Mallard DC delivers Southern cuisine with a refined, almost Michelin-level feel--without the pretension. From the moment you walk in, the hospitality stands out: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The cozy, chic decor strikes the perfect balance between elevated and comfortable, making it an ideal spot for both a special night out or a relaxed dinner. The food is thoughtfully executed, full of Southern soul, and impressively fair-priced for the quality and experience you're getting. Chef Ham and his team clearly have something special going on here--everything feels intentional, confident, and done with care. If you haven't been yet, get here. Mallard DC is absolutely worth the visit. read more

Was visiting from out of town and came for drinks on a Sunday evening with friends. It was quiet but cozy and the decor is very cute. Feels like being in your uncle's hunting cabin. We sat at the bar and absolutely fell in love with the bartender, Quinn and server Olivia. We also got to meet the GM, Adrian. The drinks were fantastic and everyone was so warm and welcoming. I'll be back next time I'm in DC. read more

The atmosphere and service at Mallard was thoughtful. The food is duck forward, which you should expect from a place named Mallard. The favorites were the duck wings and the cigarettes and ashes dessert. The banana pudding desert was deconstructed and felt incomplete. They had delicious cocktails as well. read more

Mallard - Delicious cocktail - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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First, the hostess, server and bar was first rate. The style and decor signaled that we came to the right place for good vittles. The problem is the food was not great at the price. Way too much effort to be "nouveau southern" without retaining the mouthwatering essence of good southern cooking, whether low country, high country, soul or creole. The catfish schnitzel was a miss at 32 and the duck at 46 with a smear of collards and squash was passable at 46; the 36 for a take in chicken and dumplings was good. The desserts were fancy but will not draw you back. The Great Server closed the night with a fresh pot of DC Jail brown water coffee! We will not return at $430. read more

I came here for my birthday dinner this year and had a lovely time. Service was friendly but a little slow and the ambiance is quaint and cozy. The fried Chesapeake oysters are a must order, you're not going to want to share. We placed one order and loved them so much that we placed another. The other items were good as well (autumn greens, shrimp & grits, scallops, duck...of course) but that was the standout. I would place the scallops as a close second. I wasn't too impressed with the cocktails, but the wine selection was nice- and the lemonades sound divine. I'll definitely be back for those fried oysters and to try more menu items. read more

We were eager to try Mallard, which opened only about a month ago in our neighborhood. Here's the quick review: The Good: - pleasant environment, nicely decorated - friendly server - delicious food. Pig trotters and shrimp and grits very good, duck outstanding. Good burger. Skip the completely forgettable pimento cheese and crackers. The Bad: VERY slow service throughout the meal We didn't get our dinner orders until 50+ minutes after being seated, and most of that 50 minutes were spent with nothing edible on the table (not counting drinks). I think the restaurant may have realized this and sent some zucchini bread to help us stave off starvation. We had told the restaurant beforehand that it was one of our birthdays (and mentioned it again when we were seated) and they brought nice drinks and a little dessert with a candle. Unfortunately, at least 20 minutes passed between us having our dinner plates cleared before that came -- with no contact from our server, making us feel completely forgotten -- and this only ended after I managed to catch the server's eye and signal for the check. We were ready to leave at that point and get dessert elsewhere. At that point the server quickly brought the birthday items. -- Would we go back? I'll wait to hear how the other reviews shape up. I know they're new and probably fine-tuning their systems. If they can improve the service timing, this place will be a knockout. read more

Upscale but cozy ambiance. Cocktails were excellent, highlight for me was the duck wings. Pretty tiny bar area just fyi if you're planning to come dine or drink at the bar. No complaints about the staff/service. Seems like a nice place for an intimate dinner or date read more

Mallard - Duck wings - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great ambience, dining ware, and pleasant staff overall. Cocktails were very tasty and again appreciated the style of glassware they were served in. Starters were so good...particularly impressed by the pan seared foie gras. It was so good it does make you wish you had a second serving (I think it's standard to have one medallion as a serving?). I got the shrimp and grits and before it came wondered why I had gone that route because it's so tough to get it right. Fortunately the shrimp were absolutely delicious. The grits hid behind the sauce, which was just too salty- if it had been 20% less salty, it would have been absolutely perfect. My wife got the catfish shnitzel and loved it....i stole a bite to cut the saltiness of my grits and sauce, and found the breading and fish to be lovely and light. Overall really great meal, very nearly a 5 but for the extra salt in the shrimp and grits. read more

Fantastic! The complimentary corn muffins are swoon-worthy and the shrimp and grits is absolutely spectacular! Just trust me and get it!

