Houston, TX.

The Mucky Duck

Expert Reviews of The Mucky Duck

Citysearch | This homey club is Houston's premier destination for those with a yen for folk, Irish and Celtic music.

Big-time Texas folkies like Alejandro Escovedo and Toni Price frequently play here (Lyle Lovett even popped in once as surprise support for Terry Allen and Guy Clark), as well as national acts like Dar...
citysearch.com - expert review - 09/21/2006
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User Reviews of The Mucky Duck

Yelp.com Review - by Monica S.

4 of 5 stars. I went to this place for the first time last friday and I must say I can't wait to go back. Everyone's food looked and smelled wonderful. They have a great imported beer selection on tap and bottle.…
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Connie B.

4 of 5 stars. Mondays are Open Mike Night at The Duck, and it can be a fun way to pass the evening. Some friends of mine used to play, which was the main reason I went. I always got a great kick out of the vast…
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Eric B.

5 of 5 stars. The Mucky Duck is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It's a bar. It's a lunch spot. It's a live music venue. Since I don't drink and generally find that pub food is not…
yelp.com - user review - 02/06/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Pat W.

5 of 5 stars. Yes, kids, this crowd is "a little bit older," and no they don't have a full bar. It's a pub. But it is the BEST place for an after work glass of wine or a beer, and the BEST live music venue in…
yelp.com - user review - 02/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Travis D.

5 of 5 stars. This is a really fantastic place to see live music in a really intimate setting. The beer selection is great and most of their food that i've had is out of this world. The crowd is a little bit older…
yelp.com - user review - 01/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Jaime M.

4 of 5 stars. On a Monday night when we walked in, there was NO ONE inside. But then someone came up to us and said that there'd been a private party earlier and everyone was being let in from the back porch area.…
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Rose K.

4 of 5 stars. This isn't a good bar to go out and meet people at. The way it's set up on the inside, everyone sticks to their own table. And the crowd is generally a little older than I try to hang out with.…
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by c t.

4 of 5 stars. This place is tight. came here for lunch one day and I'll definitely be back to drink after dark. It's an irish pub slash live music venue. Staff is friendly and no nonsense, and the bar food is…
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Sarah M.

5 of 5 stars. What a fabulous venue to enjoy your favorite music and some bar grub and brewski's (sp?). It is cozy to say the least - we met all our neighboring tables last time we were there to watch Greg…
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2007
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Not recommended

Below Average I am a Blues club frequent flier all over. This is a Quiet pretty safe parking establishment. Tables are jammed together where it is hard to move around. If you are a dancer "SORRY" No dance...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2007
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A national treasure

Nestled on a quiet street inside the Loop, resides a unique national treasure. Easily Houston's best live music listening room for people who take their music seriously. That would seem to be enough but...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/27/2006
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the best

I cant recall ever having bad service or a bad time there. In fact, the service there is really good and the servers are attentive. It doesn't hurt that the bartenders are fun to look at too.
citysearch.com - user review - 01/23/2006
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wonderful time

The fish and chips were fantastic and the music was a blast! What a charming and romantic little place--we will definitely go back!
citysearch.com - user review - 01/14/2006
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User Review

My friends and I went to the Mucky Duck for the first time on a Wednesday night, expecting a quiet bar where we could talk. It was definitely quiet, but so quiet that we all felt uncomfortable talking. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/15/2005
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STAND UP FOR THE DUCK

And it's not just that I like the music. The place is intimate for reason that the average Joe may not understand. I was amazed that there were some really bad reviews of the Duck. These people are going there...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/09/2005
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Padded Reviews are RIGHT

I will NEVER go there again. 2nd time worst than the first. Had a table with 8 friends celebrating my 5 year cancer-free mark. Apparently this is like going to church because if you say one word.....WHAM...you...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/07/2005
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Superb

I can't imagine Houston without this place! It's intimate, friendly, the food is great and the wine and beer lists are killer. I am super-grateful that they've gone smoke-free for all their shows. I took some...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/05/2005
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Always Good Shows

The shows at the Mucky Duck are never sub-par only over par. We love the music and the fun entertain...
judysbook.com - user review - 08/26/2005
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Houston's most vital venue

Imagine sitting in an intimate music venue with a maximum of 100 seats - all with excellent sight lines to the stage - and seeing the top international/national/regional/local (mostly) acoustic acts perform....
citysearch.com - user review - 08/17/2004
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A Houston Live Music Landmark

If you want to see some of the greatest music in the country in an intimate venue with fantastic food.... look no further. Tucked away on Norfolk Ave ( Behind Academy Sports ), McGonigel's Mucky Duck is the...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/12/2004
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The Comfort Zone

Keep up the excellent work. We have been going to the Duck for over four years and have heard some TERRIFIC music. Aswell as the music, there's comfort food, a homely atmosphere and the best bar/wait staff...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/03/2004
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It's a pub!

