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Girl & The Goat
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Girl & The Goat
8.7
Stephanie Izard’s flagship packs a constantly busy dining room with shareable New American plates and a strong wine and cocktail program. The menu leans bold and playful, making it an all-purpose spot for groups, dates, and out-of-town visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood oven roasted pig face with sunny side egg, Goat empanadas with bright sauces, Sautéed green beans with fish sauce vinaigrette
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-energy pioneer of Randolph Street’s small-plates scene with big, gutsy flavors.
Who should go: Groups and visitors wanting a buzzy West Loop dinner.
When to visit: Prime evenings with reservations secured well in advance.
What to order: Roasted pig face, green beans, rotating goat-centric special.
Insider tip: Order a mix of lighter and richer plates—dishes are flavor-packed and fill up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the West Loop, especially during peak dinner hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for a night out.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible, but expect a buzzy room during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may face long waits or be waitlisted.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several thoughtful vegetarian dishes are available and clearly noted.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — some dishes can be adapted; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-friendly or adaptable; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space is lively and stylish with shareable plates that make it interactive, though it may feel loud if you prefer quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not guaranteed. Arrive early, be flexible with seating, or try the bar if you're walking in.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will do fine, but the scene and menu are geared more toward adults than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous, shareable New American small plates in a high-energy dining room with a strong cocktail program.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, traditional entrée-style dinner or need very broad vegan options.
Girl & The Goat
8.9
Stephanie Izard’s flagship on Randolph turns Sunday brunch into a shareable feast, layering bold, globally influenced plates onto a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand backdrop. Locals book early for inventive takes on brunch staples, serious cocktails, and a buzzy dining room that still feels like a West Loop milestone. Sunday-only brunch service means it doubles as both a special-occasion outing and a destination for food-focused visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal brunch share plates from the Sunday menu, Wood-fired meats and vegetables adapted for brunch, Daily baked breads and pastries with rotating accompaniments
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Iconic West Loop restaurant where Sunday brunch carries MICHELIN-backed, chef-driven energy.
Who should go: Food-obsessed diners chasing creative, shareable brunch plates.
When to visit: Early Sunday reservations for peak menu and manageable noise.
What to order: A mix of seasonal brunch plates, daily breads, standout vegetable dishes.
Insider tip: Book bar or counter seats if prime-time tables are sold out—service and food are identical with a livelier view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in West Loop is limited; expect paid meters and nearby garages. Ride-shares are common.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible but expect a buzzy dining room during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — brunch is Sunday-only, but reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — brunch service does not run weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple thoughtful vegetable-forward dishes are menu highlights.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — some items can be modified; ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free or adaptable; staff is knowledgeable and helpful.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the buzz, creative menu, and polished yet relaxed vibe make it a memorable first-date brunch spot, especially if you like sharing plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but expect long waits or limited bar seating. Sunday brunch typically books out well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the energy is more adult-leaning. Best for older kids or food-curious teens rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Creative, chef-driven brunch with bold flavors, shared plates, and a destination-restaurant feel.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional brunch with simple egg plates or easy last-minute seating.
Girl & The Goat
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Stephanie Izard’s flagship keeps Randolph humming with globally influenced small plates, big flavors, and a non-stop buzz that suits birthdays and celebrations. The menu is built for sharing, so groups can work through classics and seasonal dishes in one night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-oven roasted pig face, Green beans with fish sauce vinaigrette, Sticky glazed pork shank
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Lively, shareable-plates institution where bold flavors match the energy.
Who should go: Groups who like passing plates and trying everything.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings with a reservation and some patience.
What to order: Pig face, pork shank, signature green beans.
Insider tip: Build a table-wide spread from all three menu sections and share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in the West Loop, especially evenings; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for night out vibes.
Noise level: Loud — energetic room where conversation is doable but raised voices may be needed at peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may wait 60–90+ minutes depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically served; weekday early evenings see shorter waits with reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple thoughtful vegetable-forward plates rotate seasonally.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff is knowledgeable about modifications and safe selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like lively, high-energy restaurants with shareable plates. It’s better for conversational, adventurous diners than quiet or intimate first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — there are limited bar and walk-in spots, but waits can be long. Arrive early or closer to closing for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens who enjoy trying new foods will do fine, but it’s not designed for young children or stroller access during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous group dining with bold, globally inspired flavors in a buzzy atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional fine-dining experience or prefer very simple, familiar dishes.
Girl & The Goat
8.7
Girl & The Goat helped define Randolph Street’s small-plates era with bold, shareable dishes and a perpetually busy dining room. Locals use it for nights when they want loud energy, strong drinks, and creative plates that still read as comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face, Green Beans with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette, Goat Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-energy small-plates pioneer where bold flavors meet a buzzy room.
Who should go: Groups and couples chasing big flavors and scene.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations for full buzz and kitchen range.
