Ducks Eatery
Tucked away in the heart of East Village at 351 E 12th St, New York, Ducks Eatery is one of those places you stumble upon and instantly want to tell your friends about. If you're into laid-back vibes, quirky dishes, and a spot that just feels right for catching up with a group or enjoying a low-key evening, this place checks all the boxes.
The first thing you notice is the casual energy. It’s not too loud, but there's a buzz in the air—just the right kind of vibe for a happy hour hangout or a fun dinner with friends. Outdoor seating is a big plus here, especially when the weather plays nice. It’s where locals chill with a drink in hand, watching the neighborhood come alive.
Now, let’s talk food—because really, that’s why we’re all here. Ducks Eatery isn’t your typical eatery. It’s known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with flavors that are bold, a little wild, and totally unforgettable. Whether you're ordering their smoky signature dishes or checking out their seasonal specials, there's always something surprising and satisfying on the menu.
Beyond the food, what makes Ducks Eatery stand out is how it blends comfort with a bit of creative chaos. It’s not about white tablecloths or fancy plating—it’s about good food, great people, and a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Perfect for after-work hangs, weekend meetups, or even just flying solo and grabbing a bite outdoors, Ducks Eatery keeps things real. If you're into places that feel like your next favorite neighborhood spot—where the mood’s always easygoing and the eats keep you coming back—this is it.
Reviews
- Made a reservation for dinner - We split the smoked whole goat neck (it is for two) and it was quite filling - I was curious as to why it was so popular...answer: it tastes so good - The meat was very tender and there was so much flavour! - However it is a bit oily - The restaurant was packed when we went, so we had to yell across the table a bit, but the energy is amazing - Tables are very close together (would be hard to manoeuvre in the winter time) - The sliding doors were all open and there's seating outside - May come back to sit outside for brunch
This place is dope! Popped in for an early bite after a long afternoon of travel. Sat at the bar and had a fantastic bartender. He really took care of us and was hella cool. We ordered the clams and cured meat board. Both were safe for those gluten free diners. The clam sauce was delicious and the size of the clams were huge-- bigger than many oysters I've had. We also ordered white wine, prosecco, and whiskey sours. All were delicious. The ambience is cozy. I'd definitely come back and recommend!
Ducks Eatery is absolutely a hidden gem!! A tapa place that you never wanna missed. Location: Place has both indoor and outdoor area for dining. I would say indoor dining area is very romantic whereas outdoor dining area is absolutely chill for fun, especially during the summer time. We had our reservation before actually visiting there. Even though we were late, waitress was nice enough to keep our seat for another 30 mins. Food: We were there right before their happy hour ( ended at 7???or 7:30???) Alcohol was pretty cheap at that moment and of course we could not skip this cheap deal. Also, three of us basically ordered everything in their menu and everything tasted fabulous. We all love their oak BBQ, fried artichoke, and chicken wing!! Beignets were something you should never skipped after all the great food. Service: Seems bit disorganized in such a small area. We were trying to order another rounds of wine but it was hard to get waitress/waiter's attention at all. They were quite busying greeting potential customers... Price: $$ at most 30/person. Overall: Good, I would recommend to visit during happy hour - plenty drinks, great tapa, not-so-effcient service. WHY NOT ??
I've been dying to go to Ducks for quite some time, as any well-received, New Orleans-influenced location piques my interest. Happily, almost everything here lived up to my expectations. Generous happy hour ($3 genesee, $5 wines and a $6 specialty cocktail). The cheap booze paired nicely with a few shared small plates (salted cucumber appetizer was particularly inventive and refreshing) and some excellent, nicely-spiced rice and beans with chunks of lamb for dinner. Service was incredibly quick and friendly, even in a quite crowded restaurant. Unfortunately, the one disappointing mark was the thing I was most looking forward to, and ordered light to save room for--the dessert. The beignets were soft on the outside, but chewy and dense inside--complete opposite of the texture I'd expect from some glorious fried dough. And the chocolate espresso dipping sauce had an odd flavor and paired poorly. I wasn't expecting du Monde, but...these need to be revisited or replaced. Maybe some chocolate pralines or a king cake if you want to keep the Big Easy connection.
Unbelievable good, that's it and that's all!!! Bon appétit when you enjoy this delicious treat