1550 7th Street, NW
“A Wine & Cocktail Hideout for the Bold & Unconventional
Dark, sultry, and unapologetically unique—Ugly Duckling is a neighborhood cocktail & wine bar for those who appreciate the unexpected. Sip on standout cocktails, explore an ever-evolving wine list, and lose yourself in the energy of the night. Because ordinary was never the vibe.”
Ugly Duckling opened in the former La Jambe space at 7th and Q St, NW in December 2024.
Thanks to Peter for sending word: “Ugly duckling in Shaw closed. Their Instagram is gone and there’s a sign on the door that they’re closed.”
STAY TUNED.
When they opened they shared:
“A new cocktail and wine bar opens this week in Shaw, one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. Ugly Duckling is located at the popular corner of 7th and Q Streets Northwest (1550 7th Street, NW), the ground floor of Jefferson Market Place.
Partners Teddy Kim and Ian McGrath of Oglesby Management are longtime players in the area’s hospitality industry. The two, along with their Director of Operations Rob Csonka, are the pioneers behind The People’s Drug, King’s Ransom, Handover by the Slice and Chop Shop Taco in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Oglesby’s Beverage Director, Cameron Cummings, aims to set a standard for casual elegance in Ugly Duckling’s wine and cocktail program. Hailing from Michelin-starred Pineapple & Pearls, Aaron Hilton has joined as General Manager to lead the talented team at Shaw’s newest neighborhood bar.
Ugly Duckling manages to integrate an elegant look with a relaxed and whimsical feel at its corner location. Dark walls, plush suede-like curtains, soft lighting, candles and chandeliers throughout create an intimate ambience, but fun touches remind guests that the point is to unwind and have a good time. The bronze moose, duck and deer adorning the walls each feature a lighthearted twist with their own individual personalities. The 18 seat bar is made of light colored granite and marble to add contrast, surrounded by velvet covered stools. Both high-top tables and lounge seating are provided throughout the space. A more intimate wine cellar room offers some privacy, perfect for a party of six or any impromptu celebration.
The team at Ugly Duckling invites everyone to come by and enjoy friendly service, inventive cocktails, and compelling wines from around the world. While Ugly Duckling’s beverage program focuses heavily on cocktails and wines, there is also a short selection of craft beers and even a thirst-quenching pear cider available by the glass. A carefully curated food menu consists of small plates that will frequently rotate to reflect the flavors and passion of the drink menu and seasons.
“As our concept of the space came together, everything aligned with an accessible and comfortable experience where the quality of our offerings just catches people off guard,” says Cummings, a 9-year veteran of the Washington hospitality scene with a degree in microbiology and an Advanced Certificate with Distinction from WSET. “We want to surprise folks a little bit. Whether it’s an under-appreciated wine region, a relatively unknown artisanal producer, or an unconventional flavor pairing in a cocktail, we’d love to expose you to something new and fun while still being playful. The name ‘Ugly Duckling’ just hit us one day as a perfect representation of our feelings on this. We want to put the ‘casual’ back in ‘casual elegance’.”
Csonka, a Johnson & Wales graduate and industry veteran, explains their vision: “We want to create a neighborhood space where, no matter what brings you out, we’re here to help you relax and have fun. We felt our logo should reflect that by not taking itself too seriously. We want to make sure going out is fun whether it’s a special occasion or just an average Monday night. In the fairy tale, the ugly duckling transforms into a beautiful swan, but we thought it’d be more fun to take it literally and present a duck that doesn’t need to become anything else and is beautiful and fun in its own way.”