The Duck

📍 Location & Atmosphere The Duck, located in Sturbridge, offers a charming and rustic dining experience with warm wood interiors, ambient lighting, and a cozy, structured layout that’s perfect for both casual afternoons and intimate dinners. We visited on a quiet Wednesday afternoon and enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to really take in the space and service. 🍽️ Food & Drinks We started our meal with cocktails—each with its own standout qualities. The Coconut Key Lime Martini was perfectly balanced: not overly sweet, with just the right hint of coconut and citrus. It was refreshing and smooth. The Juliet was much more tart, likely due to the blend of citrus and bitters, making it a bolder choice for those who enjoy a punchier cocktail. For starters, we ordered a variety of small plates that could easily double as entrées due to their generous portions: • Crab Cake: Exceptionally fresh with a light hand on the filler. The texture was delicate and moist without being overly dense—truly one of the better crab cakes we’ve had. • Mussels: Served in a flavorful tomato-based broth, the mussels were plump and well-prepared. A touch more bread for dipping would have elevated the dish even further, as the broth was too good to leave behind. • Poutine: A unique twist using waffle fries, cheese curds, and rich duck gravy. This dish was indulgent, flavorful, and well-executed—the duck gravy added a depth that truly elevated the classic Canadian comfort dish. Altogether, these three appetizers were more than enough to fill us up, and each brought something special to the table in terms of flavor, quality, and presentation. 👨‍🍳 Service & Hospitality Service was smooth and unobtrusive. Our server was soft-spoken and efficient, with a kind demeanor and subtle charm that came through with conversation. They kept the pacing of our meal well-timed without making us feel rushed. 💡 Unique Selling Point The Duck offers a refined twist on comfort food, elevating familiar flavors with quality ingredients and creative execution. The use of duck in the poutine, the freshness of the seafood, and the attention to drink composition are all standout qualities. Combined with the rustic-chic ambiance, it’s a well-rounded experience.