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The Duck Inn
Master Critic Reviews (10 Lists)
The Duck Inn
8.6
A Bridgeport neighborhood tavern with a serious duck-driven identity—rotisserie, crispy wings, and duck-fat comforts—anchored by a bar program that keeps the room lively. It reads as gastropub-first, but the cooking has real finesse when you order the signatures. Strong for date nights or small groups who want a relaxed dining room without giving up craft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature whole rotisserie duck, Duck Inn Dog, Duck fat fries
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A duck-first American tavern built around a signature rotisserie duck service.
Who should go: Duck lovers and cocktail-forward diners
When to visit: Weeknights or weekend brunch
What to order: Rotisserie duck, Duck Inn Dog, duck-fat fries
Insider tip: Preorder the rotisserie duck so your table is guaranteed one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding Bridgeport blocks; generally manageable on weeknights but tighter on weekends. Allow extra time if arriving after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished rather than sporty.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy, but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward sides and a few rotating mains, though the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with sides or small adjustments, but not a strong fit overall.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and adaptable plates; staff can guide, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels warm and buzzy without being overwhelming, and the food gives you something interesting to talk about without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening. On weekends, expect a wait or sit at the bar unless you’ve planned ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older kids. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, and the vibe skews toward date nights and social dinners rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Duck-focused cooking, rotisserie service, and a polished neighborhood-tavern feel that balances craft food with a relaxed bar scene.
Skip if: You want a plant-forward menu, a quiet fine-dining room, or a very kid-centric experience.
The Duck Inn
8.4
A Bridgeport favorite where wings mean duck wings—rich, deeply seasoned, and built for cocktails and lingering. It’s best when you commit to the duck lane: wings plus one duck-forward main and a fry-side, so the fat-and-salt stays satisfying instead of heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck wings, Rotisserie duck, Duck fat fries
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Duck wings that eat like a signature appetizer, not a novelty.
Who should go: Cocktail nights and wing-curious diners
When to visit: Early dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Duck wings, rotisserie duck, duck fat fries
Insider tip: Go wings + one duck main—skip piling on extra fried apps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with very limited spaces; street parking is generally available on surrounding blocks but fills up after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to casually dressy — jeans are fine, but this is a cocktail-forward room that leans polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still comfortable for conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on nice patio-weather nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and salads, but the menu is strongly meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — best treated as sides-only with advance menu checking.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and sides; staff can guide, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s especially strong for a cocktail-forward first date. The room feels intentional and warm, the wings are shareable without being messy, and the pacing encourages lingering rather than rushing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins are more realistic right at opening or later in the evening; otherwise, a reservation is the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids than young ones. There’s space and flexibility, but the menu, pricing, and cocktail-centric vibe skew adult rather than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Duck-forward cooking done with polish — especially wings that feel like a composed appetizer rather than bar food, plus a cocktail program that supports a longer, sit-down meal.
Skip if: You want classic chicken wings, a budget-friendly meal, or a highly vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu — this is a commitment-to-duck destination.
The Duck Inn
8.6
Duck-fat fries are the move here—crisp edges, rich savor, and built to pair with cocktails instead of ketchup-only snacking. Treat the fries as the anchor appetizer, then stay in the duck lane so the meal feels cohesive rather than random.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck fat fries, Duck wings, Rotisserie duck for two
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Duck-fat fries that taste intentional—rich, crisp, and cocktail-ready.
Who should go: Date nights and food-focused groups
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Duck fat fries, duck wings, rotisserie duck
Insider tip: Order fries immediately—then let the duck mains follow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable early, tighter after 6:30pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but the room rewards a polished look.
Noise level: Moderate—lively dining room, but conversation is easy at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially Fri–Sat after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable sides and salads work, and fries can anchor the meal.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable sides may be adapted, but the menu is duck-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and sides; cross-contact possible—ask the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, strong cocktails, and shareable fries make it feel intentional without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are tougher—bar seating or an early arrival helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who eat like adults; the vibe skews date-night over family dining.
Best For
Better for: Elevated fries as a real course—duck fat richness, seasoning, and pacing that feel designed, not bar-food filler.
Skip if: You want a casual fry basket or budget-focused comfort food—this is a composed, cocktail-driven experience.
The Duck Inn
8.4
A Bridgeport neighborhood tavern with a more polished dining-room feel, where duck shows up in smart, savory ways and the bar program supports lingering. If you’re here for the sandwich lane, go duck-fat-dog or a focused handheld plus one starter—then let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck fat dog, Duck wings, Rotisserie duck
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A duck-driven neighborhood tavern with a polished bar-and-dining-room setup.
