The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling in Dayton, Ohio, was in full for Sunday brunch. Standing room only, line spilling onto the sidewalk, and a 30-minute wait just to get a table. The place hums with energy: exposed brick, mismatched chairs, and the smell of coffee and fried chicken in the air. It’s not fancy, but it feels lived-in and welcoming. The staff stood out. The hostess managed the crowd with a smile, buzzing numbers without missing a beat. Our server appeared within seconds of us sitting, water glasses filled, menus down, and ready to take orders, no small feat with every table full. Refills came fast, plates cleared quickly, and every interaction was efficient. They earned every tip. Food arrived hot and fast. The breakfast burrito was generously stuffed: fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, tots, melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla that didn’t disintegrate under the weight. The house-made hot sauce was bright fresh tomatoes and a solid jalapeño kick. A side of sour cream balanced the heat perfectly. My wife’s chicken and waffles were textbook, golden, crisp-fried chicken with a light, seasoned crust, tender inside, stacked by two thick waffles with maple syrup. Portions were hearty, flavors on point. The only downside? A couple of nearby customers were very entitled. One complained loudly about the wait to get seated, another demanded a seat from another guest while she waited and insisted she get sat ahead of others because she needed to take her medication, then didn’t like her option of seating available when it was her turn. Classic entitled energy. But the staff? Unfazed. They nodded, and kept moving. No attitude, no drama just professionalism. Prices were fair. Nothing felt overcharged for the quality and quantity. The Ugly Duckling delivers honest, well-executed comfort food in a high-pressure environment and makes it look easy. Definitely worth a return trip.

Service was fast and food was absolutely delicious. I had the Biscuand Gravy Sammy. Amazing, and the tots were spot on perfect. Crunchy and fresh. I got it to go and wished I would ate there. Next I will for sure.

I cannot express how delicious this place is. The service was great. The atmosphere is perfect. The food was absolutely incredible. We got the gluten free waffle Sammy with goat cheese with loaded tots, gravy biscuit sandwich, and kids pancake. Everything was so yummy. I can’t believe it took us this long to try it and can’t wait to try every single thing on the menu. The gluten free and vegan options are perfection! Don’t sleep on this local spot. 10000% worth the visit!

Came in after searching randomly for a spot to eat in Dayton. Absolutely loved everything, service was fast and friendly and the Chicken and Waffles were some of the best I've had. Chicken tenders tossed in spicy syrup with real Belgian pearl sugar waffles, absolutely delicious

Food is priced high, but the portions are good size.. waited over 10 mins at our table before being helped , then another 10 mins to come back and take our order. Also my lemonade I ordered came in a can.. not a fan of the sausage

Big portions to justify the price, we took some home. Flavors were good. Menu is pretty big. Really enjoyed the place. Excited to go back & try some different stuff.

Got brunch and it was fantastic. We had the Brad’s hash and the breakfast burrito. Both were amazing. So much food that we couldn’t finish them both and ended up taking half the burrito home. Their secret sauce is fantastic. Only complaint was that I wasn’t a fan of their hot sauce. I ordered it on the side. It was nice and hot, but not my jam. We will definitely be coming back.

Service was superb. Very friendly and patient. I knew from the get go I’d be getting the breakfast burrito. I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of breakfast burritos and this one is by far the best I’ve had from a restaurant. Get that with some of the loaded tots and it’s all shareable. My better half opted for the traditional breakfast and that didn’t disappoint either. We went very early on a Sunday morning and were able to get seated right away. The space is pretty small though so I’d expect a wait time on weekends, especially if you have a larger party.