The Silly Goose
1888 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37206
The Silly Goose Menu
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Small start share
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Salad & Soup
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Dinner
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Sweets
Healthy Meal suggestions for The Silly Goose
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Small start share
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Salad & Soup
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Dinner
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Sweets
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Address :
1888 Eastland Ave
Nashville, TN, 37206 - Phone (615) 915-0757
- Website https://sillygoosenashville.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Cher Y.
A nice addition to the Nashville dining scene. I have only been here for their dinners. Pros: -Good variety menu, meat vs. seafood vs. vegetarian -Tasty and creative dishes that stand out from other similarly ranked dining places -Friendly wait staff -Neat dining ambiance -Neat location - near bars, Jenni's etc Cons: -The wait - it is always a 1 hour wait or more. -Some dishes are on the salty side -Only wine, no beer or other drinks Overall, it is worth the wait whenever the mood/craving hits for what Silly Goose does best - coming up with creative dishes!
(4)Ling X.
This was my favorite meal in Nashville. The food was phenomenal and actually felt healthy. We got the King Kong couscous and the Lyle's Surprise sandwich, plus basil lemonade. Loved the bandanna napkins and mason jars for water/drinks...great rustic atmosphere!
(5)Harry W.
What a great surprise! WE LOVED THIS PLACE. Upon the recommendation of our server, I ordered the King Kong couscous curry shrimp . IT ROCKED. The shrimp, the avocado, the curry, the mint, and whatever else was there were so well balanced I could have eaten a ton of it. (now that I think of it, that was the serving size). K had the T-Bird and Rosie Salad. Both were great. The teas were also very good. Way too full for desert although we were tempted. Sat at the bar and watched the staff in full lunch rush mode. Easy to see their passion for what they were doing. Reminded me why I enjoyed the biz and why I'm glad to be out now. Don't miss this place, its worth the wait
(5)Kyle P.
Great meal! Try the green mint tea! It's excellent! I had the bird which was a fantastic and flavorful sandwich! Will stop by each time I'm in Nashville it was that good!
(5)Rob C.
A new and exciting experience for those looking for the new southern culinary experience. I was impressed with the thought that the staff had put into the food and how it would be experienced by their customers. The staff believes in the food as well and their enthusiasm came through. Anyone looking to jump into an all out culinary experience that they haven't had before should go here.
(4)Justin H.
Great restuartant. Atmosphere was very laid back. Service was fantastic and staff extremely knowledgable. We had the cheese plate app and it was delish. 5 types of cheeses w/ honey and almonds with some apricot preserves. Assorted breads came with. Ended up going with the Frisby...best portabello sandwhich I've had. No desert but the menu for them looked pretty tasty. Next time. I especially liked the openness of the restuarant. Being able to see the staff do their thing (we sat at the bar) was fun and gave us a glimpse into quailty of product. Our server was extremely nice and answered any question we threw at him. Very fond of the 'source locally' mentality and the quality of food was evidence of this. I was suprised when I got the bill...in a good way. Value is strong with this one... Highly recommend. Be ready for a wait b/c this place is popular. Also - it's also BYOB.
(5)Ray M.
Please note this review is not about the food but the service. So, I just came in to scope the place out for a potential dinner party. I was thinking, I'd sit at the bar area and get a feel for it. Now, no matter how eclectic or well-rated a place is, most places have such a thing. When I came in and asked if there was a bar area, the hostess literally laughed in my face. And said in "air quotes" "Ummm we are NOT the kind of place where people come to do THAT." We said ok, turned to leave, but she didn't drop it. Instead she pointed to, I kid you not, a bench and said, "I mean, I guess you can sit here and do THAT sort of thing." Damn. Not going there again.
(1)Meghan T.
Best food I've ever had in my life, absolutely AMAZING!!! I had the Spalding and the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea. Every single bite was perfect and full of flavor! I will definitely be back every trip to Nashville! SOOOOOO GOOD, fresh and healthy YUMMY!!!
(5)Randy R.
I was disappointed from the minuet we walked in the door. The hostess lacked professionalism and courtesy. The menu was lacked definition, and the food was ok. The dining experience return for the money was paltry.
(2)John J.
Went for an early dinner last night. The gentleman next to us was having a conversation with the chef. We overheard the chef explain exactly what he was going to prepare for him and when it came to his table it looked amazing. When our server came to take our order we excitedly said we'll have the same salad he's having. She said, that's not on our menu, you can't have that. I think it may be on our lunch menu..... Rather than ask to speak with the chef we just ordered from the menu so as not to confuse our server. The gentleman with the amazing salad said "well, she was rather harsh" We agreed
(3)Joyce L.
Very disappointed at our current experience. Took 45 min to get served. Unhappy with the number of staff just sort of touching the plates. Everyone at our table was upset about the amount of hair flipping that went on by the waitstaff. Staff was nice enough just needs a lesson in cleanliness and food. There is a problem with air vent condensation dripping on people and the potential for it to drip onto the food in the prep area. Previous trips have been fabulous.
(3)Amy S.
Stumbled into The Silly Goose on a random trip to Nashville and discovered innovative tasty food, wonderful service, and a pleasant atmosphere - what a gem!
(5)Kristen W.
Hubs found this little place through Yelp on our trip to Nashville over Labor Day. Arrived around 8:00 and waited about 10 minutes for a table. The space is pretty small, but very relaxed and cute. Everyone we encountered was very nice and helpful. Hubs got the basil lemonade (yum!) and the pork tenderloin special. He liked it but didn't love it. I tried a bite and it was good. No complaints, just nothing memorable. I got the red tea (a little too sweet, but I'm an unsweet tea kinda girl), Zipper sandwich with both herb couscous and a salad. All very good, but again, not really memorable. I want to note though that all of the food was presented really beautifully, which does add to enjoyment. We decided to pass on dessert to venture to Jenis next door (even though they did have a selection of Jenis ice cream at the restaurant, we wanted the full experience). Overall, I would come back, but I wouldn't become a regular.
(4)Ashley R.
Duck Duck (Silly) Goose, yall! I have only been here once, but I am a big fan of the fact that you can bring your own wine and there is no cork fee! You got my vote! The inside is very small, so you may want to make a reservation. It is charming and inviting, and I would definitely go back. Get the King Kong rice bowl dish. Everyone was jealous of my food. boom. Another perk: right next door to Jeni's Ice cream!
(4)Josh M.
I really like this place. We went there for lunch on a Saturday. When we arrived, the hostess informed us that there was about a 20 minute wait, so we decided to have a cup of coffee next door, which is welcome and convenient. Whenever your table is ready, they will come get you. I had Lyle's Surprise, which is a sandwich. I also had the herb cous cous and salad with it. I highly recommend you check it out. There are also a ton of options for vegetarians. Try one of the teas and/or lemonade.
(5)Dean R.
Nestled quaintly in a small urban center is The Silly Goose. The small restaurant vibe is apparent, but does not hinder the atmosphere, in this eclectic sandwich shop. The small, yet elegant drink selection was quite refreshing. I chose the Rosemary Lemonade, which was very tasty and full of flavor. 2 The food selection was pretty broad, as far as a sandwich shop goes. The ingredients in the sandwiches were a nice change of pace from other sandwich shops around town. All of which, tasted as if they were freshly choosen before the meal was assembled. I chose the T-bird, with a side "salad" of fresh spinach and arugula, which was phenomenal. The flavors complimented each other in a way that every bite tasted better than the last. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who has a chance to visit.
(5)Talon F.
Love this place! Try the tea!
(5)Alyssa F.
My brother and I just drove from upstate NY, down to Nashville, all across the south, and up the west coast last month. The Silly Goose was THE BEST food we ate the entire time, hands down. Fresh, local, SO FLAVORFUL, and festive decor! I revisited the menu the other day with the crazy notion that I might be able to recreate the menu item I purchased, and realized they had already changed the menu to more seasonally in-tuned ingredients. Huge plus. Huge pluses all around. Please go. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Sloane S.
One of my absolute favorites! Citrus, Ginger Mint tea and Spalding. The best couscous in town. Great service, hipster decor and you pay with square! For dinner, try their cheese plate. Chock full of local cheeses, marcona almonds and homemade jam.
(5)Kiley S.
Such a cute little establishment in East Nashville. The owner is adorable! We ordered the cheese plate and he explained all the cheese and fruit in detail - very knowledgeable! I love the strive for local and organic foods. If this place was closer I'd be a regular. Oh and the ice creams are amazing!
(4)Katie L.
Wow. That pretty much sums it up. Nothing else to read here... oh, okay... I'll go into a few details :-) Came here with my parents (they live here- I just visit) for dinner. We got there early (just after 5pm, so seating wasn't a problem. They have a very busy take-out business, so that is definitely a better option if you live close by. The teas were all delicious. Mom and I shared a Sparky (basically a turkey wrap). It had big chunks of brie, enough aioli to keep it moist, and it was delicious. My dad had the Zipper (smoked salmon, onions, goat cheese). I debated getting this one. I should have- it was amazing. Most of the sandwiches are panini-style. The squishing and toasting melds all of the amazing flavors together into yummy perfection. I had to carefully examine that Zipper so I can try to recreate it at home (wha? why no, I don't live anywhere that does sandwiches like this). I will definitely be back when I come to visit again at Christmas. We shared Sex for dessert and it was also incredible. Chocolatey, but not too heavy with the mousse. Someone next to us got the Bird and that also looked amazing. It was a thin (possibly butterflied?) chicken breast squished panini-style with a lot of yummy looking ingredients. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The kitchen was crazy busy, which was kind of fun to watch. I forgot about the cheese plate from the other reviewer- gah! I'll get it when I come back. And a Zipper... that I won't share with anyone (insert gluttonous laugh here).
(5)Kristin P.
My friend and I are always looking for new places to try, and after a Yelp search, we decided to try the Silly Goose. First, I have to say that we fell in love with the neighborhood before we ever walked into the Silly Goose. I'm a sucker for beautiful, older homes. My first impressions of the Silly Goose were very positive. The atmosphere is hip, relaxed, and friendly. The waitress was knowledgeable and pleasant and the service was top notch! I love the idea that they support so many local farmers and co-ops for their menu supplies. All the more reason to go there often! I ordered the Bird sandwich with a salad and couscous side and the citrus, mint and ginger green tea to drink. I mentioned to the waitress that I have a nut allergy and the chef/owner came to the table himself to make alternate suggestions for the bread (their whole grain bread has nuts in it) and couscous. I was pleased and touched at the effort they made to accommodate me. My sandwich was amazingly good and the sides complimented it perfectly. The flavors were bold and layered. I had to make myself stop eating or explode trying to finish. My green tea was just as good; light, refreshing and full of flavor. I look forward to going back to the Silly Goose and trying more of their wonderful menu!
(5)Deryk L.
this place is VERY trendy, not that is a bad thing, just saying. i found it yelping, of course! i was looking for a good quick bite that wasnt too far from oreyland. well it was a bit of a drive but not too bad. the service was really quick and the staff was fantastic! oh yeah, the food was great too! i enjoyed one of their signature iced teas and i chowed down on a roast beef sandwich they call the T-Bird. the place was very clean. a bit on the pricey side, i spent ~$17 for a drink, sandwich, and side salad.
(4)adam z.
The name conveys a lack of seriousness, but this food is SERIOUS, and the name better reflects the lack of haughtiness that can come with this level of food. I wasn't ready for what was being served here, thinking the well-designed interior was the draw. Wrong. This place reminds me that you don't have to go ethnic to get interesting. The combinations are intriguing and I wish I could try them all. A great reminder that American food can be exciting. Service was excellent, which is to say understated and not interruptive. SG, keep up the good work, and everywhere else, go eat here and take notes. I loved the Yoga salad, so simple and yet ... more than the sum of its parts.
(5)Rachel H.
This was the best lunch we had while visiting from Cbus, Oh!!!!!
(5)Jason S.
Oh how I hate hate hate communal tables. When I first walked in during a lunch date with the wife, I clenched up. Seriously, if I wanted to sit at a table with strangers, I'd hang out with some hobos at a soup kitchen. Not to mention it is probably the #1 pretentious cliché of all time, next to hipster bartenders with ironic mustaches. So, when I set foot in this joint of my wife's choosing, I immediately went into a pissy "This place is bullshit" mood and was certainly on the defensive. And let me tell you, I hate being wrong. I was wrong about this place. Initially pouting, I got a glass of water, whilst a chipper waitress gave the wife some sort of cider tea. When I saw the menu, I started to bend. I jumped to the "T-Bird", which was basically a roast beast sandwich with blue gouda (who the hell knew that existed), peppers and all sorts of other goodness, easily the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. The fresh bread was perfect and the sandwich was constructed in such a way that you could actually hold it and get all of the ingredients in one bite, a frequently-missed feature at many sandwich places. The presentation was excellent and it was served with a side of greens and cous cous. The cous cous was the best damn cous cous I've ever had. The wife got the "Saylor", a really tasty eggplant sammich. I finally chilled out enough to let the stick to fall out my butt and ended up getting some of the cider tea, which was great (though served in another cliché, the Mason jar). Oh, and then they had me pay using an iPad. So, I was wrong, dammit. While they may have some of my pet peeves in hipster dining, this is a pretty damn good place. I felt the price for what I got hit the spot, and I still had room to go next door and grab some ice cream at Jeni's.
(4)Nat J.
This place was amazing!!!! It was so nice to have healthy, fresh food after eating "Southern" food for a week. The food was so fresh! The service was great! The atmosphere was wonderful! I over-ate, and was happy about it. I had the King Kong Couscous. I ordered it with out the curry, (The chef told me it wouldn't be the same, but I risked it, since curry doesn't agree with me). It was fabulous!!! I wonder how much better it would have been if I had tried it with the curry. I also had the roasted beets and they were pretty good as well. The Rosemary Lemonade was fabulous; it wasn't too sweet, and the hint of rosemary was so good! The reason I chose this restaurant was because of the dessert, "4 on the Floor". OMG!!!! It was the best thing I have ever eaten!!!!! It was a poached pear, with a yogurt, a cinnamon / brown sugar crumble and the most delicious vanilla bean syrup. WOW! WOWEE!! I love dessert, usually, I think I can make this at home. Sometimes I think I can improve upon it. THIS WAS PERFECTION! I would not do anything different. However, it was so good, I won't be able to make it at home. I just won't do it justice. I now understand what people mean when they say, they want to lick the plate. It was perfection! It wasn't too sweet, it was outstanding! I wish that I could get it sent to me. It was the best!!! My boss also loved the place. He wanted to come back on our way to the airport. Unfortunately, we didn't have time. the vibe of the restaurant was so cool, because everyone there seemed really happy there. They were all passionate about food. It was great to see how well everyone interacted with each other in such a positive manner. I had a great time!!! I would go back and eat there everyday, if only I lived in Nashville. It is a pretty small space. I would recommend getting there early. We arrived around 5:30 pm and got a table. I could see this place filling up quickly. It is definitely worth the wait! My gosh, I wish I were there right now!!! Please go eat there, and make me jealous!
(5)Alan M.
My wife and I go out to dinner at least four times a week all over the US. And this food has to be the best meal we've had in a long time. The place is not great to look at but the food was just great
(5)Robert G.
I looked up a little bit about the Silly Goose before taking my girlfriend there for a special occasion dinner. I was hoping for atmosphere, and what we got was loud, busy, and crowded, which was not expected for a Thursday evening. We were literally bumping elbows with people next to us... at different tables. The music was loud, and the other diners were louder. My girlfriend and I had to leave. We couldn't even stay long enough to decide what we wanted to eat. The only reason why I left a 2-star review instead of 1-star is because the staff was friendly and the food... sounded delicious. We'll definitely try again if they expand the restaurant size and turn down the music.
(2)Robin S.
Love love LOVE this place! The couscous is incredible--I have no clue what they season it with, but it's addictive. The sandwiches (kind of like paninis I guess) rock--fresh and local ingredients and they come with a side of the yummy couscous or a salad. But the best thing? And it's like crack to me--is the King Kong. Curried shrimp, that addictive couscous with avocado and plenty of sriracha sauce (you can get it mild or hot--I love hot!). YUM. And get the basil lemonade. You won't be sorry. After your lunch, sample their ice creams. They vary by day, but I've had honey beet and coconut mango and they both made me very happy. The place is tiny--only 4 4-top tables and a "bar" area by the window that might seat 4 more, so don't go with a big group. I'd go here every day if I could, but they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
(5)Madeline L.
I do not know how I managed to go all this time without eating here! Silly Goose is the best casual dining restaurant in Nashville. With fresh, local, organic ingredients, they make the most amazing and unique sandwiches for lunch (along with some delicious cous cous and salad). Their dinner entrees are also spectacular. Try the tea or lemonade as they are infused with herbs and are SOO good! They pay such close attention to detail and flavor. It's very refreshing to eat a place like this. The ONLY thing I would like to see is their hostess being a bit more friendly and personable. Everyone else there is really helpful and great. Sit at the bar and watch the magic happen!
(5)Tim B.
I am having trouble explaining my experience at Silly Goose. On one hand the food was great. On the other the food was disturbing. Greens - lettuce greens with balsamic, fresh, tasty but leaving me wanting more. Robert Bobby - Herbed Mahi Mahi with a chili sauce over quinoa mixed with fresh sweet corn, cherry and tomato chunks. The corn and tomatoes were cold? Two tomatoes? cherry and ?? , the ?? tomatoes were hacked by and unskilled sous chef for sure. The flavor was there so not complaining. Something was just off. Ice from a cooler (that was on the main floor) Open kitchen (cool) prep table with gadgets all over (not cool) The place will be something great, soon, just need to work out the bugs. Note: They called me by name the whole night! Very cool...... And yeah, glad they expanded, still small.
(3)H S.
I didn't have strong feelings about couscous, to me it was a basic grain side dish that came in a cardboard box. Then I went to the Silly Goose. Everything they serve sounds so simple, but the flavors are complex and exciting. When each plate arrives you will be delighted by the rich colors and each bite you take will leave you feeling impressed, satisfied, but not uncomfortably full. Order anything, everything is good. Make sure you start with the local cheese plate and finish with beet and honey ice cream. The place is TINY. For dinner, go early and be prepared to wait in the coffee shop next door. It's worth it. BYOB, if you are so inclined.
(5)David C.
Hands down, my favorite spot in Nashville. All of the sandwiches are to die for and the prices are very reasonable considering the ingredients. Get "The Zipper" and wonder how you've made it this far in life without having tried something so delicious. I took my sister here when she was visiting from Denver and after we finished our plates, she said it was so good that she needed to try something else. We ended up ordering ANOTHER sandwich, which was just as impossibly good. Finished it off with some rosemary infused lemonade and rolled out of there happier than ever. She still talks about it whenever she visits and it's now my go-to spot to take anyone coming through town.
(5)thomas h.
Great place! Just be prepared to wait because the secret is out about how good the food is. I like to go at off hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)Anne S.
Found this place because it has so many good reviews (plus Trip Advisor too)...I took a group of 8 girls and we all loved it! It totally lives up to the hype. Great atmosphere - open space, big windows, cool vibe. The food was fantastic - King Kong couscous was delicious - a great mix of flavors and textures. We all got different entrees -some salads, some sandwiches and everyone was blown away. Our server, Albert, was great - gave us solid recommendations. I am trying to plan another trip to Nashville just to get back here!
(5)Darah K.
One of our favorite go to places in Nashville. My favorite sandwich is the Sparky it is SO good!
(4)Rebecca G.
While in Nashville for the Rock and Roll Marathon I decided to stop by the Silly Goose after reading all the reviews by fellow Yelper's. This is a small, quaint, ORGANIC!, FANTASTIC place to eat. DID I MENTION it serves ORGANIC food???? I had the eggplant sandwich, cous cous, salad, and homemade tea. EVERYTHING was phenomenal and I went back a second day for more of their food. Staff was very friendly and helpful!
(5)Cynthia F.
Loved the basil lemonade and the dessert peach rhubarb mascarpone & oats. The food is very gourmet but the portion sizes are not huge. I had the tasty Zipper sandwich (smoked salmon & goat cheese?) with a side order of salad; I paid extra to have one of their fancier salads on the side instead of plain garden salad. I subtracted one star because the waiter forgot to give my dressing on the side (he read my mind, though, and gave the right amount of dressing), and because my husband didn't care for the Zipper sandwich. It will take some coaxing, but I will drag the husband back there again because I enjoyed the food.
(4)Tiffani K.
Awesome local food! If you like hole in the wall restaurants with fresh local food, this is your place. Super veggie or meat entree options. Unique food combinations. Highly recommend & I eat out a ton.
(5)Big M.
So, this place is ok. Prices are reasonable, nothing crazy special to note about the food and the atmosphere is piecemeal and segregated. I would suggest it for lunch, certainly not for dinner.
(3)Liz D.
I love this place! Came here with a group of girls to celebrate lots of things. We brought our own wine, but they actually received their alcohol license that day, so they can now serve. But they were happy to open our bottle and bring us glasses. The entrees seemed pricey, but from what my friends said, it was delicious and well worth the price. I opted for the cheaper sandwiches- the Bird, specifically. It was amazing. The goat cheese, bacon, avocado combo with the perfectly cooked chicken was SO good. Came with a salad and couscous that filled with flavor. Delicious and filling dinner, awesome atmosphere, great service, all under $10! I want to come back here again and again!
(5)Dee O.
This is my third visit to The Silly Goose. I've enjoyed every single meal there. Yum, yum, yum. So good. I always get the mixture of the couscous and salad. Wonderful sandwiches. Great flavored lemonades too. A tad on the expensive side but definitely money well spent. Their vegetarian options are a little limited but at least they have a few items on the menu for those not wanting meat. A favorite and highly recommended!
(4)David W.
This is a great little spot on the east side of town. fairly new restaurant to the scene. The place is tiny but they do a good job on lunches. Their signature is couscous which is a great change up for menu sides. Had a pressed turkey sandwich that was really tasty. Side salad and couscous. Nothing blew me away but I thought it was great for what it was. Locally sustained ingredients is a huge plus! Will go back next time I am in town.
(4)Happy C.
Go here. Now.
(5)Albert F.
Three diners.lunch.everything was delicious, and the menu inspires a sandwich.
(5)Taylor D.
Silly Goose is one of my go-to restaurants in town. First of all, order the basil lemonade. I would go just for the basil lemonade. Secondly, notice all the decorations on the wall? Made in Nashville by Sideshow Sign Co (look them up too!). I absolutely love everything on their menu and how it's priced. Wish the place was a little bigger only because I'm immediately drooling as soon as I get there. Definitely worth the wait (and the proximity to Jeni's!)
(5)Bobbie C.
Smoked salmon sammy was to die for!!! Citrus tea is excellent ... Great service, friendly folks---will be back soon!!!!!
(5)Dan K.
This is the kind of place where you think, "I'll come back here once a week and just go straight down the menu, eventually trying everything." Amazing sandwich. Amazing homemade lemonade and ice cream. Try the honey beet ice cream! Decent prices. Possibly one of my top 5 sandwich shops in the whole country, though they don't only do sandwiches. This place is a must-try! (Also you can bring your own booze, no corkage fee!)
(5)Myelin G.
This place is amazing. My favorites are the Lyle's Surprise, The Bird with a little bit of both :). Also, don't pass up the rosemary lemonade...it's amazing.
(5)Katie A.
Found this place on Yelp and decided to take my mom who was visiting from the San Francisco area. So glad we found this place! It seems like a restaurant that belongs in Berkeley or San Francisco (very trendy and rustic with the decorating). We both had sandwiches that came with salads and I had some kind of fruity lemonade. Everything was delicious and the service was great! I had just moved to Clarksville, where everything is a chain restaurant or fried... so it was really nice to have a fresh and light (but filling) meal! My only minor complaint is- we sat in the corner and every time I stood up, I smacked my head on the low hanging lamp :P loved this place though! Would definitely go back!
(4)MJ P.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville. Easy to be GF with this local, fresh, always interesting and delicious goodness.
(5)D A.
If you want to eat at Silly Goose, make sure you eat before you get to the restaurant. I've tried to eat here numerous times but have never been able to get a table with a wait of less than 45 minutes. I came in with two friends, and ordered an appetizer to split. As soon as the appetizer, ironically called the Magic Man, came out, my hear sank. The appetizer consisted of six tiny peppers(smaller than a quarter) stuffed with goat cheese and bacon on top of a honey sauce. These things were tasty, but hardly an appetizer worthy of 9.50. I then ordered from the medium section of the menu and joked to my friends that I hoped the entree was larger than the appetizer. I could not have been more wrong. When the entree arrived, I asked the server "where's the rest of it?" She said "you may find it more filling than you think." False. I ordered the Fox Trot, which was lamb belly, raisin jam, and duck. This plate consisted of 4 bites of food. That is not an exaggeration. I have never been more disappointed in a portion size in my life. I hate the direction that "gourmet" food is going. I get it, I support locally sourced organic food. What I don't support is paying 25 dollars for a meal and leaving no less hungry than I came in. When I mentioned his to the server she asked if I wanted to take another look at the menu. I declined, mainly because I didn't want to have to take out a second mortgage in order to stop my stomach from growling. The ONLY positive things I can say about the meal was the service was good and the rosemary lemonade was amazing. I will not return.
(1)Anna A.
The beauty of this place is in the simplicity and honesty of the food. I have said before when I am eating out that one of the primary goals for me to experience something I can't reproduce in my semi skilled culinary repertoire. I'm even willing to pay a little extra for something that's unique and flavorful. To that end, Silly Goose nails it on all accounts. The food is wonderful and for the price it's a home run. The menu is very simple ranging from couscous plates, to salad, sandwiches and wraps. What I'm blown a way by is that everything has a unique and fresh flavor twist including some wonderful cheeses and the owner's sweet concoctions like basil aioli. It's plain to see there is a reverence for healthy fresh food being conveniently and afford ably delivered. There is a small eat in space but take out is easily easy and doable. This one is definitely a keeper!
(5)Lee G.
Small, new restaurant in a east Nashville neighborhood. Very nice presentation of curried shrimp and sesame couscous with mint, cashews, avacodo, Ginger and coriander. Lots of flavors, adequate proportions. Lots of interesting sandwich choices, salads, and other couscous combinations. This place is worth a trip into lesser known area even though it is near Ugly Muggs and Rose Pepper Grill.
(4)Dana A.
This has to be one of my favorite places in Nashville. The owner is passionate about his offerings and they do not disappoint. I wish I could recommend a particular item, but I can't....they are all great! The cheese plate is a must have, and any of the Couscous dishes are fabulous. Who knew you could do so much with a Foreman grill? Get there early....the 4 tables fill up fast. This is a place Foodies will love!
(5)Annie W.
Thank you, Yelp, for steering me toward Silly Goose. We headed to Silly Goose on Saturday for a quick dinner. While they won't do reservations, you can call 20 minutes ahead, and they had a table waiting for us when we arrived. They probably can fit around 20 people in the restaurant at once, so definitely don't bring a group unless you're going at an odd time, and I'd definitely recommend calling ahead. The owner is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable about all the food that passes through the restaurant. We started with the cheese plate, which is a MUST for all cheese lovers--four semisoft cheeses that change daily, walnuts and apples, balsamic glaze, and the most incredible local goat cheese served in two different sauces. You MUST try the goat cheese--it really did completely change my expectations for what good goat cheese should taste like! They were rather busy and they forgot our cheese plate at first, but when we gently reminded them they brought it out quickly and gave it to us free of charge, and the delicious (free!) cheese erased any irritation at the extra five minute wait. Our table went with the Mexico City Couscous, the Bird, and the Hot Johnson. The couscous entrees are a good size (maybe not for a hungry male), and were flavorful and delicious. The sandwiches were HUGE--I got the Johnson, which came with a pile of ham, brie, granny smith apples, arugula, and whole grain mustard. I managed to finish half of it and had the rest cold today--still delightful. You can get couscous, mixed greens, or both with your sandwich. We all went with both, and the salad was bright and delicious (whatever their balsamic dressing is, it's amazing). The couscous was a tad oily, but the texture was amazing and the flavor fantastic. I really regret that we ran out of time to try their homemade ice cream--they have a honey beet ice cream that sounded incredible, along with a few more traditional flavors. All around it was a delightful dining experience. Prices were fair--for $12 (would have been about $15 with the cheese plate) I ate an incredible, fresh, flavorful meal that left me with extra food for the next day! Go try Silly Goose--you won't regret it.
(4)Matt R.
We came in from out of town and had long standing reservations for six. When we showed up they were closed for a wedding! We were so hungry and had to wander around looking for somewhere else to eat. We were so upset! They had left a message while we were traveling but it didn't say they were closed and not to come, just to call them. It was so unprofessional and left us to find dinner in an unfamiliar city at 7pm on a Saturday.
(1)Anna S.
Holy moly: their King Kong couscous is worthy of its epic name, and their iced teas are AMAZING (do beware, though, that they're heavily sweetened with honey). I haven't had their sandwiches yet, but my companions loved every bite. Friendly staff who take your orders on IPADS! An added bonus is that Jenni's ice cream is in the same complex. Win, win. Silly goose, I'll be back.
(5)Tracy P.
Believe the hype.
(5)Jerome O.
Had dinner on Tuesday (probably the 10th time since I discovered the place in October) - yet again a wonderful experience. It just doesn't get old. And plenty of new dishes, which triggered this update. Lamb sausage? Duck pastrami? Curry Riesling mussels? All great! And... Same lovely staff (Ivy, Laura...), great Chef Roderick, casual but fun atmosphere... A trip to Woodland Wines before, and you are off for a terrific evening! And the Goose ventures into a selection of wine, too, I hear! So next time, I'll have to try some. By the way: order the flower shop as a starter - artichoke & mushroom ballet, to get you in the mood. Go Goose!
(5)Lauren A.
This place is pretty amazing. I'd give it 5 starts if they had just a little bit more room.... as of right now, they have 4 tables and a bar... so we tend to show up mid afternoon so we can have somewhere to sit! But the food is consistently delicious so we will continue to go back for more. The couscous they serve with the sandwiches are awesome. I can't remember the name of the sandwich I like to much... I think has the name Lyle in it - some fennel and hot cappicola mmmm.... and they finish the plates off with a drizzle of some herbed oil and balsamic syrup. They list out the farms where they get their cheeses and veggies... seems they try to stay local whenever possible - I think thats great! And they make some pretty interesting flavors of homemade ice cream. Can't complain about that.
(4)Maximus Decimus Meridius M.
well, it's definitely unique and creative. food is good, but i'm surprised at how much people love this place. the food is 4 stars but the restaurant itself is small and just seems a little chaotic. i get it, it's crowded it's busy, so expand or something. i was there at 2pm on a saturday and it was still swamped. parking seems to be a bit of an issue. they need to find a new location. judging by the numerous vacant buildings i passed on my way here (between downtown nashville and the SG) it shouldn't be hard to find. obviously, the goose steppers will fall in line and follow mother goose wherever she leads. might i suggest, a larger building with decent parking?
(4)Anush J.
Would give 4.5. Fresh, unique selections. We had a difficult time choosing our lunch due to what seemed like all good options! One adult ordered the turkey wrap and savored every bite. Kid-friendly too - the kids quesadilla was yummy and the fruit that comes on the side for kids is colorfully arranged and appealing. The couscous was met with mixed reactions....it was cold, so that was unexpected. I left feeling pleasantly full (not yucky full!) Atmosphere is eclectic and trendy. Service was ok.
(4)Kim U.
There are very few restaurants in Nashville that really amaze me. I'm incredibly happy to add a more casual place to my list of favorites. Every few minutes while I was eating my dinner from The Silly Goose, I would pause and say "I can't believe this is from a Nashville restaurant, it's that good." Seriously. We got three items from takeout: the simple salad, the southwestern couscous, and a roast beef sandwich. Two thumbs up for all of them. The simple salad featured leafy greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado and a tasty vinaigrette. The southwestern couscous was deliciously flavored but not overly spicy and came with a nicely seasoned chicken breast and goat cheese. The roast beef sandwich had a super tasty roasted red pepper aioli, was served on bread from Provence, and came with a side of herbed couscous. As an earlier reviewer noted, they're incredibly good about substitutions or modifying the dishes. My husband isn't a fan of blue cheese, so they substituted havarti on his roast beef sandwich, no questions asked. Also taking the advice of an earlier reviewer, we picked up their ice cream of the day - beet and honey. Yes, I said BEET. I was skeptical (despite loving beets) but wow, that was amazingly tasty ice cream. The only thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the cucumber-ginger-lemon juice but that was more of a personal preference issue than anything else. I love their emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and look forward to seeing how their menu evolves over the spring and summer. My only actual criticism of this restaurant is that they need a better online presence. For example, it would be really nice if they had their menu posted online and if they updated their twitter feed more regularly with daily specials. This place is absolutely worth trying out and deserves much more attention in the Nashville restaurant scene. For those curious about cost, for our takeout meal which included a large salad, a couscous entree, a sandwich with couscous side, ice cream, and juice, the total was around $32 total and was more than enough food for two people (in fact, I'm having leftover couscous for lunch today). Absolutely worth every penny for the quality of the food. As others have already noted, if you choose to dine in they have a BYOB policy.
(5)charles b.
Very creative menu. Nice looking restaurant. Looks like it would be great....but, I walked out, very loud. The waiter say, "yes, we know it is a problem....we are working on it". I hope so as I would like to go back...when I could hear the waitress! I'm giving it three stars. This could be a 4.5 star - but only if you can hear! Comment: In regards to the response from The Silly Goose, Yes, I did walk out - after ordering take out. Thus, I do feel that I can comment on the food. It was good - very good. However, I waited outside - where it was quiet. Your comment might have been more appropriate if you outlined how you might be working on the issue. Your comments seems to recognize the issue, of noise, while considering that 'great food' will overcome the problem. And, I was impressed with my 'take-out', just not the noise. In regards to the noise level, one of your own staff complained to me that he goes home with his ears ringing.
(3)Mell F.
Our 1st visit to Silly Goose was last night and I concur with the previously posted reviews. Inventive flavor combinations and super nice people. They will add or leave off any ingredient you choose. My sweetie got the Hot Johnson (No pun intended), and said she would order it next time without the spicy mustard. I thought the prices were a little high, but they do use premium ingredients and they do it well. Try the Basil Lemonade. Oh, and you can BYOB with no corkage fee.
(4)Jim A.
We were visiting from dc, heard about this place. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Fresh and reasonably priced. Great sangria
(5)Cinimod S.
Driving through Nashville on a recent trip to Florida I got off the highway and got some lunch. Best decision of the road trip. The iced tea and lemonades were refreshing on the hot day and the sandwiches were fresh, tasty, and healthy. Wish I had tried the ice cream.
(5)Jeremy W.
We are in town visiting and very much enjoyed Silly Goose, which we found right behind the all-important Jeni's Ice Cream. The menu is simple but interesting, and we really enjoyed the couscous dishes. Also make sure you try one of the teas, they are great! The portions are just right and the ingredients are fresh and delicious.
(5)Avery F.
This is my first five star review of a restaurant. I've been to SIlly Goose a dozen times. The food is consistent and flavorful. The staff is friendly, courteous, and often sexy as hell. The service is prompt and the prices fair. Highly recommended.
(5)Sugar X.
Such a silly little name, for such seriously great taste! Upon entering I felt swept away in garage sale chic that screems modern eclectic. The thoughtfulness put into using a blood red bandana for linen puts Hallmark to shame. Lively colored metal mix matched outdoor chairs on cement floors are beautified in simplicity by abundant natural light. I had the Bird, I was told this to be the most in demand, excellent referral my organic peeps! It gave me goosebumps. The way the goat cheese played with the herbed bird was a battle of tastes that I still recal. The use of the iPad for paperless payment is modern and forward, this is the way smart dining is moving. The inconspicuous laid back vibe of the staff complimented this establishment delightfully! I fully noted a few errors the staff made, a dropped glass and watched them recover with style and grace. You silly, silly people, next time you open a resturant just call it "The Bomb" so we're all clear.
(3)james f.
The Bird is my favorite sandwich here, you must try it. Beet ice cream, I do not even like beets and I could eat two bowls of this stuff. The dining area is a little small, but I have been seated relatively quick each time I have eaten at Silly Goose.
(4)Myra E.
Go here now. We still are craving the cous cous.
(5)Ryan D.
Great selection of healthy food, nice staff, and original ice cream flavors. Really loved going here!
(5)Michael M.
I am not a resident of Nashville but I frequent the area because of local family. I love food and I tend a large vegetable garden back in Virginia. My mother taught cooking and is an excellent chef, as is my wife. I must be the toughest critic around as so many "great" restaurants don't impress me. The last time I walked out of a Nashville restaurant and thought-- I'll be back as soon as I can-- was the first time I ate at Zola's several years ago, until now. There is nothing silly about the food at Silly Goose. It's light fare in a small casual context but very satisfying and complete. After the first bite of my Saylor sandwich, I knew that the ingredients were carefully chosen for freshness and flavor. The preparation was likewise executed with great care and attention to detail, what the slow food movement is all about. Everyone in my party of four had the same conclusion. Every aspect of the meal was likewise of the same exalted quality including the beverages and the superb desserts. What initially sounded unusual, such as rosemary and toasted almond ice ream, was nonetheless a spectacular success. I hope that Silly Goose will be embraced and supported by the community; I wish it were in my community! In summary, the small size and rustic atmosphere precludes this being a place for a formal dining experience but if one wishes excellent food to savor and enjoy, Silly Goose is fantastic and simply has no peer of which I am aware.
(5)larry s.
This restaurant matters. They have created a business that adds so much to their community. When I travel I seek places like this out. That is to say , a business that is providing a product and service in a unique way that is true to who they are and that reflects what people with sophisticated and discerning tastes are looking for. First of all the vibe is good when you walk in, there are eager and attentive staff with smiles on their face. The music is good and it smells good. I enjoy the casual hip ambiance and the business is put together in a way that is thoughtful- everything has it's place. Secondly the menu is awesome. Just the right amount of offerings. The flavor profiles are from people that enjoy cooking and eating good food for a living. I ordered the King Kong and my wife had the Mexican style couscous. Both were great and executed well. I also enjoyed the lemon ginger beverage, it was flavored nicely and not overly sweet. Lastly they also had good coffee! This seems to be a vey difficult task. So many places my wife and I will have lunch or dinner a go to another place for coffee. I got the idea that Silly Goose would deliver on a good cup of coffee and they did. Bottom line is this place does things with purpose and with love and passion. These things are important . So many restaurants are more concerned with creating the next blockbuster that will be duplicated across the nation so they follow some silly trend or recipe that has already been done. They are more concerned about the business plan then they are about serving their community. Silly Goose is not like that.
(4)Ashwin M.
