Mallard

I loved the flavor combinations for brunch. I missed the bacon but that's the South Carolina in me. Not a fan of the head on 🦐 in the shrimp and grits but it was still hearty and flavorful. I appreciate that there were non-alcoholic cocktails that truly tasted good! I'd eat here again and would absolutely try the dinner menu.

Mallard was a top tier experience. I had the brussel sprouts, the steak, and the banana pudding. I also got to try a handful of other dishes and my favorite of those was the Peking duck and the key lime panacotta. They brought out a tiny onion soup to start that was such a tasty touch. The vibe inside was well curated almost like an elevated cracker barrel. I mean that in the best way. The playlist was a solid 70s mix that set a good tone and the service was excellent. They also had a good restaurant week deal. I'll definitely be back!

One of my new favorite spots in DC. An elevated take on southern food with a bit of French flair. The food was delicious. The standouts: shrimp and grits (particularly the shrimp), foie gras, sweetbread, fried oysters, catfish, and pekin duck. The dishes were thoughtfully constructed without being pretentious. The meats were cooked perfectly across everything we ate, and you could taste the freshness in the ingredients. Importantly - nothing felt too oily / buttery / greasy. We also loved the restaurant aesthetic, from the china they use for the dishes to the decorations on the walls. The portion sizes are a bit on the smaller side but are still price appropriate. We ordered 4 snacks + 5 smalls + 4 mains + 3 desserts, which ended up being a good amount of food for 6 people. Our server was lovely and attentive - though should note that the mains took quite a bit longer than expected to come out. Overall, absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back. This place is a rising star on the DC food scene.

Food was incredible and atmosphere was cozy & elevated. Just stopped in because it was near my hotel, and it turned out to be the best dining experience of my week here. Tartare was excellent, Rockfish was incredible and the Banana Pudding was the perfect ending to a great meal. Definitely going to be a spot I come back to.

Amazing experience! Our table tried most of the menu and sampled each other's plates. I was surprised by many of the food combinations, but they worked deliciously together. The chefs did an excellent job. Everyone working in the restaurant was pleasant and super friendly. We had a great time.

Incredibly cool spot with gorgeous atmosphere and creative twist on Southern fare. My favorites were the duck and the ahi tuna crudo, which was so unique and delicious. I loved the complimentary zucchini bread, and the Coffee and Cigarettes dessert served in an ash tray! Great service and fantastic drink menu, including nonalcoholic options (my favorite was the lemonade with NA gin). We’ll definitely be back!

Had a wonderful dinner celebrating my girlfriend’s birthday. Food was delicious and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful! Definitely on the pricey side but the quality makes it worth it. A great place for special occasions! Also, their cocktails were excellent!

Hidden gem in the nation’s capital! Incredible food paired with great service. Our favorite dishes were the Pekin Duck, Shrimp and grits, sweetbread and waffles, and the “coffee and cigarettes” dessert.

Met friends for dinner on a Saturday night. It's located prominently on 14th street, close to the 14th Street/Rhode Island NW intersection. The restaurant decor is giving southern grandmother's living room, with eclectic wall photos and southern knick-knacks. We were gifted an amuse bouche of parsnip soup from the chef. It was perfectly season with a creamy texture. After that, we began with the duck wings; they were extra crispy with a nice, balanced flavor. Instead of ordering individual meals, we shared the lamb, duck and Brussels sprouts. The duck was crispy on the outside and perfectly rare on the inside, and seasoned throughout. The lamb was also fully flavored at the right tenderness. Brussels sprouts served as the perfect veggie side to cut through the richness of the lamb and duck. For dessert, we shared their take on banana pudding. It was like a deconstructed banana pudding with bits of Cracker Jacks and vanilla wafers. All in all, food, service and ambience provided a great first impression, so I'll be back!

This weekend, I visited Mallard in Logan Circle, DC, for a quick brunch. Finding parking took about 15 minutes, but despite making a reservation in advance, I was surprised to see plenty of open seats. The restaurant has a cute, classic decor with beautiful art pieces on the walls--definitely a charming atmosphere. What We Ordered: Poached Duck Egg - This dish came with Confit Duck Leg, Hollandaise, Mushroom & Potato Hash. While the textures were great--the duck was tender, and the hash was crispy--I found the overall flavor a bit underwhelming. A touch more seasoning would have made a difference. Shrimp & Grits - Loved this one! The grilled shrimp had a strong, smoky flavor that paired well with the creamy grits. Definitely a standout dish. Nashville Hot Chicken - My favorite of the three! The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and cooked to perfection. The waffles with Huckleberry Jam complemented the chicken beautifully. Personally, I didn't feel the sunnyside egg on top was necessary, but the dish was fantastic overall. Mallard has a great ambiance and solid food. It was an enjoyable brunch. I'd definitely come back to try the dinner menu.