Who should go: Date-night diners and cocktail-forward lunch crews
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the best pacing
What to order: Duck fat dog, duck wings, rotisserie duck
Insider tip: Start at the bar and order your main before the room fully fills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Bridgeport blocks; generally manageable but tighter after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — jeans are fine, but this isn’t a sweatpants room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled; easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward starters and occasional veg mains, but not a deep bench.
Vegan options: Very limited — best approached as drinks plus sides with advance planning.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; staff can guide, but it’s not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels polished but not stiff, the bar program gives you something to talk about, and the food is interesting without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or at lunch; on weekends, arriving early or starting at the bar is your best move.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who can sit through a full meal; it’s more of a date-and-dining room than a family free-for-all.
Best For
Better for: A polished neighborhood tavern experience with thoughtful duck-driven cooking and a strong cocktail backbone — stronger for lingering meals than quick bites.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual sandwich stop or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options — this is a sit-down, pace-yourself room.
The Duck Inn
8.4
A Bridgeport tavern-dining hybrid where duck is the through-line—rotisserie, wings, and duck-fat comfort food backed by a serious bar. It’s strongest when you commit to one centerpiece (the rotisserie duck if you’re splurging) and keep the rest as crisp, savory supporting plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole rotisserie duck, Duck wings, Duck fat dog
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Duck-driven tavern cooking with a bar program built for lingering.
Who should go: Date-night diners and cocktail-first food people
When to visit: Weeknights for the best pacing
What to order: Rotisserie duck, duck wings, duck fat dog
Insider tip: If you want the full duck experience, plan ahead and center the order around it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable on weeknights, tighter on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished rather than sporty.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively tavern energy, but conversation is still easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-driven starters and sides, plus occasional vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Limited – some sides and salads can work, but not a focus of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial – naturally gluten-free proteins and sides available; staff can guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It has enough warmth and polish to feel intentional, without the pressure of a formal fine-dining room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially on weeknights or early evenings. Weekend dinners are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Kids are welcome, but the menu and pacing are better suited to teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Duck-centric cooking, relaxed date nights, and a strong bar program that encourages lingering.
Skip if: You want a strict fine-dining tasting menu, ultra-quiet atmosphere, or a broad plant-based lineup.
The Duck Inn
8.5
A Bridgeport tavern-dining hybrid where duck is the through-line—rotisserie, wings, and duck-fat comfort built for lingering with cocktails. It hits best when you commit to one centerpiece (rotisserie duck if you plan ahead) and keep the rest as crisp, savory supporting plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck wings, Duck fat fries, Rotisserie duck
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Duck-driven tavern cooking with a destination-level patio.
Who should go: Date nights and cocktail-forward groups.
When to visit: Weeknights for the best pacing.
What to order: Duck wings, duck fat fries, rotisserie duck.
Insider tip: Pre-order the rotisserie duck for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on weeknights but fills quickly on weekends and during peak patio season.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate; lively energy indoors, quieter and more conversational on the patio.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; patio waits can be longer in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable; salads, sides, and a few vegetable-driven plates.
Vegan options: Very limited; best approached as sides-only with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and sides available; cross-contact possible—confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially in the evening. The candlelit tavern vibe, strong cocktail program, and shareable plates make it easy to pace the night without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are competitive. Bar seating can be the fastest path if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-focused. Kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but the menu and atmosphere skew toward adults and groups lingering over drinks.
Best For
Better for: Duck-centric cooking, a destination-level patio, and a cocktail-forward tavern experience that encourages lingering.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual meal, a highly kid-oriented menu, or a broad vegetarian/vegan selection.
The Duck Inn
8.6
A Bridgeport gastrotavern where locally sourced, seasonal cooking is built around duck in multiple forms—rotisserie for the table, crisp wings for the bar, and duck-fat comfort on the sides. The sweet spot is committing to one duck centerpiece and letting the market-driven supporting plates round out the meal without getting heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole rotisserie duck (preorder recommended), Duck wings, Duck fat fries
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Duck-first, locally sourced cooking anchored by a preorder rotisserie centerpiece.
Who should go: Date nights and duck-curious groups.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend brunch patio.
What to order: Rotisserie duck, duck wings, duck fat fries.
Insider tip: Call ahead to reserve the rotisserie duck for your table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Bridgeport; generally manageable on side streets but can get tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished—especially for dinner and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively tavern energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer if the patio is full or rotisserie ducks are heavily preordered.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—seasonal vegetable plates and sides can form a meal, though the menu is clearly duck-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible with substitutions, but not ideal if the whole table is vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and sides; staff is accommodating, but there is no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels special without being stiff, the menu encourages sharing, and the noise level supports conversation—especially strong for an evening date or patio visit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but weekends and peak dinner hours are risky—especially if you want the rotisserie duck, which should be reserved ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Older kids who eat broadly will be fine, but there’s no kids menu and the vibe is geared toward adults rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Duck-centric, farm-to-table cooking with a refined tavern feel—stronger for seasonal sourcing, sharing a centerpiece, and lingering over drinks than most neighborhood gastropubs.