Silly Goose reminds me of that one episode of Southpark when Cartman buys an amusement park for himself and refuses entry to anyone else, causing a crazy demand. When we walked into Silly Goose, the only three tables that were there were obviously full and we were told that there would be a wait and the said wait could be killed in the adjacent Ugly Mugs. Suddenly, we had to eat here, hook or crook, hell or high water, tsunami or desertification of urban China. Fast forward. It was our turn to eat and boy-o-boy was I giddy with excitement! The waitress brought our water in a mason jar and, you see, I'm the kind of guy who likes restaurants that serve their patrons their waters in mason jars and so I was already floored. The chalkboard on the side indicated where the food came from and it was all local (if you consider Kentucky to be local). As vegetarians, it "appeared" as if we had a lot of choices and we did (not to mention Wild Cow right around the corner would have blown this place clean), but, but, but, sadly, the flavor was severely lacking. When I say I'm a vegetarian, I mean I have never eaten meat in my 29 years. Ever. Not once. No bacon. No fish. Not even chicken stock based soup or lard cooked Mexican rice and beans. Thus, I am an authority on all things vegetarian and this place is not precisely where I would go for a hearty vegetarian meal. In fact, for a Saturday afternoon, as I licked my chops anticipating a good and innovative brunch with eggs and such, I was disappointed to find that Silly Goose had no such brunch menu. Still, the food was good. Good, not great. Just good. The couscous was delectable and the Saylor sandwich with avocados and eggplant was pretty edible.It could have used some more seasoning and spices, but then again my palate demands a high dose of capcasicin. Their juices are all freshly made and totally refreshing if you are into punishing your body with healthy stuff that taste meh! In summary, Silly Goose is that quaint corner cafe that I would visit occasionally for a quick grab (not exactly quick, considering the wait) but since their menu remains an absolute constant across the months and across the day, I m not going to go out of the way.
(3)Rachel H.
This restaurant always impresses me with their menu and its execution. The dishes are full of surprises and include extra garnishes, sauces, and sides that make all the difference. The flavor and complexity of the final dish is awesome!
(5)B C.
To Carmen I say, "SHUT UUP!" (in the best way possible!) her review was so funny, but I seriously cannot believe she SAW the food preps licking their fingers etc...BUT, on the flip side the food here is so good that most diners want to kiss the chefs anyway so, here you go. They're kissing you instead. Why 3 stars? Because we dined in and the ventilation is terrible! By the end of my meal I could barely keep my eyes open because the smoke was burning my eyes! And worse yet after leaving, I smelled like the joint. I find that gross. And for a place that serves such lush, fresh delicious food it's a shame that when I step out, I smell like I've been dining in a grease pit.
(3)Hanna H.
This East Nashville eatery has been on my "to do" list for months and I finally had a great excuse to go (not that I needed one)! Dinner with friends! When we arrived we had to wait, but I understood why...teeny tiny seating area. No biggie, we just stood outside on a completely perfect day and chatted it up. Once we were seated, our drinks were delivered (drink order taken while we waited outside) and were given the low down on the cheese tray appetizer. It was promptly ordered and it was delicious. I couldn't begin to remember what all was on that plate. I ordered The Bird ($9) which was one of the delightfully fresh sandwich options. Grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread. (Yes, that is taken directly from their menu.) It. was. phenomenal. After we finished our meals, the chef/co-owner Roderick came by the table to talk to us about our meal and what we thought. Then he shared the dessert options with us...big mistake. I'll take one of each please! We settled on two different homemade icecream selections, Guinness and Brown Sugar Sorghum. Yum and yum. A flourless chocolate torte was also ordered although there was much deliberation between that and cannoli. Decisions, decisions! Roderick told us that The Silly Goose would be closing down for the month of May because they are EXPANDING! Whoo-hoo! So, keep that in mind this summer if you are thinking about trying this place out. I highly recommend that you do!
(5)Shayna K.
I love this place! The very first time I was invited out to Silly Goose I wasn't sure what to expect. I am a very picky eater unfortunately and it's difficult for me to find food I don't have to pick through. (I don't mind picking through food) I had the Simple salad the first time. Delicious!!! I asked for mine minus the avocado. This salad was so refreshing and good I ate the WHOLE thing! I never finish my plate at restaurants. Mainly due to huge portion sizes. The second time I went I had the Hot Johnson and herb couscous. Now I didn't finish my sandwich this time around, but I did get to take it home to enjoy the next day. :) My boyfriend had the Bird with salad and herb couscous. Excellent!! My boyfriend said this is his new favorite place. The staff were very friendly and inviting. Didn't mind answering our questions at all. I felt very welcomed here.
(4)Jen S.
The Zipper is a taste explosion!
(5)Avonel R.
I absolutely love this adorable little establishment in East Nashville. My first time here I had the chicken sandwich and it was a tasty sandwich for the price. The reason why I love this place so much though is because of the chef. He came over to our table and introduced himself, asked us how our food was and convinced me I needed to take some sample size bites of his ice cream. He made two flavors that day: lemon pepper olive oil and beet. I had some serious doubts about these flavors but decided I needed to try them just because they were so strange. Can I say amazing!? Who would have thought..me.. the picky eater that wont try anything would actually like the beet ice cream and even the lemon pepper? I ordered both flavors after trying them. From that point on, I now try things that sound strange-otherwise I might be missing out on a lot in life!
(5)Yen N.
Silly Goose had me at Cous Cous. It was meant to be that I found the Silly Goose on my Yelp App. We actually were going to eat at Natural Joe's but upon arriving there discovered it was closed on a Saturday afternoon. No lunch on a Saturday afternoon? I knew I had to go there (thanks to other yelp reviews) and was grateful for Natural Joe's being closed. It is located on the East Side of Nashville. It's a small, eclectic, and trendy little village of unique shops and dining spots. The menu selection was very creative in the dish names and pairing of ingredients. I wanted to try everything, but decided on the "The Zipper". mmmmmm.... Smoked salmon with honey black pepper goat cheese, caramelized onion, baby arugula on toasted marble rye. It is served with your choice of Spring Mix salad, cous cous, or a little of both. Their cous cous is by far the best cous cous I have ever tasted. I asked them how they prepared it ,and they were happy to share it with me. I also got a side of roasted beets and sauteed mushrooms. The mushrooms were prepared so delightfully. Everyone at the table loed them. I also asked them how they prepared the mushrooms, and the staff again were happy to share the secrets. I have never actually tried beets but thought I would venture out on the recommendation of our server. They were interesting. I liked them, but I think they over did it on the balsamic vinegar glaze. I felt bad that I could finish it! I really wanted to devour it. The server didn't even charged me for beets since he thought we didn't like them. I wanted to yell out but I did! I just couldn't eat them all. The decor was definitely my style with its down to earth, homey, vibe. Real wood tables with benches. Silverware wrapped in bandanas for napkins. Cute yellow pom flowers in mason jars. We even drank out of mason jars. :) I had a blueberry and peach sangria. It was very refreshing and flavorful. The service was great. It was a busy Saturday and one server called out so there was only 2 waiting on the entire place yet I still thought service was very up to par. Brett (Sp ?) was very conversational and polite. He was busy but he also took the time to connect with the diners and had a feel good atitude about him. He also gave us some nice recommendations for activities in Nashville. Closing out was simple because you can pay at the table using an iPAD. No need to have the server make a few trips with the check card and then back to the table. I cannot wait to return to Nashville to dine at the Silly Goose. I love this place because it staffs real, friendly people. It's style is simple and artistic. They use organic and local ingredients. You can tell the food is made with love and thoughtfulness, and you also know with out a doubt the culinary team have a great relationship with food. It is in the cous cous.
(5)Andrea L.
One of the most amazing dining experiences i have had on the road. I ordered the flank steak with chimichuri sauce...it was phenomenal...i will be back...A LOT!!!
(5)Jamie D.
For the price, this is a great deal. Using as many locally produced products available; Silly Goose creates delicious creations. Although the interior only has 4 four tops and about four bar style seating, this is really a nice casual experience. My favorite sandwich is the Frisby. The focaccia holds the ingredients (not overloaded) just perfect. They offer you sides of salad, couscous or a blend of both. For about $40, you can have a nice glass of wine and an entree for two people.
(4)William B.
The food here is unlike anything I've had before. It's one of those places that puts things together that you never would expect...and some how it tastes great. My wife and I loved the food.
(5)Casey S.
Not to be missed. Freshest and best take on food in Nashville.
(5)Brian S.
Awesome food! I arrived without a reservation and was told there was a wait. I let them know I would be at the coffee shop next door (ugly mugs) and they came and let me know when my seat was ready, so that was nice. It only took a few minutes to get a seat at the bar. I like to watch the kitchen from the bar. They really take pride in food quality and presentation here. I had the scallops with gazpacho and it was really good. The scallops were lightly seasoned (just slightly spicy, but not at all too spicy) and perfectly cooked. The gazpacho was also good with sour cream and fresh sweet corn. I heard the chef telling other customers that their seafood is shipped in very fresh and I believe it. They also have a lot of local food on the menu including many local cheeses (which I did not get to try, but I did see a few cheese plates pass by that looked delicious). For dessert I had the flowerless chocolate tort (it's called the reverse cowgirl. can't believe they put that on the menu HAHA) with raspberry and white chocolate espresso sauce. It was magnificent! I also tried the basil lemonade and the pomegranate tea. The tea was good but I'm a sucker for basil, and that basil lemonade was great. This place is at the top of my list of great Nashville restaurants.
(5)Valerie K.
I'm pretty new to town, but so far this is one of my absolute favorites in Nashville. You can bring in your own bottle of wine (no corking fee!) and get a gourmet sandwich or cous cous, or try one of their unique dinner specials. The two times I've been so far have been great experiences start to finish, and I appreciate the extra ambiance touches like bandana napkins, menus on old school clip boards, and fresh flowers... and at the end you just pay on one of their iPads with the Square app, super easy and awesome. And huge benefit that it's right next to Jeni's Ice Cream, my favorite ice cream on the planet -- sorry Silly Goose, I probably won't be trying your desserts any time soon. ;) I don't know if they still have it or if it was a limited or seasonal thing, but if you get a chance, try the Flower Shop mushroom appetizer... incredible!
(5)Catherine S.
Fantastic establishment! My only critique is that it's a bit too small to fit all of it's adoring fans... but then again, it kind of adds to the local feel of the place. Also, if you're not into smelling your food while it's being prepared... then Silly Goose is probably not your place. Silly Goose has DELICIOUS food. We went there and got the couscous, a local cheese plate (to die for) and the portobello mushroom wrap. All of it was delicious... especially the couscous and cheese plate. Their iced tea is also fantastic! Located next to the Wild Cow in East Nashville, Silly Goose uses only local ingredients from my understanding. It's delicious, bright, and inviting. The chef even came over and gave us an explanation of all of the cheeses on our platter. Highly recommended!
(5)MJ S.
Delicious food with innovative flavors. I would definitely come back. Our waitresses were very attentive and friendly, although I think they were a bit over-worked. I do have one beef with this place: while we were there, their payment system, which involved the Square card reader and iPads, malfunctioned. We were asked to come back and pay them later or give them as much cash as we could. My dining companion and I had enough cash between us to cover the bill and tip, but I had to give them every last penny I owned. This was all very inconvenient and awkward (maybe even a bit crass) and left a bad taste in my mouth, tainting an otherwise pleasant experience.
(4)Brioche C.
A place where creativity meets excellent ingredients. We started out with the "Cardinal" [lamb and duck sausage, Georgia peach , smoked cherry , mint , marash chile , goat cheese ,orange reduction] which was excellent tasting though the sausage was a bit over cooked so that the meat was tough and chewy. I had the "Darth Vapor" [porcini crusted black grouper, lemongrass broth, carmelized parsnips, brussel sprouts, shitakes, cauliflower, cashews, cilantro rouille] and it was absolutely excellent. My companion had the "Pony" [pan-roasted steelhead salmon, coconut-ginger bamboo rice, pineapple, fresh chilis, guacamole, sesame vinaigrette] and enjoyed it. For dessert we had the "Ray" and "Second Chance". The "Ray" [peaches, rhubarb, vanilla mascarpone and thyme syrup], while creative, was a bit disappointing. Deconstructed desserts like the "Ray" expose every element and rely on the diner to combine them while eating. That's a brave technique, but every ingredient must be top-notch, otherwise it isn't pleasurable. In our case the peaches were not ripe. The "Second Chance" [toffee date cake, vanilla bean caramel, orange Greek yogurt, candied pistachios], however, was thoroughly enjoyable. We had an excellent wine (Zabu Nero D'Avola) which paired well with our food. I looked at the dishes others around us were having and many of them also looked yummy. The service was nice but I could do without the waiter staring over my shoulder while I enter the tip amount on their Square Up equipped iPad. This is a place for people who like creative, imaginative food and are willing to take some risks. The pricing is reasonable and overall we had a great evening. I'd give it 4.5 if yelp would let me.
(4)Jason B.
This was a great experience! I love the music, and style of this little restaurant. Had the rosemary lemonade and couldn't get enough! The Bird (sandwich) was very good; everything tasted fresh, like it came straight from the garden.
(5)Robert C.
Not impressed. Honestly, I believe people give this place four & five star reviews because they think they SHOULD love it. I'm as trendy as the next person; but this place is noisy & uncomfortable. When you finally get your small portion of over-priced food, it's tasty enough but not all that satisfying. I did not find the staff friendly; and I found Silly Goose a bit presumptuous. No salt & pepper! I get it; you are supposed to like it seasoned as the cook sees fit ... but in my opinion that's a personal preference. Take your tea sweetened the way THEY want it sweetened ... again a personal preference in my opinion. I will not willingly go back to Silly Goose. If I'm in a party who INSISTS, I'll make do with this over-hyped venue again ... but I will definitely have a snack before I go so I won't still be hungry when I walk out the door next time.
(2)Riley S.
Be Aware: 1 - Silly Goose doesn't take reservations, so on a busy night, expect a 30 minute wait. 2 - They don't sell alcohol at all, but have no corking fee. Unfortunately, we didn't realize this when we first went. With a group of 5, we arrived early knowing we'd have to wait some. It ended up being about 40 minutes which started to feel a little long. Once we actually sat down (at a smaller table at first since a larger one still wasn't ready) things got better. The tea, out of a mason jar, was fantastic. Couscous for an appetizer was also delicious. As the main course, I had a greek-yogurt marinated chicken (almost thai) which was phenomenal. To top it off, an incredibly light and scrumptious cranberry cheesecake made our wait worth it. So if you're prepared to wait a little and bring your own booze, The Silly Goose is a great choice. The reason this isn't a 5 is because of their disorganized way we moved around, and the disappointment when we couldn't enjoy a glass of wine with out meal.
(4)Megan C.
Silly Goose may just be my new favorite lunchtime destination! (Though, I'm sure they'd be delightful anytime...). I love the fresh, green walls, the mix of trendy and homey touches (mismatched silverware and cloth napkins were heartwarming...and I loved the Mason jar glasses). The other day, I actually caught myself having a daydream about the citrus-mint-ginger green iced tea. Yum. They've got a wide variety of couscous, salad, and sandwich options, all using as many seasonal and local ingredients as possible. I had the 'T-Bird' sandwich (roast beef, roasted red pepper aioli, blue gouda, arugula, grilled onion, Tuscan bread) with a couscous and side salad. ah-maze-ing. It was actually a really tough decision I had to make before ordering-some places I'll only be able to pick out a couple of things on a menu that I think I would like-here, every menu item appealed to me. My friend, Sarah P., and I also had a chance to chat with the owner and chef, Roddick. We loved hearing about the story behind the Silly Goose and learned great things about the menu-he changes it frequently to keep the ideas and ingredients as fresh as possible. It's evident that he cares about the quality of his food and the happiness of his customers. This is a very small restaurant, and they often send patrons next door to Ugly Muggs to wait during busy times. And, honestly, I can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Kristin M.
Oh, Silly Goose! I love you so much it hurts! Your couscous is heavenly and there isn't yet a plate that I didn't love! While I'll be sad that you will be closed for 5 weeks during renovations, I'm so excited to see the little Goose making big strides and expanding! It's about time...you guys have earned it! The staff here is always a joy to see! xoxo
(5)Samuel L.
Went here for lunch with a friend, and had an absolute fantastic time. Menu is full of fresh, local, organic ingredients, and my salad was absolutely delicious. It is nice and small, and not very loud, and I was able to carry on an excellent conversation with my friend. I just had their simple salad, with grilled chicken on top. It was delicious and simple. She had one of the couscous selections, I tried it, and it was great. I will definitely go back to this place, our server was fantastic and I felt right at home.
(5)Will M.
sustainable ingredients. Healthy and delicious. Had the smoked salmon sandwich, couscous, salad and lavender ice cream. stay away from beet ice cream is too exotic for my tastes. They allow you to have two different flavors for the price of one on ice cream. Also, you can have couscous and salad. chocolate dessert if u can. lovely service and good food. :-) I love how their flavors in each dish go together so well together. All the sandwiches are great and salad and couscous are delish.
(5)ken g.
My wife and I were really impressed. Everything was good and there were a lot of nice vegetarian options.
(5)Alice S.
What a great spot! HIGHLY recommend this cute little place. Here is why: 1) seasonal and local menu with all my favorite thing in different formations: bacon, avocado, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, ummm basically everything on their menu is my favorite... 2) obviously passionate chef and super friendly staff 3) I feel healthy and satisfied when I leave! Only downside is that its in a fairly tiny space. But, have no fear! They do to-go orders and the Ugly Mug lets you feast in their much larger space (as long as you order some coffee, I assume).
(5)Tara H.
The menu is delightfully interesting. I usually will order the Lyle's sandwich with greens and also order the King Kong cous cous. The two go so well together and its perfect for sharing! I love everything about this place from the cozy dining area to what seems to be a devotion to serving fine, local and ethically raised produce and meats. The service is always outstanding and I'm always on the verge of tears after every bit of goodness I place upon my salivating palate. It's inspirational.
(4)Lea P.
Maybe I was there at a weird time... it was late afternoon, there were a few other people dining there at the time. The food was good, but the experience sure left something to be desired, especially when you are paying upwards of $15 for a sandwich and iced tea. There were plenty of available tables but the host directed me to the bar without offering me the option of table seating. The bar faces the prep area, where loud kitchen appliances buzzed at full speed (and volume) for my entire meal. Then the staffer (since I was at the bar, this is a guy who was prepping food as well as serving me) handed me my "check" (they use ipads) with my bill before I was finished with my meal, and stood there waiting for me to pay (and presumably leave, which I did).
(3)Ian R.
Silly Goose has been getting a lot of positive attentions recently and for good reason. Their food is fresh, local, creative and different than what you can get at just about any other restaurant in Nashville. The location and the menu are both small, but cozy. I don't know if I would call it fine dining, but everything they do is done very well. If you go with the expectation of good food you will not be disappointed.
(5)Kristie P.
This place definitely does not suck. Seriously, the food here is hella good. On my first visit, I ordered the King Kong which is sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander and avocado. It was FUCKING DELICIOUS!!! As stated by other reviewers, the flavor combinations and presentation are creative and visually pleasing. In their own words, they use only the purest and highest quality ingredients available and buy local, organic, sustainably produced, minimally manipulated food. Hell, they even tell you who their suppliers are. How effin great is that? And for you alcoholics out there, you can BYOB with no corkage fee.
(4)Sean W.
Got a recommendation from a friend to try it out, made my way over for a lunch time experience and it did not disappoint. The menu is small and succinct and keeps to their promise to serve only what they can get fresh and local. All the staff seemed very involved and you can tell that they care when your food arrives with an artisan touch that they waved it good bye when it left the kitchen. Everything seemed a bit pricey when I first looked at the menu but the quality and care taken in preparing and selecting the ingredients really shines and it is well worth it.
(4)Karen M.
All I can say is I have eaten food here that I have never tried and it is so good. The ice cream is very good, and when I cannot decide on a flavor I get a sampler. I am so addicted to this place, which is bad for me since my residence is in California.
(5)Chef X.
Nice, happy folks making nice happy food. Thank you Silly Goose.
(4)Brynn S.
Just had an amazing lunch at Silly Goose! So great to have a restaurant with fresh, local ingredients, combined in interesting ways. Also, my daughter had the BEST kids meal ever served at a restaurant. Fresh diced mango, pineapple, and dried cranberries served with her yummy sandwich. We love this place!
(5)Rach M.
One word to describe this place...Refreshing! The flavors are unique and well paired. I will most definitely be back
(5)Patrick S.
The restaurant is yet another reason why i friggin love Yelp! This place is phenomenal and also very personal. I love restaurants were you feel connected to the food. The place does it well in two ways. First, many of the ingredients are local and they showcase that very well, example being the cheese plate which i recommend. The second reason is the Open Kitchen. I love to cook and when i go to a restaurant seeing my meal put together i respect it more as an art and not just as nourishment. Couple things to mention is that it's a little tough to find, but it's located ACROSS the street from Rosepepper Cantina and not on the same side. Also, seating is limited so prepared to wait, or possible call ahead to see what the wait is. Last thing i want to mention is it's BYOB, which is awesome. A bottle of vino and a nice dining companion would make any meal here a memorable one.
(5)MJ Y.
"nomnom goose" 4 stars really cute, unique, personable~ quite small inside, can probably seat 20 ppl max (probably have to wait!) ~ the vibe reminds me of cafes in norcal. everybody enjoys their plates ~ great sandwiches/ wraps, couscous, salads. price and proportions are good. ingredients are fresh, colorful, and wholesome ... really can't imagine going wrong with anything *love the lemonade and ice creams. they make their own ice cream and switch the flavors around. i've tried honey beets and carrot ice cream which were both *Nomnom :D
(4)Linda M.
Hands down one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Smoked salmon sandwich (Zipper) was out of this world as well as the J. Cunningham - quinoa salad. An absolute must try -
(5)Jeff F.
The only negative I have is about the menu. It said nothing about what comes with the Sandwich. Initially, I thought $10 for a sandwich was pretty steep but after having it served with a side salad and couscous it was well worth the price....and way a lot of food. I absolutely loved the Zipper with the smoked salmon. I love the use of local ingredients!
(4)Amelia Z.
Visiting Nashville for the first time, I was eager to unearth great local fare. After reading about the size of the place, I opted for take-out on a Saturday night. When I picked up my food, I was greeted right away by a friendly staffer. Okay, it's true, the couscous is awesome. I got the Mexico City - a perfect combination of spice, creamy goat cheese, and mango...yum. I also picked up the dessert special - and I wanted to lick the to-go box. Fresh SC peaches grilled, mascarpone cheese, candied walnuts in a balsamic reduction...oh yeah. I also liked that they used to-go containers made from recycled materials. A huge plus in my book. Oh, and yes, try the basil lemonade...refreshing on a hot summer day.
(4)J A.
Fun little place in a neighborhood setting. Food was fantastic, as was the service. They were getting ready to expand so by now they probably have more space. We had to wait quite a while for a table to fit our group of nine. It was well worth the wait. Portions were appropriate, not ginormous like so many restaurants today. Flavors are wonderfully dynamic.
(4)Sara S.
Great little restaurant. And by little I mean TINY. That's the main drawback here if you want to get in without waiting. Otherwise the food is delicious, great salads and sandwiches. And you've gotta try the tea! Friendly staff as well. Will return!
(4)M. Y.
been several times overall good experience. nice and subtle flavors. highly recommend all salads. entrees overall really nice flavored. black grouper a bit over-cooked and dry. steak a bit over-cooked too.
(4)David H.
Very, very good food here. Hip, trendy kind of area. The food is simple and on the healthy side. Dig this spot. Lots of organic and locally grown/made ingredients.
(4)Jonathan P.
It's a fine joint. I don't like any of their food at all. Possibly because the great majority of it is cold, on purpose. But there are many nifty fusion flavor situations to choose from. Lots of Quinoa and Couscous. Most things are drenched in Balsam. Though Balsam is good to use, using it on everything is kinda lame. Fresh and Organic is a plus, if your hungry go across the street to Rose Pepper. If you are a starving artist who wants to pay too much money for barely any food, a.k.a. hipster, this place is perfect. Be sure to try the cheese platter, it has cheese from farms, that are close by, for some reason. Just no wine....que?
(2)Athan D.
Silly Goose is - in my humble opinion - a terrific restaurant. Here's the story. We "stumbled" on it through Yelp during a visit to Nashville. It's not a far drive from downtown, so we decided to give it a try. It was a Tuesday evening, but we still should have called ahead. There was a wait, but the hostess told us we could venture outside and she would let us know when our table was ready. So, after we sit down, our waiter brings menus and tells us about the specials for the evening. He really couldn't have been more on top of things. In other words, the service was great. We order three appetizers to share among four people - a cheese plate, a charcuterie plate, and my 11-year old son ordered mussels in a curry sauce. The cheese plate was lovely and tasty, and the charcuterie included homemade turkey pastrami, sausage and other delicious goodies, and the mussels were lick-the-bowlheavenly. I'm not going to bore you with the rest of our meal. Let's just say it was very, very good. If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. Moreover, the restaurant uses local sourced ingredients, and the chef, Rod Bailey, has a true talent and passion for food and for his restaurant. The one thing we didn't do was try the desserts. We went next door and had ice cream. The ice cream was great, but I'm sorry we didn't stay at Silly Goose. Btw, they do serve wine as well as some great homemade teas and juice concoctions - my kids both had rosemary tea/lemonade (I forget which...) and it was tasty. Do yourself a favor and try this place. My twins are still talking about it and so are we.
(5)Elated J.
Absolutely delish...didn't like steep up charge to sub shrimp for chicken...but AWESOME, fresh food!! Ginger apple tea=TO DIE FOR
(4)Patrick D.
The Silly Goose is a culinary gem. You cannot go wrong eating here. The prices are about $10 per entree and worth every penny. Want to treat a friend from out of town to a meal that makes them feel warm fuzzies inside each time they remember their time in Nashville? This is your place.
(5)Jonathan S.
Love, Love, Love this place. Just terrific food! Makes my body feel better after dining on local, organic food. One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Nashville.
(5)Ashley L.
Food is amazing! Try the bird or Mexico city couscous...so good!
(5)Steph H.
Despite all the raves that have been written about Silly Goose, I have never made it a priority to come here mainly because I am a weirdo who rarely likes to pay for sandwiches. I mean, really, sandwiches are one of the easiest things you can make apart from fixing yourself a bowl of cereal (I'm calling dibs on that restaurant idea!), so the idea of paying $10 for one always turns me into Scrooge McDuck. But, when the opportunity to dine out with friends recently arose, I decided that the time had come to be a bit indulgent and see what this place serving the magic sandwiches and couscous was all about. We arrived at 6:30 and although I was dreading a lengthy wait, my proclivity to eat dinner freakishly early paid off as we were seated in under 10 minutes. I was immediately charmed by the ambiance, which immediately struck me as a funky Moulin Rouge/rustic country amalgam that really works. Yes, drinks are served in mason jars and there's exposed brick, but this place really manages to feel both quaint and upscale (that groovy red "SG" sign probably helps). Also, even though this place is tiny and so clearly turning over tables is a premium here, we never once felt rushed and the vibe is decidedly chill. Literally everything looked good on the menu, so I decided to order the T-bird, which is a fancy schmancy roast beef sammy (I will echo Jason S's sentiments as to never knowing that blue gouda was a thing prior to that moment!), while my husband opted for the Pack Mule, which is the dinnertime ribs option. I had heard good things about the couscous, so I was really happy to find that I could get herbed cc as a side. Our dining experience was very positive, but based on our experience, I definitely think that sandwiches & couscous are the way to go when dining here since the three of us who ordered sandwiches were extremely pleased with our food while my husband's dish was definitely more of a mixed bag. The salad and the cornbread that came with his meal were out of this world good (seriously, hands down the best cornbread I've EVER had), but the main component of his dish, the ribs, were quite tough, which is a huge let down. But the sandwiches were really very good. You can really tell that top notch ingredients are being used in all of the dishes; in particular, I was really pleased that it was so evident that the roast beef on my sandwich was prepared in house rather than that weird stuff that gets sold at grocery store delis. Also, I decided to splurge and order a glass of the orange apple cider tea and it was not only delicious but you get free refills! Amazing! I'm almost tempted to come back just for that... (seriously) So here's the thing, obviously I have to knock off a star because of my husband's entrée, but even basing on just the sandwich I ate I don't think I can give this place coveted 5-star status. Don't get me wrong, the T-bird was super yummy, but it wasn't like it changed my life or my philosophy on paying top dollar for sandwiches. I did love the vibe, however, and our server was really sweet and friendly, all of which made dining here really pleasant. Can't say I'll be a regular, but there are definitely some other sandwiches on their menu that I intend to try out the next time I feel like eating a sandwich made by someone else's hands. Watch out Saylor, I'm coming for you next...
(4)Dante' T.
Thanks to all of the glowing reviews of The Silly Goose in Yelp, my husband and I decided to give it a try. Oh my, I can't begin to express how delicious everything was. We split the T bird along with Sicilian Couscous and the honey beet ice cream. I am still dreaming about it all. As mentioned in several other posts, it is small but the vibe and service are awesome. I highly recommend this establishment. Enjoy!
(5)Angela K.
I eat here fairly often...been going since they opened. It never fails to delight my senses. The food is delicious and pretty too. Roderick is a CIA trained chef and his dishes would do The Institute proud. I always feel good after eating here....that tells you about the freshness and honesty of the food. Try the King Kong and wash it down with the basil lemonade or the green ginger mint tea. And don't forget to save a little room for some homemade ice cream! It's BYOB, by the way....and if there's a line, well it's certainly worth the wait.
(5)sheri c.
I have to admit that the name of this restaurant (and the signage) did not lure me in at all. I had been to the neighboring Ugly Mugs and The Wild Cow several times and never did I think to even step in and check out the menu. That being said, I read the reviews on Yelp and decided to take the plunge. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!! They even have a blackboard letting customers know which local farms their amazingly fresh produce comes from. I am a vegan and they were VERY accommodating and happy to make substitutions as needed. It's hard to believe this place is in Nashville!! It's THAT good.. I even commented to my friend as we finished our meal that I wish we didn't eat yet so we could eat again! She totally agreed. I will be back...many times!!
(5)Michael F.
Simply wonderful!! Hands down, the best lunch I've had in a longtime. My next stop will be dinner...
(4)Kirk M.
Went there for lunch today...it was great! I had the Frisby Sandwich, and it was excellent. The staff was friendly, and the service was excellent. The servings were large. Two thumbs up!
(5)Andra B.
A great fresh sandwich. Awesome meal. Try the ice cream, what you think you will not like, YOU WILL. Want a quality, fresh meal, this is a good one.
(4)Melissa L.
Everything everyone says in their reviews is correct. This is a fantastic restaurant. The basil lemonade was delicious. For dinner I ordered the Spalding and my date ordered Lyle's Surprise. We both greatly enjoyed our meals. At first I was skeptical that I was going to be satisfied by my dinner, but it turned out to be the perfect amount of food. I was full, but not uncomfortably so. The couscous was tasty as were the portabello mushrooms with goat cheese. We followed up with the beet ice cream and honey. Delicious. You need to try at least one dessert. It is a small restaurant but that gives it an intimate feeling, without feeling like you're eating with the people at the next table. It was perfect for a date.
(5)Sojo M.
King Kong couscous is awesome! The way they flavored the shrimp (which tasted like very light curry) was to die for. I got the basil lemonade but I didn't taste the basil at all (which was why I gave this 4 stars). A friend of mine got the citrus mint tea and that was very refreshing. I also got the Bird sandwich which was very heavy on the goat cheese and me not being a goat cheese person, it wasn't my favorite but that was my fault.
(4)erin s.
delicious, quality, interesting, exciting, food!!! must try!!!
(5)Brad C.
Fantastic toasted sanwiches with fresh ingredients. Yes, silly goose deserves praise. But being from Sydney, Australia, I am spoilt by many of these types of fresh food places which are common place so I don't get the same 'buzz' as other reviewers. For me Silly Goose is one place that reminds me of home (Sydney, Australia) and is where I go to get a tasty and healthy toasted sandwich.
(4)Shelly J.
My husband and I loved the Silly Goose. I ordered the Waldorf salad and it was delicious! My sandwich was called the Bird and it was grilled chicken breast with sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread. Absolutely wonderful! It's a small place, but we only had to wait afew minutes for a table. There were fresh flowers throughout the restaurant and great art work on the walls. Fabulous place!
(5)ALEXIS P.
I can't tell you how excited I am to have Silly Goose so close to home. I have been there 3 times in the past 2 weeks for both dine-in and takeout. It is likely the best takeout sandwich I have ever had. We brought in a bottle of wine last Friday night and had a lovely dinner. I highly recommend the King Kong, Sicilian, Lyle's Surprise, the herbed couscous side, and the basil lemonade. My only concern is that once word gets out about this place, there is not going to be room for anyone, it's tiny! Hopefully they will get the chance to expand, but not move (I live right around the block)!!!
(5)Jennifer B.
Amazing flavor combinations. I've been to Silly Goose several times and always leave miserably full because I can't stop eating the delicious (and large) sandwiches. While the space is small, I've never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a spot. Last time I dined there the owner came out from behind the counter and spoke with several of the customers, getting a feel for the response to his menu and looking to suggest other items that might match well. Small menu, but perfect. Only wish I had room to try to desserts!
(5)C S.
The silliest thing about this place is Ive just now eaten here. Got the salmon sandwich and the flavors coyly tucked under the bread where truly face splashing with happiness. And thats before I even got to that banging couscous.
(5)mumin k.
very nice place. this is a very trendy place with great decor and only 4 tables. the menu is really compact, not many choices but they have some good sandwiches. the salads looked original too but did not try any. I had the roast beef and blue cheese sandwich and liked it. my wife had the 'bird' sandwich with chicken and it was pretty good too. the ingredients were fresh and tasty. My only (minor) complain was the server, she was somewhat hard to communicate with .. asked for drinks with no ice, but she brought drinks with ice .. i was asking for deserts other than icecream but she insisted on telling me about the ice creams etc. But as I said, that was a very minor issue. overall, i liked the place and would recommend it.
(4)Leigh S.
One of my favorite causal eatery's. Such a cute/quaint little place to share good food and laughter with friends. The service is incredible and the owner is passionate about the menu and willing to share and explain every last detail on it. I have been here SEVERAL times and am NEVER disappointed. Try the Zipper, it's killer.
(5)Amy C.
limited menu becuase its all FRESH and lovely! BYOB (i believe) & yummy!
(5)Joy S.
Great choice! Excellent and usual flavor combinations made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. A little pricey but definitely worth it! Try the bird sandwich with basil lemonade.
(4)Jerry E.
a hipster place with interesting dishes; they just started serving wine and it was a nice addition. the whole neighborhood is loaded with interesting restaurants.
(4)Kathy T.
Great couscous! The place is really cool and hip! Plus they have great food and friendly service.
(5)Carolyn S.
One of the best restaurants in Nashville, if not the best!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Carrie T.
I'm hooked on this place. Love the food, it's always fresh and oh so tasty. But ladies, for the love of god will you please smile! I mean really, my tip doubled the one time someone smiled at me when I picked up my food. Notice I said the ONE time someone smiled :)
(4)Stephanie R.
It is rare that you meet passionate, innovative people who can carve out a space of their own in this business without compromising on what they feel is important and without succumbing to burnout. Silly Goose is a refreshing gem of a place that manages to churn out excellent food made with high quality ingredients in a way you wouldn't expect to from a fledgling restaurant in this economic climate. The optimism, passion and love for food and the community that has been put into this place couldn't radiate more from its doors. Places like these and the people behind them are what make East Nashville great. My fiancee and I came in looking for a low key dinner a couple nights ago after I had heard about its opening at Ugly Mugs and seen some positive reviews here. We took a seat at one of the tables in the small dining room and ordered a couple sandwiches and a cheese plate. I was pleased to see a board on their wall listing the current local vendors they purchase product from and the credo in their menu upholding sustainability, local products and organics. When our cheese plate was brought to us, it was massive and the chef (and I'm guessing proprietor?) named the cheeses and their vendors as he served it to our table. The cheese plate was nice, a very broad mix from a blue gouda to brie and havarti to goat cheeses and cheddar, much of it local. My only complaint would be some issues with the plating. Our cheeses were served with a liberal garnishing of balsamic reduction across the plate, the pears were topped in the kitchen with (local) honey while marcona almonds uncomfortably dotted the dish. There was a lot going on, but nothing that couldn't be solved with a little tightening/compartmentalization and a looser grip on that squeeze bottle of balsamic. The goat cheeses were topped with a basil pesto and a chili sauce (respectively) that could have been nixed, but I'd say noise reduction is a pretty minor crime for a brand new restaurant with a passionate young chef. With time, I'm sure tightening will come. Our entrees were two big sandwiches with couscous and a fresh greens mix. They did not disappoint. I ordered the Roscoe - a basic BLT (plus avocado) on whole grain bread and my fiancee got the Hot Johnson - a ham/brie combination on focaccia. All I could think about was how high quality their ingredients were and how high their food cost must be. The side of couscous was a little bland, but then I'm not the biggest couscous fan to begin with. The chef came back out at one point and we chatted with him about his local vendors, food, the restaurant industry and how he runs his kitchen and it was painfully clear how into it this guy is and how much care and drive he's put into opening this place. I was impressed by his enthusiasm and the creative approach this guy has had to take to make that space work for him. As we were paying, he even brought out samples of his ice cream for us to try that he makes himself in house. His orange coriander ice cream is pretty incredible but even more amazing is this chef's attitude and dedication to his work and establishment. I hope they have a long successful stay here in East Nashville and I look forward to going back soon.
(5)Rachel R.
The sex is absolutely worth having. Wait, what? Seriously. The dessert, called sex, is not only fun to order (i.e. - waiter, can we have sex?) but FREAKIN' DELICIOSO. A milk chocolate cup, sitting in a pool of blackberry sauce, filled with bittersweet chocolate mousse, topped with hazelnuts and smothered in white chocolate rum sauce... you don't have to say, "this is better than sex," because it is sex, after all. In terms of real food, the Albert Prince salad (quinoa, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spiced pepitas with a grating of manchego and a drizzle of orange vinaigrette) did not disappoint. The flavors and textures are as complex and interesting as the dish is nutritious. I could definitely eat this everyday, and would, if I spent 11 bucks on lunch regularly. Even the lemonade and herbed cous cous went above and beyond typical fare. Based off of the atmosphere and prices, more sophisticated flavors are to be somewhat expected, but it's always nice when the restaurant passes the hype-test with flying colors. I plan on visiting the Goose again next time I'm in Nashville, and don't plan on leaving until I've had sex.
(4)Taylor W.
This place is really great. We went for lunch and there were 9 of us. We had booked reservations a week prior and were seated immediately. For myself, i enjoyed the pink panther with a side salad and basil lemonade. Other than drinking from a jam jar as a glass, the entire eating experience was amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone over in that neighborhood.
(5)J. Coles B.
Consistently interesting and tasty food. Never had a bad meal. Highly recommend. You may have to wait, as they do not take reservations. I suggest walking to the nearby Two Ten Jack for one of their signature cocktails while you wait.
(4)Elizabeth G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Very casual inside, fresh and delicious. The couscous is outstanding- full of flavor. I prefer the King Kong. Sandwiches are also delish. Dinner menu is pricier. But u can still get a few of the more affordable couscous dishes. Basil lemonade is refreshing and they have a short, but good wine selection. It gets busy, so be prepared to wait or go at an off-time. There's coffee next door as well. Only annoyance is that parking is hell on wheels here. Lots of businesses competing for few spaces. Also if you have kids they have a GREAT kids menu and don't assume kids only want to eat crackers.
(5)Steven M.
Farm to table with a smile! Awesome wooden bar and super hip staff. Fav place on Nashville so far!
(5)Fitha D.
So I was looking through these reviews... at least 4 reviews mention the beard guy and that he's a jerk. Funny... glad he wasn't just a jerk to me. If I was a restaurant owner I would have talked to beard guy and maybe trained him on some customer service tips... just saying! I guess they don't really care what the patrons think as long as they are still raking in the money!
(1)Erik M.
