese Tetsubin (cast iron) teapots in Boston's Metro West? Just the thing for an Iron Chef. I started haunting the place in the 1970s when it was founded by Pierre Weiss and Richard Ressler. Among other things, they opened my eyes to the exquisite difference between a GOOD Parmigiano Reggiano and a SUPERB Parmigiano Reggiano, made on exactly the right farm from cows milked at precisely the right time of year. Ask for a taste and they'll give you a generous slice to sample. (But a drizzle of 25-year old aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena on top would cost ya extra.) Pierre and Richard have been good teachers to those who ask. In Reese W's review she worried about how long the foods had been on the shelves. The date of her review is April 2007, the month that Richard Ressler died. Pierre Weiss was then on sabbatical, working his original trade as a finance professional. Richard was terminally ill for almost a year but didn't advertise the fact and yes, he lost his focus on the shop and the inventory. Janet M thought the staff was unhelpful and unhappy in December 2006. Yes, they were. Now Pierre is back managing the shop hands-on. BTW he was born in Switzerland, grew up in France, and brought to Sudbury a wry sense of humor along with his recipe for Duck Soup's Middle-Age (cheese) Spread. If not for my cholesterol I could live on that stuff. Try another Duck Soup specialty, "Rita's Blend" of coffee beans. It's named after their first employee, who was a beam of sunlight. With Rita's Blend you no longer have to fly to Zurich to get a good cup of coffee (Stahbucks, eat your heart out). No, I have no financial interest in Duck Soup and nobody is paying me to write this. In fact I'm a hypercritical old curmudgeon when it comes to matters of food and kitchenware, and I ain't afraid to mess with Texas (don't get me started). If anybody encounters a frown at Duck Soup these days, I wanna hear about it. I would give Pierre my Civilized Behavior 101 lecture and he's rightfully terrified of that. - Bill "Kimcheedog" Warriner Marlborough, MA, formerly of Sudbury MA

I didn't notice anything particularly expensive about the prices here, except that they stock really upscale items. Yes, I could get measuring spoons cheaply at a Dollar Store. That's a given. But the prices on Le Creuset, All Clad, and the like where just about what everyone else charges. I got some fantastic estate grown coffee, that I am enjoying right now. Yum! It was what you pay for that kind of stuff, and cheaper than Starbucks at the Supermarket, so I am happy. There's a slamming Cheese Display. I think Dawn should wander in some day, given her love of such things. I found the owner to be quite pleasant, and helpful. I shall return, with knives to sharpen.

Great place for gifts and gourmet food. Good selection of french presses, tea pots and peppedews! Owner is a bit stand-offish, but just take more samples as revenge.

Duck Soup is the closest spot that sharpens knives, now that my knife guy has vanished into the vapors.... but that's another story. They were more than helpful when I called and then stopped in with my knives this week. It's usually a drop-off/overnight process here. However, when they realized I was only in Sudbury for an hour or two, they promised (and delivered) the knives would be ready when I was. I found their selection of products to be very interesting, though pricey. But I had fun browsing and I'm sure they could get anything you might need in the kitchen. I didn't "need" anything so I just looked.

If the people who owned duck soup were actually nice, I'd give this a much higher rating. But they aren't. I grew up in Sudbury and have been "shopping" here with my family for as long as they have been open. Other than the free samples of port wine spread that they always seem to be giving away, Duck Soup has never done a thing for me. What have I done for them? Not much, now that I'm all growed up and such, but when I was a kid they were a weekly stop. My mother now drives out of her way to not shop there.

Their cooking classes are super fun and varied. Topics for kids and adults. Humor, skills, good food, all in a nice environment. Hope the classes are able to restart at some point!

Best store ever. Best customer service and staff. I have never had a bad experience in this store. Staff is super helpful and their food, cookware and other merchandise is the best

I had been on a mission to find my long lost Sky Bars...I was so excited when I found them yet again here at Duck Soup online. They had been sold out for quite a while, but I was checking the website daily. Yesterday, at long last, they were available! I clicked purchase in a heartbeat and paid with Apple Pay in just one more swift motion. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. Louise called me shortly afterwards to help me complete the checkout process/shipping, which I totally overlooked in my moment of excitement. She told me that they would ship the same afternoon. Less than an hour later, I had a tracking number from UPS, and about an hour ago, I had my first Sky Bar in a few years. They taste as good as ever, rich also with nostalgia! I definitely feel like a kid again tonight. I am so happy that someone has rescued and resuscitated Sky Bar. Then, I was intrigued by the name of the store, Duck Soup, and began to peruse the website. Wow! They've even got some of my favorites from the UK and Canada, and it's all "vintage," or nostalgic candy...Me thinks next time a trip to Sudbury is in order! I'm almost certain I was in there as a teenager. I can almost see/taste/smell the store after having been on the website. It definitely seems like a trip down memory lane worth taking!

I absolutely love this place. Everyone who works here is super nice. One staff member even texted another one on his day off to get an answer to my question. The "Duck Soup Blend" coffee is amazing and I keep going back for more.

Gourmet shop plus kitchen accessories, small wine and cheese selection, coffee beans, and super friendly staff - worth the trip!

Best Middle- Aged Spread ever! Get a small container and some Breton Minis and I am in business :) Always delicious. whenever I am in town I stop in. When I am visiting friends or family I like to stop in and get the spread and crackers because everyone enjoys it so much :)

I've stopped in here twice to pick up wedding gifts. The staff is happy to assist or answer questions, but they also don't bug you while you're trying to browse (I hate that!). The prices are appropriate given the brands and quality they are selling. This past time, the cashier offered to gift wrap (for free)- I hate wrapping so this was a super perk!

This shop has so many great items: kitchen items large and small, foods, gifts, wines, jars full of tasty treats and spices, homemade baked goods and candies, etc. They make custom great gift baskets to take with you or mail. The perfect place to shop for hostess gits too.

I love this store, why the bad reviews? I never noticed if they would help me or not because I like to be left alone while I look through all the cute/cool gadgets and foods. I bought a really cute shotglass/ice bucket set from here once...

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of "revisiting" Duck Soup. One word sums it up--WOW! The store has been expanded and walls torn down to give the shop an open, airy and inviting appearance. The shelves are stocked with an abundance of items for all the cooks and bakers out there-both novice and experienced. Cooking classes for all ages are now offered in the newly added kitchen. If you get a chance, please stop by to tour the shop, sample the delicious special blend coffee, or just chat with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. You won't regret it. Enjoy!!

Not only is Duck Soup a wonderful store with wonderful products, but it's one of the last places in Sudbury (in my opinion) that has that really great small-town, family feel to it. There is something to be said for the fact that it is the only retail store in Mill Village plaza that has been there since the 70s. The products are all quality, and the salespeople really know what they're talking about and go out of their way to make you feel at home there. I think with the new expansion on the horizon Duck Soup will only get better and better!

I loved going to Duck Soup. Some items, such as glassware, was beautiful and unique, not run of the mill style. Sure miss this store since I moved across country

I tend to be the chef in the family exept when my oldest daughter Kate is around. I really don't like malls and have been accustomed to ordering most items I need for our kitchen through the Internet. Not much fun, but they do show up and it's easy to shop for price. I've found Williams-Sonoma pretty reliable (exept this past Christmas) and prices usually competitive. I like a good price but, well I'm not all that interested in saving the last buck. We have been updating our cookware with All-Clad and noticing some pretty good specials at WS. Kate said let's try Duck Soup. I haven't been there since before the fire and frankly I like to keep the business local when I can. To my suprise there was the the All-Clad I wanted with pricing in line with what I had seen on-line (I think.) The staff, one older lady and a younger one, were most helpful and not only assisted well with the purchase but offered some of their different cheeses. I wonderful surprise and experience. We left with two different sized non-stick pans, a slicer, a never-before tried olive oil, and a couple of other things. Lot's of food items to choose from and my wife has me checking dates and I found everything dated just fine. Good spot, competitive prices, nice people and convenient for those of us west of 128.

Unfortunately, I had to shop here today for a certain type of cake pan that I was having trouble finding. The attitude of the man who works here (I think he's the owner, which makes it even worse) is cold, impersonal and rude, and I do my best to avoid shopping here. The only reason I am giving two stars is that I was helped by two lovely ladies today and the owner was no where in sight!

Local shops like this are hard to find these days. I am addicted to the Kona coffee. Compared to the sterile environment of Williams&Sonoma or Whole Foods Duck Soup is a breath of fresh air.

I've lived in Sudbury all of my life and Duck Soup has always been one of my favorite things about this town. From fantastic service (those who say that the employees are rude or unwelcoming are severely mistaken) to a great selection of cheese, coffee, and many other items, Duck Soup is one of those rare local treasures. Not to mention, the owner, Peter Ressler, is handsome and courageous to take on what his father started. The employees always treat me like part of their Duck Soup family. I strongly disagree with anyone who feels there is anything wrong with this establishment. GO DUCKS!

wonderful and inventive store. this is my go-to for holiday gifts for family, friends and coworkers. the staff is super friendly and helpful and the prices are reasonable - they have high end stuff so you get what you pay for. they also carry a lot of vermont nut free chocolate which is super helpful for me as a parent of a peanut allergy child. duck soup is great!