The food was great but the service was truly exceptional! The servers were efficient and friendly and all seemed to help one another out. They took initiative and anticipated our needs - bringing refills before we even had to ask. Would definitely eat here again! read more

BEST BREAKFAST SPOT EVER. The Breakfast Burger was perfect. The vibe was immaculate. The service was incredible. MUST VISIT SPOT in Dayton!!!! read more

We wanted to stop on our way through Dayton to grab some breakfast and totally lucked into the Ugly Duckling. What a find! Now we're already planning on making return trips even though we live 3 hours away. THAT is how good this is. From the moment we walked in we knew we were in the right place. The ambiance. The smells. The CUTENESS!! We ordered the breakfast burrito and the chicken and waffles. Both were the best we've EVER had in their respective categories. The burrito was piping hot, stuffed with flavor and grilled to a perfect crispness. And they serve it with this heavenly, homemade salsa/picante that I can only describe as having all the flavors. All of them. The chicken and waffles were divine, with the seasoned breading on the chicken worth the trip alone. The service is prompt and friendly, and the coffee isn't just robust and welcoming, but served in the most massive mug you'll ever see in a quaint little breakfast place. They've cracked the code. This place may have ruined all other breakfast joints for all eternity. The Ugly Duckling it anything but. It's beautiful, and we'll be back. read more

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We walked to the ugly duckling from our downtown hotel based on reviews here in yelp. We were not at all disappointed! The 30 minute wait for Saturday brunch was a good sign that this is a popular spot. All of the food is fresh, well portioned, and flavorful. My husband had some kind of gravy, tater tot thing. I had the berry French toast. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. Super charming location in the St. Anne's Hill District. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Tater Gravy'd Cheddar Tots - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great lunch/brunch visit today at the Ugly Duckling. We lucked out & were able to walk in & grab a table. Mom loves very hot coffee & it hit the spot, she normally has to ask restaurants to warm up, but not here. The staff gave us time to review the menu that I went with the breakfast burrito. I've heard others rave about it, and then Mom went with a veggie quesadilla. Our food arrived pretty quickly after our order and the breakfast burrito was fantastic especially with our house salsa which note is very spicy, but it was totally worth it. Mom enjoyed her quesadilla too. Great service, atmosphere & interested in checking out more on the menu on future visits. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Met up with a friend for morning treatos and was not disappointed! I ordered some tots and added the house-made Quack Sauce because when in Rome, amirite?? Absolutely magical array of flavors dancing across my tastebuds. The service was fast and friendly. The Ugly Duckling is the small, neighborhood diner of your dreams. They are absolutely worth the hype! read more

The Ugly Duckling - Tots - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

THE UGLY DUCKLING IS A MUST! WOW, we waited about 25 minutes and it was worth the wait. I loved everything about it. The food was phenomenal! The pancakes are vegan but you can't tell. Pancakes are made out of apple sauce and oat milk, but delicious don't let this stop you. (Seen this is problem for some). However the eggs were cooked perfectly, sausage was delicious (we order an extra side of them). I would come again and wait however long it would take. This local spot is filled with knickknacks, good music playing and so cozy! Our waiter Bill (I think) was amazing! He was so nice and apart of the experience, he made it better! Very attentive. It is a small place so if you are waiting to eat there are some seats or you can go to your car until they ring for you. Come early or wait either way it's worth it! Still thinking about that pancake. read more

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Round 2 here, hoped for a more flavorful and fresher experience. The service seemed to be a little short handed both times but the aesthetics on the inside of the restaurant is super unique. Definitely cool hippy vibes. read more

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Amazing time! The pancakes were so fluffy and yummy! The bacon was nice and crispy. It was very packed so get there early or be prepared for a quick wait. The staff were so kind and helpful. I had such a great time and will definitely be back! read more

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I come in here most Tuesday mornings. Super attentive servers and the best food. I'm hooked on the veggie hash because I'm addicted to tater tots. Also the best pancakes with real syrup. I love that they offer plant based veggie options too. These are the best servers in the area. I don't care where else you're eating you won't find better people. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Sign at old location - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Let me tell you, everyone associated with this business is going to every possible spiritual heaven that has ever been conceptualized. Slapping my big fat belly reminiscing about the burrito I ate a few hours ago. May every single god thought of give these people the highest blessings. The service is very nice as well, the staff is friendly and has good music taste. Perfect ambiance when consuming upwards of 3,000 calories EASY MODE NO RESISTANCE just rotting into the seat as it buckles under your newfound weight read more