This place is rock solid. Great vibe, and incredible food. Everything is always seasoned to perfection with the perfect blend of flavors every time. You can't get a better deal for lunch. Top notch local ingredients and excellent recipes for around $10 a person.
(5)Michael G.
I'm really into healthy eating, and this can be difficult when you are on vacation. I'm very happy that I came upon Silly Goose - by accident! I was actually checking out another place to eat checking the reviews on Yelp, and one reviewer suggested Silly Goose and to dump the place I was looking at. I checked out Silly Goose reviews, and I know I made the right decision! Silly Goose mostly makes sandwiches with sides of couscous or salad using local grown vegetables and organic/grass-fed meats(?) Our wait was not too long (the place seats maybe 30) and very noisy. I'm giving this restaurant 5 stars just on my meal alone. I had the Bird which was chicken with so many other pieces of greatness which I cannot remember right now. But I do remember it was one of the best I if not the best meals I had in Nashville. I got a side of couscous and on the waiter's recommendation chose the Mexican flavor, but this was just so-so. This is not a place for young unadventurous kids! But, the waiter was able to say they have had this issue before, and was able to accommodate with a PB&J and also a cheese quesadilla with some chicken on the side for mine. Thank you! My wife got the salmon sandwich and lo and behold, it was not cooked (the menu did not say this was the case). She was able to eat 1/2 of the sandwich saying it was actually very tasty, but she just could not bring herself to eat the other half because of the texture. I guess no sushi anytime soon for her! Also awesome was the basil lemonade and fancy tea which are free refills. We chose to try as many new places in Nashville as possible, so no dessert for us here. We went next door to Jeni's for ice cream (see my review) and very satisfied. Like I said with some of my other Nashville reviews, if you live here and have not been here as a regular, shame on you!
(5)angela t.
Probably the best chicken sandwich I've ever had in my life. "The bird" . All their menu item names are cute and unique. This is the best place for lunch , healthy, and casual but hip and trendy. The teas are out of this world! The red pineapple is my fav. They had a cute small children's menu for my daughter so she got a grilled cheese and fresh fruit, and lemonade. All very good! Love this place will def be back:)
(5)Blair S.
Continuing a tour of East Nashville restaurants, I decided to head down Eastland Ave to Silly Goose. On a Friday night the place was hopping, with a 45 minute wait and a very full parking lot (plenty of nearby street parking though). Upon being seated, the waiter kicked things off with a quick overview of some special drinks and the menu, with the right balance of information without being pushy. The trend of well-balanced service continued throughout the dining experience. We ordered the cheese appetizer, the "Joe Bailey." It was full of local cheeses and accents, all of which were explained by the runner. If you like cheese at all, get this appetizer. My entree was the "Pony" which fortunately is wild salmon, not pony meat. The salmon was just OK. The coconut-ginger green bamboo rice with pineapple was good on the edges, super salty in the middle. My dinner companion had the "3rd Boss," which is sea scallops on a gazpacho sauce and corn mixture. One bite of the scallops and I realized that I ordered the wrong entree. The interior is eclectic with a wide-open kitchen. It's a little noisy but lively, not unpleasant.
(4)Reshawn L.
I can see why this small place has so many reviews! Outstanding couscous, sandwiches and salads!! We met business partners here for lunch and all 5 of us loved the food! While this was a great place to dine with friends it is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. The Silly Goose is for leisurely dining. I had the Incredible Mexico City Couscous and I plan to try making it at home. The red chili couscous with, goat cheese and mangos was a delicious combination!! It was well worth what turned out to be an average of $20 pp for lunch. I highly recommend. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was slow for a week day. Most people dining out for lunch during the week have to return to work.
(4)Angi S.
We were visiting from out of town and didn't know to make a reservation, so we had a longer wait but IT WAS WORTH IT! Besides perfectly prepared and creative food, they very politely accommodated my extreme soy sensitivity that makes eating out scary at times.
(5)Mink M.
Very good. I'm from LA so to find a place like this out in TN surprised me. It's something that would easily fit in Hollywood or Dowtown. Great food and drinks. It's very busy so expect a wait. The cous cous is perfection. Everything here was amazing. Parking is easy to find and the price is just right.
(5)Charles G.
I waited too long to write the review, so I no longer remember which sandwiches we ordered. What I do remember is that the wait staff squeezed us in at a table that was reserved for 45 minutes from when we were seated (we arrived at noon and it was PACKED), but thankfully we had studied the menu diligently on our drive up to Nashville and ordered in the first few minutes of being seated. Their flavored teas and lemonades were great. I was wary of basil in a drink, but it was incredibly refreshing! Each of the five of us in our party ordered a different sandwich and shared a bite with everyone else, and I can honestly say there wasn't a bad sandwich represented. The couscous was only decent in my opinion, but I'm beginning to think that I just don't like couscous, so take that tip with a shaker of salt coming from me. We liked it so much that my brother-in-law is flying in to see us at Christmas via the Nashville airport so that we have no reason not to take him here again! My only tip to this place is to invest in at least twice the seating space. Failing that, move to Huntsville.
(5)Sharmeela S.
Delicious cous cous. Fresh ingredients. Good vegetarian options. Light enough that you should go next door to jenny's ice cream for dessert!
(4)Formicas F.
What amazing food here - had the T bird sandwich. It was amazing! The cheese could have been more thickly spread. The balsamic drizzle is divine. The salad is fresh and local! This spot was a breath of fresh air and left me wanting to come again.
(5)Mariam H.
There's nothing silly about this place.... it's serious eats! Of course I checked out the menu before my visit and was pleasantly suprised to see not one but four couscous offerings! How could I possibily chose just one? Thanks to the pictures on Yelp, I went with the King Kong. A perfect blend of the Asian taste combo... spicy, savory, bitter and a little sweet dashed in with a touch of mint. The citrus, ginger and mint tea was the perfect drink compliment. I was very happy girl... full tummy and not feeling like I just blew all of my calories for the day. My date had a turkey wrap. I believe it was the Sparky because I remember the cranberries. It was also very fresh tasting, and filling. I loved that they jazzed up a plain old wrap with some more intriguing ingredients like brie instead of cheddar and a basil aioli instead of mayo. One minor, minor complaint is that our table was literally unhinged from its base. We skillfully played a balancing act while eating. Other than that the decor was very country meets industrial with salvaged illuminated signs and what looked like a reclaimed wood table (possibly a community style table?). Service was just ok. I did have a few moments where I went for a sip and just ice clunked down to my face. The four star review is soley based on the menu offerings and the fact that I loved, loved the King Kong. Please work on the wobble table and a more attentive staff and the extra star will be added! P.S. I will be back for dinner.... so seriously... .fix the table, please!
(4)Margaret S.
Red tea was fabulous! The sparky sandwich was just the right proportion of meat and extras. Yum! Service was excellent with very short wait.
(5)Simon F.
Easily one of the top three meals during a 4 day trip to Nashville. The fresh drinks are great (ask for LESS ice = less dilution). Our group of 7 loved what we ordered. My only gripe was the size of the King Kong. Looking around at everybody else I felt somewhat left out. Then I ordered the biscuit for dessert and the world was right again.
(4)Molly D.
They took a reservation for our party of 7 over a month in advance. We showed up a few minutes early to the restaurant being randomly closed for the day. Considering we gave our phone number when we gave our reservation it was pretty disappointing they didn't think to call us and cancel when they decided to close...not a great customer service strategy. We saw no less than 5 other groups of people show up as well. Finding a place to eat for 7 people at peak brunch time was not how we wanted to spend the last morning of our vacation. We ended up finding an awesome brunch gem (though we had to wait 1.5hours). If you make a group reservation here, I would recommend you call and confirm week of to ensure this doesn't happen to you!
(1)Sarah S.
I LOVE The Silly Goose. I have been twice and loved it both times. The first time I went with a girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon and was lucky enough to get into the last table right away. I ordered the Blackjack which is: pan roasted verlasso salmon, whipped sweet potatoes, roasted mushrooms, arugula, and hazelnuts. The absolute best salmon I've ever eaten. Melt in your mouth deliciousness...I've been craving it since. I went back last week with a couple friends and since Silly Goose was out of salmon, I was happily forced to make a different choice. This time I went with one of their incredible sandwiches, the Pink Panther ("smoked beef brisket, gorgonzola, kale, carrot and cabbage slaw, horseradish aioli, toasted hoagie). It was the perfect balance of smokey, tangy, and hearty. I had it served with a side of salad greens tossed in balsamic, and a bit of couscous tossed in pesto. Oh my word...yum. Both times I've enjoyed the rosemary lemonade. I want to also note the service has been wonderful! Both servers I've been able to enjoy dining with were very attentive and accommodating to food allergies (not mine but in the part). Great experience and can't wait to go back again! **the only "negative" is that for some reason their menu does not read as well as it could it seems to a lot of people. I had 3 people back out of our group lunch because they didn't think there was anything there that they'd like. I know this cannot be true because they are not particular eaters and the food here is wonderful, but a bit of rewording on the menu might spark a little more mouth watering anticipation for the less food savvy**
(5)Tonya O.
Having never heard of Silly Goose until it was recently voted Best New Restaurant by the Nashville Scene Readers Poll, I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful flavors coming from my Bird sandwich at Silly Goose. I had a hard time deciding which sandwich to get and planned to try others on other visits, I'm not so sure I could not order the Bird sandwich again. It might just become one of those sandwiches I crave on occasion. A side of couscous and greens came with my meal, and they were the perfect sides for the robust flavors of the sandwich. I also tried the Beat Apple Ginger pressed juice, which wasn't bad, but not really something I would order again. The Pumpkin Pie handmade ice cream was scrumptious. My boyfriend had the highly rated Honey Beet ice cream, which turned out to be very good, as well. The staff are incredibly sweet and accommodating, and the only problem that I see in the future for the Silly Goose is that they are a small establishment with just a handful of tables.
(5)Johnny T.
4.5 This is getting to be a pattern. Odds are, if a business is located in this stretch of Eastwood, I'm going to like it. I'd heard good things about Silly Goose and with every bite of my food, I liked it more and more. It lives up to the hype and then some. Let's start with the seating policy: no reservations. But rather than having the rule just to be capricious (I'm looking at you, you know who you are), it makes sense because the restaurant is only *that* big. It's tiny. Reservations in such a tiny place doesn't make a lot of sense. Either come at an off night or at an off-time. I came on a Friday night but I got there around 6:30. Old folks dining times usually works for popular restaurants. The vibe is casual fancy so it speaks to a lot of people. And, best of all, there's no whiff of pretension at all. Not in the menu. Not in the decor. Not in the waitstaff. The proof is in the pudding with the product; there's no need to put on airs when you have nothing to prove. Confidence in product/business model is such a good thing. Silly Goose is rightfully confident. Why? Because the food is so [redacted] good. It almost seems as though they aren't trying, but looking at the expertly-prepared plates and tasting the interesting food profile combinations, it's obvious how much SG cares and what a win that is for guests. I started with the Magic Man because the Wilson sisters live in my head on a fairly regular basis. I might as well eat what they tell me to... They did right by me. Imagine a combo of roasted goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers, prosciutto, pine nut butter, and rosemary honey. It's tough to do, right? You don't even know what some of these items are, much less what they taste/look like. That's magic, man! And it's magical to behold and taste. Seriously, with every bite, I was, like, 'what am I eating? How is this so good? What is happening??' A meal that makes you think at the same time that it pleases your belly is a win. It's also masterful. For my entree, I decided on the Tango. I don't 'get' the name but what's in a name? In this case, there's no food in a name. The food is on the plate and it will soon be in your belly. The Tango is reservedly decadent and cautiously hearty. This is a dish that takes its time revealing itself to you but by the time you're in, you're all in. Again, it comes down to original combinations. I don't know that I ever would have thought to mix (Sunburst) trout, lemon basmati, charred cauliflower, shitakes, mint chutney, peanuts, and brown butter. What might sound like a mess of ingredients thrown on a plate adds up to a wonderment of a dish. It will change and challenge the way you think of fish courses. Remember that casual fancy vibe? It lends itself to the rustic decor, chalkboards, glassware, and napkins. I found my server to be very laid back but attentive... casual but professional... accommodating but not overbearing... She added to my dining experience. Had I had more time, I would have experimented with the wine menu but I was quite satisfied sticking with my Casteggio pinot grigio for the evening. Silly Goose is a must for all those who love food, not scenes. There's nothing silly about it.
(5)Marcus B.
I opted to eat here for my last meal of the New Year. My girlfriend was with me and I really wanted to show her a good time at a restaurant that had great reviews. The Silly Goose seemed like an easy choice. Silly me. I made reservations for 7:30PM. It took a while to actually book the reservation and I can't help but get the feeling that the person manning the phone deliberately hung up a few times. Perhaps there was an influx of other callers trying to make reservations for a NYE dinner too. When we arrived, I wasn't sure where the restaurant was as it was dark outside and the place isn't visible from the street. I called and was fortunate enough to reach the same person that made my reservation. Things sort of went down hill from there. My girlfriend and I were given seats that would've been fine- if we were both a foot shorter. I sat at a small table barely sufficient in size for the menu and the plates for the appetizers. If you're trying to come here in a large group (3 or more), don't. I mean it. Do yourself a favor and find another place. The restaurant is going for some hipster thing; I'm not sure. In any event, it just didn't vibe very well with me. I think the whole mason jar & bandanas for napkins works a lot better when a few sliced cheeses and sliced apples isn't $14. Nashville is not NYC. And what's more, there was a specific menu for NYE. It was a five course meal for $65 (per person). My girlfriend didn't want any of the stuff offered on that particular menu and since it was our $65, we opted for the regular dinner menu. The male waiter seemed put off by it and went to the kitchen. We waited another ten minutes before receiving any sort of attention. In that time, I saw the hostess and the waiter have an exchange in the kitchen. He stormed off and she came over to our table where she told us that she would be serving us since "there was confusion about what to order". OK. We eventually received new menus. And then we didn't see our waitress again for a while. Fortunately someone else from the kitchen area took pity on us and offered us drinks. It's ironic since I was thinking a drink or two (or five) might be needed to get through the rest of the night. However, I was the DD so none for me. We instead asked for the nonalcoholic drink menu. I was pretty excited when I read that the Silly Goose offered selections from High Garden Tea. Alas, it was not meant to be. We never got the menu that we asked for. Twice. I wanted to leave but at that point, we came to the conclusion that on NYE, our options in Nashville were severely limited*. The food tasted delicious. I have no issues at all with the flavor or quality of the food. My gripe is with the portion sizes. I suppose I was expecting much more than we received for the price we paid. To cap off the review: -The service was pretty bad. I don't think there's any other way to put it. -The food actually tastes really good -The seating is horrible. -The portions sizes are such that you don't have to worry about saving room for dessert. You WILL want something else to eat. *I was wrong. Rusan's was the saving grace of the evening. And yes, we went there immediately after finishing our "meal" here. Seriously.
(2)Chad R.
If you're looking for an eclectic and unique restaurant, then look no further! My wife and I dined here a few months ago and it was one of the best restaurants we've been to. The portion sizes are meant to be shared (like a tapas style) and everything we had was incredible! The cheese plate was great, I highly recommend it! You can't go wrong with choices off the menu either (we shared 3 of them). The only issue is there is not a lot of seating so a reservation is a must. This is a great place to eat if you're ever in East Nashville
(5)Megan K.
Stellar lunch location! So glad I finally made my way over to East Nashville to try it out. My friend and I shared the grilled bread appetizer (with a pesto dip and a great balsamic vinegar dip). I liked it okay... the great start to the meal was the rosemary lemonade. Really refreshing and fragrant. There were a lot of unique drinks from which to choose, and they all looked fantastic. For my meal, I had the Sparky wrap--a turkey wrap on a sundried tomato wrap, stuffed with basil pesto, cranberries and walnuts. It was like Thanksgiving in a wrap--very fresh-tasting and yet hearty. Great couscous and greens salad on the side. So good. Super filling. Moderately priced ($15 lunch, without the appetizer). My friend had the Pink Panther sandwich (some kind of brisket) and it looked amazing--she kept talking about how great it was... So get down there! Prep yourself for a possible wait--the space is small (we were seated at a community table, with no wait around 11:30 a.m. on a weekday), but inviting. Cute bar area and great decor. A fun little spot in the heart of East Nashville.
(4)Caitlin F.
Got the goat cheese and smoked salmon sandwhich and I literally couldn't put it down. Can't stop thinking about it. Iced tea was super refreshing. Love!
(5)Dara M.
How can a restaurant with a name like The Silly Goose not be fantastic? This restaurant is adorable, with all manner of reclaimed/repurposed furniture, a hipster staff, and beautiful plates of fresh, local food. It was very noisy, though, so I don't recommend coming here with a larger group. We had a party of seven and it was impossible to hear the people at the other end of the table. We ordered a variety of small and medium plates as appetizers, then one large plate per person as an entree. One of my favorite things was the SVS (spring vegetable selection): shaved beets, sprouts, crispy kale, goat cheese, hazelnuts. A little plate of bright, crisp, fresh, deliciousness. The caramelized cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and shiitake were fantastic, too. Oh--and the teas! Iced green tea with citrus and ginger, and red tea with pomegranate and pineapple. Everything we had was delicious, though, and plated beautifully. I loved nearly everything about this restaurant. Three cheers for The Silly Goose!
(5)PatricK C.
Delicious. This place will be a regular spot
(5)Madison T.
This has become one of my favorite, healthy eats in Nashville! Everything on the menu is amazing and fresh. Their dinner menu is flawless. It's a bit pricey ($20 range entrees) but well worth it. The vibe is casual, but trendy.
(4)John B.
Second time coming to Silly Goose. This time I had the smoked salmon sandwich. Really good with the mint & ginger green tea.
(4)Maria I.
While stopping in Nashville for one night, we decided to head here. It's in a trendy plaza/lofts-type area with a coffee shop next door and plenty of parking. I called ahead and made reservations for 7:15pm and we were seated within two minutes of walking in. It did get loud around us because the tables are close together. The lighting was kind of dim and the decor was pretty trendy. We had a nice waiter explain the menu to us a little bit. I tried three pieces of Magic Man, which is roasted goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers, prosciutto, pine nut butter, rosemary honey. I ordered Rapp for myself and that is: crisp yukon gold potatoes, haricot verts, hazelnut romesco, manchego, paprika oil. I can't describe how aaaaaaamazing everything about Magic Man was. All of the flavors flowed really well together and it was like voodoo because I couldn't get my head around the taste. Rapp was great. I loved the potatoes and the hazelnut romesco was probably my favorite part. It was filling and played on a homey feel for me. For the main dish I ordered their special, which wasn't on the menu, but it was: seared scallops, green papaya salad, smoked salsa verde, avocado, mint, and bell pepper. This was by far my favorite thing in the entire universe. I saw the chef and basically yelled out I LOVE YOU for the scallops! Seriously. They were a masterpiece in my mouth. Perfectly cooked and perfectly layered with the salad. Any avocado in there was icing on the cake because I adore avocado. I wish I could eat these scallops every single freaking night. I'm going to be thinking about them for a while. We split a flourless chocolate cake-type dessert that wasn't listened on the menu. It was enough for two people and it didn't taste like it was missing anything, which is always a plus in my book. I also got a scoop of the passion fruit coconut ice cream. I tasted way more passion fruit than coconut and that was kind of a bummer for me because I love coconut. It was still very delicious. So, I was super excited to give this place five stars except the service was lacking. Maybe it was busy, but we felt neglected. I wish I could say differently because I enjoyed our waiter when he was present and we felt like he was incredibly attentive/personable at our table. Once he was gone...he was gone for some time. I know he was running around doing other things and not just orders. I tried to be understanding for a while until we both really needed water as time ticked on and on. Then when we were ready to go we twiddled our thumbs for an extended period of time. I really, really wanted to give Silly Goose (bonus for the name) five stars, but customer service is a big thing for me. I'd love to come back to this place whenever I'm in town again. I feel like maybe this was an isolated incident. I like to give people/places second chances for the most part.
(4)Ian L.
Service: 2 Cous cous: 5 Pink Panther: 3 Service was clipped. Against popular suggestion, I got the Pink Panther brisket sandwich and king Kong cous cous on the side. 5 stars: King Kong probably one of the best cous cous I've had in my life. It had such a unique, indescribable lightness and complexity. Hints of duck and rosemary in it. unfortunately the half portion (as a side) does not have shrimp... 3 stars: Pink panther was imbalanced. The beef was tender but too salty and combined with the saltiness od cheese, lacked depth. Pesto and red onions redeemed it.
(4)Gabriella L.
This place has my heart. Healthy food that doesn't taste like wet lettuce or leaves you hungry in an hour. The couscous is a dream.
(5)Steven Y.
Food was good...We went on our first Vday as a married couple and I asked repeatedly before if they accommodate vegetarian to which they said yes and I mentioned that it isn't just sides to which they said yes. Confirmed online,reservation call in, reservation confirmation and at the restaurant the day of. My wife's meal consisted of all the sides instead of like we were told at the table and multiple other times that there would be a primary veg option similar to the those with a meat protein. We were told there would be something else to make up for the lack of a meat protein. We thought ok and ordered and noticed nearly every dish was just the same as my dish sans meat. We had to speak up and only got a side from another dish. For the hefty price they charged and the money we spent we felt that they would have accommodated dietary restrictions better. We were still happy to spend the day together but pretty let down by our experience. I confirmed so many times because my wife had to go through this many times before and it always leaves her feeling neglected by the kitchen. We really did feel left out in the cold for our first Vday as a married couple at Silly Goose.
(2)Kristina C.
Good food, HORRIBLE service. When we spend nearly $100 on dinner for just the two of us, my husband and I are looking forward to a certain level of service. At the very least having full glasses of water while we wait for nearly 45min for our food doesn't seem like we're asking too much. Unfortunately the waiters couldn't be bothered to inform us of any specials, take our order, refill our water glasses, bring us clean silverware or even bring us the check at the end of our meal. The place is small - 10-12 tables - and was only have full during our dinner but the 3 waiters who were "working" (i.e. socializing amongst themselves) were incredibly inattentive and rude. We had to ask for everything and one waiter even rolled her eyes. Definitely disappointing and ruined our dinner.
(2)Paige D.
One of my favorite places ever. Healthy, nutritious, delicious food. So many interesting plates to choose from!! It's like a vegan place but with meat= heaven!!
(5)Jeanette V.
There are no words for the genius of this place! The flavors were put together in such a way that I didn't want my meal to end! A party In your mouth. Fresh local flavors! I had the Spring Salad with chili grapefruit vinaigrette & added grilled shrimp. Being from Florida I know shrimp. They tasted like the Goose was on the water and they just came off the boat & if you have ever eaten shrimp you know when they are cooked perfectly! This they were!! I did finally take that last amazing bite! With that said..... I came back the next day to have it again!
(5)Cvcvc C.
Been there for lunch and for dinner, both times fantastic! The pomegranate pineapple red tea is my favorite. Also, the reverse cowgirl is amazing
(5)Jillian B.
My friend and I decided to try the new brunch at silly goose! Though the menu is small and oddly religious themed- each of the dishes is named after some prophet- the food does not disappoint. The smoothies were delicious. The table next to us had a French press that we will need to try. The ambiance was great and the music was perfect. My dish was the Hejus and it exceeded my expectations. I really liked the addition of Gorgonzola cheese with the brisket. My friend got the Yahweh which was a little lighter with some great flavors. She added an egg on top and she liked that addition to make it a little more decadent. Our service was excellent and it was our server who recommended the smoothies and my Hejus dish. Conclusion: go and bring your friends
(5)Katti W.
While visiting Nashville, we decided to have dinner at the Silly Goose and it was our favorite meal that trip! We started out with the Short Simple salad to share and I don't know what it was (maybe the avocado), but it was divine! Since it was dinner, the King Kong couscous that we read about wasn't on the menu, however, they had extra from lunch and made the dish for us! We were glad they did because it was delicious just like all other reviews said! My husband ordered the Tango and the shitakes in there were cooked so perfectly we fought over each and every one. Also, the basil lemonade is on point! I'd love to come back to try their other dishes as well!
(5)Tim G.
I would change nothing about this place. It's so much like a home like restaurant. It's great. They use all local. Their basil lemonade is to die for. To die for. I always get the bird too! There aren't many seats, but it makes you feel like you're part of the community, especially if you happen to get seated at the community table!
(5)Jules W.
This. Is Greatness. I started with the Basil Lemonade (what's this now?), which was ridiculously good. Super refreshing - I want it in a Popsicle. I had a grilled shrimp dish too (everything has cute names - of course, I can't remember this one). It had bacon jam. That's right. Bacon. Jam. You really can't go wrong with bacon, but this is fantastic. I want to go back and try more. Maybe tomorrow. lol.
(5)Erica M.
This is one of the best restaurants in Nashville. No corkage fee, and outstanding lemonade. The food is great. You can order the couscous for parties, as well as the salad. Serve them at home and everyone will think you made them! Totally delicious. Cons: Parking, need for reservations, restaurant is tiny
(5)Josh H.
If you like sandwiches and have taste buds, then you must try Silly Goose. After just one carryout experience, this place is already a 4 in my book. Based on my one sandwich (the T-Bird), I'm not sure if Silly Goose or Mitchell Delicatessen has the best sandwiches in town. Silly Goose, you have my attention, and I look forward to coming back soon. Update: I came back for dinner with my girlfriend, and we ordered apps and entrees. Everything we ate and drank was delicious, and the service was very good. If you're looking for simple, then go somewhere else. Silly Goose serves up huge, bold flavors. This place is a keeper.
(5)Alessia R.
Amazing food. Whimsical names for everything on the menu heighten the quaintness of this modern Art Deco restaurant. The actual space is small so beware of s full restaurant when you arrive, you may have to wait but my friends and I ate lunch at an off hour and were seated immediately. We had two different servers who were extremely friendly and helpful. We asked for recommendations of places to go because we are from out of town and the server was more than happy to oblige. She even asked the other employees for their recommendations. And OH MY GOODNESS their homemade flavored teas are to die for. We loved the citrus, mint& ginger green tea so much we brought home a gallon of it and used it to make deliciously alcoholic drinks. We're only here for four days and will definitely try to return.
(5)Sarah C.
Freaking fantastic! I had the Maltese Falcon, which consists of "crisp duck confit, green chile basmati rice, red mole, tomatillo chimmichurri." It was listed as a medium plate and was definitely satisfactory for dinner. The flavors were amazing and the duck was melt-in-your-mouth perfect! The neighborhood the restaurant is in was really cute, too.
(5)Kina L.
I didn't know how I would feel about trying out the Silly Goose since it already has 346 other reviews...you know that Napoleon Dynamite effect-overhyped and underwhelming? (I still stand firm that that movie is awful). BUT Pleased to say it was a great meal! We went on a Thursday at 1pm so seating was a cinch. I ordered the Sparky (turkey breast with brie, cranberry, and toasted walnuts) wrapped in a sun dried tomato tortilla. As my side I got the half couscous (The king kong- sesame seeds, curry, ginger) and the side salad. SO notes on that meal... I asked for my Brie on the side. Hot diggity- I got so much Brie it was ridiculous. like 4 full on wedges! Ive been to places where that amount of Brie plus a tablespoon of preserves was a $8 appetizer. Anyway, my wrap was really good. It was a nice combo of savory with sweetness from the cranberries. TIP*** For a $1 up charge, you can choose your cows cows to be one of their specialty ones like the King Kong versus getting their standard herbed couscous.** However, don't expect to get any shrimp in your side portion. Cause you won't. The flavor profile for my couscous was a bit off I felt. They list ginger as one of the main ingredients.. yet I could not taste any. Ginger isn't exactly a mild flavor either... anyway, it was still delicious. I loved the fact that they didn't drown their couscous in olive oil. I really hate that. Oh yeah, this place is not good for group meals. Seating is incredibly limited with mostly 2 tops. Overall great meal. Expensive though. My meal with tax and tip was $13.26.
(4)Vanessa K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. It is absolutely delectable. You know from the moment you walk into this place that you picked the right place. That being said, I wish the service were just a tad more attentive, but hey. That won't stop me from going back. I normally order their Beebs dinner dish & I've never regretted it. Others in my group ordered a side of shrimp, a side of chicken, & the Hustler dish. No one was disappointed.
(5)Hannah H.
Yum! My sister and I came here for a quick lunch. The Silly Goose is next door to Jeni's Ice Cream, and there's plenty of parking spaces in the lot. The restaurant itself is cute, and has a rustic vibe. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, wine, and sweets/coffee/tea. Our server was Andy, and he was really cool, awesome, and efficient! My sister and I shared a King Kong, which was sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, and avocado. I am thinking that this place is known for their couscous as they have a separate category for it! It was quite delicious - the couscous was very flavorful, and the curried shrimp was saucy and of good size. I really liked the dish overall as it was light and healthy-tasting. We also had a side order of the Cantina, which was a salad filled with caramelized butternut squash, local apples, quinoa, spiced pecans, mustard greens, goat cheese, and dressed in a 4 herb vinaigrette. This was also a light salad that was quite delicious as well (gotta love goat cheese and butternut squash!). I also washed everything down with a Basil Lemonade that came in a mason jar (FREE refills - YAHOO!) - this was very refreshing as the lemonade was nice and tart (not overly sweet) and with great basil infused throughout - I really enjoyed this! I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +King Kong - YUMMMM :D +Cantina salad :D +Basil Lemonade (free refills!!!)
(5)Heather W.
My partner and I had just come from camping in rural Kentucky and were looking for a meal for our foodie souls. This was a seriously spiritual experience! We started with basil lemonade and the green tea and there were free refills! Since when does that happen!? We were thrilled. Then we shared a half portion of a delicious cantina salad- butternut squash and quinoa perfection. It was too delicious to feel any quinoa shame. Then we both got our own King Kong couscous which was orgasmic. The coconut curry and the avocado all add for beautiful light flavors. Since we were going all out, we ended with a fennel ice cream. I never felt like the more happy quintessential queer foodie couple. Best lunch ever.
(5)J L.
Always a great meal- stuck with my usual "king Kong" (grilled shrimp with avocado, flavored couscous) but got a starter with Potatoes, haricot vets, manchego cheese and romesco sauce. Everyone at the table thought it was delicious! Hubby got the Flank Steak- he thoroughly enjoyed it. Two other diners got the Jubilation (salmon entree) and really liked it. Silly Goose food always has great flavor (robust and fresh), and feels very healthy! Reservations accepted for parties greater than 6. Jeni's Ice cream is next door.
(5)Andrés R.
This is perhaps the best restaurant in Nashville. It's got delicious, well thought, carefully planned dishes at very affordable prices. The waiters are very friendly, and the chef is a great guy. Keep it . Three dishes are a must: The Claw (shrimps) The Chicken The Chocolate cake Please don't take them off the menu
(5)Romy G.
I biked here during a short stay in East Nashville. I attempted to eat at the Wild Cow first, but they seemed to be missing a host, and their whole menu seemed to be tacos and beans and rice, so I came to the Silly Goose instead, and was seated at the bar immediately. The bartender was attentive and generous with water refills, which was nice after my bike ride. I enjoyed the basil lemonade and the hustler: chicken skewers over mildly curried red lentils and sauteed kale, with goat feta and this delicious tamarind sauce. It was reminiscent of Mediterranean and Indian flavors, but in this pleasantly weird way I couldn't place. That said, a piece of naan, flatbread, or pita would have rounded out my meal nicely and allowed me to be more ladylike when I was scooping the last of the lentils out of the bowl. For the price, the portion was a little on the small side, but still delicious. I would have liked if it was less salty. The bartender also suggested breakfast places for me for the following day, which was appreciated. I do get the criticism from a lot of the other reviews on service, ambiance, and value. Since I arrived late and alone, I did not endure a lengthy awkward wait. As I was reading a book, noise did not interfere with my conversation. The folks at the host stand could have been more attentive, but it was way better than the Wild Cow, so here I dined.
(3)Lindsay H.
I love this place and every time I come through Nashville I stop at silly goose. Yet another amazing meal and I had to point out Ryan going above and beyond helping me out. Amazing people serving amazing food.
(5)Tara W.
Best couscous ever! I haven't had a meal here yet that I didn't love! I could eat lunch here every day. Service is great, too, but it's small so be prepared to wait if you go at peak meal times.
(5)Carlos A.
I had the Jubilation which is the Salmon. It was very good. The small plate Magic man was a great appetizer. Service was awesome and I recommend you try this place out. I am on a business trip and love to try great foods. This is not your typical Nashville food and I am so happy I ate here. Try it!!!!!!
(5)Joe F.
Start your apps with the Rapp and Magic Man. Rapp- crisp gold potatoes, hazelnut romesco, manchego and paprika oil. Magic Man- roasted goat cheese, stuffed pep padre peppers, prosciutto, pine but butter and rosemary honey! Outstanding and the main course was as good. If we hadn't drunk wine I would tell your more. Time to call Lyft! By the way, the wine prices are superb. Love this place!
(5)Jon B.
This place has the most flavorful prepared dishes I have tried. Typically I stay away from Tapas style eateries. The meal came out in waves as prepared. The first we had was called "Abraham" and was excellent. This was followed by "The Claw", a shrimp dish. And I thought wow this is even better than the first. Then the Salmon main dish came out and I have to tell you, I was blown away! The salmon alone tasted fantastic, but the mixture of garnish that accompanied the salmon took it to the next level. I also had their Basil Lemonade which was refreshing and plentiful with free refills.
(5)Laura H.
Food - 3, Service - 1 Start with the positive: I had the spicy cantaloupe gazpacho as an appetizer. It contained grilled shrimp, corn, avocado and diced melon. I did not find it spicy at all, which I think would have improved it greatly, but it did have good flavors and I liked the creativity. For my entree, I had the Beebs - braised and seared pork belly served on a piece of sourdough bread with sweet corn mustard and peaches. The combinations of savory and sweet really worked, and the portion size was perfect. My only complaint was the crust of the bread was so hard, it was very difficult to try to cut it with a butter knife. There were 8 others at my table and everyone enjoyed their food, saying the salmon was the star of the night. The negative: Our server was rude and never smiled once until she delivered our check. I brought my team from all over the country to Nashville for a meeting and wanted to show them the best of Nashville cuisine. I researched restaurants extensively, and SG had great reviews. When our server first came to our table, one of my employees asked for her recommendations or what the most popular meat and vegetarian dishes were. Her response was that everything is good and would not recommend one dish. I found that response bs - every restaurant has more popular dishes and if you haven't tried everything, just say so. Then when she came to take our order, the end she started with was not ready. I suggested she start with the other end of the table as we were ready to order, and she made a face as if I'd asked her to chop off her arm. She never asked us if we wanted more drinks (she refilled our waters but left us with empty glasses of wine), and one of my employees had to ask her three times for silverware. When she started delivering our entrees, I noticed my employee asking for the third time for silverware. Our server told her she'd get it after she finished bringing out our orders - not an appropriate response to put her off once again. By this time I was admittedly shooting her daggers with my eyes. I cannot tolerate bad service in the service industry. I feel she noticed this and although I could see my food plated and ready to go out, she delivered every other entree to our table then served another entire table before bringing me mine, making me wait a good 3-4 minutes while everyone else was politely waiting to start eating. That is simply unacceptable. If you don't enjoy your job, get a job as a data entry operator where you don't have to interact with the public. We were not a demanding group, ordered wine by the bottle and apps in addition to entrees and paid everything on one check. Everyone on my team commented on her bad attitude, and for this reason, I will not return to the Silly Goose. One final note - this is not a good restaurant for groups if you want to talk, as the music was so incredibly loud, you could only hear the person right next to you.
(2)Charline H.
The first time my friends and I set out to Silly Goose for lunch it was great. The sandwiches were full of flavor and fresh ingredients. Each sandwich/wrap is served with herbed couscous, salad greens, or a little bit of both. The rosemary lemonade was so yummy! On my second lunch visit, I was left with a "WOW" open mouth as I finished my King Kong couscous (curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, avocado). The dish is incredible and a full of spice and flavor. My sister is not a fan of curry tried it and loved it also. I don't know how I'll go and order other things.... I crave it. Only possible negative: Very long wait for the food both times, but totally worth every bite.
(5)Lauren W.
Since the Silly Goose is participating in Restaurant Week, it was a perfect opportunity to revisit one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. For a cocktail, I ordered Prosecco. Prosecco seems to be my go to cocktail of choice lately. I think it's a perfect drink for a hot August day. Plus: BUBBLES. Let me take this opportunity to talk about the service at Silly Goose. Everyone that I've dealt with, from chefs to waiters, has been incredibly pleasant and helpful. The gentleman who took care of us did everything with a smile on his face, and that type of service just makes the overall experience better for the guests. Since it was restaurant week, we decided to go with the three course $30 option. I see this as a great opportunity for chefs to put their best foot forward, so why not taste what they are trying to showcase? Our first course was a tomato salad on garlic toast with herbs and balsamic vinegar. It was a nice take on a fresh bruschetta and an all-time summer classic. They really let the tomatoes shine through in this dish. The toast was delicious with just the right crisp-to-soft ratio. Plus, I think the Silly Goose has the market cornered on balsamic vinegar. They have the best stuff, hands down. For the main course there were two options, one meat and one vegetarian. I went for the chicken dish, which is on the menu normally as The Hustler (a dish that I get quite frequently). The Hustler contains Greek yogurt-marinated chicken skewers, red lentils, kale and feta. The chicken was super tender and had a slight, almost imperceptible, tang from the yogurt. I love red lentils, and they were my favorite thing about this dish. They were well seasoned, a tad bit spicy, and well cooked so that every little bit was nice and soft. The dessert might've been my favorite part of this particular meal! It was a plate of fresh peaches, stewed rhubarb, mascarpone and oats. So simple, but oh so good. This also might've been my first time eating rhubarb, ever. I don't think we had any opportunity to eat it up north. It was sweet, tangy and sour all at the same time. I guess I really like rhubarb! Who knew? Honestly, the mascarpone was my favorite part and it went perfectly with the sweet peaches. I still love Silly Goose!
(4)LK H.
Not a good choice. The food was decent- a bit overpriced- but the service was ridiculously slow. I waited for a sandwich for an hour and, during that time, the waitress never came to refill our drinks.
(1)Christina R.
We had an amazing dinner at Silly Goose. First, the service was amazing. We are from out of town, and we've never been here before, and our server gave us excellent suggestions. We had the Joe Bailey (cheese plate) and the Abraham (pork belly). We thouroughly enjoyed both dishes, and we also had the red iced tea (mmmmm). The flavors were interesting and fresh, and the atmosphere was casual but still young and fun. We did have to wait about a 1/2 hour, but that is to be expected on a Friday night. The hostess called us when our table was ready, so we were able to walk around a bit while we waited. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone!
(5)Kaitlyn M.
One of my favorite places in Nashville, and a very unique place at that. The food is amazing; simple, fresh, and seasonal. Considering the casual atmosphere, I'm always impressed with the fine-dining quality food. If you have any dietary restriction - vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. - this is a great place to go because there are a lot of options and they really know their stuff.