From the moment we walked in, the cozy atmosphere set the perfect tone. The lamb topped with microgreens was the highlight -- absolutely exquisite. The burger was also fantastic. We got the Brussels sprouts and crostini as an app that were equally impressive. The pimento cheese was so good we wished we had more, while the shrimp and grits were just okay in comparison. The cocktails were outstanding, perfectly crafted and a great complement to the meal. Overall, an amazing dinner with great food, drinks, and vibes -- can't wait to go back!

I enjoyed Mallard! A relaxing, vibey escape from the busy 14th Street, Mallard has one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant bars I've seen in DC and an exciting upscale Southern menu. Jeffery took care of us, giving detailed descriptions of each menu item and helping us pair drinks with our choices. The duck wings and smoked lamb (seasonal special) were my highlights of the night. I'll return to try more items, particularly the Shrimp & Grits, Sweetbread & Waffles, and Pekin Duck entree.

Came here for restaurant week and had an absolutely great time. I was a bit salty that so many items had additional prices so restaurant week wasn't that big of a steal, but that being said the experience and the quality was truly great. The art up on the wall was quite eclectic duck and other things themed but the place had a nice upscale vibe. Would recommend as like a one year anniversary or just bougie kind of meal. Our server Dalila was an absolute gem. She was communicative about the additional restaurant week pricing, brought us celebratory drinks for a friends birthday, and accommodated our other requests. We started off with a complimentary French onion soup that was so rich and had a strong truffle and umami flavor to it. We liked it so much we asked our server for another one before dessert and she was able to make it happen. For appetizers, my friends and I got the fried oysters, sweetbread and waffles, and cast iron valley fois gras. I've never been crazy about oysters but they had a nice crispiness to it and deviled egg aioli that paired nicely with it. The sweetbread and waffles I'd probably skip again, it was just a standard chicken and waffles and I felt like I could get that somewhere else. One of my favorite bites of the night was the fois gras which was so buttery and paired well with the other fresh ingredients. Truly so rich and delectable. For my main, I got the pekin duck which is a classic. I wish my duck had slightly more seasoning on it but I loved it being paired with the what I think was lingonberry? It was also cooked perfectly medium rare. The star of the dish was the chicken.fried leg which I don't know what was in that seasoning but it was mind blowingly addictive. For dessert, you cannot skimp out on the coffee and cigarettes. This is in my top desserts I've had in dc with an espresso ice cream with chocolate mousse that paired perfectly with one another. There was caramel made out of tobacco and the plating was immaculate. The plating and composition made it look kind of like an ash tray and there were some Oreo crumbs that looked like ashes, truly whimsical and fun. From this three course meal, I felt the right amount of full and left happy. Overall, I appreciated their upscale yet whimsical dishes, and each dish had a very intentional plating to it which I loved.

During DC Restaurant Week, Nicole and I celebrated my 36th birthday with dinner at Mallard. While waiting for our drinks, we were surprised with complimentary birthday bubbles, though the non-alcoholic version was a bit tarter than expected. One small mystery of the night--we noticed other tables receiving an Amuse Bouche (French Onion Soup), but for some reason, ours never arrived. I enjoyed two mocktails: The Wendy Palmer was light and refreshing, while the Sweet Appalachia brought an earthy complexity. For appetizers, the Duck Wings were fall-off-the-bone tender, balancing sweet and savory in an unexpected way. The Cast Iron Hudson Valley Foie Gras was decadently rich, paired beautifully with warm praline pound cake, parsnip fondue, and shallot marmalade. The highlight of the meal was the Pennsylvania Pekin Duck, featuring a spiced breast and a chicken-fried leg, served alongside kabocha squash, roasted sunchoke, and red-eye jus--each bite melting in the mouth. Dessert was an absolute standout: Coffee and Cigarettes combined malted chocolate mousse, macadamia praline, tobacco caramel, espresso ice cream, and smoked olive oil into a stunningly bold and balanced finale--served playfully in a vintage ashtray for an extra touch of nostalgia and whimsy. Despite the small hiccup, Mallard delivered a refined dining experience with inventive flavors and polished execution. Would I return? Absolutely.