They sometimes have issues with delivery. The pancakes are good but the tater tots are very soggy and sometimes taste really weird. The one time I ordered blueberry pancakees it had green goop, and they now 4 times in a row have put butter on my NON BUTTERED, VEGAN pancakes, making them inedible. read more

A corner cafe with personality, great service and an eclectic, fantastic menu? Yes please! So glad we found this cafe this morning! Really cool atmosphere, great vibe and comfort food. Loved our experience here this morning! read more

The Ugly Duckling - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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What a absolute gem of a place for brunch! Had the goat cheese BELT and the steak burrito and neither disappointed! The tots are amazing and came fully loaded with bacon and cheese. The vibe is a perfect hole in the wall diner moment that I will decidedly be back for more. The service was so kind and friendly! Be ready for a little wait. But you can occupy your time at the amazing bakery the next corner over for an appetizer to your perfect brunch experience! read more

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Our whole family cleared their plates! Delish and we'll definitely be going back. It is walk in only, but I think we only waited less than 20 min on a weekend for brunch. read more

Omg. I can't say enough good things about this place. I have taken every person that agrees to go to breakfast with me to this place. I just love it. The staff is amazing. Always charismatic! And the food is to die for. I haven't had a bad thing here, it's all fabulous. If you're on the fence, definitely try it out! read more

The Ugly Duckling - Brads hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Decided to try Ugly Duckling before heading to the No Kings Rally on Saturday morning. We weren't sure what it was like, but I loved it the minute we walked in the door - a cute, eclectic, and comfortable restaurant - lots of great artwork on every sq" of wall space. It was very busy on a Saturday morning, so with a 30 minute wait, we walked next door, to Adelaide's bakery, We bought a couple of their oversized homemade pop tarts - cherry and strawberry - Yum!! When our table was ready we sat down and ordered one of UD's apple sauce and oat milk pancakes to try - not knowing if we would like it..or not. It came out first and it was soooo delish, nothing like I imagined. - Highly recommend! The rest of the menus is just as interesting, with many vegan options! I''m not vegan, so I ordered the chicken quesadilla - it came out hot and fresh with a side of sour cream and this really tasty hot sauce (very spicy, but delish). I devoured it all! Other dishes ordered was something called Brads tots, It was a huge portion, my husband liked it, but couldn't eat it all. My sister ordered the chicken and waffles (chicken looked a bit dark/over done), and my brother-in-law the French toast (we were almost finished when his order finally made it to our table.(busy!). Our server was pleasant enough, but a little inattentive! My one comment is they do not serve decaf coffee. So if you are like me and prefer decaf, order a to-go cup from a local coffee shop before stopping in. That aside, we will definitely be back to try more - those pancakes for sure! read more

Really enjoyed this restaurant. There were no tables available when we arrived but the staff got one cleaned up quickly and the food comes out very quick. My husband ordered the Brad's Hash and I got the Breakfast Burrito. Ingredients were similar in both. I have to admit, the sauces on the hash really took things to the next level. Eggs in both dishes were not overcooked. Good location with parking on the side and on the street. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Brad's Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great place for breakfast! Bacon and Tots are crispy and delicious. Staff are really chill and great at recommendations. The portion size I are big so bring the appetite! read more

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Amassing very good breakfast for $12 and change; eggs and stuff!; the tater tots are perfect as was the eggs, the bacon was a little over done for me and the coffee was watered down too much for me. Overall I'd go back. read more

Stop reading reviews and go here! Came for breakfast. Incredible food, coffee, and staff. Left full and smiling. read more

Aliyah and the Ugly Duckling team were so welcoming, informative, and attributed to the lovely atmosphere of the place. The food was on par and the menu had plenty of delicious things to choose from. We ordered the chicken and waffles without the spicy syrup and a quack wrap. Both were flavorful and the portions were generous. We are from Florida and if we were ever back in Dayton we would stop by again! read more