(5)Stacy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Nashville for the first time over the weekend and wanted a nice meal that wouldn't break the bank. Enter The Silly Goose. We arrived just as the dinner menu began and did not have to wait for a seat. As a Pescatarian, I always read menus before venturing to new places and was impressed with the options here. We decided to split the Double AA Couscous and two sides: Grilled Shrimp and Verlasso Salmon. I love that seafood is offered as a side for $8! We really appreciated that they divided the entire meal for us onto two plates and even topped our couscous with the seafood. At most restaurants, we're left to divvy up our own food, which leads to disaster for a clumsy person like myself. The meal was delicious, and we spent an unhealthy amount of time debating whether the almonds or the fried chickpeas were the best part of the couscous. When it came to the salmon, there was no debate. It was cooked to perfection, and no doubt our favorite part of the meal. The veggie skewers and shrimp were great as well. If we make it to The Silly Goose again, I would order exactly this. We did not order drinks or dessert, and our total was around $39 with tax. Well worth it. If only it wasn't four hours away...
(5)Kathryn I.
First time at The Silly Goose tonight and it was our first meal of this stay in Nashville. FABULOUS! I had the Abraham and the meat had incredible flavor as did the sauce. Portions were perfect. Husband loves his choice of The Claw as well. Friendly waiter. Went at 6pm on a Tuesday night and got a table quickly. We will be back!
(5)Ata S.
Was recommended to check this place out by several people and it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and our server, Bryan, was super friendly and attentive. The wait staff seemed to be having a great time giving the place a great atmosphere. The food was really creative and delicious. Probably our favorite meal while visiting Nashville. Highly recommend it to locals and visitors alike.
(5)Abby H.
Enjoyed our time at Silly Goose. Wine, pepper appetizers, chops, chicken, cake for dessert. There were higher notes in some of the dishes over others, but I would definitely come back again.
(3)Kevin B.
I came here while on vacation due to a great recommendation I got from a cousin and boy am I glad we ate here! There's tons of parking here and we were seated quite promptly. The service was very good throughout the whole meal and we had no complaints. We both got sandwiches and I loved that you could get couscous and a salad as your side (nice that you could get a bit of both). The sandwiches were absolutely amazing and I would have licked my fingers if we weren't in a public place! I really would eat here all the time if I lived in town and I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area!
(5)Eddie K.
After reading the great reviews, I decided to check this place out. I was VERY disappointed. As I'm finding with so many establishments run by hipsters, the service was mediocre and the staff apathetic. The music was too loud for the room and clearly played for the enjoyment of the staff (although the staff exuded nothing remotely resembling joy.) As for my meal; the dry rub ribs were burnt and flavorless. The cornbread cakes were hard and tasted like they came from a generic box brand at Kroger. The Sangria was more of a white wine spritzer than a true Sangria, but whatever, I was just glad it contained alcohol at this point. I knew I was on my own with this dining experience when my server described everything I inquired about as "Awesome." I wanted to like this place, but they've got some work to do. My advice; focus less on trying to be "hip" and get real about quality service and the quality of your food.
(1)Lyla T.
I was visiting Nashville with my parents who are VERY attached to their chain eateries. I decided to educate them in off-the-beaten-path cuisine and how great it can be so I checked Yelp and found this place. We were able to get seats at the bar immediately as it was 2pm, and while the ambiance was rather loud the seats were comfortable. Our order took almost an hour to be served, we ordered sandwiches.... Fortunately the food was incredible, and the lemonade was Ah-frikkin-mazing. Just as my parents were acknowledging that maybe trying local cuisine once in a while was worth it, a COCKROACH crawled across the bar and scurried under my plate. I discreetly let the waitress know and she got rid of it, then asked if we wanted a to go box. Umm, no lady, I don't as I am busy throwing up in my mouth right now. I cannot think of a single instance of ever seeing a cockroach at an eatery and if there's ONE in plain sight in broad daylight, there's a million you can't see. My Mom was looking pretty green, and I was shocked when they made no apologies or anything, just shoved an iPad at me to pay my bill with. So much for showing my parents the delights of non-chain eating. Ugh, I'm still grossed out just thinking about it.
(1)Lyrad V.
My husband and I made the trip to East Nashville to check out this place after hearing good things about it. We went early for dinner one weekend and ended up ordering off of their lunch menu. Being early, it was not busy, but the place was full by the time we left. I found their menu interesting as they had an entire section of couscous plates. Since this seems to be a specialty of theirs, we decided to try the Spalding couscous. The chef actually halved the dish onto two small plates for each of us which was nice. And it was delicious! There were a few entree options, but mostly sandwiches on this menu. My husband and I both enjoyed their special of the day which was a BLT with avocado. Very good. Served with a side of greens (salad) or herb couscous. Given we already had the specialty couscous, we got the greens. The fruit tea was good. Everything is made fresh and in season, and they buy their ingredients locally. We would love to come back to try out their dinner menu. The place is small and quaint, but only takes reservations for large parties. The atmosphere/decor is very casual, but they do have a sophisticated dinner menu in the $20-30/entree range. Another bonus. They are next door to Jeni's Ice Cream, so skip dessert and go next door! Although the Silly Goose's desserts look good as well.
(4)Michael H.
I struggled with how many stars to give this review. For my final night in Nashville I wanted to takes daughter someplace different so spent some time reading reviews we settled on SG as we like this part of the city and the promise of Jeni's ice cream is always a plus. We arrived just before 8pm without reservations and a wait of at least 45 minutes. The manager (?) assured us there would be no issue with the time-everyone promised a table got one, and he was true to his word. We were seated and never felt rushed to finish. I believe our server was rather new as it brought back memories watching him pour the wine to the exact right level. He did fine though, but did get "lost" at another table for a while, but the other server covered for him. The cheese plate was ok, a bit lite for the price but it was tasty. Definitely not a filler. My daughter had the trout and asked to have the hazelnuts kept out, which was not a problem. In fact, our server was concerned enough to inquire whether my daughter had a nut allergy as he said they would take extra precautions. That was a nice thing! I had the skirt steak and it was cooked to perfection as was my daughter's trout. Here is where I struggled with the number of stars. The entrées were well proportioned but we both felt they were just a bit overly complicated, sweet, and slightly muddled. I will certainly return as it was an enjoyable evening.
(4)Josh H.
Great choice. Quaint, atmosphere, natural local food. I got the curry soup and Darth Vapor (grouper in broth with veggies) loved them both. My wife got the Wild Bill, also vey good. We received great service and a warm welcome for dinner. I called ahead to make sure I didn't need to reserve a table and had pleasant conversation with a worker. Liked it so much I bought a tshirt. This is a very trendy/hipster area of town. Glad I wore my chucks tonight. Adding pictures.
(5)Christie P.
My friend and I were looking for a fun, unique, local place with fresh food, and The Silly Goose totally nailed it! I loved the "lemonade of the day" which was basil on the day of our visit. We both ordered salads with the house vinaigrette. They were delicious! Fresh greens and unique flavors! I had to try the lavender mint ice cream for dessert, and it was also amazing. We both really enjoyed our visit!
(5)Ali S.
We went here for my birthday dinner. I got the salmon. Overall It a good experience. I love the healthy options here. I highly recommend to get a reservation as this place becomes packed.
(4)Micah C.
Amazing meal. Lovely staff. I got The Claw and my husband ordered the Black Stallion. Both were great and both had very different flavors! We both had a glass of wine. He enjoyed a red zin and I enjoyed a Pino noir. If we lived here I would definitely come back! It was a tad more expensive than we expected.
(4)Patrice G.
This is the best!!!! Small, unassuming spot with great music and killer food! Started with delicious ginger green tea sweetened with honey. Had the apple fennel green salad with an unusual but scrumptious dressing. Could just come back for that alone! Ordered the salmon with roasted beets and sweet potato. Over the top good! Oh how I wish this place wasn't 8 hours away!!!
(5)Funda M.
Absolutely amazing! Our group of three sat at the bar/chef's table: this was informative and fun We started with the FVS- just great taste and crunch combo. Then we had the trout , the chicken And the beef and shared. All just fabulous. Interesting food, different taste combinations and all yummy. We also tried the desserts: reverse cowgirl, the second chance and samples all four ice creams - the beet honey ice cream got mixed reviews but six thumbs up for the lemon- pepper, the pistachio and peanut butter. Will be back!
(5)Chris K.
Everything I've ever tasted here has been exquisite. King Kong is awesome. Salmon sandwich is amazing. The Lyles surprise is crazy good. Crazy good. The ice creams are ridonculous. So creative and rewarding. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. You can tell that they're all genuinely excited about the quality of their food. This place WINS!!!!! HARD!!!!!
(5)Chris B.
Very good and elegant food.i par Great feel inside the restaurant as well. Excellent drinks
(4)Kevin V.
Lovely romantic meal!
(4)Tina S.
Fabulous service. Very friendly and helpful. We had hot tea, special green tea mint lemonade, the Pink Panther and the Zipper sandwiches. Deeelicious.... too bad we live in Washington state. We may have to fly back just to try more of their menu. Locals are lucky to have a cool place like this. They had a couple of special ice creams honey beet, vanilla bean, and bananas foster. More desserts on menu. Sandwiches have a complex set of ingredients.
(5)Courtney M.
Loved this little charmer! Came here for lunch during a business trip on a recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint. We visited during a rainy afternoon, so seating wasn't an issue at all. My food was fantastic - I didn't see a single thing on the menu that I didn't want to just dive right into... Word of advice, if it has goat cheese, GET IT! Random memory of The Silly Goose comes from my experience with the restroom... The ladies room also plays host to the laundry room. So, while you're in there washing your hands and whatnot, you are graced by the pleasant smell of fresh laundry. Some might find that off-putting, but I found it to be really charming. You see that this is a small, local restaurant and the people that work there take pride in freshness of every element... Food, Flora and hand towels! P.S. It doesn't hurt that they have fabulous in-house ice cream too! (Sorry Jeni's, I still love you).
(5)Jack M.
Silly Goose is a pretty basic cafe with the pretentions or grand delusions of being an elite gastro pub. It's far from it. I was able to overlook the hour+ wait, baffling menus, and laughable prices, but drew the line at utterly indifferent service and mediocre food. Our server was among the worst I've ever experienced. And I'm not picky; keep my water glass full and get my order right and a 20%+ tip is guaranteed. In this case, our server's incredible antipathy about our table pushed me over the edge. This was not a case of someone having a bad day or just not being good a waiting tables. It was more a disdain or steely indifference to doing a job. A member of our group asked for a glass of water. Twenty minutes later, he politely asked again. And then a final time. Eventually the server brought a baby food jar sized glass, tossed it on the table like an old western saloon keeper, and called her job done. For the first time ever I felt like leaving a 1¢ tip on a pretty hefty tab, if only because my meal had all but been ruined by the lousy service. Unfortunately, this restaurant uses iPads in lieu of paper checks, and not only did the server announce our total to the entire restaurant, she then stood there with previously unknown resolve until I fished out a credit card. Then, to add insult to injury, she handed the device to me on a preset tip screen (with 15%, 20%, and 25% the only choices) and hovered beside me until I made a selection and signed the screen. This was the final straw for me. I inquired with the host about speaking with the manager only to be told, "we don't really have a manager". I called back later after fuming over this total lack of service and got an apology from whomever was taking responsibility for placating customers that night. I don't feel entitled to refunds or free meals in cases like this, but something other was half-assed explanations and empty platitudes would have gone a long way in tempering my frustrations. In conclusion: the food is okay. The ambience is pretentious, but palatable. And the service was, at least for me, absolutely dreadful.
(1)Marc P.
Ate at The Silly Goose the other week and was beyond impressed with every aspect of the visit. Silly Goose had great vibes throughout the entire experience. I had the Lyle's surprise which turned into one of the better sandwiches that I have had. The focaccia bread was amazing along with side of salad and couscous. This is a must go to in Nashville.
(5)Laura L.
These people are extremely obnoxious. I asked for no peanuts on my meal and for the chimichurri sauce on the side as I do not like peanuts and was unsure of the sauce (since it had cilantro). The waitress came back and said they couldn't make those accommodations unless I was allergic. She insisted I trust the chef I insisted she trust my taste buds. Why would I sacrifice a $30 meal when I know I don't like those two ingredients? B/c I must trust a chef that knows nothing about me? She came to the table 3 different times saying she could not permit the changes which made the whole experience awkward and annoying. I wasn't asking for a change in the meal these were simple request that they could've accommodated but they insisted on trumping with their strict ridiculous rules and not caring about their customers needs. The staff was extremely immature and started mumbling around the register and rolling their eyes. Instead of concentrating so much on your agenda focus on your customers. Rather than arguing preserve the time and make sure the food lives up to the hype. You had set such high expectations on trusting the chef and they couldn't even serve a warm meal.
(1)Mel P.
Silly goose is a unique, quaint restaurant with an organic seasonal menu. We love the food, particularly their farm to table menu. We've always had great service and their basil lemonade and sangria are amazingly tasty.
(4)Adam G.
I wish I could give this place 6 stars! The food is amazing. I had the skirt steak which was a mix of savory and sweet. Also had the Earl Grey Rose Ice Cream ( a local favorite). Great decor and atmosphere. Friendly staff as well. Definitely a must visit if you are in Nashville.
(5)Ryan T.
I've been eating for almost 28 years. This is by far the best food I've ever had. Incredible food, super rad staff and great dining environment. I just tired the Mexico City for the first time and I must say- this dish is amazing. 10 out of 10; or in yelp terms 5 out of 5.
(5)Tamela L.
Today was my first time eating at silly goose. I had wanted to try this place for a year now, but never had enough time and courage to try something new. The service was a joke. You never have just one waiter I guess. The women who sat me down and took my drink order, well, I never saw her again. Some random guy brought me my food. Who just came over n sat the plate down; never did he say a word. Then some guy with a thick beard and long hair walked by my table and asked if I needed a Togo box. I said no thanks can I get the ticket. He then walks to another table and carries on a long convo with a gentlemen. Then I see the both of them at the booth up front, so I walk over there and waited for them to finish up. When the guy left the waiter said sorry about that I was having a conversation. He took my money and I left. The food was not good in my opinion. The kale was ok. I had the bird, with kale and the weird green stuff. The green stuff was just a weird texture with no flavor. My sandwich just had way too much going on. There were just to many bold flavors that clashed horribly. If you like pretty food, with unpleasant taste, then I recommend silly goose. It's unfortunate, but I really had high hopes with this place. I will most definitely not return to silly goose.
(1)Dustin H.
Sometimes I will eat Silly Goose 3 times a week... And I'd eat there more if I could! The ribs are amazing, and the blackened grouper is awesome! The Bird is the best chicken sandwich I've ever had anywhere! I love a lot of restaurants in Nashville and I can honestly say that the Silly Goose has been one of my go to favorites for years!
(5)Dana S.
I'm not sure how I've never reviewed Silly Goose before. It's my favorite restaurant in all of Nashville, easily. It's where I request for birthday lunches and for dates with the boyfriend. I had never been for dinner before tonight because I was worried they wouldn't have their lunch sandwiches, but have no fear, they have two of them for dinner too! Complete with sides of cous cous and salad with the best balsamic reduction in the world. I'm too attached to their sandwiches and wraps, but one day I'll venture out and try their other dinner options because they certainly look tasty. My go to order is the Sparky with a little bit of both sides. Their citrus mint ginger green tea is also a favorite. I've tried to make it at home, but it never quite measures up. This place is super hipster, but so so amazing.
(5)Wg M.
I've been eating for 30 years and this was the worst meal to date. The staff and atmosphere was pretty cool, but it all went out the window when our food came. I had a sandwich my wife had some chicken pasta type dish. We literally ate 2 bites and left. It's -10 on a scale for me.
(1)Erik Y.
My favorite sandwich. Ever. Go, get Lyle's Surprise, drink a ginger green tea, and die happy.
(5)Patrick L.
Food was fantastic. I had the Big Pink steak dish and the sweet potatoes were excellent, friends had the BBQ Pork short ribs and the Shrimp dish; all of them were very good. I should have done a little more research on the place though, the only alcoholic drink options are Red or White Wine; would have liked to have a beer with my steak, but oh well, food was still excellent
(4)Stacie P.
One of my fav places in Nashville. Try The Bird, it's the best with a little bit of couscous and salad. The sandwich can also be made into a salad. I also learned that you can take their balsamic vinegar home. Yum!
(5)Devin B.
First off, the restaurant is superb. The atmosphere is laid back and the menu is full of interesting items. Talk to the chef and see what he recommends. Definitely a place that is worth a try.
(5)Tram N.
Overall, my favorite date restaurant in Nashville. The menu is simple, exact and just delicious. The ingredients are fresh and I love grabbing the counter space because you can watch them prepare the food. Every single time I've been there I've been impressed with the service, the ambience and yummy options.
(5)Frances B.
Amazing. King Kong Shrimp & the Bird Sandwich are absolutely outstanding, if I lived in Nashville I would frequent this place.
(5)Leah M.
So I have to say the food was delicious. I had the fish entree. Seriously delicious. Very expensive but food alone was worth it. The rest of the experience was the reason for the 2 star rating. Service was rude. Like so rude we were shocked. We had reservations and showed up on time. We were told we COULD NOT sit at the bar and have drinks while we waited for our table which wasn't ready for 30 minutes after our reserved time. We were literally forced to sit in an awkward waiting area and hold drinks, that only some of us were served, and others ignored or worse. Then the meal... During our meal which started at 9:30- the entire staff served themselves and sat down to talk and eat RIGHT BEHIND US. They never once checked on us! We needed waters and drinks refilled and were rude when we "interrupted them". We were a table of 8 and at 30$ a meal they made a killing for horrible service. Seriously, this strip mall feel and entitled attitude was not worth the price no matter how good the food tasted. (Typed on my iPhone, please excuse the mistakes in grammar / spelling)
(2)Tony R.
Very good quality ingredients and creative cooking. I'd definitely go back. Salmon plate with creamed corn was fantastic and the BLT (Roscoe) was almost perfect. The salad that came with the sandwich was a bit wilted and over dressed but otherwise this meal was very satisfying.
(4)Mark F.
I'll try it again because everyone else's food was good. They cleaned their plates. I went for brunch and had the brisket. It tasted like there was a pound of salt in it and wasn't edible.
(1)David B.
Lots of yummy local food, so much so I could t decide what to get until we came to the convulsion that we were sharing it all. Awesome vibe and friendly staff.
(5)Alisha L.
This is a great place for the organic, non-GMO fans of the world! I enjoyed my meal but wasn't overly in love with it. I ordered The Bird sandwhich and next time I'll have to get it without the sun-dried tomatoes since them seemed to overpower the taste a bit too much for me. he couscous was awesome as well as the salad. I'll probably be back again but at a time that's not as busy since seating is limited.
(3)Stan S.
This is one my wife's favorite restaurants in Nashville. Despite the dining area being small, the food and environment more than make up for it. Any sandwitch you get at lunch is especially good and dinner entrees are very unique, as well. I would highly recommend checking it out (but don't go in a hurry) and enjoy!
(5)Jessica W.
Based on the Yelp and word-of-mouth reviews I'd heard, I really wanted to love this place, but I just didn't. The service was not overly inattentive, but almost every employee we encountered there was just rude and seemed bothered to have to be serving customers. I'd heard a rumor that this was the case, but there are places that I can overlook things like that when they have exceptional dishes. As for the food, it was fine, but I've had much better elsewhere. There's not anything too horrible about this place, so give it a whirl if you're curious.
(2)Bill E.
Drove 15 miles with a coworker because Yelp had great reviews. The guy at the host stand (Long Hair and a Beard) was a complete ASSHOLE! He told us that we could wait for a table that would take 30 minutes or sit at the Community Table. But he made sure he told us 3 times that if we sat at the Community Table that we were "Out of here in less than an hour". I said "Dude, I am out of here now"! The place looks like a coffee house and the guy looked like a wannabe Seattle barista. It is obviously a place to be seen and not a place to see. In my opinion, do not waste your time or your money. We walked across the street to the Eastland Cafe and had a great meal. Oh, and one more thing.........go "F" yourself dude!!!
(1)Carly H.
This place has something delicious for everyone. I think they do a great job of making the menu unique while including some of the favorite flavors of the south. I had the sandwich called 'Bird' which had chicken, avocado, bacon, and mango salsa. I got my sandwich with a side of couscous and salad and everything on my plate was more than delicious. We also ordered a cheese plate which came with freshly cut cheese, fruits, honey, and fig. I am a large cheese critic and I approved of every cheese offered. I would absolutely go back here to eat next time I visit Nashville!
(5)Suranjan S.
Fantastic food. You can tell they use fresh ingredients. The flavors are eclectic and rich, the portions are generous, and the service is great. Only downsides are that the dining area is small (might face a wait) and the prices are not cheap (but neither is the quality/quantity).
(5)Aminda S.
A group of six bearded men walk into a restaurant....not the beginning of a joke. Just dinner at The Silly Goose. There are enough beards in Nashville to warrant permanent relocation for this beard fan, and the majority of those I saw walked into or were working at Silly Goose while I dined there on a recent trip. This really added a nice extra element of thrill to my dining experience, but that's neither here nor there. Silly Goose is a great spot for dinner! We had a group of 8 and were seated at a large table I assume is typically used communally when not being used by large parties. What Silly Goose lacks by way of adult beverages (wine only - and things you can make with wine - like sangria) they more than make up for with their menu options which are prepared in good sized portions when compared to many restaurants it is up against. Some highlights: The Hustler which is comprised of skewered chicken, red lentils and feta among other things - I mean, are you kidding?! I love lentils - borderline obsessed with them, so it was a no brainer for me to get this dish though the scallops did give me pause. When my friends' scallops came out I nearly fell off my seat at the size of them - the size of my fist I swear. I have never seen such large scallops. I was able to try a few bites and they were truly divine, served with a goat cheese corn concoction that I must duplicate if it kills me. Both of these dishes are worthy of your taste buds, okay? They have a small selection of couscous dishes served all day/night, of which we had two. The King Kong and the Spaulding. Both were impressive though we all agreed The Spaulding was the stand out among the two. It was a great vegetarian option - portobello mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and goat cheese. The King Kong was spicy with curried shrimp - still a stellar dish but when you're up against the Heidi Klum of the couscous selection you just have to accept runner up graciously. We drank some fantastic Prosecco, and Pinot Noir and I even opted for one glass of the White Sangria which for me might have been a tad too sweet, perhaps due in part to the dryer wine and bubbly I had consumed just before it. I probably should've started there. I have a friend heading to Nashville this weekend and I told her Silly Goose is a must. And that it's beside Jeni's Ice Cream (Ohio native here)...come on?!?!?!?!? Do yourself a favor and forego The Silly Goose ice cream selection (sorry guys) and head next door to order up a couple scoops of the Buckeye flavor like you know what you're doing (OH-IO people)! Thanks Silly Goose! Will definitely make a return visit next time I'm in East Nashville!
(5)Sheena T.
I crave Silly Goose all the time. Some of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and the couscous is incredible. You can either get a sandwich or couscous with additional toppings. I've never had the couscous on it's own, I usually get it on the side of the sandwich because the sandwiches are just so good. One day I will get the couscous on it's own because I need to try all that Silly Goose has to offer! Very cute cafe; it's small and trendy and the food is excellently prepared. You can feel the love in every bite!
(5)Kay C.
My review of this place is going to be very short because it's been a while since I've been here. I loved the artisan cheese platter and all of the eclectic dishes that we ordered. I don't think you could go wrong with anything on this menu, especially if you have a taste for eclectic dishes that are done right. Another perk is that Jenni's Splendid Icecream is right next door for dessert.
(4)Tom K.
The food and service is excellent. I had the salmon entree and it was superb. The only reason i did not give this place 5 stars is the seating. It is extremely uncomfortable at best. The tables are very tight. The server bumped into me at least 10 times throughout dinner. Other than that, this is an absolute phenomenal dining experience.
(4)Tran T.
I went to East Nashville for the first time just to try this restaurant. I couldn't find the place at first because the signage was hidden. However I knew it was near Jeni's Ice Cream so I parked right across from Jeni's. I found Silly Goose was right next to it. I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. It was so fun to watch the chefs cooking the food. The order seemed to be taken faster and the drink was served quickly. For drink, I had the Black Tea (No refill). May be I'm so used to sweet teas, I thought the Black Tea was very bland. The two gentlemen who sat next to me got the Green Tea (Free Refill) and were raving about it. I'll try this next time. For lunch, I had the spicy King Kong. It included couscous, shrimps, and avocado. The spicy sauce was Siracha hot sauce. I noticed the chef just poured Siracha messily over the food. Presentation: 1/5. I'd be happy just to have it on the side in a small cup. Despite the poor presentation, the food was awesome. The chilled couscous and the hot shrimps just tasted so well together, along with the creamy slides of avocado. I rarely cleaned my plate but I did on this one. I would order the King Kong again on my next visit. If you're like me: read many positive reviews in here, unsure if the food is as good as people said because Yelp has disappointed you before, and hesitated to go because it's all the way in East Nashville. Well, stop hesitating and reading this review. Go there right now!!! 2013/#59
(4)Fabiana H.
Everythinf I had here was always pretty good. The salads are great and so are the sandwhiches. I still think dinner menu is a bit too expensive for what it is. The place is doesnt even look that upscale. I prefer to go there for lunch
(4)Kate H.
My favorite lunch spot in Nashville. I'm obsessed with their Sparky wrap and couscous. So good.
(5)Anna J.
I just love their couscous! They infuse so much flavor into them. My favorite is the King Kong (love the name too!). It's sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, and avocado. The couscous is served cold, just fyi, but it's got a punch to it. Their wraps and sandwiches are always fantastic! Be prepared for a wait here, regardless the day of the week (oh and they are closed on mon & tues i think?). The space is very small and intimate, but the kitchen cranks out some awesome food!
(4)Greg A.
Took my wife to The Silly Goose for dinner a couple years ago and it was AMAZING, so we decided to give it a go again on this trip to Nashville. It was still AMAZING. The menu is creative without being absurd, the portions are good size, and the staff is always helpful. We started off with Magic Man, and it was sublime. If I had one complaint it would be that the portion was a bit small. The dish was obviously labor intensive, but for 9.5 I would hope for a bit more. For entrees I had the Big Baby and was blown away. The steak was cooked to perfection, and all the ingredients played so well with each other, especially the addition of the piquillo peppers. The wife had the Tango which was equally impressive. The trout was so good by its self, but when paired with the peaches and mint, it was perfection! We finished dinner with the Honey Beet ice cream. We had tried it the last time we ate here, and it is definitely not for the unadventurous. It is one of those things you will either love or hate; my wife and I LOVE it. The small size is plenty for two people to share. Overall it was another amazing dinner at The Silly Goose, and I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)Kory H.
always delicious, staff always friendly and helpful. Can't miss.
(5)William L.
The meal was excellent. I was here with some close friends and we are all from different parts of the country. We ordered several small plates, medium plates, and a large plate to share. The FVS was so fresh and the flavor combination is just so complex and delicious. The Maltese Falcon was also delicious. We will definitely return if we come back to Nashville.
(5)Victoria F.
Soooo delicious-Amazing lunch, so light & fresh with delicious flavors! You will not be disappointed here!
(4)Linda W.
This place did not disappoint! I had the Lyle's Surprise and T had the The Bird. Both were incredibly flavorful! If I lived in the area, this would be a frequent stop for sure. Great staff also.
(5)Donielle S.
Pack mule ribs were to die for along with the ho cakes. Double AA was out of this world. Will be making a special trip back JUST to eat at The Silly Goose!!!
(5)Jenni H.
Silly goose? Silly me. I didn't read the fine print and arrived on a Monday to closed doors. However, questionable hours of operations aside, this place was fantastic! The kitchen was busy and lively with a young staff. I ordered the King Kong which was a healthy but delicious dish with couscous, curried shrimp, and sliced avocado on the side. Upon first bite, I discovered that the couscous had big chunks of avocado mixed into it!!! Whoever thought of this deserves a giant medal. Shrimp tasted great as well. I also ordered a pineapple-pomegranate black tea which arrived as a pretty orange to yellow gradient in a mason jar.
(4)Lindsey E.
Silly Goose is my favorite restaurant in Nashville. The menu is always full of so many awesome choices, it's hard to pick! My favorite is the pork belly on the medium portion of the menu; WOW. So awesome. Everyone who works there is great, the atmosphere is awesome, and the food is obviously amazing.
(5)Meredith X.
After a hot yoga sesh in the morning, bf and I were craving something light and healthy in anticipation of the impending night (fried tomatoes, you are my kryptonite). Decided on this place almost solely because of the menu item names (Reverse Cowgirl peehehe). I ordered the Sparky, bf the Zipper. Both were refreshing but filling. The sparky filled with ample amounts of roasted turkey, little cranberries spilling out and thick chunks of brie tucked into the folds of the turkey. The zipper, generous spread of goat cheese (really, give me a goat cheese log and I'm yours), caramelized onions, and smoked salmon. Both were served with a side of greens tossed with a balsamic reduction and fragrant herbed couscous. As much as I wanted to order the either the Saylor Dog or Pocahantas, the hearty portions left us perfectly satiated, poorly planned on our parts. Will definitely be back if we end up in Nashville again!
(5)Sandy W.
I finally gave in and tried The Silly Goose after way too many recommendations. I had a really good sandwich and both couscous and greens as my sides. The vinegar dressing on the salad was wonderful and I think it's really random and neat that they offer so many flavors of couscous. The sandwich (that had to be remade) was just pretty ok, especially given the price. I would have given three stars, but the sides saved the day. Aside from the food, I found the décor.. cliché. Hear me out, being born and raised in Nashville, I feel like I know the city rather well. So when I go to a restaurant seen by many as a Nashville staple, only to be given silverware rolled in red bandanas and drinks served from mason jars, I'm a little turned off. I felt like I walked into what someone's superficial idea of Nashville is. I breezed through this magazine with a Taylor Swift interview recently, and she mentioned loooving the Silly Goose. It almost seems like someone read that article, tried to imagine the kind of mixed up combination of youthful trends meets Country Living décor this restaurant must have to be Taylor Swift's fave, and then made it come true. If I wanted that kitschy crap, I'd go somewhere on Broadway. Just sayin. But hooray for couscous.
(4)Andy B.
The best under $15 lunch I've had in Nashville. I ordered the Pink Panther and the Citrus, ginger & mint green tea, which was in the top 3 teas I've ever had, and I used to live next to Celestial Seasonings, so there's that. My colleague ordered a salmon dish that looked spectacular, but his tab did come in the high $20's range. This place rocks, though. The wait staff help with food prep, and everything seems to run like a well oiled machine. Really a fantastic establishment. I'd confidently say that I will soon hold dukedom to this place if I wasn't so sure that the Goose has tons of regulars. Also, I've never seen a nose ring pulled off quite as gracefully as our lovely waitress. Kudos to you, young lady.
(5)Susan L.
bf and i couldn't stop raving about this place! the food is delicious but also doesn't leave you feeling super heavy because it's pretty healthy. we went on a friday night around 7PM expecting a wait and got a call 35 minutes later that our table was ready. in comparison to what i had expected (hour+ wait), i was pleasantly surprised. we started with the magic man, which was a perfect appetizer of little peppers stuffed with goat cheese. then we split the king kong after reading everyone else's reviews - the cous cous was amazing and left me wanting more cous cous for days afterwards. we also shared the darth vapor - fish was cooked perfectly and the veggies in it (brussel sprouts + cauliflower) were DELICIOUS. also got the basil lemonade - perfect level of sweetness, lemon-ness, and basil-ness. so glad we came here on friend's recommendation. i was only visiting for the weekend and wanted to go back for lunch on monday but unfortunately they were not open monday :(
(5)Ashley V.
The food here is so fresh & tasty! I had the T-Bone sandwich, which was filling without being too much. The bread is delicious! The citrus mint tea was good too, very refreshing. My only complaint is that the service is slow. They were very nice, but when I'm out with my toddler I need to get his order in fast to keep him occupied.
(4)James G.
The Silly Goose is my favorite place to get a sandwich in Nashville. Their menu has unique, fresh, and very tasty offerings. I recommend the "Bird," which has thick, juicy chicken breast, bacon, avocado, sun-dried tomato, and peppered goat cheese. Yum! They also offer delicious and creative flavors of iced tea, which change seasonally and are served in Mason jars. I think I've tried all of the tea flavors, and they were all very good. The restaurant has limited seating, so be prepared to wait a little while on weekends. The food is worth it and if you want to go to the coffee shop next door, they'll take down your name and come find you when a table is ready. I also enjoy the atmosphere at The Silly Goose. It's very earthy and casual. A lot of creative and stylish people eat there and it's fun to people-watch. The East Nashville scene is the perfect melting pot to discover what's new and trendy, and this cozy treasure of a restaurant is the perfect place for it.
(5)Chelsea L.
Literally obsessed with their lunch sandwiches and couscous, ugh wish they were open today! The Zipper is bangin!
(5)Phil N.
King Kong couscous (add chicken) was amazing. A cornicopia of flavors dancing around in your mouth and every bite is bursting with delicious flavors. Set in a hip area, Silly Goose would fit right in in San Francisco. If you wanna be cool, eat here.
(5)Amanda B.
Great quality and appropriately priced. I'm visiting Nashville from out of town and attended Etch the night before where I paid 30 dollars for cold Venison. The Silly Goose is so much better than Etch!
(5)Mod F.
Never had a bad meal - creative cooking and great service.
(5)Katie I.
We had an excellent experience. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. When I called they weren't busy so we thought we'd try it. They have a few seats at the kitchen bar. They don't have a full bar, but rather a expo line where you see the kitchen. They have a small wine list, and sadly they were out of both white and red sangrias, but they let me try a wine and I ended up with going with a different one, which was nice. They are super friendly and willing to tweek anything if needed. We had several small plates, grilled shrimp, simple salad, cheese plate and a couscous. All of the dishes were beautifully plated and showed meticulous detail. The depth of flavors were great- the cheese plate was also generous! Place is quaint and modern. We saved room for jeni's next door, but next time I want to try their dessert. The couple next to us were raving over their salmon. Can't wait to go back. Great experience!
(5)Michelle '.
Silly Goose is a solid option for lunch or dinner, though the menu is quite different for each (more sandwich oriented at lunch). Their menu is a literary adventure, with exciting ingredients and personality-filled names. I highly recommend the Black Stallion: salmon with the most-delicious coconut rice and crunchy carrots. The Darth Vapor (grouper in lemongrass broth), despite its wonderfully punny name, was less incredible, though nothing to complain about. They have a lot of creative vegetarian options as well--what I like to think of as "accidental vegetarian": they didn't try to make something without meat; it just came out that way. One of them cracked me up. It was an elaborate vegetable and black lentil dish topped with . . . bacon vinaigrette. The waitress assured me it could be made with a vegetarian-friendly dressing. To top it off, they have housemade ice cream in curiosity-inspiring flavors. For the next trip, when I have enough self-control to save room for dessert!
(4)Melissa M.
We moved to Nashville not too long ago but are actually living in Franklin. The food in Franklin has left a lot to be desired, (so many franchises, everything fried) but we absolutely loved The Silly Goose. We had the Mexico City and King Kong couscous, and the beef brisket sandwich. Holy cats. We were not disappointed. Each dish was a total flavor explosion with so many perfectly balanced tastes and textures. Every component worked perfectly. We've even eaten at the pricey Etch and didn't think it compared to what we had here. The service was fantastic with everyone on staff available and eager to suggest favorites. Can't wait to get back for dinner sometime. Save some room (if you have the strength) and run next door to Jeni's for ice cream afterward.
(5)Whitney J.
Love this place. I had the King Kong and my husband had the Bird. My shrimp was cooked perfectly. Great atmosphere with a lunch that doesn't fill you up. Definitely a fave while in Nashville
(5)Erin E.
The food was delicious, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I went with a couple of friends, and we shared Magic Man stuffed peppers, Joe Bailey cheese plate, the Claw (shrimp and couscous), and Darth Vapor (grouper and roasted veggies). I can't wait to go back and try more! The only thing I would change would be the noise level. It was a little too loud.
(5)Sloane S.
The Silly Goose is consistently one of my favorite restaurants to recommend to my friends who live in Nashville as well as out-of-towners. They have a wide range of dishes, pleasing the adventurous palate as well as satisfying more traditional tastes through their reinvented classic dishes. They only serve wine, but you can bring your beer (or wine) at a $10 corkage fee. They only take reservations for parties of 6+, so I'd recommend going early or expecting to wait a while as the establishment is small. I HIGHLY recommend the Darth Vapor. The presentation is superb, and it's one of the best fish dishes I have EVER had. (And I almost exclusively eat fish). The service can be a little slow, but everyone is friendly and personable.
(4)Tulané H.
The food here really is good! The service is decent but my only real issue is the layout, it's just a but crowded. Fantastic food though!
(4)Victoria P.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville, hands down. My husband and I always go here for special occasions. The food is artfully created and always delicious, and the menu keeps changing so we can keep trying new things. I highly recommend it!
(5)Emily S.
Great for a somewhat fancy, but not over-the-top, date. You will have to wait, but you can walk around or sit outside- no complaints there. The food was amazing. We got about 4 different plates of different sizes and wine. The sandwich was a standout. I don't think you can go wrong here. (Especially if someone else is paying.)
(4)Casey H.
We've been to Silly Goose twice now. It's a cute and pleasant place to have dinner but be warned, Friday and Saturday evenings get crazily busy. The wait can get to upwards of an hour. Since the place is pretty cramped, there's really no waiting inside. Guests are asked to wait either outside or next door at Ugly Mugs (colder months). The first time we went, it was really busy. I unfortunately had the bright idea to order the short ribs :/ (my bad...). It took forever for the short ribs to come out and the owner/cook was kind enough to offer a free dessert of our choice because of the wait. He didn't have to .... but small gestures like that earned a repeat customer. The food was fresh and presented beautifully even at their busiest hours. Services was on point too...they were so attentive and refilled our waters and teas when it was half way. Tea. Their teas are all great, light and refreshing. We normally like to get the ginger one.
(5)Stephen S.
They might come up with crazy names for their dishes, but the folks at Silly Goose aren't kidding around with what comes out of the kitchen. As you scan the menu you'll notice that dishes consist of a combination of components that if served on their own would be amazing. Take the freewheelin for example (my entree of the night): seared scallops, preserved lemon & Goat cheese polenta, charred red pepper jam, lobster basil fume; oyster mushrooms; beet chips. Yes, all of that is going on in one plate! And they pulled it off. The texture of on the scallops, nailed it.
(5)Jacob M.
I stumbled into The Silly Goose by chance, and I'm glad I did! I had the spalding couscous - quite tasty. Good service and good vibes. I'll be back.
(5)Paul K.
The Goose is not some place I would go to fill up. The prices are on the more expensive side for what you get, but man is what you get tasty. The atmosphere is either love it or hate it. It didn't feel right to me, but that's just my opinion man. Our waiter/chef was pretty awesome, although it did get kind of odd telling multiple people that we already had someone working with us. For a place so small and so many servers/cooks per patron, I would have expected military precision. The Goose suffers from slapping itself smack dab in the middle of popularity. I had pulled in and got stuck behind an endless line of cars. After several minutes I wedged myself out of that parking lot and parked 3 blocks away. The parking vultures were clearing out when I managed to walk back over. Seriously people, if there's no parking, get out of the parking lot. People were jammed in and unable to leave. I'd go back, the place was nice. I'd hit up somewhere else to get un-hungry though.
(4)Moira R.
I prefer this spot for lunch -- I love their sandwiches, especially the Bird -- chicken breast, bacon, avocado (really, what's not to like?) Also, the salad and cous cous sides are both delicious -- sometimes I like the half and half order, sometimes it's all cous cous all the way. Either way, it deserves the good press it gets. Really delicious.
(4)Summer P.
