The Ugly Duckling

I love quirky little joints like this! Loved that there was parking available and I didn’t have to pay or download and app. First experience walking in was a wow factor. It’s so vibrant, fun, artsy and unique. The whole esthetic keeps you entertained the entire dining experience. The host, a tall thin man was very friendly and kind. FINALLY staff with personality! Our server was a shaved head tatted guy and I wanted to give him the BIGGEST props. I have 20 years serving experience and I’m so proud thankful and sadly surprised what a great experience he gave. I couldn’t have been there longer than twenty minutes and I didn’t ask for anything other than my food and water but he checked back the appropriate amount of times, while making eye contact and a kind smile on his face. He was sweet and genuine and everything you want in a server. The food was simple, I left with a full belly, but the service is what made it all worth the while.

I have been meaning to visit the Ugly Duckling for awhile now. I know many people who have been to it. I invited some co workers to it and I was worried they wouldn't like it. We all enjoyed it. First off, the service was fast. I believe it was less than 10 minutes after we ordered that our food arrived in the order that they were taken. I think that says alot. The food was great. I had the chicken and waffles. It was alot but I was able to get through it. Everyone else had to bag their food. I was super hungry since I got up early and did not eat anything. It is definitely family friendly and they have a big menu. It's a great place to take a date, have family brunch, or meet up some friends. I can't wait to go again.

The Ugly Duckling is the perfect hole in the wall diner! The food is great, decently priced, and it has it's own unique atmosphere. It's gives Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls vibes and I love it! ❤️

Stopped in for brunch while traveling for work. The vegan pancakes were delicious. Also got eggs and bacon. Got a side of the house made Hot sauce. Highly recommend! They brew Press coffee which was delicious. Great spot for a fast breakfast.

Eclectic and relaxing, this place makes simple things sensational. I stopped in for something quick and found a new Dayton favorite. Best tots I have had in Dayton, the sauce on the Breakfast Sammy was amazing, and the coffee was warm and wondeful. The absolutely great service from Aliyah made my day. Can't wait to come back.

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.

OMMMMGGGGG ‼️FIRST OF ALL‼️ The art, the music, the atmosphere in here is so alive and welcoming! It's small in this restaurant but the decore itself is so fun and the vibes are 10/10!!!! I give the food a 4/5 only because the pancakes were thin and soggy... not what we expected but I guess that's their style of pancakes??? I'm not hating too much because everything else was AWESOME!

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.