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Girl & The Goat
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Girl & The Goat
9.1
Stephanie Izard’s Arts District outpost runs on bold, globally roaming small plates delivered with polish and momentum. The room is high-energy and design-forward, and the kitchen’s sweet spot is layered, punchy flavors meant to be shared. A destination-level New American anchor for Downtown nights and Sunday brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat curry, Sticky glazed pork shank, Grilled corn with seasonal toppings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Destination New American small plates with fearless, global flavor.
Who should go: Adventurous diners and celebration groups.
When to visit: Dinner or Sunday brunch, reserve ahead.
What to order: Goat curry, pork shank, grilled corn.
Insider tip: Order family-style early; signatures sell out late.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Arts District corridor; meter and street parking can be tight after 6pm and competitive on weekends. Nearby paid lots offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual with a trend-forward edge. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—think dinner-ready rather than daytime casual.
Noise level: Lively with a steady buzz; conversation is doable at smaller tables but expect energetic background noise during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins often face 45–75 minutes depending on peak flow; bar seating may open first.
Weekday lunch: Lunch isn’t served daily, but Sunday brunch can get busy; wait times range 15–30 minutes for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides are reliably strong and can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but expect 1–2 naturally vegan options depending on the season.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes are naturally gluten-free or easily adjusted; staff is well-versed in substitutions but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energy, design, and shareable plates to keep the conversation flowing. It's lively rather than intimate, so choose it for fun chemistry over quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not guaranteed. Arrive early or close to opening for the best shot; bar seats often turn faster and are your best fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who like adventurous flavors. No dedicated kids’ menu and the space runs loud and bustling, so families should expect an energetic environment.
Best For
Better for: Bold, globally influenced small plates with high energy and a polished dining room—ideal for celebrations, group ordering, and nights when you want food with personality.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet meal, traditional American plates, or want quick in-and-out dining; choose a calmer, more classic spot instead.
Girl & The Goat
8.7
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s DTLA outpost turns Sunday brunch into a full-on small plates experience, with globally inspired dishes that riff on comfort food. The room runs loud and lively, but the potato crepe, crab-and-pork belly omelette, and shareable sweets make it one of the city’s most ambitious brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato crepe inspired by banh xeo, Crab and pork belly omelette, Shrimp fried rice omelette
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Arts District destination where Sunday brunch feels like dinner service with eggs.
Who should go: Brunch crews hunting creative, shareable plates and cocktails.
When to visit: Sunday brunch reservations in late morning or early afternoon.
What to order: Potato crepe, crab and pork belly omelette, a sweet brunch special.
Insider tip: Book well in advance and treat brunch like a multi-course small plates meal rather than a quick bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Arts District is limited and metered; most diners use nearby paid lots along 3rd St and Mateo ($8–$15 depending on time). Valet is occasionally offered during peak brunch service.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; jeans are fine but most groups lean stylish for brunch.
Noise level: Loud during peak brunch with upbeat energy; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for brunch-focused visits, but brunch peaks see 30–45 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically not offered; when open for daytime service, waits are minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veg-friendly plates and seasonal specials, though many dishes mix proteins and require modifications.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of items can be made vegan with adjustments, but it’s not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide you toward naturally gluten-free small plates; cross-contact precautions are moderate but not dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, energetic setting with creative food—less ideal for quiet conversation, great for shared plates and a fun atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Sunday brunch books out; walk-ins often face 30–60 minute waits. Arrive right at opening if trying without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—high chairs are available and staff is accommodating, but the noise level and adventurous menu are better suited to older kids or families used to busy dining rooms.
Best For
Better for: Ambitious, globally inspired brunch plates that feel chef-driven rather than café style; ideal for groups who enjoy sharing multiple dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional breakfast or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options—other Arts District cafés may be a better fit.
Girl & The Goat
8.7
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s Arts District outpost turns Sunday brunch into a full-on small-plates experience, with globally inspired dishes that riff on comfort food. The room runs loud and lively, but the potato crepe, crab-and-pork belly omelet, and shareable sweets make it one of downtown’s most ambitious brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato crepe, Crab and pork belly omelet, Blueberry pancakes or rotating sweet special
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef Stephanie Izard’s DTLA restaurant where brunch feels like dinner service with eggs and cocktails.
Who should go: Brunch crews hunting creative, shareable plates with drinks.
When to visit: Sunday late morning slots before the room hits peak volume.
What to order: Potato crepe, crab-pork belly omelet, a sweet brunch special.
Insider tip: Book patio seating if you want slightly calmer energy and better conversation than the main room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Arts District can be challenging during peak brunch hours; nearby paid lots on 3rd, Traction, and Mateo typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish given the Arts District setting, but elevated jeans and a nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Loud, especially indoors—conversation is doable but not intimate. The patio is the quieter option.
Weekend wait: Brunch-only on Sundays, but comparable peak periods see 45–75 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No weekday brunch; lunch service tends to have minimal waits if you walk in early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several vegetable-forward dishes and rotating specials can accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan choices are minimal and often require small modifications; best to ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free, but modifications vary; staff is well-versed in allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a high-energy, fun first date where shared plates and cocktails set a lively tone. Not ideal if you want quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky—Sunday brunch books out. Walk-ins may face long waits, especially after noon. Arriving early or aiming for patio seating improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-okay but not kid-focused—the room runs loud and bustling, and the menu leans adventurous. Older kids who like trying new foods will fare better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: One of the best spots in DTLA for globally inspired, chef-driven brunch with creative small plates and a high-energy scene.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, classic brunch standards or need very accommodating vegan options—other Arts District cafés may suit you better.