The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen

Overview

Located at 52 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen is one of those spots that offers both a warm atmosphere and a menu full of exciting options. As you step into this charming diner, you immediately feel welcomed by its cozy interior and inviting staff. Whether you're popping in for a casual bite or celebrating something special, this place knows how to make your dining experience memorable.

The first thing that stands out about The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen is its eclectic menu that combines local flavors with a modern twist. You can tell from the moment you look at the menu that the restaurant prides itself on sourcing quality ingredients, and the dishes reflect that commitment. From fresh seafood to mouth-watering steaks, every item is crafted with care and creativity. One of the most popular choices is their duck confit, which has garnered rave reviews. The combination of crispy skin and tender meat creates a balanced dish that’s perfect for any meat lover.

If you're into lighter fare, the restaurant also excels at offering dishes like their roasted vegetable salad or the seared tuna tartare, which highlight the kitchen's ability to blend fresh produce with subtle seasoning. The seasonal specials are often a hit, as they bring in flavors that align with what's freshest at the time. The chef truly understands how to marry flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient while ensuring everything is balanced.

The ambiance of The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen is relaxed but stylish, making it ideal for both a laid-back meal with friends or a more intimate dinner. The bar area is particularly inviting, offering an extensive selection of craft cocktails and local beers. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, their signature Blue Duck martini is a standout. It’s the kind of drink that pairs well with any meal, making it a must-try.

Aside from the food and drinks, the service at The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen is worth mentioning. The waitstaff is attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that your experience is seamless from start to finish. The restaurant has developed a loyal following over time, and it’s no surprise why-everything from the atmosphere to the meal delivery is spot on. It’s a place where you can count on great service with every visit.

While the menu might seem extensive, the prices at The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen are surprisingly reasonable, considering the quality of the dishes. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a full dinner, you’re likely to find something that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet. And with their large portions, it’s easy to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

In terms of location, 52 Bank St in New London is a fantastic spot for both locals and visitors. It’s centrally located, which makes it a perfect stop if you're exploring the area or catching a show at one of the nearby venues. The restaurant’s location is one of the reasons it’s so popular among New London residents-it’s the perfect blend of convenience and quality.

For those who want to enjoy their meal at home, The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen also offers takeout options. It’s nice to know that the restaurant extends its high-quality meals to customers on the go. Many reviews mention how easy it is to get a delicious, well-prepared meal delivered straight to your door without sacrificing the quality that diners experience in the restaurant.

The steady stream of positive reviews for The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen reflects the restaurant’s dedication to providing an exceptional experience. Whether you're enjoying a classic American breakfast, grabbing lunch with friends, or having a romantic dinner, there’s something for everyone on the menu. The combination of great food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination in New London. The next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to swing by and see for yourself what makes this place so special.

Good to know

Service options

Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Late-night food Private dining room Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine

Dining options

Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual Cosy Trendy

Crowd

Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

High chairs

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot

Pets

Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 394 reviews
Amazing 303
Great 62
Okay 23
Not Great 24
Terrible 30
Peter Kim

The restaurant is located along a busy street downtown near the bodies of water. There is also a train station nearby. You get a nice view of the docks and railroad trains (Amtrak) flying by. The restaurant plays interesting music and has indoor and outdoor seating. Their food menu offers variety and I chose these hot and spicy chicken biscuits. Man they were very filling and delicious. The biscuits were soft, the breading on the chicken was crunchy and nicely sauced. I definitely recommend coming here again.

Kimberly

Came here on a whim because it was close to our hotel. The staff were SO FRIENDLY and THOUGHTFUL, we asked for lobster roll takeout and to have just one serving of fries, but they took the initiative to box our fries separately, packed everything beautifully, and give us extra plates and cutlery to eat on. The lobster rolls were delicious and made mostly of whole lobster claws, the portions are so generous the lobster claws kept falling out of bun. If i’m ever in town again i’d definitely revisit.

R “Purple Goat Eater” K

Came in for happy hour after the lighthouse boat cruise. Got sat outside immediately. Great drinks. Good service. Food was delicious and varied which I appreciate. Had a nice chat with the owner Sal. He runs a good ship.

Mackenzie Vorel

The Blue Duck is a great, family-friendly spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options when the weather’s nice. I’ve visited several times and always have a good experience. On a couple of occasions, they had a DJ playing at the bar, which made it a little louder than usual, but most of the time it’s a comfortable, lively atmosphere with typical restaurant noise. The food is consistently excellent — especially the wings, which are a must-try! The wait staff is always upbeat, friendly, and attentive, which makes the experience even better. Prices are reasonable, and there’s something on the menu for everyone. I always look forward to coming back and highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Cindy Pealstrom

The vibe of The Blue Duck is spot on with nice lively bright decor, great music playing, televisions at the bar and great deck seating with nice views. The food is good bar food, nothing too spectacular, pretty typical offerings of burgers, sandwiches and wings. It's the service that is truly just the basic service. The young staff seats you, smiles a forced smile, takes your order, delivers your food and then takes the check. We didn't see any of them being friendly, welcoming or inviting. We love to sit at the bar to meet new people and learn about the town from the bartender. Unfortunately, the bartenders at the Blue Duck are just not into conversing with their bar guests, mostly just each other! We had wings and brussels sprouts and both were fresh and hot with plenty of sauce and just the right amount of crisp. Nothing was bad, it just wasn't that good!

Maureen Ugenti

Amazing! We are traveling from out of state with our dog, and didnt want to leave her alone at the hotel. This was our first time bringing our dog to a resturant and they brought her out water, dog treats, and bacon!! The drinks were amazing and the food was delicious! Highly recommend! Lily says thank you!

Happy Day

The Blue Duck is truly a hidden gem! Nestled right along the water, the ocean view alone makes it worth the visit—but the food, drinks, and especially the service make it unforgettable. I had the pleasure of dining here recently, and everything from start to finish was perfect. The vibe is casual yet classy, and you can’t beat the fresh sea breeze while enjoying your meal. The food was delicious and the cocktails were perfectly crafted, but what stood out most was the service. There were two incredible servers that evening who made the whole experience even more special. One was a lovely Spanish woman with long, straight black hair—so graceful and attentive. The other had beautiful tan skin and wore her braids so effortlessly; her energy was warm and welcoming. Both of them radiated beauty, confidence, and professionalism. They worked so well together, and it was clear they genuinely cared about the customers. If you’re looking for great food, great views, and even better service, The Blue Duck is the place to go. I’ll definitely be back!

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