The Ugly Duckling - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I was visiting Dayton this weekend and did a search to see the best breakfasts. The first place we (me and mom) visited was average. THIS however, was EXCELLENT! I got the food to go. My mom got eggs, bacon, toast and tater tots. I loved that the toast was WELL buttered and my mom was suprised at the amount of bacon she had. I got the breakfast burrito. Originally I was wondering WHY that burrito cost so much. But when I got it! WOW! That could have been breakfast AND lunch! But we were traveling, so I ate all of it. When I picked up the food I asked the young lady at the counter if I could have some salsa and she showed me the salsa that was already in the bag. I got home and slathered that salsa after the first bite. Then bit it again, my WHOLE mouth was on FIRE! YOUNG LADY--PLEASE let people know that the salsa is VERY spicy! I love spicy but that was some SERIOUS spice! After the cool down I sparingly used the salsa so I wouldn't burn up my mouth. Overall the food was wonderful and if I am ever in Dayton again, I will stop there for breakfast. read more

Breakfast burrito was pretty standard. Nothing to write home about. The blueberry bites were needed more glaze and blueberries. But it was different so had to try it. Service was good and a great spot to stop if you have time for a leisurely breakfast. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Blueberry Bites - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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First went here about 3 months ago and it's nearly weekly we come now. i LOVE THIS PLACE WITH MY WHOLE HEART. the food here is AMAZING!! read more

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If you're craving some real deal breakfast, hit up The Ugly Duckling. Must try the World Famous Breakfast for beginners. Their bacon? Crispy! Eggs? Perfect. Tater Tots? Crunchy and soft, just how you want 'em Don't sleep on their pancakes; they're like eating fluffy pillows. Wifey had the Berry French Toast - so good with all those fresh juicy strawberries and blueberries on top. Sausage patties, seasoned just right too The staff? Super friendly, makes you feel at home, shout out Brandon! The vibe is chill and welcoming Definitely a local spot you gotta check out, do yourself a solid, and check out Uncle Boof and company! read more

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Amazing food and great service. The best chicken and waffles i've had in my life. Good coffee too! read more

The Ugly Duckling - Chicken & Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Can I say ... Yup I will definitely be back for your food... It was sensibly priced, tasted great with some seasoning, service was excellent even though I didn't eat in.. but asked for something that was kinda off the menu and they made it happened for me... Really appreciate it .. go check them out! read more

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They have multiple vegan options! We were visiting Dayton and looking for breakfast. This place was recommended by a couple people so we decided to try it out. And it was the right choice. Not everyone in our party is vegan and they all really enjoyed their food. The tater tots were absolutely crisp and delicious! Our server was very nice. Also their restrooms are open to all! Not just the customers which is so unheard of these days and I loved it. Thanks for a great experience. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I'm sorry to say but the food just wasn't very good waited for a while for a table to just get poor service and mediocre food disappointed was my first time there I won't be back read more

Cozy intimate diner/breakfast spot in Dayton. Came here on a Sunday morning for brunch and even though it was a packed house we got a table in about 10 minutes. Small seating area adds to the cozy vibe. Staff was pretty friendly but not the best at checking in for refills, bringing condiments, silverware etc. Got the breakfast Sammy, breakfast burrito and tots. Everything was good and came out quickly in spite of a busy time of day. Food wasn't really anything to write home about but was pretty good. Burrito was huge and filling and tots were crispy. They were out of pancakes and biscuits which was a bummer. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Breakfast burrito, tots - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Tater Tots are the best. Service is fantastic, servers kind and quick. Have been many times and will be back many times to come!!

Wonderful people working together as a team. Good was great and didn't take long and the atmosphere was amazing. We will go back!

