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Welcome to The Smoking Goat

The Smoking Goat in San Diego, CA, is a French-New American bar offering a unique dining experience. With a focus on pescatarian options and limited vegetarian choices, this women-owned establishment is known for its innovative cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant provides a range of amenities, including outdoor seating, a full bar, and gender-neutral restrooms. From the welcoming ambiance to the delicious dishes and creative cocktails, The Smoking Goat is a must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family.

The Smoking Goat: Reviews & Ratings

Steven R.
Steven R.

The Smoking Goat is a must-visit in San Diego! From the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional--the staff was friendly, attentive, and accommodating, making the entire experience even better. We started with the duck liver, which was incredibly flavorful and rich. The crispy bread paired perfectly with the sweet jam and tangy mustard, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. The steak tartare was another standout--fresh, high-quality meat with just the right seasoning to bring out its rich, delicious taste. we also had the mussels, and they did not disappoint! The sauce was incredibly well-balanced, complementing the natural brininess of the mussels without overpowering them. The flavors in the dish worked together beautifully

Molly J.
Molly J.

Food was amazing! We went to the Valentine's Dinner, and they had a set menu for starters, main, and dessert. We had French onion soup for our starter, and it was so cheesy and delicious. They used veal broth so it was so flavorful. They did add a few pieces of bread in there which I could've done without. I didn't particularly love the bread. Then I had some scallops on top of a risotto with fennel and green apple salad on top. Scallops were a little sandy but it was good overall. The duck was so flavorful and so delicious. Probably the best duck I've tried. The goat cheese cheesecake tasted a little too goat-y. Otherwise it was fluffy and good. Flourless chocolate cake was rich and decadent. Very delicious. Service was amazing. Our server was very proper and communicated everything to us very well. He was very attentive and we felt taken care of. The only thing we didn't love was sitting outside. That was the only option available for us for our reservation time, and it wasn't horrible but it didn't seem as nice as the inside. The people closest to the heater seemed to have control over the heater and they turned the heater off a few times because they were so close to it, but that affected the whole outdoor area and it got super cold unfortunately. It was a bit pricey but expected for a French restaurant/food quality.

Jeffrey Z.
Jeffrey Z.

What an amazing Restaurant Week experience! Elegant, classy but humble atmosphere that makes chatting at the table easy and comfortable. Service was friendly and very timely also! The highlight, of course, were the food and drinks. The mule and lily rose were perfectly balanced and well worth it. The steak we had was probably one of the best I have ever had in my life, and the fries were light, crispy, yet also potatoey. The biggest pleasant surprise was the poached pear salad. It was a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and subtle, smooth blue cheese! One of the best dining experiences I have had in a while. Overall 9/10

Ashley M.
Ashley M.

Great portion dishes packed with flavor. I had the duck dish and everyone else at the table wanted some. Fun decor to fit the vibe. Plus the location is great - I love this area of North Park. More of a hidden gem and not as crowded as University Ave.

Andrew W.
Andrew W.

The smoking Goat review This restaurant allowed you to waiting for your table . And they waited you to confirm the night before . But they have good drinks here. If you have a reservation. Awesome place to go. You don't have to do any dishes. Ambiance great place .

Heather W.
Heather W.

Incredible food. This is a place to impress - whether it's an anniversary dinner, birthday, date night, outing with friends, you are going to have a great meal. I was about to say it was my first time but apparently I came (and reviewed) a decade ago! Shame I didn't come back for a do-over sooner as my other experience isn't really indicative of the potential. We came this past week for a birthday celebration with a small group (5). Got the baked brie to start and share....delicious and lovely presentation. I got the french onion soup, which is a staple of french cuisine, and did not disappoint. Cheese lovers unite! For my entree I selected the Maple Leaf Duck a l'orange​ which was magnificent and I highly recommend. Others selected the Duroc Pork Chop, which I sampled. A totally different flavor profile than my dish but also excellent. For desert...had to get Griddled Banana Bread "Bananas Foster." Probably my all time favorite desert there is. It was perfection...along with the complimentary creme brûlée for the birthday boy (always a nice gesture that is becoming more rare in today's world). Service was great and well attentive. Street parking in the area was fairly easy, but it was a Monday evening pre-christmas. Allow for some time as you never know.

