Ugly Duckling Dublin

The décor is nice. It belongs to the previous business actually, so that’s how I thought I was walking back into the place where I had enjoyed a different dinner altogether. Bit misleading as nothing else was the same.
The food? Too much of it. What struck me was the amount of food left behind by other customers in Ugly Duckling. The French fries were nice but who needs a mountain of French fries? My Great Halloumi (yeah, halloumi!) had the makings of a decent sandwich but was a gut-​busting mess of sauces and flavours and super salty.
Service — nothing bad to say about the service, it was fairly standard fast-​food service (order at counter, pay before sitting down, grab your own drink, credit cards not accepted, coffee machine not working but filter coffee available) with order brought to my table a good while later.
Ugly Duckling has a bit of an identify crisis, serving fast-​food for a high price that fails to deliver on taste in a décor that promises a lot more. Here’s hoping that this Ugly Duckling turns into a beautiful, lean swan sooner rather than later.

This location has spawned a few different eateries over the past year or two with none of them managing to stick around for more than a few months. I popped in with my brother a few weeks back to try out the latest offering. They had many gut bursting sandwiches to choose from, so the chef suggested I go for their «signature» sandwich, The Pittsburgh. Fries, tomato, lettuce, smothered in BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw, all served on a white roll. I have to admit, I was pretty disappointed. I didn’t even bother with the roll as it was quite hard and there was no hope in hell of making any sort of sandwich out of it. The lettuce and tomato were window dressing. The fries were nice enough and while the BBQ flavour was somewhat tasty, there was just far too much sauce used. The pulled pork was drowning in the sauce so much that I nearly could have drank it. I would have liked a homemade slaw too but this just seemed like your standard coleslaw that you could pick up in Dunnes.
For the price I paid — around € 11 w/​a can — I expected something much, much better. It was all very standard. Maybe I would have rated this higher a few years ago or so, but with the likes of The Green Bench and Butchers Pantry around, you can get yourself a much tastier sandwich for half the price.
The other reviewers on here seem to really love this place and my brother swears by a few of their other sandwiches, especially their Southern Fried Chicken variations, so I might be tempted back in one day. As for now though, I can’t see myself returning.
I’m feeling generous today so I’ll go with two stars. The staff were friendly, even if the chef did recommend their «signature» sandwich, which didn’t turn out great. The food was only OK and hey, you can play retro video games while you wait. Yay?

I have had some mixed experience in their sister location but I really enjoyed my hallummi cheese which was seared perfectly and served with some rather delicious pesto. The bread was soft and fluffy which is what I like.
This location in George’s Street arcade feels more up scale than the epicurean food hall. The staff are spot on and for this area you won’t do much better.
I will be back and it’s close to Kaph cupcake bloke and fallon and byrne so I am no stranger to the neighbourhood.

I’m a bit of a fan of the prawn po’boys at Ugly Duckling in the Epicurean Food Hall but this is a review of their George’s Street Arcade branch.
The sega mega drive and Nintendo 64 on their counter… Total childhood throwback — I love it!
I think the cocktail was a fancier G & T — the nicest one I’ve tried!
As good as the alcohol was the main event was obviously the food! Sample platter included mini (not very!) versions of the Brisket, Pittsburgh, Po’Boy, Shredded Chicken & the new addition — Grilled Halloumi!
The crispy onion strings on the brisket were sooo moreish! The gravy on the brisket was finger licking good.
I loved the BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw. I actually don’t like potato but their fries are fast becoming a new addiction!
Of course my favourite was still the Po’Boy and this little slider was the perfect introduction if you’ve never had it before!
I really REALLY want to bring home the Cajun Mayo that they use on the Po’Boy and same goes for the BBQ sauce!!! Derek might’ve mentioned something about them bottling and selling this — I hope that’s true! Will definitely be picking that up.
When Derek asked about more food I prob v cheekily asked for another mini Po’Boy (don’t ask, don’t get!) but when they brought out this tray I was v reluctant to share! :)
Great hosts, brilliant food, the drinks flowed and good chats in a really fab setting. Just AWESOME!
I’m so so glad these sort of sandwiches are available in Dublin. I can’t criticise anything about my Ugly Duckling experiences so far. Darragh & Derek should be v v proud. Keep reaching you guys!!!

If you can, try the Ruben. Sweet mother of Jesus it is fantastic. Massive amount of meat and a huge dollop of chips /​fries.
It has become a weekly lunch treat for me, and often times I keep half of it for dinner.

This a special place to me. Let me share it with you :)
1* for the location: The Ugly Duckling is so central you might want to go there every time you are in town. It’s in the arcades on George’s street.
1* for the place: For those who love a nice and quiet space, this is the place to go. Once you get you will find the counter and kitchen area. The chef is so friendly you just want to stick around forever.
1* for the portions: For the hungry ones out there, I assure you that you will not be disappointed. The portions are so big you will plan this food-​date a day in advance! :D
1* for the food: I tried the Pittsburgh. Nothing else to say, just go try it. #nomnom #foodporn
1* for the name: The Ugly Duckling is a well chosen name. What happens in this restaurant is putting to share the other places in town. It is not only amazinly tasty and filling, but also affordable. That my friend is the ugly duckling truth!
Stop reading now, just go now. See you there ;)

I walk past this place everyday on the way to work and today I had time to try it. Paying almost € 10 for a sandwich and water seemed a little excessive, until I tried my Ruben. Absolutely fantastic. Although very small, the staff are friendly. Being I George’s Arcade makes for less traffic as well.

After just one Pittsburgh sambo, I’m a fan. You might have seen their work in Epicurean. This is second adventure. If want heaps of moist pulled pork, lip smacking bbq sauce, slaw and fries in a ciabatta bun — you’ll want to try the Pittsburgh. You can play Sonic the Hedgehog on their Sega MegaDrive while waiting to be fed. Or you can toast yourself under the gas fired heating lamp. It’s all good either way. For when you need a heart attack on a plate, this is the spot.