There is something truly satisfying about visiting one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants that’s full of prestige, quality and attractive people in their twenty-somethings. The enjoyment from the meal also skyrockets once you realize you don’t have to break the bank for it. Little Goat, Stephanie Izard’s most recent Randolph Street endeavor, serves as the perfect example for this type of restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Little Goat
Little Goat, a play off of Girl & the Goat (Izard’s original restaurant), has been on everyone’s radar since its doors opened on December 28th. It’s safe to say that Izard knows what she’s doing in the restaurant industry. Not only has she proven herself as a chef (some may recognize Izard’s name as Top Chef Season Four champion), but also as a restaurateur. Girl & the Goat opened in the summer of 2010 and has been raking in the accolades since.
While Girl & the Goat’s prices may be too steep for some college students, Little Goat truly is the place that will satisfy every college student’s urge to experience quality food, as well as a little taste of adventure. The majority of dishes fall under $15. Then, there’s location. Located a few blocks away from the Ogilvie Transportation Center, Little Goat is easy to get to. The food? Well, the quality is obviously there, especially when you actually get to witness Chef Izard in the kitchen cooking. And the menu is extensive enough for those of all tastes, with numerous breakfast, sandwich, burger and supper options served all day, everyday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Little Goat
Do be warned that even if you come at an off hour, expect a wait of up to an hour or more. Don’t stop reading, though – Little Goat is worth the wait. For the famished, walk into Izard’s bakery connected to Little Goat, grab an amazing bagel, have a delicious coffee and maybe meet others that share your state of purgatory.
Despite the trendy diner’s gorgeous hardwood floor interior and near perfect ambience, this so-called diner is not all about the aesthetics. The service is stellar. My waiter challenged me to try the ‘Kimchee & Bacon & Eggs & Pancakes Asian Style Breakfast Tasty Thing’. The bitterness of the kimchee worked together with the bacon’s smokiness and the egg’s richness to create an impeccable harmony that can only be described as delicious-ness. If that’s not enough, fill up with a milkshake. Specifically, the Smoked Pork & Toffee Crunch is a winner. Sounds weird, but order it. Seriously. Another popular item is the Bull’s Eye French Toast with a surprise egg inside, topped with crispy chicken and gooseberries.
Run Sprint to Chicago’s West Loop and fill your stomach at one of the few diners out there that will actually make you feel like you know what’s new in your city.
Address: 820 West Randolph Street (between Green Street and Halsted Street), Chicago IL, 60201
Hours of operation: Mon-Sun, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.