This place used to be a tail to snout farm to table bottle of awesome sauce. The cutting edge chef left and now it's not as adventurous as it was. Homemade pizza good burgers and a top flight cocktail service are what brings people now. It's fun to get a bunch of folks to share the small plates.
(4)
Heather V.
We had dinner there last night, party of 9, at the Chef's table. Our reservations were at 6:00. We had an OK experience, which is why I'm only giving 3 stars. It felt like we were being hurried through the whole meal. We found out that they had another reservation in that room at 8:00. Whenever you have more than 6 people, you can almost guarantee a 3 hour meal. This was a family gathering and we didn't feel we could linger. The waitress talked very fast, rambled through the specials so quickly, we had to have her repeat them. The food came out really fast. The food was OK too, nothing really stood out. I had the Bistro Steak. It was flank steak that should have been sliced very thin before it was brought out. The steak knives they provided could not slice the meat very thin and it was difficult to try and slice. Others at the table tried different things, like the blackened catfish, NY Steak, soft shell crab, chicken and waffles...again, nothing wowed anyone. The Chef's table is nice and it can be closed off from the rest of the restaurant, so it is good for a larger group to converse.
(3)
Meg G.
Ordered fried oyster, Mac and cheese with pork belly and waffle and chicken!! I wasn't big fan or fried oyster from blue goat but everything else was great!!! Waffle and chicken tastes amazing with great portion!! Great service and nice out door seating Will come back again
(4)
Andy B.
Was very excited upon entering this beautiful location. Then I saw the beer draft menu with a beer flight and my wife and I actually said this place is getting 5 stars. Then came the service, or lack there of. We were always looking for our waitress. Beers once ordered were slow to be delivered, emptied and awaiting our waiter to be refreshed. Food was delivered as ordered, all 8 of our meals were correct and underwhelming. I ordered the bistro steak with sweet potato gnocchi. Steak temperature was correct but lacked flavor. Sweet potato gnocchi was dry. Meals were consumed, no desert menu was offered. We waited a long time for our waiter to come check on us so we could get our checks.
(3)
Gabrielle S.
Warning: this is not for their food, as we only had an appetizer (crab dip, which was tasty but nothing to write home). I had a great time having drinks with friends at The Blue Goat! The drinks were VERY good! I tried their version of a blueberry mojito that was very refreshing with just the right amount of each ingredient to ensure one flavor did not overpower another. The ambiance was also very pleasing! The customer service was excellent, and we even had a small conversation with the owner who was out conversing and having a good time at the bar with his patrons, which is always a nice touch. I will definitely go back and try their food so that I am able to update my review.
(4)
Katie B.
I love the decor, seating, look and feel of this restaurant. It's basically a hip fan restaurant but not in the fan. It's located on Libby close to U of R. The parking situation is also ideal because they have a whole lot in the back for those that aren't into parallel parking. I loved the beer selection and they had a speciality cocktail list but it didn't quite make sense. My friends ordered a drink named after a Willy Wonka character that was really good but I just didn't get how the name went with the restaurant. We also ordered 3 appetizers to share. All of them were good but nothing exceptional and all that different than anything I've had before. We tried the macaroni and cheese, tot-chos(loaded tator tots and the barbeque on top was YUMMY), and crab dip. I look forward to going back for a full dinner to really give the menu a decent shot. This place definitely has potential and I know a lot of people that LOVE it!
(3)
Anne S.
Average service. Average food. Average prices. Went in for brunch at 12pm on a saturday. The hostess was neither pleasant nor rude. The waitress came several minutes later to take our drink order. She gave us weird vibes the whole time. She was either nervous, hung over, or clueless. At one point my friend asked me, "Do you think our waitress is okay?" She laughed at odd moments, took several seconds to answer us, or would be staring off into space. To the food: We got the FRIED GREEN TOMATO appetizer. It was the only above-average dish (4 stars). Crispy fried tomato with pimento cheese, country ham, and marinated tomatoes. Tasty! I ordered the FRITTATA. It had gruyere, red potatoes, red bell pepper, celery, and onion. It was topped with greens and a corn relish. The eggs were over cooked and very bland, the potatoes were overly salted, and there was no gruyere cheese. I asked the waitress for a side of gruyere; she stared at me, laughed, and then said, "sorry, I was trying to remember if we have gruyere." ?????? I covered the FRITTATA in hot sauce, cheese, and ketchup. It was better. The portion size was generous, which is the only reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1. DO NOT ORDER THIS. 2 STARS. Friend got the CRAB CAKE BENNIE. I tasted it and thought it was fine. Probably 3.5 stars. Overall, this was a strange dining experience. The two-top tables are strangely close together so it feels like you are dining with the people next to you. Also, the draft from the cold is intense. We were freezing at our table the whole time. I don't think I'd give this place another go.
(3)
Ashwin M.
In Richmond for a friend's wedding, we wandered into town and decided to try Blue Goat for lunch on the day we arrived. Outdoor seating on an amazing day definitely made our experience pleasant. We shared a few different appetizers and loved them all - fried green tomatoes, roasted okra and mac and cheese, yum! Highly recommend the Kentucky Hot Brown! Very interesting presentation with hot turkey served open faced on bread, oozing with cheese, gravy, bacon and tomatoes. My friends also enjoyed their veggie burger and margarita pizza. Wash it all down with a beer, great selection of draughts on the menu. We chose some of the local VA brews.
(4)
Tony H.
Just prior to the last two weeks of stifling heat we ate outside and had excellent service, the food was just as the service was, and we had an enjoyable experience. We dined w/ another couple and I discovered their food must have been as good as mine. Since we had such a beautiful day it made everything refreshing...my salad was yummy, crisp and chilled! It had a nice presentation. All local produce !!
(4)
Christina O.
(Drunk in Love...My Burger Love Remix) I been thinking I been thinking. These burgers looked mighty good.... So I start eating I start eating.... That beef was flavorful I want more....nah nah. Can't wait to get my hunger back I want more nah nah....Burger Love! A tried and true restaurant fave. Being the burger connoisseur that I am....I would rate this a yum, yum, yummy type of of burger and fries plate. The angus was cooked to perfection and to my surprise (probably on the menu, but I missed it) there were a few slices of delish bacon on my sandwich. The parmesan fries were definitely a side item hit. I did not have an adult beverage this time...only water. Shocking, I Know! But I wanted to keep it simple since I did go there following a dance workout. This place appeared to be a Friday night hot spot as the bar was full and most tables were occupied. We did get immediate seating and that was nice, of course it helped make the experience even better. This is a definitely a "return to" spot that I am looking forward to returning to some day soon. Burger Love!
(4)
jan m.
Yum...always enjoyable. Last time there we had only appetizers, six in all, and beer. Great bargain, each wonderfully prepared and presented. The portions were generous, and we had lunch for the next day.
Came here for Restaurant Week with a friend. It was such a nice day that we decided to sit outdoors, so I didn't really get a good look at the restaurant's interior, but memorable items included some T-shirts displayed on a shelf behind the hostess and a small, stuffed animal blue goat. There seemed to be quite a few booths/tables indoor, as well as interesting paintings on the wall. Our server was very friendly and attentive, making the trek outside to check on us periodically. He was very patient with us after we took forever looking at the menus to decide what to order, and my friend Eveline and I also had a lot to catch up on, so we dragged our meal on to about two hours long. In the end, we realized two hours had passed by already (we had plans to catch the 9:30PM showing of The Grand Budapest Hotel next door), so we rushed inside to get our check and pay, for which our waiter was very understanding and accommodating. The food itself was great! What stood out to me the most was the stunning presentation. Portions were on the smaller side, but the quality was phenomenal. Everything tasted very fresh and flavorful, and nothing was exceedingly heavy. My three-course meal consisted of vegetable consome, duck breast, and pineapple upside-down cake. See attached photos. All in all, delicious and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Jessica P.
Went here for dinner and just missed happy hour! But it seems like they have a relatively good one for this part of Richmond. The ambiance is very cool and Richmondy and they have a great chef's room that seems cool for groups. We got fried okra and the "Totchos" to start. The fried okra were crispy and coated in a classic southern batter, served whole with a tomato based sauce- overall I would say they were very good if you like fried okra. The "Totchos"- tater tots with pulled pork, mournay sauce, and a bunch of other stuff were a little much. My husband liked them, but I thought they needed something to cut all of the richness. For our meal I got Cioppino (on special), my husband got the pork belly and our parents got a burger and a pizza. The Cioppino was okay- none of the clams had opened while cooking but the other seafood was relatively tender and flavorful, definitely not like west coast Cioppino but not a disappointment. My husbands pork belly was delicious. It was served with collards that were extremely sweet- not our favorite, but definitely one way to cook them. The burger and pizza were reliably good, but nothing special.
(3)
Liz J.
The blue goat is a great place to go when you want to try something a little different. I've never eaten goat meat before, and did have to psychologically prepare myself for the goat sausage on my pizza, and it turned out to be an adventure worth making. My Blue Goat Pizza was absolutely delicious. Thin crust, but not too thin, a good combination of goat and mozzarella cheeses, and an unexpected yet very nice drizzle of balsamic. Meat lovers out there would be disappointed in the amount of sausage, as there was only one piece per slice, but for someone who is new to goat meat or just not all that into massive amounts of meat on your pizza, it's a good amount. The French dip was pretty good, but the fries it was served with were nothing special. The texture and flavor reminded me more of fries you would get at a county fair and drench in vinegar, rather than the ketchup. We also seemed to get the duds of the batch - all the fries were so small that they were actually difficult to pick up. The disappointing part of the meal was the appetizer - by far the worst fried green tomatoes I've had. If you're going it to have that on your menu in Richmond, VA, you really need to deliver. Again I think we got the duds of the batch, as we seemed to have gotten an end piece of the tomato and the toppings didn't sit on it quite right. The breading was crispy and had a nice flavor, but the tomatoes were too thick, the bacon was too soft, and the sauce just wasn't very good. Service could be stepped up a notch as well. Our server disappeared after we were served our food and never came back to check on us. We had finished our meals long before she came by to ask if we were ready for the check. She was perfectly friendly, but needed to stop by a little more often. Also, don't trust the menu on the website: I mentioned to the server that the online menu was very different than what was on our table, and she said that it is rarely updated online, and offers dishes they haven't had in over a year. I would probably go back if there was an opportunity, but it wouldn't be my first choice of restaurants.
(3)
Kay B.
They had me at "tot-chos" We numbered two adults and a 12 year old and enjoyed a delightful meal. We all like the look and openness to the decor. I'm a grazer so went with the tot-chos, fried green tomatoes and a mixed green salad knowing others would sample. Husband got the chicken and waffles since we'd never had and the 12 year old had a burger. Everyone enjoyed their meals. There are many other options that are worth a return trip. Daughter will redo the burger over and over. A little picky so she ate around the Parmesan cheese on the fries. Chicken and waffles worth trying but would not repeat unless I'm looking for a carbo load. The only minor disappointment was the salad - it was overdressed for me. I'm not a "dressing in the side" girl but would request when we return.
(4)
David H.
Solid spot. Beautiful inside, nice patio, decent service. kale chips were delicious (a little oily). Not a fan of the smoked tater tots (aka fried mash potatoes), but the dipping sauce saved them. Lamb meatballs had great flavor. Shrimp and grits were good. It was more like a soup, but the ingredients in it were good - chorizo, vegetables, shrimp, and tasty grits
Some things are not meant to be elevated/fancified, chicken and waffles among them. I ordered said dish on my first visit to The Blue Goat yesterday and was underwhelmed, especially for the $15 price tag. The savory scallion waffle, tender pea shoots, and BBQ walnuts were all delicious, and I was pleased that the maple syrup was real, but the chicken was...meh. It was so tender it was almost soggy, rendering the fried coating equally mushy, and had too much going on seasoning-wise. I wouldn't order it again, but I would be curious to try some of the other inventive-sounding menu offerings, including the pulled pork breakfast hash and oyster-egg scramble. My SO's meal was much better than my disappointing chicken and waffles, and far more affordable at $8. He ordered two poached eggs with country ham, grits, and toast. The grits were my favorite part, nubby, creamy, and with a subtle hint of onion flavor. As others have noted, the hostess was polite and efficient but not particularly warm. Our server was lovely; attentive but not overbearing. We were pleased to note that The Blue Goat offers numerous well-priced happy hour drink specials and will definitely be returning to give those a try, along with some of the dinner food. As far as the clientele/ambiance here, I think "overabundance of privilege" sums it up pretty well. The place is a stone's throw from U of R, after all. Thank God for the enormous ironic-tacky neon paintings of goats; the rest is all barn wood and whitewashed brick and zzz.
(3)
Taryn R.
My husband and I came in just for drinks during our hour and a half wait for a restaurant a few doors down. We both enjoyed expertly made Moscow mules before trying Porch Sippin from their cocktail menu. Amazing! The fresh fruit and mint made it totally worth the $9. Our wait time kept getting pushed back (thanks Burger Week), so we stayed put for dinner. Hands down, best burger of my life. The bartender is a godsend for suggesting it. Also had the crab dip, which was delicious. We'll definitely be back, and soon.
(5)
Brandon P.
My wife and I came here for lunch and we were both very pleased with the service, atmosphere and quality of the food that we ordered. I had the oyster po boy and my wife ordered pizza. Both were very good; however, I have to admit the pizza was way above my expectations. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and ensured that we had whatever we needed through the course of the meal. I really liked the atmosphere of this place from the interesting decor/pictures to the trendy bathroom. We will certainly be back here again!
(4)
Julie R.
I've been wanting to try The Blue Goat for a while, but their menu was too crazy, even for this foodie. However, I just recently found out that they'd updated their menu to some less crazy/scary food options. Their fried oysters were some of the best I've ever had. They came with pickled cabbages, thinly sliced pickles and then a remoulade that was slightly like tarter sauce. I'm also a big pizza fan, so I always give pizza a try when it's on the menu. We got the margarita pizza and it was very good. The crust wasn't as thin as I was expecting, but it was good and had a nice "chew" to it. We also had the burger.. "burger" makes it sound way more boring than it was though. It had bacon, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and I can't remember what else. It was certainly good, but nothing crazy. Lastly, we had the crab cake sandwich. This was also good, but not rave worthy. It has a nice flavor and a decent amount of crab. I'll definitely go back.. there were a lot of things on the menu I wanted to try. Although, next time I'll definitely make a reservation.
(4)
Heather L.
I used to like this place. Never loved it, but I liked it ok. The food seems not worth the money anymore. It seems as though this place went all glorified bar food on me. Most things are fried or cheese laden. Not really for me. Oh and also, didn't this menu have goat on it at one time?? Not anymore. I live for well cooked goat. Such a letdown.
(3)
Bob S.
This was my first visit to the GOAT. Our daughter and future son in law live in Richmond and they brought us there. The bar was packed, but the staff seemed to be handling quite well. We had reservations and were seated at once. The looked very interesting. My son in law had the deviled eggs and he raved about the dish. I have the fried oysters. I couldn't believe how many they gave me. There was enough for two. For entries my wife had shrimp and grits and gave them 5 stars. My daughter had the crab cake and couldn't finish it. It too was large. My son in law had the steak and though it was good but nothing to rave about. I had the soft shell crabs. They perfectly prepared and huge . That alone rated 6 stars. Overall the food was great, the service was excellent, and since my son in law paid the price was beautiful.
(5)
Greg L.
Had soft shell crab entree and they were outstanding! Previous night at Southbound had the same and absolutely no comparison. They were large, meaty and very well prepared. And there was a starch and vegetable medley so it was a complete meal; Southbound just 2 tiny soft shells, more an appetizer than a meal.
(5)
Matt B.
The flavor depth, distinguished profiles, complex notes, and execution creativity of the cuisine at The Blue Goat is enough to call this modern-hipster-chic kitchen as good as it gets in Richmond, VA. There has been a distracting buzz about Richmond and in other reviews about a downward spiral at The Blue Goat; Perhaps a departure from the a-typical menu adorning it's tables or a modification in kitchen staff. The haters need to stop hating. This was an immaculate meal from start to finish - decor, ambiance, service, and flavors. The decor is clean, modern, and stylish and our service was superb from start to finish with no hiccups. Taking queues from the kitchen, we ordered all 4 specials for the evening: a take on Oysters Rockefeller, an indian-inspired Rockfish appetizer, lump crabcakes with succotash, and Sheepshead fish paired with johnnycakes. The baked oysters were paired with pimento cheese, kale, a pancetta (or similar) salt-rich meat, and a scorchingly hot chili sauce. The dense rich flavors of the Rockefeller clearly respected their namesake - the sweet and tangy chili sauce paired well with the salty pancetta filling; the creamy cheese melding with a crispy kale topping; and the heat-laden pop of the hot sauce melding with the kale created a perfect one-bite combination. The Rockfish dish was billowing with indian aromas upon arrival and perfectly cooked topped with some baby greens and surrounded by a delicious mint-chutney-like yogurt. The chickpea fritters reminded me of a simpler-take on a samosa, filled with curry aromas and pairing perfectly with the cooling chutney flavors of the yogurt. To add even more depth to the dish and the presentation, some beautifully caramelized onions and fruity notes of raisins (or similar) accompanied the fish. These appetizers sure set the bar high for the rest of the meal, and it did not disappoint. The sheepshead fish had a beautifully crispy broil on each flaky piece and the chunks of filet were served over a roasted corn Johnnycake. A wonderfully acidic vinaigrette coated the roasted endives surrounding the plate; adding a bright contrast to the dense cornmeal pancake. A visually sharp spread of edamame puree circled the fish, respectful and perfectly flavored on its own, accompanied by a ring of chorizo oil. This dish screams simplicity and complexity at the same time. I found myself eating bits and bites of different combinations throughout the meal, not one bite was the same! The lump crabcakes appeared to be a bit too caramelized, but packed a perfectly sweet crunch to the outside of the patty. The portion of crab was generous enough to have leftovers, and while the percentage of breading may have been too hefty - the flavor was perfect and did not overpower the delicate crab. The succotash consisted of lima beans, splitpeas, pinto beans, and cherry tomatos with a sweet and acidic dressing. Circling this dish was a bright and aromatic roasted red pepper sauce to slosh your herb-covered fingerling potatoes through. This meal couldn't end here, so we proceeded to down each of our own desserts: a chocolate-oatmeal cookie icecream sandwich with Nutella gelato and a cornmeal pineapple upsidedown cake with jalapeno icecream. The upsidedown cake is a stroke of genious that may tie my favorite dessert (La Grotta's Tiramisu) in flavor and blows away any other I have ever had in creativity. The cornmeal cake was reminiscent of buttery cornbread but light enough to feel like a cake; the syrup and sugary pineapple brought it to a dessert level; and the jalapeno ice cream complete with cool-and-creamy notes and a sharp after-spice all played into a beautiful crescendo of complex flavors. This meal, start-to-finish, was expertly crafted, prepared, and served.
I cannot fathom why this place is not rated any higher. The food is outstanding! We had the deviled eggs, fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, crab dip, and pork belly. Each dish was delicious and inventive. The pork belly was amazing. The craft cocktails were also very good. Service is a tad slow, but chalk that up to attention to detail.
(5)
Cara M.
Ok so apparently you can persuade me to put my left pinky toe back into Blue Goat.. My husband and I returned to celebrate our second wedding anniversary tonight and were not disappointed. We started off with the shrimp and grits fritters and they were very good. Crispy on the outside very tasty on the inside. I got the Hawaiian pizza which was so good I apparently felt the need to dig in so fast I burnt my tongue. The pizza was a little heavy but there are a lot of toppings so that's to be expected. My husband got the crab cakes which were phenomenal!! Everything about the dish knocked it out of the park, highly recommend. We ended up getting the banana ice cream with the croissant, chocolate and whip cream. It was good but we were sad they were out of the lemon pie which our server gave very high remarks. All in all a much better experience. Our server was attentive without being annoying, she was knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge without seeming pushy. The bartender was also very nice (since we were sitting close to the bar) made sure my husbands game was on the TV which is always a crowd pleaser. Thanks Blue Goat - in the words of Loyd Christmas, "you've totally redeemed yourself!"
(4)
Tsa Y.
The appetizer was one spoonful of bad ideas presented beautifully The main course was three spoonful of mediocrity The dessert was a spoonful of organic, local, grass-fed sugar
(2)
Robert W.
Found this place by searching Yelp. Overall the reviews were good so we decided to give it a try, glad we did, it was a nice time. We didn't order any entrees, just a bunch of small plates and appetizers. Cheese Board - 3-Stars Decent selection of cheese, preserves and mustard. A bit overpriced for what you get. Smoked Tatertots - 2-Stars too smoky, we did not like them. Blue Goat Flat Bread - very good, 5-Stars, we ordered two. Desert - 4-Stars, had the pecan with gelato. Delicious
(3)
Michelle C.
I had the oysters Rockefeller. The topping was ham and pimento cheese. The cheese was awesome but overpowered the oysters. Too bad. The lamb meatballs were off the charts-moist and well seasoned. As always the chocolate pate was amazing! Nice wine selection and well priced.
(4)
Brian W.
I love this place. I am usually not a tapas/small plates guy, but the food here is delicious and the atmosphere is awesome. Very relaxing and casual, with just enough of a hint of upscale. Good for just about everything. A quick solo bite at the bar, date night, lunch with friends etc.
(4)
PizzaTheHut X.
