Mother Duck: Authentic Japanese Cuisine on the Lower East Side

Mother Duck Introduce

Mother Duck isn't just another Japanese restaurant in New York City; it's a culinary journey. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Lower East Side, this spot offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, blending classic flavors with innovative, modern techniques. For locals and visitors alike seeking a fresh and exciting dining experience, Mother Duck provides a cozy and stylish escape. The atmosphere is as thoughtfully curated as the menu, with a hip, young vibe that makes it an ideal spot for a date night, a catch-up with friends, or a memorable solo dinner. While the city is filled with countless dining options, Mother Duck stands out with its focus on creativity, quality ingredients, and a warm, welcoming staff.

### Location and Accessibility

Located at 167 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002, USA, Mother Duck is perfectly situated to be a convenient destination for anyone in the city. The Lower East Side is known for its energetic nightlife, rich history, and diverse food scene, and Mother Duck fits right in. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby, making it a simple trip from anywhere in Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs. Whether you're coming from work in Midtown, exploring the art galleries in Chelsea, or just looking for a fantastic meal, getting to Mother Duck is a breeze. The bustling neighborhood also means you can enjoy a stroll before or after your meal, taking in the vibrant street art and unique local shops that define the area.

### Services Offered

Mother Duck offers a variety of services to accommodate every diner's needs, whether you prefer to enjoy your meal on-site or in the comfort of your home.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a beautiful space with comfortable seating for a full dining experience. It's the perfect setting to enjoy the food and the ambiance.
Outdoor seating: When the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal al fresco, taking in the lively atmosphere of Orchard Street.
Takeout: For those on the go, a quick and easy takeout option is available.
Curbside pickup: A convenient, no-hassle option for grabbing your order without having to leave your car.
No-contact delivery: Mother Duck offers delivery service, with a no-contact option for your safety and convenience.

### Features / Highlights

Mother Duck’s menu is a testament to its creative and innovative spirit, offering dishes and drinks that you won't find anywhere else.

Unique Appetizers: Start your meal with something memorable, like the unique Chocolate Chicken Wings or the savory Almond Shrimp Tempura. For a lighter bite, the Salmon Tarts are a customer favorite.
Creative Bao: The menu features an exciting selection of bao, including the Duck Confit and Whitefish Tempura, which are perfect for sharing.
Diverse Noodle and Rice Dishes: From the Charred Squid with black rice noodles to the Duck Confit Yellow Curry, there’s a wide range of flavorful options. The Miso Glazed Salmon and Chili Smoked Skirt Steak rice bowls are also highly recommended.
Signature Cocktails: The bar program at Mother Duck is just as inventive as the kitchen. You can sip on a 'Tokyo Soundtrack' or a 'Vietnamese Coffee Flip,' which are expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the food. There's also a selection of mocktails for non-alcoholic options.
Happy Hour: Mother Duck offers happy hour drinks, providing a great opportunity to explore their inventive cocktail list at a special price.

### Contact Information

Address: 167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (646) 719-1700

### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Mother Duck means opting for an experience that goes beyond a standard Japanese meal. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, creating a menu that is both familiar and surprising. The food is a major highlight, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Guests consistently praise the **Grilled Eggplant** with caramelized shallots and ginger soy, often calling it an exceptional dish. The **Almond Shrimp Tempura** is another standout, loved for its unique texture and flavor. For bao lovers, the **Duck Confit Bao** is a must-try. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors and find your personal favorites.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a key reason to visit. The space is beautiful, with a chic and modern design that creates a welcoming and comfortable setting. The staff is consistently described as wonderful and attentive, ready to offer recommendations and ensure you have a great time. The young and hip vibe makes it a fantastic spot for a night out in the city. While some dishes may be a matter of personal taste, the overall quality and creativity of the menu, combined with the stylish environment and excellent service, make Mother Duck a top choice for anyone in New York looking for an unforgettable Japanese dining experience. It's a place to explore new flavors, enjoy a creative cocktail, and soak in the vibrant energy of the Lower East Side.

Mother Duck Food & drink

APPETIZERS
SALMON TARTS | 2 PER ORDER $9.50
salmon sashimi / creamy ponzu / white truffle oil
SPICY SALMON CRISPY RICE $9.50
korean gochujang / serrano chili
AVOCADO LETTUCE CUPS | 3 PER ORDER $9.50
rice noodles / calamansi citrus vinaigrette / fresh herbs
CHOP CHOP SALAD $7.50
vegetable slaw / ramen noodles / soy ginger dressing
SUMMER ROLLS $8.75
fresh raw vegetables / inari / pickled red onion / peanut dipping sauce
VEGGIE WONTONS $8.50
ginger sesame dipping sauce
GRILLED EGGPLANT $8.75
caramelized shallots / red onion crisp / ginger soy
CAULIFLOWER TEMPURA $8.75
green curry / frisée salad / lemongrass vinaigrette
ALMOND SHRIMP TEMPURA $9.50
frisée salad, calamanci citrus vinaigrette / creamy toasted almond sauce
CHOCOLATE CHICKEN WINGS $8.50
chocolate chili glaze
PEANUT NOODLES $7.75
chickpea noodles / Chinese broccoli / organic peanut dressing

BAO (2 Per Order)
EGGLANT MISO $12.75
fresh herbs/pickled veggies/miso glaze
WHITEFISH TEMPURA $13.50
herb slaw/pickled veggies/yuzu remoulade
DUCK CONFIT $13.75
scallions/pickled veggies/house hoisin sauce

