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Little Goat Diner
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Little Goat Diner
8.0
Little Goat Diner brings Stephanie Izard’s globally inspired diner cooking to the Southport Corridor with all-day breakfast, playful comfort food, and a bright, graphic space. It’s the trendy, family-friendly choice for pancakes, hash browns, and burgers that feel more cheffy than classic greasy-spoon fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bull’s Eye French Toast with fried chicken, The Hash Browns with white cheddar, Chili Crunch Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A chef-driven diner from Stephanie Izard where brunch plates and burgers come with playful global twists.
Who should go: Brunch groups and families wanting cheffy diner food and a lively room.
When to visit: Late morning weekends for peak brunch scene; weekdays for shorter waits.
What to order: Bull’s Eye French Toast with fried chicken, hash browns with cheddar, Chili Crunch Burger.
Insider tip: If you’re bringing kids, aim for Tuesday evening when the kids-eat-free deal stacks nicely with the casual vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Southport is limited during peak dining and shopping hours; expect to circle or use nearby paid neighborhood garages.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean polished brunch-casual.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during brunch with moderate background noise — conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Generally minimal wait — most demand is earlier in the day; 10–20 minutes at peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially outside the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several breakfast and brunch dishes can be ordered meat-free or modified.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be customized, but fully vegan options are not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Some menu items and modifications available; best to confirm with staff as cross-contamination controls are not advertised as dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for fun, casual dates than intimate ones — the space is bright, social, and energetic rather than quiet or candlelit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak weekend brunch; joining the waitlist early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it’s one of the more family-friendly trendy spots in the area, with booth seating, a relaxed vibe, and a menu that works well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Playful, chef-driven brunch plates and diner comfort food served in a trendy, visually bold space that still works for families and groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, highly specialized dietary accommodations, or a classic low-key diner without crowds or wait times.
Little Goat Diner
8.8
Little Goat Diner is Stephanie Izard’s all-day Southport Corridor spot where playful diner classics share the table with more cheffy, globally inspired plates. Families lean on it for pancakes, burgers, and fries that still feel special enough for a birthday brunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fat Elvis pancakes, Shrimp & cheddar grits, Patty melt with fries
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Chef-driven comfort food in a lively diner setting that still works for kids.
Who should go: Families wanting elevated diner food with kid appeal.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening before it gets packed.
What to order: Fat Elvis pancakes, patty melt, shrimp & grits.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth near the windows if you’ve got strollers or high chairs to park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and nearby residential side streets; availability is limited during peak brunch hours and Cubs home games
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed weekend wear are common
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch; conversation is possible at booths but can feel loud at peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during early evening family dining hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; short queues during school-break and summer afternoons
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several vegetarian-friendly brunch plates, salads, and sides
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but the menu leans dairy- and egg-forward
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly choices and modifications; cross-contamination likely in a diner kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, fun dates than formal ones — the energy is lively and playful rather than intimate or slow-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during weekend brunch and early evening; joining the waitlist early or arriving off-peak improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — great for toddlers through tweens, with booths, high chairs, kid-appeal menu items, and a relaxed dining room that accommodates families.
Best For
Better for: Playful, chef-driven comfort food that still works for families and celebratory brunch outings
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, strict gluten-free controls, or a menu focused on light, health-leaning dishes