Skip if: You’re dining with strict vegans, want a quick in-and-out meal, or prefer a quieter, white-tablecloth fine-dining experience.
The Duck Inn
8.6
A Bridgeport tavern-dining room that works for happy hour when you want real cooking with your drinks—rotisserie duck is the headline, but the bar snacks and cocktails keep it easy. It’s strongest in the front lounge: a tight order, one small plate, one round, then decide if you’re staying for a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck wings, Duck Inn Dog, Rotisserie duck
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven tavern food anchored by a signature rotisserie duck program.
Who should go: After-work crews who want cocktails plus real food
When to visit: Weekday happy hour in the front lounge
What to order: Duck wings, Duck Inn Dog, a house cocktail
Insider tip: Start in the bar room—snack first, then commit to dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding Bridgeport blocks; generally manageable on weekdays, tighter on weekend evenings. Occasional valet service is offered during peak dinner periods, but availability varies.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but polished shoes or a jacket won’t feel out of place, especially for dates.
Noise level: Moderate in the dining room, slightly livelier in the front lounge during happy hour—conversation is easy but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait when lunch service is offered
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-driven small plates and sides, though the menu is meat-forward overall.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides or modified plates, best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes – select naturally gluten-free dishes and sides; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for drinks and snacks. The bar lounge feels relaxed but intentional, giving you quality cocktails and shareable plates without full fine-dining pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes in the front lounge, particularly during weekday happy hour. Full dining room tables are harder to land without a reservation on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but the vibe and menu skew toward adult dining rather than family-focused outings.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails paired with serious cooking—few happy hour spots balance chef-driven food and a relaxed bar setting this well.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap drinks or a purely casual bar crawl stop; this is a quality-over-quantity happy hour.
The Duck Inn
8.6
A Bridgeport tavern-dining room where happy hour can turn into dinner if you’re not careful—in the best way. The duck wings are the signature snack: lacquered, crispy, and built for cocktail momentum before you decide whether to commit to bigger plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Wings (Japanese BBQ, crispy rice, cilantro), Duck Fat Fries, Duck Inn Dog
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Duck wings that drink like barbecue but eat like a chef’s snack.
Who should go: After-work crews who want cocktails plus real cooking
When to visit: Early evening for bar seats and faster rounds
What to order: Duck wings, duck fat fries, a house cocktail
Insider tip: Start in the lounge—do wings first, then decide if you’re staying.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks but can tighten after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the room leans polished and date-night friendly.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar energy, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few composed plates work, though it’s not a veg-focused menu.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable sides; best to review the menu ahead.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cocktail-forward energy, shareable wings, and a warm dining room make it easy to keep things casual or let it turn into dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes early in the evening or at the bar; after 6pm on weekends, expect a wait or plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—kids are welcome earlier in the day, but the evening vibe skews date night and group dining.
Best For
Better for: Elevated bar snacks and cocktails that feel chef-driven, with wings that stand out from standard bar versions.
Skip if: You want a purely casual sports-bar scene or need lots of budget-friendly wing options.
The Duck Inn
8.3
A neighborhood tavern-dining room that can be family-friendly at the right hour—big flavors, sturdy comfort plates, and a menu that’s easy to share. It’s best when you build the table around a few anchors (duck-forward snacks plus one larger plate) so kids and adults both win.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck wings, Duck fat fries, Rotisserie duck (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Duck-centric comfort cooking in a relaxed tavern setting.
Who should go: Families wanting a nicer comfort dinner
When to visit: Early dinner before the bar crowd
What to order: Duck wings, duck fat fries, a larger shared plate
Insider tip: Go early—seating and pacing are noticeably smoother.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks but can tighten up after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but it leans polished rather than sporty.
Noise level: Moderate early, gets louder as the bar fills later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 45–60 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Not offered on most weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there are a few vegetable-forward sides and occasional mains, but it’s not a veg-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—may be possible to assemble a plate from sides; best to check with the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but no dedicated prep area—cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, earlier in the evening. The room feels warm and relaxed before it turns more bar-forward, making conversation easier.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early weekend slots, but reservations are strongly recommended for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat broadly. Early dinner works best; there’s no kids menu, but shareable plates and familiar flavors help.
Best For
Better for: Families or mixed-age groups who want chef-driven comfort food in a relaxed tavern setting.
Skip if: You need lots of dietary accommodations or want a quiet, strictly kid-focused restaurant.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday10:30am - 11pm
Sunday10:30am - 10pm