NOODLES
VEGGIE PAD THAI $17.50
rice noodles/smoked tofu/organic egg/tamarind lime sauce
CHICKEN PAD THAI $17.50
rice noodles/smoked tofu/organic egg/tamarind lime sauce
SEAFOOD PAD THAI $18.75
rice noodles/smoked tofu/organic egg/tamarind lime sauce
CHICKEN SHRIMP YAKISOBA $18.50
soba noodles/pickled ginger/Chinese broccoli/sweet soy
SHRIMP SPICY SAUSAGE $17.75
pearl noodles / charred corn / pickled okra / fresh herbs
VEGGIE TOFU GLASS NOODLES $17.75
sweet potato noodles / sesame soy sauce / assorted veggies
GINGER BEEF $18.75
fresh rice noodles/ ginger three ways/ Chinese broccoli
CHARRED SQUID $18.50
black rice noodles / grilled baby corn / Szechuan peppercorn sauce
DUCK CONFIT YELLOW CURRY $18.75
fresh rice noodles/lychee & orange/Malay curry sauce | VEGETARIAN OPTION 17.50 | tofu/kabocha squash/eggplant
GREEN TEA NOODLE SALAD $16.75
marinated tofu / veggie & herbs / edamame wasabi dressing (not gluten-free)

BROTH NOODLES
VEGGIE WONTON NOODLE SOUP $17.75
glass noodles/veggies/bean sprouts/ fresh herbs
SOUR COCONUT BLACK SEA BASS SOUP $18.50
rice noodles / ginger flower / Vietnamese mint / pickled green beans
CHICKEN LIME $17.75
thin rice noodles/Chinese broccoli/bean sprouts/turmeric
SPICY BEEF $18.50
rice noodles / seared shaved beef / bean sprouts

RICE BOWLS
MISO GLAZED SALMON $18.75
black rice/Chinese broccoli
CHILI SMOKED SKIRT STEAK $18.75
coconut rice / charred scallion relish / Chinese broccoli

DESSERT
GREEN TEA YOGURT $5.75

MOCKTAILS/COCKTAILS
JUST DO IT $8.75
Watermelon, Lime, Hibiscus(Jensen's dry Gin $12.75)
THE MONKEY $8.75
Passion fruit, Mango, Citrus(Alto's Plata Tequila $12.75)
TOKYO SOUNDTRACK $8.75
Coconut, Lychee, Lime, Nutmeg, Vanilla (Tito's Vodka $12.75)
PUNCH #12 $8.75
Ginger, Rose Water, Lemon-Grass (Tito's Vodka $12.75)
MD Lychee Martini $8.75
Lychee Puree, Tahitian Vanilla, Lavender(Mandarin Infused Vodka $12.75)

COCKTAILS
EAST SIDE SAKETINI $12.75
Cucumber infused Vodka, sake, yuzu, dry vermouth, shiso
VIETNAMESE COFFEE FLIP $12.75
Tito's vodka, cold brew, egg, condensed milk
PEAK TIME $12.75
Nolet's Dry Gin, Green Charteuse, lemongrass
THAI BREEZE $12.75
Tito's Vodka, Lemon, Mango, Passion Fruit, Prosecco
KU DE TA $12.75
Campari, Plantation 3 Star Rum, Lime, Orgeat,
BONUS POINTS $12.75
Herradura Silver Tequila, Thai Basil, Fresh Lime, Watermelon Puree, Aperol, Illegal Mezcal

Mother Duck Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Cocktails
Happy hour drinks

Dining options
Dinner
Seating

Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Mother Duck Photos

Mother Duck Location

Mother Duck

New York New York County New York Orchard Street

167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Mother Duck Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 69 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

A very hip, young vibe and ambiance. Beautiful space snd wonderful staff. Food is good. Some is exceptional. We especially loved the Grilled eggplant with caramelized shallots and ginger soy (thank you Bella for recommending). We also ordered the veggie wontons, charred squid with black rice noodles, grilled baby corn and Szechuan peppercorn sauce, and the miso glazed salmon with black rice and Chinese broccoli. They have a number of summery cocktails on the menu as well but we stuck to our tried snd true which is the Manhattan.
July 26 · Irma Zandl
Mother Duck was an alright experience. There are definitely better izakaya places in NYC. The food itself was alright. I would say we enjoyed about half of the dishes we ordered while the other half was a little too acidic for our taste. The almond shrimp was amazing. The duck bao was really yummy. I would avoid the pad thai and curry duck confit.
December 17 · Dillon Zhang
Did their happy hour, best deal in town! $7 cocktails which is half off. Was able to try most of the cocktails and they were all great.Tried the eggplant appetizer because we were told it’s the most popular dish and I can see why, very tasty.Server/bartender was super nice and attentive as well.
July 28 · Carley Miller
Appetizers, drinks, service, ambience = 5 starsMain meal = 3 starsSpecifically the chicken pad thai, squid ink noodles, vegetarian curry were very underwhelming and I wish we just stick to eating appetizers and drinks! For 3 people, we each ended up paying around $60.There is both outdoor and indoor seating. We went on a Wednesday at 6pm (start of their happy hour drinks). The place never got that full but it also was a night of a big storm.Our waiter was great, the tall guy!!
September 14 · Heidi Liou
This place is amazing and one of the best restaurants in all of NYC!Food: super delicious! I didn't know cauliflower tempura could taste so good! Must try. Everything else was immaculate.Service: delightful hosts and staff! Food was out in less than 10 minutes and the place was packed!Price: for two people, it was less than $60 and we ate a lot!Overall, get here before you have to wait a month to get in!
August 14 · Crystal Ramjattan