Do NOT get the Bahn Mi sandwich. It's literally nothing close to what a Bahn Mi sandwich should be, and everything it shouldn't be. The bread is thick and chewy, and it tastes like a bad American sub. The one thing you can't mess up is the bread, and they have it completely wrong. The bread needs to be flaky and melt in your mouth. Not think and chewy. I like all of Eat's restaurants, including the Blue Goat. I've never had an awful meal at any of the restaurants. The Bahn Mi Sandwich was a TERRIBLE meal.
(3)
Brock v.
We'd been by here many times without stopping in...their first menu iteration seemed contrived - not every animal and vegetable part is worth eating, so why try to make it so? After the menu changed, we decided to give it a try on a recent Friday night. A large and rowdy crowd at one end of the bar signals the tone at least early in the evening. Go later than 7:30 if you'd like to converse without shouting. We were a party of six long time friends, and were seated in one of the over-sized booths. Unfortunately that meant you could only see and converse with the four closest to you, and the two farthest away from you were out of touch. So, if you're a larger party, insist on a table. Service was absolutely underwhelming. Maybe she didn't feel well, was under-trained, or just not meant for this type of job, but there was no sense that she was happy that we chose to dine there. And, she rushed he entire experience, and offered no input or recommendation about the menu. I've had better experiences at much lower priced restaurants. Because we were rushed, I ended up with a hamburger - okay i'm a slow decision-maker, so without sufficient time to ruminate I'll do a default. It wasn't bad, but again, it didn't shine. And, it came fully dressed with things that I would have left off. The server could have been more explicit about the norm and offered options for a better experience. It came with about 2 oz. of mixed greens on the side as a "salad" because I opted to not get fries. Others in the party had shrimp and grits and a couple of specials. We also started with a crab dip. What sums it up is no one raved about their food, and there was no expression of "we can't wait to come back". Suffice to say I maybe would give them one more try, but unless the service and food became more noteworthy, I'll choose one of the hundreds of good options in this town.
(2)
Eric G.
Hands down best pizza in Richmond. Not a pizza place but awesome pies. House made cheese awesome crust. Done.
(4)
Kimberly S.
This restaurant makes me think of this random Saved by the Bell quote: "Hi I'm AC Slater. The AC stands for absolutely charmed." AC is exactly how I feel about the Blue Goat. Everything about my brunch at the Blue Goat was stupendous -- from the food, to the service, to the cute old-timey antique bathrooms complete with hanging chain flusher. Mimosas are light on oj and high in champagne. The french toast with elderflower honey and blackberry compote was THE most amazing french toast I have EVER had -- the only way to explain it's taste is NOMNOMNOMNOM. Our server was friendly, attentive and helpful in explaining all of the menu options to us. I can't wait to come back for dinner and try their famous pate!
(4)
Kate L.
I first visited The Blue Goat when it opened and decided to give it another try with a few friends. We went in for drinks and appetizers after work. The menu boasted numerous traditional southern dishes with modern flair. While not standout dishes, the Tot-Chos, Deviled Eggs and traditional hand cut friends were my favorite items of the night- simple dishes prepared well. The Mac and Cheese and Fried Green Tomatoes both seem under seasoned and were not finished by our party. My friends enjoyed both the Shrimp and Grit Fritters and the Crab Dip. We ended the meal with a slice each of their Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie and Lemon Custard Pie. Steer away from the Chocolate Peanut Butter pie and go all-in on the Lemon Custard. We all agreed that the Chocolate Pie missed the mark but the Lemon Custard was perfectly tart and satisfying. Other restaurants in Richmond appear to be delivering better on the promise of neo-southern comfort food but if you're in the Libbie/Grove area, Blue Goat is a nice option for a larger party.
(3)
Sierra L.
Took my mom out to lunch here. The food was wonderful - we shared the crab dip, I had the crabcake & my mom had the veggie burger. The food was DELICIOUS. The crab dip & crab cake had big chunks of crab meat. The veggie burger had great flavor & wasn't dry. The problem was with the time. We originally wanted to sit on the patio, but some guy was out there smoking, so we took a table inside. Everything after that took forever - from ordering our food, to getting the appetizer, getting our entrees - and it wasn't crowded! We were one of about 6 tables on a Tuesday. If I come back, it will probably be to pick up my food & take it home.
We are here a couple of months ago for dinner with a large group of friends. It was good, but not as much of a "Wow" experience as we were hoping for. Then we came back last week for brunch. It was excellent. Everyone at our table ordered a different meal and every single plate was clear by the end of meal. If you have a good sized group (8-10) I recommend asking for the room in the back. We have been in that room both times. You can see through the glass window to the kitchen which is kind of cool. We will definitely give it another chance for dinner.
(4)
Rick C.
Great place for just grabbing a drink at the bar or a full dinner. There are lots of specially added flavors to each dish - the same is even the case for the bread! The service was also very friendly and quick. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Megan P.
I had high hopes for this place. Open layout, good bar, promising reviews. The food was fine just nothing special. The salad dressing on the Caesar was lacking. The best part of our meal was the braised goat ravioli. Dessert was satisfying. The service was fine but they weren't particularly busy for a Sunday evening. Overall I was completely underwhelmed. Don't know if I'll be back unless I here of something particularly amazing being served.
(3)
Emmy A.
I used to love the Blue Goat. It was creative and interesting, and most importantly delicious. Now, the menu is best described as boring in both creativity and in taste. There are dozens of better restaurants in Richmond, I won't be back to this one again.
(2)
Blair W.
I was a bit disappointed with my first experience at The Blue Goat. First of all, the acoustics were awful, and my friends and I had a very hard time hearing one another and carrying on a conversation. Secondly, for the price, most of the portion sizes were quite small, especially since there were five of us splitting each item. The tuna steak was fabulous, but I was not overly impressed with most of our other choices. Overall, I feel like The Blue Goat is overpriced for what it offers and would not recommend it for a group outing.
(2)
Ray S.
The Blue Goat is a pretty cool place. I went here for drinks following a nice dinner out. I like the feel of he restaurant and all the food looked really good. I noticed some good happy hour specials on the board so go before 7 to get a good price on beer. I do plan on going back for dinner some time.
(4)
Marcia W.
First time visiting & I thougt it was fine. Shrimp & grits app was great in a comfort food kind of way. My friend ordered a fish special that was delicious (although the potato side was uninspired). I ordered the chicken sandwich: interesting topping combo (pear-pepper relish delicious!) but on overcooked chicken and droopy toast. Drinks were made very well & service was excellent. I'll go again.
(4)
Jarrod H.
Vegan pizza available and local brews. WinWin!
(5)
Alice C.
We came here for my birthday and they were very accommodating. The food was more on the expensive side, but very good. Half of the table got the mussels and I think they ended up running out of them because we ordered them all! They were fantastic; I still haven't had better mussels in Richmond. It's too bad they changed their menu, but I do hope they bring them back. We were able to bring our own cake without a plate fee, which was nice. Decent ambiance, although a bit small (like most places in Richmond). Everyone enjoyed their meal and the service was good.
(4)
Nicole M.
I absolutely love this place. I have been there for brunch, dinner, and just a few drinks at the bar, and have sat inside and outside. The service is excellent - informative and friendly. The food is super delicious (last meal there was a special - prime rib, sweet potato hash, and brussel sprouts - YOU GUYS). If you're just going for a drink, they have a good variety of beers with some creative, very tasty cocktails. Decor is fun and elegant without being obnoxious. They also have a really nice private room in the back for a large-ish party. This really is one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond - and that's saying something.
(5)
Tawheed H.
Excellent place to eat. Had a LARGE party of 15 for a bday, it became a plate passing and fork reaching fest. I liked everything that went in my mouth except for the burger w a doughnut as a bun, and not because of the doughnut. 3 of these were order at our table, I took a bite out of 1 and the meat was just bland, it needed some seasoning and flavor. After eating I asked the other two how theirs was, and they said it was seasoned well and flavorful. So try it for yourself!
(4)
Jill D.
Perfectly accommodated our large group. Service was perfect - not a detail missed. Food was great - from apps to entrees. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and look forward to coming back!
(5)
Erica A.
The Blue Goat is one of my new Richmond favorites. Their beer selection is amazing, and it's a modern, yet casual, cozy type place. I definitely think it lives up to it's "gastro-pub" label. We ordered a plethora of dishes on our visit there. The only thing I really didn't love was the pork cheeks. They were very dry and barely edible, which was surprising since everything else we had was so delicious. We started off with some adventure and tried to country rabbit pate with white truffle honey and balsamic drizzle. It was delicious. Everything worked together to create a perfect morsel: the pate, the white truffle honey and micro greens on top. We were scraping the white truffle honey off the plate at the end. We tasted the foi gras which was good, but a little small for their price. We also had the pork cheeks as I mentioned, but I considered that a bit of a fail. We also had sea bass atop creamy lemon orzo, topped with fried arugula. That was delicious. The fish melted in your mouth and was perfectly accented by the citrusy orzo and the crispy fried arugula. My favorite part of the meal was the caramel gelato with black lava salt. YUM. The sweet, creamy gelato was so perfectly complimented by the intense salt. Can't go wrong with sweet and salty. Overall, this was a great meal. A few minor misses, but we thoroughly enjoyed the service, food and atmosphere.
(4)
Elle T.
During my time in Richmond, I have had a few really great meals at the Blue Goat. One of the nights we rented the private Chef's room for a celebration and it was lovely. Unfortunately, during my last few visits I have had really bad experiences. To start, they have recently revamped their menu. Prior to the revamping, the focus seemed to be on seasonal, farm-to-table items, which were delicious. In recent visits, it seems they have opted to just offer standard, boring, bar foot. They have a few overpriced burgers and pizza items, as well as maybe four or five entrees. In addition, the service is literally terrible. The waitresses are surly and generally unpleasant. During my most recent visit, we had an issue that the hostess, our waitress and the night manager attempted to address. Not a single person apologized to us, they just kept telling us they did not know what was going on. Long story short, a credit card was lost and during our meal, they could not locate it. Every single person in the staff that we spoke with said they would help, but not one person followed up with us as they said they would. The nightmanager said she would come right back to get our information, but instead proceeded to walk past us about 10 more times and ignore us. When we left we saw she was outside fiddling with their holiday lights. Due to their pretty brazen disregard for customers and customer service, and their completely boring and bland menu, we won't be back.
(1)
Robert H.
My wife and I ate here for the first time and every dish was good but not great. Fries were tasty but many places make better, the goat ravioli in brown butter sauce had a tasty stuffing but the pasta was under done, the lemon wedge and arugula salad was good but no better than any salad at a decent restaurant. The best dish was the charcuterie platter which had a very nice selection of cheeses, meats, and garnishes. Beer selection is top notch.
(3)
Casey C.
What a treat. I am in love with the Blue Goat! My first time here was dinner, and the decor and style won me over right away. My bf and I had the rabbit pate (Yum! with sprouts and a drizzle of balsamic, definitely my fave), forest mushroom ragout, and silky smooth potato soup. The second time I came for Sunday brunch and had their delicious french toast with elderflower honey and blackberry compote, strawberry mimosas and the goat cheese fritatta. Everything is made so splendidly, the slightly higher cost is completely understandable. The bread and honey (?) butter is splendid. The servers are charming. There's a parking lot behind the building. What I love most about this gastropub is its heavy support of local farmers and using all parts of an animal. I love this place so much I want to lie and tell you that its terrible so you won't come here and I will always get a table and a parking spot.
(5)
Courtney B.
Skip the Shrimp Salad. It was tiny and very underwhelming for the $13 it cost us. Blue Goat is always hit or miss. We've had amazing meals and we've also had overpriced average meals. We did have the peanut butter pie for dessert tonight which was amazing. It's such a cool spot... Just wish it was more consistent.
(3)
James T.
Food = 4 (not bad... small servings) Price = 2 (way out of line... twice as expensive as the very good places on the same block) Experience = 3 (nice decor with okay service)
(3)
Tom C.
I ate there for the first time last night. They have a good atmosphere and the food is better than average. Fried green tomatoes are what you would expect. The fried chicken and waffles were good and the shrimp and Tasso salad was average. We will go back but there are definitely better choices in the city.
(3)
Xida Z.
Chef's table is a great experience, but be prepared to pay. On a chilly winter night, people retreat to the warmth of the Blue Goat. Half bar, half restaurant, the tavern is reminiscent of a simpler time. (Check out the bathroom.) Our group had reserved the chef's table, a small glass room surrounded by shelves of wine bottles with a glass window separating us from the chefs. We sat around a large square table big enough for 8-12, but still small enough to talk to the whole group without shouting. Admittedly, I was a little distracted from the food. The menu is foodie paradise with words not often seen such as goat, pomegranate and rabbit. Prices are high but bearable. For 8, we had 2 orders of calamari confit - not battered, delicious. (9, recommended) one pomogranate and fig braised goat- soft and savory. (12) one charcuterie board- beautiful but small (17) My medium rare steak and frites (fries)- large fatty ribeye, nice grill marks. Fries were over-salted. (26, picture, recommended) Fried Pizza Dough Crust with Honey and Powdered Sugar- delicious like funnel cake Pomegranate Sorbet- not to be confused with frozen sherbet. the sorbet tastes like frozen pomegranates, but is elastic like caramel cold, topped with fresh berries. Pinot Noir, Sineann, "Schindler VY" Willamette, Oregon 11/44 is fine. + Good food, carefully made. - Nibbles are small. Be prepared to pay $50-60 per person if you want a three course meal with wine. Fortunately, I wasn't paying this time. If I had been paying, I would probably have split a few nibbles and skipped the wine and dessert. Total would have been around 25 each. Ambiance & Service 5/5 Food 4/5 Value 2/5
(4)
Erika F.
I went here for my friend's birthday dinner and although the experience wasn't the best, I'd probably come back for happy hour. We had a table for 10 and we ended up having a few more people so they were super nice and added a table. We had enough people. The place was busy and the waitress looked really stressed. She did a great job with the table and was quick to come out with drinks and food and ensured she checked up on us on a regular basis. The reason why I'm only giving this place 2 stars is because of the food and the prices of the food. The food was good; nothing too special to write home about, but good none the less. The issue was that I paid $75 for an appetizer and two entrees and I just didn't think the food was good enough to have paid that much. If I go to Morton's or something like that and pay $75 for two people (an minimum) I'm perfectly happy. But portions here were a little on the small side for the prices they were charging and I don't think the food was good enough to warrant that price. We ordered the House Cured Charcuterie Board, Pork Scallopini, and for the appetizer we ordered the Ashley Farms "Country Style" Rabbit Pate. The others ordered more but I can't for the life of me remember what they all ordered. The Charcuterie Board was good; it had a good variety of meat and cheese and the layout was awesome. Honestly, it was a good dish. I'd order it again but I just didn't think it was worth $17. My boyfriend had the Pork dish and he said it was tasty but the cuts of pork were a little tough and the sauce was somewhat tasteless. I didn't taste it so, I don't know, but he's a foodie like me so I trust his judgement. The app was good just tiny. Again, the food was okay just not good enough for the prices they were asking for. I would be more than happy to go there for happy hour but I don't think I'd be going there for a sit down meal again.
(2)
Casey Q.
Yep. Still 5 stars. Have been getting my goat on with some regularity, almost always sitting solo at the bar and watching the scene while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine paired with some delightful nosh from the ever-changing menu. Service is always stellar - friendly, informative, caring. Have tried lunch twice now, and have been knocked flat by the flavors, colors, and general adventure that the Blue Goat has come to mean for me. I just love this place. Current (see date - this could change) lunch recommendations: venison/pork/duck sausage that take a sausage roll and turns it into a gustatory delight; gazpacho that has a lovely slow burn of spice; jicama slaw; cheese pizza with truffle honey (WOW); dandelion greens salad with Vidalia onion greens, fresh peas, and tomatoes. I just love this place.
(5)
Rebecca B.
Used to be one of my favorite places. Went the other day looking forward to a menu items only to find that the menu has completely changed. The NEW MENU is AWFUL. The tater tots are disgusting...so bad I wish we'd sent them back. The carrot soup was decent. The margherita pizza was edible but pretty much ruined by the green tomatoes that WERE NOT on the list of toppings on the menu. The new chef doesn't have a clue. Save your time & money. We won't be back unless something changes.
(1)
Jamie D.
Ok, the secret's out. Blue Goat's cocktail menu is kick-ass. This is hands down my new favorite spot for drinks. Not only is the bar huge, with room to accomodate a large number of cocktail-hour patrons, but the libations are insane. Looking for a sweet and smooth adult bev? Try the Cool as a Cucumber - Hendricks Gin, St. Germaine, muddled cucumber and mint, splash of soda. Need to drown your sorrows with a strong sip? Pear Pleasure to the rescue - Hangar 1Spiced Pear filled with Prosecco. Like the idea of something that sounds pretty simple but will blow you away? Order my personal favorite, Lounge Cherry - Cruzan Cherry Rum, house made limeade with a splash of sprite. Never have I experienced a disappointing drink at Blue Goat, and the bartenders rock. Friendly and totally on top of making sure no glass is left empty. In terms of cuisine, I've only eaten at Blue Goat once and I enjoyed my meal. I'm a pescatarian and the menu is pretty meat-heavy, but I knew this going into it (it's never stopped me before... I can always find something to eat!). I felt a little bad for the bf because he would've been all over the meat dishes, but sadly since he was dining with me he didn't try as many as he would have liked. But that's just another reason for us to go back again with a larger meat-eating group. Back to the food - we both enjoyed the white bean hummus, which was a fairly standard hummus dish but accompanied by the most amazing house-made cucumber yogurt. We also tried the crab and spinach salad, which came topped with pancetta cracklings. I overlooked that small detail on the menu, so I just avoided the porkers this time (more for the bf!) and would ask for it without the bacon in the future. If you're in the mood for greens, however, the Manakintowne salad was a show-stealer with the combination of pomegranate vinaigrette, gorgonzola and apples. Talk about tasty! Lastly, the goat cheese torte also made its way onto our table. The flavors were solid, but it was a little too dense for my tastes. I think I read the words "goat cheese" and had this image in my mind of something else... but we still managed to eat a large portion of it and I'm glad we tried it. I'm looking forward to my next meal visit, as I can't wait to try some of their seafood dishes as well as the whole poached artichoke (doesn't it sound intriguing? Well, to me it does!). And of course, when I'm in need of superb spirits, The Blue Goat's where I'm headed!
(4)
Michael C.
As strange as it sounds, try the popcorn soup. Amazingly good! Their re-vamped menu is quite a change, but the chef is obviously having fun and turning out some delicious meals. Braised pork shank was so flavorful, I could have eaten two. The bison burger with grilled shrimp was the favorite of two in our party. Nice staff, great chef's table and a relaxed atmosphere.
This... was a miss. The pros: beautifully decorated restaurant, open airy design, friendly staff. The cons: The food. Now, that's a bold statement. Why do I say the food was the con, the fail, the bad? Because this restaurant committed the cardinal sin of restaurants in my book, which is allowing twee presentation concepts to override the actual taste (and portion size) of the food itself. The menu is divided into three sections for food - Nibble, Graze, and Feed. Excellent, so one might be led to believe that the portion sizes increased in that order. I was a bit hungry, so I ordered from Feed - specifically the house-made ravioli stuffed with braised goat, ricotta and Swiss chard, covered with pecorina Roman. I mean, wow - what a description! It makes my mouth water just typing it now. What I actually *received* was two barely-warm medium sized raviolis, swimming in unseasoned olive oil. There was no flavor at all - none. No goat, no chard, only a bit of pecorina Roman wandering around on cardboard. Visually It was presented well - but in the mouth I could have been chewing on Wonder bread. There was no "there" there. At first I was upset about the tapas-sized portion of what was supposed to be a full-sized meal, but after tasting them I didn't really miss out that much. A friend got the pizza, which was enormous - far too much for one person who wasn't a competitive eater. I helped her eat it, and it was very tasty. Another friend got the "fish and chips", which was (again) presented very exotically, but the portion size was one tiny whole fried fish and a collection of fries in a cone. Cute and twee and totally impractical. None of the food that I tasted was exceptional - some was actually bad. I won't be returning.
(2)
Brian K.
Great spot for wine, beer and their wonderful appetizers. The service was above average and the social scene was for the 30-40 year old crowd it seemed on this particular Wednesday evening.
(4)
Caron L.
My fiance and I split 2 appetizers and an entree. Both were very good. The bred and butter they bring to the table is delicious. The beer selection was great!
(4)
Ryan C.
Everyone should try the Blue Goat. It's really not your average restaurant. Rabbit liver to quail and duck eggs are listed on the menu. The thing that does kind of suck is that the menu is seasonal so some of the items I listed may not be on it. The brunch was a little slow but the food is very tasty. Portions were a bit small but I guess that's the point. Dinner there seemed quicker, however. Try it out. You'll be surprised how good a liver can be.
(4)
Brock L.
The Blue Goat came highly recommended from a friend and didn't disappoint. It raises the bar considerably for Richmond. We enjoyed eating tapas style. Everything was delicious (gazpacho, braised goat, duck, and fish & chips). The restaurant specializes in infusing each dish with fresh herb(s), which was done with great success. The bartender should also be recognized for making a variety of original and tasty cocktails that pair excellently with the food. Highly recommend putting the Blue Goat on your list of places to try.
(5)
Jess H.