What to order: Pig face, green beans, a rotating seasonal large plate.
Insider tip: Sit at the chef’s counter if available to watch the line work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking and nearby garages; street spots can be tough during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean stylish or trendy
Noise level: Loud — expect a lively room where conversation may require raised voices
Weekend wait: Walk-ins may wait 60–90 minutes or more during peak times
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner destination
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several creative vegetarian plates available and clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited but possible — check with your server for modifications
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a buzzy, energetic vibe — conversation can be harder, but the food and atmosphere make it memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar and limited walk-in tables are held, but expect a wait during peak evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s not designed for young children; no kids’ menu and the room is lively.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous small plates, bold flavors, and a scene-driven night out
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, traditional entrées, or a last-minute table without waiting
Girl & The Goat
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Stephanie Izard’s flagship anchors Restaurant Row with globally inspired, produce-forward small plates built on relationships with Midwestern farms. The open kitchen, bustling bar, and share-everything menu make it a West Loop standby for groups who want bold flavors and a lively room rather than a quiet night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood oven roasted pig face, Goat empanadas, Sautéed green beans with fish sauce vinaigrette
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Farm-sourced, globally influenced small plates from one of Chicago’s most recognizable chefs.
Who should go: Groups or dates who like sharing bold, adventurous plates.
When to visit: Prime evening slots or later second seatings for full energy.
What to order: Wood oven roasted pig face, goat empanadas, green beans with fish sauce.
Insider tip: Build your meal around 3–4 signatures, then add a vegetable plate or two instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Randolph; nearby paid garages and valet options at neighboring restaurants are the safest bet on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and going-out ready.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible but expect a bustling room and bar energy.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; the bar fills early.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — evenings are the main service window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and rotating seasonal options.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes; staff can guide substitutions when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like a high-energy room — the shareable plates encourage interaction, but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, especially later in the evening or at the bar, but waits can be long on weekends — reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s more of an adult-leaning spot without dedicated children’s menus or play space.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous small-plate dining with bold flavors, group sharing, and a buzzy West Loop scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large entrées instead of shared plates, or highly traditional farm-to-table cooking.
Girl & The Goat
8.8
Stephanie Izard’s flagship anchors Restaurant Row with bold, globally influenced small plates and one of the neighborhood’s most in-demand private dining spaces downstairs. The Underground Goat room lets groups enjoy the full shareable menu in a cozy, candlelit space that feels separate from the buzz upstairs but still plugged into the energy of West Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face, Sautéed Green Beans with fish sauce vinaigrette, Goat Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Globally inspired small plates with a tucked-away Underground Goat private room.
Who should go: Groups planning lively, chef-driven dinners in West Loop.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the dining room is buzzing.
What to order: Wood oven pig face, green beans, goat empanadas.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for the Underground Goat when inquiring about private events.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Randolph and nearby side streets; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and trendy.
Noise level: Loud and energetic upstairs; the Underground Goat private room is more conversational but still lively.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins should expect long waits or bar seating only.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited — check ahead; evenings book up even on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of veggie-forward plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with guidance from the staff.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be modified; alert the team and they will help navigate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lively energy, shareable plates, and creative cocktails make it fun and engaging, especially if you enjoy buzzy restaurant scenes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and a few tables are held for walk-ins, but prime times fill quickly. Arrive early or be flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the menu and noise level skew more adult. Older kids and teens do fine; toddlers may find it overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous, globally inspired small plates in a high-energy West Loop setting — plus one of the area’s most coveted private rooms.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional three-course meal or have very restrictive dietary needs requiring simple preparations.
Girl & The Goat
8.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Stephanie Izard’s flagship anchors Randolph Street with globally influenced small plates, a long bar, and an open kitchen that works as well for deal-making lunches as it does for celebratory dinners. Tables are close enough for energy but spaced enough that business conversations still feel comfortable. Midday, it’s a power move spot for clients who want bold flavors in the heart of the West Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face, Sautéed Green Beans with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette, Goat Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Big-flavor small plates from a marquee chef in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients who appreciate adventurous, shareable plates.
When to visit: Later weekday lunches or early evenings before peak crowds.
What to order: Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face, goat empanadas, green beans.
Insider tip: Book a table along the wall for easier conversation during busy services.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging during peak hours; nearby garages along Randolph and Halsted are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed. Blazers and jeans both fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable but expect background buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several small plates are vegetarian or adaptable.
Vegan options: Limited but available — expect a handful of thoughtful options.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be made gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the energetic room and shareable plates help keep conversation flowing, though it’s more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and limited walk-in tables are available, but waits grow quickly during peak dining times.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will do fine; the menu and vibe skew more toward adults than families with very young children.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous small-plate dining with bold, globally inspired flavors in a buzzy setting — great for business lunches that feel memorable rather than formal.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining rooms, classic entrée-style plates, or very conservative flavor profiles.