Fab Review: Duck Duck Goat

Duck Duck Goat is the newest restaurant from Top Chef, Stephanie Izard, which is located in the West Loop. It is part of the Boka Restaurant Group along with Izard’s other two restaurants, Girl & the Goat and Little Goat. Believe all the hype, this restaurant does not disappoint!

Izard’s twist on classic Chinese cuisine is creative yet authentic. The menu is inspired by Izard’s travels as well as her childhood favorites.

{Ambiance}
Duck Duck Goat’s large space is broken up into several elaborately decorated rooms. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the attention to the details in the décor.

The first room near the entrance of the restaurant has exposed brick with mirrors and artwork lining the walls. This space can accommodate larger groups as some of the tables have Lazy Susans.

If you keep walking past the first room, you will find high-top tables as well as seating around a pavilion-like bar with string lights hung around it. Behind the bar, you can catch a glimpse into the kitchen.

To the left of the bar is a room decorated with floral wallpaper and mirrors. If you plan on taking pictures, this is the best area to sit in because a lot of natural light comes in through the windows.

Keep walking toward the back of the restaurant and you will find a room fit for a large party. This room is decorated with mirrors and framed pictures of waterfalls on the walls.

Finally, the last room at the very back of the restaurant is a small lounge area with a bar.

{Food}
The extensive menu is broken up into the following sections; dim sum, soups, cold dishes, noodles, fried rice, dishes, sides, and large dishes. The dishes are creative and authentic as can be expected from any of Stephanie Izard’s restaurants.

Scallion Pancakes
When I go to a restaurant more than once I try to pick different plates. However, I have ordered the scallion pancakes both times I have been there because they are absolutely delicious! They are served with a hoisin sauce and coleslaw, which pairs perfectly.

Jaizo
The potstickers are one of my favorite items on the menu. They are filled with beef short rib and bone marrow. The beef is tender while the bone marrow is rich without overpowering the rest of the flavors.

Octopus, Cucumber, and Peanut Salad
The Octopus salad is light and refreshing. The ingredients are not what you would expect in a salad. The flavorful combination of octopus, cucumbers, peanuts, bean sprouts, and chopped chilies are enjoyable.

Slap Noodles
There are two different types of slap noodles to choose from. They offer the beef slap noodles with short rib ragu and luobo radish as well as the shrimp slap noodles with goat sausage, eggplant, and mushrooms. I chose the latter and it was an excellent choice. All the ingredients mix very well together for a flavorful dish.

Silver Needle Noodles
Another one of my favorite dishes is the Silver Needle Noodles. It is served in a light and savory broth with clams and bacon. These hand-rolled noodles have a great chewy texture that goes well with the distinct flavors in this dish.

Gai Daan Jai (Hong Kong Egg Waffles)
Egg waffle desserts have become quite popular recently, but Duck Duck Goat has my favorite in the city. The egg waffle is crispy and served with a delicious and creamy sweet potato ice cream, bullet chile strawberries, and shaved peanut brittle.

At the end of your meal they bring out some almond cookies served on a cute plate with two ducks and a goat on it. Included with the cookies are a fun fortune on a small pin.

{Experience}
Duck Duck Goat is one of my favorite new restaurants because the plates are inventive, but still traditional. Although I have already gone twice in the few weeks it’s been open, I definitely will be going back to try more of their delicious plates!

FAB TIP: Reservations book up fast and only limited seatings are available on Open Table for the next couple of months. Try calling the restaurant directly to make a reservation.

{Location}
Duck Duck Goat
West Loop || 857 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 902-3825

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Have you been to Duck Duck Goat? What are your thoughts? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions are those of the writer.