When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Girl & The Goat
Why Girl & The Goat is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Girl & The Goat in Chicago’s West Loop is a vibrant and welcoming restaurant, perfect for friends seeking an exceptional dining experience. Founded by celebrated Chef Stephanie Izard in 2010, it quickly became a cornerstone in Chicago’s renowned Randolph Restaurant Corridor. The atmosphere is rustic yet lively, featuring varied seating options including a comfortable lounge, bar seats, standard tables, and seats close to the kitchen for an immersive experience. The restaurant offers a family-style dining concept with a menu organized into three categories: Vegetable, Fish, and Meat, each featuring bold, globally inspired flavors alongside daily baked bread and continuously evolving dishes. The restaurant also crafts its own wine and boasts a thoughtful beer selection including unique collaboration brews. Open for dinner seven days a week with extended weekend hours, it recently added a Sunday brunch service, perfect for gathering your "G.O.A.T." crew over shareable dishes and handcrafted cocktails. This locale’s balance of lively ambiance, creative cuisine, and attentive service makes it an excellent spot for meetups, celebrations, or casual get-togethers.
Here's what people think of Girl & The Goat
As of recent, Girl & The Goat holds a 4.7-star rating based on 7166 reviews.
Guests consistently praise Girl & The Goat for its bold flavors, innovative sharing menu, and vibrant atmosphere. Positive reviews highlight the diverse selection of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, emphasizing standout items like the sticky glazed pork shank and freshly baked ham bread with smoked Swiss cheese-butter. Many appreciate the welcoming staff and the exciting, sometimes theatrical dining experience, including kitchen-side seating opportunities. Additionally, diners enjoy the thoughtfully curated wine list and craft beers, contributing to a well-rounded meal. Negative reviews occasionally mention difficulty with parking in the West Loop area, busy or noisy environment due to its popularity, and slightly variable wait times, particularly during peak hours. Some diners desire more consistency in portion sizes and seasoning. However, these critiques are relatively infrequent compared to the volume of glowing feedback praising the restaurant’s creativity and Chef Izard’s vision. Overall, reviews reflect that Girl & The Goat remains a celebrated culinary destination that successfully balances adventurous dishes with a warm, communal dining vibe, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vonetta Watson
✨ Review: Girl & the Goat | A Shared Feast That Leaves You Speechless ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10) If culinary brilliance had a stage, Girl & the Goat would be the headliner. From the moment you sit down, it's clear this isn’t just dinner; it’s an immersive, family-style flavor celebration curated by the inventive mind of Chef Stephanie Izard. The meal kicks off with a sip of sophistication: the Green Street Manhattan; deep, smooth, and beautifully balanced. It sets the tone for what's to come: bold flavor, creative pairings, and a flair for the unexpected. Then enters the fried soft shell crab, golden and crisp on the outside, juicy and packed with umami on the inside. Paired with tangy sauces and vibrant garnishes, it’s a dish that demands attention and earns it with every bite. The wood-fired chicken is equally dramatic in its simplicity. Smoky, tender, and perfectly seasoned, it evokes the warmth of a backyard flame with the precision of a top-tier kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you keep reaching for long after you promised “just one more bite.” When it’s time for dessert, the menu doesn’t just whisper “save room;" it shouts it. The yuzu lemon bar strikes a gorgeous balance of tart and sweet, crowned with whipped toppings that add a dreamy touch. Then there’s the peanut butter & chocolate masterpiece, a decadent duet that satisfies every craving with its rich, fudgy brownie bites and silky layers. 💬 Final Word Girl & the Goat offers more than food; it crafts moments around the table where flavors surprise, conversation flows, and every dish feels like a story worth telling. If you’re hungry for connection and culinary delight, this place delivers a perfect 10.
Min Qin
Awesome food and amazing service. Made reservation with request to sit in front of the kitchen with note of a birthday celebration. Although that table is not guaranteed, but they will try their best to document request and accommodate. Which they did!!! And my birthday boy received a special menu with “happy birthday” on it, and we got free honey ice cream, super tasty!!! Food were all very tasty, we loved the goat belly, halibut and the skirt steak was amazing!! Dessert was super tasty too with complex level of textures and flavors!! Overall very good experiences and really enjoyed watching the kitchen going so well, it’s so much fun!!!! Thank you guys for making the birthday so special!!