For live music, it is intimate. For beer, the selection is great! For food, my mother is British so I have had my fair share of Irish/British/Scotish food. I can say that the food is great and I have never had...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/24/2004
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gotta love the duck

the duck is our favorite place in Houston. The food is really good and they get the best acts from around the world to play there. We've even seen a band from Madagascar at the Duck! Once they had an Italian...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/17/2004
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Lisapisa

I have really enjoyed each time I have beeen to The Duck. I have been after work, on dates, had friends that are from Great Britain at the Duck. The Duck is the only place I will comfortably eat Fish and...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/06/2004
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Loosen Up!

If it wasn't for the fact that Monte Montgomery, one of the best guitarists I've ever seen, I would NEVER go to this establishment. It is small, the stage is too low. If you are not in the front 3 rows of...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/12/2003
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Can't beat the Duck!

You will find no other place in Houston, much less Texas that has such a unique atmosphere. The Mucky Duck features awesome local musicians as well as international artists who have made the Mucky Duck their...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/19/2003
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Duck In anytime

I have visited the Mucky Duck on many different occasions, and have had nothing short of a wonderful experience each and every time. The food, beer/wine, entertainment, and service have always been excellent.
citysearch.com - user review - 03/29/2003
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Sucky Service!

We had at least 20-30 people in our party, we all had tabs ranging from $60-$150 and the owner himself took tables from underneath us while we were eating on them. It was the worse customer service ever. None...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/08/2003
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Great Venue

I've been the the Mucky Duck several times to see Monte Montgomery and I really love the intimate atmosphere with the musician, not to mention the excellent food and beer selection.
citysearch.com - user review - 01/09/2003
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Great Beer Selection Even Better Staff

If you like a great selection of beer and great people serving the beer to you, this spot is for you.
citysearch.com - user review - 11/02/2002
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Great place for music

This is a terrific place for music. Every seat is a good seat--so intimate it feels like seeing a show in your own living room.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2002
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the mostest funnest

Great Ambiance! Great People! Great Music!! Great Fun! Nice break from the overly trendy hangout around Houston! The live music makes Mucky Duck especially a treat!
citysearch.com - user review - 09/16/2002
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Sucky Duck

Padded votes? They have over 100 user ratings, 80 this year, 28 on the same day & all rate a 10. Need I say more? Overlooking all that jive, here's my opinion. One word - "Veneer". Looks like someone converted...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/29/2002
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alluring irish pub

Lovely pub, good shows, but they need to get James back, good food, small but homey pub, great place for lunch, dinner, or just hanging out
citysearch.com - user review - 08/21/2002
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A little of Austin on Norfolk street

It took me a while but I finally found a place where I can watch great "live" music acts here in Houston. For awhile I thought the only thing thing this city specialized in was bands that played only cover...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/20/2002
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kool club

A true adult club that is not stuffy just good entertainment and good people working there and running the place,GO RUSTY.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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Great place -- LOVE IT!!

Thoroughly enjoy the entertainment; best in Houston!!!! Love to visit the Duck.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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Link to great music

Great venue for live music: small, intimate, decent acoustics. Excellent sight lines.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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This Duck's Not Fowl

McGonigel's Mucky Duck, a small pub style bar, keeps outstanding musical talent gracing its stage several nights a week, week after week. Acts range from well established groups to upcoming singer-songwriters,...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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Lots o'beers and good munchies

Check it out...each night of the week is a different feature: open mike, Irish, and keep your beer glass on Wendesdays
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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GREAT

A great place to end your day! I wonderful place to meet up with friends to chat and enjoy the evening.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/19/2002
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great place when...

...it's not too crowded. When it is, it's a pain. And I wish they'd let me smoke in the main bar area. It's a bar, after all. Still, they get great musicians, and the Guinness is always fresh and well-poured....
citysearch.com - user review - 08/07/2002
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To the Youngsters

I am not a regular of the Ducks, but I do enjoy a concert or a drink on the patio every now and then. This is a great place to just sit, drink, and socialize. It is not the Richmond Strip, so don't expect to...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2002
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Big ups to Mickey g's.

sup turbo. Yo i just wanted to shout big ups to all my people and they people at tha duck. Yo, yall know we be keepin it rizzity at the dizzuck. Flossin and shakin them thang, undastand? You know we got tha H...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/24/2002
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Yowza!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to say that as an employee of the Mucky Duck, I am PROUD to work here. I have worked here for almost three years and our establishment still amazes me! We have a cozy atmosphere and enjoy the...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/21/2002
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Yummy Duck

I find it impossible to decide which is better, the incredible steak and kidney pie or the the beef guinness. Both are so delicious and well presented. The beef guinness has a sweet flavor, I can't put my...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2002
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Fabulous Place

I've been a Mucky Duck customer for years. The food is fabulous. Service is also always been just fine. If you have any problems ask for Hillary. She's my personal favorite. The music is awesome and presented...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2002
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Richard Thompson--need I say more?

