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Ugly Duck Coffee
89 Charlotte St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
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Ugly Duck Coffee
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Ma
Review №1

Best espresso Ive had in town. Really friendly staff that were patient and informative. Even offered to steam milk cooler for a hot chocolate for my son. Drinks came out quick and were fantastic. Cute shop with a great homey aesthetic. Not sure where they get their pastries but they were great too

Ry
Review №2

Stopped in twice today (by myself and then with another) and both drinks were so good. Featured espresso was great and I’m super impressed by the fact that they’re dialing in a new roast constantly to keep this up and still nailing it!! Also, having well named plants adds to the fun atmosphere which is 10/10.

St
Review №3

Oat milk latte is completely on point! This summer they had coffee slushees that were to die for! Love the people that work here, they are always friendly as they make state of the art coffee!

Ch
Review №4

A chill spot offering espresso-based coffee and pour overs. Take out only during the COVID. A funkcy joint in the neighborhood. The coffee is as good as you can get at the other top tiered coffee shops in Rochester.

Je
Review №5

Excellent 3rd wave coffee in a cute, plant-filled space.

Ca
Review №6

Quiet little coffee spot. Easy parking on weekends. Got a couple lattes on our way through Rochester.

Ka
Review №7

When Ugly Duck first opened I stopped in for an iced coffee and was underwhelmed... flash forward to two years later, (and the Covid pandemic) Ugly Duck was one of the only cafes offering counter service. I stopped in for an oat milk iced latte. The latte had a strong smooth flavor and tasted amazing without any sweetness (my personal metric for evaluating the quality of a latte). The employees are friendly (Rory is a personal favorite). I would highly recommend for everyone, especially the coffee connoisseur.

Je
Review №8

Its expensive, but honestly its worth the money in my opinion and you wont find me thinking expensive products and services are worth the money very often.Their sizes are very small. If you like bigger sizes (or size choices period) you might be disappointed but the quality makes a case for excepting this.UDC uses and sells high quality beans and milks. They are sustainably minded selling local vegan baked goods and providing low-impact paper and plastic products. They also have GF muffins and cupcakes!The place is tiny. They dont have wifi so you can hang out there all day. Its kind of a drink your coffee and move along type place.The line moves very quickly.My only complaint (and its a small one that doesnt affect my rating) is, Ive been going there for months, multiple times a week, getting the same thing every time and they still dont know my order and havent asked my name. I find that lack of customer appreciation to be a bit unfortunate. Im also in food service and I know my regulars names and orders. It goes a long way.

Br
Review №9

Super good cold brew coffee, friendly staff, and clear masking policy-yay! Well be back soon.

An
Review №10

YUM. Best cappuccino I think Ive ever had! Cute little shop where masks are required unless youre seated (as they should be!), with masks and hand sanitizer available just inside the front door. Only con was that the seating -- mostly wooden benches -- isnt very comfortable.Helpful, cheerful, and patient staff add to the nice ambiance (thank you for no blaring music, says the old lady) and interesting menu, even if we did stick to the old standards. Hope we can get back up here!

Pe
Review №11

Not too shabby. Visited during 2021 covid protocols, so I just had a take out to go coffee. Not knowing anything about coffee at this place is fine. No snobbery. They want to help you, not teach you. Good coffee. Friendly folks.

Ni
Review №12

Very cute local coffee shop with great baked goods available. Including home made pop tarts!!

An
Review №13

Such a beautiful and warm coffee shop. The staff were kind and pleasant, we got a caramel latte with oat milk, a mocha with almond and a chocolate croissant! They have milk options and flavor options for those who need them. So many pastry and snack options. Whole bean available too.

Jo
Review №14

Great coffee and good conversations!

Se
Review №15

Great vibes, great people, great coffee. Cappuccino is top shelf and made very well 👌

Ni
Review №16

Totally love their coffee and the service here is pretty amazing. I strongly recommend starting your day with one of their famous cup of Joe before heading to work.

ma
Review №17

My favorite coffee spot in Rochester. Perfect cappuccinos and amazing signature drinks. Friendly, helpful staff always serves me up something good. A+

Jo
Review №18

I always go to UDC if I am in Rochester. Coffee is always well prepared and their signature menu is actually unique, not just recycled typical stuff from every shop. 🙌

De
Review №19

WORST customer service Ive experienced in NY. The woman taking my order asked for me to wear a napkin over my face, I refused because its my body my choice. She rudely stared at me for the rest of the time I was in without saying a word. I expected people at this business to be tolerant and accept people the way they are and the way they think.If youre a free thinker, they dont like your kind here. If you like communism, youll love it here.

