The Smoking Goat
French restaurant · San Diego ·
French-American bistro with upscale farmhouse vibe
French-American bistro with upscale farmhouse vibe
"The Smoking Goat has been around since 2010, and has been the neighborhood’s go-to, date night French spot for years. Dark walls, exposed brick, a chandelier, and an eclectic mix of art make it feel like a speakeasy—only this one serves steak frites. Their duck fat truffle fries are so good you’ll ask your date if you can have the last bite (they’ll say yes, a sign romance is not dead). You’ll both be pleased with entrees like the mussels and chorizo in a tomato broth you’ll want to slurp up with a straw—a biodegradable one, of course. And make sure you try the goat cheese cheesecake after. If your night is just beginning, let loose next door at Bluefoot Bar, where they have guest DJs on the weekend, strobe lights, smoke machines, and a packed dance floor." - ligaya malones, candice woo, cora lee
"The Smoking Goat has been around since 2010, and has been the neighborhood’s go-to, date night French spot for years. Dark walls, exposed brick, a chandelier, and an eclectic mix of art make it feel like a speakeasy, only this one serves steak frites. Their duck fat truffle fries are so good you’ll ask your date if you can have the last bite (they’ll say yes, a sign romance is not dead). You’ll both be pleased with entrees like the mussels and chorizo in a tomato broth you’ll want to slurp up with a straw (a biodegradable one, of course), and local swordfish cooked in sauce vierge with crispy fingerlings. Whether you’re getting dinner to define your situationship or dining solo, don't leave before you try the goat cheese cheesecake. If your night is just beginning, let loose next door at Bluefoot Bar, where they have guest DJs on the weekend, strobe lights, smoke machines, and a packed dance floor. " - ligaya malones
"The North Park institution combines classic French and California modern cuisines, with dishes like steak tartare and escargot sharing menu space with local swordfish. In case the restaurant’s French bona fides weren’t apparent enough, though, there’s the Drink With Your Left Hand, Smoke With Your Right. A take on the Parisian classic Boulevardier, it’s a mix of Westward Whiskey, Italian orange aperitif, and butterscotch schnapps in a maple-smoked glass." - Vox Creative
"The Smoking Goat has been around since 2010, and has been the neighborhood’s go-to, date night French spot for years. Dark walls, exposed brick, a chandelier, and an eclectic mix of art make it feel like a speakeasy—only this one serves steak frites. Their duck fat truffle fries are so good you’ll ask your date if you can have the last bite (they’ll say yes, a sign romance is not dead). You’ll both be pleased with entrees like the mussels and chorizo in a tomato broth you’ll want to slurp up with a straw—a biodegradable one, of course. And make sure you try the goat cheese cheesecake after. If your night is just beginning, let loose next door at Bluefoot Bar, where they have guest DJs on the weekend, strobe lights, smoke machines, and a packed dance floor." - Ligaya Malones
"A cozy North Park French bistro built for intimate date nights, serving classic indulgences such as baked brie, filet mignon steak tartare, duck-fat truffle fries, and crème brûlée in a warm, romantic setting." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines