Cherylynn N.
Yelp
3.5 STARS
When picking a resto, I look for two things: dog-friendly outdoor patio and something on the menu that jumps out at me.
I saw that Goose & Gander has a dog-friendly patio AND serves pig ears...
Sold.
If an American resto has the balls to put pig ears (or any offal) on the menu, I'm going.
G&G is open for takeout, indoor dining, and outdoor dining. No delivery. Rezzies on Opentable are recommended on the weekends.
M E N U
Classic and New American Fare (the online menu is not up-to-date). Full bar with extensive liquor list.
4% employee benefits charge added to all bills.
D R I N K S
* Fortaleza Blanco, single (menu-$14, charged-$17)
* Fortaleza Blanco, double ($28): https://tinyurl.com/bdh27wy5
When we received the bill, I noticed I was charged $17 for a shot/single of FB. Per our server, they charge $3 for an ice cube. Out of all the bars and restos I've been to, this was the first time I've been charged for an ice cube. Unless the ice cube is made of unicorn tears, why not just build the cost into the price of the drink?
F O O D
* Beef Chicharrón ($9): https://tinyurl.com/mwxrpkvs
Arrived still crackling...the chicharrón was warm, crunchy, and airy. Could have used some seasoning but it was otherwise, a good drunchie.
* Sticky Pig Ears ($11): https://tinyurl.com/mwxrpkvs
Best thing we had at G&G - deliciously crisp, chewy, and gelatinous coated in sticky savory sweet sauce with a kick. Not as bomb as the pig ears at PRESS but at a fraction of the cost, it's worth a try if you're feeling adventurous.
* Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata w/ lemon cucumbers, shallots, balsamic, focaccia ($15): https://tinyurl.com/23uyf89a
Underwhelming - the tomatoes were overripen and on the mushy side, and there just wasn't enough burrata to enjoy.
* G&G Burger w/ grass-fed beef, gruyère, bacon, remoulade, manhattan pickle, lettuce (Off the menu - $24): https://tinyurl.com/bvxru6bx
++ Bone Marrow ($6)
++ Split Fee for sharing ($5) which includes your own side of duck fries
--Requested medium rare
The beef patty was on point; perfectly medium rare and juicy with a smoky char flavor. The ciabatta (?) bun was too chewy so you couldn't get a clean bite without the patty and fixings sliding around and slipping out.
The duck fries tasted like regular shoestring fries, lacking the extra richness that duck fat usually adds. SO, that's where the bone marrow comes in....we used it for dipping the fries.
* Mashed Potatoes ($10)
Not my order but tried a bite...incredibly creamy, smooth, and buttery.
S E R V I C E
Welcoming hostess with positive vibes.
Our server seemed friendly but his interactions with us was rushed compared to other customers. He explained the menu to other tables but not to us. I overheard him hyping up the mushroom soup, which they kept on the menu from predecessor Martini House (Michelin star). Had we known, we would have ordered it. Before I could ask a question (about the dessert menu), he was already across the patio.
Prompt food service for an early 5 pm dinner.
A M B I A N C E
The highlight of dinner was the awesome patio vibes - charming, quaint, and lined with fairy lights, foliage, and trees. Even in 80 degree weather, most of the seating was naturally shaded so it was comfortable.
P A R K I N G
Street parking only which was easy to find.
Overall, while the food was just ok, the patio vibes is where it's at. Come for a drink and apps...AND enjoy! BYOI (bring your own ice) tho. J/k.