Happy opening day, Blue Goat! BF and I were nerds and made reservations for their inaugural night. We showed up an hour early and decided to kick it at the bar. First off, love love LOVE the venue. The private room is so kick ass, it has a large window looking directly into the kitchen, and a large wine rack serves as a wall. Everywhere else, the exposed brick and muted yellow & birch on chalkboard paint lended to a gorgeous yet understated decor. Even the TV's at the bar were awesome. One of the 'tenders told us they'll be getting 3D channels soon, so that should be fun. I started out with a Summer Lace (3 kinds of alcohol + lemon), which was a little spicy but very refreshing. For our meal, we ordered the house made ricotta, duck rillettes, goat croquettes and forest mushroom ragout, and the chefs even gave us not one but TWO complimentary dishes of the pork shoulder and the braised goat ravioli. The dishes were good, but I think they could be even better with some slight tweaks. The ricotta is so nice, it just needs more honey. The duck rillettes came out a little cold and tasted very fatty. The goat croquettes were overly salted, but only on the crust. The pecorino on the ravioli was too much - it overpowered the dish. The mushroom ragout and the pork shoulder were my favorites, definitely. Richmond definitely needed new places to eat, and this place really hit it on the money. The staff is kind, attentive, and friendly. Even though we were already eating at the bar, the hostess still approached us at our actual reservation time (on the dot!) and pleasantly asked if we wanted our table, or to stay where we were. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is very lively and casual. I definitely recommend everyone go check it out.
(4)
Kimberly M.
If you are Gluten Free (for whatever reason) or Dairy free I would not recommend the Blue Goat. Things started out well. I asked the hostess for a GF menu, she brought me a menu which they had made into a GF "cheat sheet". The waitress confirm that I was GF and asked if I was cross contaminate sensitive. I replied, No. I placed my order and she confirmed with the "Chef" that my selection was both GF and DF. They had to substitute the side due to dairy, so I got the French fries. So when my meal arrived I was thinking I was pretty safe. BIG mistake! The fries had small white stuff on them and since they were seasoned I thought it was garlic. Well within a few seconds I started with Esophageal spasms (loud and painful) then I got sick to my stomach. While I was away from the table my husband told the waitress. And she confirmed that they put Parmesan cheese on the fries. She said "I wrote no dairy". She did apologize and went to get the manager. The manager's only offer was to make me another bowl of fries as I am sitting there having the spams. Knowing what was ahead of me due to their "mistake" a second bowl of fries was not what I wanted. Then when the bill came I was surprised they did not reduce the bill or compensate me (us) in any way. Then as I was walking out (still having very loud spasms) the manager was standing at the front and offered no additional apology. The funny part is I wasn't comfortable with the menu so I asked my husband if he wanted to leave, I should have trusted my instincts.
(1)
Sean C.
I came for drinks because Continental was too packed....and loud. It was a fortuitous side trip in that the interior is really inviting and much larger and more open than I expected with a huge bar that wasn't packed but still full of nice looking patrons. I sidled up to the bar and enjoyed an Eagle Rare Bourbon with a bit o mint and a splash of ginger. My companion had a drink and then snuck in an order of the Pomegranate and fig braised goat over mascarpone polenta for 11 bucks and it was out of this world. A SUPER SPECIAL shout out to them for the mouth watering honey flavored butter served with super fresh peasant bread....lovely. So, from my brief encounter, I really liked the vibe. I am not sure who decided on the bar topper being what felt and looked like formica and the whole "Edison exposed bulb" look is going to be dated in a year but I do love the toilets. The tasting room is a bit of a flash back, especially since it is glassed in and made me feel like I was being teleported back to a time when people actually did that kind of snobby/foodie kind of thing. Oh well, it was occupied so I guess that is the way things go sometimes. The cooks are hot too, so the fact you can see in and ogle them makes it all the more fun :) Last but not least, I am the last person to eat a pork rind, a sow's ear, or any internal organs but I have to say what I had was great and I would come back for it....and to ogle. PSS There seemed to be a LOT of wine being consumed....guess they have a good wine selection? Give it a try and support local businesses, it might be your cup of organ/hoof/ear/jowl.
(4)
Rebecca R.
So, there have been many more months of operations and many more trips both to sit at the bar and to dine and it seemed like time to gather my thoughts. The bar can be a great place to hang out and pretend I'm old money Richmond. A Pimm's Cup for me and a bourbon for the honey goes a long way towards playing to that fantasy. For dinner the success or failure of your visit is really up to you. Order wisely. Do a mix of light and heavy fare so that you don't leave hungry or overly weighted down. Pace yourself, there is a lot to love. And save room for dessert - hello salted caramel gelato, where have you been all my life? Another facet of this restuarant that has struck me in both my experiences and reading other reviews is that the chef here loves to experiment. Some of these experiments are highly successful and some are...um...less successful (beer battered shad special, not so much). The great thing is that when a dish is...less successful, the staff and management seem to genuinely care and will take that item off the bill without being asked. Likewise if you order the mussels and half of them are unopened they make amends. They actually care if you leave happy. How refreshing. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?
(4)
Jade B.
Excellent restaurant. Atmosphere is relaxing and metro. Food is delicious and healthy!
(5)
Charlie S.
Their Brunch menu is incredible. From the mixed green strawberry salad to the potato cakes and the poached egg trio, every flavor is delicately balanced and full. The decor and interior design is inviting and inspiring. The warm homeliness of a rustic farmhouse blends well with locals' livestock inspired artwork in a sophisticated cleanliness.
(5)
Taylor T.
I completely agree with Erika M's review. For the price and portion that you pay, I will never come back. We had a party of 4 and spent over $180 for 4 appetizers and 4 entrees. The portion of each was ridiculously small, and even after 4 appetizers and 4 entrees, we left feeling hungry. We ordered 2 Braised Pork Belly for a whopping $24 each and 2 Hanger's steak for $27 each. In particular, I ordered the Braised Pork Belly. The word "braised" for me means soft, melt in your mouth type. I have ordered pork belly from Juleps and many other places and have been pleased so I figured I couldn't go wrong with it. However, I was extremely displeased with this dish. I am definitely no stranger to pork belly. In fact, I go to Asian store and can purchase a whole pound of pork belly for under $4. During this particular visit, I was given probably about 4 ounces of pork belly and 70% of the pork belly was pure fat. The norm is generally around 40-50% fat. Not only that, but my pork belly did not seem like it was braised at all. In fact, it looked like it was either fried or baked. It was tough, no flavor, almost disgusting. I ate what I could of it, 30% of the 4 ounces. When I asked the server and manager, they told me it was braised; not possible. The manager did offer to take one pork belly dish off, which was nice. But come on, seriously, if i really want to eat what they cooked, I could have just bought the pork belly from an Asian store, seasoned it, and fried it myself for less than $2 for 4 ounces!! The other folks in my party were also very displeased with the Hanger's steak - too tough and lacked flavor! The only good thing about this place is the atmosphere, but for $90 + tips each couple, I don't think I will be returning to this place anytime soon (well, ever).
(2)
Megan M.
Alright, after two more delicious meals here, I've gotta update and add a star. Came here a couple of months ago for drinks and light dinner at the bar. They were having a Dogfish Head night, which was pretty cool--there were 4 or 5 special brews on tap to choose from. For our meal, we got the bolognese and homemade ricotta. The ricotta was good, but the bolognese was great! Filled with hearty meats and a big hunk of pepperoni, it was awesome. To top off my night, I happened to see a bottle of Short Ends, a wine from California winery Hollywood & Vine that I'd been dying to try but couldn't find anywhere in Richmond, on the wine shelf. Needless to say, a bottle was ordered. And, the bartender graciously turned on the Steelers game for me. The bar scene was fun and lively without being too young, making for a great night. Then, I returned for my birthday dinner a few weeks ago. We partook of several drinks on the cocktail menu, my favorite of which and new obsession is Perfection Takes Thyme. It's a concoction featuring Bulliet bourbon, honey, lemon, thyme (menu says thyme, my drink was garnished with rosemary, but either way it rocked) and ginger beer. It was so good, almost everyone at my table ordered one, too. For eats, we ordered a cheese/meat plate, oxtail canneloni, mushrooms with polenta, pork-dusted fries, veal marrow and goat ravioli. Everything was great! I wanted to marry the marrow, which was served with toasty bread. The ravioli and canneloni were both very savory and rich. This time I could also detect some porky goodness in the pork-dusted fries. In all, it was a great meal. Also this time, our server was great. Attentive, personable, helpful and friendly. Blue Goat is now on my favorites-in-town list!
(4)
Cary S.
I think it's easy for expectations to go up for a place where the menu is full of things you won't find elsewhere. I mean, if a place is going to serve offal, the dishes have to be really well designed. That's why I'm sort of in-between here. The bar had a great selection, and our waitress was very nice. The food was generally good, but it seemed like each of our plates could have gone through one more round of serious editing. The pomegranate & fig braising sauce seemed too thick and sweet to be served as it was like a soup all over the goat and polenta. The fish special (which they said would be added to the normal menu) had several little monkfish steaks served on chunks of grilled corn on the cob. Most of that corn cob pedestal is inedible ... so you can't pick it up and bite in, and you can't cut it through, so the first thing you end up doing is dismantling the whole stack so you can carve the corn with your dull little dinner knife. Granted, it was tasty, but it seemed clumsy just for the sake of the presentation. So it was basically good, and certainly worth trying. And I'd be happy to go again, but more to share a drink and small bites with friends. If I want a full dinner from a really unique menu, I still feel like there are a couple of places in town that do it better.
(4)
Lisa H.
If you like to let your taste buds take a little walk on the wild side, find the Blue Goat! It's located in Libby/Grove with plenty of parking out back. The ambiance is great, the food creative, and the bar staff is fun! You might recognize the gent from the show, "Drinking Made Easy" and the gal is a former comedian. If you want a table, they are all made from reclaimed wood. Just another way the owner has paid attention to detail. There is even a private room table if you are having a special event. Now for dinner, I'm going so suggest my favorite....I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one.....order the beef cheeks over homemade German pasta with perfectly cooked spinach and the Patty Green wine.... Hope you enjoy!
(5)
Bz W.
My date and I went here back on April 11 (Wednesday night), but I've been here a few other times as well just for drinks and also for dinner. My first few experiences left me wanting a little more, mainly because of the price to portion ratio, but this visit was fairly satisfying. We had: Cannellini White Bean Hummus $5 Arugala Salad $8 Pomegranate Fig Braised Goat over Polenta $11 Gnocchi $24 Aprihop Beer $6 Without tip it came to $60, but we only had one drink between us. I must say, we were stuffed after all the food and didn't even have room for dessert. For this amount of money, I expect everything to be great. Everything was really good, including service and atmosphere, except for the Gnocchi. It was very heavy and creamy and just didn't do it for us. It was still good, but not as good as the other dishes (particularly the goat). FYI the crowd here is true to the other places nearby - older, presumably wealthy, and white. Not much of a singles bar from what I can tell, though that is not a knock against it. If you want tasty small plates, a unique beer selection, and don't mind paying a premium and an older crowd, this is a great place to go.
(4)
Randall R.
My wife and I recently went to The Blue Goat with some friends who were in town visiting. It was great! We started with Forest mushroom ragout with mascarpone polenta, pork rinds and pomme frites with pork dust. The mushrooms were uh-mazing! The sauce was so delicious I could drink a cup of it. The polenta was perfect and creamy. The fries were great too, but I think the aioli could have used more garlic and lemon. The pork rinds too were good. We then had the fried pig ear and goat croquettes. The pig ear is a must try! With the hash and duck egg, I could eat this for breakfast everyday. None of our group had eaten goat before and it too was good. It has a rather strong, earthy flavor to it and I thought it went well with the Beschamel. We then had a smoked, pulled pork with a tomato sauce and a sweet breads special. The pork was good, but none of us could detect any hint of smoke in it. It would have been great on a sandwich. We told our server that it was good, but not smokey and she replied that she had heard that a lot. I didn't see it on the menu today, so I think they take constructive criticism seriously. I had never had sweet breads before so I ordered those as well. One of our friends didn't want to try them, but did after much peer pressure. She didn't like them, but sweet breads aren't for everyone. I thought it was a good take on chicken fried steak. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive and honest. This place is great for a group to try a bunch of new things. It's reasonably priced too! It ended up being about $15 per person. We can't wait to go back!
(4)
Addie B.
Wonderful experience here! My husband and I had reservations for a nice date night and we had arrived a little early, the bar area was bumping for happy hour so we grabbed a seat there for a drink before dinner. The bartender, Jason was very attentive and personable with great recommendations and the happy hour (bar only) was great, $5 wine, $1.50 off beer (I don't remember the liquor special because we didn't partake in that...) We ended up forgoing our reservations and stayed at the bar! After reading other reviews of small portions I was weary but hubby got the rockfish and I got the mussels, expecting far less than what arrived - the rockfish was melt in your mouth good and a really generous portion, I could not finish my mussels and they were awesome! Very very happy with this spot, so happy that we discussed not telling others how much we liked it and keep it to ourselves, but obviously I couldn't keep it in! Well done BG!
(5)
Brittany K.
Atmosphere: Very hip and interesting, especially loved the bathroom. The place makes you feel like you're somewhere more exotic than Richmond, VA. Service: Just fine. Food: AMAZING. Each plate was better than the last. We tried the pork belly, beef cheeks, pomme frites, mushroom ragu, and pig ear. Drinks were also delicious.
(4)
Melissa L.
This place used to be amazing. They have made some changes, and our most recent experience was horrifying - we saw a roach. Ugh, it was the size of a freaking mouse. The food was average and not worth the price. The cocktails were good, but it's kind of hard to mess those up. Our server was nice, and did her job well.
(1)
Jack B.
Very small portions for serious money. Went to Sweet 95 for dessert because we were still hungry!
(2)
Evan P.
My mother-in-law had told me about this place. She said it was too "froo-froo" for her, but she figured I would love it... and for the most part I did. Pumpkin soup- really good, balsamic added nice sweetness, truffle oil was a little overpowering (initial bite only, nice balance afterwards) Ricotta - ricotta was mild and smooth, really. Nice balance. Wish it came with 2 more pieces of bread. Pig ear - when you can get a bite of the ear, swiss chard & egg it is amazing. There is just too much pig ear on the plate and the salty fried flavor overwhelms everything else. Foie & fig bread_ there were moments of a really nice balance between salty & sweet, but for the most part it was too salty and fatty. The balance between the foie and everything else was off Sweetbread - very nice balance. The veal cognac reduction and celery root & potato puree helped offset the grainy mouthfeel of the sweetbread. It was just too much to finish by one person, the sweetbread eventually overwhelmed my palate Carmel & lava salt gelato - perfect balance between sweet & salty. Nice and light finish to dinner My favorite part of the night was that the server was actually interested in hearing my thoughts on each dish and would carry those back to the kitchen. While the execution of some of the dishes were a little off for me, the thought and overall experience were great. I will be back the next time I am in Richmond.
(4)
H M.
Huge disappointment. I've been here several times before the new chef and menu. All of those experiences were superb. Unfortunately the new menu is drastically different. Where did all of the variety and good food go? Tonight my husband and I ordered the tater tots, calamari, and the carnivore flatbread. The tots were average (and the order only include 6 tots). The calamari was over cooked and tough. The flatbread was pretty good. Overall, the experience was a big let down. Between the sub par food and the restaurant being out of several items, we were not satisfied with our dining experience. (Of the 4 sandwiches/burgers on the menu, they only had 3 available. They were also out of several beers on tap.) What a shame. We used to love this place. I recommend only going for drinks. Save your appetite for something better.
(1)
Dorsey M.
The Blue Goat has gotten a fair share of hype in the last few months so I was dying to try it for myself. I'm pleased to say it lived up to my expectations and I'm a big fan! The portions are perfect for sharing, in fact I'd highly recommend it, that way you get to try more and who doesn't love that! I'll admit, I was apprehensive of trying the pigs ear, imagining a vat of picked feet in the back waiting for me. But now just the mention of this dish and my mouth waters. It was divine! The sweetbread was another one I was dying to try. I wouldn't recommend trying to finish it off by yourself but for two or three people it has a nice balance.
(4)
Stacey S.
We went to Blue Goat late one recent weeknight. The bar was full but the dining room was almost empty. Unlike previous posts the service was fine this night. I have to say I was immediately surprised by the wine list. For a restaurant that so heavily promotes the local producers it uses I was shocked that their extensive wine list only featured one Virginia wine (and by the bottle only) - and our server had to find that one wine buried in the list as it wasn't highlighted like every other local producer in the restaurant. Seriously, if you're going to be so focused on local foods, get some local wine to go with it. There's more than enough good wine in Virginia now to have more than one Virginia wine on your list. Okay, that's my rant. So the food - we ordered the ricotta, mushroom ragout, and pork belly. We were immediately brought some bread with honey butter and it was easy to fill up on - great bread and I have a weakness for honey butter. The ricotta came next. I was really looking forward to tasting their housemade ricotta but honestly the white truffle honey really masked the taste of the ricotta. Not that the truffle honey was strong, but just distracting enough to hide the taste of the ricotta. I ended up focusing on finding ricotta without the honey and spreading it onto the bread from our basket, versus the crostinis served with the dish so I could truly enjoy the flavors. The mushroom ragout featured a variety of wild mushrooms over a mascarpone polenta. It was good - not amazing but good. The pork belly was served over a cannellini bean cassoulet. The pork belly was well cooked - fork tender. But I found that I just wanted a bit more flavor with the pork belly. Overall, I found with every dish that I had higher expectations than the dish delivered. Nothing was bad, I just always wanted a little something more or different - a simpler serving of the ricotta, more tender mushrooms and creaminess in the polenta. A little more flavor and maybe a sear on the pork belly. The bill adds up quickly - everything on he menu is a small/medium plate and priced at levels of $7, $11, and $15. We shared three plates, ate a lot of bread, and two stouts. With tax and tip it was about $60. Everything comes out very quickly too. With a tapas style restaurant I like to pace the meal and you really have to make an effort as a customer to control the pacing. We ordered a dish and when it was served, we then ordered another. The dishes coming out so quickly also made us wonder exactly how much food is pre-made versus made fresh. I might go back for lunch and try a few more dishes - see if I can find something that really wows me. I like the concept, the atmosphere, and the chef obviously has skill - but all of these positive attributes left me with higher expectations than the dishes ultimately delivered.
(3)
Jules D.
Sorry guys.. New menu and staff is average at best. I want to see neighborhood spots do well, but you messed up a good thing. Salmon burger looks and tastes like cat food. Fries are still good, but don't a menu make. Hubs chicken sandwich was ok. We'll still come by for drinks, but that's about it.
(2)
Lisa S.
Like another reviewer said, the food was fine, but nothing special. We had the eggs benedict, bloody mary's and coffee. Service was ok...nothing great, nothing bad. I felt it was a bit overpriced, so I probably won't go back.
(3)
Thomas M.
I had a chance to pop into The Blue Goat on Friday for lunch with my cousin, who had yet to visit. This was the third trip for me, but first time checking out the lunch offerings. We were there kinda late, around 1ish, for the typical lunch rush, but there were still a smattering of tables filled, which one would assume is a good sign of regular business. We took our seats in one of the middle booths and settled in to make some selections. Beer came up as a question, though my Mekong brethren know that beer is always the answer... he had a Fat Tire, I had a Triple Karmeliet and our lunch was off to a rolling start. The lunch special was tempting, a Shaved Potato, Truffle Oil and Pecorino Romano Cheese pizza... but I had some pizza the night before and am somewhat questioning about the places potatoes are showing up these days. Instead, the apple of both sets of eyes turned out to be the GLT... a braised goat sandwich with spinach and tomato on their homemade baguette. Realizing we couldn't get the same thing, I made sure that sandwich would be cut in half and ordered the pork and venison bolognese, a favorite from a previous visit, to round out our order. The bolognese was as I remembered it, deliciously meaty and capable of donning a crust of the provided bread for a tasty bite, especially with the thinly sliced, salty pecorino on top. The potato gnocchi that came with it was nice and pillowy, complimenting the sauce nicely. The GLT was worthy of our choice. The texture indicated a nice braise, the flavor coming out somewhere in between beefy and game-y in a way that delighted us both, but that we couldn't identify any more specifically. The side of pommes frites was a little disappointing; I've had them before, crisp and hot, and these were neither, seeming very much like we had gotten what was left at the end of the lunch rush. As a lifelong restaurant guy, you hope for a little higher standard, but not a deal-breaker or meal-ruiner by any stretch. I continue to enjoy this place. I've read through some of the other comments and I can agree that it's not for the un-adventurous, but I've had enough good dishes at this point to give the benefit of the doubt. The beer selection is nice, so they'll go on my beer list, and if you're looking for a non-sporty place to watch a game and have a drink or two with some buds, they have two of the brand-new Samsungs that are so thin they look like they're actually IN the wall. An odd thing at a place of this caliber, since I think they're new since my last visit, but absolutely stunning. Maybe not so inappropriate after all?
(4)
Emily H.
