Ugly Duckling: high quality interior atmosphere shot

Ugly Duckling: appetizing, high-quality food photography

Ugly Duckling: appealing shot of bar drinks

Ugly Duckling: inviting bar interior atmosphere

Ugly Duckling: appetizing food and drink presentation

Ugly Duckling: appetizing, clear photo of food

8 photos

Ugly Duckling

★ 4.9 · 33 reviews Washington, D.C. Opened December 2024

Directions Instagram

Popcorn-infused gin, beef tartare, Shaw

Ugly Duckling opened on 7th Street in Shaw at the end of 2024 doing seasonal small plates against a drinks list that takes more risks than the food does.

The Gullywarsher is popcorn-infused gin with coconut cream, lime and pandan, and it is better than that sentence suggests. Eat the whipped feta and the beef tartare with it.

What guests say

Reviews by Google

Minchi 030 13 reviews · Local Guide 10 January 2026

The drinks are really good! Definitely recommend Lavender marriage! However they are super busy…. Also the happy hour said till 7pm but we couldn’t order around 6:48…. Only 1 cook so our snack is taking forever But our drinks super good tho!
Mike Carter 15 reviews 24 December 2025

Honestly i only went here because dacha was closed, but it's great. Perfect date spot. Chicken sliders are delicious. Good music and drinks. Awesome addition to seventh street
Noelle Anderson 38 reviews · Local Guide 10 August 2025

Came here for a more chill drink after the Biergarten next door. And this place hits on all fronts. Service was great and finally a place that takes requests and they were able to make me a banana margarita that was amazing and I wasn't overcharged for a special request which is always a bonus.
Shari Daniel 19 reviews · Local Guide 28 July 2025

We got the chance to try a few menu items and I'll say without a doubt the lamb kofta meatballs are AMAZING! They are very well flavored, and the right portion, as they pack a punch. We also indulged in the Gullywarsher, the Tom Collins and some olives, all met and exceeded our expectations. Senora was a great bartender, she took very good care of us and was very hospitable
Veronica 204 reviews · Local Guide 16 July 2025

This place is amazing.... the drinks were fire. The food was fire.... The vibe was fire....the lamb meatballs with lebnah was crazy.