
Girl & the Goat is a super popular spot in Chicago’s West Loop, started by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. It’s known for its fun, shareable plates with bold flavors -- think goat empanadas, crispy pig face, and lots of veggies done in creative ways. The vibe is lively and laid-back, and it’s been a go-to for food lovers since it opened in 2010.

Girl & the Goat has a warm, rustic-industrial vibe with wood beams, exposed brick, and quirky touches like vintage fireboxes and a big goat painting on the wall. The open kitchen and cozy booths make it feel like a fun dinner party in a stylish loft.

The name Girl & the Goat comes from chef Stephanie Izard’s last name, which refers to a type of mountain goat in French. She liked the playful sound of it and felt it was a fun, personal touch—especially after seeing a painting of a girl and a goat that inspired the final name.

There’s a tiny chef’s counter right next to the open kitchen at Girl & the Goat, and it’s one of the coolest spots in the whole place. It only seats a few people, but you get a front-row view of all the action and sometimes even little surprise bites handed over from the line -- perfect for solo dining.

The green beans at Girl & the Goat are a must-order—crisp, charred just right, and tossed in a bold mix of fish sauce vinaigrette, cashews, and chili. They hit that perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami with just a bit of heat. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple veggie into something craveable.

A gift from the kitchen - The chickpea fritters are crispy and dotted with crunchy chickpeas adding extra texture. They’re served with a rich, creamy goat yogurt that really brings the dish together. It’s a comforting bite with just the right mix of crispy and creamy.

The pig face at Girl & the Goat is surprisingly tender and packed with rich, smoky flavor. It’s served with crispy potato stix and a perfectly cooked sunnyside egg, adding a great mix of textures and a silky finish.

Every dish is packed with bold flavors and creative twists, making each bite exciting.

Grade: A