Ashley B.
Yelp
Recommended: Yes, for a fun, unique breakfast spot for adultwith indulgent comfort food.
Overall: A cool, busy spot for big, flavorful breakfast sandwiches, though not ideal for families with young kids.
Snapshot:
Food: 4/5
Drink: 4/5
Vibe: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Family-Friendly: 2/5
Highlights:
Perfect For: A fun, indulgent breakfast with big, hearty sandwiches
Don't Miss: The amazing English muffins and creative breakfast options
Bonus Tip: Definitely try the "Big Mac" inspired sandwich if you're in the mood for something extra indulgent
All The Details:
The Ugly Duckling in Portland is definitely a unique breakfast spot, though it leans more towards being a bar than a traditional breakfast place. It's a small space with a horseshoe bar and a few scattered tables, and while the staff was super friendly, it quickly became clear that this isn't a particularly kid-friendly spot. They did their best to accommodate us, but the setup made it a bit tricky with young children in tow.
We ordered three breakfast sandwiches. Given how many amazing breakfast spots there are in Portland, it's tough to compare, but these sandwiches were definitely indulgent. My husband opted for the "Big Mac" inspired sandwich, while I got the BLT. They were huge, messy, and piled high--definitely great value for the size. That said, they were a bit on the sloppy side, with more mayo than I'd prefer, which made them hard to eat, especially with the kids.
The highlight was the English muffins, which were thick, perfectly cooked, and some of the best I've ever had. While we didn't try their drink selection this time, there's a nice variety for those in the mood for a cocktail with breakfast.
The Ugly Duckling is a fun, unique spot with great flavors, perfect if you're craving a big, indulgent breakfast or a hangover cure. However, it's not the best choice for families with kids. I'd definitely go back for those amazing English muffins and would recommend it for a casual, indulgent breakfast with friends, but not for a family outing.