Ma
Review №20

Freakin amazing coffee and specialty drinks. Cute venue

An
Review №21

Excellent coffee and pastry items. Good for a quick grab and go.

Pe
Review №22

Favorite multiroaster shop in Rochester. Rory and company are always cheerful and ready to serve you a great tasting cup of joe. We always stop multiple times whenever we visit family.

Ev
Review №23

Great if you like coffeethey dont serve chocolate milk

Je
Review №24

Awesome staff, delicious drinks, and believe it or not, chocolate milk can be purchased 🆒️🆒️😊

Ja
Review №25

Visited here while visiting family in the area great cup of coffee

Jo
Review №26

Fantastic visit. I ordered a Flat White, which was not even on their posted menu. It was amazing. Also, the person who helped me was super friendly. Definitely cant wait to go back!

Ra
Review №27

Always delightful...great place to sit as well as get delicious coffee

Kr
Review №28

Great coffee for people with lots of extra money. The servings may be smaller than expected.

lo
Review №29

Very kind young lady helped me pick out a phenomenal drink. I am very grateful and I will be back

Ju
Review №30

These folks have some of the best coffee in Rochester, super wonderful staff, are taking COVID precautions for both staff and customers very seriously, and just in general are amazing.An absolute go-to spot if youre looking for an espresso drink, cup of coffee, or a snack!

Ag
Review №31

For me macchiato reminds me of starbuckss caramel macchiato. When I got my order of macchiato, I found that of here is the real italian espresso with small amount of milk.The staff kindly made me the new fresh,delicious latte again although it was my misunderstanding.It tasted great and I was impressed of that kindness.Thanks a lot.

Da
Review №32

Its almost as if youve wandered into a hidden gem in Scandinavia. Ikea white.Blond wood. Peaceful. Through a grape arbor, you arrive in a secret place where a hospitable young owner takes your coffee needs very seriously. My large mug of direct-trade coffee, freshly ground, has been transcendent on three separate mornings.

Em
Review №33

Stood in line behind a woman who refused to wear a mask and was denied service. The lady at the counter just stared at this woman until she left. Not all heroes wear capes. Coffee isn’t bad either

So
Review №34

Ill never be as cool as all the hipsters in here but the espresso is so exquisite that nothing else matters.And: the indoor plants have been given names. Love hanging here. The rare Rochester sun comes in beautifully.

Su
Review №35

The best maple latte I have ever had! I haven’t had coffee this delicious since Seattle! Definitely a must try! 🤤🤤🤤

Ad
Review №36

My favorite coffee shop in the city! Best drip I’ve ever had, honey oat milk lattes are like a warm hug. Thank you ugly

Da
Review №37

Dropped by the shop looking for my mid-morning caffeine fix. The barista was very welcoming and friendly and definitely the highlight of the visit. Ordered ‘The Snug’ and Red Fern Jam Bars. Both were delicious. FYI- no WiFi available. Also, there is limited seating. Luckily my order was to go or I wouldn’t have a place to sit.

So
Review №38

Really cute shop. Chill staff. The coffee is good but I really love their merchandise haha. Whoever designed their products did a fantastic job. Definitely would be a go to spot if I lived in the area. My friend even got her beans grounded to take home as a gift for her mom.

Fr
Review №39

Delicious lattes. Very limited food. They are totally focused on specialty coffee drinks.

Ma
Review №40

Best espresso in town, and friendly service.

Da
Review №41

Try the Snug! They also have a fantastic espresso, Leftest Espresso Blend, with Cocoa and Citrus flavor notes. Great tasting Cappuccino with a strong coffee flavor and creamy finish.

Sh
Review №42

Got some cappuccino to go and bought a bag of Ethiopian coffee beans...outstanding!

Jo
Review №43

The seating is wood, no cushions, there is no wifi, very small (conversations can easily be overheard) the beverages were good.

Ma
Review №44

Excellent cold brew

L
Review №45

Friendly, accommodating

Ma
Review №46

Excellent service and a barista that knows how to do coffee. My single origin espresso was quite delicious. Everything done right. I wish this was my local coffee place. They would see me way too often.

Ju
Review №47

Espresso shots were extremely burnt, and the drinks are WAY too expensive to have burnt espresso. I got the snug, and it was a solid 4/10, which would be fine if it was 2$, and not 5. My wife’s latte came out watery and burnt which overwhelmed the taste of anything else in the Latte. Like, I get that it’s cool and trendy here, which I would readily admit the atmosphere is on point, but I get coffee to drink it, not just to sit inside a cool building.