I've been excited about this place since the first time I heard about it. I obsessed over the menu and followed all the reviews. When my boy toy let me talk him into driving wayyy out to Grove Ave. I was ECSTATIC! This was a Friday night and there was a 15 minute wait, but I had expected that. So we went to the bar to take in the decor and get a drink. The place is very unique, but VERY noisy. Not the place for an intimate "let's talk" date. Basically the decor is a lot of bluish light, and a lot of metal. ;) The drink special was the Farmer's Hooch, for 9 dollars, which is the same price as all of the other drinks. It had Bullet Bourbon in it, so we were game. It was REALLY strong, and very good. Not huge for 9 dollars, but the kick made up for it. We were seated at a tiny two-seater in the corner, which was fine by me because anywhere else we would've gotten run over. It was kind of chilly over there though. Anyways, we ordered the pig belly, the pig ears, and the pomme frites with pork dust. What? We like pigs. The PORK BELLY. GET IT. It was phenomenal! I promise. Definitely comfort food. The pigs ears were interesting. The duck egg on top was beautiful, and the pickled peppers underneath really made the dish. It was like a big haystack...with an egg on top. The ear strips were delicious, except as you got towards the bottom, they got a little toooo greasy. Yes, we ate them anyways. Also, they needed a sauce. ;) Overall though, yummy. The Pomme Frites are nothing to write home about. I mean they're good fries but...pork dust? No. Nothing remotely tasting like pork on these fries. I'd get them again to share, but don't expect something new and exciting. They're fries. So between the two of us we had three dishes. More than enough! I like their sharing concept, it works great for us. Also, our server was pretty friendly. I'll be coming back here soon. :)
(4)
Jen R.
We went here for book club and sat in the beautiful private dining room. It was amazing, we were able to hear eachother, look into the kitchen, and with the big square table we were able to see everyone and share all our food. So here is what was awesome: goat croquettes, fried squash blossoms, pork cheeks with polenta, pork shoulder, pork and venison bolognese, duck rillettes, the fresh bread with honey sage butter, & the ricotta. We also had a couple bottles of wine and some of the girls tried the signature cocktails and said they were great too. Here is what wasn't: absolutely nothing!! We had a whole table full of food and just kept passing it around an even though I had never tried alot of the food types there wasn't anything I didn't like. The wait staff was great an very friendly and happy to explain everything o the menu. I love the concept of the nose to tail cooking and love that they support local farmers. You have to put this on your list of places to go! Would make a great date place too.
(5)
Charlie Z.
Approaching the Blue Goat one immediately senses the delightful paradox being played out at the Libby & Grove establishment. On the outside terrace that encloses the entrance you'll see monochromatic fixed gears leaning on a railing corralling a yuppy with his cornmeal yellow Burberry sweater tied over his shoulders as he chats on his mobile. Once inside, you'll confront the incongruous relationship of a restaurant with an exquisite bar, or a bar with an intriguing dining experience. So which is it? Judging by the amount of people congregating at the bar or in the booths that surround it, I'd say that the bar is the clear winner. This is probably a result of the Blue Goat's menu. It's snout to tail. It is a waning trend of sorts that really hit stride in the mid 00s and is tapering off. Try as you might, but you're not going to be able to force-feed tails, cheeks, feet and rabbit to diners in a small city... and time and time again groups settle for shared plates of the less exotic fare (mushroom ragout). I'll be presumptuous and say that I can see a revamped or updated menu addressing this in the near future. It seems as though the daily specials are being used a form of diner triage at the moment. In the meantime, there's that beautiful bar with a chalkboard full of the resident mixologist's offerings. Share a cocktail under the amber glow from the Edison bulbs, and after a few you just may open up to sharing a few tastefully prepared animal scraps from the tapas/shared-plate menu.
(4)
Hilary V.
I was really excited to they this restaurant. Overall, the food was okay. Nothing special though some of the descriptions make it sound yummy. I went with several people so I got to try a lot of things--some of them included: pig ears (really good), bread with whipped honey sage butter (super yummy), and pig ear with a duck egg (good--really salty so it was hard to eat a lot, though the egg broke it up), among others. Our server was sort of slow and got several things wrong with our order, even after asking a few times. The drinks were good--I had a mixed drink and a beer. For dessert we shared the donut and the Godiva pate. The donut wasn't that great. The Godiva chocolate was good--like a thick pudding. Overall, I'm glad I went and tried it, but I probably won't be going back again.
(2)
Ryan E.
Decided to give The Blue Goat a shot as a friend had recommended it. The location is a in a very cool spot and the atmosphere is awesome. The interior is decorated very nicely and the service is excellent. Where things started to get a little off for me was the menu. It's confusing. The middle section on the menus ranges from $5-$12 and isn't advertised this way but apparently is all appetizers. We ordered a few things off of the middle section and we were worried we might be spoiling our main dish by eating too much, but were very surprised at how small the portions were. So being that we were still starving after our 3 appetizers came out we assumed the main entree had to be enormous since on the menu it says "great for sharing". Unfortunately, that too was small. We ordered their special entree of the evening which was goat tenderloin and after dividing it between 2 people there were probably only 4-5 bites each. The bummer is the 2 of us combined ordered 2 drinks, 3 appetizers, and 1 special entree which left us already over $100 with tip and were still STARVING. We skipped dessert out of fear of paying too much for too little again. So we walked 2 blocks down to sweet frog. $5 later we were STUFFED. It would be one thing with the portions being so small if the food was outstanding but it was just good. And the one dish that stood out for the evening, which we didn't even order, was the French Fries. It was outstanding. So I give it 3 stars based on the portion size and the price. Its overpriced for the amount you actually get. I would like to point out that the presentation of the food is amazing. There is obviously a lot of thought and creativity put into how the food is displayed when they serve it. I felt bad eating it because it really was a work of art. I would probably go back just for appetizers and drinks, as it seems like a very cool place to hang out.
(3)
Lesley N.
Had great service both times I went. Great, creative food. It was all delicious, rabbit, goat, and all.
(5)
Lady B.
Yum, yum and yum. I ate hear twice in the same week I was so excited about it. Crazy fun menu if you are adventurous. Lots of local beers and the cocktails were inventive but still delicious. I had the scrapple and can't tell you how good it was. Head to tail concept where they don't waste parts of the animals that provided the meat if possible. Respects their meat! The Iron City mussels were fantastic with just the right amount of fries on top perfectly salty and soaking in the broth steam. SO GOOD. I rated it as dressy, but more upscale casual, post-work for cocktails kind of place or a fun late night date.
(5)
Laura H.
Last night was my third time dining here, and as always we had an awesome time. Service was great, we were seated on on time, and the waitress really tolerated our slightly inebriated British companion. A couple of glasses of 3 Brooms Sauvignon Blanc and we were having a blast. The only change I noted with their new menu for Winter was the addition of more entree style plates and the fact that the homemade ricotta was more of an accent in the plates, rather than a stand alone dish. Hopefully they will bring the ricotta back because I crave it! I really do enjoy the small plates concept, so we only had one of the entree portions between the four of us, and rather ordered a lot of smaller plates. This evening we sampled the mozarella (yummy and fresh but not too memorable), the mixed greens salad with the pomegranate (great, especially with the candied nuts), the arugula salad with the ricotta (awesome!!!!), the pomme frittes (very good with good sauces to dip in), the duck rillettes ( I have no idea what I ate when I was eating it was it was awesome), the goat/ricotta/swiss chard ravioli (maybe the best thing we ate after the duck rillettes), and we got the steak entree (good, but I was so full I just had one bite). For dessert we had the special of the night, which was a chocolate/butterscotch mouse concoction that was so wonderful. I have never had anything like it before, and probably never will again. We also had the caramel and lava salt gelato, that was also good but just paled in comparison to the other one. Over all, a great evening!
(5)
Lilly N.
Although not consistently wow-me-good, it still is decent enough that I wouldn't hesitate to come again. Service was okay enough. It's on the pricier end for food, but like most gastropubs, you get what you pay for. They try to locally source their ingredients (yay!) and the higher quality is reflected in the price. If you like a decent steak, get their aged steak if it's available. Tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned, you won't regret it. Pumpkin soup was more like a dessert with a hint of vanilla (yum!). The fries the first time I had them were scrumptious-ly awesome, but the second time just passable. Dessert was not overwhelmingly sweet, but did not leave much of an impression since I can't remember what I ordered. Oh, and if you like beer and ice cream, try their stout ice cream float. Frothy goodness!
(4)
d J.
The food is good but the noise level is up there.
(4)
Justine C.
Not a big fan. My boyfriend and I decided to go out to dinner on a Friday night, so I looked up a few places. The Blue Goat seemed interesting and new. I called up and made a reservation for 7:30. We get there and I let them know I have a reservation under my name. It was not put down, luckily seating wasn't an issue. Unfortunately, they seated us at a two top right by the door. Every time someone would come in, a rushing of cold air would hit me in the face. Three couples were seated next to us and then were relocated from complaining of the same thing, we should have complained. But moving on the service, our waitress's took about 5 minutes to stroll over to our table without an introduction, I still don't know her name... I Ordered a glass of wine and my boyfriend ordered a seven and seven. She walks away, brings my wine and let's my boyfriend know they don't carry Seagram's Seven. So he orders another cocktail. After my second sip of wine I notice a chunk of dried food on my stem wear. When the waitress's finally makes a reappearance, I ask for another glass. Her response was, "what's wrong with it?". She noticed the food, walks away and about another 10 minutes later, I get my new glass of wine. We put our order in, nothing really much to say other than an eclectic menu that probably won't appeal to most people. While leaving, management asked how everything was. Our response was, "OK". They asked what wasn't great... Since we looked at the menu and knew what to expect, I wasn't going to say anything about the food. But as a former waitress and bartender, you have to be polite if you are going to be a server. I could understand if she was like that with all her tables. But she hit her other tables 3 times for every one she would halfheartedly need anything. So I let the manager know she was rude. Maybe it was just our experience, but I was far from impressed.
(1)
Diane M.
Awesome tastes and imagination. However, not always hot enough. I will return.
(4)
evelyn w.
Wanted to love it, concept is good, but sadly if you are to do this kind of food, please , have a chef that knows how to.....
(1)
Derek M.
Okay so this is a lunch review but honestly I had a really great experience. Although simple, I enjoyed a simple artisan pizza of the day that was really tasty. I also tried a small arugula salad that while creative just did not work for me. The bar there is really top notch and the menu for both food and drinks is very eclectic. Need to try dinner very soon. Lunch menu a little too limited.
(4)
Aimee L.
The only Gastropub in the Richmond area -serving a huge array of the most delicious, interesting food I have ever had. Everything down to the refurbished (old grocery store) marble floors are on point. Nothing was overlooked. Go with a group, order multiple dishes and share... you will leave and be completely shocked at what you tried. I can say that I never thought I would enjoy fried pig ear dipped in goose egg yolk so much. The specialty drinks are amazing as well- Strawberry Fields is a must.
(5)
Elise G.
I've been wanting to go here for some time now because several friends have recommended it. I went to The Blue Goat for Sunday brunch today. I had the Blue Goat frittata which consisted of tomato, spinach and goat cheese, I also had the Strawberry Fields Mimosa - a traditional mimosa with a twist - strawberries and mint leaves. All of it was phenomenal. My boyfriend got the buffalo burger. I had a few bites of it and it was also amazing. The prices weren't too bad either, especially considering the quality. The only downside was that some of the glasses/mugs didn't seem that clean, but when we sent them back the waitstaff was very apologetic and polite about it. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Kate S.
Love the nose to tail concept, but I think they need a little more time to perfect it. I will crave the pig ear with duck egg when I'm hungover but ultimately it was slightly overbreaded and over salted. The bone marrow was exciting for me, as I'd never had it before but why the truffle oil??? It doesn't say it on the menu but it was definitely there. It's such an overwhelming flavor it could not be mistaken and ended up muddling the dish as the marrow's already so rich. I love bold flavors, including truffle, but I think a reigning in of the salt shaker and a lightening of the truffle touch are needed. Allow some of the flavors of the "nasty bits" to shine!! Will go back in a few months to try again. Yummy drinks, polite service and good vibe overall. It is rather loud, but I like that bustling feeling. Worth trying for curiosity's sake but i think they can do even better.
(3)
Mark S.
Its refreshing to see Richmond get so many unique dining options as of late...and The Blue Goat certainly on that list. Originally a grocery store from the 40s; the designers made sure to keep the original brick walls, re-purposed wood for their tables and also has a modern interpretation of the old cistern & chain toilet in their bathroom. Its a fun, hip atmosphere where you can enjoy some after-work drinks, or just a nice wholesome dining experience with locally sourced foods. The servers are just as passionate about the food as the back kitchen is, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Our group of 6 ordered the pomme frites, the braised fennel with gruyere, the pomegranate braised goat over mascarpone polenta, goat ravioli, and the braised pig cheeks with spaetzle. We assumed that would be our "first round" but we quickly found these delicious dishes very filling so we only added on the oxtail special as the finale. The cheeks were the crowd favorite, as were the fennel and ravioli. As mentioned, these dishes are all very rich, so the chef did a great job in pairing them with more neutral and complimenting textures such as polenta or spaetzle. The oxtail was delicious although the accompanying risotto - while smooth and creamy - was a tad salty. It was our only critique of an amazing dining experience. We also had two picky-eating children in our group and the server was quick to accommodate our request for a simple pasta/butter dish for them. Highly recommend for anyone looking for something new - as this menu is jam packed with unconventional proteins, unique food pairings and some delicious beverages.
(4)
Tanya M.
So I went about 3 weeks ago on a Friday evening around 7. My friend and I were the two sitting outside when everyone else came out and remarked on our bravery because of the stifling heat. It actually wasn't that bad, but did feel bad for the server because the transition to a/c to oven like humidity actually was causing him distress as noted by the sweat dripping down his temple. Ah, but on to the food, drinks, etc. So I had scanned the menu before arriving and was very excited about the cocktail menu. I love an inventive mixologist who can introduce me to something new and refreshing without be feeling like I'm being a pain in the ass because I ask " what would you suggest?" So we get there and it's definitely the place to be, but we are thirsty since we've just been sampling various wines on the Friday night sample night. I order the Strawberry Fields, which one would think would be the perfect balance of vodka and sweetness. The lime and basil muddled with strawberries sounded like it would be quite delish without tasting like I was doing a shot. I wonder if three other people hadn't ordered the same drink and I got the bottom of the cocktail shaker because it tasted abit watered down and not really sure if I tasted the Hangar One much at all. Willing to give it a second chance though and maybe sit at the bar and watch the bartender. We were just having munchies, so my friend ordered the white gazpacho and the manakintowne salad and I ordered the goat croquettes. Figured I had to have something with goat since that was the name, although judging from current menu, one might think it was The Blue Pig since many parts of the pig are distributed throughout the menu. The croquettes were good, but would suggest not pan searing as long. It was crisp on outside and tender on inside, but think if it were not seared as long, I might have been able to detect more nuances in the flavor. I sampled my friend's gazpacho and I did like it. The flavors were subtle, but a refreshing change. I consider my palate to be pretty aware though, so wonder if others would appreciate as much. I do plan to give it another chance though because it does seem to be the place to be and the decor, style, clientele were appealing. I'm also interested in the bartender's daily specials/creations, so will plan to return.
(2)
J M.
Bland food and ridiculous prices. A complete joke.
(1)
Marie S.
Have visited 5 times and with each visit I remain very impressed. The 1st visit was over lunch. Amy was our server. I can not rave about her enough. She was present but not pushy. Having waited tables for years, I appreciate that. I want to enjoy a meal and not feel rushed to leave. She was very knowledgeable as well as polite. I have noticed Richmond servers can be a bit uppity sometimes and that has never been the case at the Blue Goat. I had the pork and venison bolognese over the in house made potato gnocchi. It was delightful and so very yummy.I always worry about ordering gnocchi out because I am very picky about it and it is very easy to overcook. When that happens it becomes a starchy mushy mess. The gnocchi was perfect. When I got the bill it was very reasonable for what I had had. I will recommend The Blue Goat... A wonderful dining experience!!!
(5)
Taylor C.
Surprisingly good. I was very nervous when I read the online menu, but pleasantly surprised as we all shared our food. It may have even been better if I hadn't known what I was tring.
While the term Gastropub may not sound appetizing, the food here is phenomenal. Always something I've never tried - and not a disappointment yet. We have tried everything from the pigs ears, pork belly, braised pork cheeks, homemade sausage, rabbit pate, ox tail risotto...I could go on and on. One night I even opted for the one salad on the menu and was thoroughly pleased - a nice compliment to the other rich menu offerings. After a few dinners here, a wine pairing dinner and New Years Eve I have certainly tried foods for the first time, and the Blue Goat has set the bar high! The bar scene is always hoppin', which is no surprise as the cocktail, wine and beer lists are all well thought out. We will surely be back - after all, we haven't tried the latest menu yet! ...to date, my favorite dish I believe is the rabbit pate.
(4)
Jess H.
My husband and I tried the Blue Goat for the first time on New Year's Eve. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice...a little larger and less romantic than I expected, but really eclectic decor. We ordered two cocktails ($9 each) which were quite good and featured fresh herbs. They were running a special NYE menu with three options in each course section. I really would have preferred their normal menu, but we did find some winners. Starters: the duck pate ($9) was excellent, as was the lobster/scallop/crab cake over jicama slaw ($14). Really great blend of flavors, including truffle oil and fresh pomegranate seeds. Entrees: All options were $38. I ordered the pork loin chop wrapped in speck, stuffed with gruyere sausage, and served with whipped potatoes/sauteed spinach. It didn't blow me away...definitely not a $38 dish. My husband had a grilled strip loin with roasted root vegetables and said it was the best strip steak he'd ever had (which is saying a lot). It really was spot on, and closer to a $38 meal than mine was. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate butterscotch custard with whipped cream ($8). It was incredibly rich (but ohhhhh so delicious). My only complaint is that is was served in tall highball glass with the dense custard at the bottom underneath a load of whipped cream, making it difficult to extract with a spoon. I also ordered an espresso and it was perfect. So, to sum up the food: it was quite good, but I think they way overpriced their NYE menu. Service, etc.: Our server was very friendly. Here's the thing, though. We were seated and served both our starters AND entrees within 15 minutes of entering the restaurant. I suppose it was because everything was already prepared (it being a special abbreviated menu and all), but I like to savor my food and take my time when I'm shelling out for dinner. I found this aspect of the experience to be really offputting. ALSO-- upon finishing my cocktail, I ordered a glass of presecco to accompany dinner. After we had finished our meals/dessert and our plates had been cleared away, we were served complimentary prosecco since we had partaken in the pre-fixe deal. By that point, we'd purchased all we wanted to drink and were stuffed from the food. My question is: Why did our server not provide the complimentary prosecco ahead of time instead of waiting until after we were ready to leave? My assumption is that it was to increase our total bill so he would make more in tip, which really irks me. As it was, we left the complimentary presecco sitting on the table, essentially untouched and wasted (grrrrr). :-/ Overall impression: the food was very good, but we were in and out of there in just a little over an hour and feel like we kind of got gypped on the presecco deal. I definitely do not feel that the experience was worth the $170 we paid after taxes and tip.
Came for lunch with a friend to get a sample of the buzz around this place. The very nice server suggested the white gazpacho and we split the panzanella. The gazpacho, with cucumbers instead of tomatoes, was kind of sweet and tasted something like coleslaw, so meh. The salad was mostly bread, meh again. Since neither of these dishes are made with snouts or tails, I should probably go back for another try.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Ed C.
This place used to be a tail to snout farm to table bottle of awesome sauce. The cutting edge chef left and now it's not as adventurous as it was. Homemade pizza good burgers and a top flight cocktail service are what brings people now. It's fun to get a bunch of folks to share the small plates.
(4)Heather V.
We had dinner there last night, party of 9, at the Chef's table. Our reservations were at 6:00. We had an OK experience, which is why I'm only giving 3 stars. It felt like we were being hurried through the whole meal. We found out that they had another reservation in that room at 8:00. Whenever you have more than 6 people, you can almost guarantee a 3 hour meal. This was a family gathering and we didn't feel we could linger. The waitress talked very fast, rambled through the specials so quickly, we had to have her repeat them. The food came out really fast. The food was OK too, nothing really stood out. I had the Bistro Steak. It was flank steak that should have been sliced very thin before it was brought out. The steak knives they provided could not slice the meat very thin and it was difficult to try and slice. Others at the table tried different things, like the blackened catfish, NY Steak, soft shell crab, chicken and waffles...again, nothing wowed anyone. The Chef's table is nice and it can be closed off from the rest of the restaurant, so it is good for a larger group to converse.
(3)Meg G.
Ordered fried oyster, Mac and cheese with pork belly and waffle and chicken!! I wasn't big fan or fried oyster from blue goat but everything else was great!!! Waffle and chicken tastes amazing with great portion!! Great service and nice out door seating Will come back again
(4)Andy B.
Was very excited upon entering this beautiful location. Then I saw the beer draft menu with a beer flight and my wife and I actually said this place is getting 5 stars. Then came the service, or lack there of. We were always looking for our waitress. Beers once ordered were slow to be delivered, emptied and awaiting our waiter to be refreshed. Food was delivered as ordered, all 8 of our meals were correct and underwhelming. I ordered the bistro steak with sweet potato gnocchi. Steak temperature was correct but lacked flavor. Sweet potato gnocchi was dry. Meals were consumed, no desert menu was offered. We waited a long time for our waiter to come check on us so we could get our checks.
(3)Gabrielle S.
Warning: this is not for their food, as we only had an appetizer (crab dip, which was tasty but nothing to write home). I had a great time having drinks with friends at The Blue Goat! The drinks were VERY good! I tried their version of a blueberry mojito that was very refreshing with just the right amount of each ingredient to ensure one flavor did not overpower another. The ambiance was also very pleasing! The customer service was excellent, and we even had a small conversation with the owner who was out conversing and having a good time at the bar with his patrons, which is always a nice touch. I will definitely go back and try their food so that I am able to update my review.