One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in recent memory. The space is nice and has a relaxed upscale vibe - the bar is especially pretty. Food and service were excellent. We tried the duck wings, pea dip, flat iron steak, and duck main course. All were excellent. They were also able to accommodate my dairy allergy with no problem and brought out a special amuse bouche just for me. Pretty good wine selection as well. We will definitely be back! read more

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Really impressed with Mallard DC, this new Southern spot in Logan Circle! Our large group was expertly handled by our server Jeffrey, who provided excellent service and great recommendations. The fried tomatoes and shrimp and grits were standouts, and friends raved about the duck dish. Cute ambiance makes it perfect for date night. Definitely planning to return! read more

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I enjoyed Mallard! A relaxing, vibey escape from the busy 14th Street, Mallard has one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant bars I've seen in DC and an exciting upscale Southern menu. Jeffery took care of us, giving detailed descriptions of each menu item and helping us pair drinks with our choices. The duck wings and smoked lamb (seasonal special) were my highlights of the night. I'll return to try more items, particularly the Shrimp & Grits, Sweetbread & Waffles, and Pekin Duck entree. read more

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Jesus, salty, everything we ate are very salty, too much salt. We didn't finish eating all, and we didn't end up taking anything home.

Went here for a wedding which included a pre- and post-reception. Venue is stunning! Ambience is dark and classy - just our vibe. Drinks - spot on! Heavy apps provided were creative, full of flavor and prepared to perfection. We LOVED the variety! Crab balls, chicken and beef sliders, flat breads, meats, cheeses, shrimp, etc. etc. Can't forget the wait staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating!!! Literally the perfect night for the perfect couple. Can't wait to come back for a dinner date with my hubby :). Thank you Mallard! We'll see you again soon. read more

One of my favorites in the area. Great food consistently good and the bar makes great drinks what else can you ask for ?!

Terrific food, cozy and homey atmosphere, very friendly service. Drinks were also very good. A great combination of classic southern comfort food with a refined edge. Hope to be back soon, and highly recommend it! read more

Mallard - Moutain Trout - Southern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Mallard just opened up in the Logan Circle 'hood, offering Chef Hamilton Johnson's playful take on southern dishes, which includes a lot of duck-centric items. We came here for dinner, and we started off with: +Pimento Cheese - served with Ritz crackers, cajun pecans, and chow chow; I liked the addition of cornichons; I wished we received some pickled okra as others have had +Duck Wings - prepared with concord crape and RC Cola +and, the Sea Island Pea Dip - served with duck fat saltines and benne seeds For our shareables, we ordered: +the Cast Iron Hudson Valley Foie Gras - a sherry-cornmeal poundcake, peach preserves, maple vinegar, and butter pecan ice cream +Shrimp & Grits - with smoked pork, scallions, piquillo peppers, Anson Mill grits, and Tabasco-shellfish nage; note that the shrimp is shelled and head-on +Cornmeal-Crusted Flounder - with poached oysters, summer corn, cucumber, peanut potatoes, and smoked trout roe +Mallard Steam Burger - double-smash patties topped with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, and pepperoncini mayo in a Martin's seeded roll; note that this comes with a side of fries and a cup of ketchup +Southern Fried Green Tomatoes - with turnip fondue, hearth-roasted collars, and a Sea Island vinaigrette +Slow-Roasted Flat Iron Steak - with Vidalia onion puree, lacindato kale, potlikker jus, and fried onions +and, the Labelle Farms Orvia Duck - spiced breast with chicken fried legg, summer squash, glazed turnips and greens, and a foie gras jus; this was a super generous serving on a cute petal-like plate I loved that they had lemonades and non-alcoholic/spirit-free beverages. I was obsessed with their glass cups with their cute duck logo! Staff were friendly, and the restaurant is super cute and cozy, with the green and the duck decor. +cute duck logo & decor +friendly staff read more

Isa staffed the bar area and was amazing. Offered wine suggestions, food recommendations, and packed in a complimentary banana dessert. The fried oysters were crisp on the outside and juicy & tender on the inside. The foie gras was rich. The burger was simple yet well executed. The restaurant ambiance was quaint and comfortingly cozy. read more

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Good food. Excellent service. You won't be disappointed. Friendly place with a different take on the usual menu

Mallard is a restaurant that was built with so much thought and love. You can see all the details on the walls filled with art, photos , and I presume memories. When you sit you feel in your grandmas table when she pull out the fine china for special guest but you are that guest in there. The atmosphere is very cozy and it feels like home. The service was friendly and hospitable props to our server for attending us and speaking to us in Spanish. Didn't expect less from Chef Hamilton, the food was fun and delicious, we really enjoyed the duck wings, and the steak was really good, Next time I'll be sure to order the duck for main. I appreciate the diversity of spirit free drinks as well as the different lemonades. I look forward for all the fun ingredients that Chef Hamilton likes to mix in his dishes and I hope Mallard keeps growing. If you are in the city definitely give it a visit. read more

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5/5 would recommend. The food was incredible, drinks were great, and the server (Jeffrey) was the man. He did a great job and made everything that much better. Ambiance was awesome too. read more

We had a fantastic experience at Mallard for a birthday dinner. We were a group of 6 so we got to try a little of everything. Overall, we loved the meal and the decor/atmosphere was great. We all agreed we would love to come back again! read more

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What a gem! The space is very cool and the food is amazing. Chef Hamilton has delivered a whimsical menu full of flavor and thoughtful touches. Highly suggest checking out this new restaurant! Must try: Duck wings, foie gras, tuna crudo, duck entree, scallops and 'coffee & cigarettes' - all dishes were fantastic! read more

This place is honestly awesome. The vibe was perfect and the food is really really impressive and delicious. I will be coming back!!

