Odd Duck

Delicious ever-changing shared plates in Bay View

You guys I finally made it to Odd Duck. I still remember when it opened a few years back and my aunt told me how phenomenal it was — and also that it was impossible to get into. No pressure. 

Well Adam and I tried our luck at the Milwaukee eatery a couple Fridays ago, and though we didn't have a reservation, luckily they were still able to seat us. A couple with a 5pm table hadn't shown up, so we could have their spot as long as we were done before the 7pm reservation arrived. Note to self: Next time, make a reservation.

Odd Duck is all about an "ever-changing small plate and shareable menu inspired by local ingredients and world cuisine with dining options for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike." I like the word "shareable" better than "small-plate" when describing Odd Duck. None of the plates were especially small — we ate very well indeed! 

We started with Squash Empanadas with a black eyed pea salad, avocado, tomato, poblano salsa verde, and charred scallions. They were very tasty, though they admittedly weren't our favorite of the evening. 

That honor goes to the Oyster Mushroom Risotto. Oh how the food gods have smiled on this dish. The risotto is served in a warm stone bowl with braised greens, kale, a slow-poached egg, and chili relish. It's recommended that you break the egg into the risotto before digging in, really mixing the entire dish and all its parts so they mingle beautifully. Socks: Knocked off. Our waitress said they don't always serve this risotto, but it is in the regular rotation. It might be worth calling ahead to see if it's on the menu du jour.

While we wait for the next dish, allow me to quickly apologize that these photos do not do Odd Duck justice. The shadows were funky and snapping pics of scrumptious food on an iPhone at twilight is not ideal. But let's carry on! Next came the Korean Pancake with veggie kimchi, tofu, cabbage, soy sauce, crispy wontons, and bean sprouts. I don't seek out tofu (it's a texture thing), but I wolfed this down. This was probably our second favorite dish. Get it! 

We rounded out dinner with a not-pictured Grilled Bavette Steak with cheddar bacon potato purée, cilantro sauce, and cabbage slaw. This was good, though a little rushed. I wasn't done with my part of the pancake before they brought it out, so by the time I got to the steak it wasn't hot from the pan. Then again, they were probably rushing things just a bit since they needed the table back by 7:00.

But wait there's more! We saved room for dessert. A cheese cake situation with lemon curd and strawberry drizzle that was very yummy, and a flourless chocolate cake that was the winner in my book. But I will always choose chocolate over cheesecake. The cake was served with toasted graham cracker crumbs, chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and a swirl of toasted marshmallow. A chocolate and s'mores-lover's dream! 

Also let it be known that the inside, while quirky and cute, Odd Duck is surprisingly casual for being such a Milwaukee hot spot. You could dress up or dress in jeans and fit in just fine. Or possibly some sort of stretch pants, given all the food. What's not to love? 

In case you're wondering, it was a pricey evening, especially with drinks factored in, but so worth it. The food was incredible and while it sounds like we ate our weight in deliciousness, it really was the perfect amount. Well, we probably could have managed to split one dessert, but who ever heard of such a thing? I can't wait to go back to Odd Duck to try more of their ever-changing menu!