Nina S.
Nina S.

The Smoking Goat in North Park was pretty nice!! We started with the cauliflower and crispy spanish octopus. Both apps were absolutely delicious. The octopus, in particular, was perfectly cooked and the drizzle of sauces were packed with flavor. For my main course, I had the Scottish salmon. Unfortunately it was just a touch undercooked for me, but the overall dish was still beautifully prepared and delicious! The cozy and intimate atmosphere is what truly sets it apart!! It's the kind of nice dinner spot that makes you want to grab drinks and linger a bit longer. I also highly recommend the drinks. Strong and delicious! Our server was amazing, warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, which made our entire evening feel seamless and enjoyable. The only reason I docked a little star was cause the food took a longer than expected to arrive, although, it was well worth the wait. We were there for more than 2 hours. Some meals take longer to make than others, so it was fine for us. They also gave us a birthday crème brûlée for an our birthday celebrant, which was super nice. Overall, The combination of great service, incredible flavors, and inviting ambiance made our dinner a pretty memorable night for us. I can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu!

Seetha G.
Seetha G.

We visited the Smoking Goat for my son's birthday and all of us were blown away by the experience. We started off with the escargot drenched in herb butter, duck liver pate served with cheese and fruit jams and a deceptively unassuming appetizer simply called Cauliflower. Each appetizer that came out continued to delight us more than its predecessor. For the main course, we tried the Steak Frites, Maine Diver Scallops, Rocky Jr Chicken and the Wild Mushroom Linguini. Just when we thought they couldn't top the appetizers, each entree was on point ! We were too full for dessert but they brought out a cute complimentary dessert for my son. Two thumbs up!!

Bel H.
Bel H.

Have not been here for years. Came back to celebrate hubby's bday. Still love the place, Rustic, cozy and inviting. Although the food took a little time our server was very attentive, helpful and kind. Recommendation: -Crispy Spanish octopus -Wild Mushroom Linguini -Maple Leaf Duck a l'orange​ -Duroc Pork Chop -Scottish Salmon -wedge salad -Crème Brulee vanilla bean- for the birthday cake. let's not forget the simple yummy freshly baked bread. My hubby was about to order his steak. The star food of the night ( I think ) Special dish turkey confit recommended by our server Allan R. , soooo glad the bday celebrant ordered that instead of the steak. It was mouth watering, meat was moist practically falling off the bone. The turkey leg meat was tenderly cooked to perfection. The meat was soft and can be easily shredded but with a slight crispness to the skin that is utterly delightful ( MUST TRY, not on the menu, pls ask) Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine. Parking : -Cross street Upas St. -30th, Upas, 29th, and Myrtle are the best locations to find parking. -Public transit Bus stop at 30th street and Upas Definitely coming back. Highly recommended. Giving it a 4.5 star - It was quite a wait for the food.

Location

Located in the heart of San Diego, The Smoking Goat is a French - New American - Bars restaurant that offers a unique dining experience for its patrons. This women-owned establishment prides itself on being inclusive and open to all, with gender-neutral restrooms and a full bar to cater to every guest's needs.

The Smoking Goat goes above and beyond in terms of utilities, offering a range of options such as takeout, delivery, and even catering services. They also provide pescatarian dishes for seafood lovers and have limited vegetarian options available. With their commitment to sustainability, they use compostable containers and plastic-free packaging, ensuring a greener dining experience for all.

The restaurant's location at 3408 30th St San Diego, CA 92104, makes it a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. Their menu showcases a fusion of French and New American cuisine, with dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty meat dishes to delectable seafood options, The Smoking Goat has something for everyone.

As a food reviewer, I can attest to the quality and flavor of the dishes at The Smoking Goat. The attention to detail in every plate is evident, and the flavors are bold and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner spot or a place to enjoy happy hour specials with friends, The Smoking Goat has you covered. Don't miss out on trying this gem of a restaurant in San Diego!