(4)Katie B.
I love the decor, seating, look and feel of this restaurant. It's basically a hip fan restaurant but not in the fan. It's located on Libby close to U of R. The parking situation is also ideal because they have a whole lot in the back for those that aren't into parallel parking. I loved the beer selection and they had a speciality cocktail list but it didn't quite make sense. My friends ordered a drink named after a Willy Wonka character that was really good but I just didn't get how the name went with the restaurant. We also ordered 3 appetizers to share. All of them were good but nothing exceptional and all that different than anything I've had before. We tried the macaroni and cheese, tot-chos(loaded tator tots and the barbeque on top was YUMMY), and crab dip. I look forward to going back for a full dinner to really give the menu a decent shot. This place definitely has potential and I know a lot of people that LOVE it!
(3)Anne S.
Average service. Average food. Average prices. Went in for brunch at 12pm on a saturday. The hostess was neither pleasant nor rude. The waitress came several minutes later to take our drink order. She gave us weird vibes the whole time. She was either nervous, hung over, or clueless. At one point my friend asked me, "Do you think our waitress is okay?" She laughed at odd moments, took several seconds to answer us, or would be staring off into space. To the food: We got the FRIED GREEN TOMATO appetizer. It was the only above-average dish (4 stars). Crispy fried tomato with pimento cheese, country ham, and marinated tomatoes. Tasty! I ordered the FRITTATA. It had gruyere, red potatoes, red bell pepper, celery, and onion. It was topped with greens and a corn relish. The eggs were over cooked and very bland, the potatoes were overly salted, and there was no gruyere cheese. I asked the waitress for a side of gruyere; she stared at me, laughed, and then said, "sorry, I was trying to remember if we have gruyere." ?????? I covered the FRITTATA in hot sauce, cheese, and ketchup. It was better. The portion size was generous, which is the only reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1. DO NOT ORDER THIS. 2 STARS. Friend got the CRAB CAKE BENNIE. I tasted it and thought it was fine. Probably 3.5 stars. Overall, this was a strange dining experience. The two-top tables are strangely close together so it feels like you are dining with the people next to you. Also, the draft from the cold is intense. We were freezing at our table the whole time. I don't think I'd give this place another go.
(3)Ashwin M.
In Richmond for a friend's wedding, we wandered into town and decided to try Blue Goat for lunch on the day we arrived. Outdoor seating on an amazing day definitely made our experience pleasant. We shared a few different appetizers and loved them all - fried green tomatoes, roasted okra and mac and cheese, yum! Highly recommend the Kentucky Hot Brown! Very interesting presentation with hot turkey served open faced on bread, oozing with cheese, gravy, bacon and tomatoes. My friends also enjoyed their veggie burger and margarita pizza. Wash it all down with a beer, great selection of draughts on the menu. We chose some of the local VA brews.
(4)Tony H.
Just prior to the last two weeks of stifling heat we ate outside and had excellent service, the food was just as the service was, and we had an enjoyable experience. We dined w/ another couple and I discovered their food must have been as good as mine. Since we had such a beautiful day it made everything refreshing...my salad was yummy, crisp and chilled! It had a nice presentation. All local produce !!
(4)Christina O.
(Drunk in Love...My Burger Love Remix) I been thinking I been thinking. These burgers looked mighty good.... So I start eating I start eating.... That beef was flavorful I want more....nah nah. Can't wait to get my hunger back I want more nah nah....Burger Love! A tried and true restaurant fave. Being the burger connoisseur that I am....I would rate this a yum, yum, yummy type of of burger and fries plate. The angus was cooked to perfection and to my surprise (probably on the menu, but I missed it) there were a few slices of delish bacon on my sandwich. The parmesan fries were definitely a side item hit. I did not have an adult beverage this time...only water. Shocking, I Know! But I wanted to keep it simple since I did go there following a dance workout. This place appeared to be a Friday night hot spot as the bar was full and most tables were occupied. We did get immediate seating and that was nice, of course it helped make the experience even better. This is a definitely a "return to" spot that I am looking forward to returning to some day soon. Burger Love!
(4)jan m.
Yum...always enjoyable. Last time there we had only appetizers, six in all, and beer. Great bargain, each wonderfully prepared and presented. The portions were generous, and we had lunch for the next day.
(4)Patreace T.
This was my first time here and man was I missing out. This place is great, the staff was very nice and the food was excellent. This is Friday night and most places in Richmond are crowded but we got a seat right away in the bar area at one of the tables. The bar was pretty packed and happy hour had already passed. But it wasn't too noisy. It was a comfortable atmosphere. We got fried oysters to share and I got the crab cake sandwich with fries. It was soooo good. And to my happy surprise the fries were Parmesan fries. Yum. The crab cake wasn't bready, it was a good size and seasoned very well. I definitely enjoyed my dinner and was very satisfied. I wanted to try the desert (pumpkin creme brûlée which supported breast cancer month) but I couldn't eat another thing. I will have to go back soon.
(5)Jeff Y.
Came here for Restaurant Week with a friend. It was such a nice day that we decided to sit outdoors, so I didn't really get a good look at the restaurant's interior, but memorable items included some T-shirts displayed on a shelf behind the hostess and a small, stuffed animal blue goat. There seemed to be quite a few booths/tables indoor, as well as interesting paintings on the wall. Our server was very friendly and attentive, making the trek outside to check on us periodically. He was very patient with us after we took forever looking at the menus to decide what to order, and my friend Eveline and I also had a lot to catch up on, so we dragged our meal on to about two hours long. In the end, we realized two hours had passed by already (we had plans to catch the 9:30PM showing of The Grand Budapest Hotel next door), so we rushed inside to get our check and pay, for which our waiter was very understanding and accommodating. The food itself was great! What stood out to me the most was the stunning presentation. Portions were on the smaller side, but the quality was phenomenal. Everything tasted very fresh and flavorful, and nothing was exceedingly heavy. My three-course meal consisted of vegetable consome, duck breast, and pineapple upside-down cake. See attached photos. All in all, delicious and a pleasant dining experience.
(4)Jessica P.
Went here for dinner and just missed happy hour! But it seems like they have a relatively good one for this part of Richmond. The ambiance is very cool and Richmondy and they have a great chef's room that seems cool for groups. We got fried okra and the "Totchos" to start. The fried okra were crispy and coated in a classic southern batter, served whole with a tomato based sauce- overall I would say they were very good if you like fried okra. The "Totchos"- tater tots with pulled pork, mournay sauce, and a bunch of other stuff were a little much. My husband liked them, but I thought they needed something to cut all of the richness. For our meal I got Cioppino (on special), my husband got the pork belly and our parents got a burger and a pizza. The Cioppino was okay- none of the clams had opened while cooking but the other seafood was relatively tender and flavorful, definitely not like west coast Cioppino but not a disappointment. My husbands pork belly was delicious. It was served with collards that were extremely sweet- not our favorite, but definitely one way to cook them. The burger and pizza were reliably good, but nothing special.
(3)Liz J.
The blue goat is a great place to go when you want to try something a little different. I've never eaten goat meat before, and did have to psychologically prepare myself for the goat sausage on my pizza, and it turned out to be an adventure worth making. My Blue Goat Pizza was absolutely delicious. Thin crust, but not too thin, a good combination of goat and mozzarella cheeses, and an unexpected yet very nice drizzle of balsamic. Meat lovers out there would be disappointed in the amount of sausage, as there was only one piece per slice, but for someone who is new to goat meat or just not all that into massive amounts of meat on your pizza, it's a good amount. The French dip was pretty good, but the fries it was served with were nothing special. The texture and flavor reminded me more of fries you would get at a county fair and drench in vinegar, rather than the ketchup. We also seemed to get the duds of the batch - all the fries were so small that they were actually difficult to pick up. The disappointing part of the meal was the appetizer - by far the worst fried green tomatoes I've had. If you're going it to have that on your menu in Richmond, VA, you really need to deliver. Again I think we got the duds of the batch, as we seemed to have gotten an end piece of the tomato and the toppings didn't sit on it quite right. The breading was crispy and had a nice flavor, but the tomatoes were too thick, the bacon was too soft, and the sauce just wasn't very good. Service could be stepped up a notch as well. Our server disappeared after we were served our food and never came back to check on us. We had finished our meals long before she came by to ask if we were ready for the check. She was perfectly friendly, but needed to stop by a little more often. Also, don't trust the menu on the website: I mentioned to the server that the online menu was very different than what was on our table, and she said that it is rarely updated online, and offers dishes they haven't had in over a year. I would probably go back if there was an opportunity, but it wouldn't be my first choice of restaurants.
(3)Kay B.
They had me at "tot-chos" We numbered two adults and a 12 year old and enjoyed a delightful meal. We all like the look and openness to the decor. I'm a grazer so went with the tot-chos, fried green tomatoes and a mixed green salad knowing others would sample. Husband got the chicken and waffles since we'd never had and the 12 year old had a burger. Everyone enjoyed their meals. There are many other options that are worth a return trip. Daughter will redo the burger over and over. A little picky so she ate around the Parmesan cheese on the fries. Chicken and waffles worth trying but would not repeat unless I'm looking for a carbo load. The only minor disappointment was the salad - it was overdressed for me. I'm not a "dressing in the side" girl but would request when we return.
(4)David H.
Solid spot. Beautiful inside, nice patio, decent service. kale chips were delicious (a little oily). Not a fan of the smoked tater tots (aka fried mash potatoes), but the dipping sauce saved them. Lamb meatballs had great flavor. Shrimp and grits were good. It was more like a soup, but the ingredients in it were good - chorizo, vegetables, shrimp, and tasty grits
(4)Renée G.
Some things are not meant to be elevated/fancified, chicken and waffles among them. I ordered said dish on my first visit to The Blue Goat yesterday and was underwhelmed, especially for the $15 price tag. The savory scallion waffle, tender pea shoots, and BBQ walnuts were all delicious, and I was pleased that the maple syrup was real, but the chicken was...meh. It was so tender it was almost soggy, rendering the fried coating equally mushy, and had too much going on seasoning-wise. I wouldn't order it again, but I would be curious to try some of the other inventive-sounding menu offerings, including the pulled pork breakfast hash and oyster-egg scramble. My SO's meal was much better than my disappointing chicken and waffles, and far more affordable at $8. He ordered two poached eggs with country ham, grits, and toast. The grits were my favorite part, nubby, creamy, and with a subtle hint of onion flavor. As others have noted, the hostess was polite and efficient but not particularly warm. Our server was lovely; attentive but not overbearing. We were pleased to note that The Blue Goat offers numerous well-priced happy hour drink specials and will definitely be returning to give those a try, along with some of the dinner food. As far as the clientele/ambiance here, I think "overabundance of privilege" sums it up pretty well. The place is a stone's throw from U of R, after all. Thank God for the enormous ironic-tacky neon paintings of goats; the rest is all barn wood and whitewashed brick and zzz.
(3)Taryn R.
My husband and I came in just for drinks during our hour and a half wait for a restaurant a few doors down. We both enjoyed expertly made Moscow mules before trying Porch Sippin from their cocktail menu. Amazing! The fresh fruit and mint made it totally worth the $9. Our wait time kept getting pushed back (thanks Burger Week), so we stayed put for dinner. Hands down, best burger of my life. The bartender is a godsend for suggesting it. Also had the crab dip, which was delicious. We'll definitely be back, and soon.
(5)Brandon P.
My wife and I came here for lunch and we were both very pleased with the service, atmosphere and quality of the food that we ordered. I had the oyster po boy and my wife ordered pizza. Both were very good; however, I have to admit the pizza was way above my expectations. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and ensured that we had whatever we needed through the course of the meal. I really liked the atmosphere of this place from the interesting decor/pictures to the trendy bathroom. We will certainly be back here again!
(4)Julie R.
I've been wanting to try The Blue Goat for a while, but their menu was too crazy, even for this foodie. However, I just recently found out that they'd updated their menu to some less crazy/scary food options. Their fried oysters were some of the best I've ever had. They came with pickled cabbages, thinly sliced pickles and then a remoulade that was slightly like tarter sauce. I'm also a big pizza fan, so I always give pizza a try when it's on the menu. We got the margarita pizza and it was very good. The crust wasn't as thin as I was expecting, but it was good and had a nice "chew" to it. We also had the burger.. "burger" makes it sound way more boring than it was though. It had bacon, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and I can't remember what else. It was certainly good, but nothing crazy. Lastly, we had the crab cake sandwich. This was also good, but not rave worthy. It has a nice flavor and a decent amount of crab. I'll definitely go back.. there were a lot of things on the menu I wanted to try. Although, next time I'll definitely make a reservation.
(4)Heather L.
I used to like this place. Never loved it, but I liked it ok. The food seems not worth the money anymore. It seems as though this place went all glorified bar food on me. Most things are fried or cheese laden. Not really for me. Oh and also, didn't this menu have goat on it at one time?? Not anymore. I live for well cooked goat. Such a letdown.
(3)Bob S.
This was my first visit to the GOAT. Our daughter and future son in law live in Richmond and they brought us there. The bar was packed, but the staff seemed to be handling quite well. We had reservations and were seated at once. The looked very interesting. My son in law had the deviled eggs and he raved about the dish. I have the fried oysters. I couldn't believe how many they gave me. There was enough for two. For entries my wife had shrimp and grits and gave them 5 stars. My daughter had the crab cake and couldn't finish it. It too was large. My son in law had the steak and though it was good but nothing to rave about. I had the soft shell crabs. They perfectly prepared and huge . That alone rated 6 stars. Overall the food was great, the service was excellent, and since my son in law paid the price was beautiful.
(5)Greg L.
Had soft shell crab entree and they were outstanding! Previous night at Southbound had the same and absolutely no comparison. They were large, meaty and very well prepared. And there was a starch and vegetable medley so it was a complete meal; Southbound just 2 tiny soft shells, more an appetizer than a meal.
(5)Matt B.
The flavor depth, distinguished profiles, complex notes, and execution creativity of the cuisine at The Blue Goat is enough to call this modern-hipster-chic kitchen as good as it gets in Richmond, VA. There has been a distracting buzz about Richmond and in other reviews about a downward spiral at The Blue Goat; Perhaps a departure from the a-typical menu adorning it's tables or a modification in kitchen staff. The haters need to stop hating. This was an immaculate meal from start to finish - decor, ambiance, service, and flavors. The decor is clean, modern, and stylish and our service was superb from start to finish with no hiccups. Taking queues from the kitchen, we ordered all 4 specials for the evening: a take on Oysters Rockefeller, an indian-inspired Rockfish appetizer, lump crabcakes with succotash, and Sheepshead fish paired with johnnycakes. The baked oysters were paired with pimento cheese, kale, a pancetta (or similar) salt-rich meat, and a scorchingly hot chili sauce. The dense rich flavors of the Rockefeller clearly respected their namesake - the sweet and tangy chili sauce paired well with the salty pancetta filling; the creamy cheese melding with a crispy kale topping; and the heat-laden pop of the hot sauce melding with the kale created a perfect one-bite combination. The Rockfish dish was billowing with indian aromas upon arrival and perfectly cooked topped with some baby greens and surrounded by a delicious mint-chutney-like yogurt. The chickpea fritters reminded me of a simpler-take on a samosa, filled with curry aromas and pairing perfectly with the cooling chutney flavors of the yogurt. To add even more depth to the dish and the presentation, some beautifully caramelized onions and fruity notes of raisins (or similar) accompanied the fish. These appetizers sure set the bar high for the rest of the meal, and it did not disappoint. The sheepshead fish had a beautifully crispy broil on each flaky piece and the chunks of filet were served over a roasted corn Johnnycake. A wonderfully acidic vinaigrette coated the roasted endives surrounding the plate; adding a bright contrast to the dense cornmeal pancake. A visually sharp spread of edamame puree circled the fish, respectful and perfectly flavored on its own, accompanied by a ring of chorizo oil. This dish screams simplicity and complexity at the same time. I found myself eating bits and bites of different combinations throughout the meal, not one bite was the same! The lump crabcakes appeared to be a bit too caramelized, but packed a perfectly sweet crunch to the outside of the patty. The portion of crab was generous enough to have leftovers, and while the percentage of breading may have been too hefty - the flavor was perfect and did not overpower the delicate crab. The succotash consisted of lima beans, splitpeas, pinto beans, and cherry tomatos with a sweet and acidic dressing. Circling this dish was a bright and aromatic roasted red pepper sauce to slosh your herb-covered fingerling potatoes through. This meal couldn't end here, so we proceeded to down each of our own desserts: a chocolate-oatmeal cookie icecream sandwich with Nutella gelato and a cornmeal pineapple upsidedown cake with jalapeno icecream. The upsidedown cake is a stroke of genious that may tie my favorite dessert (La Grotta's Tiramisu) in flavor and blows away any other I have ever had in creativity. The cornmeal cake was reminiscent of buttery cornbread but light enough to feel like a cake; the syrup and sugary pineapple brought it to a dessert level; and the jalapeno ice cream complete with cool-and-creamy notes and a sharp after-spice all played into a beautiful crescendo of complex flavors. This meal, start-to-finish, was expertly crafted, prepared, and served.
(5)Lisa G.
Sunday girlfriends dinner at the Blue Goat was a great idea. Our waitress was great -- friendly and knew when to check on us and when to leave us alone. My martinis were perfectly made. Friend said her mojitos were also perfect. We decided to order the (beef) short ribs and scallops and share them. The short ribs came with potatoes and carrots. The scallops came with arugula and potatoes. Both were yummy. The ribs were maybe a bit overcooked, but still good. Atmosphere has a lot of potential. Maybe because of the bad weather outside, but it was pretty empty. With a little more energy, I'm sure the pulse would beat a little stronger. Nice décor. Drink menu is extensive. Food menu is somewhat limited, but still with solid options.
(4)Renee H.
I cannot fathom why this place is not rated any higher. The food is outstanding! We had the deviled eggs, fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, crab dip, and pork belly. Each dish was delicious and inventive. The pork belly was amazing. The craft cocktails were also very good. Service is a tad slow, but chalk that up to attention to detail.
(5)Cara M.
Ok so apparently you can persuade me to put my left pinky toe back into Blue Goat.. My husband and I returned to celebrate our second wedding anniversary tonight and were not disappointed. We started off with the shrimp and grits fritters and they were very good. Crispy on the outside very tasty on the inside. I got the Hawaiian pizza which was so good I apparently felt the need to dig in so fast I burnt my tongue. The pizza was a little heavy but there are a lot of toppings so that's to be expected. My husband got the crab cakes which were phenomenal!! Everything about the dish knocked it out of the park, highly recommend. We ended up getting the banana ice cream with the croissant, chocolate and whip cream. It was good but we were sad they were out of the lemon pie which our server gave very high remarks. All in all a much better experience. Our server was attentive without being annoying, she was knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge without seeming pushy. The bartender was also very nice (since we were sitting close to the bar) made sure my husbands game was on the TV which is always a crowd pleaser. Thanks Blue Goat - in the words of Loyd Christmas, "you've totally redeemed yourself!"
(4)Tsa Y.
The appetizer was one spoonful of bad ideas presented beautifully The main course was three spoonful of mediocrity The dessert was a spoonful of organic, local, grass-fed sugar
(2)Robert W.
Found this place by searching Yelp. Overall the reviews were good so we decided to give it a try, glad we did, it was a nice time. We didn't order any entrees, just a bunch of small plates and appetizers. Cheese Board - 3-Stars Decent selection of cheese, preserves and mustard. A bit overpriced for what you get. Smoked Tatertots - 2-Stars too smoky, we did not like them. Blue Goat Flat Bread - very good, 5-Stars, we ordered two. Desert - 4-Stars, had the pecan with gelato. Delicious
(3)Michelle C.
I had the oysters Rockefeller. The topping was ham and pimento cheese. The cheese was awesome but overpowered the oysters. Too bad. The lamb meatballs were off the charts-moist and well seasoned. As always the chocolate pate was amazing! Nice wine selection and well priced.
(4)Brian W.
I love this place. I am usually not a tapas/small plates guy, but the food here is delicious and the atmosphere is awesome. Very relaxing and casual, with just enough of a hint of upscale. Good for just about everything. A quick solo bite at the bar, date night, lunch with friends etc.
(4)PizzaTheHut X.
Do NOT get the Bahn Mi sandwich. It's literally nothing close to what a Bahn Mi sandwich should be, and everything it shouldn't be. The bread is thick and chewy, and it tastes like a bad American sub. The one thing you can't mess up is the bread, and they have it completely wrong. The bread needs to be flaky and melt in your mouth. Not think and chewy. I like all of Eat's restaurants, including the Blue Goat. I've never had an awful meal at any of the restaurants. The Bahn Mi Sandwich was a TERRIBLE meal.
(3)Brock v.