I was super impressed with Mallard. It was by far some of the best elevated American food that I had in recent memory. I've decided that this spot is making it into my go-to places as I was blown away. Each dish we ordered was impressive and packed with flavor. My favorites were the duck, steak and the banana pudding dessert. You also can't go wrong with any of the cocktails. Make sure to make reservations because this spot was full on a Friday night. It even has a nice homey and southern vibe to it - which was nice. The highlight of the evening was getting to meet the sous chef Alejandro who came out to greet our table.

I had been to Churchkey on numerous occasions, but sadly never made it to Mallard's predecessor restaurant. I was excited to try this replacement, though, as I love Southern food and it is conveniently located to me. For starters, the space is gorgeous. Very inviting and homey without being tacky, and beautifully decorated for Christmas if you visit during the holidays. There's plenty of vintage, duck-themed decor, with mismatched but chic glassware to compliment the vibe. Overall, very impressed with the ambiance. Our server was also very attentive and polite, making great recommendations when asked. As far as the food, everything I had was tasty, though the portions varied widely for the price. I was expecting the duck to be larger for its $40+ pricetag, while the shrimp and fries and catfish looked hefty. The fried oysters were good, but small, while the brussel sprouts were (also good and) quite a large portion. Oddly, my favorite item out of everything was the complimentary mini banana bread loaf with salted butter and crisped rice. It was to die for and I could have eaten five. I wish I could have it every day. The drinks were good, interesting. I had one of their signature lemonades spiked with gin, which was fairly reasonable and delicious though nothing avant garde. I had a white port with dessert, which I didn't even know existed! And for dessert, I had the "Cigarettes and Coffee" which was good, but not amazing. I'd be curious to try the banana pudding next time, as it sounds delicious.

Cozy vibes, friendly staff, unique flavors! What an adorable place! The interior was decorated beautifully, not too dark (you could actually read your menu lol) and not too loud. Food was great! Our favorites were: - sea island pea dip (flavorful dip but the duck fat saltines were the true star, flaky ritz cracker flavor but better) - foie gras (super decadent but not too rich with the blackberry pie sauce) - smash burger (can't go wrong, tasted like an elevated Big Mac) The pork trotter had a nice sauce but the trotter itself was all ground meat, tasted a little bit like a chicken nugget. Not my favorite. Also appreciated the 8 types of alcohol-free drinks! Lots to choose from! Staff was attentive and even wiped our table after each course. We even got complementary pumpkin bread bites which were delicate and delicious!

Went for brunch and unfortunately the dish I ordered was mid at best. The cornmeal pancakes sounded great on paper, but seriously lacked any flavor and texture. Even though the dish had wet toppings, it ate very dry. Overall after a few bites I was bored. Maybe I need to come back to try dinner and dessert.

We dined at Mallard shortly after the grand opening. Their summer restaurant week menu was the full menu with some surcharges. The service was great - quick, friendly and knowledgeable. I also appreciated that they were kid-friendly and easily able to make accommodations for my son. In terms of our food, we all enjoyed our food and promised to return. Pro Tip: Go!

I love a theme and Mallard goes all-in with the duck theme. At first when looking at the menu I didn't think it was that duck-heavy, but the duck-gaps were filled by decor. A drink I ordered came in a duck-printed glass and on the way to the bathroom I passed many duck decorations. The service was friendly and welcoming, including a complimentary glass of bubbly for my birthday. It's hard to pick a favorite dish from the night, but the Pekin Duck 2 ways slightly edged out the sweetbreads. The Duck, as expected, was cooked perfectly and we were able to enjoy it cooked slightly more traditionally and also "chicken-fried" style. The desserts didn't disappoint and rank in my top desserts in recent memory. The deconstructed banana pudding and coffee and cigarettes are elevated and complex while still being nostalgic and comfortable. All in all, it felt like visiting a good friend in the early 90s/late 80s when dark wood furniture, mirrors, and floral couches were in abundance. I left wondering what excuse I could use to come back again as soon as possible.

Mallard is an intimate restaurant with lots of character. It has a homey southern vibe with a kind of old world charm when you walk in. The tables are adorned with utensils and flatware that you might expect from your grandmother's kitchen. The food wraps you in a warm southern blanket. First, if you're going to a restaurant named "Mallard" you have to have some duck. We had the Duck Wings as a started then moved on to the Orvia Duck with the Foie Gras option. The flavors were nothing short of amazing. Service was charming and helpful with both drink and food suggestions. On our servers recommendation we also tried the sister bar upstairs named Churchkey, which was a nice way to end the evening.

What a pleasant surprise! Charming decor almost as if you're in a holiday cabin or family den. Great lighting and cozy ambiance. The food was comforting and well executed. I enjoyed how the flow of dishes came out and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. Drinks were stiff and filled to the brim! Great night and even better food!

