Fab Review: Lunch at The Duck Inn

The Duck Inn is a casual, neighborhood spot located in Bridgeport. Partner/Chef Kevin Hickey is a Bridgeport native and has deep roots to the neighborhood and community. Not only has his family lived in the neighborhood for many generations, but the family he bought the former Gem-Bar space from, also lived there for many years.

Hickey originally didn’t plan on opening a restaurant in Bridgeport but things just fell into place. He saw the space for sale and knew it was the right next step. After working in fine dining at a luxury hotel for almost two decades, Hickey joined Rockit Ranch Productions as a partner, which then led him to open The Duck Inn with the group.

Check out my interview with Chef Kevin Hickey here. He has been recognized with many accolades through the years, including a Michelin-star and most recently as Tribune Dining Award’s “Chef of the Year”.

The Duck Inn is named after a restaurant Hickey’s great-grandmother owned during the Depression. She used to serve diner-style food like hamburger sandwich, spaghetti dinner, and Tom Tom tamales.

{Ambiance}
When you enter, you walk into the front of the restaurant. The space is cozy and warm. The first thing I notice are the pops of yellow from the bar stools and booths.

Gold orbit-like, sphere lights hang from the ceilings, which adds character to the space.

To the right, there is a small bar where you can grab a creative cocktail like the Hackney Handshake (Beefeater Gin), The Duck Out (Duck Fat Washed Park VS Cognac), or Drunk A L’orange (Evan Williams Bourbon).

Not only did Hickey receive recognition from the Tribune Dining Awards this year, Brandon Phillips won “Bartender of the Year” for his unique creations.

As you move towards the back, to the dining room, you walk through a set of French doors to enter the main dining area and find dark colored wooden chairs and tables, exposed brick, and a giant mural of a…DUCK. Well, duh!

They also have an awesome patio area, which will open in warmer months. Yes, when it’s not snowing in April. Ugh, Chicago!

{Food}
The menu is inspired by the original Duck Inn but influenced by the global flavors Hickey grew up with. With a name like The Duck Inn, you may be convinced only duck dishes are served…but that’s not the case. The eclectic menu includes Rice Cake Fingers with kimchi sauce, Burrata with truffles, Spotted Prawns with uni butter, and more. Chef uses locally-sourced, seasonal items to ensure quality.

I visited The Duck Inn for lunch on a Saturday afternoon with Lisette (@topchicagoeats).

FAB TIP: Lunch is served on Saturdays, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. // Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fried Cheese Curds
When I saw Fried Cheese Curds on the menu, I couldn’t resist. Really, how could you not? I find most restaurants don’t prepare it correctly and make their curds very greasy with a lot of breading. Not Hickey’s version. The cheese is battered in a light tempura making it a delightful treat. The dish is topped with shaved celery and served with Bloody Mary Ketchup and Hoppy Mayo.

Look at that cheeeeese!

Duck Wings
Since we couldn’t order a whole duck rotisserie for lunch (trust me, we would, if we could), we opted for the Duck Wings in a Japanese BBQ sauce. They are fabulous!

Each bite is packed with flavor. The sweet sauce with the crispy skin and juicy center is like no wing I have every tasted.

I highly recommend the Rotisserie Duck, if you get a chance to try. I went for Chinese New Year and it was phenomenal.

Duck Fat Hot Dog
If you’ve never had the Duck Fat Hot Dog, you MUST try! It’s my favorite item on the menu. Hickey’s twist on the classic Chicago-style dog is epic. The duck dog comes with all the toppings including house-made pickles. It has a nice snap (oh, snap!) and the explosion of the different flavors are mesmerizing.

The Duck Inn takes the Chicago classic hotdog to the next level with their duck fat hot dog! #fabfoodchicago

A photo posted by Chicago Foodie 🍴 (@topchicagoeats) on Apr 2, 2016 at 1:23pm PDT

Flatbread
The Flatbread is perfect for sharing (or not!). The warm bread is topped with chorizo, dates, onions, goat cheese, and kale. I love the wispiness of the kale and the sweetness of the dates.

Remember that patio I talked about earlier? Well, they have a massive pizza oven. Hickey mentioned he will be serving pizza at least once a week. Uhm, you know where I’ll be spending my summer.

{Experience}
The Duck Inn is truly a neighborhood gem. The history of the family, Hickey’s passion, extraordinary food, crafty drinks, and friendly staff makes this a special place where you feel at home. Hang out and stay awhile!

{Location}
The Duck Inn
Bridgeport || 2701 S Eleanor, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 724-8811

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36) Brunch/Lunch
$$$ ($36-$65) Dinner

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Have you been to The Duck Inn? Tell me about your experience.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.