5/5 - The Ugly Duckling: A Breakfast Heavyweight in Downtown Dayton The Ugly Duckling is one for the books. During a recent trip, my colleagues and I stopped in for breakfast, and holy hell -- this place has it on lock. The owners were busting their asses the entire time, making sure every single person was taken care of. You can tell immediately this is a spot built on pride, hustle, and legit good food. Let me be clear: this is not the place to roll up with 12 cousins, your neighbor, and a marching band. This is a "you and maybe one or two friends or family" type joint. Put your name in, wait your turn, and then sit down to have a real damn breakfast. There's a reason the line was out the door and down the street -- and no, I'm not exaggerating. The wait was long, but fuck me running, the food was worth every minute. Let's talk plates: * Best. Fucking. Biscuits and gravy. YUP. Absolutely textbook -- fluffy, savory, creamy, the perfect amount of pepper, and the portion size could feed a small militia. * French toast? Fucking A right it was good. Crispy edges, custardy center, the works. My friends went a different direction and grabbed breakfast sammies instead of going all-in on the biscuits and gravy. Joke's on them though, because they still wound up with a side of homemade sausage gravy -- and I swear to God, I didn't know "swimming pool-sized" was a unit of measurement, but it is now. No one complained. Not a single bite left unappreciated. The servings were Goliath-level, and because we had other shit to do, we passed on to-go boxes and powered through like champions. Oh -- and here's the kicker: they've been open just a little over a year, and their table-turn game is elite. The dining room was packed, but while we waited for our buzzer, we watched every table turn at least twice. Takeout was flying out the door too. We didn't get to try the lunch menu this time, but trust me, there will absolutely be a next time. I'll just have to summon the willpower to order something other than breakfast -- and honestly, that's gonna be a fight. Bottom line: If you want a breakfast that slaps you in the face (in a good way) and reminds you what real cooking tastes like, get in line at The Ugly Duckling. It's worth every second. read more

This place BUSS Everything is so good, the vibe is super cool and relaxed, and the waitress that was with our table was also a G for recommendations on the menu. I love it here‼‼ read more

The Ugly Duckling - The Quackadilla - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

The pancakes are awesome. The other items are good but not noteworthy. Our service this day was extremely slow. The others with me liked it a lot, me not so much. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Half of the menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Great food great service.. friendly! Always a fun place to meet friends. Excellent bakery right next door. read more

Nice little restaurant. Friendly service. Tried the breakfast burger. Was very good! I will definitely go back.

Our first visit was a great success, so much so we are saying bye bye Panera and 'hello' Ugly Duckling. You can't beat the change of scenery with, I won't miss the pictures of bread for the local artist that fill this fine establishment. They just moved to 5th street and I must say, I'm loving the vibes this place has. And some of their cool meals. Did someone say tots? Yes, you will find tots all over this menu, thank you for letting me relive my child hood. Gluten free pancakes too, let's do this with a really good cinnamon butter and a heart pancake size makes Ugly Duckling a winner in my book. Service was spot on as Sam was making it happen. And I forgot to mention their bacon is incredible, I mean who doesn't love Bacon? But their bacon was top notch, the right amount of crispy and so delightfully good. Can't wait to put in another shift at the Ugly Duckling and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. read more

The Ugly Duckling - Pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

10/10 this place is really it. First time in Dayton for the week of new years visiting from California and I found this spot off tiktok. I went two days in a row New Year's Eve and New Year's Day boy was it busy New Year's Day so I ordered to go but the first day I dined in. The staff was great the place was thoughtfully decorated a lot of random accessories around the place but it was fitting. First day the host was great and so was my waitress but then second day same host over looked me twice after walking in taking two groups of 3 which is another reason I took Togo their lucky they had good food or I'd have found another spot to eat just for that mess. Anywho first day dining in I had the mason jar yogurt fireeeeee I was in heaven and that was after I already devoured the breakfast burrito perfect ratio of mix and cheese melted like for real. Second day I got a pancake and the Brads Hash which was gasssss. Topped just right not overwhelming and very flavorful even with the lil sauce they throw over the blend of egg cheese tots onion and bell peppers I mean hello yummy. I ended up eating all the way up until lunch time. Great portion size wish they sold half orders. Now I'm not a pancake fan so that's just me but the pancake wasn't bad just was a lil mushy for my taste but I would definitely give it a shot it's made with their homemade mix which they do sell by the way in case it's a winner for you. Let me know what yall think? I'll definitely be back when I'm in town. Although they were busy and probably more so because the holiday the service and people were in and out and I didn't feel rushed felt right at home in my own lil world by the door! read more

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