Fantastic! The complimentary corn muffins are swoon-worthy and the shrimp and grits is absolutely spectacular! Just trust me and get it!

I came here for my birthday dinner this year and had a lovely time. Service was friendly but a little slow and the ambiance is quaint and cozy. The fried Chesapeake oysters are a must order, you're not going to want to share. We placed one order and loved them so much that we placed another. The other items were good as well (autumn greens, shrimp & grits, scallops, duck...of course) but that was the standout. I would place the scallops as a close second. I wasn't too impressed with the cocktails, but the wine selection was nice- and the lemonades sound divine. I'll definitely be back for those fried oysters and to try more menu items.

We were eager to try Mallard, which opened only about a month ago in our neighborhood. Here's the quick review: The Good: - pleasant environment, nicely decorated - friendly server - delicious food. Pig trotters and shrimp and grits very good, duck outstanding. Good burger. Skip the completely forgettable pimento cheese and crackers. The Bad: VERY slow service throughout the meal We didn't get our dinner orders until 50+ minutes after being seated, and most of that 50 minutes were spent with nothing edible on the table (not counting drinks). I think the restaurant may have realized this and sent some zucchini bread to help us stave off starvation. We had told the restaurant beforehand that it was one of our birthdays (and mentioned it again when we were seated) and they brought nice drinks and a little dessert with a candle. Unfortunately, at least 20 minutes passed between us having our dinner plates cleared before that came -- with no contact from our server, making us feel completely forgotten -- and this only ended after I managed to catch the server's eye and signal for the check. We were ready to leave at that point and get dessert elsewhere. At that point the server quickly brought the birthday items. -- Would we go back? I'll wait to hear how the other reviews shape up. I know they're new and probably fine-tuning their systems. If they can improve the service timing, this place will be a knockout.

Mallard is a restaurant that was built with so much thought and love. You can see all the details on the walls filled with art, photos , and I presume memories. When you sit you feel in your grandmas table when she pull out the fine china for special guest but you are that guest in there. The atmosphere is very cozy and it feels like home. The service was friendly and hospitable props to our server for attending us and speaking to us in Spanish. Didn't expect less from Chef Hamilton, the food was fun and delicious, we really enjoyed the duck wings, and the steak was really good, Next time I'll be sure to order the duck for main. I appreciate the diversity of spirit free drinks as well as the different lemonades. I look forward for all the fun ingredients that Chef Hamilton likes to mix in his dishes and I hope Mallard keeps growing. If you are in the city definitely give it a visit.

One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in recent memory. The space is nice and has a relaxed upscale vibe - the bar is especially pretty. Food and service were excellent. We tried the duck wings, pea dip, flat iron steak, and duck main course. All were excellent. They were also able to accommodate my dairy allergy with no problem and brought out a special amuse bouche just for me. Pretty good wine selection as well. We will definitely be back!

Isa staffed the bar area and was amazing. Offered wine suggestions, food recommendations, and packed in a complimentary banana dessert. The fried oysters were crisp on the outside and juicy & tender on the inside. The foie gras was rich. The burger was simple yet well executed. The restaurant ambiance was quaint and comfortingly cozy.

Mallard just opened up in the Logan Circle 'hood, offering Chef Hamilton Johnson's playful take on southern dishes, which includes a lot of duck-centric items. We came here for dinner, and we started off with: +Pimento Cheese - served with Ritz crackers, cajun pecans, and chow chow; I liked the addition of cornichons; I wished we received some pickled okra as others have had +Duck Wings - prepared with concord crape and RC Cola +and, the Sea Island Pea Dip - served with duck fat saltines and benne seeds For our shareables, we ordered: +the Cast Iron Hudson Valley Foie Gras - a sherry-cornmeal poundcake, peach preserves, maple vinegar, and butter pecan ice cream +Shrimp & Grits - with smoked pork, scallions, piquillo peppers, Anson Mill grits, and Tabasco-shellfish nage; note that the shrimp is shelled and head-on +Cornmeal-Crusted Flounder - with poached oysters, summer corn, cucumber, peanut potatoes, and smoked trout roe +Mallard Steam Burger - double-smash patties topped with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, and pepperoncini mayo in a Martin's seeded roll; note that this comes with a side of fries and a cup of ketchup +Southern Fried Green Tomatoes - with turnip fondue, hearth-roasted collars, and a Sea Island vinaigrette +Slow-Roasted Flat Iron Steak - with Vidalia onion puree, lacindato kale, potlikker jus, and fried onions +and, the Labelle Farms Orvia Duck - spiced breast with chicken fried legg, summer squash, glazed turnips and greens, and a foie gras jus; this was a super generous serving on a cute petal-like plate I loved that they had lemonades and non-alcoholic/spirit-free beverages. I was obsessed with their glass cups with their cute duck logo! Staff were friendly, and the restaurant is super cute and cozy, with the green and the duck decor. +cute duck logo & decor +friendly staff