I love, love this place. I would give it 5 stars hands down for the food. Haven't tried any dessert yet but it's always consistently good on every dish we get and they make their own gluten free bread plus will veganize things. BUT it smells like a dryer sheet because of the bandanas they use for napkins, which I'm stoked about using instead of wasting paper, but after I left I could smell it on me. My boyfriend is allergic to high fragrance detergents and dryer sheets and brings his own bandana to use so he doesn't touch theirs. Also the water tastes like chlorine, not appetizing. Need a filter!
(3)Melinda D.
I went here for a dinner with girlfriends and it was one delicious night! We had a sampling of a few dishes and could not pick just one that we loved. The atmosphere was fantastic, it was an all-around great dinner experience. I would recommend Silly Goose to anyone!
(5)brian r.
East Nashville is experiencing a renaissance, a boon, a rebirth... it's fabulous places like The Silly Goose make it so. The sandwiches and sides are top-notch, tasty and creative. Dinner entrées are divine. Love, love, love it!!
(5)Joshua S.
Gosh, this place has so much wasted potential. I normally judge what kind of service I can expect based on pricing and how hard they are trying on their menu. If they are fronting as foodies and their prices are $25-$30 per entree, I'm going to be very critical because I expect to receive above and beyond service for the price. CONS: Service. Our server told us to take our dirty silverware off our appetizer plate to reuse for the entrees. I didn't listen (naturally) and he replaced my fork by placing one upside down in front of me. I ordered a side of root vegetable and sweet potato with my entree and the server says "You know the entree comes with that right?" Yes, I was gifted with the ability to read around 5-6 years of age. I was served my food before my wife. Instead, of a check, we got an ipad with our total on it given to us, and the server hovered over the table till we rushedly collected the funds to pay the bill, to which he asked "Do you need any change?" This is all stuff I can find at my local Waffle House. The chef frightened us quite a bit. After having a discussion about the vegetables they have in the back, we requested pureed sweet potatoes for our baby (since we stayed in Nashville much longer than intended for the day), and the "chef", who I have demoted to line cook in my head, told us it would take too long to puree sweet potatoes. Which, if you know anything about food, you take a sweet potato, dice it, boil it for about 10 minutes, and mash it well if you don't want to blend it. 15 minutes max. If THAT takes too long and was too difficult, I was curious if our entrees were pre-frozen and just had to be microwaved, which might explain why my MidRare flank steak was actually Med-MidWell. PROS: Luckily for us, the food was actually VERY good! My wife had the best salmon she has had in a while, and while my steak was overcooked, the flavoring was really wonderful. Which leads to the confusing question... how can a line cook pull off elaborate entrees, but can't figure out how to puree a sweet potato for our 8 month old baby boy? For the quality of food and the price point, the management should take very seriously the proper training of their waitstaff if they want to be taken seriously as a nice restaurant. But then again, its just Nashville. We haven't been impressed yet.
(2)Allison N.
My absolute favorite restaurant in Nashville, hands down. The place is pretty small, so you may have to wait quite a bit if you're going at lunch or on the weekends, but Silly Goose is well worth the wait. The couscous is delicious and fresh, and the sandwiches are unique and flavorful. I get the Sparky whenever I go, and it has the perfect blend of cheese, cranberry, and turkey. The salads are awesome too. Heads up, soda addicts: they do not serve any soda here, but that's fungible considering that everything else is absolutely incredible.
(5)Desiree K.
I'm honestly shocked this place has so many 5 star reviews. The food is good enough for two stars but I felt like I had to balance out all the delusional patrons leaving reviews on here. I found it to be small portions of okay food, at high end prices, in the most uncomfortable seating I've ever encountered. The staff is friendly but the high prices deter you from leaving a 20% tip. By the end of your nonalcoholic meal for two you're paying almost $70 to leave hungry. It might be better for lunch but honestly until they get new chairs and stop using benches to serve $30 entrées, I will not be coming back.
(1)Krissy T.
I was torn on what to rate because I find their food to be incredible. Today was my second visit and this time I got the bird with both the herbed couscous and salad and the basil lemonade. The sandwich and the lemonade were so good! The salad was far to salty. Good portion size for lunch. now why it's only three stars. The staff seemed so unhappy and very unfriendly. We were seated and had our drink orders taken. Then after a few minutes we watched who we thought was our waitress look around finding things to do, which included texting at the host stand. We had to wave her over to get our order taken. It seems like throughout the disorganization of servers we were forgotten. The girl who dropped off our food did so with no emotion, and didn't even say a word. She walked away with a frown. We're both servers and feel like a simple "here is your meals" would suffice. It is far too crowded and noisy. It was sensory overload and left us anxious as we left. Obviously management should do something about their rude staff atLEAST.
(3)Ross G.
Silly Goose has been on my list for the past year and we finally made it to Nash Vegas to give it a try. We had a hungry toddler so arrived as the "early bird specials" to get dinner started. The ambiance is "hipster locavore" with a relaxed a witty wait staff. The menu that night was their standard with a few specials. We started with a delicious salad and the small "Rapp" plate. Both were delicious. The staff was super attentive to the needs of our toddler and brought out his grilled shrimp mangos and pears as soon as they were ready. The shrimp were amazing. My wife had the fish that night, which was amazing, and I had the steak with an extra side of Brussels sprouts. Delicious. So well executed, well timed, great kid menu and appropriate price point. Love me some Silly Goose!
(5)Lisa T.
GREAT lunch with the 3 kids (7,9,12), though admittedly they struggled a bit with basil in the lemonade (dad drank it - quite delicious) and the tart fruit sides. On the flip side I've never seen the 9 year old eat a PB&J that fast - great jam! Our server was super helpful and his menu recommendations were spot on. As has been said before, the King King couscous is fantastic - go for the spicy! Lyle's sandwich and The Bird were both excellent. Herbed couscous only mild flavor profile - make sure to take bites with the balsamic drizzle.
(4)Heather H.
The Goose is loose! I stopped in to see the newly reopened restaurant, and was as pleased as ever, maybe even more. There is at least double the space now, and the interior is lovely. We ate at the bar area, which is made from a heavy natural wood that I couldn't stop running my hands over wishing I could install it in my kitchen. Anyway. I ordered the Roscoe sans bacon. The warm and creamy avocado and toasted bread was really nice, but sure enough, the first thought I had was, "bacon would make this perfect." So, try it for us vegetarians who only have distant memories of meat, yes? I took a chance on the the honey beet ice cream based on someone else's review. I neither like beets nor cold honey, but damn if this didn't work perfectly together for an amazing sweet-but-not-too-sweet dessert. As always, the staff was nice, if a little flustered from working out the kinks of opening week. One thing I noticed on the menu--didn't there used to be more fresh juices?
(5)Adam M.
This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in the Nashville area. During my visit to Nashville i made a small list of food spots to hit up while out there, this was on that list. I've only had couscous maybe once in my life before coming here and I wasn't too fond of it. but The Silly Goose changed my outlook on that. Arrived here for lunch and there was about a 30 minute wait. The place is relatively small so it's almost a given that you'll have to wait at least a short amount of time before getting seated. Once we were seated we were given menu's on clip boards,and the napkins were red bandannas (pretty cool idea to use these as napkins!). Our server took our drink order, I opted to get the Basil Lemonade (you should too), it was amazingly refreshing. After looking at the menu and also looking at yelp, i decided to get the King Kong (one of their most popular dishes). The servers here are also very helpful in suggesting what to order, don't hesitate to ask them questions. The King Kong was 5-6 large/plump shrimp that were cooked just right. They had a light sear on them possibly from the grill they cooked them on. Along with the shrimp, there was a tasteful sauce that was poured over the bed of couscous underneath. To complete the dish there was several slices of avocado which complemented the rest of the food very well. Pricing was very fair for the amount of quality ingredients used in the preparation of the food and drinks here. I don't recall the exact pricing but to my knowledge everything on the menu was under $20. The vibe of this restaurant is what people in California would probably call "hipster" (in the best way possible though!). The overall vibe gave me the feel of some places in southern California that iv'e been to (The Salted Pig [riverside, ca], and The Back Abbey [claremont, ca]) which use quality (often local) ingredients and are priced very fairly. If you're looking to eat top quality unique food here in Nashville this place is a must.
(5)Rachel K.
Wow this place is SO good. Lot of cool options. I ended up getting the King Kong. Lots of good flavors, and the couscous was awesome. Fluffy and not dry. The Silly Goose is a must if your in town!
(5)David L.
Great place for a brunch or sandwich! We stopped by around noon, wanting a light lunch. First impression: very small inside...in fact, snug. But, we waited only ~10 minutes and were seated against the side wall (which seemed a little less cramped). In short, VERY good sandwiches: * the "Zipper" - a great combination of favors, with smoked salmon and goat cheese * the "Jo CD" - a veggie delight on tasty ciabatta Served with sides of herbed couscous and washed down with their signature citrus mint and ginger green tea. Great favors! I also liked the check-out process using their iPad - a neat twist. This place scores high on my satisfaction meter: - tasty food - reasonably priced - good service - short wait ... most all of the essentials. (Dropped one star for the cramped atmosphere...a little too noisy and cramped. But absolutely not a deal-breaker.) I'll return!
(4)Leigh D.
So delicious!!! This review is far overdue so I can't remember exactly what I had but it was all so good. Everyone there was super nice, too.
(5)Julie R.
Absolutely terrific food, but not a lot of meat-free options. Lots of local produce and artisan bread, good service, but i'd love to see a couple more meat free dishes.
(5)Michelle P.
Absolutely amazing! I popped in one day to grab lunch to go. It was so great! I hate to say that I've passed by this place so much and have never popped in. I ordered the smoked Salmon sandwich and it came with the most WONDERFUL herbed Cous Cous. It was just right with the sandwich. They also have great fresh made teas as well. I will be coming back here just to try those Cous Cous bowls. The salads looked pretty great too! If you are in the neighborhood pop in!
(5)Amanda K.
Came here after a recommendation from a friend and was not disappointed! My boyfriend, Alex, and I showed up at around 8 pm last Saturday and were stunned to hear that it would be a 1.5 hour wait!!! After waiting 5 minutes, we opted to get food to go and take it to the nice courtyard right next to the restaurant. Our take out order was ready in like 10 minutes, which was awesome since it was already kind of late. We got their amazing basil lemonade, definitely recommend getting this because not only is it tasty but it is only $2 bucks! We also got the King Kong which was flufy couscous with mildly spicy shrimp and cubes of avocado. The shrimp was cooked very well and was the highlight of the dish! To go with the couscous, we got their "simple salad" which was nice and light with apples, avocados, and pumpkin seeds. One weird side note is that they splurge on actual toilet paper here instead of the cheap bulk shit most restaurants have...nice touch! Overall we had a nice, light, and healthy meal! Word to the wise...if you go here, be sure to head next door to Jeni's for some of the best ice cream on this Earth!
(4)Laura D.
5pm is the perfect time for the goose - no wait! Cute, charming, eclectic little place with great sandwiches and couscous. I had the Zappo (smoked salmon club-style sandwich on marbled rye) and it was fantastic. They serve lunch until 5:30 so we got to sample the sandwiches, but the dinner menu looked great too. Definitely has an artsy, cool feel. Also liked signing my credit card bill on an ipad. I only got to try a few restaurants on my trip to Nashville, but this was probably my favorite!
(5)Shafi K.
We went here because my boyfriend's boss gave him a $25 gift card for silly goose. I think that it was a nice enough place but really I was not a huge fan . Maybe I missed something, I don't know. Their food was decent and the service was nice. Don't get me wrong, I do not have any complaints but at the same time, I did not think I was a fan. :)
(3)Jess Y.
For the Cliff Notes version of my review, I'll fast-forward to the end. Let's just say that when we drove away from Silly Goose, my out-of-town guest literally looked back at the restaurant and exclaimed hysterically, "Good bye, Silly Goose! I love you!" During the meal, he more than once referenced moving to Nashville (from Washington, DC) just so that he could eat at this restaurant. I'm not exaggerating. Why the necessary declarations of love and subsequent withdrawal from separation? What could possibly have stirred this heartache? Nothing but the perfection and culinary genius housed at this small local restaurant. Most of the time, a dish is delicious because there are one of two elements that stand out. But, at Silly Goose, the meals are delicous because they are perfectly balanced with a variety of equally amazing high-caliper elements, none of which overpower the others. All of the ingredients are fresh, locally grown, organic, and sustainably produced. Take for example the Sparky Wrap that my dining partner ordered. It contains turkey breast, basil aioli, dried cranberries, brie, roasted walnuts, and mixed greens. Each of the elements perfectly complement the rest. One bite contains the juiciness of the turkey breast, the punch of the basil aioli, the tartness and sweetness of the cranberries, the smoothness and richness of the brie, and the crunchy nuttiness of the walnuts. It's like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It was also served with a side of salad and couscous. Yum. I was also equally impressed with my King Kong couscous complemented with perfectly seasoned and tenderly cooked shrimp. It was spicy, fun, and scrumptious. This unique talent of balancing flavors even extends to their beverage offerings. I had the citrus-mint-ginger iced green tea. It was phenomenal. I've never been blown away by an iced tea before. Until I came to Silly Goose. Silly Goose has one of those menus where it takes you literally five minutes just to decide what to order because everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, looks just so darn appetizing. Even if you are starving to death and want to order as quickly as possible, you will have to pause and seriously consider which of the delectable dishes will you want to try that day. If the portions were any smaller, I'd even consider ordering two! I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. You can count on it. As many people have mentioned, the only drawback to this place is the seating. There just simply isn't enough of it. Even when we arrived late Saturday night, we had to wait for a table. Luckily though, they just ask you to take a seat at the cafe next door (Ugly Mugs), which isn't too bad of a deal. The service was fantastic as well. Our waitress was super friendly and happy to explain anything to us or make sure that we received exactly what we wanted. The chef even came out himself to deliver the dishes and describe the spiciness of my dish. They also did not turn away guests that arrived a little past the closing time, which we were both very surprised about. This was simply a fantastic meal and dining experience. I would dine here again any day, any time. And if I lived in East Nashville, I'd probably come dangerously close to living there too. Don't ignore the hype of this restaurant--it is well earned, well deserved, and worth an immediate visit! They offer salad, sandwiches, and couscous and you may think it's "just" one of those salad/sandwich places. But, trust me, it's so much more.
(5)Rachel R.
Went here last night after hearing rave reviews for quite some time. I must say it lived up to the hype. A perfect example of how food should be made. Like, why can't all restaurants make food like this? My big boy? Big baby? Baby boy? Whatever it was called, it was the steak and the very bottom of the menu and it was absolutely perfect. That is how you cook a steak. And my god the flavors. The tomatoes, that pesto blend, and ciabatta bread was absolute perfection. The wine was good, the stuffed peppadews were good (although a little new to my palate), and my boyfriend's chicken was good (Although it paled in comparison to that heavenly cow). Overall a great evening with great food in a great atmosphere.
(5)Joshua B.
Honestly - I'm not sure how you can get much better than the Silly Goose. The ambiance is great here. Its a small place, for sure - but, it feels great to dine here. Like, it's your own cozy little dining room and kitchen. And that's hard to do when you and 9 friends dine together. But, If you are like me - you've probably seen the cost of eating locally grown or raised, all natural and organic food at the grocery and you have declined to buy some things because of the premium cost associated with these ingredients. So, these premium ingredients rarely make it into my kitchen. While I would never call the Silly Goose 'cheap' - I got the 'Bird' sandwich (grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on wholegrain bread), a little bit of salad and a little bit of couscous along with some Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea. With a 20% tip and tax that came to a little over $16. Not bad at all for REAL LOCAL FOOD! The Bird was a fantastic sandwich. I didn't leave a single bite of it anywhere on my plate. The flavor profiles for the food here is always surprising. One of my downfalls as a person is there are certain things I don't like. Not a big fan of avocado. It's never impressed me like it has some people. Sun Dried Tomatoes are another thing that never really excites me and I usually leave them off anything that has them on it. This sandwich has both. But, in the interest of keeping an open mind - I tried the sandwich as described. And you know what? I couldn't be happier. Honestly - I never thought I'd like it as much as I did given there were two ingredients on the sandwich that never make it in anything else I eat. Oh, and I also got to meet Connie Britton who was seated at the table right beside me. The servers had no idea who she was. I guess they have never watched the TV Show 'Nashville', American Horror Story or Friday Night Lights. Also seated with her was Michiel Huisman who plays Liam on 'Nashville'. Good food, Great Company and getting to meet some celebs! This made the Silly Goose a not-so-silly pick for our large dining group. I can't wait to try the Silly Goose again!
(5)Kim L.
I'm only giving this two stars because this food is not my favorite. I ordered the bird and they just piled on the goat cheese and balsamic vinegar so that it was overpowering. This hipster food is not for me. I'll stick with steak and potatoes. P.S. get a bigger space. Seriously. Seven tables?
(2)Robert M.
Couscous. There is a lot of talk here about couscous. Sure, they do a good job with it but it's couscous. I simply don't consider it a meal or much of a side filler. But that's just me. The cool thing about Silly Goose is it has all the markings of a place where men wouldn't show up to eat but they do. Believe me, if this place was in Atlanta, it would instantly become a place where southern women sit and sip tea and chit chat about how their husband busted their ass all day so that they could sit around and drink tea and chit chat. For example see: "Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic". I shit you not that is an actual cafe name. Nuff said there. O.K. Onward to the meal which was "Lyle's Surprise". I have no idea who Lyle is or what makes him surprised, nor do I want to guess. However, this is a good sammy. The star of the sammy was the hot cappicola. Don't worry, it's not hot and won't burn your tongue off like a 400 degree hot chicken. But they got the cured meat right here. Outstanding. Added to it was some pesto, basil, fennel along with some other odd and end things on some focaccia and you got yourself a sammy. My only complaint is this would be a much better sammy on a crunchier bread. There was nothing wrong with the focaccia, but if you are going to use a housemade focaccia at least toast it or something...or make a housemade crunchier something else to better compliment the cappicola. I'd come back here for their sammies though. Welcome to Yelp...the new Citisearch.
(4)Queen B.
I don't know, I circle this place like a vulture circles road kill... I try to get in here, first come first served unless you have a party of 8. Got in here, wasn't really impressed. Will try again one of these days when there is nothing else to bother with.
(3)Valerie V.
Fabulous surprise! Eclectic selection. We were a little unsure when we walked in, but ended up LOVING it! Small, medium and large plates for sharing . End of meal ice cream was honey beet. Two of us liked it. Two of us thought it was awful. Two of us were happy that two of us thought it was awful:-). Friendly staff.
(4)Be G.
If the food was being rated by itself, 4 stars, easily. We had the May5 and Double-AA, and both were very good (if light on protein, for the price). The problem was everything else. If you're going to charge $30 for your top end entree, have a proper entry area (so diners don't freeze due to winds outside), have some space between the tables (so we can talk), and install some sound-deadening so it doesn't sound like a diner. And have your servers check up on guests after the food is delivered. And get that red igloo cooler out of the dining room. And you kids get off my lawn. No, seriously, if you're going to charge real $$$, make a real restaurant. If not, that's fine, but adjust your aim accordingly.
(3)Luke C.
I will say this is easily the best restaurant in Nashville. We had five in our party, everyone ordered something different and everything was incredible. Try the teas, as well. I wish I could give this place 6 stars. The atmosphere is great too. I was surprised at how small the place was and there wasn't a huge line to get in... if you're visiting Nashville this is a must try.
(5)Caitlin D.
This is my FAVORITE new restaurant! I have a new interest in eating locally grown produce and free range meat, and Silly Goose uses such products. They have a chalkboard that tells you specifically where they get their ingredients, and I really appreciate that transparency, because most places you never know what you're really getting. The menu is varied in cuisine choices, it features different couscous dishes, from Italian, Asian and Mexican styles to one with roasted almonds, portabello and goat cheese. They have many salads to choose from, a multitude of delicious wraps and sandwiches, and more standard type entrees such as dry rubbed pork ribs (incredible!), salmon, chicken, and so on. They make these really interesting iced teas, with all kinds of herbs and fruits, and refill them for free. My other favorite feature is the fact that although they do not carry liquor, there is NO CORKAGE FEE. I am free to bring my own preferred wine, and do not have to spend a penny to have them open it and let me drink up! I wish that were standard, but it's not. It's special. My only complaint is that everyone in Nashville seems to agree, so it gets really crowded at peak times. You might try an earlier week night to avoid the hustle. But if you hit it during a wait, it's surely worth it.
(5)Christa P.
Great sandwiches and couscous. Appetizers are really good too. Dinner (too me) is a little over priced and smaller portions. Sangria is really good- and a good value when buying a pitcher.
(4)Melissa A.
One of the best lunches I have ever had. I had the Jo CD sandwich and it was fantastic. It features grilled zucchini, artichoke, sun dried tomato, and other yummy goodies. My husband had the Mexico City which is chicken and goodies with couscous. The chicken was amazingly flavorful and good. The basil lemonade was the perfect accent to the meal. This is definitely a must go!
(5)Vee E.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville. Creative dishes for lunch & dinner. Suitable for diners of all types with options for vegetarians. Note that seating is on benches with few tables, so I'd imagine that there can be a line during peak hours. They do take reservations for groups. I'd love to return to try everything on the menu.
(5)Bridgette C.
The first time I went here, there was a half an hour wait at 230pm on a Saturday. That's one of those moments where you know you're at the right place. I went here with friends who couldn't stop raving about it. It's a small place but with a lot of open space. I immediately went for the zipper (smoked salmon, carmelized onions, um yes please). You can get your sammies with either salad or couscous, or a little bit of both. I recommend doing both. I cannot express in adequate words how delicious my food was. I would happily wade through traffic to get into East Nashville to eat here any day of the week. The service was attentive without being overbearing, the food was reasonably priced and mind-blowingly good, and the space itself inviting. Please go there. I want them to make more money to expand and make more delicious sandwiches.
(5)Rachel S.
The hype is true, and I can see why Silly Goose has made such an impact in East Nashville and all around town. It really is a very good little restaurant. Though I wish I could have tried everything on the menu, I had to keep it to a sandwich, which thankfully came with sides of a little salad and a side portion of the Silly Goose's own couscous, which they take pride in. The couscous was pesto-y, so tasty. I had the Zipper - the smoked salmon sandwich, which ROCKED, and I chose to replace the marble rye bread it was to come on with the rosemary focaccia. Y'all - take after me! This was a remarkable combination. Silly Goose has a few house-made teas and lemonade, and I had the apple cider black tea today, which was aweosomely apple-y. Only thing that made me go "hmmm" a little was that the salad was a bit on the salty side, as in over-salted. I dig salt, but this seemed like a miscalculation... Dessert and some more famed couscous next time...
(4)Ben G.
Amazing food, kind owner, well priced. You must check it out if you are around East Nashville.
(5)Aly S.
This is a small place but, in my experience, there's never much of a wait and the food is always outstanding. I've only had lunch here. Any of the couscous dishes are to die for. I'm taking an East Nashville client here for lunch tomorrow and I can't wait.
(5)Jamee C.
I love this place. We went for dinner, and if you have never been here, it's a small venue. The seats are sort of small and you can feel as if everybody's crammed in there but I like a different atmosphere. We sat at the bar and I liked the decorations and details in the interior. The food was pretty damn good. We had an exciting view of the kitchen. I love that you can see the whole kitchen. I thought it was pretty cool that all the cooks had tattoos and they wore black, all fairly young and pretty hip, but do not undermine their cooking skills! Love their tea as well.
(5)Dagan B.
They are lucky I base my reviews off the food because the waitress kinda sucked. The atmosphere isnt anything special but it isnt bad. Now to the food WoW it was good. The goat cheese and peppadew was good, not alot but very good. The grouper called the Darth Vapor was very good. My date had the Mexico City ( chicken with couscous and peppers and mango and goat cheese) it was really good. if i could lick my plate without looking like a barbarian I would have :)
(5)Haroun K.
Speaking about the sandwiches at Silly Goose, my hosts in Nashville said, "You feel like every ingredient has a purpose. You can understand why they put all of these ingredients together." I definitely agree. The ingredients are fresh, and oh so very complementary. There are so many veggie friendly options, which is a plus. And I appreciated the side of cous-cous. The waiter was nice, and it was pretty cool to pay via Ipad. It is BYOB for wine, too!
(5)Deborah W.
I visited here in December and loved it. It is a true gem in East Nashville. I had redfish with goat cheese and couscous. YUM. This place is small and intimate and was the perfect healthy dinner before seeing a show at the Ryman. Which was a whole other piece of heaven.
(5)Rachel K.
Excellent!!! Food was very tasty and thoughtfully prepared. Staff was super friendly. I love that it's off the beaten path... Just a little and in a cool neighborhood.
(5)emily p.
Im glad I went here. The veggie entry was divine. When veggie food is that good and youre not a vegetarian, it really gives hope that you could be one. What bothered me more was service. We paid over $100 for the 2 of us. THe food made it almost worth it ( I do NOT mind paying for great cuisine). The server was nice but he waited ages to attend to us ( while hanging out at the bar, the host stand, etc). Im not sure what it was that made him not want to come around. But Ide still come back!
(4)Emily A.
If you're the kind of nerd that drools over lentil this is the place for you. Silly Goose earns 5 stars for the lentils alone! Ok, it's great even for non lentil lovers. The dish I consumed in entirely with a big goofy grin on my face is called the "Hustler." Yogurt braised chicken kebabs over creamy lentils topped with kale. The chicken was moist and full of flavor as well. If you order the Jr. Roosevelt which is a roasted veggie quinoa dish be warned that the quinoa is served cold. Not sure what's up with that, I definitely would have preferred it warm like the vegetables it was served with. The place itself is tiny and hip, with a jammed parking lot. I'd suggest calling ahead or preparing to wait. Both times I've been part of a twosome and lucked out by nabbing a seat at the bar. Servers are all friendly and happy. I can't personally comment on the sandwiches but my boy says they're the best.
(5)Amy R.
Best meal I have had in Nashville. Period. Arrived not knowing what to expect. Very casual atmosphere, staff in jeans and t-shirts, buzzing but not loud. 30 minute wait on a Thursday night (no reservations for parties under 6 ppl) so we got a drink across the street and came back. Were seated at the bar, overlooking the kitchen, which turned out to be great. Good wine options, friendliest server ever. And then began a journey into foodie heaven. Quinoa salad with goat cheese and beets as an opener, on advice of server. Incredible flavors. Unexpected and delicious. My husband had roasted cauliflower soup. Great mix of flavors. Both of us had fish for entrees. I had salmon on top of couscous with a guacamole topper. It was incredible. He had grouper, with cauliflower and brussel sprouts in a broth. The flavors were amazing. We didn't want the meal to end. Fortunately, it didn't. The dessert special was a date cake - never would have picked it, but the server was on a roll so we rode the hot hand. Excellent decision. Moist and delicious. Just for fun, we also got the ricotta cheesecake, which was also incredible. Look, we have tried all the hot spots. We didn't think we were going out for the best meal of all. It just happened.
(5)Stacey G.
Ribs were perfectly cooked, the Peaches were fresh and juicy, the house made iced tea was perfectly refreshing! Food is fresh and local. Staff was friendly and attentive without being over bearing. If I lived here this would be my favorite place. Plus they have the best staff shirts on the planet and you can buy them! Yes I bought the "wash your hands - work hard - be nice to people" shirt. best shirt ever.
(5)Patricia P.
Somewhat difficult to find if you're not familiar with the area but worth seeking out. Had the "Sparky" turkey sandwich and basil lemonade. Delicious!! A bit noisy though...hip decor inside. Would come back again!
(5)Mina K.
I was so looking forward to trying this place. yikes, did not meet expectations. It took 40 min. for our food to arrive and when it did it tasted like they poured the entire box of salt in it. The servers were nice but couldn't understand the lack of attention to the amount of time we waited. The tea was refreshing but not enough to make me go back.
(1)Megan B.
WOW - this place blew me away. I'd had friends highly recommend it but I really didn't know what I was missing. It's very small and eclectic inside and the service is friendly and the waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable. But what really takes it to the next level is the food - WOW. Just wow. We started with sangria and a cheese plate, which was ridiculously good (local honey and cheeses with cranberry bread from Provence and housemade peach-cherry jam). I had the Hollywood Kamel for my entree - an amazing mix of seared scallops, pork belly, and a red pepper relish, with a grapefruit/parmesan/greens (arugula?) salad on the side. Everything went together amazingly well - it was absolutely delicious. Life changing, even. The server gave us a sample of the beet & local honey homemade ice cream for dessert which was interesting but very beet-y, understandably so. Not for everyone! We finished with a date/caramel/pistachio torte for dessert that had an amazing sour-cream-ish sauce on top. We would've ordered coffee but we didn't have time! I love the local handmade art (SG initials in the entry) and the river rocks in the sink in the restroom. This place has thought of everything and the little touches really make it feel special and different. I could've stayed all night! We luckily got there early because we didn't have reservations and if the food is any indication they must be packed out every night. This was one of my favorite meals of all time, and I eat A LOT! I can't wait to go back and I think everyone who finds themselves in Nashville needs to go to Silly Goose. You will be so happy you did!
(5)Joseph M.
Never sit at the bar and watch them prepare food when you are hungry. You'll want to try everything that they are meticulously preparing for their customers! The fresh ingredients makes their salads and sandwiches pop with so much flavor. Aviator salad has a unique favor with nuts and chimichurri that I would eat it all the time if I lived in Nashville!
(5)Morgan P.
The sandwiches that I had here made me want to do the happy food dance. It's the dance I do when my food is particularly good or my fiancé promises to take me on a hike so we can get BBQ nachos. We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday and were treated to a 20 minute wait. I ordered the Zipper and the mister ordered Lyle's Surprise. We each gave each other half. I really enjoyed each of them. I'm notoriously indecisive so I couldn't say if I liked one more than the other, they were just really good. The flavors and textures were spot on. The Zipper was more sweet and the Lyle's more savory. We both ordered the salad as our side and it was properly dressed. We both left without feeling too full or gross, which is always a win in my book. I am looking forward to coming back to try another sandwich concoction! P.S. I really liked the basil lemonade.
(4)Mary G.
Your typical East Nashville, hipster, shabby-chic sandwich shop. Tasty, good food but I wish the prices would better reflex what is offered. $10 for a turkey wrap that had more "other ingredients than turkey? Though the herbed couscous was delicious, not really what I want with a sandwich. I think a choice of homemade potato chips would not hurt a bit. I don't know, I just don't feel like I got my money's worth and yes, there are still people left in Nashville who are watching their wallets! That's it! I couldn't put my finger on it before, SO many of these little chicy eateries popping up all over with creativeish menus but totally over-priced for anyone on a budget.
(3)Scott B.
First time in Nashville so I thought I would go off of the best reviews to find someplace good to eat for dinner. I think most of the reviews are a little skewed by all the hipsters that hangout here. First, this place is more expensive than it is according to Yelp. We had one salad, an order of shrimp, and a side of salmon. Came out to around $50 after tip. The food was good but after a long day of driving and subway for lunch I wanted a real meal. Not 6 shrimp, a couple bites is salmon, and a cucumber slice off my girlfriend's salad. Don't get me wrong the food is good just portioned for those people who have recently had Lap-band surgery. On top of that two of us were placed at one end of the 12 person table where I was dripped on by the a/c (maybe a new form of water refill?). I wasn't expecting the greatest meal of my life but I wasn't expecting to have to order a medium pizza to our hotel room after dinner either. You're probably thinking I'm some fat guy by now but I've been the same waist size since freshmen year of high-school so I promise that's not the case. Oh and we waited almost an hour for this well after normal dinner time.
(3)Patti J.
Fantastic!!! Awesome fresh organic food. A must go to!
(5)Marcia M.
The Goose has been spruced! A dandy new logo, updated menu, and expansion have made this East Nashville bird better than ever... who thought it was possible, right? I certainly always enjoyed the coziness of this previous nook of a dining establishment but the extra square footage is a nice excuse to stretch out and stay awhile. The space is still intimate and hasn't lost any charm and authenticity either. New "nightly specials" are also offered that range in price from $9 - $18 for locally sourced nourishing plates. I happen to be smitten with the Saylor ($9) which is a sandwich comprised of roasted red pepper, avocado, basil, arugula, lemon-kalamata olive aioli, and a "meaty" grilled eggplant on grilled ciabatta bread. I always get the herb couscous which is an especially pleasing side item. I couldn't resist ordering the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea which is well worth the $3 price-tag. Refreshing flavor doesn't come cheap peeps! Our server was doting and very helpful in offering advice for my vegan and my date's vegetarian palates. She basically stated that much on the menu could be adjusted to accommodate our lifestyle. I have to swell with a tad of neighborhood pride as I know that I am one lucky broad to have such a top-notch business right around the corner. Cheers to that Goose!
(5)Esther L.
The Silly Goose was just what I needed, having moved to Nashville from Chicago a few years ago and encountering disappointment at other recommended spots. Several visits later, my satisfaction maintains. I appreciate the range of items available, even on the revised menu. This is a great destination for date night or a small group of friends. I make an exception for couscous here alone. The atmosphere and service are welcoming and attentive. As for food, the Joe Bailey (cheese plate) and all salads are a fresh start to dinner. I've enjoyed the Zipper sandwich, as well as Mexico City and King Kong couscous dishes. Wine can be purchased onsite or BYOB. Perfect. As other reviewers mentioned, look elsewhere if you're in a rush, and dig in if you're ready to wait a little.
(5)Henry V.
I stopped at this place on a trip to Nashville, my first time back in quite a few years. This section of East Nashville has a lot of new dining options; this place stood out because I was in dire need of some vegetables. I had a couscous dish whose presentation was a little bit of a surprise--it was more deconstructed than I expected--but every aspect of it was fantastic. The greens were fresh and firm, the couscous was perfect, and the combination of sweet potatoes and black beans was the perfect thing to prepare me for a couple hours of driving. My girlfriend had a sandwich and the bite I had was great. I'm a sucker for vegetable-heavy menus like this, and if I lived and/or worked in East Nashville, I would come here often.
(4)Noor B.
One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Super seasonal and fresh. Everything on the menu looked amazing - I wanted to try everything but I went with the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea and The Bird. It was the best chicken sandwich I have ever had- hands down! Shared table seating, lots of light, great spot! I can see why Caleb Followill and his wife frequent this place 2-3x/week (according to Eric the server there.)
(5)Gerry J.
I started a health kick about a month ago and since I travel for work a lot, I decided to look up healthy choices in Nashville. I found silly goose on a few websites, including yelp. When I read the menu and read the background, I kind of knew what to expect. It was kind of new age-y and a little hippie. But again, I knew what I was getting into and was looking forward to the food. As I sat down, 4 or 5 tables were occupied. Yes, the seating arrangement is a little awkward (as stated by others), but given the atmosphere they are trying to re-create, it actually makes a lot of sense. They have one long communal table for big crowds of 6 or more. Or a couple of smaller groups could fit. I listened to the server give tips on the food to one of the other tables next to me. He mentioned The Bird as being one of the most popular dishes. I thought about it, and it looked like a really good option. I can tell you hands-down that this was anything but a new age or hippie salad. Instead, the grill pressed Panini style fresh ingredients and abundant and well proportions accoutrements made the sandwich one of the best ones I've had in quite a while. Being from Los Angeles, I think says quite a lot. I also had the pineapple pomegranate juice. It was pretty sweet but still good. I had to cut it down with another glass of water. But that's just my taste. This restaurant definitely deserves five star status, if you know what to expect when you go in. If you base your rating on the quality of food, the service, and the prices, then you will certainly not be disappointed.
(5)Tori M.
One of my favorite low key restaurants in Nashville, for the lunch options (also served at dinner) and the price. Honestly, this is somewhere I typically get my order to go if I happen to be in the area, as the restaurant is relatively small and usually packed. I have had several of their sandwiches and cous cous dishes and absolutely loved them all. A significant amount of my paycheck would go here if I lived closer.
(5)MacGregor B.
Great food, best meal I've had while on my trip. Gourmet, idyllic pairings... wonderful wine and a great and friendly staff. I went here on my birthday with a large party. While we arrived on time, the people occupying our table did not. We were seated about 15 minutes before closing, but they were happy to accommodate us. We had excellent service, wonderful food, and an amazing atmosphere that was not rushed or hoping to get us out the door. Every item on the menu was lauded by our party... appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The staff was truly friendly and awesome. I've only been in Nashville for a little under a month but have visited many great places to dine, but nothing lived up to the Silly Goose. This menu, these people, and the fun we had were unmatched. I couldn't recommend this place any more! Thanks again, guys. WE WILL BE BACK!
(5)Bob S.
If you don't know the chef was voted the people choice for best new chef in the southeast. I had the pleasure of eating therfe again the day the vote came out and the chef knock the meal out of the park. My only complaint is the place is small and if you dont get there at the right time, you may have a wait.... The King Kong Couscous were great!! I am so glad that he was out of Salmon that nite because i would of not had that dish. But because he substituted it with mahi mahi i ordered it, i am just a white fish person. But the flavors of this dish is the best fish dish i have had in Nashville since the Holland House got rid of there catfish dish over the southern bisquit ( I still am holding a grudge about that). If this little place is not on your list... Try it soon!!
(5)Jemina B.
After having one of the best meals of my life last night, I knew I had to update my prior review (which was glowing, as well). This is how much I love this place- my prior review of 4 stars seems paltry in comparision to my recent experience, so 5 stars it is! We started off with the cheese plate, which I highly recommend. It's pretty enough to take pictures of (you bet I did) and a great sampling of local artisan cheeses. The toasted bread served with it is also to die for. The special right now is seared scallops served over a lovely gazpacho/creamed corn medley that I really can't put into words. Just do yourself a favor and get it. Now. Run, don't walk. Hurry! Dessert was their ever-popular "Sex," which I'd have to say lives up to its name. Decadent, chocolatey, and all kinds of naughty. You may have to wait for a table (especially when everyone reads this amazingly written review, duh). But if you're really into food that's lovingly prepared by people who are passionate about high quality ingredients, it's completely worth it. Also, our server Zachary was the bee's knees! Bottom line: pay decent prices for amazing food paired with a non-pretentious environment. What more can you ask for?
(5)Stephanie T.
Cute hipster-ish restaurant. Usually have to wait a little, but that's okay since there is a coffee shop next door you can wait in- They'll come get you so no worries there. The people working there are very nice. The Bird is absolutely delicious. I begrudgingly let my boyfriend try it, but even so, I kept a close eye on the bite size... The couscous here is unbelievably tasty. I usually don't care for sides and focus purely on the main entree, but.. Wow. I polished that plate clean. Their desserts looked promising, but I had already planned to go next door to Jeni's for ice cream, which was also stellar..
(5)Julie L.
The food here is spectacular. But get it to go, because the service is...well, terrible. I had the King Kong couscous/shrimp concoction - the name of the dish is appropriate, because it's so good, I wanted to go apesh*t with each bite. Portion is a little on the small side, so if you're really hungry, you might want to add on something else. I also tried the basil lemonade, which was good, but not memorable. It wasn't busy the day my friend and I were there, and the waiter and waitress who were working acted as if they couldn't be bothered with us the entire time we were there. My friend's glass of tea was refilled by the guy who brought our food out from the kitchen. When my glass of lemonade went empty about 5 minutes later, it was never refilled. The waitstaff never came back to our table to see if we needed anything after our food was brought out, only to bring the check at the end of the meal. Super disappointing. Hopefully this was an off day, because it would be a shame for a place with food this good to go under.