Richard Thompson at the Mucky Duck...it was fantastic! The sound was incredible. The man himself was as close as being in my own living room! What a show! I don't have the words to describe the night. Too good...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/03/2002
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Duck the Service Sucks

The atmosphere is great, the ale is fine, the entertainment is awsome, but the service sucks. The wait staff is rude and slow. Cocky is a good word. Even the Owner/Mgr. has an attitude. Not what you would...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/30/2002
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Come to the Duck

This has been my long term favorite pub. and has now become my daughters favorite as well. The appeal is cross generational. the intertainment is exceptional and the atmospere quite cozy and friendly. The food...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/29/2002
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Fresh music, ales and ciders!

The Duck brings great music to town and keeps admission cost reasonable. Leo Kottke, for instance, played at the Duck this spring and was tremendous. Why? Aside from the fact that he's just an awesome...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/25/2002
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Muck about the Duck

The artists they have are great, almost without fail. The atmosphere is great b/c audience is there for the music. I feel perfectly comfortable going alone.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/25/2002
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A GREAT PLACE TO DUCK IN

We love it , found it when Radney Foster was there and have been coming ever sence fr the great entertainment and great food and great beer and great friends, who share this great ot of the way place .. and...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Absolutely the best!!

The Mucky Duck is the best place ever! The music is great, but beyond that, everyone is friendly and makes you feel so welcome! I discovered it when I first moved to Houston and found it a comfortable, safe,...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Excellent

Great music, service and food. I have always had a great time at the Duck.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Eclectic evenings

I have never had a bad evening at the Duck. The musical acts are top-notch and getting better. Where else can you hear the Scottish Rogues and bluesman Chris Smither? The increasing number of smoke-free shows...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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unkycarl'scurmuginousquotes

Been goin' to the Duck for many years and before that the Red Lion. The atmosphere is friendly the music is good for whatever ails you and the Guiness, well say no more!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Better food than Britain

Lots of British pub favorites on the menu but the food tastes better than what you get on the other side of the pond. And a beer list that any British pub would be proud of!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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tcsmythe

The Duck has been and always will be the holy grail for singer/songwriters in Texas. Whether you are the Friday featured act, or performing at your first open mic, the sound quality will make you want to hear...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Classic

Nights spent at the Duck are some of my favorite. It is classic entertainment, food, drink and folk. I recommend the Duck to any and all. The Duck is my pick for best bar in Houston.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Quiet, Please!

I love the Duck. I like the beer, the food, and, most of all, I like the music that one can hear there. My only complaint is that there are invariably people in the audience who insist on talking loudly during...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Great Local Talent!

frequent often to see local talent - as well as singers, songwriters, and bands that are travelling through; really like the early non-smoking shows when available.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Good Duck

You will hear music unavailable on the air except on KPFT. The Duck is a friendly, clean, and wholesome place to hear great live music, and 8:00 p.m. shows are non-smoking.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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The Best!

Absolutely the premier music venue in Houston--The finest musicians play the duck. Only flaws are permitting smoking for some shows, and the barroom noise during performances
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Million-dollar-duck

Living in Victoria, Tx; we don't frequent "The Duck" as often as we'd like...but, each & every time we've wined & dined there we've never been disappointed. The entertainment's the best & the staff's...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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The Best!

The Mucky Duck is my favorite place to see live music -- and it's good after-work hang out as well. Rusty and the gang run a very cool and user-friendly place that's fun for everyone and all ages -- and again...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Favorite place to duck into

Excellent venue for music - intimate and cozy with good acoustics. Great food and drink! They also send you a $10 coupon for your birthday month, and include silly jokes in their emails!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Club doesn't meausre up to music

The venue is great. Close to stage, small, personal. The menu is medicore and the service is sooooo sloooooowww. I hope the help doesn't try to survive on tips. But folk, celtic or eclectic this is the only...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Lucky Duck

Although I live in Lake Charles, LA, I go to the Duck as often as I can - there is always great music and a nice atmosphere. Sometimes the audiences are not as respectful to the performer as I think they...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Home Sweet Home

Going to The Mucky Duck is like visiting friends. It's warm and inviting, and the music is the star. A great intimate setting enables you to get up close and personal with the musicians. My favorite....
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Where we all meet

I absolutly love the duck. My daughter dances with O'Maoileidigh Irish dancers of Houston. We preform there several times. They treat us and the kids so well. We also go just to listen to the music, and to...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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The Best!

