Girl and the Goat Menu: Signature Dishes, Concept & What to Order

Girl and the Goat is known for chef Stephanie Izard's creative, globally-inspired small plates built around bold, layered flavors. The restaurant is famous for its goat dishes (braised goat shoulder, goat liver mousse, goat empanadas), wood-fired vegetables (especially the charred shishito peppers and wood-roasted cauliflower), and the roasted pig face — a now-iconic dish that helped establish Izard's reputation after winning Top Chef Season 4. The goat milk soft serve dessert is also a signature.

Stephanie Izard is the chef and co-owner of Girl and the Goat. She won Top Chef Season 4 in 2008 and became the first woman to win the competition. In 2013, she won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes — one of the most prestigious culinary honors in the United States. She has since opened additional concepts including Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat (Chicago), and Girl and the Goat locations in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The original Girl and the Goat is at 800 W Randolph Street in Chicago, Illinois (60607), in the West Loop neighborhood — one of Chicago's most celebrated dining corridors. There are also Girl and the Goat locations in Los Angeles and Seattle. For current hours, reservations, and addresses for all locations, visit girlandthegoat.com.

Yes. Girl and the Goat takes reservations, typically through Resy or OpenTable — check the official website for the current booking platform and availability. The restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends, and reservations can book out weeks in advance. A limited number of walk-in bar seats and standing room at the chef's counter are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, but this varies by night.

Girl and the Goat is a small-plates restaurant — the menu is designed for sharing. The restaurant recommends approximately 3–4 dishes per person for a full meal. For two people, a typical order might be two vegetable dishes, one protein, one pasta or grain, and a dessert to share. The staff is very willing to help guests build a meal — don't hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your party size and preferences.

Yes — the vegetable section of the menu is one of the restaurant's strongest. Dishes like the wood-roasted cauliflower, charred shishito peppers, sauteed green beans, and roasted beet salad are frequently cited as highlights even by non-vegetarians. The menu also includes vegetarian pasta dishes and grain bowls. The kitchen is generally accommodating for dietary restrictions — inform your server at the time of seating.

Girl and the Goat is a mid-to-upscale dining experience (priced in the $$$ range). Because it is a small-plates restaurant, a full dinner for two with cocktails or wine typically runs $80–$150+ per person depending on how many dishes you order and your drink selections. The restaurant does not publish prices online — the current menu with prices is posted on their official site at girlandthegoat.com, and staff will walk you through pricing at the table.

The dishes most consistently highlighted by critics, food writers, and returning guests include: the roasted pig face (a Chicago icon since the restaurant opened in 2010), charred shishito peppers with fish sauce vinaigrette, wood-roasted cauliflower, braised goat shoulder, sauteed green beans, and the goat milk soft serve for dessert. The bread service is also widely recommended as an opening move. Menus rotate seasonally so specific preparations change, but these categories remain anchors.

Girl and the Goat has a full bar with a rotating craft cocktail program, an extensive wine list focused on natural and biodynamic producers, and local craft beers on draft. Bar seating is available on a walk-in basis. For any current happy hour promotions or bar-specific menus, check the official website at girlandthegoat.com or call the restaurant directly — promotions vary by season.