The Smoking Goat — Restaurant in San Diego

Let me start off by saying, if The Smoking Goat were a person, I'd probably want to take it out on a nice date, bring it flowers, and maybe even introduce it to my mom. And not just because I'm desperate for a home-cooked meal--because this place has the kind of charm and flavor that makes you rethink your life choices, especially the one where you thought visiting a lesser restaurant was a good idea. First and foremost, the customer service here is so good, it deserves its own Michelin star. The staff is friendlier than your grandma at Thanksgiving, and trust me, that's no small feat. They genuinely seem to care about your dining experience--almost like they're invested in your happiness. I half-expected them to offer me a loyalty card that also doubles as a therapy session by the end of my meal. Now let's talk about the food--oh, the food! Calling the portions "huge" is like saying the Empire State Building is "tall." The duck fat fries alone are a culinary revelation. I would consider starting a petition for them to be served at every future meal, from breakfast to brunch to "OMG, I've had a long day, gimme fries!" The pork chop deserves a standing ovation, and I'm not talking about the kind you give at a comedy show after a few too many drinks. I mean the kind where you put your phone down and just bask in the glory of perfectly cooked meat. And don't even get me started on dessert. The goat cheese cheesecake is so good, it might just sway your opinion on cheese entirely. Who knew something creamy and dreamy could also be tangy and fantastically flavored? If heaven had a dessert menu, I'm pretty sure this would be at the top of it. In summary, if you're in North Park and your taste buds are feeling adventurous, do yourself a favor and swing by The Smoking Goat. Your stomach will thank you, and who knows, you might just find yourself falling in love--either with the food, the staff, or perhaps a fantastical combination of both. Bravo to everyone who works there; you all deserve a gold medal for both culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality. I'll see you all again, possibly after I finish this...

We had reservations at 5 when they opened but arrived there a few minutes early. The door was open and the hostess at her station so I went to check in. Was politely told that they weren't open yet and if we could wait outside. They gave us a menu and we sat on their bench immediately outside the main door. A few minutes later, still before five, a group of three came along and went into the restaurant and were immediately seated by the hostess that told us to wait. We got up and were seated after that. Our waiter seemed new at his job and just small things could have been better. For example, he took down our order for appetizers but left abruptly when we knew what our main courses were. The baked brie was the best part of the meal. The other app we got was the French onion soup, which was the worst. It came out barely at room temperature, if not colder, which is impressive with melted cheese on top (that had also become cold). We sent it back but we saw what appeared to be then heating the soup up under a warmer. They returned with a new soup and this one was hot on the outside but again wasn't all the way heated on the inside. We were the second people in the restaurant and to be served mediocre cold soup twice was pretty insulting. The waiter didn't have very enlightening wine choices. Our entrees were good and we did go along with the waiters so so recommendation on wine. (Half chicken and the maple leaf duck a la orange). We were ready to leave and were waiting for the waiter to return but he was taking the order from a larger table that came in so we flagged down another waiter and asked for a to go box and the check and was basically told we weren't their table so he can't help us. A bus boy came over to clear our plates and again we asked for a to go box and never saw them again. After 10 to 15 minutes of waiting, we finally flagged down our waiter for the check and a to go box. Paid immediately and left. The meal total was 150 dollars for the two of us and it wasn't even worth half that price. Would not recommend...

Been coming to this place for about two months now. It has quickly become our favorite local restaurant.

The food is phenomenal and everyone (and I mean everyone) is delightful.

Let me break it down and explain my go-tos:

Appetizers: If you take nothing from this review but just one thing: get the baked brie. 12/10 amazingness. They put brie in a skillet, douse honey on it, add toasted almonds and give you crostini with it. Literally life changing.

2 cheese plate? Absolutely. I'm always mentally fighting between if the brie or the 2 cheese plate is my favorite. Just bury me in all their cheeses, guys. It comes with crostini, pear, strawberries, blueberries, balsamic, fig jam I could marry if it as allowed, and two cheeses of your choice. All of them straight up slap.

Entrees: This place is known for their pork chop. The potatoes and veggies that come with are meh but man do they cook that thing perfectly in the best type of glaze one can dream of.

Now although they are known for their pork chop my go-to? STEAK FRITTES BABY! They perfectly glaze the outside of this bad boy and the French fries? Literally please entomb me in them. They deep fry these babies three times and oh you'll hate all other French fries after!

Desserts: Cheesecake? Light and fluffy. Not overpowering. The sweet subtle ending to your night.

Banana break pudding? Very dense so not my fave for that reason but literally everyone else adores it. Pure decadence. I still recommend this one above the others if you want sweetness.

Crema brûlée? Soft, pillowy, you'll wanna lay your head down in it and have it whisper you a story to bed.

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Alex runs the show and does so specifically making sure everyone is remembered and cared for. He's come by our table numerous times for no reason but to ensure our satisfaction.

Special should put to Alan for being an awesome server every time but also to all the bus boys who are always smiling, have a great attitude, and always go out of their way.

As someone from SD this is one of my few "you gotta...