We'd been by here many times without stopping in...their first menu iteration seemed contrived - not every animal and vegetable part is worth eating, so why try to make it so? After the menu changed, we decided to give it a try on a recent Friday night. A large and rowdy crowd at one end of the bar signals the tone at least early in the evening. Go later than 7:30 if you'd like to converse without shouting. We were a party of six long time friends, and were seated in one of the over-sized booths. Unfortunately that meant you could only see and converse with the four closest to you, and the two farthest away from you were out of touch. So, if you're a larger party, insist on a table. Service was absolutely underwhelming. Maybe she didn't feel well, was under-trained, or just not meant for this type of job, but there was no sense that she was happy that we chose to dine there. And, she rushed he entire experience, and offered no input or recommendation about the menu. I've had better experiences at much lower priced restaurants. Because we were rushed, I ended up with a hamburger - okay i'm a slow decision-maker, so without sufficient time to ruminate I'll do a default. It wasn't bad, but again, it didn't shine. And, it came fully dressed with things that I would have left off. The server could have been more explicit about the norm and offered options for a better experience. It came with about 2 oz. of mixed greens on the side as a "salad" because I opted to not get fries. Others in the party had shrimp and grits and a couple of specials. We also started with a crab dip. What sums it up is no one raved about their food, and there was no expression of "we can't wait to come back". Suffice to say I maybe would give them one more try, but unless the service and food became more noteworthy, I'll choose one of the hundreds of good options in this town.
(2)Eric G.
Hands down best pizza in Richmond. Not a pizza place but awesome pies. House made cheese awesome crust. Done.
(4)Kimberly S.
This restaurant makes me think of this random Saved by the Bell quote: "Hi I'm AC Slater. The AC stands for absolutely charmed." AC is exactly how I feel about the Blue Goat. Everything about my brunch at the Blue Goat was stupendous -- from the food, to the service, to the cute old-timey antique bathrooms complete with hanging chain flusher. Mimosas are light on oj and high in champagne. The french toast with elderflower honey and blackberry compote was THE most amazing french toast I have EVER had -- the only way to explain it's taste is NOMNOMNOMNOM. Our server was friendly, attentive and helpful in explaining all of the menu options to us. I can't wait to come back for dinner and try their famous pate!
(4)Kate L.
I first visited The Blue Goat when it opened and decided to give it another try with a few friends. We went in for drinks and appetizers after work. The menu boasted numerous traditional southern dishes with modern flair. While not standout dishes, the Tot-Chos, Deviled Eggs and traditional hand cut friends were my favorite items of the night- simple dishes prepared well. The Mac and Cheese and Fried Green Tomatoes both seem under seasoned and were not finished by our party. My friends enjoyed both the Shrimp and Grit Fritters and the Crab Dip. We ended the meal with a slice each of their Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie and Lemon Custard Pie. Steer away from the Chocolate Peanut Butter pie and go all-in on the Lemon Custard. We all agreed that the Chocolate Pie missed the mark but the Lemon Custard was perfectly tart and satisfying. Other restaurants in Richmond appear to be delivering better on the promise of neo-southern comfort food but if you're in the Libbie/Grove area, Blue Goat is a nice option for a larger party.
(3)Sierra L.
Took my mom out to lunch here. The food was wonderful - we shared the crab dip, I had the crabcake & my mom had the veggie burger. The food was DELICIOUS. The crab dip & crab cake had big chunks of crab meat. The veggie burger had great flavor & wasn't dry. The problem was with the time. We originally wanted to sit on the patio, but some guy was out there smoking, so we took a table inside. Everything after that took forever - from ordering our food, to getting the appetizer, getting our entrees - and it wasn't crowded! We were one of about 6 tables on a Tuesday. If I come back, it will probably be to pick up my food & take it home.
(3)Gabrielle P.
Pizza was delicious and the pumpkin creme brûlée was to die for. Definitely returning.
(5)Jordan B.
We are here a couple of months ago for dinner with a large group of friends. It was good, but not as much of a "Wow" experience as we were hoping for. Then we came back last week for brunch. It was excellent. Everyone at our table ordered a different meal and every single plate was clear by the end of meal. If you have a good sized group (8-10) I recommend asking for the room in the back. We have been in that room both times. You can see through the glass window to the kitchen which is kind of cool. We will definitely give it another chance for dinner.
(4)Rick C.
Great place for just grabbing a drink at the bar or a full dinner. There are lots of specially added flavors to each dish - the same is even the case for the bread! The service was also very friendly and quick. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Megan P.
I had high hopes for this place. Open layout, good bar, promising reviews. The food was fine just nothing special. The salad dressing on the Caesar was lacking. The best part of our meal was the braised goat ravioli. Dessert was satisfying. The service was fine but they weren't particularly busy for a Sunday evening. Overall I was completely underwhelmed. Don't know if I'll be back unless I here of something particularly amazing being served.
(3)Emmy A.
I used to love the Blue Goat. It was creative and interesting, and most importantly delicious. Now, the menu is best described as boring in both creativity and in taste. There are dozens of better restaurants in Richmond, I won't be back to this one again.
(2)Blair W.
I was a bit disappointed with my first experience at The Blue Goat. First of all, the acoustics were awful, and my friends and I had a very hard time hearing one another and carrying on a conversation. Secondly, for the price, most of the portion sizes were quite small, especially since there were five of us splitting each item. The tuna steak was fabulous, but I was not overly impressed with most of our other choices. Overall, I feel like The Blue Goat is overpriced for what it offers and would not recommend it for a group outing.
(2)Ray S.
The Blue Goat is a pretty cool place. I went here for drinks following a nice dinner out. I like the feel of he restaurant and all the food looked really good. I noticed some good happy hour specials on the board so go before 7 to get a good price on beer. I do plan on going back for dinner some time.
(4)Marcia W.
First time visiting & I thougt it was fine. Shrimp & grits app was great in a comfort food kind of way. My friend ordered a fish special that was delicious (although the potato side was uninspired). I ordered the chicken sandwich: interesting topping combo (pear-pepper relish delicious!) but on overcooked chicken and droopy toast. Drinks were made very well & service was excellent. I'll go again.
(4)Jarrod H.
Vegan pizza available and local brews. WinWin!
(5)Alice C.
We came here for my birthday and they were very accommodating. The food was more on the expensive side, but very good. Half of the table got the mussels and I think they ended up running out of them because we ordered them all! They were fantastic; I still haven't had better mussels in Richmond. It's too bad they changed their menu, but I do hope they bring them back. We were able to bring our own cake without a plate fee, which was nice. Decent ambiance, although a bit small (like most places in Richmond). Everyone enjoyed their meal and the service was good.
(4)Nicole M.
I absolutely love this place. I have been there for brunch, dinner, and just a few drinks at the bar, and have sat inside and outside. The service is excellent - informative and friendly. The food is super delicious (last meal there was a special - prime rib, sweet potato hash, and brussel sprouts - YOU GUYS). If you're just going for a drink, they have a good variety of beers with some creative, very tasty cocktails. Decor is fun and elegant without being obnoxious. They also have a really nice private room in the back for a large-ish party. This really is one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond - and that's saying something.
(5)Tawheed H.
Excellent place to eat. Had a LARGE party of 15 for a bday, it became a plate passing and fork reaching fest. I liked everything that went in my mouth except for the burger w a doughnut as a bun, and not because of the doughnut. 3 of these were order at our table, I took a bite out of 1 and the meat was just bland, it needed some seasoning and flavor. After eating I asked the other two how theirs was, and they said it was seasoned well and flavorful. So try it for yourself!
(4)Jill D.
Perfectly accommodated our large group. Service was perfect - not a detail missed. Food was great - from apps to entrees. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and look forward to coming back!
(5)Erica A.
The Blue Goat is one of my new Richmond favorites. Their beer selection is amazing, and it's a modern, yet casual, cozy type place. I definitely think it lives up to it's "gastro-pub" label. We ordered a plethora of dishes on our visit there. The only thing I really didn't love was the pork cheeks. They were very dry and barely edible, which was surprising since everything else we had was so delicious. We started off with some adventure and tried to country rabbit pate with white truffle honey and balsamic drizzle. It was delicious. Everything worked together to create a perfect morsel: the pate, the white truffle honey and micro greens on top. We were scraping the white truffle honey off the plate at the end. We tasted the foi gras which was good, but a little small for their price. We also had the pork cheeks as I mentioned, but I considered that a bit of a fail. We also had sea bass atop creamy lemon orzo, topped with fried arugula. That was delicious. The fish melted in your mouth and was perfectly accented by the citrusy orzo and the crispy fried arugula. My favorite part of the meal was the caramel gelato with black lava salt. YUM. The sweet, creamy gelato was so perfectly complimented by the intense salt. Can't go wrong with sweet and salty. Overall, this was a great meal. A few minor misses, but we thoroughly enjoyed the service, food and atmosphere.
(4)Elle T.
During my time in Richmond, I have had a few really great meals at the Blue Goat. One of the nights we rented the private Chef's room for a celebration and it was lovely. Unfortunately, during my last few visits I have had really bad experiences. To start, they have recently revamped their menu. Prior to the revamping, the focus seemed to be on seasonal, farm-to-table items, which were delicious. In recent visits, it seems they have opted to just offer standard, boring, bar foot. They have a few overpriced burgers and pizza items, as well as maybe four or five entrees. In addition, the service is literally terrible. The waitresses are surly and generally unpleasant. During my most recent visit, we had an issue that the hostess, our waitress and the night manager attempted to address. Not a single person apologized to us, they just kept telling us they did not know what was going on. Long story short, a credit card was lost and during our meal, they could not locate it. Every single person in the staff that we spoke with said they would help, but not one person followed up with us as they said they would. The nightmanager said she would come right back to get our information, but instead proceeded to walk past us about 10 more times and ignore us. When we left we saw she was outside fiddling with their holiday lights. Due to their pretty brazen disregard for customers and customer service, and their completely boring and bland menu, we won't be back.
(1)Robert H.
My wife and I ate here for the first time and every dish was good but not great. Fries were tasty but many places make better, the goat ravioli in brown butter sauce had a tasty stuffing but the pasta was under done, the lemon wedge and arugula salad was good but no better than any salad at a decent restaurant. The best dish was the charcuterie platter which had a very nice selection of cheeses, meats, and garnishes. Beer selection is top notch.
(3)Casey C.
What a treat. I am in love with the Blue Goat! My first time here was dinner, and the decor and style won me over right away. My bf and I had the rabbit pate (Yum! with sprouts and a drizzle of balsamic, definitely my fave), forest mushroom ragout, and silky smooth potato soup. The second time I came for Sunday brunch and had their delicious french toast with elderflower honey and blackberry compote, strawberry mimosas and the goat cheese fritatta. Everything is made so splendidly, the slightly higher cost is completely understandable. The bread and honey (?) butter is splendid. The servers are charming. There's a parking lot behind the building. What I love most about this gastropub is its heavy support of local farmers and using all parts of an animal. I love this place so much I want to lie and tell you that its terrible so you won't come here and I will always get a table and a parking spot.
(5)Courtney B.
Skip the Shrimp Salad. It was tiny and very underwhelming for the $13 it cost us. Blue Goat is always hit or miss. We've had amazing meals and we've also had overpriced average meals. We did have the peanut butter pie for dessert tonight which was amazing. It's such a cool spot... Just wish it was more consistent.
(3)James T.
Food = 4 (not bad... small servings) Price = 2 (way out of line... twice as expensive as the very good places on the same block) Experience = 3 (nice decor with okay service)
(3)Tom C.
I ate there for the first time last night. They have a good atmosphere and the food is better than average. Fried green tomatoes are what you would expect. The fried chicken and waffles were good and the shrimp and Tasso salad was average. We will go back but there are definitely better choices in the city.
(3)Xida Z.
Chef's table is a great experience, but be prepared to pay. On a chilly winter night, people retreat to the warmth of the Blue Goat. Half bar, half restaurant, the tavern is reminiscent of a simpler time. (Check out the bathroom.) Our group had reserved the chef's table, a small glass room surrounded by shelves of wine bottles with a glass window separating us from the chefs. We sat around a large square table big enough for 8-12, but still small enough to talk to the whole group without shouting. Admittedly, I was a little distracted from the food. The menu is foodie paradise with words not often seen such as goat, pomegranate and rabbit. Prices are high but bearable. For 8, we had 2 orders of calamari confit - not battered, delicious. (9, recommended) one pomogranate and fig braised goat- soft and savory. (12) one charcuterie board- beautiful but small (17) My medium rare steak and frites (fries)- large fatty ribeye, nice grill marks. Fries were over-salted. (26, picture, recommended) Fried Pizza Dough Crust with Honey and Powdered Sugar- delicious like funnel cake Pomegranate Sorbet- not to be confused with frozen sherbet. the sorbet tastes like frozen pomegranates, but is elastic like caramel cold, topped with fresh berries. Pinot Noir, Sineann, "Schindler VY" Willamette, Oregon 11/44 is fine. + Good food, carefully made. - Nibbles are small. Be prepared to pay $50-60 per person if you want a three course meal with wine. Fortunately, I wasn't paying this time. If I had been paying, I would probably have split a few nibbles and skipped the wine and dessert. Total would have been around 25 each. Ambiance & Service 5/5 Food 4/5 Value 2/5
(4)Erika F.
I went here for my friend's birthday dinner and although the experience wasn't the best, I'd probably come back for happy hour. We had a table for 10 and we ended up having a few more people so they were super nice and added a table. We had enough people. The place was busy and the waitress looked really stressed. She did a great job with the table and was quick to come out with drinks and food and ensured she checked up on us on a regular basis. The reason why I'm only giving this place 2 stars is because of the food and the prices of the food. The food was good; nothing too special to write home about, but good none the less. The issue was that I paid $75 for an appetizer and two entrees and I just didn't think the food was good enough to have paid that much. If I go to Morton's or something like that and pay $75 for two people (an minimum) I'm perfectly happy. But portions here were a little on the small side for the prices they were charging and I don't think the food was good enough to warrant that price. We ordered the House Cured Charcuterie Board, Pork Scallopini, and for the appetizer we ordered the Ashley Farms "Country Style" Rabbit Pate. The others ordered more but I can't for the life of me remember what they all ordered. The Charcuterie Board was good; it had a good variety of meat and cheese and the layout was awesome. Honestly, it was a good dish. I'd order it again but I just didn't think it was worth $17. My boyfriend had the Pork dish and he said it was tasty but the cuts of pork were a little tough and the sauce was somewhat tasteless. I didn't taste it so, I don't know, but he's a foodie like me so I trust his judgement. The app was good just tiny. Again, the food was okay just not good enough for the prices they were asking for. I would be more than happy to go there for happy hour but I don't think I'd be going there for a sit down meal again.
(2)Casey Q.
Yep. Still 5 stars. Have been getting my goat on with some regularity, almost always sitting solo at the bar and watching the scene while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine paired with some delightful nosh from the ever-changing menu. Service is always stellar - friendly, informative, caring. Have tried lunch twice now, and have been knocked flat by the flavors, colors, and general adventure that the Blue Goat has come to mean for me. I just love this place. Current (see date - this could change) lunch recommendations: venison/pork/duck sausage that take a sausage roll and turns it into a gustatory delight; gazpacho that has a lovely slow burn of spice; jicama slaw; cheese pizza with truffle honey (WOW); dandelion greens salad with Vidalia onion greens, fresh peas, and tomatoes. I just love this place.
(5)Rebecca B.
Used to be one of my favorite places. Went the other day looking forward to a menu items only to find that the menu has completely changed. The NEW MENU is AWFUL. The tater tots are disgusting...so bad I wish we'd sent them back. The carrot soup was decent. The margherita pizza was edible but pretty much ruined by the green tomatoes that WERE NOT on the list of toppings on the menu. The new chef doesn't have a clue. Save your time & money. We won't be back unless something changes.
(1)Jamie D.
Ok, the secret's out. Blue Goat's cocktail menu is kick-ass. This is hands down my new favorite spot for drinks. Not only is the bar huge, with room to accomodate a large number of cocktail-hour patrons, but the libations are insane. Looking for a sweet and smooth adult bev? Try the Cool as a Cucumber - Hendricks Gin, St. Germaine, muddled cucumber and mint, splash of soda. Need to drown your sorrows with a strong sip? Pear Pleasure to the rescue - Hangar 1Spiced Pear filled with Prosecco. Like the idea of something that sounds pretty simple but will blow you away? Order my personal favorite, Lounge Cherry - Cruzan Cherry Rum, house made limeade with a splash of sprite. Never have I experienced a disappointing drink at Blue Goat, and the bartenders rock. Friendly and totally on top of making sure no glass is left empty. In terms of cuisine, I've only eaten at Blue Goat once and I enjoyed my meal. I'm a pescatarian and the menu is pretty meat-heavy, but I knew this going into it (it's never stopped me before... I can always find something to eat!). I felt a little bad for the bf because he would've been all over the meat dishes, but sadly since he was dining with me he didn't try as many as he would have liked. But that's just another reason for us to go back again with a larger meat-eating group. Back to the food - we both enjoyed the white bean hummus, which was a fairly standard hummus dish but accompanied by the most amazing house-made cucumber yogurt. We also tried the crab and spinach salad, which came topped with pancetta cracklings. I overlooked that small detail on the menu, so I just avoided the porkers this time (more for the bf!) and would ask for it without the bacon in the future. If you're in the mood for greens, however, the Manakintowne salad was a show-stealer with the combination of pomegranate vinaigrette, gorgonzola and apples. Talk about tasty! Lastly, the goat cheese torte also made its way onto our table. The flavors were solid, but it was a little too dense for my tastes. I think I read the words "goat cheese" and had this image in my mind of something else... but we still managed to eat a large portion of it and I'm glad we tried it. I'm looking forward to my next meal visit, as I can't wait to try some of their seafood dishes as well as the whole poached artichoke (doesn't it sound intriguing? Well, to me it does!). And of course, when I'm in need of superb spirits, The Blue Goat's where I'm headed!
(4)Michael C.
As strange as it sounds, try the popcorn soup. Amazingly good! Their re-vamped menu is quite a change, but the chef is obviously having fun and turning out some delicious meals. Braised pork shank was so flavorful, I could have eaten two. The bison burger with grilled shrimp was the favorite of two in our party. Nice staff, great chef's table and a relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Ava L.
High concept presentations can't mask so-so food. The ingredients are fresh and high quality, but the execution is just not good. For example, I tried the fried okra appetizer. It arrived sitting in a bowl of soy sauce. It was soggy and way too salty. I also had the scallop small plate. There were two scallops. The pork belly, is to date, the meal that has made me the most sick. It wasn't due to food poisoning, but due to a disgusting amount of fat. I have cross trained in eating fatty foods for years, but this was too much. I see it is now listed as being twice cooked, so perhaps more fat is now rendered out of the entrée. My spouse agrees that this restaurant is high fa-lootin', but mediocre.
(2)Robert T.
This... was a miss. The pros: beautifully decorated restaurant, open airy design, friendly staff. The cons: The food. Now, that's a bold statement. Why do I say the food was the con, the fail, the bad? Because this restaurant committed the cardinal sin of restaurants in my book, which is allowing twee presentation concepts to override the actual taste (and portion size) of the food itself. The menu is divided into three sections for food - Nibble, Graze, and Feed. Excellent, so one might be led to believe that the portion sizes increased in that order. I was a bit hungry, so I ordered from Feed - specifically the house-made ravioli stuffed with braised goat, ricotta and Swiss chard, covered with pecorina Roman. I mean, wow - what a description! It makes my mouth water just typing it now. What I actually *received* was two barely-warm medium sized raviolis, swimming in unseasoned olive oil. There was no flavor at all - none. No goat, no chard, only a bit of pecorina Roman wandering around on cardboard. Visually It was presented well - but in the mouth I could have been chewing on Wonder bread. There was no "there" there. At first I was upset about the tapas-sized portion of what was supposed to be a full-sized meal, but after tasting them I didn't really miss out that much. A friend got the pizza, which was enormous - far too much for one person who wasn't a competitive eater. I helped her eat it, and it was very tasty. Another friend got the "fish and chips", which was (again) presented very exotically, but the portion size was one tiny whole fried fish and a collection of fries in a cone. Cute and twee and totally impractical. None of the food that I tasted was exceptional - some was actually bad. I won't be returning.
(2)Brian K.
Great spot for wine, beer and their wonderful appetizers. The service was above average and the social scene was for the 30-40 year old crowd it seemed on this particular Wednesday evening.
(4)Caron L.
My fiance and I split 2 appetizers and an entree. Both were very good. The bred and butter they bring to the table is delicious. The beer selection was great!
(4)Ryan C.
Everyone should try the Blue Goat. It's really not your average restaurant. Rabbit liver to quail and duck eggs are listed on the menu. The thing that does kind of suck is that the menu is seasonal so some of the items I listed may not be on it. The brunch was a little slow but the food is very tasty. Portions were a bit small but I guess that's the point. Dinner there seemed quicker, however. Try it out. You'll be surprised how good a liver can be.
(4)Brock L.
The Blue Goat came highly recommended from a friend and didn't disappoint. It raises the bar considerably for Richmond. We enjoyed eating tapas style. Everything was delicious (gazpacho, braised goat, duck, and fish & chips). The restaurant specializes in infusing each dish with fresh herb(s), which was done with great success. The bartender should also be recognized for making a variety of original and tasty cocktails that pair excellently with the food. Highly recommend putting the Blue Goat on your list of places to try.
(5)Jess H.