Jo
Review №48

Had a latte and I gotta say it was fantastic . Not from the area, but I wish I had this place close by all the time lol .

Ky
Review №49

This place is incredible. Accommodating to those with children and always a friendly smile. The owner continues to put his product, employees, safety during covid and vibe of the shop at the forefront. This incredible place attracts great people. UGLY FOREVER.

Ev
Review №50

Absolutely fantastic in all regards. I visit a lot of cafes, and this one checks all my boxes. Highly recommended!

Ra
Review №51

Very nice inside. Great coffeehouse great customer service.

M.
Review №52

Enjoying a lovely maple latte made by super nice folks on a sunny morning. You too can have this joy if you stop by UD.

jo
Review №53

Great spot for coffee and a muffin. Enjoyable time and low-impact. Lots of great coffee choices and friendly staff. It was good to be there.

Ta
Review №54

💖💖Love the ☕coffee here

Je
Review №55

Best coffee in town.

ca
Review №56

Love this place, the staff, and the drinks they provide! Cute space with the best lighting, the friendliest baristas and excellent for people watching. Highly recommend

Em
Review №57

Another great wall mural.I havent tried their coffee, but I have heard great things.

Ns
Review №58

Been a fan for a while.One of the best places to get coffee.Thier merch is pretty cool too.

Kr
Review №59

Besides the coffee, the baristas at Ugly Duck are the best! I forgot my phone at the shop on a Friday afternoon and retraced my steps a few hours later, and lo and behold they were hanging onto it.Sometimes finding seating and connecting to wifi can be challenging, but great coffee.

Ro
Review №60

Cute little coffee shop with a great vibe and excellent brews.

Gr
Review №61

Love their coffee here! The service is always top notch and the even the food is great. This place is a must if youre in the area.

Li
Review №62

Ugly Duck is a treasure. I appreciate its baristas and management during these COIVD times.

Se
Review №63

Great coffee or try the Chai Fieri Latte

Mi
Review №64

Stopped here while driving thru Rochester March, 2021. Ordered 3oz expresso with cream & sugar.

Ma
Review №65

Delicious coffee! Inspired coffee drinks! Friendly staff!

An
Review №66

Great coffee, bright and cheery atmosphere. Prices include tax. Pretty popular, not as large as some other coffee shops in the area.

Be
Review №67

Fun place. Awesome cold brew!

Ta
Review №68

It’s pretty good. I got window service to-go because of covid. It was your average overpriced coffee. Delicious iced latte though. Sadly overpriced.

Be
Review №69

My latte was made with almond milk, a big plus, and the maple raisin cookie was very tasty!

Jo
Review №70

Chill atmosphere, great coffee

Sa
Review №71

A new cornerstone to the ROC community, Ugly Duck is a place where you can and will run into an old friend and probably meet a new one. A revolving door of unique and delicious independent roasters from all over will open any customer up to the opportunity to broaden their palette - while in no way feeling any pressure of elitism. Aesthetically great, well priced, and with friendly staff - you’ll see why everyone loves Ugly Duck 🦆

Ry
Review №72

Best oat milk latte

Ca
Review №73

Easy to talk to staff, delicious coffee, dietary friendly food and drink and lovely environment ! What more could you ask for ?

Je
Review №74

Swung by after a morning shift at work for a latte and a snug. Hubs loved his snug and my latte was perfection in a cup.

Ti
Review №75

One of the best espressos Ive ever had, hands down. I know theres a combination of things that make a good shot, but on the other hand, theres a combination of things that make a good shot! Very well done, full of flavor at every sip!

Th
Review №76

A friend had mentioned that they make a really good oat milk latte. I dont even generally like lattes, but I figured Id give it a try. Now I crave it semi-constantly. Even during iced coffee season (which is ordinarily sacrilege for me). Theyve also made good adjustments to accomodate the new reality of low/no-touch interactions.

Ku
Review №77

Quickly becoming my favorite Rochester coffee spot. Serious about good coffee, without being fussy or snobby about it. Really pleasant friendly cozy vibe.

Ro
Review №78

Easily my favorite coffee in Rochester. Love this establishments attitude, communication, and involvement with the community. Oh and they have some of the best merch in town.

Ch
Review №79

Great espresso! They do not provide WiFi so not a coffee shop to work or meet for business.