The Mucky Duck is my favorite place in Houston. They have great performers in the folk rock category. It is an intimate setting, without a bad seat in the house. It makes you feel up close and personal with...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Not an odd Duck

The best place to hear live music in Texas, let alone in Houston. Great stmosephere, wonderful, friendly staff and THE BEST live music around. There is no place else.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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!The Duck!

Looking for the perfect place to hang out...look no further! This hot spot offers music that not only covers teh spectrum but also the time line. Whether you are into traditional pub jammin' or folk dwelling...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Great venue IF...

The Mucky Duck is undoubtedly a great live music venue, save for a few caveats. If you are attending a weekend show, you should definitely purchase advance tickets, weeks in advance if it is a popular act. SRO...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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From the Big Bossman of the Blues

This is one of the best venues I have ever been at nationwide..! The owners and employees are very friendly and curteous, the patrons are very cool, the music is great, and the food is fabulous.. what else can...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Duck Declaration

Awesome shows. Wide range of entertainment, some of which you won't get anywhere else in Houston. Even the opening bands have Always been a plesant surprise. Great food, comfortable atmosphere, all good seats....
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Lub the Pub

The music venue is varied and always includes some of the most talented performers. Non-Smoking shows are offered. The staff is friendly and the owners are conscientious of their customer's interests. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Excellent

Enjoyed it everytime we went. Great place for live music. Close-knit setting allows the crowd to interact with the musicians. And the smoke-free shows are definitely a plus.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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Re:Ducks

I love the Duck. We are seeing three shows there this week. It's a great bar that really focuses on being a great place to listen to music. The owners book really talented, exciting bands and provide them with...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2002
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duck off

One of my favorite places in town to visit. Great atmosphere and the staff is always friendly. The beer is cold and they fill the glasses to the rim. Food is great and the Sisters Morales play there on a...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/18/2002
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Duck & Cover

I must say that everytime I have visited the Mucky Duck, I have been greeted, treated, and waited on by the nicest bunch of people. The owners welcome you in with a friendly smile and small talk. The food is...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/17/2002
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The Duck Rules

I love The Duck. It has a great atmosphere and great service. Top notch.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/14/2002
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The Duck Rockin'

The music, the food, the bar and wait staff - everything at the Duck rocks. Hands down. Out of towner? You gotta check it out. Live in Houston - become a regular
citysearch.com - user review - 06/13/2002
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THis place rocks

This is the best bar I've been to in Houston. The atmosphere is great and the service rocks!! I love everything about it. Keep up the good work guys!!!!!!!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/12/2002
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twoot

Good atmosphere and not too crowded after work. Great selection of beer, food, and beer!!!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/12/2002
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Go Mucky Duck!

Every time I visit Houston I stop by the Mucky Duck for great entertainment and super service. Don't stop what your doing!!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/12/2002
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Really cool Duck

This place is a great place to see live music. The sound is fantastic, you can actually hear the words to the songs, which is important, because the Duck brings in some of the best songwriters around. One...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/11/2002
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Holy Macaroni!

So I end up at the Mucky Duck not knowing what it was all about. First off, the doorman is dressed in a clown suit and keeps asking me if I've ever seen the movie "Leprachan 2, Electric Boogaloo" in a thick...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/11/2002
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The Duck

Great place for a date or a group of friends looking for some good music. And the food is great!!!!! A good looking bartender to serve you a drink as well
citysearch.com - user review - 06/11/2002
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Really great night!

Gotta tell you, we bought tix to see Clandestine on Thursday night, an early NOSMOKING!!! show---totally cool band and hooray for no smoking. We liked the band so much that we bought standing room tix for the...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/08/2002
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Ripped Off

This place was terrible for going to see live music. They sold us "standing room only" tickets. As we tried to stand in the room we kept being told we would have to move until finally a gentleman working there...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/05/2002
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'OOH FABOO' Irish pub

The Mucky Duck has terrific music, delicious food by the former chef of the Red Lion, and delightful owners who have gone out of their way to create an authentic Irish pub that is a comfortable place to listen...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/04/2002
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A four star don't miss

The "girls" at the Duck (Alisa and Mindy, both very excited about their upcoming graduation day) made us feel really at home....the food was definitely homemade and delicious. We had fish and chips and the...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/24/2002
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No Guts, No Glory

The Mucky Duck is one of the best places to hear original singer/songwriter music in Houston. Not only do they offer the cream of the crop for this genre, but they also have an open mic for anyone was the guts...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/24/2002
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One of the best in Texas

I have seen a lot of really good shows at the Mucky Duck, but one of THE BEST shows that I have ever seen ANYWHERE was John McEuen and Jimmy Ibbotsen of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame. You could have heard a pin...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/24/2002
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