Satyaki “Seth” Mitra
I really enjoyed my dinner at Girl & the Goat. The roasted pork jowl was fantastic, and the goat belly confit was perfectly tender. The flavours, while unconventional, were genuinely inventive and something to truly savor. I highly recommend making a reservation well in advance. I’d been trying for a week with no luck for an evening spot, and only managed to get in the same day by sheer luck. It’s easy to see why this restaurant has won a James Beard Award and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Giorgio Russo
This is a great place all around. Great atmosphere, nice decor, warm and vibrant. The service is excellent. The food is spicy and alive with very good ingredients and a very particular seasoning style. We loved it but the portions are small, beware. Empanadas were a disappointment though, the Pig Face, The Shank and the Fish were amazing. Very recommended.
Alicia Giok-Halim
When we were looking for recommendations to eat here in Chicago, everyone that we asked recommended this place. The food was phenomenal and the service was amazing. This is a family style dining and reservation is required. My favorite dish was the salmon poke and the dessert is chef's kiss. I wish I wasn't too full by the time dessert came. It was worth it though.
How to reach Girl & The Goat
None
Website: None
Why Girl & The Goat may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Girl & The Goat with your friends? Girl & The Goat stands out as a premier gathering spot where vibrant energy and extraordinary food come together to create an unforgettable social dining experience. Located in Chicago’s trendy West Loop, this restaurant offers the perfect blend of ambiance, culinary artistry, and communal spirit. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, designed to feel like an exciting night out with friends rather than a formal dining event. With a high rating of 4.7 from over 7,000 reviews, it boasts consistent acclaim for both its bold flavors and excellent service. Friends looking to connect over shared plates will find an extensive menu curated by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, featuring dishes meant to be enjoyed family-style, encouraging conversation and a sense of togetherness. Whether you are marking a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable evening, Girl & The Goat’s vibrant, bustling space and inventive global cuisine guarantee a fun, engaging experience worthy of any group meetup.
What activities can you enjoy at Girl & The Goat that make it ideal for group meetups? The restaurant excels in offering a dining format that promotes sharing and interaction. Its menu is divided into meat, fish, and vegetable categories, with around ten small plates in each, perfectly suited for groups to try diverse flavors together. This sharedplate style makes it easy for everyone to have a taste and sparks lively discussions about the food. Besides dining, guests can also enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and an eclectic wine selection that complements the globally influenced dishes. Girl & The Goat also hosts a lively Sunday Brunch from 11 am to 2 pm, offering shareable brunch favorites complemented by creative cocktails, making it an ideal daytime gathering spot for friends and family. The restaurant’s 4500 square foot space incorporates a dramatic 30-foot open kitchen and a stylish interior designed by 555 Design, enhancing the social atmosphere by allowing guests to watch their food being prepared.
How does the menu at Girl & The Goat cater to diverse tastes in a group setting? One of the defining features of Girl & The Goat’s menu is its celebration of global flavors with local ingredients, creating bold and inventive dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. Because the menu is divided into three categories—meat, fish, and vegetables—groups with different dietary preferences or restrictions will find plenty to enjoy. Signature dishes such as the sticky glazed pork shank with crunchy chili-lime topping and pickled vegetables, or the famed Green Beans, offer unique flavor profiles that encourage adventurous eating while still satisfying more traditional tastes. The shareable plates promote a communal experience, allowing groups to sample multiple dishes and customize their meal to fit everyone’s preferences. This balance of innovative, flavorful food served family-style makes Girl & The Goat an excellent destination for gatherings where food lovers want to explore together.
What makes the ambiance and location of Girl & The Goat perfect for hosting meetups with friends? Situated in the heart of Chicago’s famed Restaurant Row on Randolph Street in the bustling West Loop, Girl & The Goat resides in a neighborhood known for its energetic dining scene. The restaurant’s interior boasts a chic, modern design featuring elements such as burnt wood accents and fire-boxes lining the back bar, creating a warm yet edgy vibe that feels intimate and exciting simultaneously. The open kitchen acts as both a visual focal point and a source of lively interaction, letting the diners engage with the craft of cooking while fueling the shared experience. The seating capacity of 122 ensures it maintains an intimate feel despite its size, ideal for groups who want to enjoy a lively, bustling atmosphere without feeling lost in a crowd. Its hours, extending late into the evening on weekends, provide flexibility for group outings at various times, whether an early dinner or a late-night celebration.
What additional features and services does Girl & The Goat offer to enhance group gatherings? Beyond its exceptional food and atmosphere, Girl & The Goat offers several conveniences that make organizing and enjoying a group meetup simple and pleasurable. The restaurant encourages reservations, which is crucial given its popularity, ensuring groups can secure a spot without long wait times. It also provides opportunities for private events for larger groups or special occasions, with the culinary team's expertise available to customize a menu tailored to group preferences. The cocktail program and global wine list offer excellent pairing options, enhancing the overall dining experience. For those interested in keeping the celebration flowing beyond dinner, the restaurant’s lively bar area serves as a natural space to linger. Additionally, the restaurant’s commitment to treating guests like family resonates in the attentive service, ensuring every member of your group feels welcomed and cared for.
