We’ve been deliriously anxious to review Little Goat Diner since it opened last December. And now we’re high fiving ourselves because it finally happened and it was so effing delicious.
If you live in Chicago you’re already in the know, but if not: Little Goat Diner is another delicious venture from The Girl and the Goat‘s Stephanie Izard. Yeah, the Stephanie Izard who’s a badass Top Chef, cookbook author and the object of our serious girl crush.
Oh, speaking of girl crushes, for this culinary adventure, we brought along friend, writer and bon vivant, Bobbi of Fresh and Foodie. Because if anyone knows good food and good booze, it’s Bobbi. Her recipes have a boozy flair and her bloody mary palate is just as discerning as ours.
Before we start, let’s get real. This place is crazy popular, and the wait can be epic. But Little Goat has waiting mastered. Upon arrival, the host/hostess grabs your phone number and texts you a link to a site that monitors your wait time and spot on the list. You get a text when your table is ready. Pure genius! This means you can grab a stroll, coffee or drink while you wait. Why doesn’t every restaurant do this?
After the magical text, we were seated at a sunny table by the window, which was awesome because we’re nosy bitches who like to people watch. The decor is modern-meets-traditional diner with lots of natural lighting. We’re obsessed with the branding since we’re advertising geeks like that.
Let’s discuss the bloody mary since it’s the real reason you’re here. Three words: Zip, zing, fireworks. The “Hair of the Goat” bloody mary is smoky, spicy and full of pickled flavor. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind mash-up of cultural tastes that just works: pickled onion juice, kimchi, masala and miso. The generous size makes this bloody a superb value.
Bobbi took the words out of our mouths. We were too busy slurping down the bloody and saying “oh my god.”
It’s one of the best bloody marys I’ve had recently. And this one has a goat cheese olive, which I can get behind.
Amen, sister. If you’re a regular reader of Fresh and Foodie, you know Bobbi’s passion for all things whiskey and bourbon. She ordered her bloody with Maker’s Mark and the oakiness of the bourbon played quite nicely with the pickled flavors.
We don’t quite know where to start with the food. The chefs at Little Goat have a knack for combining unlikely savory flavors in a way that blows your mind and thrills your tastebuds. Quite possibly, this could be the best brunch in the city right now. Bold statement, we know. But every bite was beyond incredible. Each one made us want to thank the food gods that we live in Chicago.
Pardon the hyperbole, but each dish we ordered was a stand out. In fact, we’d describe the Parathas Burrito as a knock out. Savory, pickly and wildly flavorful, packed in a crisp naan burrito.
Step aside, Chicken and Waffles. You’ve been had. This Bull’s Eye French toast has to-die-for fried chicken that gives this dish its crispy, rich and slightly sweet edge.
Yeah, we’ve told you we’re not just not that into omelettes. But there is always an exception to the rule. The eggs are simply a canvas for the savory, crunchy tastes.
We’d be amiss if we didn’t mention that Little Goat has a sidecar called Little Goat Bread, winner of Time Out Chicago’s Eat Out Award for Best New Coffee Shop. Here, you can grab coffee, sandwiches, freshly baked bread, pickled items and adult beverages. Get yourself a Little Goat, which is a latte made with Sumptown Espresso and goat’s milk. Go figure.
We could gush on, but you should just go to Little Goat Diner yourself. You can high five us later.
Hair of the Goat Bloody Mary: Our rating (scale of 1–5)
Taste: 5
Spicy: 4
Treats: 4
Creativity: 5
Overall: 4.5
