Welcome to The Ugly Duckling, your go-to Breakfast restaurant in Dayton, OH, known for a warm start to the day and a menu made for every appetite.
With a 4.50-star rating from 690 reviews, we’re proud to serve breakfast favorites, Great coffee, Serves local specialty, Breakfast, Solo dining, Gender-neutral toilets, and a welcoming experience for all guests.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The Ugly Duckling
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
one pancake (made using apple sauce and oat milk)
one pancake (made using apple sauce and oat milk) with maple cinnamon butter and powdered sugar, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage)
one pancake (made using apple sauce and oat milk) with maple cinnamon butter and powdered sugar, two local eggs (sub tofu) , choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage), served with a side of tots
two eggs (sub tofu), choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage), side of tots, and texas toast (sub biscuit, Belgian waffle or honey croissant)
two slices of cinnamon battered brioche bread with maple cinnamon butter and powder sugar, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage)
scrambled eggs (sub tofu), 6 oz. grilled angus sirloin steak, grilled bell peppers and onions, pickled jalapeños, tater tots, and cheddar cheese sauce (sub vegan cheddar) in a flour tortilla
two large slices of pizza, Sicilian style crust, sausage gravy, bacon, eggs, white cheddar cheese
two 4” Belgian waffles with whipped cream and powder sugar, topped with blueberries, strawberries, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage)
two buttermilk biscuits halved and smothered in sausage gravy with fresh cracked black pepper
two eggs (sub tofu), 6 oz. grilled prime angus sirloin steak, side of tots, and texas toast (sub biscuit, Belgian waffle or honey croissant)
deep fried cinnamon roll bites, blueberries, icing, powder sugar, and berry sauce
scrambled eggs (sub tofu), bacon (sub imitation bacon), grilled bell peppers and onions, tater tots, and cheddar cheese sauce (sub vegan cheddar) in a flour tortilla
one gluten free waffle with whipped cream and powder sugar, topped with blueberries, strawberries, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage)
two slices of cinnamon battered brioche bread with maple cinnamon butter and powder sugar, topped with blueberries, strawberries, and berry sauce, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage)
single smash patty with a fried hard egg, bacon, cheddar cheese, maple syrup, on a Belgian waffle bun
single smash patty, blackened, bleu cheese, lettuce, tomato, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
double smash patty, bacon, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), quack sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, pickle, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
single smash patty, peanut butter, apple butter, grilled onions, bacon, on texas toast
single smash patty, American cheese (sub vegan cheddar), grilled onions, pickles, quack sauce, on texas toast
single smash patty, bacon, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), over easy egg, quack sauce, grilled onions, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
single smash patty, American cheese (sub vegan cheddar), mayonnaise (sub vegan mayo), ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
single smash patty, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), quack sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, pickle, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
single smash patty, bacon, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), peach habanero barbecue sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, pickle, on brioche bun (sub gluten-free bun)
tater tots, white cheddar cheese sauce (sub vegan cheddar), and bacon (sub imitation bacon)
tater tots, cheddar cheese, sausage gravy, two scrambled eggs, grilled bell peppers and onions, bacon, quack sauce
Tater tots, cheddar cheese sauce (sub vegan cheddar), sausage patties (sub vegan sausage), grilled bell peppers and onions, topped with over easy egg (sub tofu)
tater tots, cheddar cheese sauce (sub vegan cheddar), grilled bell peppers and onions, tomato, 2 scrambled eggs (sub tofu )
tater tots, white cheddar cheese, sausage gravy, 2 over easy eggs