Why is Girl & The Goat recognized as a top dining destination with outstanding reviews? With a Michelin rating and multiple prestigious awards, Girl & The Goat has earned its place among Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants. The consistent 4.7-star rating from thousands of reviews highlights frequent praise for its creative culinary approach and warm, energetic environment. Its founder, Chef Stephanie Izard, brings both flair and expertise that elevates the dining experience beyond ordinary. Customers often highlight the adventurous menu, the inviting communal dining style, and the dynamic ambiance as reasons for their repeated visits. The restaurant’s ability to balance bold, global influences with local ingredients and present them in a shareable, approachable way has garnered widespread acclaim, making it an appealing choice for groups wanting a memorable, conversation-starting meal. For anyone seeking a mix of culinary innovation, social dining, and a lively atmosphere, Girl & The Goat delivers an exceptional experience.
What makes Girl & The Goat’s Sunday Brunch a perfect event for friends and family meetups? The recently introduced Sunday brunch offers a relaxed yet vibrant setting to gather during the day, especially for groups that prefer a lighter, midday meal. Open from 11 am to 2 pm, the brunch menu features new shareable favorites alongside handcrafted cocktails, offering the same bold flavors that define their dinner experience. Dishes like the sticky glazed pork shank with creamy butternut squash and chili-lime crunch add a unique twist that spices up traditional brunch routines. This daytime option is a great choice for groups looking to connect over a leisurely meal complemented by creative drinks in a lively but comfortable space. The brunch ambiance balances the excitement of the evening dining experience with an inviting atmosphere that welcomes casual meetups and family gatherings alike.
How does the service culture at Girl & The Goat contribute to its appeal for group outings? Service at Girl & The Goat is known for being attentive and hospitable without feeling intrusive, creating a dining environment where groups feel well cared for yet free to engage comfortably with one another. The staff is knowledgeable about the extensive menu and beverage offerings, readily providing recommendations and customizing the dining experience to suit group preferences. This personalized approach helps enhance the overall atmosphere of celebration and connection, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the moment with their friends or family. The team’s dedication to making guests feel like part of the “herd” fosters a sense of belonging and warmth that resonates with many patrons. This combination of excellent food, engaging ambiance, and exceptional service underpins Girl & The Goat’s reputation as a go-to destination for social dining occasions.
Why is Girl & The Goat a good choice for celebrating special occasions with friends? With its gorgeous setting, dynamic menu, and vibrant social environment, Girl & The Goat forms an ideal backdrop for celebrating milestones, birthdays, or simply the joy of gathering loved ones. Its shared dining style naturally encourages interaction and celebration, making it easy for groups to bond over unique and flavorful dishes. The restaurant’s buzzing atmosphere, combined with stylish design elements like the dramatic open kitchen and fire-box back bar, creates a photogenic and festive vibe that elevates any event. The staff’s focus on personalized service is especially valuable for celebrations, guaranteeing that everything runs smoothly and that groups receive special attention. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal event, Girl & The Goat provides the elements needed to create lasting memories and define the quality of the occasion.
What kind of drinks and beverage options enhance the group experience at Girl & The Goat? The restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated wine list from around the world, alongside a cocktail program that features innovative, handcrafted drinks tailored to complement the menu’s bold, diverse flavors. This range allows groups to explore different pairings or share bottles to enhance the communal dining experience. Local beers and seasonal cocktails add variety and a touch of local flavor, appealing to all tastes within a group. Expert bartenders and knowledgeable staff assist in selecting drinks that harmonize with your group’s dining choices, contributing to a well-rounded experience. The drinks menu supports a social vibe, encouraging guests to linger and savor their time together, whether during dinner or at the bar afterward.
How easy is it to book and plan your meetup at Girl & The Goat? Given its popularity, securing a reservation at Girl & The Goat is strongly recommended, especially for larger groups. The restaurant offers an online reservation system for ease of planning, allowing guests to schedule their visit well in advance. For more extensive gatherings or private events, the management team provides customized event planning and menu tailoring services to ensure a seamless, personalized experience. Flexible hours, including late dinners and Sunday brunch, afford groups many options to fit their schedules. The restaurant’s staff is experienced in accommodating group needs, making the entire process, from booking to dining, straightforward and stress-free. This accessibility combined with the high-quality experience offered makes Girl & The Goat a top choice for group meetups in Chicago.