A night at the Drunken Duck
Let me start off with a simple statement...if you do not understand what truly fine food is, this is the place for you.
I have been in the foodservice business MANY years, so I count my opinion to be an educated one. If I make a statement, I truly believe it to be accurate, or I would not make it.
Now for the meat of it all (pardon the pun).
Let me set the mood...Wednesday night, around 7pm, cold outside...you come into a place through a nicely decorated, thankfully warm foyer into a...bar. At least that is the first thing you see. Loud, smokey, not a family environment. That was the only thing negative about the layout and decor. Other than that, it was surprisingly clean, considering the amount of mid-twenties drinkers seated around the bar. We were seated within a minute (a personal quirk of mine is times) by the hostess, who was VERY accomidating with seating and a highchair, putting us off to the quiet side by my request, even though it seemed they were not seating there at the time. Our server was there within 2 minutes, took our drink order and left. It was 11 minutes before she returned, which I marked off to having ordered a mixed drink. But I had hoped she would have brought the kids' drinks first. But other than that, she was prompt and courtious the entire meal.
Now for the food...we started with the Crab Meltaway, which I must say was wonderful. I almost ordered a second helping, but would not have been able to get through dinner and dessert if I had.
My wife ordered crab legs (on special) which she enjoyed, but I found a little cool, as I like my food to arrive steaming hot. The sides were nothing to write home about (fries and mixed veggies, bot of which were soggy and the same lukewarm as the rest of it).
I had the fish and chips, which, according to the menu was fresh made, but seemed to resemble, in look and taste, like the stuff from US Foods and Sysco that come frozen. It had been left sitting in the basket for too long, as it lost it's crispiness, and was VERY greasy. The fries were the same. I tried salt, a little dip in the cocktail sauce, blue cheese, vinegar, everything. Nothing helped.
My son and daughter (8 and 1 1/2 respectively) had the grilled cheese and chicken finger kids meals that they shared. They offered mozzerella sticks instead of french fries, which was quite a nice touch. But, when my son asked me to "fix" his marinara, I tasted it and found it quite repulsive. Watery, very acidic, too much "raw tomato" flavor. The fingers and grilled cheese were as one would expect. You really can't mess them up.
Dessert was good. Foodservice cakes, not made in house. Looked and tasted like Sweet Street. I enjoyed them. My wife had the cheesecake. THAT tasted homemade. Not bad, but another local restaurant (a diner) has better and I have been spoiled by that.
Overall, the place seemed best suited for some friends hanging out, having a few drinks. If you are looking for great food at a decent price (we got out for $68) just keep driving.    [26 Jan 2006 14:27:22]

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Recommended Dishes: Crab Meltaways...superb.

     ­MikeSquared, Waretown, NJ   mikesquared69 at yahoo dot com

Not what it used to be!
When we first started going to the Thirsty Mallard it was an outstanding value, but the quality of food has fallen off over the last year. We used to go there sometimes just for the fish & chips which were outstanding. The last few times the fish & chips were soggy and greasy. The burgers and sandwiches are mediocre at best. The seafood tends to be over-seasoned and overcooked. The service, however, is still friendly and prompt. The place is noisy at times and it's better to sit in the room away from the bar.    [21 Oct 2006 17:04:35]

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     ­Anonymous   

A Great Place
I have been to the Thirsty Mallard twice. The first time I ordered the Texas burger which I thought was one of the best bar burgers I've ever ordered. A huge burger, pork roll and cheese with barbecue sauce and the fries were great. Nice and crunchy on the outside yet nice and gooey on the inside. And everyone was super pleasant. Went again New Year's Eve. I was not particularly happy that they did not carry the regular menu and everything was a $20 meal but we ordered anyway and the food was great. I have yet to be disappointed with food or service.    [02 Jan 2007 12:07:10]

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Recommended Dishes: Texas Burger

     ­Christina    

Outstanding except for the 'rocks'
My husband and I went to the Thirsty Mallard to celebrate our 33rd anniversary. The service was excellent, the meal was well presented, and delicious. Both husband and I order Southern Comfort Manhattans, on the rocks. The drinks were also well made and good. When our check arrived we were surprised to see that we were charged for 'rocks'. Yes, there it was, right there on the bill, 'rocks, 2 @$1.00'. I have NEVER been charged for ice, frozen water, in a drink. I would think that since the ice (frozen water), takes up space in the glass that there would be less liquor and more water. Therefore I'm being charged MORE for a watered-down drink. I questioned friends in the area, (we belong to a large marina), and many have been to the Thirsty Mallard and were appalled that they, too, were charged for ice. Sort of puts a damper on wanting to go back.    [10 Jun 2007 19:07:00]

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Recommended Dishes: crab cakes, seafood plater

     ­jackie