The atmosphere and service at Mallard was thoughtful. The food is duck forward, which you should expect from a place named Mallard. The favorites were the duck wings and the cigarettes and ashes dessert. The banana pudding desert was deconstructed and felt incomplete. They had delicious cocktails as well.

We had a fantastic experience at Mallard for a birthday dinner. We were a group of 6 so we got to try a little of everything. Overall, we loved the meal and the decor/atmosphere was great. We all agreed we would love to come back again!

Went here for a wedding which included a pre- and post-reception. Venue is stunning! Ambience is dark and classy - just our vibe. Drinks - spot on! Heavy apps provided were creative, full of flavor and prepared to perfection. We LOVED the variety! Crab balls, chicken and beef sliders, flat breads, meats, cheeses, shrimp, etc. etc. Can't forget the wait staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating!!! Literally the perfect night for the perfect couple. Can't wait to come back for a dinner date with my hubby :). Thank you Mallard! We'll see you again soon.

we went for valentine day and the restaurant charged for two people , party of 6 $66 tip!!! and that is before tax which made your total tax higher!! total for two people $440!!! come on people, don't take advantage. we should not feed this type of behavior.

What a gem! The space is very cool and the food is amazing. Chef Hamilton has delivered a whimsical menu full of flavor and thoughtful touches. Highly suggest checking out this new restaurant! Must try: Duck wings, foie gras, tuna crudo, duck entree, scallops and 'coffee & cigarettes' - all dishes were fantastic!

A cozy tight space good for drinks or a full sit down meal. The staff was attentive and prompt. Signature drinks were bland and watered down despite their hefty cocktail bar prices. Had the burger, the fried green tomato entree, and the duck wings. The fried green tomato dish was definitely the star--hearty inventive, fresh, and more filling than you'd might expect. A fresh smokey take on greens and peas comes with the dish. The burger, smash style, was fine. The restaurant obviously leans into duck dishes, but the duck wings were not to my liking-- they were tough with an overly sweet cola BBQ style sauce. Would go back to try other duck dishes but wouldn't order the wings again.

This place is honestly awesome. The vibe was perfect and the food is really really impressive and delicious. I will be coming back!!

Mallard is a wonderful addition to 14th Street. Cozy, homey vibes and delicious food. Both times I've been I sat at the bar and Hannah May took great care of me. Definitely have the foie gras with butter pecan ice cream for dessert!

Mallard is a delicious, unique, heartfelt homage to southern cooking and the way food can transport us to a moment in time. Chef Hamilton is long overdue to have his own restaurant and he's finally found the perfect space for it. The food sings his culinary point of view with every bite. The ducks on the walls and the portraits of his dad make you feel like you've been invited to a very special meal in his home. service is attentive but not overbearing. Cannot recommend highly enough!

Mallard is an incredible addition to the 14th street food scene. We live around the corner and ventured in on a Friday night to find an upscale Southern ambiance marked by romantic lighting and a stunning bar area. On the menu, the chicken fried oysters and foie gras duck were particular standouts. Will definitely be returning!

Had an exceptional experience at Mallard - arrived early for cocktails at the bar - then dinner with my daughter and her boyfriend. Scallops, Iron Steak and Shrimp and Grits were all delicious.

Dinner at Mallard was an absolute delight. I went with two friends so we could taste more- we enjoyed everything! The oysters were a hit, as were the duck wings. We also had the shrimp and grits (the best in DC by FAR!), duck entree (delicious), and the scallops (another clear favorite). We enjoyed all three dessert- beautiful presentations! Service was very friendly and helpful. Ambiance was top notch. We all agreed we would be back soon! I am looking forward to when they roll out brunch.

Very excited to come here. I've followed this chef around his restaurants during his career and he can always be counted on to create exciting and delicious cuisine. Had the pimento cheese and oysters to share- excellent! Then had foie gras as a starter and duck. All delicious. Recommend the banana dessert and the chocolate cigarettes. Delicious. All with great service and creative cocktails. I cannot wait to return- the burger looked great and I could easily see myself going to the bar for dinner one night and having one. Yum!