Happy opening day, Blue Goat! BF and I were nerds and made reservations for their inaugural night. We showed up an hour early and decided to kick it at the bar. First off, love love LOVE the venue. The private room is so kick ass, it has a large window looking directly into the kitchen, and a large wine rack serves as a wall. Everywhere else, the exposed brick and muted yellow & birch on chalkboard paint lended to a gorgeous yet understated decor. Even the TV's at the bar were awesome. One of the 'tenders told us they'll be getting 3D channels soon, so that should be fun. I started out with a Summer Lace (3 kinds of alcohol + lemon), which was a little spicy but very refreshing. For our meal, we ordered the house made ricotta, duck rillettes, goat croquettes and forest mushroom ragout, and the chefs even gave us not one but TWO complimentary dishes of the pork shoulder and the braised goat ravioli. The dishes were good, but I think they could be even better with some slight tweaks. The ricotta is so nice, it just needs more honey. The duck rillettes came out a little cold and tasted very fatty. The goat croquettes were overly salted, but only on the crust. The pecorino on the ravioli was too much - it overpowered the dish. The mushroom ragout and the pork shoulder were my favorites, definitely. Richmond definitely needed new places to eat, and this place really hit it on the money. The staff is kind, attentive, and friendly. Even though we were already eating at the bar, the hostess still approached us at our actual reservation time (on the dot!) and pleasantly asked if we wanted our table, or to stay where we were. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is very lively and casual. I definitely recommend everyone go check it out.
(4)Kimberly M.
If you are Gluten Free (for whatever reason) or Dairy free I would not recommend the Blue Goat. Things started out well. I asked the hostess for a GF menu, she brought me a menu which they had made into a GF "cheat sheet". The waitress confirm that I was GF and asked if I was cross contaminate sensitive. I replied, No. I placed my order and she confirmed with the "Chef" that my selection was both GF and DF. They had to substitute the side due to dairy, so I got the French fries. So when my meal arrived I was thinking I was pretty safe. BIG mistake! The fries had small white stuff on them and since they were seasoned I thought it was garlic. Well within a few seconds I started with Esophageal spasms (loud and painful) then I got sick to my stomach. While I was away from the table my husband told the waitress. And she confirmed that they put Parmesan cheese on the fries. She said "I wrote no dairy". She did apologize and went to get the manager. The manager's only offer was to make me another bowl of fries as I am sitting there having the spams. Knowing what was ahead of me due to their "mistake" a second bowl of fries was not what I wanted. Then when the bill came I was surprised they did not reduce the bill or compensate me (us) in any way. Then as I was walking out (still having very loud spasms) the manager was standing at the front and offered no additional apology. The funny part is I wasn't comfortable with the menu so I asked my husband if he wanted to leave, I should have trusted my instincts.
(1)Sean C.
I came for drinks because Continental was too packed....and loud. It was a fortuitous side trip in that the interior is really inviting and much larger and more open than I expected with a huge bar that wasn't packed but still full of nice looking patrons. I sidled up to the bar and enjoyed an Eagle Rare Bourbon with a bit o mint and a splash of ginger. My companion had a drink and then snuck in an order of the Pomegranate and fig braised goat over mascarpone polenta for 11 bucks and it was out of this world. A SUPER SPECIAL shout out to them for the mouth watering honey flavored butter served with super fresh peasant bread....lovely. So, from my brief encounter, I really liked the vibe. I am not sure who decided on the bar topper being what felt and looked like formica and the whole "Edison exposed bulb" look is going to be dated in a year but I do love the toilets. The tasting room is a bit of a flash back, especially since it is glassed in and made me feel like I was being teleported back to a time when people actually did that kind of snobby/foodie kind of thing. Oh well, it was occupied so I guess that is the way things go sometimes. The cooks are hot too, so the fact you can see in and ogle them makes it all the more fun :) Last but not least, I am the last person to eat a pork rind, a sow's ear, or any internal organs but I have to say what I had was great and I would come back for it....and to ogle. PSS There seemed to be a LOT of wine being consumed....guess they have a good wine selection? Give it a try and support local businesses, it might be your cup of organ/hoof/ear/jowl.
(4)Rebecca R.
So, there have been many more months of operations and many more trips both to sit at the bar and to dine and it seemed like time to gather my thoughts. The bar can be a great place to hang out and pretend I'm old money Richmond. A Pimm's Cup for me and a bourbon for the honey goes a long way towards playing to that fantasy. For dinner the success or failure of your visit is really up to you. Order wisely. Do a mix of light and heavy fare so that you don't leave hungry or overly weighted down. Pace yourself, there is a lot to love. And save room for dessert - hello salted caramel gelato, where have you been all my life? Another facet of this restuarant that has struck me in both my experiences and reading other reviews is that the chef here loves to experiment. Some of these experiments are highly successful and some are...um...less successful (beer battered shad special, not so much). The great thing is that when a dish is...less successful, the staff and management seem to genuinely care and will take that item off the bill without being asked. Likewise if you order the mussels and half of them are unopened they make amends. They actually care if you leave happy. How refreshing. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?
(4)Jade B.
Excellent restaurant. Atmosphere is relaxing and metro. Food is delicious and healthy!
(5)Charlie S.
Their Brunch menu is incredible. From the mixed green strawberry salad to the potato cakes and the poached egg trio, every flavor is delicately balanced and full. The decor and interior design is inviting and inspiring. The warm homeliness of a rustic farmhouse blends well with locals' livestock inspired artwork in a sophisticated cleanliness.
(5)Taylor T.
I completely agree with Erika M's review. For the price and portion that you pay, I will never come back. We had a party of 4 and spent over $180 for 4 appetizers and 4 entrees. The portion of each was ridiculously small, and even after 4 appetizers and 4 entrees, we left feeling hungry. We ordered 2 Braised Pork Belly for a whopping $24 each and 2 Hanger's steak for $27 each. In particular, I ordered the Braised Pork Belly. The word "braised" for me means soft, melt in your mouth type. I have ordered pork belly from Juleps and many other places and have been pleased so I figured I couldn't go wrong with it. However, I was extremely displeased with this dish. I am definitely no stranger to pork belly. In fact, I go to Asian store and can purchase a whole pound of pork belly for under $4. During this particular visit, I was given probably about 4 ounces of pork belly and 70% of the pork belly was pure fat. The norm is generally around 40-50% fat. Not only that, but my pork belly did not seem like it was braised at all. In fact, it looked like it was either fried or baked. It was tough, no flavor, almost disgusting. I ate what I could of it, 30% of the 4 ounces. When I asked the server and manager, they told me it was braised; not possible. The manager did offer to take one pork belly dish off, which was nice. But come on, seriously, if i really want to eat what they cooked, I could have just bought the pork belly from an Asian store, seasoned it, and fried it myself for less than $2 for 4 ounces!! The other folks in my party were also very displeased with the Hanger's steak - too tough and lacked flavor! The only good thing about this place is the atmosphere, but for $90 + tips each couple, I don't think I will be returning to this place anytime soon (well, ever).
(2)Megan M.
Alright, after two more delicious meals here, I've gotta update and add a star. Came here a couple of months ago for drinks and light dinner at the bar. They were having a Dogfish Head night, which was pretty cool--there were 4 or 5 special brews on tap to choose from. For our meal, we got the bolognese and homemade ricotta. The ricotta was good, but the bolognese was great! Filled with hearty meats and a big hunk of pepperoni, it was awesome. To top off my night, I happened to see a bottle of Short Ends, a wine from California winery Hollywood & Vine that I'd been dying to try but couldn't find anywhere in Richmond, on the wine shelf. Needless to say, a bottle was ordered. And, the bartender graciously turned on the Steelers game for me. The bar scene was fun and lively without being too young, making for a great night. Then, I returned for my birthday dinner a few weeks ago. We partook of several drinks on the cocktail menu, my favorite of which and new obsession is Perfection Takes Thyme. It's a concoction featuring Bulliet bourbon, honey, lemon, thyme (menu says thyme, my drink was garnished with rosemary, but either way it rocked) and ginger beer. It was so good, almost everyone at my table ordered one, too. For eats, we ordered a cheese/meat plate, oxtail canneloni, mushrooms with polenta, pork-dusted fries, veal marrow and goat ravioli. Everything was great! I wanted to marry the marrow, which was served with toasty bread. The ravioli and canneloni were both very savory and rich. This time I could also detect some porky goodness in the pork-dusted fries. In all, it was a great meal. Also this time, our server was great. Attentive, personable, helpful and friendly. Blue Goat is now on my favorites-in-town list!
(4)Cary S.
I think it's easy for expectations to go up for a place where the menu is full of things you won't find elsewhere. I mean, if a place is going to serve offal, the dishes have to be really well designed. That's why I'm sort of in-between here. The bar had a great selection, and our waitress was very nice. The food was generally good, but it seemed like each of our plates could have gone through one more round of serious editing. The pomegranate & fig braising sauce seemed too thick and sweet to be served as it was like a soup all over the goat and polenta. The fish special (which they said would be added to the normal menu) had several little monkfish steaks served on chunks of grilled corn on the cob. Most of that corn cob pedestal is inedible ... so you can't pick it up and bite in, and you can't cut it through, so the first thing you end up doing is dismantling the whole stack so you can carve the corn with your dull little dinner knife. Granted, it was tasty, but it seemed clumsy just for the sake of the presentation. So it was basically good, and certainly worth trying. And I'd be happy to go again, but more to share a drink and small bites with friends. If I want a full dinner from a really unique menu, I still feel like there are a couple of places in town that do it better.
(4)Lisa H.
If you like to let your taste buds take a little walk on the wild side, find the Blue Goat! It's located in Libby/Grove with plenty of parking out back. The ambiance is great, the food creative, and the bar staff is fun! You might recognize the gent from the show, "Drinking Made Easy" and the gal is a former comedian. If you want a table, they are all made from reclaimed wood. Just another way the owner has paid attention to detail. There is even a private room table if you are having a special event. Now for dinner, I'm going so suggest my favorite....I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one.....order the beef cheeks over homemade German pasta with perfectly cooked spinach and the Patty Green wine.... Hope you enjoy!
(5)Bz W.
My date and I went here back on April 11 (Wednesday night), but I've been here a few other times as well just for drinks and also for dinner. My first few experiences left me wanting a little more, mainly because of the price to portion ratio, but this visit was fairly satisfying. We had: Cannellini White Bean Hummus $5 Arugala Salad $8 Pomegranate Fig Braised Goat over Polenta $11 Gnocchi $24 Aprihop Beer $6 Without tip it came to $60, but we only had one drink between us. I must say, we were stuffed after all the food and didn't even have room for dessert. For this amount of money, I expect everything to be great. Everything was really good, including service and atmosphere, except for the Gnocchi. It was very heavy and creamy and just didn't do it for us. It was still good, but not as good as the other dishes (particularly the goat). FYI the crowd here is true to the other places nearby - older, presumably wealthy, and white. Not much of a singles bar from what I can tell, though that is not a knock against it. If you want tasty small plates, a unique beer selection, and don't mind paying a premium and an older crowd, this is a great place to go.
(4)Randall R.
My wife and I recently went to The Blue Goat with some friends who were in town visiting. It was great! We started with Forest mushroom ragout with mascarpone polenta, pork rinds and pomme frites with pork dust. The mushrooms were uh-mazing! The sauce was so delicious I could drink a cup of it. The polenta was perfect and creamy. The fries were great too, but I think the aioli could have used more garlic and lemon. The pork rinds too were good. We then had the fried pig ear and goat croquettes. The pig ear is a must try! With the hash and duck egg, I could eat this for breakfast everyday. None of our group had eaten goat before and it too was good. It has a rather strong, earthy flavor to it and I thought it went well with the Beschamel. We then had a smoked, pulled pork with a tomato sauce and a sweet breads special. The pork was good, but none of us could detect any hint of smoke in it. It would have been great on a sandwich. We told our server that it was good, but not smokey and she replied that she had heard that a lot. I didn't see it on the menu today, so I think they take constructive criticism seriously. I had never had sweet breads before so I ordered those as well. One of our friends didn't want to try them, but did after much peer pressure. She didn't like them, but sweet breads aren't for everyone. I thought it was a good take on chicken fried steak. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive and honest. This place is great for a group to try a bunch of new things. It's reasonably priced too! It ended up being about $15 per person. We can't wait to go back!
(4)Addie B.
Wonderful experience here! My husband and I had reservations for a nice date night and we had arrived a little early, the bar area was bumping for happy hour so we grabbed a seat there for a drink before dinner. The bartender, Jason was very attentive and personable with great recommendations and the happy hour (bar only) was great, $5 wine, $1.50 off beer (I don't remember the liquor special because we didn't partake in that...) We ended up forgoing our reservations and stayed at the bar! After reading other reviews of small portions I was weary but hubby got the rockfish and I got the mussels, expecting far less than what arrived - the rockfish was melt in your mouth good and a really generous portion, I could not finish my mussels and they were awesome! Very very happy with this spot, so happy that we discussed not telling others how much we liked it and keep it to ourselves, but obviously I couldn't keep it in! Well done BG!
(5)Brittany K.
Atmosphere: Very hip and interesting, especially loved the bathroom. The place makes you feel like you're somewhere more exotic than Richmond, VA. Service: Just fine. Food: AMAZING. Each plate was better than the last. We tried the pork belly, beef cheeks, pomme frites, mushroom ragu, and pig ear. Drinks were also delicious.
(4)Melissa L.
This place used to be amazing. They have made some changes, and our most recent experience was horrifying - we saw a roach. Ugh, it was the size of a freaking mouse. The food was average and not worth the price. The cocktails were good, but it's kind of hard to mess those up. Our server was nice, and did her job well.
(1)Jack B.
Very small portions for serious money. Went to Sweet 95 for dessert because we were still hungry!
(2)Evan P.
My mother-in-law had told me about this place. She said it was too "froo-froo" for her, but she figured I would love it... and for the most part I did. Pumpkin soup- really good, balsamic added nice sweetness, truffle oil was a little overpowering (initial bite only, nice balance afterwards) Ricotta - ricotta was mild and smooth, really. Nice balance. Wish it came with 2 more pieces of bread. Pig ear - when you can get a bite of the ear, swiss chard & egg it is amazing. There is just too much pig ear on the plate and the salty fried flavor overwhelms everything else. Foie & fig bread_ there were moments of a really nice balance between salty & sweet, but for the most part it was too salty and fatty. The balance between the foie and everything else was off Sweetbread - very nice balance. The veal cognac reduction and celery root & potato puree helped offset the grainy mouthfeel of the sweetbread. It was just too much to finish by one person, the sweetbread eventually overwhelmed my palate Carmel & lava salt gelato - perfect balance between sweet & salty. Nice and light finish to dinner My favorite part of the night was that the server was actually interested in hearing my thoughts on each dish and would carry those back to the kitchen. While the execution of some of the dishes were a little off for me, the thought and overall experience were great. I will be back the next time I am in Richmond.
(4)H M.
Huge disappointment. I've been here several times before the new chef and menu. All of those experiences were superb. Unfortunately the new menu is drastically different. Where did all of the variety and good food go? Tonight my husband and I ordered the tater tots, calamari, and the carnivore flatbread. The tots were average (and the order only include 6 tots). The calamari was over cooked and tough. The flatbread was pretty good. Overall, the experience was a big let down. Between the sub par food and the restaurant being out of several items, we were not satisfied with our dining experience. (Of the 4 sandwiches/burgers on the menu, they only had 3 available. They were also out of several beers on tap.) What a shame. We used to love this place. I recommend only going for drinks. Save your appetite for something better.
(1)Dorsey M.
The Blue Goat has gotten a fair share of hype in the last few months so I was dying to try it for myself. I'm pleased to say it lived up to my expectations and I'm a big fan! The portions are perfect for sharing, in fact I'd highly recommend it, that way you get to try more and who doesn't love that! I'll admit, I was apprehensive of trying the pigs ear, imagining a vat of picked feet in the back waiting for me. But now just the mention of this dish and my mouth waters. It was divine! The sweetbread was another one I was dying to try. I wouldn't recommend trying to finish it off by yourself but for two or three people it has a nice balance.
(4)Stacey S.
We went to Blue Goat late one recent weeknight. The bar was full but the dining room was almost empty. Unlike previous posts the service was fine this night. I have to say I was immediately surprised by the wine list. For a restaurant that so heavily promotes the local producers it uses I was shocked that their extensive wine list only featured one Virginia wine (and by the bottle only) - and our server had to find that one wine buried in the list as it wasn't highlighted like every other local producer in the restaurant. Seriously, if you're going to be so focused on local foods, get some local wine to go with it. There's more than enough good wine in Virginia now to have more than one Virginia wine on your list. Okay, that's my rant. So the food - we ordered the ricotta, mushroom ragout, and pork belly. We were immediately brought some bread with honey butter and it was easy to fill up on - great bread and I have a weakness for honey butter. The ricotta came next. I was really looking forward to tasting their housemade ricotta but honestly the white truffle honey really masked the taste of the ricotta. Not that the truffle honey was strong, but just distracting enough to hide the taste of the ricotta. I ended up focusing on finding ricotta without the honey and spreading it onto the bread from our basket, versus the crostinis served with the dish so I could truly enjoy the flavors. The mushroom ragout featured a variety of wild mushrooms over a mascarpone polenta. It was good - not amazing but good. The pork belly was served over a cannellini bean cassoulet. The pork belly was well cooked - fork tender. But I found that I just wanted a bit more flavor with the pork belly. Overall, I found with every dish that I had higher expectations than the dish delivered. Nothing was bad, I just always wanted a little something more or different - a simpler serving of the ricotta, more tender mushrooms and creaminess in the polenta. A little more flavor and maybe a sear on the pork belly. The bill adds up quickly - everything on he menu is a small/medium plate and priced at levels of $7, $11, and $15. We shared three plates, ate a lot of bread, and two stouts. With tax and tip it was about $60. Everything comes out very quickly too. With a tapas style restaurant I like to pace the meal and you really have to make an effort as a customer to control the pacing. We ordered a dish and when it was served, we then ordered another. The dishes coming out so quickly also made us wonder exactly how much food is pre-made versus made fresh. I might go back for lunch and try a few more dishes - see if I can find something that really wows me. I like the concept, the atmosphere, and the chef obviously has skill - but all of these positive attributes left me with higher expectations than the dishes ultimately delivered.
(3)Jules D.
Sorry guys.. New menu and staff is average at best. I want to see neighborhood spots do well, but you messed up a good thing. Salmon burger looks and tastes like cat food. Fries are still good, but don't a menu make. Hubs chicken sandwich was ok. We'll still come by for drinks, but that's about it.
(2)Lisa S.
Like another reviewer said, the food was fine, but nothing special. We had the eggs benedict, bloody mary's and coffee. Service was ok...nothing great, nothing bad. I felt it was a bit overpriced, so I probably won't go back.
(3)Thomas M.
I had a chance to pop into The Blue Goat on Friday for lunch with my cousin, who had yet to visit. This was the third trip for me, but first time checking out the lunch offerings. We were there kinda late, around 1ish, for the typical lunch rush, but there were still a smattering of tables filled, which one would assume is a good sign of regular business. We took our seats in one of the middle booths and settled in to make some selections. Beer came up as a question, though my Mekong brethren know that beer is always the answer... he had a Fat Tire, I had a Triple Karmeliet and our lunch was off to a rolling start. The lunch special was tempting, a Shaved Potato, Truffle Oil and Pecorino Romano Cheese pizza... but I had some pizza the night before and am somewhat questioning about the places potatoes are showing up these days. Instead, the apple of both sets of eyes turned out to be the GLT... a braised goat sandwich with spinach and tomato on their homemade baguette. Realizing we couldn't get the same thing, I made sure that sandwich would be cut in half and ordered the pork and venison bolognese, a favorite from a previous visit, to round out our order. The bolognese was as I remembered it, deliciously meaty and capable of donning a crust of the provided bread for a tasty bite, especially with the thinly sliced, salty pecorino on top. The potato gnocchi that came with it was nice and pillowy, complimenting the sauce nicely. The GLT was worthy of our choice. The texture indicated a nice braise, the flavor coming out somewhere in between beefy and game-y in a way that delighted us both, but that we couldn't identify any more specifically. The side of pommes frites was a little disappointing; I've had them before, crisp and hot, and these were neither, seeming very much like we had gotten what was left at the end of the lunch rush. As a lifelong restaurant guy, you hope for a little higher standard, but not a deal-breaker or meal-ruiner by any stretch. I continue to enjoy this place. I've read through some of the other comments and I can agree that it's not for the un-adventurous, but I've had enough good dishes at this point to give the benefit of the doubt. The beer selection is nice, so they'll go on my beer list, and if you're looking for a non-sporty place to watch a game and have a drink or two with some buds, they have two of the brand-new Samsungs that are so thin they look like they're actually IN the wall. An odd thing at a place of this caliber, since I think they're new since my last visit, but absolutely stunning. Maybe not so inappropriate after all?
(4)Emily H.