(4)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 4 Service: 4 I came here with three friends for dinner Sunday around 5:30pm. There were barely any tables filled, but the entire place was packed by 6pm, so get there early. Dinner menu here: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… and yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… 1. Bird, 9 yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… Grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread ~Not bad. All the components were good, but it wasn't the best sandwich I've had. Same with the couscous, which was good but a bit bland (maybe that's just couscous though). 2. Citrus-Mint-Ginger Green Tea, 3 Quite good and bottomless. My friend liked it so much she wanted to take a gallon of it home. My friend got the Spalding: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… Service was good, and their bathroom is cute: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71…
(4)Tiffany S.
The sandwiches & couscous are delicious. I was a little surprised that they only offer specialty teas and did not offer more traditional drink options. This made it feel like they may be trying a little too hard to be unique. The place had great ambience and all of the servers were very friendly & attentive. I'd definitely go back but may bring my own drink.
(4)Emma W.
Obsessed with this place. Sad I waited so long to make it out there. But now it's my go-to place for a good meal. Don't wait. Get the KING KONG.
(5)Kaitlyn K.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville re-opened, and it's so cute! Still has that small restaurant vibe, but they do offer a few more seats / tables - and it looks a bit more dressed up. There was still a 25 minute wait last night, but I didn't care a bit. Amazing food, cute ambiance, friendly staff....does it get better??? I have been on a crazy diet, and I am in a phase where I can't have starches or sugars...so they took my favorite sandwich and turned it into a salad, and it was just as good, if not better... (The Bird). They also added quinoa instead of couscous. I mean, above and beyond. Read my other reviews for my favorite dishes....BUT their menu has expanded quite a bit. There's a great Mahi Mahi dish now, and a few exciting salads. The sandwiches are classicly amazing, and my Sparky Wrap is still there too! YAY! PS - cheese plate...still to die for. You can bring in your own bottle of wine, but in a few weeks (I'm told), they'll have their wine license. If you're not a vino lover like me..their tea / basil lemonade is just as good. My.Favorite.Place.In .The.Ville.
(5)Courtney C.
While visiting my sister at Vanderbilt, she took me to silly goose for lunch. I was wary of it while we drove through a less than scenic part of town but WOW. It is amazing! I forget what I ended up ordering but I had the hardest time choosing between at least 3 or 4 sandwiches. I think everything on the menu sounded good. and the basil lemonade was to die for. I had a similar, alcoholic version at a restaurant in Philly the week before and this nonalcoholic version was 10x better. I want to go back to visit her just so I can get another sandwich! Not to mention, the decor is very cute and trendy plus good service- our waitress insisted on closing the blinds because she could see the sun was going to be blinding us during our meal.
(5)Dan D.
This is a tiny place that doesn't take reservations for less than six people, so be prepared for a wait! That said, the food is unique and inspired. I loved the pink panther sandwich with brisket, blue cheese, something pink and something tangy!! Also had some lovely grilled salmon seasoned just right, perfectly oily and tender, not overdone. Delicious, neat new combinations of things, worth waiting for.
(5)Lisa B.
I rarely make it out to East Nashville, but I am pretty confident that's about to change. I've been dragged over the bridge by friends several times in the last few weeks and I'm quickly realizing that East Nash's food kicks Brentwood's food in the rear. Toward the top of the list of reason I will be a more frequent visitor: Silly Goose. I hear it used to be smaller, but I cannot imagine that this is true, because the place is still tiny. There was about a 25 minute wait at 7pm on a Tuesday, so good luck to you if you try it on a weekend. That's all the negativity I have. Oh - and there's no booze on the menu. meh. I had the Citrus Mint Ginger Tea and the Roscoe with a side of couscous. The Roscoe is basically a gourmet BLT with a few extra [read: delicious] ingredients - YUM. The presentation was amazing - they even managed to make a sandwich look pretty. The staff was attentive and friendly and carry iPads for you to swipe your credit card/sign/tip with, which pleased my inner nerd. I also like that the food is organic and not one million dollars.
(4)Carin M.
When you need a break from all the heavy southern food, go to the Silly Goose! We were here on a girls weekend and wanted to eat great food but had enough of the heavy/carby/southern food so we tried this place for a change. Sat at the bar and had such a good time with the wait staff and trying the amazing fresh and yummy food. Ate a panini - awesome and fresh - ate couscous - the one with chicken/goat cheese that is spicy and shared the beet salad and another salad. All delicious and we ate every bite. Also had some good wine and fresh ice tea. For dessert we split the flourless chocolate cake dessert. Great too. Small place so get there early or be prepared to wait. But it is worth the wait.
(5)Zeb M.
After only visit, I think the Silly Goose may be my favorite restaurant in town now. If someone gives this place a bad review, I wouldn't trust them. Or maybe their favorite restaurant is Applebee's.
(5)Tracy M.
I absolutely adore this place! The food is so well thought out, with interesting ingredients and intense flavor pairings. Also, I always feel good about what I ate when I leave, meaning I know I ate something not only tasty but healthy (mostly).
(5)Melissa B.
Stumbled upon this place on accident... First tried Arnold's Country Kitchen, and realized they're not open on the weekends...??? Anyway. This place was a little hidden, small, and fabulous. Walking in, it's very comfortable, casual, kindof hip, but not pretentious (super friendly.) No wait, and fantasitc open kitchen (It's always good to take a peek at who's cooking your food). Their drinks are awesome; We had basil lemonade and Pineapple Red Tea (FREE REFILLS!) Food was yummy with fresh local ingredients (vegetarian friendly) and fair priced. Wish were still hungry for the Orange & Goat Cheese, or Nutella ice cream...
(5)M L.
All I have to say is that The Silly Goose is the best place to eat in Nashville. If you love fish, scallops, or veggie options this is the place. Roderick is a fucking genius, his staff is the best, and the quality is bar none. If you love food, love a good atmosphere, and like BYOB. Simply go here. No questions. I Love Silly Goose.
(5)Frank B.
I was recommended to the place by a close friend of mine, and they were definitely right about this place! I really enjoyed all the funny little names that each of the dishes have. I decided to go with The Foxtrot for my first time and man was it delicious. There are not many places that serve my favorite bird without charging an arm and a leg. The duck was amazing, not too fatty, and although I'm not a big fan of jam, it went extremely well with the pesto on the sandwich. This is definitely one of the best places I've been to in Nashville.
(5)Sunny S.
Oh this was so great! Cozy, great care on the food, just great! I have all positive feedback for u!'
(5)James Q.
The Silly Goose is a very small restaurant, so you often have to wait, but it's well worth it. You can always go next door to Jeni's Ice Cream and drool over it while waiting for a table to open it. My friend and I were seated at the bar area last Thursday evening. She and I both ordered the King Kong, which is their signature dish with couscous and curried shrimp and it's off the wall delicious. For the appetizers, we split the Honest Abe, which is a house-made lamb sausage, and Bingus Trio, which is sesame-lime hummus, roasted red pepper goat cheese, and guacamole served with flatbread. We both loved the Honest Abe. With the Bingus Trio, I preferred the guacamole and hummus over the goat cheese, while my friend liked the goat cheese the best. The service was also great at the bar. The bar waiter in addition to waiting on us also prepared the food. He was also nice enough to give us a sample of a couscous with balsamic reduction. The first time I went there was a year ago; I went with a dining group, although there's only one large table there. They don't cater to groups very well, although if it wasn't for that event, I might have never tried this wonderful place.
(5)R J.
The best food I had while visiting Nashville, and I tried quite a few places. I ate here twice, and tried five different dishes and they were all fantastic. And to top it off, the prices were very reasonable. Nice space, great food, good service, and great value - what more could one want in a restaurant? I only wish it was in Portland so I could go on a regular basis.
(5)Mandi P.
So I've been back many times since the last review and I love this place! The food never disappoints. I try to go on weeknights or for lunch and its always awesome.
(5)Whit W.
Silly Goose is my absolute favorite restaurant in a hundred mile radius of Nashville, and in my top ten anywhere. Like, if this place were a guy, it would be Joseph Gordon-Levitt, talented, handsome, and ridiculously charming. I realize that makes little to no sense, but their food does that to me: it overwhelms me to the point of absurdities. I've had quite a few of the menu items, but my go-to (and the thing I crave constantly) is the Zipper, but it's vital to add bacon. Andy, who is just one of the many wonderful staff members, tipped me off to try it like this. I always get it with a side of the Prince Edward, which is a magical blend of quinoa, sweet potato, avocado, black beans, and a semi-sweet vinaigrette. When they have it, the peach sangria is also to die for. Everything is always made with fresh, quality ingredients, but where Silly Goose truly shines is in its unique and ingenius combination of flavors in every dish. It's a foodie's delight. In case you were unsure, I would HIGHLY recommend trying it. Figuring out the right time to go to avoid a long wait is not a constant formula, but I like to go for an early-ish dinner (5:30ish). But it's always worth the wait.
(5)Trevor H.
Lyle's Surprise is a five star sandwich. Party of four, everyone's dish rocked, as did the appetizers. Do your mouth a favor, get the basil lemonade!
(5)Lauren P.
This is by far the best food I have had in the Nashville/Clarksville area. I am from California and am out here because my Fiance is in the Army. We are both very used to the luxury of amazing food in northern Cali. We have been to many restaurants looking for great food. We found it! The decor is awesome, very cute and artsy. The basil lemonade and pomegranate-pineapple red tea are SO tasty and refreshing. We ate the Zipper and the T-bird sandwiches. They were amazing! I cannot say enough good things about this place. We were stunned with how good everything was. From the beginning to the end our entire experience was a great one! Thank you Silly Goose for a fantastic lunch!
(5)Kristan H.
Silly Goose is a cute, "upscale casual" cafe with great food. My friends and I went for lunch on a Friday with no reservations. We had about a 10 minute wait, which we spent in the Ugly Mugs coffee shop next door. When our table was ready, the Silly Goose hostess came to get us. I had what was possibly the best turkey wrap of my life, accompanied by delicious couscous and field greens. My companions were similarly pleased with their meals. The portions were a good size (I actually took half my wrap home, though my friends ate all their food) and the service was friendly and attentive. Tip: I highly recommend the basil lemonade! In all it was a great first food experience in Nashville, and definitely the kind of place I would go to again.
(4)Eliza R.
I wish I could give the Silly Goose a 6 star rating, it was that good. After hearing many wonderful things about this restaurant, I finally headed over for a late lunch... for 2pm on a Friday, it was surprisingly packed! It is a tiny place, with a few small tables on the perimeter, some seats at a bar, and a large rustic wooden table in the middle that seats multiple people. The ambiance is very charming with a mix of old and new decor. My favorite little touches were the red bandanna napkins! The menu is mouth-watering and simple, consisting mostly of fresh salads, unique sandwiches and rich desserts. I ordered the Frisby sandwich (grilled portabella mushroom on rosemary foccacia) and was pleased that it came with sides of pesto couscous and salad greens. I also got the citrus ginger mint iced tea, which is served in an old fashioned quilted jelly jar. :) I was really anticipating the food after drooling over the menu and it exceeded my expectations! So fresh, tasty and wholesome, and I love that they use a lot of local and organic ingredients. Seriously, everything tasted incredible and I can't wait to go back multiple times and try everything on the menu!
(5)Samantha S.
A friend of mine asked me to meet her at Silly Goose for a late lunch so luckily we found a spot as soon as we walked in. Cute restaurant and even better food. Everything we had was great (The Zipper and Lyle's Surprise) You could taste the freshness and all of the ingredients really popped. It's hard to find a healthy and super flavorful sandwich. Only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was one of the servers/cooks (I think they do both?) dropped a cooking utensil on the ground, picked it up and used it to pick something up off the George Foreman-ish grill. I'm pretty OCD about that sort of thing and it grossed me out very bad. Enough to think twice about going back...
(4)Gregory R.
It's hard to believe, but as a self-righteous (and probably annoying) foodie my favorite food in Nashville is served at this place that doesn't even have a proper kitchen. Apparently all you need are the right fresh local ingredients, a little heat from a foreman grill, some creativity, and wow - delicious. The owner, Roderick(?), seems like he's around 30, is super excited about this place, and is refreshingly modest. He has created the most brilliant dishes. He actually deserves the kind of local celebrity chef status that people like Arnold Myint self-proclaim. My wife and I usually split a couscous dish (like the King Kong with shrimp) and a sandwich (often the Bird) and they always split it up on two plates with half of each which is just one of those little things that I appreciate a lot. The use of beets here is fabulous - both in the juices and the dessert.
(5)Josh K.
Been Going here for lunch for a while now and still one of the best places for lunch in the city. I personally love the Zipper especially. Finally had dinner there last night though and it was one of the best meals I have had in the city along with lockeland and flyte. I had the pony which is one of the best fish dishes in the city and if you aren't a salmon fan they will let you substitute a different piece of fish in for it. Please go try this restaurant if you haven't yet. One last note go to jeni's next door for desert. some of the best ice cream in city along with pied piper down the street.
(5)Sarah S.
It's allll about the Lyle's Surprise. I mean, I love everything at Silly Goose. I love the fancy stuff, I love the King Kong, I love the rosemary lemonade. But that sandwich just kills me every time. Cappicola and fennel soaked with a balsamic reduction on rosemary focaccia? Music to my ears. On our most recent visit, we also got the Karate Man for an appetizer. It was delicious with smoked duck pastrami on a bed of endive. I also like how you can go here for dinner and get a sandwich for $10 or an entree for $25. Your fancy friends with "real jobs" can get the pricier stuff and everyone else can stay in their budget. The prices are right for food these fresh and delicious. Everything is amazing here and it's completely worth the wait.
(5)Chris V.
You really can't go wrong here, but if the decision is just too hard - which it will be - just get the King King. It's life changing! This East Nashville hot spot is one of the city's best. If you're in a rush, you may want to skip it or have a plan B in mind. The space is quite small, so there is usually a wait. But if you're willing to sit next door sipping wine or espresso, the wait will be well worth it. Everything on the menu is delicious and satisfying - trust me, I've had it all!
(5)Yelper S.
Went for late lunch. Surprised to find more and more places like this in Nashville. Feels hip yet quaint. Very tasty and very fresh. Some dishes the portions are a little small. Agree that the bandanas are a nice addition as a napkin, but a natural non scented detergent would be more appropriate for use on the mouth and face.
(4)Greg S.
Holy smokes awesome. Grouper - amazing. Gazpacho awesome. Tomato salad incredible. One of my best recent restaurant experiences. Good vegan options. Fair price. Great service, thx Brian!
(5)Margie B.
WOW! I haven't had a meal that mind-blowing in a long time. We are on a cross country trip this summer, and came here after a long day of driving from DC, on a friend's recommendation. It was well worth the 1.5 hour wait (really, I mean it!). We started with tomatoes (can I lick the plate and not get caught?), followed by the Pack Mule ribs (I have never tasted anything like that) and the Sicilian couscous. Every choice they made in these 2 dishes were surprising and genius. The lemonade and red tea were wonderful. We ended with the beet ice cream (don't miss this one!) and a Ray (fresh peaches, rhubarb and oat crumble). And amazingly it was less than $60 for 3 of us, with plenty of food! Service was outstanding. You can tell everyone here loves what they do. Why do I have to live 3000 miles away from this gem??
(5)Jeremy E.
Great spot in East Nasty. Sandwiches were outstanding as was the couscous. Fresh ingredients and bread makes for a gourmet lunch at a reasonable price. Rosemary Lemonade was a refreshing treat. Service was good, as was the hostesses friendly welcome. Will certainly be back.
(4)David O.
Having recently been featured in Nashville Scene, my girlfriend and I decided to check it out. Wow. The food was delicious! While its mostly a sandwich place, the food seems to deliver at any time of the day. The sandwich offerings seem quite exotic, but don't let any of that fool you. My sandwich was quite rich in flavor. For dessert I tried the recommended Honey Beet Ice Cream which, while sounding disgusting was fantastic! The downside seems to be the small size of the joint, and don't get a chair near the door at sundown! Overall the passion of the staff really comes out in the food and I look forward to returning!
(5)Laila S.
This is one of my favorite East Nashville lunch spots. The couscous is flavorful and completely satisfying. The sandwiches are great too! haven't have a bad meal and don't expect to have one either. Yum!
(5)Andrea R.
Have been looking for fresh, local, and organic options in Nashville. The SIlly Goose was on the top of the list to try and it did not disappoint. I was hoping for a few moe vegetarian options and from that list was a bit picky. They are great about updating menus and announcements via facebook and their ice cream looks divine. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)Casey M.
The greatest treasure in all of Nashville. Locally owned with the freshest local ingredients. Try the beet ice cream with honey.
(5)Samantha Y.
Delicious restaurant with a cute decor. I had "The Bird" with the side salad and couscous. I loved it all! And I loved the price. I will be back soon to try another sandwich (or maybe get the same one I loved it so much) and try one of the desserts.
(5)Caitlin C.
The Bird This is the sandwich that was ordered by my friends who were visiting Nashville from LA. We stopped here for their first meal on a Thursday night. There was no wait to be seated and the food and service was great. My friends were so taken by this sandwich that we came back Friday night. Despite the rain it was buzzzzy. After learning we'd have to wait forever for a table we decided to get our food to go. My friends ordered an extra Bird just in case they'd be craving seconds later that night. Silly Goose was their favorite meal while in town. Lesson learned, get your food to go if you're planning on Silly Goose at anytime on Friday night. PS I'm very fond of all these places that inquire or automatically split checks for tables with a large crowd. It's an amazing convenience that establishments in LA hate doing, many servers become visibly annoyed if you even ask for a split check, and lots of places have completely banned it altogether. My LA friends were very impressed by Silly Goose and other places that offer this option and make payment easy through the use of an iPad.
(5)Nancy V.
If you are going to take someone from out of town to one local restaurant. Well, first, that is a very hard decision! Know that you can not fail if you select the Silly Goose.
(5)Lyndi S.
Silly Goose, it was love at first couscous. I double-dated here with boyfriend and some fellow Yelpers, and I now question why we waited so long to try this place! The atmosphere is laid back, the staff is friendly, but not in your face, and the food is, well... read on. We decided to split the King Kong couscous and the Saylor sandwich, which they split on each of our plates as well, which was great. The King Kong definitely brought a good amount of heat (you can get it sans heat if you're not into that), and was full of all of my favorite flavors: avocado, ginger, curry, mint, etc. Oh, and the shrimp, offering just the right combination of flavor and texture - yum. I need more of that in my life. The veggies on the Saylor were grilled and seasoned to the utmost perfection. If I had it my way, I probably would've refused to split, and then requested to be rolled out of there like Violet Beauregarde. Alas, I held back. But not for long, because I'm sure that we'll be back soon. And now that I know it's BYOB, well, it's on.
(5)Michelle M.
Cute little spot with delicious food with surprising flavors. Pleasant waitstaff. My one critique is the size. This restaurant is so tiny! And there is always a crowd trying to get in and eat (including moi). I wish they had more room to accommodate all of us right away. I hate waiting for that scrumptious food, but I keep doing it because it is really good.
(4)Todd B.
I love this place. Open space, amazing creative menu, great quality and excellent service.
(5)Lindsay W.
Rosemary Lemonade is sheer perfection. I had the T-Bird (minus blue gouda, sub chevre) with 1/2&1/2 couscous and salad greens on the side. Sandwich tasted fresh, homemade, healthy. Bread was amazing. Wish the meat had been more flavorful. Not a fan of the balsamic reduction drizzle on the plate that got all over the underside of the sandwich, and subsequently all over my hands.... awkwardly sticky. Had hoped to try the 4 on the Floor dessert I'd heard so much about but they were out of pears.
(5)Justin R.
The goose is loose! My girlfriend and met up with some fellow yelpers tonight for an awesome dinner. I've heard such great things about Silly Goose and have been meaning to try it for months, tonight was the night. The atmosphere is great. Very casual, laid back vibe going on here. And the staff sure knows how to treat you right. Our waiter was very helpful with pointing out some menu highlights to us newbies. We ordered the king kong couscous and the sailor sandwich. We told them the we were going to split both dishes, and instead of bring out two separate dishes for each meal, they split everything up for us. Nice touch guys! The food was so delicious and flavorful. The sriracha that covered the king kong, gave it just the right about of heat. Oh and I can't forget to mention the delicious peanut sauce on the shrimp. Cooked to perfection. They also have great teas and lemon-aids that are made fresh daily. If you are looking something a little stronger, have no fear, that goose is BYOB. So, pick up you favorite brews and a bottle of wine on the way, and they will gladly serve you. The goose knows what's up!
(5)Hunter K.
Great food greatly overshadowed by hostess's ongoing attitude problem. Here's my video review.... youtube.com/watch?v=L2I3…
(1)Peggy O.
Nashville - you continue to amaze me. This little East Nashville treasure is my perfect cup of tea. Funky, casual and locally grown food that is good to boot. Scallops that both coasts would be proud of. Beet salad with large chucks of beets, not slivers. Mentioning to the server we were going to split, we were pleasantly surprised when they split them prior to bringing the dinners to the table. The basil lemonade was addictive and refills kept coming. Feel free to bring your own beer and wine with no corkage fees. We arrived early, determined to beat the crowds. Success. The servers were warm, courteous and attentive. Will return - and soon.
(5)Jason M.
My wife and I went here for her birthday. It was a Thursday and it was busy... we were told there could be up to a 45 minute wait... we decided to wait and were seated within about 15-20 minutes... great job exceeding expectations! The names of everything on the menu are very interesting and I've not figured out the theme yet, but it seems western maybe... We had the Abe Yoeman starter which is house made lamb sausage... It was so good! Then for mains we had The Hustler and The Pony (yogurt marinated chicken in lentils and salmon respectively), both excellent. Then for desert we had two Reverse Cowgirls... We will definitely go back!
(5)Michelle H.
Fresh, healthy, delicious, beautiful, fair prices, amazing service, unique dishes and drinks and ice cream made from scratch. COME ON. There's literally nothing bad about this place. My favorite was the T-Rex sandwich and honey beet ice cream. YUM!
(5)Sarah C.
I was shocked when I made a lunch date with some east-Nasty friends and they suggested Silly Goose! I had no idea that they reopened! Cue the hallelujah chorus! Super pumped and starving, it was Saturday afternoon so without surprise we had to wait for about 30 minutes for a table. I must say, upon first impression I was expecting more seating. They did add several more tables and a long communal-style farmhouse table but still can't fit all the folks that are craving the goose. When we were seated, service was impeccable. Like these kids have done this before! Prompt, eager, and patient. All that I look for when I dine out. Without a doubt my favorite part of Silly Goose is the tea. I had this erotic concoction of mint and fruit-incredibly tasty. I must have downed three or four mason jars full before I even considered the sugar content. For my meal, I ordered the Saylor and was slightly disappointed when it arrived. The vegetables were great but it needed more flavor like a balsamic or feta on there. It would have made the meal out of this world.
(3)Caroline G.
This place is silly delicious. My co-workers and I drove from Vanderbilt to visit this place. The service was spectacular. Since there was a wait, we went next door to Ugly Mug to wait, and the hostess came to fetch us when our table was ready. I had the steelhead salmon entree for dinner with a side of herb couscous. Who knew couscous could be this good?! I'm still sitting here just reveling in my extremely delicious dinner. Good job Nashville. Totally worth venturing out of downtown.
(5)Kendyl S.
Cous Cous, the food so nice they named it twice? I love Silly Goose. I grew up in a house where my mom always served couscous as a side dish and I thought I liked it then. Silly Goose is on a whole other couscous field. The Mexico City is amazing, jalapenos and mango and goat cheese. Yummm. Last time we were there my mom ordered the King Kong and it was equally delish. I had the flower basket, wild mushrooms, mascarpone, other great things. Its gooooood! The sandwiches are good too, lots of veggie options. I dont know that Ive ever had the desserts but ive heard they rock, and the teas and lemonades are so nice! The only downside is that the place is small and there is usually a wait, so be prepared for that.
(4)thomas r.
Had a business friend in from Toronto who is vegan and I LOVE meat! Wife suggested the Goose and we both loved it. Had a bit of a wait, was a tad unorganized and not a huge fan of the seating arrangements but the food was great. Just another fantastic dining option on the Eastside! Good job Goose.
(4)Janet S.
I know people love this but I prefer my cous cous traditional the old Algerian way. However, I tried their King Kong, basically a dozen shrimp overcooked and skewered accompanied by a mound of cous cous with multiple flavors, I get what they are trying to do...nouveau cous cous but it felt there was too much going on for my palate and the portions were small Nice c.asual seating and reasonably priced, beer and wine and interesting rosemary lemonade, (though I watered it down more and it brought out more flavor) AND YES the beetroot ice cream was delicious as promised by the faithful fans.
(3)Benson C.
Good food and service, but be prepared to wait on the weekend evenings. It's a good place to go for dates or just a casual dinner. It's a fairly cozy restaurant located in East Nashville. I believe they expanded the dining area in the past year or two to accommodate the amount of customers that have been coming to dine at this fine restaurant. The food is fresh and local which makes it perfect for those who prefer local ingredient meals. I feel like many of the food businesses in Nashville are trying to use local ingredients and I applaud them for that. It's rare to find places like these in Chicago, and I'm glad to live near places like these who offer fresh and great tasting and locally-grown cuisine.
(4)Laura T.
Love the King Kong!!! every time my family comes up for a visit we go there several times during their stay in TN.
(4)Nicole S.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I came to Silly Goose last September, so this review is way past due but consistent with other reviews. A colleague recommended this place to me as I wanted to try a local restaurant that wasn't typical southern food. (As a northerner I jump at the chance for great BBQ and southern food. However, as I spend a month each year traveling throughout the South for work, I vowed to stay away from sweet tea and all things fried). And I digress... Silly Goose was amazing!!!!! It was so good I went back the next day. I tried bird and sparky and they were both great. I would go in to more detail but there's no need, they were simply amazing. However, what really took the cake for me was the couscous. I NEVER eat couscous, in my mind there's rice, rice and more rice. However, their arugula pesto couscous was amazing. I ordered a side of it to take with me. I also tried the citrus, mint and ginger green tea mixed with the rosemary lemonade, also good. The staff was nice and very attentive. I sat at the bar the first day and the waiter described just about everything on the menu, helping me make a decision. I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Caitlin D.
Yelped a healthy place to stop and eat on a roadtrip passing through Nashville, and found this gem. Went by all the reviews, and I truly loved the food (portions too), ambience, and the service. Had the Spalding and my boyfriend had the Frisby-both unbelievably delicious. What a pleasant place to find in a sea of fast food joints and chains!!
(5)Daniel L.
I thought I could fly away from CA and its annoying yuppies, but Silly Goose seems to have attracted them. Well, that's okay because the food more than makes up for a slightly pretentious atmosphere. The staff were friendly enough, and I absolutely loved the owner's honest passion for dishing out fresh local ingredients to customers. I ordered the smoked salmon sandwich with goat cheese, and it ... was ... fantastic. The strength of the cheese complimented the smoky tang of the salmon, and the crunch of the grilled rye provided texture and taste. The prices were fair, too, and the decor of Silly Goose was modern and open. If I were local, I would definitely return. I give the food a 4, and the seemingly overwhelming "hipster" feel a 3.
(4)Gabriella H.
We have been to Silly Goose twice--once for dinner and another time for lunch--and enjoyed it both times. The first thing we have to say is: yay for BYOB. No one can ever complain about that. The next is: just to warn you, they serve their couscous cold. It was this fact that threw us off and made me not quite love dinner (I also didn't really enjoy the flavor components of the couscous) even though I could have my salad, which consisted of mushrooms, goat cheese, and artichoke, over and over again. Silly Goose can't be beat for tasty and reasonably priced food and satisfyingly sized (and original) desserts. We have brought in a friend from out of town who loved it just as much as we did, and we will be going back again.
(4)Jak I.
Great food. I had the brisket sandwich and it was very tender and was perfect with the other ingredients. Bread was excellent. Also I recommend the Green iced tea with ginger, mint, and (forgot). I have seen this done on cooking shows but never seen anyone do it in a restaurant; the guy wiped the plate with a towel very carefully before plating. With that said it does seem to be a very busy place at times and is small. It's far from fast food because they take their time and do things right, so go when you got a few extra minutes.
(5)Benjamin R.
Got one of the cous cousin dishes that was good, and a fish entre that was very good. But, not quite good enough in my mind to merit a 1.5 hour wait. There are lots of equally good places that will take a reservation.
(3)Jess R.
I ate here during my first trip to Nashville, and was quite excited to experience one of the city's finest. I was instantly pleased by the ambiance and decor. However, I was ultimately quite disappointed by both the service and the food. First of all, we had trouble finding our server throughout our meal, which included appetizers and full entrees. When he was present, he was inattentive and sloppy. Within the first ten minutes of the meal, he dropped a glass, which shattered near our table (and two of our open toed shoes). While this could happen to anyone, he did not clean under the table, leaving shards of glass around our feet. When clearing the dishes, he stacked them in a messy pile almost fully in front of me, dropping dirty forks and knives into my eating space. He also did not provide silverware for the second course, so five of us had to wait after our entrees were provided to begin eating. At the price point, I expected better service. With regards to the food, the server was uninformed and unhelpful. He delivered a cheese plate without bothering to tell the table which cheese was which (this is clearly desirable given the price point and the attraction of eating high quality, local cheeses). We had several different bottles of wine, and a. he didn't tell us which wine we were drinking, and b. tried to serve heavier wines earlier in the meal (clearly, he knew nothing about the wines or standard serving protocol). He was additionally more interested in hitting on the other women at the table rather than helping us. He spent most of our meal sitting and talking with the other servers, rather than helping us. For the most part, the dishes had too much going on - they were convoluted and contrived, without a lot of flavor impact. They appeared more for show than for flavor - again, at a restaurant that pitches itself as higher end serving local fair, there is no need for such overcompensation. Poorly conceived, and poorly executed. Chef Ramsey, we have your next victim...
(1)Amy B.
Duck, Duck, Silly goose! This place is "it!" I walked in on a Saturday mid afternoon with my sister. We were immediately greeted by a hostess who directed us to the bar. I was really surprised there wasn't a wait, but happy. I didn't think I would enjoy sitting at the bar but I really did! It was cool to see all of the different dishes being made and the service was awesome. The place is one of a kind. It has cute little chandeliers, they use bandannas for napkins, and every glass is different for every table. We were served our pomegranate pineapple red tea in mason jars. I felt very much like I was eating at an old friend's house! We ordered with recommendations from our waitress. My sister got the simple salad and really loved it. And I got the Sparky. Omgeeee, did I make the right decision! The dried cranberries & brie are what originally drew me to this menu item, but the entire thing was a taste sensation. The sun dried tomato wrap came out grilled and it also had a little balsamic glaze. I ate every single bite. Most of their sandwiches come with greens and couscous. I opted for the greens only. They were so fresh. I can't wait to go back to silly goose for my next Nashville adventure!
(5)Lap L.
If I had my own plane I would fly to Nashville just to eat at Silly Goose. What a unique place. A little off the beaten path but Oh is it worth the trip. The place is casual and small no need to dress up fancy. The menu made it hard to decide what to pick but the well informed staff explained each dish. We started with the green tea and cheese plate. Amazing! For the main course we both wanted to have the Snapper but I gave in and ordered the Salmon so we had a chance to try two dishes. The pairing of flavors in these dishes made my taste buds dance with excitement. The chief is a genius. Dessert was just as original in taste as the rest of the meal. The chocolate cake was great but the ricotta cheese cake was the real winner. The pictures can't capture how good the food is. I wanted to go back our last night there but just couldn't. If you only have one night to dine in Nashville pick the best and eat at Silly Goose.
(5)Mohamed M.
I happen to just walk in here by mistake but it's one of the best mistakes I ever made in Nashville. I believe I had the sparky wrap and I also tried the Walcie (how ever you spell it) salad and the ginger mint tea. The food was good as hell omg it was good!!!!!! And the ppl there are soooo nice.
(5)Kelly E.
We were seated at the bar, which saved us the 30min wait and turned out to be entertaining as we got to watch the food prep. Our waiter was great. We started with a cheese plate that was excellent. I got the sea scallops in a gazpacho sauce, which were fresh and perfectly cooked. The favors were amazing. My husband got the King Kong, a couscous dish with Asian influences like coconut, coriander, sirachi, sesame and grilled shrimp. It was also very good. Definitely some place we would love to go back.
(4)David G.
Abysmal. Absolutely and positively atrocious. I cannot even comment on your food because your service and obviously your floor manager for the evening were so poor tonight that I was never able to find out. First, the story and followed up by a few other observations: The story: It's tonight, a Friday, and we decide to give this place a try. We call at 6:15pm to ask what they had available that was gluten free - as we always do - and we ask about reservations. Silly Goose can do gluten free - check. But, you don't take reservations except for parties of 6 or more (see: other observations at the end). Ok, so we're a party of 2 but decide that based upon reviews and hearsay it'll be worth it. We leave the house around 6:45pm with the expectation of a wait - it is prime time dinner hour approaching and it's a Friday. We arrive at your restaurant at 7:16 (I know this because that's what your completely useless hostess wrote down next to my name). I ask for the wait time: 40 - 50 minutes. Fine. Like I said, we knew there would be a wait. At about the 30 minute mark, I grow concerned as no one and I mean no one that was also waiting outside with us or across the way in Ugly Mugs had been seated. We continue to wait. You had two separate parties of 8 with reservations. One finally gets seated. But from 7:30pm until what at this point is 8:00pm the other table is set for the other reservation. But, you know you have a super small restaurant and you have to push together to four tops just to seat 8. So, you've left two tables just sitting there for a half hour empty. At this point in the story, the two girls who had been outside long that they were sweating when we arrived go inside to check on their status... you see they had been told 30 - 40 minutes and they were approaching 1 hour and 15 minutes. They come back outside and have found out that your other party of 8 had been there, left to "go get wine" and "would be right back". At that point, your floor manager should have simply said, "No.". You have two four tops held for these people and you have maybe 15 tables in the whole joint. Look, you didn't know they didn't serve alcohol... too bad. Either tell them 'No' then or give them a very limited time table (it's East Nashville... there are plenty of liquor stores nearby). Instead you never free up the table and just leave it empty while so many more customers wait outside. And that point, it was 8:15pm and we left and went across the street. Your hostess never had any idea what was going on, she was completely incapable of quoting times even within the grace period that I'd give folks of +/- 15 minutes. I've worked service industry, it's a tough guess. Your manager for the evening was useless, spineless, and should have opened that table long ago once your wait list got behind by over 30 minutes. We ran into those girls who were sweating when we arrived later on that night. They stuck around to try your food. They said it was good, but they'd never dine in again. They also said we would have waited at minimum another 45 minutes. Your inability to turn tables, but particularly your inexcusably spineless manager are to blame. General observation: Either (a) Allow EVERYONE to make reservations, or (b) allow NO ONE to make reservations. And if you allow everyone to make reservations, then walk-ins simply get turned away and are encouraged to make reservations on super busy nights. And if you allow no one reservations, then large parties just learn to get there early and suck it up because they are a large party (much like they'd have to at many a restaurant). Congratulations, Silly Goose, you are officially the WORST service experience I have had in Nashville since moving back here after a few years hiatus about 9 months ago.
(1)Simon K.
Here's the short and important: - Prices are appropriate but not a bargain - Aesthetics are nice. They put a lot of effort in creating a nice environment - It has the overall "Cool" factor Here's the long and and less important: - It's NOT pretentious. It's not trying to come off like a foo-foo wannabe hip restaurant like Suzy Wong's or Mad Platter. I mean they use real silver for silverware... c'mon, not even fine dining restaurants do that Talk about cool, they swipe you credit card on an ipad, and then you sign w/ your finger. The downside: it's just another salad and sandwich place. I know they use excellent ingredients, but in the end I just don't wanna spend that much on a sandwich. It's a better quality higher-priced Panera Bread.
(3)Ray H.
I love this restaurant! The bird and the zipper (add bacon) are amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food fresh and bold, and the staff extremely friendly and ultra cool. what more is there to say? You should go right now.
(5)Mindy J.
This is one of the better restaurants I've been to anywhere. The relaxed home style environment was very pleasant and inline with the rest of Nashville's East side. We had two fish entrees that were so good we debated licking the plate. The best compliment I can give a restaurant is to take a menu home and I now have one from the silly goose in my file the service was also prompt.
(5)Lana O.
Food is beyond delish. Got the Mexico City and I couldn't have asked for more flavor or fresher ingredients. It was just so incredibly well made! I agree that I wish that the place was a little bit bigger/had more ambience, but for fresh food I have yet to see it topped in Nashville. And yes, it is a little bit pricey.
(4)Nathan W.
Every time I've tried to go to this place in the past few months it seemed to be closed. It was as if the world was telling me, "don't eat there, you won't enjoy it." Now I understand what the world was really telling me, "don't go there, you just might fall in love with it." On a whim I ended up here for lunch. Surprised to find it open, I gleefully made myself at home with some clients and co-workers. Here is where my affair began. Beverages. Really, beverages? I am serious. I had some sort of tea concoction that I can't really describe, but I get the impression that they change regularly. It was sublime (a word I seem to throw around too much). Follow that up with my entree, the T-Bird. A delightful sandwich of Gouda, beef, greens, and all other sort of yummy stuff. The desserts looked amazing as well. It's not a terribly detailed review, but maybe a love affair shouldn't be too detailed. Just tantalizing enough to make you want to come back for more.
(4)Danielle B.
Best restaurant in Nashville. Farm to table and very creative. Great warm ambiance as well. Plus Jeni's is right next door.
(5)Kurt R.
Good grief....I had a food orgasm. I ate the sparky and the bird then I was on a food high. I was so happy I wasn't sure if this food was that good or they slipped Prozac in there. Absolutely loved it! Top 5 of all time!
(5)Chad B.
two words: king kong!
(5)Kel Vin W.
I've been meaning to try this place for the longest time and finally got to try it recently during lunch. It's delicious healthy food! I really love their King Kong curried shrimp with couscous! And I also love their Papa mace quinoa salad. This is not the stereotypical health-nut food, this is good food prepared in a healthy and tasty manner. My friend got the Bird sandwich which is a good chicken sandwich. I've tried both their Citrus mint ginger green tea and Apple cider black tea, and they were not too sweet and very well-balanced. I really like the neighborhood feel to it, like an "upscale hole-in-the-wall" if you may. The servers are always friendly and everybody chips in to ensure you have a good experience (my drinks were always readily refilled). I really love this place and this is one of my favorites in nashville!
(4)Betsy L.
I recently went here for a company holiday party, and it was absolutely delicious! Such a well decorated small restaurant. Has a great intimate feel, but not overbearingly so.
(4)Carmen J.
Aside from seeing too many food preparers licking their fingers and using the same fork while 'seasoning to taste', this place is THE BOMB. The T Bird, with it's hearty toasted bread, roast beef and blue cheese, is my sometimes vegan and always gluten-free nightmare. I've succumbed to it twice since cutting gluten, dairy and meat out of my diet. It's a real hassle trying to get it out of my mind... that T Bird. I'd also suggest the cheese plate. While expensive, it boasts the best cheeses complimented with the sweetest local pears and delicious delicious breads I've ever gotten out of a cheese plate. While I'm sure the restaurant will get an alcohol license once it expands, take advantage of the b.y.o.b without wine corking fees. Doesn't get any better than that! ps I'm not joking about the spit sharing part. I saw the people preparing the food lick their fingers and reuse the same taste testing fork the first four times I ate at Silly Goose. This place is so good that I didn't let that stop me from coming back.