First time here but it will most definitely not be our last. Stopped in the other night for a cocktail and a small bite or two and absolutely loved this place! Vibe is warm, inviting and very elevated for a restaurant on 14th St. Drinks were great (thank you Lauren at the bar). But the food was OUTSTANDING!! We tried the fried oysters and pimento cheese and both were probably the best I've ever eaten and I have eaten a lot of fried oysters and pimento cheese. Also we were offered an amuse bouche that we were told was an onion puree with shaved almonds and radishes, that was amazing!! I would LOVE that recipe cuz it tastes like it had tons of butter but we were told it had no dairy but was made with oat milk.... And the rest was not divulged. Portions of main courses were plentiful and fairly priced. Great date night spot and/or good for foodies. Highly recommend read more

A cozy tight space good for drinks or a full sit down meal. The staff was attentive and prompt. Signature drinks were bland and watered down despite their hefty cocktail bar prices. Had the burger, the fried green tomato entree, and the duck wings. The fried green tomato dish was definitely the star--hearty inventive, fresh, and more filling than you'd might expect. A fresh smokey take on greens and peas comes with the dish. The burger, smash style, was fine. The restaurant obviously leans into duck dishes, but the duck wings were not to my liking-- they were tough with an overly sweet cola BBQ style sauce. Would go back to try other duck dishes but wouldn't order the wings again. read more

This restaurant is now one of my favorites in DC! The food, service, and ambiance is unmatched. Our server Jeff and the Chefs were so very kind and took amazing care of us. It was some of the most delicious food I have ever had. We almost ordered everything off the menu. The duck is AMAZING, But also the burger is the best burger I have ever had in my life. We will be back!! read more

delicious and creative! best dishes: fried chesapeake oysters, swordfish schnitzel, pennsylvania pekin duck, smoked elysian fields lamb, and the fun coffee & cigarettes for dessert served in a homemade ashtray! wonderful staff explained everything; beautiful decor. will return! read more

Mallard is a wonderful addition to 14th Street. Cozy, homey vibes and delicious food. Both times I've been I sat at the bar and Hannah May took great care of me. Definitely have the foie gras with butter pecan ice cream for dessert! read more

we went for valentine day and the restaurant charged for two people , party of 6 $66 tip!!! and that is before tax which made your total tax higher!! total for two people $440!!! come on people, don't take advantage. we should not feed this type of behavior. read more

Mallard is an incredible addition to the 14th street food scene. We live around the corner and ventured in on a Friday night to find an upscale Southern ambiance marked by romantic lighting and a stunning bar area. On the menu, the chicken fried oysters and foie gras duck were particular standouts. Will definitely be returning! read more

Had an exceptional experience at Mallard - arrived early for cocktails at the bar - then dinner with my daughter and her boyfriend. Scallops, Iron Steak and Shrimp and Grits were all delicious. read more

Mallard is a delicious, unique, heartfelt homage to southern cooking and the way food can transport us to a moment in time. Chef Hamilton is long overdue to have his own restaurant and he's finally found the perfect space for it. The food sings his culinary point of view with every bite. The ducks on the walls and the portraits of his dad make you feel like you've been invited to a very special meal in his home. service is attentive but not overbearing. Cannot recommend highly enough! read more

Dinner at Mallard was an absolute delight. I went with two friends so we could taste more- we enjoyed everything! The oysters were a hit, as were the duck wings. We also had the shrimp and grits (the best in DC by FAR!), duck entree (delicious), and the scallops (another clear favorite). We enjoyed all three dessert- beautiful presentations! Service was very friendly and helpful. Ambiance was top notch. We all agreed we would be back soon! I am looking forward to when they roll out brunch. read more

Very excited to come here. I've followed this chef around his restaurants during his career and he can always be counted on to create exciting and delicious cuisine. Had the pimento cheese and oysters to share- excellent! Then had foie gras as a starter and duck. All delicious. Recommend the banana dessert and the chocolate cigarettes. Delicious. All with great service and creative cocktails. I cannot wait to return- the burger looked great and I could easily see myself going to the bar for dinner one night and having one. Yum! read more