I've been excited about this place since the first time I heard about it. I obsessed over the menu and followed all the reviews. When my boy toy let me talk him into driving wayyy out to Grove Ave. I was ECSTATIC! This was a Friday night and there was a 15 minute wait, but I had expected that. So we went to the bar to take in the decor and get a drink. The place is very unique, but VERY noisy. Not the place for an intimate "let's talk" date. Basically the decor is a lot of bluish light, and a lot of metal. ;) The drink special was the Farmer's Hooch, for 9 dollars, which is the same price as all of the other drinks. It had Bullet Bourbon in it, so we were game. It was REALLY strong, and very good. Not huge for 9 dollars, but the kick made up for it. We were seated at a tiny two-seater in the corner, which was fine by me because anywhere else we would've gotten run over. It was kind of chilly over there though. Anyways, we ordered the pig belly, the pig ears, and the pomme frites with pork dust. What? We like pigs. The PORK BELLY. GET IT. It was phenomenal! I promise. Definitely comfort food. The pigs ears were interesting. The duck egg on top was beautiful, and the pickled peppers underneath really made the dish. It was like a big haystack...with an egg on top. The ear strips were delicious, except as you got towards the bottom, they got a little toooo greasy. Yes, we ate them anyways. Also, they needed a sauce. ;) Overall though, yummy. The Pomme Frites are nothing to write home about. I mean they're good fries but...pork dust? No. Nothing remotely tasting like pork on these fries. I'd get them again to share, but don't expect something new and exciting. They're fries. So between the two of us we had three dishes. More than enough! I like their sharing concept, it works great for us. Also, our server was pretty friendly. I'll be coming back here soon. :)
(4)Jen R.
We went here for book club and sat in the beautiful private dining room. It was amazing, we were able to hear eachother, look into the kitchen, and with the big square table we were able to see everyone and share all our food. So here is what was awesome: goat croquettes, fried squash blossoms, pork cheeks with polenta, pork shoulder, pork and venison bolognese, duck rillettes, the fresh bread with honey sage butter, & the ricotta. We also had a couple bottles of wine and some of the girls tried the signature cocktails and said they were great too. Here is what wasn't: absolutely nothing!! We had a whole table full of food and just kept passing it around an even though I had never tried alot of the food types there wasn't anything I didn't like. The wait staff was great an very friendly and happy to explain everything o the menu. I love the concept of the nose to tail cooking and love that they support local farmers. You have to put this on your list of places to go! Would make a great date place too.
(5)Charlie Z.
Approaching the Blue Goat one immediately senses the delightful paradox being played out at the Libby & Grove establishment. On the outside terrace that encloses the entrance you'll see monochromatic fixed gears leaning on a railing corralling a yuppy with his cornmeal yellow Burberry sweater tied over his shoulders as he chats on his mobile. Once inside, you'll confront the incongruous relationship of a restaurant with an exquisite bar, or a bar with an intriguing dining experience. So which is it? Judging by the amount of people congregating at the bar or in the booths that surround it, I'd say that the bar is the clear winner. This is probably a result of the Blue Goat's menu. It's snout to tail. It is a waning trend of sorts that really hit stride in the mid 00s and is tapering off. Try as you might, but you're not going to be able to force-feed tails, cheeks, feet and rabbit to diners in a small city... and time and time again groups settle for shared plates of the less exotic fare (mushroom ragout). I'll be presumptuous and say that I can see a revamped or updated menu addressing this in the near future. It seems as though the daily specials are being used a form of diner triage at the moment. In the meantime, there's that beautiful bar with a chalkboard full of the resident mixologist's offerings. Share a cocktail under the amber glow from the Edison bulbs, and after a few you just may open up to sharing a few tastefully prepared animal scraps from the tapas/shared-plate menu.
(4)Hilary V.
I was really excited to they this restaurant. Overall, the food was okay. Nothing special though some of the descriptions make it sound yummy. I went with several people so I got to try a lot of things--some of them included: pig ears (really good), bread with whipped honey sage butter (super yummy), and pig ear with a duck egg (good--really salty so it was hard to eat a lot, though the egg broke it up), among others. Our server was sort of slow and got several things wrong with our order, even after asking a few times. The drinks were good--I had a mixed drink and a beer. For dessert we shared the donut and the Godiva pate. The donut wasn't that great. The Godiva chocolate was good--like a thick pudding. Overall, I'm glad I went and tried it, but I probably won't be going back again.
(2)Ryan E.
Decided to give The Blue Goat a shot as a friend had recommended it. The location is a in a very cool spot and the atmosphere is awesome. The interior is decorated very nicely and the service is excellent. Where things started to get a little off for me was the menu. It's confusing. The middle section on the menus ranges from $5-$12 and isn't advertised this way but apparently is all appetizers. We ordered a few things off of the middle section and we were worried we might be spoiling our main dish by eating too much, but were very surprised at how small the portions were. So being that we were still starving after our 3 appetizers came out we assumed the main entree had to be enormous since on the menu it says "great for sharing". Unfortunately, that too was small. We ordered their special entree of the evening which was goat tenderloin and after dividing it between 2 people there were probably only 4-5 bites each. The bummer is the 2 of us combined ordered 2 drinks, 3 appetizers, and 1 special entree which left us already over $100 with tip and were still STARVING. We skipped dessert out of fear of paying too much for too little again. So we walked 2 blocks down to sweet frog. $5 later we were STUFFED. It would be one thing with the portions being so small if the food was outstanding but it was just good. And the one dish that stood out for the evening, which we didn't even order, was the French Fries. It was outstanding. So I give it 3 stars based on the portion size and the price. Its overpriced for the amount you actually get. I would like to point out that the presentation of the food is amazing. There is obviously a lot of thought and creativity put into how the food is displayed when they serve it. I felt bad eating it because it really was a work of art. I would probably go back just for appetizers and drinks, as it seems like a very cool place to hang out.
(3)Lesley N.
Had great service both times I went. Great, creative food. It was all delicious, rabbit, goat, and all.
(5)Lady B.
Yum, yum and yum. I ate hear twice in the same week I was so excited about it. Crazy fun menu if you are adventurous. Lots of local beers and the cocktails were inventive but still delicious. I had the scrapple and can't tell you how good it was. Head to tail concept where they don't waste parts of the animals that provided the meat if possible. Respects their meat! The Iron City mussels were fantastic with just the right amount of fries on top perfectly salty and soaking in the broth steam. SO GOOD. I rated it as dressy, but more upscale casual, post-work for cocktails kind of place or a fun late night date.
(5)Laura H.
Last night was my third time dining here, and as always we had an awesome time. Service was great, we were seated on on time, and the waitress really tolerated our slightly inebriated British companion. A couple of glasses of 3 Brooms Sauvignon Blanc and we were having a blast. The only change I noted with their new menu for Winter was the addition of more entree style plates and the fact that the homemade ricotta was more of an accent in the plates, rather than a stand alone dish. Hopefully they will bring the ricotta back because I crave it! I really do enjoy the small plates concept, so we only had one of the entree portions between the four of us, and rather ordered a lot of smaller plates. This evening we sampled the mozarella (yummy and fresh but not too memorable), the mixed greens salad with the pomegranate (great, especially with the candied nuts), the arugula salad with the ricotta (awesome!!!!), the pomme frittes (very good with good sauces to dip in), the duck rillettes ( I have no idea what I ate when I was eating it was it was awesome), the goat/ricotta/swiss chard ravioli (maybe the best thing we ate after the duck rillettes), and we got the steak entree (good, but I was so full I just had one bite). For dessert we had the special of the night, which was a chocolate/butterscotch mouse concoction that was so wonderful. I have never had anything like it before, and probably never will again. We also had the caramel and lava salt gelato, that was also good but just paled in comparison to the other one. Over all, a great evening!
(5)Lilly N.
Although not consistently wow-me-good, it still is decent enough that I wouldn't hesitate to come again. Service was okay enough. It's on the pricier end for food, but like most gastropubs, you get what you pay for. They try to locally source their ingredients (yay!) and the higher quality is reflected in the price. If you like a decent steak, get their aged steak if it's available. Tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned, you won't regret it. Pumpkin soup was more like a dessert with a hint of vanilla (yum!). The fries the first time I had them were scrumptious-ly awesome, but the second time just passable. Dessert was not overwhelmingly sweet, but did not leave much of an impression since I can't remember what I ordered. Oh, and if you like beer and ice cream, try their stout ice cream float. Frothy goodness!
(4)d J.
The food is good but the noise level is up there.
(4)Justine C.
Not a big fan. My boyfriend and I decided to go out to dinner on a Friday night, so I looked up a few places. The Blue Goat seemed interesting and new. I called up and made a reservation for 7:30. We get there and I let them know I have a reservation under my name. It was not put down, luckily seating wasn't an issue. Unfortunately, they seated us at a two top right by the door. Every time someone would come in, a rushing of cold air would hit me in the face. Three couples were seated next to us and then were relocated from complaining of the same thing, we should have complained. But moving on the service, our waitress's took about 5 minutes to stroll over to our table without an introduction, I still don't know her name... I Ordered a glass of wine and my boyfriend ordered a seven and seven. She walks away, brings my wine and let's my boyfriend know they don't carry Seagram's Seven. So he orders another cocktail. After my second sip of wine I notice a chunk of dried food on my stem wear. When the waitress's finally makes a reappearance, I ask for another glass. Her response was, "what's wrong with it?". She noticed the food, walks away and about another 10 minutes later, I get my new glass of wine. We put our order in, nothing really much to say other than an eclectic menu that probably won't appeal to most people. While leaving, management asked how everything was. Our response was, "OK". They asked what wasn't great... Since we looked at the menu and knew what to expect, I wasn't going to say anything about the food. But as a former waitress and bartender, you have to be polite if you are going to be a server. I could understand if she was like that with all her tables. But she hit her other tables 3 times for every one she would halfheartedly need anything. So I let the manager know she was rude. Maybe it was just our experience, but I was far from impressed.
(1)Diane M.
Awesome tastes and imagination. However, not always hot enough. I will return.
(4)evelyn w.
Wanted to love it, concept is good, but sadly if you are to do this kind of food, please , have a chef that knows how to.....
(1)Derek M.
Okay so this is a lunch review but honestly I had a really great experience. Although simple, I enjoyed a simple artisan pizza of the day that was really tasty. I also tried a small arugula salad that while creative just did not work for me. The bar there is really top notch and the menu for both food and drinks is very eclectic. Need to try dinner very soon. Lunch menu a little too limited.
(4)Aimee L.
The only Gastropub in the Richmond area -serving a huge array of the most delicious, interesting food I have ever had. Everything down to the refurbished (old grocery store) marble floors are on point. Nothing was overlooked. Go with a group, order multiple dishes and share... you will leave and be completely shocked at what you tried. I can say that I never thought I would enjoy fried pig ear dipped in goose egg yolk so much. The specialty drinks are amazing as well- Strawberry Fields is a must.
(5)Elise G.
I've been wanting to go here for some time now because several friends have recommended it. I went to The Blue Goat for Sunday brunch today. I had the Blue Goat frittata which consisted of tomato, spinach and goat cheese, I also had the Strawberry Fields Mimosa - a traditional mimosa with a twist - strawberries and mint leaves. All of it was phenomenal. My boyfriend got the buffalo burger. I had a few bites of it and it was also amazing. The prices weren't too bad either, especially considering the quality. The only downside was that some of the glasses/mugs didn't seem that clean, but when we sent them back the waitstaff was very apologetic and polite about it. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be coming back.
(4)Kate S.
Love the nose to tail concept, but I think they need a little more time to perfect it. I will crave the pig ear with duck egg when I'm hungover but ultimately it was slightly overbreaded and over salted. The bone marrow was exciting for me, as I'd never had it before but why the truffle oil??? It doesn't say it on the menu but it was definitely there. It's such an overwhelming flavor it could not be mistaken and ended up muddling the dish as the marrow's already so rich. I love bold flavors, including truffle, but I think a reigning in of the salt shaker and a lightening of the truffle touch are needed. Allow some of the flavors of the "nasty bits" to shine!! Will go back in a few months to try again. Yummy drinks, polite service and good vibe overall. It is rather loud, but I like that bustling feeling. Worth trying for curiosity's sake but i think they can do even better.
(3)Mark S.
Its refreshing to see Richmond get so many unique dining options as of late...and The Blue Goat certainly on that list. Originally a grocery store from the 40s; the designers made sure to keep the original brick walls, re-purposed wood for their tables and also has a modern interpretation of the old cistern & chain toilet in their bathroom. Its a fun, hip atmosphere where you can enjoy some after-work drinks, or just a nice wholesome dining experience with locally sourced foods. The servers are just as passionate about the food as the back kitchen is, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Our group of 6 ordered the pomme frites, the braised fennel with gruyere, the pomegranate braised goat over mascarpone polenta, goat ravioli, and the braised pig cheeks with spaetzle. We assumed that would be our "first round" but we quickly found these delicious dishes very filling so we only added on the oxtail special as the finale. The cheeks were the crowd favorite, as were the fennel and ravioli. As mentioned, these dishes are all very rich, so the chef did a great job in pairing them with more neutral and complimenting textures such as polenta or spaetzle. The oxtail was delicious although the accompanying risotto - while smooth and creamy - was a tad salty. It was our only critique of an amazing dining experience. We also had two picky-eating children in our group and the server was quick to accommodate our request for a simple pasta/butter dish for them. Highly recommend for anyone looking for something new - as this menu is jam packed with unconventional proteins, unique food pairings and some delicious beverages.
(4)Tanya M.
So I went about 3 weeks ago on a Friday evening around 7. My friend and I were the two sitting outside when everyone else came out and remarked on our bravery because of the stifling heat. It actually wasn't that bad, but did feel bad for the server because the transition to a/c to oven like humidity actually was causing him distress as noted by the sweat dripping down his temple. Ah, but on to the food, drinks, etc. So I had scanned the menu before arriving and was very excited about the cocktail menu. I love an inventive mixologist who can introduce me to something new and refreshing without be feeling like I'm being a pain in the ass because I ask " what would you suggest?" So we get there and it's definitely the place to be, but we are thirsty since we've just been sampling various wines on the Friday night sample night. I order the Strawberry Fields, which one would think would be the perfect balance of vodka and sweetness. The lime and basil muddled with strawberries sounded like it would be quite delish without tasting like I was doing a shot. I wonder if three other people hadn't ordered the same drink and I got the bottom of the cocktail shaker because it tasted abit watered down and not really sure if I tasted the Hangar One much at all. Willing to give it a second chance though and maybe sit at the bar and watch the bartender. We were just having munchies, so my friend ordered the white gazpacho and the manakintowne salad and I ordered the goat croquettes. Figured I had to have something with goat since that was the name, although judging from current menu, one might think it was The Blue Pig since many parts of the pig are distributed throughout the menu. The croquettes were good, but would suggest not pan searing as long. It was crisp on outside and tender on inside, but think if it were not seared as long, I might have been able to detect more nuances in the flavor. I sampled my friend's gazpacho and I did like it. The flavors were subtle, but a refreshing change. I consider my palate to be pretty aware though, so wonder if others would appreciate as much. I do plan to give it another chance though because it does seem to be the place to be and the decor, style, clientele were appealing. I'm also interested in the bartender's daily specials/creations, so will plan to return.
(2)J M.
Bland food and ridiculous prices. A complete joke.
(1)Marie S.
Have visited 5 times and with each visit I remain very impressed. The 1st visit was over lunch. Amy was our server. I can not rave about her enough. She was present but not pushy. Having waited tables for years, I appreciate that. I want to enjoy a meal and not feel rushed to leave. She was very knowledgeable as well as polite. I have noticed Richmond servers can be a bit uppity sometimes and that has never been the case at the Blue Goat. I had the pork and venison bolognese over the in house made potato gnocchi. It was delightful and so very yummy.I always worry about ordering gnocchi out because I am very picky about it and it is very easy to overcook. When that happens it becomes a starchy mushy mess. The gnocchi was perfect. When I got the bill it was very reasonable for what I had had. I will recommend The Blue Goat... A wonderful dining experience!!!
(5)Taylor C.
Surprisingly good. I was very nervous when I read the online menu, but pleasantly surprised as we all shared our food. It may have even been better if I hadn't known what I was tring.
(4)George H.
We went Thursday night with some locals who had been before. He had had the pig's ears on a previous visit and was underwhelmed. The concept of the restaurant is local farm to table, ala Alice Waters. Our table had several of the special cocktails: Strawberry Fields, Dirty Diana, and Summer Lace. All were good, but I didn't care for the Dirty Diana as much as the others at our table did. The choices of wines by the glass were very good, including 9 reds, one of which was one of my favorites, 'The Prisoner'. The menu is divided into 'Nibble', 'Graze' and 'Feed' at $7, $11, and $15 respectively. The server explained that the assignment of a dish to the three categories is not only based on size, but richness and difficulty to obtain (read expense of ingredients). Our table had a charcuterie board which was quite good. The pommes frites with pork dust, sea salt and aioli was excellent, the frites being quite fresh and hot. The arugula, apple and avocado salad was yummy. Braised pork cheeks over spaetzle was the winner of the night with everyone vying for more. We also had two orders of stuffed squash blossoms - fantastic. The foie gras was to die for (I saw another review which was less than complementary, but ours was excellent). In addition we had dessert: chocolate soup with bleu cheese (sounds weird, but mmmm), caramel and lava salt, strawberry muscato sorbet, and chocolate paté. Wow. Others have mentioned that they thought the restaurant expensive, but we had all the above, with the cocktails as well as several glasses of wine for $215. I don't think that's too bad, considering the quality of the food. I live 70 miles away, but I'll be back...
(5)Paige S.
While the term Gastropub may not sound appetizing, the food here is phenomenal. Always something I've never tried - and not a disappointment yet. We have tried everything from the pigs ears, pork belly, braised pork cheeks, homemade sausage, rabbit pate, ox tail risotto...I could go on and on. One night I even opted for the one salad on the menu and was thoroughly pleased - a nice compliment to the other rich menu offerings. After a few dinners here, a wine pairing dinner and New Years Eve I have certainly tried foods for the first time, and the Blue Goat has set the bar high! The bar scene is always hoppin', which is no surprise as the cocktail, wine and beer lists are all well thought out. We will surely be back - after all, we haven't tried the latest menu yet! ...to date, my favorite dish I believe is the rabbit pate.
(4)Jess H.
My husband and I tried the Blue Goat for the first time on New Year's Eve. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice...a little larger and less romantic than I expected, but really eclectic decor. We ordered two cocktails ($9 each) which were quite good and featured fresh herbs. They were running a special NYE menu with three options in each course section. I really would have preferred their normal menu, but we did find some winners. Starters: the duck pate ($9) was excellent, as was the lobster/scallop/crab cake over jicama slaw ($14). Really great blend of flavors, including truffle oil and fresh pomegranate seeds. Entrees: All options were $38. I ordered the pork loin chop wrapped in speck, stuffed with gruyere sausage, and served with whipped potatoes/sauteed spinach. It didn't blow me away...definitely not a $38 dish. My husband had a grilled strip loin with roasted root vegetables and said it was the best strip steak he'd ever had (which is saying a lot). It really was spot on, and closer to a $38 meal than mine was. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate butterscotch custard with whipped cream ($8). It was incredibly rich (but ohhhhh so delicious). My only complaint is that is was served in tall highball glass with the dense custard at the bottom underneath a load of whipped cream, making it difficult to extract with a spoon. I also ordered an espresso and it was perfect. So, to sum up the food: it was quite good, but I think they way overpriced their NYE menu. Service, etc.: Our server was very friendly. Here's the thing, though. We were seated and served both our starters AND entrees within 15 minutes of entering the restaurant. I suppose it was because everything was already prepared (it being a special abbreviated menu and all), but I like to savor my food and take my time when I'm shelling out for dinner. I found this aspect of the experience to be really offputting. ALSO-- upon finishing my cocktail, I ordered a glass of presecco to accompany dinner. After we had finished our meals/dessert and our plates had been cleared away, we were served complimentary prosecco since we had partaken in the pre-fixe deal. By that point, we'd purchased all we wanted to drink and were stuffed from the food. My question is: Why did our server not provide the complimentary prosecco ahead of time instead of waiting until after we were ready to leave? My assumption is that it was to increase our total bill so he would make more in tip, which really irks me. As it was, we left the complimentary presecco sitting on the table, essentially untouched and wasted (grrrrr). :-/ Overall impression: the food was very good, but we were in and out of there in just a little over an hour and feel like we kind of got gypped on the presecco deal. I definitely do not feel that the experience was worth the $170 we paid after taxes and tip.
(3)Rich M.
I was very excited when I glanced at the menu. The very first thing I saw was the pig ear. Who doesn't love crispy pig ear? Wait, they put an over-easy duck egg over it? Yes, we will start with that. First, disappointment of the night, they could have easily been deep frying tofu for all I know. The tempura batter was overwhelming and I really couldn't tell you what meat was suppose to be inside the soft, moist batter. The second disappointment was the Foie Gras. My party was 0 for 4 on this one as well. I know it's sort of an acquired taste but it just wasn't right. The third app was the cheese plate and that was very good. I didn't get much of it b/c that was the only thing the 4 of us really liked so it went fast. The wife did try one of the special Martinis. The strawberry and basil was very good and reasonably priced at $9. I think the price of admission was a little high. The check for 3 apps and a couple drinks a person was $111 + 30tip. I don't know if the value is there for the taste of the food. I'm assuming if we had entrée's and a few more drinks the price tag would have tripled. I did notice that they actually had the large ice cubes for finer scotch and bourbons. That is a very nice touch. I glanced at their drink list for these and they also seemed reasonably priced. If I'm in the area again I might give it another try but I'm not going out of my way or recommend it to anyone for food. Drinks I'd say give it a try.
(2)Erica F.
Came for lunch with a friend to get a sample of the buzz around this place. The very nice server suggested the white gazpacho and we split the panzanella. The gazpacho, with cucumbers instead of tomatoes, was kind of sweet and tasted something like coleslaw, so meh. The salad was mostly bread, meh again. Since neither of these dishes are made with snouts or tails, I should probably go back for another try.
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