De
Review №80

Homemade chai was great. Brownie was delicious. Small and modern, not comfy looking, but good for a quick chat with a friend. Arrived at 4:40 and they close at five, the guys behind the bar were super friendly about it though and didnt rush us out. Great experience, plan to go again!

Sa
Review №81

Decent espresso. Had a single origin Kenya. It was fine, not memorable, but not bad. Cute shop, had a few different roasters in house. Cool/hipster vibe

ja
Review №82

I don’t know what I would do without the ugly duck

Ba
Review №83

The placeThe place is really nice. Very bright a great place to work or just hangout and drink coffee. One thing to be aware of though. The area is under construction so getting there can be a pain the road was closed so I had to detour around to get there.The coffeeI love that they have special drinks that are what I would like to call experimental flavors that you wont find and most coffee shops. Like The Snug which had Espresso, Maple Syrup, Fee Brothers Molasses Bitters, Steamed Milk in it. Pretty cool for locals since it was my first try I went with a staple the Caramel latte. It was good they make their own sauce which I love. It wasnt the best I have ever had but definitely above the fray.The verdictI really like this place I hopefully will be able to get there in the near future. For all you coffee drinkers who like to try new stuff you will love this place.

De
Review №84

Great coffee and people serving you.

Ha
Review №85

The affogato is great! I have had it with both the vanilla ice cream and coconut ice cream. The sour bite of the espresso and the sweet coconut-y flavor of the ice cream makes a wonderful treat really worth savoring. It is perfect for either a hot summer day or the rough and long Rochester winters.

El
Review №86

Favorite coffee spot in Rochester ❤️. Beautiful building, tasty coffee, kind people.

El
Review №87

Adorable! I didnt get coffee, but I did get an incredible cherry-raspberry jam bar that was amazing. The employees were so nice! I cant wait to return.

Jo
Review №88

Cold brew coffee is on point. The scone is a triumph. Atmosphere is cozy and modern. An awesome shop tucked far enough off of East Ave to avoid the commotion of foot traffic, but close enough for a quick detour! Highly recommend next time youre in this neck of the woods.

Br
Review №89

Thin, watery chai. Super long wait times. The guy working the window was not friendly. Overly expensive. And to top it off- extensive use of invasive plants in their landscaping. Im not going back.

Jo
Review №90

Good coffee. Good service. Good atmosphere. I am indifferent about returning.

Ja
Review №91

Great espresso and an excellent (!) latte. We will definitely go back.

Sa
Review №92

I work in this neighborhood and love stopping here for an afternoon coffee. It’s a small shop, with an atmosphere that’s friendly and modern. They also have gluten-free and vegan cookies, and gluten-free oat milk!

Br
Review №93

Easily my favorite coffee in Rochester. Best flavor and so smooth! The staff, ambience and overall service are also excellent. I always recommend Ugly duck!!

Ba
Review №94

Ugly duck is a multi roaster coffee shop in town and one of my favorite coffee spots period. What is a multi roaster you might ask ? A multi roaster is someone who curates a list of coffee from different roasters across the country, meaning there is rotation when it comes to what you will be served or sold in to go bags. Espresso, pour over or easy to go cups are all available here, along with a few treats from local bakeries .

Ja
Review №95

No ducks. misleading advertisement

Wa
Review №96

Love it here! The quality of the coffee and drinks is superior. The space is bright and welcoming. A great place to bring your laptop and do some work.

Sp
Review №97

Favorite local coffee shop. Good folks, notable bean selection and bespoke menu. Keep up the good work - you’re onto something.

Ki
Review №98

So glad this place is a 3 minute walk from work! Can go the week without at least 1 (or maybe 5) cold brews! Other drinks are delicious and everyone is so nice.

No
Review №99

This place is awesome! The owners and employees truly want their customers to have the best experience possible. Ive sampled nearly every drink they provide and have been continually impressed. Supplying more than just Coffee, Tea, and Espresso; youll also find fresh pastries available.Ugly Duck is always worth a visit.Try their Cold Brew, I love it!

Ki
Review №100

My favorite coffee shop to visit whenever we are in Rochester. The owners are super nice and the baristas are knowledgeable and helpful. Kid friendly, too, so our little one is happy while we enjoy our drinks.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:89 Charlotte St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
  • Site:http://uglyduckcoffee.com/
Categories
  • Coffee shop
Working hours
  • Monday:7AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:7AM–5PM
  • Wednesday:7AM–5PM
  • Thursday:7AM–5PM
  • Friday:8AM–5PM
  • Saturday:8AM–5PM
  • Sunday:7AM–5PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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