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Duchess
Master Critic Review
Duchess
8.8
Originally opened as Birdies in 2016, this South Park staple still turns out small-batch, chef-driven donuts and serious fried chicken sandwiches late into the night. Expect inventive flavors like pistachio-lemon thyme alongside hearty breakfast burritos that draw both office workers and post-game crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio Lemon Thyme Donut, Candied Maple Bacon Donut, Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Chef-driven fried chicken and artisanal donuts under one roof since 2016.
Who should go: Donut obsessives and fried chicken fans who like a buzz.
When to visit: Weekend late nights or brunch hours before Downtown events.
What to order: Pistachio Lemon Thyme donut, Maple Bacon donut, Spicy chicken sandwich.
Insider tip: You can often sample donut flavors before committing to a full one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along South Park side streets; generally easy before noon, tougher during events at Crypto.com Arena. No valet.
Dress code: Super casual — hoodies, jeans, and tees are the norm. Brunch crowds sometimes lean trendy but nothing formal.
Noise level: Moderate. Music is present and the space can buzz during peak hours, but normal conversation is still doable.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, mostly due to late-night rush from nearby venues.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several donuts are vegetarian, and the breakfast burrito can be made without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — they occasionally offer a vegan donut, but it’s not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably — no dedicated gluten-free donuts or fryer, so cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and fun. The playful donut flavors and late-night vibe make it low-pressure, but it’s not the spot for a long, intimate sit-down dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Seating can fill quickly on weekend nights, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — donuts make it an easy win for kids, and seating is casual. Best for ages 4+ since space can get crowded during events.
Best For
Better for: Creative, chef-made donuts and legitimately great fried chicken at hours when most bakeries aren’t open — plus approachable prices.
Skip if: You want a sit-down brunch with table service or need robust gluten-free or vegan options.