buttermilk biscuit, cheddar cheese, over easy egg, sausage patty, sausage gravy
texas toast, cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled onion, tomato
texas toast, goat cheese, bacon, two fried eggs, mixed greens, tomato, mayonnaise
texas toast, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), add bacon
texas toast, white cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled chicken, mixed greens, tomato, mayonnaise
texas toast (sub biscuit, honey croissant or belgian waffle), cheddar cheese, two fried eggs, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage), quack sauce
gluten free waffle bun, goat or white cheddar cheese, two fried eggs, choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage), maple syrup
croissant, cheddar cheese, two fried eggs, local honey
blueberries, strawberries, pineapple
mixed greens, bleu cheese, dried cranberries, croutons, blackened chicken (sub vegan chicken patty, or blackened steak), bleu cheese dressing
mixed greens, goat cheese (sub vegan cheddar), blueberries, strawberries, sunflower seeds, lemon vinaigrette dressing
greek vanilla yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, dried cranberries, granola, local honey
mixed greens, cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), tomato, onion, croutons, hard boiled egg, bacon (sub imitation bacon), choice dressing (ranch, bleu cheese, or lemon vinaigrette)
scramble egg (sub tofu), sausage (sub vegan sausage), white cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), grilled bell peppers and onions, flour tortilla
6 oz. grilled Angus sirloin steak, white cheddar cheese, grilled bell peppers and onions, flour tortilla
white cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), flour tortilla
white cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), grilled bell peppers and onions, flour tortilla
grilled chicken (sub vegan chicken patty), white cheddar cheese (sub vegan cheddar), grilled bell peppers and onions, flour tortilla
four hand breaded chicken tenders, texas toast, choice of sauce (quack, ranch, bleu cheese, Blazin’ Dayton hot sauce, buffalo, peach habanero barbecue, local honey, or spicy syrup)
belgian waffle bun, hand breaded chicken breast (sub vegan chicken patty) tossed in house made spicy syrup
buttermilk biscuit, hand breaded chicken breast, local honey
grilled or hand breaded chicken breast (sub vegan chicken patty), tossed in buffalo, bleu cheese dressing, pickles, brioche bun
texas toast, white cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled chicken, mixed greens, tomato, mayonnaise
grilled or hand breaded chicken breast (sub vegan chicken patty), quack sauce (sub vegan mayo), lettuce, tomato, pickle, brioche bun
two Belgian waffles, three hand breaded chicken tenders tossed in house made spicy syrup
flour tortilla, cheddar cheese, grilled chicken (sub vegan chicken patty), quack sauce (sub vegan mayo), tomato, onion, lettuce
Hear from our valued guests
Got brunch and it was fantastic. We had the Brad’s hash and the breakfast burrito. Both were amazing. So much food that we couldn’t finish them both and ended up taking half the burrito home. Their secret sauce is fantastic. Only complaint was that I wasn’t a fan of their hot sauce. I ordered it on the side. It was nice and hot, but not my jam. We will definitely be coming back.
I cannot express how delicious this place is. The service was great. The atmosphere is perfect. The food was absolutely incredible. We got the gluten free waffle Sammy with goat cheese with loaded tots, gravy biscuit sandwich, and kids pancake. Everything was so yummy. I can’t believe it took us this long to try it and can’t wait to try every single thing on the menu. The gluten free and vegan options are perfection! Don’t sleep on this local spot. 10000% worth the visit!
Eclectic and relaxing, this place makes simple things sensational. I stopped in for something quick and found a new Dayton favorite. Best tots I have had in Dayton, the sauce on the Breakfast Sammy was amazing, and the coffee was warm and wondeful. The absolutely great service from Aliyah made my day. Can't wait to come back.
Service was fast and food was absolutely delicious. I had the Biscuand Gravy Sammy. Amazing, and the tots were spot on perfect. Crunchy and fresh. I got it to go and wished I would ate there. Next I will for sure.