(5)Veronica P C.
Silly Goose = interesting. Very innovative with its menu, I tried their Sparky Wrap with their Rosemary Lemonade and their Sex dish for dessert. Overall their food had a lot of flavor, the Rosemary Lemonade is worth trying, very good. Staff was great as well. Try making a reservation before going, this place is very very small and you can end up waiting for a long time. There is parking right outside, nice, informal ambiance , pretty laid back.
(4)Jay W.
The food is pretty good. I think the sandwich with goat cheese is very nice. Pumpkin soup is delicious as well. As for entrees, not a huge fan. For $2.5, my home cooked salmon tastes a lot better in texture and flavor. I will still go there for sandwiches and pass the more expensive and underwhelming entree selection. Servers are quite friendly and attentive. The tall host guy at the front door could use a smile and attitude check.
(4)Carie B.
I absolutely love this little restaurant. Ingredients so fresh, locally grown, organic, and so delicious! It's also priced well.
(5)Gabriela L.
Delicious, tiny, unique. I love the sandwiches. Great spot for lunch!
(4)Samma A.
Your a silly goose! if you live in Silly Goose neighborhood and don't try their couscous or deli sandwiches. Its not a big place but big 'nuff to quickly give you a to go wich or such. Roderick likes to buy locally grown and produced stuff. It shows in the gourmet standards. Good wraps and salads too but the couscous really helps make this place special. Spicy courscous is mexican influenced with chili spice and goat cheese. Or try mediterranean or asian influenced shrimp couscous. They even make their own ice cream.
(5)Valerie K.
Love this spot! Great food, friendly staff and very quaint. This was our first visit and we will be back! Sitting at the bar was an experience watching the peeps next door! I look forward to the expansion. Keep up the good work, Silly Goose.
(5)Rose W.
The food was very good. The staff doesn't wash their hands. Wearing the same gloves all day is no different than no gloves at all. I watched staff wipe their dirty gloves on dirty towels then clean counters, sweep floors, touch their hair. With same gloves continue to reach into food bins and touch other food products like the breads. I did say something but the girl got defensive and said "well wouldn't they have food in their hair?". Uh no. Not if u wipe your dirty ass gloves on your dirty ass towel then touch your dirty ass hair just before you put your dirty ass hands back in the food bin. She stopped arguing when I told her I got video. There is a post on 10/13/11 of a young couple who got sick eating dinner there. I blew it off at first. Now I see why they got sick. It would be a shame to see this place get shut down. The food was good but was difficult to eat after what I observed. The most troubling though was the defensive reaction when I reported it.
(3)L S.
The food here is just really good. And different. And it's charming.
(5)S M.
OMG I LOVE THIS PLACE. It's seriously THE BEST PLACE EVER. Most places in Nashville are overpriced and not so good. For what you pay, this place is amazing. An absolute must.
(5)Kath F.
Have been reading some of the other reviews with a big smile. The Silly Goose is my husband's and my favorite restaurant in Nashville. Roderick (the owner and creator) is the nicest ever, and his staff is warm and wonderful. Besides going there often alone, we always take our out-of-town guests there. Without exception, all have loved it, and ask to go back there when they are in town again. I am a total food snob (good or bad, just is what it is!) and this is the most delicious, creative food in Nashville. My favorites are the Lyle's Surprise sandwich and the King Kong shrimp and cous cous dish. We love bringing our own wine or beer. I love that all the food is locally and sustainable sourced, the meats come from local or nearby farms, and the ice creams are the best in Nashville - wait no, in the UNIVERSE! :-) Without exception, we leave with happy smiles and look forward to returning to The Silly Goose. Which will be as soon as it re-opens! Cheers guys.
(5)Lauren F.
what a wonderful lunch place. i would go here all the time if i lived near... i got the sicilian cous cous which was moderately seasoned and a nice balanced of textures, with the nuts and soft couscous. there was a little more cappicola than i cared for on the plate because it is so very satly, but, it is reminiscient of bacon and i love bacon. three sauces drizled on top were so beautiful and tasty. honey beet ice cream, spearmint cardamom, and vanilla cinnamon sampler was pretty much the best dessert ever. and i love how they list the local farms where the got the veggies and cheeses from. i want to try everything on the menu!!
(5)Kaci P.
King Kong Cous Cous is amazing. The ambience is really great. The staff is fantastic. The food came out really fast. All in all a great experience!
(5)Micheal P.
My first trip to silly goose was a little off-putting. The restaurant was small and crowded. I felt like I had paid a lot of money to sit in a corner eating glorified couscous. I wrote it off a little too soon. I returned with a friend and realized the error of my ways. That couscous is not being given inappropriate amounts of glory. It IS actually really good. A perfect accompaniment to the delicious sandwiches they serve. And wait, whats this liquid I just dispensed in my cup? Citrus basil tea? How positively refreshing! I'm so sorry I wrote you off, Silly Goose. You're a Nashville treasure.
(4)Will P.
Super cool place. I've been meaning to try it for a long time b/c pretty much everyone raves about it. I had the Mexico city couscous. I think it's cool that they have an array of couscous based dishes. That can't be too common. Next time I think I'll ask what their most popular items are and try those.
(4)Melissa C.
One of my favorite restaurants. Food is always fresh and locally sourced when possible. The couscous is so tasty and filling. I've never been disappointed, but I usually go at off peak times to avoid the wait. Definitely try the lemonade and iced tea options as well.
(5)T M.
Truly outstanding. A marvelously inventive menu, expertly prepared dishes. Maybe the best meal I've had in Nashville. The restaurant is cozy and charming except... One complaint: music was too loud to hear dinner partner or waitstaff. It's a restaurant not a club.
(5)Bryan B.
Looking for yummy lunch spot in East Nashville? Look no further! I've been to Silly Goose a handful of times now and each time was better than the last. This isn't your ordinary sandwich shop. The food here is created with finesse and complex flavors. I'm usually a straight-forward bologna sandwich type of guy but I love the tastes and enjoy all the food here. This is one of those places where you shouldn't get the same thing twice. The restaurant is quite small though so depending on your timing, you could be in for a wait. If you are stuck with a wait, go next door and grab some coffee or even some ice cream. You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)Miriam M.
The Silly Goose is located in the darling five points area and If I were to describe this place in 1 word I'd say it's REFRESHING. Don't get me wrong, I love southern food but this place uses fresh ingredients, eclectic and healthy options on their menu, and has such a friendly staff. They have some great ice tea options too. I got the King Kong Couscous and the flavors were just perfect together. Sesame couscous and curry shrimp, covered in coconut curry sauce siracha and cashews. I wish I could eat this meal once a week. And it's not heavy at all. My friend got the Mexican couscous which was also good but not better than the King Kong. They have a lunch menu, dinner menu, and an all day menu. I wish we had time on our trip to go back again because the "Memphis Queen" dish sounds killer. Tip: get dessert at Jenis ice cream next door!
(5)Josh T.
I really wish I could give this restaurant a great review because I talked it up so much based on the reviews before we went. However, the service was...for lack of a better word...bad. We went at lunch time and were seated immediately. But from the time we ordered till the time out food was served was easily 45 minutes. All we ordered were sandwiches. Now, the food was fantastic. So maybe we just got a slow day, but I was disappointed with the service.
(3)Paul G.
The food and vibe here were great. I was in Nashville from Chicago and The Silly Goose reminded me of some of the cooler, healthier restaurants in some of Chicago's trendier neighborhoods.
(5)Katie M.
This was an awesome experience. My dad and I were driving across the country and stopped in Nashville for the night and stopped here because it was right next to Jeni's ice cream. It was delicious and the servers were extremely friendly and attentive . My flank steak was cooked perfectly and mixed with sweet potatoes and Gorgonzola it wasn't too heavy. GObL HERE
(5)F. S.
This is an update review for takeout. I just had a baby, so we ordered takeout in those early days when it's so hard to go anywhere. It was perfect! So beautiful and tasty in the box. So much better than the last time (which I realized was 3 years ago!). This place is unstoppable. Food is great, service is even better. And takeout is a good choice!
(5)Darren L.
My wife loves it. My sister loves it. My friends all love it. I'm just not crazy about it. Crazy long waits regardless of day or time it seems. Tiny ,hip Eastside eatery. I've been three times and twice I've had the turkey sandwich thing. It is great but nothing else really interests me. Great service, great fresh farm to table ingredients ... Just not my fave.
(3)Hannah J.
I have been here twice now and I have enjoyed every bite. They are definitely vegetarian friendly. More importantly though, they are creative! I have grown weary of uninspired vegetarian dishes on menus meant to please meat-eaters. Silly Goose has managed to do the complete opposite: creative vegetarian dishes worthy of anyone's palate. Last night, I had the Spalding. I really love goat cheese. The Spalding has goat cheese. It was divine and I ate the whole thing. I didn't even feel guilty about it since their portions are perfect and the food isn't too heavy. The previous time I ate there I had the Saylor. This sandwich has my other favorite food: avocados. Plus, they let you order half couscous and half salad for your side in case you don't want to just pick one. To top it off, the desserts are killer. I had the Muffin Top last night with Cinnamon Mascarpone ice cream. It had amazing chunks of cinnamon apples and wasn't too sweet. It tasted like something you want to eat every fall evening to help you stay warm and toasty. Previously, I had the Sex which is a fancy chocolate dessert. It was much more decadent. Both are great for sharing. The atmosphere is casual and laid back. They don't serve alcohol, but you can BYOB. Also, there isn't much of a waiting area since the restaurant is small. However, you can hang out at the spacious coffee shop next door. (Ugly Mugs) Sometimes they have live music so it's kind of fun. I highly recommend Silly Goose for a simple evening out. If you have a large party you can make reservations, otherwise you might have to wait. Try a Tuesday night if you want to be sat right away.
(4)Brent R.
I had planned out our dining escapades for our mini vacation to Nashville, and I was particularly excited about Silly Goose. We arrived Friday night to an understandable 45 minute wait, but after I gave my name and heard the hostess tell two friends of hers that she'd "try to get them in," I decided to go nextdoor to the Wild Cow. Hence the 4 out of 5 stars. Despite this, Art and I decided to return Saturday evening at an earlier time. The 15 or so tables were still booked, but the bar was wide open. I wasn't going to miss my chance this time. Enter the Zucchini and Artichoke on ciabatta, with the "Papa Mace" quinoa salad on the side. AMAZING. The sandwich veggies were well-seasoned and tender, and the quinoa was superb with sweet potato chunks and dried cherries. Art had the turkey club-esque sandwich with basil aioli, cranberries and brie with couscous and thoroughly enjoyed both. Finally, even though Jeni's is next door, we couldn't pass up the chance to try their house-made creams. We had the Vanilla-Nutmeg and Rosemary-Fennel Seed. Again, all amazing, but the Rosemary was killer. We loved sitting at the bar, interacting with several employees, and watching the kitchen buzz with preparations. Truly a wonderful place!
(4)Caroline L.
I'm in love. From the moment I walked in, I was totally charmed. The decor is chic, funky, and fun. The food was ultra fresh, LOCAL, and well thought out. I feel like it was a mirage- can that combination of flavor, healthiness, and value really exist?? It does! From my first bite of marinated artichokes and lamb sausage to my brie, turkey, and cranberry wrap, and port poached pear desert, I cleaned every plate!
(5)Kim B.
I'm going to say it now....I've never had the level of service at ANY restaurant that I've been to than here at Silly Goose! My colleagues and I were in town for just one night in Nashville and had heard that Silly Goose was the place to go. We were in a tad of a time crunch and heard that their kitchen closed at 10 PM at night. Once we got to our hotel at 9:35, we booked it over to Silly Goose to try and get a table for 11 people. While we were in a rush to place our orders by 10, our friendly waiter, Andy told us not to rush and that no matter what time it was, we could place our orders. I love that! Our group had a "to die for" feast. Every bite of everyone's plate I had was to die for! We were definitely the last group to leave. Unfortunately as we were not from the area we had to rely on cabs. Ivy called cabs for us at 1030 to come at 11. But after waiting for an hour and a half with no cabs in sight, and after calling several cab companies, Ivy offered to drive us in shifts to downtown Nashville! TALK ABOUT SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY!!! While Ivy took one group, our second group was hanging out and Andy and the other wait staff offered us wine and whiskey as we wait! While we knew that they had better places to be than work on a Friday night, we were so grateful for them to go out of their way to not only drive us places but entertain us. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SILLY GOOSE! Andy, Ivy, you guys are by far the kindest people we've ever met and gave us exceptional service! I will be back here again!
(5)Chad P.
If you went to the Silly Goose a few years ago, it's worth checking out again. The place has totally changed and now has space to sit down. Their menu is vastly improved since my last visit, plus the vibe has changed somewhat. Green light.
(4)Michael N.
In continuing my exploration of Nashville, I ended up at Silly Goose for dinner. I have to admit, this a pretty interesting place to rate. From what I've seen, Nashville is desperately short on modern American cuisine so I consider this place to be quite a treat as man cannot (should not?) live on steaks and BBQ alone. When you first sit down, it feels like a common west coast restaurant from back home, but there are some big differences. For one, I ordered the scallops ($23) not because I really wanted scallops, but because the pricing of the other rest of the menu totally confused me. $9-$11 for an entree? I'm sorry, I don't understand. Do I pay the other half later? Secondly, the portion sizes were enormous as if this were San Francisco, I would be lucky to get three scallops. Instead, I got five and they were sitting on a large bed of grits mixed with some mushrooms and hazelnuts. The couscous entrees ($9.50) were also quite generous and considering I started with their mushroom-artichoke-mascarpone salad ($10), it was a ton of food for two. I didn't get dessert, but I noticed that their pound cake dessert included two slabs of cake that were large enough to feed a family of four. Of course, it's not perfect. In the end, I'm from California so I actually do like overpriced dishes in ridiculously dainty portions and I found the food to be over-sauced and the plates constructed in a very sloppy manner. But you know, I sat at the bar and watched them assemble these plates and there was undoubtedly a lot of love put into the dishes. As I walked back to the car, I couldn't help but think that there was something very genuine and honest about serving me a large portion of high quality food at a good price without any of the pretentiousness of trying to create a food sculpture that looks like it belongs in a Cartier. And in the end, maybe that's what makes this place a Nashville restaurant and not a Los Angeles one. If that's the case, then I hope they never change.
(5)Mikaela Z.
A main goal for a weekend trip to Nashville was to eat nothing but amazing food. The Silly Goose really set the bar high being our first stop for lunch. Brought our own beer in, server didn't seem to mind that we weren't buying alcohol there. Bonus points for said trendy musiciany looking server. Side note: felt instantly cooler walking in here. Every server I saw was probably about to hit it big as Nashville's next great country pop/rock superstar. Had the Rosie salad and Lyle's sandwich. The salad was good...but a smidge on the small side. I wasn't entirely full at the end of the meal, and found myself wishing I had gotten something else, even though it was really good. The sandwich was melt in my mouth goodness (I stole a quick bite!). I'd probably order that if I visited again.
(5)Sayumporn B.
We went for lunch on weekends, got there around 12:30, the place was full. So, we went to Cumberland transit to shop while we wait. I liked that they called us when the table is ready, so we didn't have to wait around. Everything we ordered was awesome. I had a Pink panther and my husband had a smoked salmon sandwich (can't remember the name). We end up traded half of our sandwich because they both are so good. I can't pick just one. Our wait for food are quite longer than usual. I've been here before, and the food didn't take as long. I had noticed a big party ahead of us, which probably why we had to wait so long. Next time I will go for either early or late lunch. Don't skip their drinks, basil lemonade, ginger green tea are awesome. Next time I probably try pineapple red tea.
(4)Jenna S.
I am sure my rating would be higher had we not waited almost two hours to be seated here... and if they had served real alcohol and not just wine. We showed on a Saturday night, group of five, around 7:50 p.m. and were quoted an hour for a wait. We were a bit panicked because this places closes at 10 p.m. on Saturdays (that's early, right?) but we were assured we'd be seated and served regardless. We decided to eat dessert first at the Jeni's next door and then grab a beer at the Mexican cantina place across the way to bide our time. Fast forward to 9:30 p.m.: our table still isn't ready and now, of course, we're all starving. Do we go somewhere else? Stay? There isn't really anything in this part of town so we figured we were stuck without calling a cab and hauling ass back downtown. There was one table that seemed to be for us and there was an annoying group of people there who just wouldn't leave even though they weren't drinking or eating. Now that we've sat down, we're incredibly disappointed to find the only alcoholic beverages on their menu are wines of somewhat expensive varieties. Since we had been drinking all day, wine did not see a prudent choice as we would have fallen asleep immediately, so we went with tea. It was some pretty darn tasty tea but I would have preferred a beer or a cocktail. Our waitress also took our drink orders and never brought them until our main courses were coming out so that was annoying since we reminded her about them twice. Just get that tea, man! Our appetizers were pretty tasty but the servings were small and you'd really need to order 3-4 to accommodate any real appetite of a group of five. The peppers were really good with the goat cheese and I highly recommend a double order of that. Our entrees were pretty decent. My companions enjoyed their choices more than I did. I got the couscous because I really didn't want to eat a bunch of meat at like 10:30 p.m. and I was sorely disappointed. A) couscous and its ingredients can't possibly cost more than like... $7, so how was this entree $19.50?! 8 billion pounds of couscous is like $3 so how is that possible? There were also so few actual veggies in the dish that there wasn't really any substance beyond the couscous which was not that great. Maybe I would have been happier with a different choice but I can firmly say the couscous isn't great. Avoid it, if possible. All in all, this place was like a bunch of other overpriced hipster joints in hipster parts of town in any major American city. They think what they're doing is really important and unique and it's not. Is this place worth a stop? Sure, why not. I just wouldn't go back a second time.
(3)Brittney S.
Came here for lunch during a trip to Nashville, and this place was great! I got the Mexico City couscous. It did not disappoint! My dish was very flavorful, and you could tell all the ingredients were fresh. There is not a lot of seating, so we opted to sit at the community table option in the middle. Our server was very nice, and knowledgeable about the menu. He gave great advice when helping us choose our meals. I will definitely be back again
(5)Dipti M.
We went to this place for a late lunch & were surprised to see it crowded even then. The host found a table for us in a cozy corner. We started with pomegranate pineapple ginger tea & basil lemonade. The former was a little sweet while the latter was refreshing. For our appetizers we ordered grilled bread & I was truly surprised with what we were served. We had different types of breads including what I would like to call marble bread with two dipping sauces - olive oil with balsamic vinegar & mint dressing. They were both great. For entrees we ordered the king Kong & blackjack. I felt the red curry in the king Kong had a slight raw flavour and the fact that it was a cold dish wasn't inviting. It was a rainy evening & I was looking for something more warm. That's when blackjack appeared. The base was mashed sweet potatoes, which is not my all time favorite, but in this dish it tasted heavenly. The sauteed mushrooms were great.these gave the perfect base for the salmon which was simply OUT OF THE WORLD!! the crust on the salmon was so good. The kale & hazelnut on top added a nice texture. To finish this lovely meal, we ordered beet honey ice cream & a dessert called second chance. The ice cream was so flavorful and the honey sauce was delicious. Second chance has so much going on and it's all so good together. The date toffee cake was so warm and we found that they are usually made to order!!! The cake was topped with orange Greek yogurt and pistachios. There was a vanilla bean caramel on the side and a date shooter. It was all so delicious. At the end of the meal...We so enjoyed every bite and only wished we could dine here more often. :)
(5)Yeshanth J.
The interior gives you an old rickety look but that's what makes this place stand out. It looks more like an old tavern. Enough being said about the ambience. The place was in fact booked when we wanted to dine here for late lunch. Somehow, we managed to squeeze into a corner. We started out with the crowd's first and second favorite non alcoholic drink( Basil Lemonade and Pomegranate Ginger Tea). The Basil lemonade clearly stood out to me as more refreshing. We ordered grilled bread. The grilled bread is unlike what you would come to expect. We had different kinds of toasted bread with Olive Oil/Balsamic and Mint chutney. The mint chutney wasn't really minty enough to give that tangy feeling. But the balsamic felt very fresh. For entrees, we went with one of our choice and one of the popular one. The King Kong being the popular did do it for me. It is more or like a salad , souped up a bit with some tasty shrimp. The only bright side to that dish were the 6 tasty shrimps. Nevertheless, it was good enough to not complain too much. The blackjack was just amazing. I have never had a salmon cooked so well. It is a difficult fish to cook, more often than not one would over cook it, thus making it hard to chew. This one was just perfect. The sweet potatoes was just the right one to go with the salmon. The kale/hazelnut topping was just like the icing on the cake. We were on song so we decided to try their desserts. We had their honey beet and second chance. They both were fantastic. The honey beet is really really good. If beets are served like this, I would eat them all day. The second chance was very flavorful. The sauce just elevates the flavor of the date toffee cake to another level. The cake already came with a greek orange yogurt topping which brought subtly to the dish. Bottom line: Dine in !.. I meant All In !
(5)Jean K.
My Regina salad from Silly Goose was fit for a queen. Royally loaded with roasted beets, pistachios, tart apples, blue gouda, and shaved Brussels sprouts in a throne of arugula, it was dee-e-vine. The only things missing were my beloved jam puffs. Where is my raspberry colored crystal bell when I need it? "Oh, Jeeeeves!..." Suddenly, I'm pulled back into reality by the un-toasted baguette slice on top. Oh, Jean, you're no longer the queen. You don't get a crusty, crunchy, toasty flavorful slice...you get a plain, untoasted, unseasoned, uncircumcised slice without a single pat of butter as far as the eye can see. You don't even get a raspberry colored crystal bell. Why, oh, why is this plain baguette commoner squatting on my royal salad?! And then, I see it. The tiny chalice with a thick, dark liquid that my cupbearer so dutifully placed on the side for his queen. A dressing so dark and rich that I cannot see the bottom of the vessel. Before I can yield to my manners, I pinch the defector between my thumb and forefinger, dip him into the chalice and...bam! The dressing is deliciously rich and flavorful and yes, you Silly Goose, I am the queen again.
(4)Candice C.
What a cute place! The only downside is that they don't serve beer but they do allow you to bring your own. We ordered some salads to start, which were very good. I had the vegetarian plate, which had quinoa, veggies, and a bit of curry flavor. It was Awesome. The portions aren't enormous but the food is high quality and we all left feeling full. The guys had the steak with broccoli. The only complaint was that the broccoli was a bit salty. Overall, we had a great experience!
(4)Gracie C.
I realize these are bold words but the sandwich I had here was the best sandwich of my WHOLE LIFE. I did not realize sandwiches could be so good. They are so carefully crafted, you can definitely tell someone put a lot of thought into creating them.
(5)Corie K.
Been back for dinner three times since first lunch visit. I've tried nearly 80% of the menu now. I like that it's a little more low key for dinner. Just wish they had liquor/beer selection for bringing out of town colleagues who are beer guys.
(5)Hanna K.
Stopped here for lunch on a Wednesday right when they opened (11am). Glad we were early because this place was getting packed real quick! We ordered the t bird & sparky wrap. I was very pleased with our sandwiches. Good flavor, fresh ingredients. But the sides were kind of whatever (salad & herbed couscous).. Wish they had more than just reduced balsamic on them. Maybe a cherry tomato or two? Overall I had a good experience. Service was rather quick. They have the whole iPad thing going on for the checks, which was convenient. If I were a local, I might be back to try some of their other sandwiches for a lunch date or something. But nothing I would rave about..
(4)Loralyn D.
I love this place. It's a pretty small restaurant which can lead to a wait for both lunch and dinner, but it's worth it. The sandwiches are great for lunch, I really like how a lot of the entrees come with couscous. I sat at the bar once and watched them cooking everything, which was also a fun experience. Highly recommend! And if you aren't too full, Jeni's is next door...
(5)Ben W.
The food gets a gold star, but the service just isn't up to par. This review isn't about the food. You can read all about how good a goat cheese ball with balsamic reduction sauce tastes a bit further down. This review is about the experience and boy was it average at best. Silly Goose has a great menu but needs a trained staff to match. Despite being small and quaint, the staff seemed overstretched and inattentive. We came with a party of 6 and had reservations. It took only a second to be seated but although there were less than 14 people in room (including our party) the service evaporated immediately and we were left at a large empty table for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind we can see the open kitchen and watch the staff shuffle around aimlessly reorganizing menus and wiping tables. Finally when service resumed the waiters had no idea about the food. Clueless as to many ingredients in their offerings it was mostly forgivable due to the detailed menus. However the staff was completely clueless about wine and seemed content to rest on the idea that if a wine is Pinot Gris then it tastes like every Pinot Gris on earth. Their Chardonnay recommendation fell flatter than a Coke sans CO2. We ordered a bottle and it was sweeter than barefoot Moscato...despite several inquiries regarding that exact issue. Oh well. The younger contingent of our group enjoyed it. Overall not a bad place for food but seriously lacking in the service department. And let's be honest, can you really mess up goat cheese pepadews with bacon in it?
(3)Chris A.
Was craving something that would fill me up and was honestly going to go to Rosepepper. There was a huge line of people waiting to get in Rosepepper so I opted to walk across the street and see if SG was busy. I walked in and of course, asked for a table for one. They were very accommodating and cleared a table for me within minutes. The staff were attentive. I got the "Tango" which was a trout seasoned with some good flavorful spices and rice. I forgot to take a picture of the menu so I know it may sound lame "spices" but it was incredibly delicious! I cleaned my plate. I then got talked into dessert by the waitress. I got a chocolate Torte which I later found out was called the "Reverse Cowgirl" which is the most awesome name for a dessert! loved the food! such amazing flavor! the decor was nice too. Staff were friendly. What more do you need? Love everything about this restaurant.
(4)Iana P.
Amazing place. It's a bit tinier than I thought but it's nice sweet and very friendly. Super delicious!! Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great music, well songs like Florence and machine, great for me. Indie music. The food is delish!!
(5)Hank D.
Great spot using very fresh ingredients with courteous service. The sandwiches were excellent that we ordered. I am glad to have this option in the hood.
(4)Lauren L.
Ended up here for lunch with a friend when a restaurant near by was closed. So lucky because this was an awesome lunch. We split the sparky wrap with turkey and brie and the sicilian couscous. The couscous was my favorite. the flavors were ON POINT and the entire lunch was so light and refreshing. I will definitely be back here to try more things.
(4)Brett P.
I was looking for a place to stop in Nashville for a late lunch, mostly to get off the road for a little while on my way back to Atlanta. I pulled off the road briefly and was reading an article on visitmusiccity.com . They mentioned this eclectic little café that does a great lunch. Since I am very much on an anti-chain restaurant kick, it sounded like something I wanted to try. I'm glad I did! It's not a place to go if you're in a hurry to get in and out, but, if you have the time, this place has an excellent fresh to order, locally sourced menu of choices. I had a really good, not too sweet, iced green tea and a T-Bone sandwich (honey ham, cambazola, fennel, tomato-olive tapenade, basil on toasted rosemary olive oil bread) with a side of field greens. I definitely recommend it and can see where this is an excellent place for people with vegetarian or restrictive diets. They offer a wide variety of choices without having too big of a menu.
(4)Kimberly K.
Soooo good! Came here at around 11 am, so there was plenty of seating available. At noon, the restaurant was packed. We were warmly welcomed and the servers are the nicest. So friendly, attentive, and informative. Restrooms are in the back. I love the art in the women's room. We ordered the Orange Apple Cider Black Tea and Citrus Ginger Mint Green Tea. They are well prepared and so clean to the palate. Absolutely delicious! Everything here is light, yet filling, and prepared with quality ingredients. For our entrees we shared the King Kong and Loose Cannon. The cous cous and shrimp in the King Kong were cooked perfectly. The curry on the shrimp was a lot like Thai curry, absolutely delicious. This dish comes as mild, medium, or hot. The medium had a nice kick to it but wasn't overly spicy. The steak in the Loose Cannon was cooked to perfection. Slightly pink in the middle and super juicy. The salad in this dish is amazing, so much flavor and texture. End your meal with a Reverse Cowgirl dessert and you're good to go. That flourless dark chocolate torte with homemade blackberry sauce is what dreams are made of. Yum! Not overly sweet and so smooth to the palate. I love that they bring iPad minis to your table for you to pay your bill. It's so organized and you can get your receipt emailed or texted to you. Friendly service, great food, with a chill environment.
(5)Leah H.
I have dreams about their T-bird sandwich, couscous, and inventive iced teas. Mmmmm...
(5)Christy Y.
Oh my my, every dish was tasty! The dessert was manifique and the service was perfection. I sorta felt I was back in Cali! Thank you for that. Had King Kong, fish and BBQ, topped with flourless chocolate cake and vanilla latte ice cream with fresh pressed coffee. Such a great lunch will have to come back to try dinner. Thanks!
(5)William D.
What a whoop-ass sandwich with a great, simple salad backing it. I had some kind of pesto-capicola sandwich and skipped on the fancy-ass iced tea (not being an iced tea fan) and was well-served by the hip guy behind the bar. It appeared that none of the waitstaff was un-hip. From listening in to the conversations, all of the employees are musicians. There's a lot of pride in things being sourced locally.
(4)Andy B.
The best under $15 lunch I've had in Nashville. I ordered the Pink Panther and the Citrus, ginger & mint green tea, which was in the top 3 teas I've ever had, and I used to live next to Celestial Seasonings, so there's that. My colleague ordered a salmon dish that looked spectacular, but his tab did come in the high $20's range. This place rocks, though. The wait staff help with food prep, and everything seems to run like a well oiled machine. Really a fantastic establishment. I'd confidently say that I will soon hold dukedom to this place if I wasn't so sure that the Goose has tons of regulars. Also, I've never seen a nose ring pulled off quite as gracefully as our lovely waitress. Kudos to you, young lady.
(5)Susan L.
bf and i couldn't stop raving about this place! the food is delicious but also doesn't leave you feeling super heavy because it's pretty healthy. we went on a friday night around 7PM expecting a wait and got a call 35 minutes later that our table was ready. in comparison to what i had expected (hour+ wait), i was pleasantly surprised. we started with the magic man, which was a perfect appetizer of little peppers stuffed with goat cheese. then we split the king kong after reading everyone else's reviews - the cous cous was amazing and left me wanting more cous cous for days afterwards. we also shared the darth vapor - fish was cooked perfectly and the veggies in it (brussel sprouts + cauliflower) were DELICIOUS. also got the basil lemonade - perfect level of sweetness, lemon-ness, and basil-ness. so glad we came here on friend's recommendation. i was only visiting for the weekend and wanted to go back for lunch on monday but unfortunately they were not open monday :(
(5)Ashley V.
The food here is so fresh & tasty! I had the T-Bone sandwich, which was filling without being too much. The bread is delicious! The citrus mint tea was good too, very refreshing. My only complaint is that the service is slow. They were very nice, but when I'm out with my toddler I need to get his order in fast to keep him occupied.
(4)James G.
The Silly Goose is my favorite place to get a sandwich in Nashville. Their menu has unique, fresh, and very tasty offerings. I recommend the "Bird," which has thick, juicy chicken breast, bacon, avocado, sun-dried tomato, and peppered goat cheese. Yum! They also offer delicious and creative flavors of iced tea, which change seasonally and are served in Mason jars. I think I've tried all of the tea flavors, and they were all very good. The restaurant has limited seating, so be prepared to wait a little while on weekends. The food is worth it and if you want to go to the coffee shop next door, they'll take down your name and come find you when a table is ready. I also enjoy the atmosphere at The Silly Goose. It's very earthy and casual. A lot of creative and stylish people eat there and it's fun to people-watch. The East Nashville scene is the perfect melting pot to discover what's new and trendy, and this cozy treasure of a restaurant is the perfect place for it.
(5)Chelsea L.
Literally obsessed with their lunch sandwiches and couscous, ugh wish they were open today! The Zipper is bangin!
(5)Victoria P.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville, hands down. My husband and I always go here for special occasions. The food is artfully created and always delicious, and the menu keeps changing so we can keep trying new things. I highly recommend it!
(5)Emily S.
Great for a somewhat fancy, but not over-the-top, date. You will have to wait, but you can walk around or sit outside- no complaints there. The food was amazing. We got about 4 different plates of different sizes and wine. The sandwich was a standout. I don't think you can go wrong here. (Especially if someone else is paying.)
(4)Casey H.
We've been to Silly Goose twice now. It's a cute and pleasant place to have dinner but be warned, Friday and Saturday evenings get crazily busy. The wait can get to upwards of an hour. Since the place is pretty cramped, there's really no waiting inside. Guests are asked to wait either outside or next door at Ugly Mugs (colder months). The first time we went, it was really busy. I unfortunately had the bright idea to order the short ribs :/ (my bad...). It took forever for the short ribs to come out and the owner/cook was kind enough to offer a free dessert of our choice because of the wait. He didn't have to .... but small gestures like that earned a repeat customer. The food was fresh and presented beautifully even at their busiest hours. Services was on point too...they were so attentive and refilled our waters and teas when it was half way. Tea. Their teas are all great, light and refreshing. We normally like to get the ginger one.
(5)Stephen S.
They might come up with crazy names for their dishes, but the folks at Silly Goose aren't kidding around with what comes out of the kitchen. As you scan the menu you'll notice that dishes consist of a combination of components that if served on their own would be amazing. Take the freewheelin for example (my entree of the night): seared scallops, preserved lemon & Goat cheese polenta, charred red pepper jam, lobster basil fume; oyster mushrooms; beet chips. Yes, all of that is going on in one plate! And they pulled it off. The texture of on the scallops, nailed it.
(5)Jacob M.
I stumbled into The Silly Goose by chance, and I'm glad I did! I had the spalding couscous - quite tasty. Good service and good vibes. I'll be back.
(5)Paul K.
The Goose is not some place I would go to fill up. The prices are on the more expensive side for what you get, but man is what you get tasty. The atmosphere is either love it or hate it. It didn't feel right to me, but that's just my opinion man. Our waiter/chef was pretty awesome, although it did get kind of odd telling multiple people that we already had someone working with us. For a place so small and so many servers/cooks per patron, I would have expected military precision. The Goose suffers from slapping itself smack dab in the middle of popularity. I had pulled in and got stuck behind an endless line of cars. After several minutes I wedged myself out of that parking lot and parked 3 blocks away. The parking vultures were clearing out when I managed to walk back over. Seriously people, if there's no parking, get out of the parking lot. People were jammed in and unable to leave. I'd go back, the place was nice. I'd hit up somewhere else to get un-hungry though.
(4)Moira R.
I prefer this spot for lunch -- I love their sandwiches, especially the Bird -- chicken breast, bacon, avocado (really, what's not to like?) Also, the salad and cous cous sides are both delicious -- sometimes I like the half and half order, sometimes it's all cous cous all the way. Either way, it deserves the good press it gets. Really delicious.
(4)Joshua S.
Gosh, this place has so much wasted potential. I normally judge what kind of service I can expect based on pricing and how hard they are trying on their menu. If they are fronting as foodies and their prices are $25-$30 per entree, I'm going to be very critical because I expect to receive above and beyond service for the price. CONS: Service. Our server told us to take our dirty silverware off our appetizer plate to reuse for the entrees. I didn't listen (naturally) and he replaced my fork by placing one upside down in front of me. I ordered a side of root vegetable and sweet potato with my entree and the server says "You know the entree comes with that right?" Yes, I was gifted with the ability to read around 5-6 years of age. I was served my food before my wife. Instead, of a check, we got an ipad with our total on it given to us, and the server hovered over the table till we rushedly collected the funds to pay the bill, to which he asked "Do you need any change?" This is all stuff I can find at my local Waffle House. The chef frightened us quite a bit. After having a discussion about the vegetables they have in the back, we requested pureed sweet potatoes for our baby (since we stayed in Nashville much longer than intended for the day), and the "chef", who I have demoted to line cook in my head, told us it would take too long to puree sweet potatoes. Which, if you know anything about food, you take a sweet potato, dice it, boil it for about 10 minutes, and mash it well if you don't want to blend it. 15 minutes max. If THAT takes too long and was too difficult, I was curious if our entrees were pre-frozen and just had to be microwaved, which might explain why my MidRare flank steak was actually Med-MidWell. PROS: Luckily for us, the food was actually VERY good! My wife had the best salmon she has had in a while, and while my steak was overcooked, the flavoring was really wonderful. Which leads to the confusing question... how can a line cook pull off elaborate entrees, but can't figure out how to puree a sweet potato for our 8 month old baby boy? For the quality of food and the price point, the management should take very seriously the proper training of their waitstaff if they want to be taken seriously as a nice restaurant. But then again, its just Nashville. We haven't been impressed yet.
(2)Allison N.
My absolute favorite restaurant in Nashville, hands down. The place is pretty small, so you may have to wait quite a bit if you're going at lunch or on the weekends, but Silly Goose is well worth the wait. The couscous is delicious and fresh, and the sandwiches are unique and flavorful. I get the Sparky whenever I go, and it has the perfect blend of cheese, cranberry, and turkey. The salads are awesome too. Heads up, soda addicts: they do not serve any soda here, but that's fungible considering that everything else is absolutely incredible.
(5)Desiree K.
I'm honestly shocked this place has so many 5 star reviews. The food is good enough for two stars but I felt like I had to balance out all the delusional patrons leaving reviews on here. I found it to be small portions of okay food, at high end prices, in the most uncomfortable seating I've ever encountered. The staff is friendly but the high prices deter you from leaving a 20% tip. By the end of your nonalcoholic meal for two you're paying almost $70 to leave hungry. It might be better for lunch but honestly until they get new chairs and stop using benches to serve $30 entrées, I will not be coming back.
(1)Summer P.
I love, love this place. I would give it 5 stars hands down for the food. Haven't tried any dessert yet but it's always consistently good on every dish we get and they make their own gluten free bread plus will veganize things. BUT it smells like a dryer sheet because of the bandanas they use for napkins, which I'm stoked about using instead of wasting paper, but after I left I could smell it on me. My boyfriend is allergic to high fragrance detergents and dryer sheets and brings his own bandana to use so he doesn't touch theirs. Also the water tastes like chlorine, not appetizing. Need a filter!
(3)Melinda D.
I went here for a dinner with girlfriends and it was one delicious night! We had a sampling of a few dishes and could not pick just one that we loved. The atmosphere was fantastic, it was an all-around great dinner experience. I would recommend Silly Goose to anyone!
(5)brian r.
East Nashville is experiencing a renaissance, a boon, a rebirth... it's fabulous places like The Silly Goose make it so. The sandwiches and sides are top-notch, tasty and creative. Dinner entrées are divine. Love, love, love it!!
(5)Krissy T.
I was torn on what to rate because I find their food to be incredible. Today was my second visit and this time I got the bird with both the herbed couscous and salad and the basil lemonade. The sandwich and the lemonade were so good! The salad was far to salty. Good portion size for lunch. now why it's only three stars. The staff seemed so unhappy and very unfriendly. We were seated and had our drink orders taken. Then after a few minutes we watched who we thought was our waitress look around finding things to do, which included texting at the host stand. We had to wave her over to get our order taken. It seems like throughout the disorganization of servers we were forgotten. The girl who dropped off our food did so with no emotion, and didn't even say a word. She walked away with a frown. We're both servers and feel like a simple "here is your meals" would suffice. It is far too crowded and noisy. It was sensory overload and left us anxious as we left. Obviously management should do something about their rude staff atLEAST.
