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Little Goat Diner
ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
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.