The Ugly Duckling is the perfect hole in the wall diner! The food is great, decently priced, and it has it's own unique atmosphere. It's gives Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls vibes and I love it! ❤️
The Ugly Duckling in Dayton, Ohio, was in full for Sunday brunch. Standing room only, line spilling onto the sidewalk, and a 30-minute wait just to get a table. The place hums with energy: exposed brick, mismatched chairs, and the smell of coffee and fried chicken in the air. It’s not fancy, but it feels lived-in and welcoming. The staff stood out. The hostess managed the crowd with a smile, buzzing numbers without missing a beat. Our server appeared within seconds of us sitting, water glasses filled, menus down, and ready to take orders, no small feat with every table full. Refills came fast, plates cleared quickly, and every interaction was efficient. They earned every tip. Food arrived hot and fast. The breakfast burrito was generously stuffed: fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, tots, melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla that didn’t disintegrate under the weight. The house-made hot sauce was bright fresh tomatoes and a solid jalapeño kick. A side of sour cream balanced the heat perfectly. My wife’s chicken and waffles were textbook, golden, crisp-fried chicken with a light, seasoned crust, tender inside, stacked by two thick waffles with maple syrup. Portions were hearty, flavors on point. The only downside? A couple of nearby customers were very entitled. One complained loudly about the wait to get seated, another demanded a seat from another guest while she waited and insisted she get sat ahead of others because she needed to take her medication, then didn’t like her option of seating available when it was her turn. Classic entitled energy. But the staff? Unfazed. They nodded, and kept moving. No attitude, no drama just professionalism. Prices were fair. Nothing felt overcharged for the quality and quantity. The Ugly Duckling delivers honest, well-executed comfort food in a high-pressure environment and makes it look easy. Definitely worth a return trip.
Visited late morning on 1 Jan 2026. Yes, it was busy. The kind host/door greeter had us stand along the wall where we waited for about 15 minutes. I’m not necessarily a chicken-n-waffles fanboy BUT the way the dish looked on another patron’s plate; I had to try it. Yeah, I was not disappointed! Belgium waffle was soft, flavorful with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The chicken tenders were ‘slap your momma’ good! They were not over breaded with just enough syrup with the right of spiciness (not spicy at all, imo). Check the pic! My wife ordered the Biscuits-n-gravy. She said it was good. Biscuits were just the right amount of softness to her liking. And according to her, sausage gravy was a divine mixture. The proof is in the pudding, customers were steadily flowing in for breakfast. Lol, I should have placed a to-go order, for real. The Ugly Duckling is on the list, for us, when visiting the Dayton area. Get here like yesterday!
I have been meaning to visit the Ugly Duckling for awhile now. I know many people who have been to it. I invited some co workers to it and I was worried they wouldn't like it. We all enjoyed it. First off, the service was fast. I believe it was less than 10 minutes after we ordered that our food arrived in the order that they were taken. I think that says alot. The food was great. I had the chicken and waffles. It was alot but I was able to get through it. Everyone else had to bag their food. I was super hungry since I got up early and did not eat anything. It is definitely family friendly and they have a big menu. It's a great place to take a date, have family brunch, or meet up some friends. I can't wait to go again.
Stopped in for brunch while traveling for work. The vegan pancakes were delicious. Also got eggs and bacon. Got a side of the house made Hot sauce. Highly recommend! They brew Press coffee which was delicious. Great spot for a fast breakfast.
I love quirky little joints like this! Loved that there was parking available and I didn’t have to pay or download and app. First experience walking in was a wow factor. It’s so vibrant, fun, artsy and unique. The whole esthetic keeps you entertained the entire dining experience. The host, a tall thin man was very friendly and kind. FINALLY staff with personality! Our server was a shaved head tatted guy and I wanted to give him the BIGGEST props. I have 20 years serving experience and I’m so proud thankful and sadly surprised what a great experience he gave. I couldn’t have been there longer than twenty minutes and I didn’t ask for anything other than my food and water but he checked back the appropriate amount of times, while making eye contact and a kind smile on his face. He was sweet and genuine and everything you want in a server. The food was simple, I left with a full belly, but the service is what made it all worth the while.
Common questions about The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is located at 1430 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States, Dayton, OH, United States.
You can reach The Ugly Duckling by calling +1 937-951-2040.
The Ugly Duckling has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 690 customer reviews.
The Ugly Duckling features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The Ugly Duckling features the following from the business: Identifies as Black-owned.
The Ugly Duckling features the following service options: On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
The Ugly Duckling features the following highlights: Great coffee, Serves local specialty.
The Ugly Duckling features the following popular for: Breakfast, Solo dining.
The Ugly Duckling features the following offerings: Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Quick bite, Small plates, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
The Ugly Duckling features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The Ugly Duckling features the following amenities: Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom.
The Ugly Duckling features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
The Ugly Duckling features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, Transgender safe space, University students.
The Ugly Duckling features the following planning: Usually a wait.
The Ugly Duckling features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
The Ugly Duckling features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
The Ugly Duckling features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