(3)Ross G.
Silly Goose has been on my list for the past year and we finally made it to Nash Vegas to give it a try. We had a hungry toddler so arrived as the "early bird specials" to get dinner started. The ambiance is "hipster locavore" with a relaxed a witty wait staff. The menu that night was their standard with a few specials. We started with a delicious salad and the small "Rapp" plate. Both were delicious. The staff was super attentive to the needs of our toddler and brought out his grilled shrimp mangos and pears as soon as they were ready. The shrimp were amazing. My wife had the fish that night, which was amazing, and I had the steak with an extra side of Brussels sprouts. Delicious. So well executed, well timed, great kid menu and appropriate price point. Love me some Silly Goose!
(5)Adam M.
This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in the Nashville area. During my visit to Nashville i made a small list of food spots to hit up while out there, this was on that list. I've only had couscous maybe once in my life before coming here and I wasn't too fond of it. but The Silly Goose changed my outlook on that. Arrived here for lunch and there was about a 30 minute wait. The place is relatively small so it's almost a given that you'll have to wait at least a short amount of time before getting seated. Once we were seated we were given menu's on clip boards,and the napkins were red bandannas (pretty cool idea to use these as napkins!). Our server took our drink order, I opted to get the Basil Lemonade (you should too), it was amazingly refreshing. After looking at the menu and also looking at yelp, i decided to get the King Kong (one of their most popular dishes). The servers here are also very helpful in suggesting what to order, don't hesitate to ask them questions. The King Kong was 5-6 large/plump shrimp that were cooked just right. They had a light sear on them possibly from the grill they cooked them on. Along with the shrimp, there was a tasteful sauce that was poured over the bed of couscous underneath. To complete the dish there was several slices of avocado which complemented the rest of the food very well. Pricing was very fair for the amount of quality ingredients used in the preparation of the food and drinks here. I don't recall the exact pricing but to my knowledge everything on the menu was under $20. The vibe of this restaurant is what people in California would probably call "hipster" (in the best way possible though!). The overall vibe gave me the feel of some places in southern California that iv'e been to (The Salted Pig [riverside, ca], and The Back Abbey [claremont, ca]) which use quality (often local) ingredients and are priced very fairly. If you're looking to eat top quality unique food here in Nashville this place is a must.
(5)Rachel K.
Wow this place is SO good. Lot of cool options. I ended up getting the King Kong. Lots of good flavors, and the couscous was awesome. Fluffy and not dry. The Silly Goose is a must if your in town!
(5)David L.
Great place for a brunch or sandwich! We stopped by around noon, wanting a light lunch. First impression: very small inside...in fact, snug. But, we waited only ~10 minutes and were seated against the side wall (which seemed a little less cramped). In short, VERY good sandwiches: * the "Zipper" - a great combination of favors, with smoked salmon and goat cheese * the "Jo CD" - a veggie delight on tasty ciabatta Served with sides of herbed couscous and washed down with their signature citrus mint and ginger green tea. Great favors! I also liked the check-out process using their iPad - a neat twist. This place scores high on my satisfaction meter: - tasty food - reasonably priced - good service - short wait ... most all of the essentials. (Dropped one star for the cramped atmosphere...a little too noisy and cramped. But absolutely not a deal-breaker.) I'll return!
(4)Lisa T.
GREAT lunch with the 3 kids (7,9,12), though admittedly they struggled a bit with basil in the lemonade (dad drank it - quite delicious) and the tart fruit sides. On the flip side I've never seen the 9 year old eat a PB&J that fast - great jam! Our server was super helpful and his menu recommendations were spot on. As has been said before, the King King couscous is fantastic - go for the spicy! Lyle's sandwich and The Bird were both excellent. Herbed couscous only mild flavor profile - make sure to take bites with the balsamic drizzle.
(4)Heather H.
The Goose is loose! I stopped in to see the newly reopened restaurant, and was as pleased as ever, maybe even more. There is at least double the space now, and the interior is lovely. We ate at the bar area, which is made from a heavy natural wood that I couldn't stop running my hands over wishing I could install it in my kitchen. Anyway. I ordered the Roscoe sans bacon. The warm and creamy avocado and toasted bread was really nice, but sure enough, the first thought I had was, "bacon would make this perfect." So, try it for us vegetarians who only have distant memories of meat, yes? I took a chance on the the honey beet ice cream based on someone else's review. I neither like beets nor cold honey, but damn if this didn't work perfectly together for an amazing sweet-but-not-too-sweet dessert. As always, the staff was nice, if a little flustered from working out the kinks of opening week. One thing I noticed on the menu--didn't there used to be more fresh juices?
(5)Leigh D.
So delicious!!! This review is far overdue so I can't remember exactly what I had but it was all so good. Everyone there was super nice, too.
(5)Julie R.
Absolutely terrific food, but not a lot of meat-free options. Lots of local produce and artisan bread, good service, but i'd love to see a couple more meat free dishes.
(5)Michelle P.
Absolutely amazing! I popped in one day to grab lunch to go. It was so great! I hate to say that I've passed by this place so much and have never popped in. I ordered the smoked Salmon sandwich and it came with the most WONDERFUL herbed Cous Cous. It was just right with the sandwich. They also have great fresh made teas as well. I will be coming back here just to try those Cous Cous bowls. The salads looked pretty great too! If you are in the neighborhood pop in!
(5)Amanda K.
Came here after a recommendation from a friend and was not disappointed! My boyfriend, Alex, and I showed up at around 8 pm last Saturday and were stunned to hear that it would be a 1.5 hour wait!!! After waiting 5 minutes, we opted to get food to go and take it to the nice courtyard right next to the restaurant. Our take out order was ready in like 10 minutes, which was awesome since it was already kind of late. We got their amazing basil lemonade, definitely recommend getting this because not only is it tasty but it is only $2 bucks! We also got the King Kong which was flufy couscous with mildly spicy shrimp and cubes of avocado. The shrimp was cooked very well and was the highlight of the dish! To go with the couscous, we got their "simple salad" which was nice and light with apples, avocados, and pumpkin seeds. One weird side note is that they splurge on actual toilet paper here instead of the cheap bulk shit most restaurants have...nice touch! Overall we had a nice, light, and healthy meal! Word to the wise...if you go here, be sure to head next door to Jeni's for some of the best ice cream on this Earth!
(4)Laura D.
5pm is the perfect time for the goose - no wait! Cute, charming, eclectic little place with great sandwiches and couscous. I had the Zappo (smoked salmon club-style sandwich on marbled rye) and it was fantastic. They serve lunch until 5:30 so we got to sample the sandwiches, but the dinner menu looked great too. Definitely has an artsy, cool feel. Also liked signing my credit card bill on an ipad. I only got to try a few restaurants on my trip to Nashville, but this was probably my favorite!
(5)Shafi K.
We went here because my boyfriend's boss gave him a $25 gift card for silly goose. I think that it was a nice enough place but really I was not a huge fan . Maybe I missed something, I don't know. Their food was decent and the service was nice. Don't get me wrong, I do not have any complaints but at the same time, I did not think I was a fan. :)
(3)Rachel K.
Excellent!!! Food was very tasty and thoughtfully prepared. Staff was super friendly. I love that it's off the beaten path... Just a little and in a cool neighborhood.
(5)emily p.
Im glad I went here. The veggie entry was divine. When veggie food is that good and youre not a vegetarian, it really gives hope that you could be one. What bothered me more was service. We paid over $100 for the 2 of us. THe food made it almost worth it ( I do NOT mind paying for great cuisine). The server was nice but he waited ages to attend to us ( while hanging out at the bar, the host stand, etc). Im not sure what it was that made him not want to come around. But Ide still come back!
(4)Jess Y.
For the Cliff Notes version of my review, I'll fast-forward to the end. Let's just say that when we drove away from Silly Goose, my out-of-town guest literally looked back at the restaurant and exclaimed hysterically, "Good bye, Silly Goose! I love you!" During the meal, he more than once referenced moving to Nashville (from Washington, DC) just so that he could eat at this restaurant. I'm not exaggerating. Why the necessary declarations of love and subsequent withdrawal from separation? What could possibly have stirred this heartache? Nothing but the perfection and culinary genius housed at this small local restaurant. Most of the time, a dish is delicious because there are one of two elements that stand out. But, at Silly Goose, the meals are delicous because they are perfectly balanced with a variety of equally amazing high-caliper elements, none of which overpower the others. All of the ingredients are fresh, locally grown, organic, and sustainably produced. Take for example the Sparky Wrap that my dining partner ordered. It contains turkey breast, basil aioli, dried cranberries, brie, roasted walnuts, and mixed greens. Each of the elements perfectly complement the rest. One bite contains the juiciness of the turkey breast, the punch of the basil aioli, the tartness and sweetness of the cranberries, the smoothness and richness of the brie, and the crunchy nuttiness of the walnuts. It's like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It was also served with a side of salad and couscous. Yum. I was also equally impressed with my King Kong couscous complemented with perfectly seasoned and tenderly cooked shrimp. It was spicy, fun, and scrumptious. This unique talent of balancing flavors even extends to their beverage offerings. I had the citrus-mint-ginger iced green tea. It was phenomenal. I've never been blown away by an iced tea before. Until I came to Silly Goose. Silly Goose has one of those menus where it takes you literally five minutes just to decide what to order because everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, looks just so darn appetizing. Even if you are starving to death and want to order as quickly as possible, you will have to pause and seriously consider which of the delectable dishes will you want to try that day. If the portions were any smaller, I'd even consider ordering two! I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. You can count on it. As many people have mentioned, the only drawback to this place is the seating. There just simply isn't enough of it. Even when we arrived late Saturday night, we had to wait for a table. Luckily though, they just ask you to take a seat at the cafe next door (Ugly Mugs), which isn't too bad of a deal. The service was fantastic as well. Our waitress was super friendly and happy to explain anything to us or make sure that we received exactly what we wanted. The chef even came out himself to deliver the dishes and describe the spiciness of my dish. They also did not turn away guests that arrived a little past the closing time, which we were both very surprised about. This was simply a fantastic meal and dining experience. I would dine here again any day, any time. And if I lived in East Nashville, I'd probably come dangerously close to living there too. Don't ignore the hype of this restaurant--it is well earned, well deserved, and worth an immediate visit! They offer salad, sandwiches, and couscous and you may think it's "just" one of those salad/sandwich places. But, trust me, it's so much more.
(5)Rachel R.
Went here last night after hearing rave reviews for quite some time. I must say it lived up to the hype. A perfect example of how food should be made. Like, why can't all restaurants make food like this? My big boy? Big baby? Baby boy? Whatever it was called, it was the steak and the very bottom of the menu and it was absolutely perfect. That is how you cook a steak. And my god the flavors. The tomatoes, that pesto blend, and ciabatta bread was absolute perfection. The wine was good, the stuffed peppadews were good (although a little new to my palate), and my boyfriend's chicken was good (Although it paled in comparison to that heavenly cow). Overall a great evening with great food in a great atmosphere.
(5)Joshua B.
Honestly - I'm not sure how you can get much better than the Silly Goose. The ambiance is great here. Its a small place, for sure - but, it feels great to dine here. Like, it's your own cozy little dining room and kitchen. And that's hard to do when you and 9 friends dine together. But, If you are like me - you've probably seen the cost of eating locally grown or raised, all natural and organic food at the grocery and you have declined to buy some things because of the premium cost associated with these ingredients. So, these premium ingredients rarely make it into my kitchen. While I would never call the Silly Goose 'cheap' - I got the 'Bird' sandwich (grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on wholegrain bread), a little bit of salad and a little bit of couscous along with some Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea. With a 20% tip and tax that came to a little over $16. Not bad at all for REAL LOCAL FOOD! The Bird was a fantastic sandwich. I didn't leave a single bite of it anywhere on my plate. The flavor profiles for the food here is always surprising. One of my downfalls as a person is there are certain things I don't like. Not a big fan of avocado. It's never impressed me like it has some people. Sun Dried Tomatoes are another thing that never really excites me and I usually leave them off anything that has them on it. This sandwich has both. But, in the interest of keeping an open mind - I tried the sandwich as described. And you know what? I couldn't be happier. Honestly - I never thought I'd like it as much as I did given there were two ingredients on the sandwich that never make it in anything else I eat. Oh, and I also got to meet Connie Britton who was seated at the table right beside me. The servers had no idea who she was. I guess they have never watched the TV Show 'Nashville', American Horror Story or Friday Night Lights. Also seated with her was Michiel Huisman who plays Liam on 'Nashville'. Good food, Great Company and getting to meet some celebs! This made the Silly Goose a not-so-silly pick for our large dining group. I can't wait to try the Silly Goose again!
(5)Kim L.
I'm only giving this two stars because this food is not my favorite. I ordered the bird and they just piled on the goat cheese and balsamic vinegar so that it was overpowering. This hipster food is not for me. I'll stick with steak and potatoes. P.S. get a bigger space. Seriously. Seven tables?
(2)Rachel R.
The sex is absolutely worth having. Wait, what? Seriously. The dessert, called sex, is not only fun to order (i.e. - waiter, can we have sex?) but FREAKIN' DELICIOSO. A milk chocolate cup, sitting in a pool of blackberry sauce, filled with bittersweet chocolate mousse, topped with hazelnuts and smothered in white chocolate rum sauce... you don't have to say, "this is better than sex," because it is sex, after all. In terms of real food, the Albert Prince salad (quinoa, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spiced pepitas with a grating of manchego and a drizzle of orange vinaigrette) did not disappoint. The flavors and textures are as complex and interesting as the dish is nutritious. I could definitely eat this everyday, and would, if I spent 11 bucks on lunch regularly. Even the lemonade and herbed cous cous went above and beyond typical fare. Based off of the atmosphere and prices, more sophisticated flavors are to be somewhat expected, but it's always nice when the restaurant passes the hype-test with flying colors. I plan on visiting the Goose again next time I'm in Nashville, and don't plan on leaving until I've had sex.
(4)Taylor W.
This place is really great. We went for lunch and there were 9 of us. We had booked reservations a week prior and were seated immediately. For myself, i enjoyed the pink panther with a side salad and basil lemonade. Other than drinking from a jam jar as a glass, the entire eating experience was amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone over in that neighborhood.
(5)J. Coles B.
Consistently interesting and tasty food. Never had a bad meal. Highly recommend. You may have to wait, as they do not take reservations. I suggest walking to the nearby Two Ten Jack for one of their signature cocktails while you wait.
(4)Elizabeth G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Very casual inside, fresh and delicious. The couscous is outstanding- full of flavor. I prefer the King Kong. Sandwiches are also delish. Dinner menu is pricier. But u can still get a few of the more affordable couscous dishes. Basil lemonade is refreshing and they have a short, but good wine selection. It gets busy, so be prepared to wait or go at an off-time. There's coffee next door as well. Only annoyance is that parking is hell on wheels here. Lots of businesses competing for few spaces. Also if you have kids they have a GREAT kids menu and don't assume kids only want to eat crackers.
(5)Steven M.
Farm to table with a smile! Awesome wooden bar and super hip staff. Fav place on Nashville so far!
(5)Fitha D.
So I was looking through these reviews... at least 4 reviews mention the beard guy and that he's a jerk. Funny... glad he wasn't just a jerk to me. If I was a restaurant owner I would have talked to beard guy and maybe trained him on some customer service tips... just saying! I guess they don't really care what the patrons think as long as they are still raking in the money!
(1)Erik M.
This place is rock solid. Great vibe, and incredible food. Everything is always seasoned to perfection with the perfect blend of flavors every time. You can't get a better deal for lunch. Top notch local ingredients and excellent recipes for around $10 a person.
(5)Michael G.
I'm really into healthy eating, and this can be difficult when you are on vacation. I'm very happy that I came upon Silly Goose - by accident! I was actually checking out another place to eat checking the reviews on Yelp, and one reviewer suggested Silly Goose and to dump the place I was looking at. I checked out Silly Goose reviews, and I know I made the right decision! Silly Goose mostly makes sandwiches with sides of couscous or salad using local grown vegetables and organic/grass-fed meats(?) Our wait was not too long (the place seats maybe 30) and very noisy. I'm giving this restaurant 5 stars just on my meal alone. I had the Bird which was chicken with so many other pieces of greatness which I cannot remember right now. But I do remember it was one of the best I if not the best meals I had in Nashville. I got a side of couscous and on the waiter's recommendation chose the Mexican flavor, but this was just so-so. This is not a place for young unadventurous kids! But, the waiter was able to say they have had this issue before, and was able to accommodate with a PB&J and also a cheese quesadilla with some chicken on the side for mine. Thank you! My wife got the salmon sandwich and lo and behold, it was not cooked (the menu did not say this was the case). She was able to eat 1/2 of the sandwich saying it was actually very tasty, but she just could not bring herself to eat the other half because of the texture. I guess no sushi anytime soon for her! Also awesome was the basil lemonade and fancy tea which are free refills. We chose to try as many new places in Nashville as possible, so no dessert for us here. We went next door to Jeni's for ice cream (see my review) and very satisfied. Like I said with some of my other Nashville reviews, if you live here and have not been here as a regular, shame on you!
(5)angela t.
Probably the best chicken sandwich I've ever had in my life. "The bird" . All their menu item names are cute and unique. This is the best place for lunch , healthy, and casual but hip and trendy. The teas are out of this world! The red pineapple is my fav. They had a cute small children's menu for my daughter so she got a grilled cheese and fresh fruit, and lemonade. All very good! Love this place will def be back:)
(5)Blair S.
Continuing a tour of East Nashville restaurants, I decided to head down Eastland Ave to Silly Goose. On a Friday night the place was hopping, with a 45 minute wait and a very full parking lot (plenty of nearby street parking though). Upon being seated, the waiter kicked things off with a quick overview of some special drinks and the menu, with the right balance of information without being pushy. The trend of well-balanced service continued throughout the dining experience. We ordered the cheese appetizer, the "Joe Bailey." It was full of local cheeses and accents, all of which were explained by the runner. If you like cheese at all, get this appetizer. My entree was the "Pony" which fortunately is wild salmon, not pony meat. The salmon was just OK. The coconut-ginger green bamboo rice with pineapple was good on the edges, super salty in the middle. My dinner companion had the "3rd Boss," which is sea scallops on a gazpacho sauce and corn mixture. One bite of the scallops and I realized that I ordered the wrong entree. The interior is eclectic with a wide-open kitchen. It's a little noisy but lively, not unpleasant.
(4)Reshawn L.
I can see why this small place has so many reviews! Outstanding couscous, sandwiches and salads!! We met business partners here for lunch and all 5 of us loved the food! While this was a great place to dine with friends it is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. The Silly Goose is for leisurely dining. I had the Incredible Mexico City Couscous and I plan to try making it at home. The red chili couscous with, goat cheese and mangos was a delicious combination!! It was well worth what turned out to be an average of $20 pp for lunch. I highly recommend. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was slow for a week day. Most people dining out for lunch during the week have to return to work.
(4)Angi S.
We were visiting from out of town and didn't know to make a reservation, so we had a longer wait but IT WAS WORTH IT! Besides perfectly prepared and creative food, they very politely accommodated my extreme soy sensitivity that makes eating out scary at times.
(5)Mink M.
Very good. I'm from LA so to find a place like this out in TN surprised me. It's something that would easily fit in Hollywood or Dowtown. Great food and drinks. It's very busy so expect a wait. The cous cous is perfection. Everything here was amazing. Parking is easy to find and the price is just right.
(5)Charles G.
I waited too long to write the review, so I no longer remember which sandwiches we ordered. What I do remember is that the wait staff squeezed us in at a table that was reserved for 45 minutes from when we were seated (we arrived at noon and it was PACKED), but thankfully we had studied the menu diligently on our drive up to Nashville and ordered in the first few minutes of being seated. Their flavored teas and lemonades were great. I was wary of basil in a drink, but it was incredibly refreshing! Each of the five of us in our party ordered a different sandwich and shared a bite with everyone else, and I can honestly say there wasn't a bad sandwich represented. The couscous was only decent in my opinion, but I'm beginning to think that I just don't like couscous, so take that tip with a shaker of salt coming from me. We liked it so much that my brother-in-law is flying in to see us at Christmas via the Nashville airport so that we have no reason not to take him here again! My only tip to this place is to invest in at least twice the seating space. Failing that, move to Huntsville.
(5)Sharmeela S.
Delicious cous cous. Fresh ingredients. Good vegetarian options. Light enough that you should go next door to jenny's ice cream for dessert!
(4)Formicas F.
What amazing food here - had the T bird sandwich. It was amazing! The cheese could have been more thickly spread. The balsamic drizzle is divine. The salad is fresh and local! This spot was a breath of fresh air and left me wanting to come again.
(5)Robert M.
Couscous. There is a lot of talk here about couscous. Sure, they do a good job with it but it's couscous. I simply don't consider it a meal or much of a side filler. But that's just me. The cool thing about Silly Goose is it has all the markings of a place where men wouldn't show up to eat but they do. Believe me, if this place was in Atlanta, it would instantly become a place where southern women sit and sip tea and chit chat about how their husband busted their ass all day so that they could sit around and drink tea and chit chat. For example see: "Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic". I shit you not that is an actual cafe name. Nuff said there. O.K. Onward to the meal which was "Lyle's Surprise". I have no idea who Lyle is or what makes him surprised, nor do I want to guess. However, this is a good sammy. The star of the sammy was the hot cappicola. Don't worry, it's not hot and won't burn your tongue off like a 400 degree hot chicken. But they got the cured meat right here. Outstanding. Added to it was some pesto, basil, fennel along with some other odd and end things on some focaccia and you got yourself a sammy. My only complaint is this would be a much better sammy on a crunchier bread. There was nothing wrong with the focaccia, but if you are going to use a housemade focaccia at least toast it or something...or make a housemade crunchier something else to better compliment the cappicola. I'd come back here for their sammies though. Welcome to Yelp...the new Citisearch.
(4)Queen B.
I don't know, I circle this place like a vulture circles road kill... I try to get in here, first come first served unless you have a party of 8. Got in here, wasn't really impressed. Will try again one of these days when there is nothing else to bother with.
(3)Valerie V.
Fabulous surprise! Eclectic selection. We were a little unsure when we walked in, but ended up LOVING it! Small, medium and large plates for sharing . End of meal ice cream was honey beet. Two of us liked it. Two of us thought it was awful. Two of us were happy that two of us thought it was awful:-). Friendly staff.
(4)Be G.
If the food was being rated by itself, 4 stars, easily. We had the May5 and Double-AA, and both were very good (if light on protein, for the price). The problem was everything else. If you're going to charge $30 for your top end entree, have a proper entry area (so diners don't freeze due to winds outside), have some space between the tables (so we can talk), and install some sound-deadening so it doesn't sound like a diner. And have your servers check up on guests after the food is delivered. And get that red igloo cooler out of the dining room. And you kids get off my lawn. No, seriously, if you're going to charge real $$$, make a real restaurant. If not, that's fine, but adjust your aim accordingly.
(3)Luke C.
I will say this is easily the best restaurant in Nashville. We had five in our party, everyone ordered something different and everything was incredible. Try the teas, as well. I wish I could give this place 6 stars. The atmosphere is great too. I was surprised at how small the place was and there wasn't a huge line to get in... if you're visiting Nashville this is a must try.
(5)Caitlin D.
This is my FAVORITE new restaurant! I have a new interest in eating locally grown produce and free range meat, and Silly Goose uses such products. They have a chalkboard that tells you specifically where they get their ingredients, and I really appreciate that transparency, because most places you never know what you're really getting. The menu is varied in cuisine choices, it features different couscous dishes, from Italian, Asian and Mexican styles to one with roasted almonds, portabello and goat cheese. They have many salads to choose from, a multitude of delicious wraps and sandwiches, and more standard type entrees such as dry rubbed pork ribs (incredible!), salmon, chicken, and so on. They make these really interesting iced teas, with all kinds of herbs and fruits, and refill them for free. My other favorite feature is the fact that although they do not carry liquor, there is NO CORKAGE FEE. I am free to bring my own preferred wine, and do not have to spend a penny to have them open it and let me drink up! I wish that were standard, but it's not. It's special. My only complaint is that everyone in Nashville seems to agree, so it gets really crowded at peak times. You might try an earlier week night to avoid the hustle. But if you hit it during a wait, it's surely worth it.
(5)Christa P.
Great sandwiches and couscous. Appetizers are really good too. Dinner (too me) is a little over priced and smaller portions. Sangria is really good- and a good value when buying a pitcher.
(4)Phil N.
King Kong couscous (add chicken) was amazing. A cornicopia of flavors dancing around in your mouth and every bite is bursting with delicious flavors. Set in a hip area, Silly Goose would fit right in in San Francisco. If you wanna be cool, eat here.
(5)Amanda B.
Great quality and appropriately priced. I'm visiting Nashville from out of town and attended Etch the night before where I paid 30 dollars for cold Venison. The Silly Goose is so much better than Etch!
(5)Mod F.
Never had a bad meal - creative cooking and great service.
(5)Katie I.
We had an excellent experience. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. When I called they weren't busy so we thought we'd try it. They have a few seats at the kitchen bar. They don't have a full bar, but rather a expo line where you see the kitchen. They have a small wine list, and sadly they were out of both white and red sangrias, but they let me try a wine and I ended up with going with a different one, which was nice. They are super friendly and willing to tweek anything if needed. We had several small plates, grilled shrimp, simple salad, cheese plate and a couscous. All of the dishes were beautifully plated and showed meticulous detail. The depth of flavors were great- the cheese plate was also generous! Place is quaint and modern. We saved room for jeni's next door, but next time I want to try their dessert. The couple next to us were raving over their salmon. Can't wait to go back. Great experience!
(5)Michelle '.
Silly Goose is a solid option for lunch or dinner, though the menu is quite different for each (more sandwich oriented at lunch). Their menu is a literary adventure, with exciting ingredients and personality-filled names. I highly recommend the Black Stallion: salmon with the most-delicious coconut rice and crunchy carrots. The Darth Vapor (grouper in lemongrass broth), despite its wonderfully punny name, was less incredible, though nothing to complain about. They have a lot of creative vegetarian options as well--what I like to think of as "accidental vegetarian": they didn't try to make something without meat; it just came out that way. One of them cracked me up. It was an elaborate vegetable and black lentil dish topped with . . . bacon vinaigrette. The waitress assured me it could be made with a vegetarian-friendly dressing. To top it off, they have housemade ice cream in curiosity-inspiring flavors. For the next trip, when I have enough self-control to save room for dessert!
(4)Melissa M.
We moved to Nashville not too long ago but are actually living in Franklin. The food in Franklin has left a lot to be desired, (so many franchises, everything fried) but we absolutely loved The Silly Goose. We had the Mexico City and King Kong couscous, and the beef brisket sandwich. Holy cats. We were not disappointed. Each dish was a total flavor explosion with so many perfectly balanced tastes and textures. Every component worked perfectly. We've even eaten at the pricey Etch and didn't think it compared to what we had here. The service was fantastic with everyone on staff available and eager to suggest favorites. Can't wait to get back for dinner sometime. Save some room (if you have the strength) and run next door to Jeni's for ice cream afterward.
(5)Whitney J.
Love this place. I had the King Kong and my husband had the Bird. My shrimp was cooked perfectly. Great atmosphere with a lunch that doesn't fill you up. Definitely a fave while in Nashville
(5)Erin E.
The food was delicious, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I went with a couple of friends, and we shared Magic Man stuffed peppers, Joe Bailey cheese plate, the Claw (shrimp and couscous), and Darth Vapor (grouper and roasted veggies). I can't wait to go back and try more! The only thing I would change would be the noise level. It was a little too loud.
(5)Sloane S.
The Silly Goose is consistently one of my favorite restaurants to recommend to my friends who live in Nashville as well as out-of-towners. They have a wide range of dishes, pleasing the adventurous palate as well as satisfying more traditional tastes through their reinvented classic dishes. They only serve wine, but you can bring your beer (or wine) at a $10 corkage fee. They only take reservations for parties of 6+, so I'd recommend going early or expecting to wait a while as the establishment is small. I HIGHLY recommend the Darth Vapor. The presentation is superb, and it's one of the best fish dishes I have EVER had. (And I almost exclusively eat fish). The service can be a little slow, but everyone is friendly and personable.
(4)Tulané H.
The food here really is good! The service is decent but my only real issue is the layout, it's just a but crowded. Fantastic food though!
(4)Emily A.
If you're the kind of nerd that drools over lentil this is the place for you. Silly Goose earns 5 stars for the lentils alone! Ok, it's great even for non lentil lovers. The dish I consumed in entirely with a big goofy grin on my face is called the "Hustler." Yogurt braised chicken kebabs over creamy lentils topped with kale. The chicken was moist and full of flavor as well. If you order the Jr. Roosevelt which is a roasted veggie quinoa dish be warned that the quinoa is served cold. Not sure what's up with that, I definitely would have preferred it warm like the vegetables it was served with. The place itself is tiny and hip, with a jammed parking lot. I'd suggest calling ahead or preparing to wait. Both times I've been part of a twosome and lucked out by nabbing a seat at the bar. Servers are all friendly and happy. I can't personally comment on the sandwiches but my boy says they're the best.
(5)Amy R.
Best meal I have had in Nashville. Period. Arrived not knowing what to expect. Very casual atmosphere, staff in jeans and t-shirts, buzzing but not loud. 30 minute wait on a Thursday night (no reservations for parties under 6 ppl) so we got a drink across the street and came back. Were seated at the bar, overlooking the kitchen, which turned out to be great. Good wine options, friendliest server ever. And then began a journey into foodie heaven. Quinoa salad with goat cheese and beets as an opener, on advice of server. Incredible flavors. Unexpected and delicious. My husband had roasted cauliflower soup. Great mix of flavors. Both of us had fish for entrees. I had salmon on top of couscous with a guacamole topper. It was incredible. He had grouper, with cauliflower and brussel sprouts in a broth. The flavors were amazing. We didn't want the meal to end. Fortunately, it didn't. The dessert special was a date cake - never would have picked it, but the server was on a roll so we rode the hot hand. Excellent decision. Moist and delicious. Just for fun, we also got the ricotta cheesecake, which was also incredible. Look, we have tried all the hot spots. We didn't think we were going out for the best meal of all. It just happened.
(5)Stacey G.
Ribs were perfectly cooked, the Peaches were fresh and juicy, the house made iced tea was perfectly refreshing! Food is fresh and local. Staff was friendly and attentive without being over bearing. If I lived here this would be my favorite place. Plus they have the best staff shirts on the planet and you can buy them! Yes I bought the "wash your hands - work hard - be nice to people" shirt. best shirt ever.
(5)Patricia P.
Somewhat difficult to find if you're not familiar with the area but worth seeking out. Had the "Sparky" turkey sandwich and basil lemonade. Delicious!! A bit noisy though...hip decor inside. Would come back again!
(5)Mina K.
I was so looking forward to trying this place. yikes, did not meet expectations. It took 40 min. for our food to arrive and when it did it tasted like they poured the entire box of salt in it. The servers were nice but couldn't understand the lack of attention to the amount of time we waited. The tea was refreshing but not enough to make me go back.
(1)Megan B.
WOW - this place blew me away. I'd had friends highly recommend it but I really didn't know what I was missing. It's very small and eclectic inside and the service is friendly and the waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable. But what really takes it to the next level is the food - WOW. Just wow. We started with sangria and a cheese plate, which was ridiculously good (local honey and cheeses with cranberry bread from Provence and housemade peach-cherry jam). I had the Hollywood Kamel for my entree - an amazing mix of seared scallops, pork belly, and a red pepper relish, with a grapefruit/parmesan/greens (arugula?) salad on the side. Everything went together amazingly well - it was absolutely delicious. Life changing, even. The server gave us a sample of the beet & local honey homemade ice cream for dessert which was interesting but very beet-y, understandably so. Not for everyone! We finished with a date/caramel/pistachio torte for dessert that had an amazing sour-cream-ish sauce on top. We would've ordered coffee but we didn't have time! I love the local handmade art (SG initials in the entry) and the river rocks in the sink in the restroom. This place has thought of everything and the little touches really make it feel special and different. I could've stayed all night! We luckily got there early because we didn't have reservations and if the food is any indication they must be packed out every night. This was one of my favorite meals of all time, and I eat A LOT! I can't wait to go back and I think everyone who finds themselves in Nashville needs to go to Silly Goose. You will be so happy you did!
(5)Joseph M.
Never sit at the bar and watch them prepare food when you are hungry. You'll want to try everything that they are meticulously preparing for their customers! The fresh ingredients makes their salads and sandwiches pop with so much flavor. Aviator salad has a unique favor with nuts and chimichurri that I would eat it all the time if I lived in Nashville!
(5)Morgan P.
The sandwiches that I had here made me want to do the happy food dance. It's the dance I do when my food is particularly good or my fiancé promises to take me on a hike so we can get BBQ nachos. We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday and were treated to a 20 minute wait. I ordered the Zipper and the mister ordered Lyle's Surprise. We each gave each other half. I really enjoyed each of them. I'm notoriously indecisive so I couldn't say if I liked one more than the other, they were just really good. The flavors and textures were spot on. The Zipper was more sweet and the Lyle's more savory. We both ordered the salad as our side and it was properly dressed. We both left without feeling too full or gross, which is always a win in my book. I am looking forward to coming back to try another sandwich concoction! P.S. I really liked the basil lemonade.
(4)Mary G.
Your typical East Nashville, hipster, shabby-chic sandwich shop. Tasty, good food but I wish the prices would better reflex what is offered. $10 for a turkey wrap that had more "other ingredients than turkey? Though the herbed couscous was delicious, not really what I want with a sandwich. I think a choice of homemade potato chips would not hurt a bit. I don't know, I just don't feel like I got my money's worth and yes, there are still people left in Nashville who are watching their wallets! That's it! I couldn't put my finger on it before, SO many of these little chicy eateries popping up all over with creativeish menus but totally over-priced for anyone on a budget.
(3)Scott B.
First time in Nashville so I thought I would go off of the best reviews to find someplace good to eat for dinner. I think most of the reviews are a little skewed by all the hipsters that hangout here. First, this place is more expensive than it is according to Yelp. We had one salad, an order of shrimp, and a side of salmon. Came out to around $50 after tip. The food was good but after a long day of driving and subway for lunch I wanted a real meal. Not 6 shrimp, a couple bites is salmon, and a cucumber slice off my girlfriend's salad. Don't get me wrong the food is good just portioned for those people who have recently had Lap-band surgery. On top of that two of us were placed at one end of the 12 person table where I was dripped on by the a/c (maybe a new form of water refill?). I wasn't expecting the greatest meal of my life but I wasn't expecting to have to order a medium pizza to our hotel room after dinner either. You're probably thinking I'm some fat guy by now but I've been the same waist size since freshmen year of high-school so I promise that's not the case. Oh and we waited almost an hour for this well after normal dinner time.
(3)Patti J.
Fantastic!!! Awesome fresh organic food. A must go to!
(5)Marcia M.
The Goose has been spruced! A dandy new logo, updated menu, and expansion have made this East Nashville bird better than ever... who thought it was possible, right? I certainly always enjoyed the coziness of this previous nook of a dining establishment but the extra square footage is a nice excuse to stretch out and stay awhile. The space is still intimate and hasn't lost any charm and authenticity either. New "nightly specials" are also offered that range in price from $9 - $18 for locally sourced nourishing plates. I happen to be smitten with the Saylor ($9) which is a sandwich comprised of roasted red pepper, avocado, basil, arugula, lemon-kalamata olive aioli, and a "meaty" grilled eggplant on grilled ciabatta bread. I always get the herb couscous which is an especially pleasing side item. I couldn't resist ordering the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea which is well worth the $3 price-tag. Refreshing flavor doesn't come cheap peeps! Our server was doting and very helpful in offering advice for my vegan and my date's vegetarian palates. She basically stated that much on the menu could be adjusted to accommodate our lifestyle. I have to swell with a tad of neighborhood pride as I know that I am one lucky broad to have such a top-notch business right around the corner. Cheers to that Goose!
(5)Esther L.
The Silly Goose was just what I needed, having moved to Nashville from Chicago a few years ago and encountering disappointment at other recommended spots. Several visits later, my satisfaction maintains. I appreciate the range of items available, even on the revised menu. This is a great destination for date night or a small group of friends. I make an exception for couscous here alone. The atmosphere and service are welcoming and attentive. As for food, the Joe Bailey (cheese plate) and all salads are a fresh start to dinner. I've enjoyed the Zipper sandwich, as well as Mexico City and King Kong couscous dishes. Wine can be purchased onsite or BYOB. Perfect. As other reviewers mentioned, look elsewhere if you're in a rush, and dig in if you're ready to wait a little.
(5)Henry V.
I stopped at this place on a trip to Nashville, my first time back in quite a few years. This section of East Nashville has a lot of new dining options; this place stood out because I was in dire need of some vegetables. I had a couscous dish whose presentation was a little bit of a surprise--it was more deconstructed than I expected--but every aspect of it was fantastic. The greens were fresh and firm, the couscous was perfect, and the combination of sweet potatoes and black beans was the perfect thing to prepare me for a couple hours of driving. My girlfriend had a sandwich and the bite I had was great. I'm a sucker for vegetable-heavy menus like this, and if I lived and/or worked in East Nashville, I would come here often.
(4)Noor B.
One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Super seasonal and fresh. Everything on the menu looked amazing - I wanted to try everything but I went with the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea and The Bird. It was the best chicken sandwich I have ever had- hands down! Shared table seating, lots of light, great spot! I can see why Caleb Followill and his wife frequent this place 2-3x/week (according to Eric the server there.)
(5)Gerry J.
I started a health kick about a month ago and since I travel for work a lot, I decided to look up healthy choices in Nashville. I found silly goose on a few websites, including yelp. When I read the menu and read the background, I kind of knew what to expect. It was kind of new age-y and a little hippie. But again, I knew what I was getting into and was looking forward to the food. As I sat down, 4 or 5 tables were occupied. Yes, the seating arrangement is a little awkward (as stated by others), but given the atmosphere they are trying to re-create, it actually makes a lot of sense. They have one long communal table for big crowds of 6 or more. Or a couple of smaller groups could fit. I listened to the server give tips on the food to one of the other tables next to me. He mentioned The Bird as being one of the most popular dishes. I thought about it, and it looked like a really good option. I can tell you hands-down that this was anything but a new age or hippie salad. Instead, the grill pressed Panini style fresh ingredients and abundant and well proportions accoutrements made the sandwich one of the best ones I've had in quite a while. Being from Los Angeles, I think says quite a lot. I also had the pineapple pomegranate juice. It was pretty sweet but still good. I had to cut it down with another glass of water. But that's just my taste. This restaurant definitely deserves five star status, if you know what to expect when you go in. If you base your rating on the quality of food, the service, and the prices, then you will certainly not be disappointed.
(5)Tori M.
One of my favorite low key restaurants in Nashville, for the lunch options (also served at dinner) and the price. Honestly, this is somewhere I typically get my order to go if I happen to be in the area, as the restaurant is relatively small and usually packed. I have had several of their sandwiches and cous cous dishes and absolutely loved them all. A significant amount of my paycheck would go here if I lived closer.
(5)MacGregor B.
Great food, best meal I've had while on my trip. Gourmet, idyllic pairings... wonderful wine and a great and friendly staff. I went here on my birthday with a large party. While we arrived on time, the people occupying our table did not. We were seated about 15 minutes before closing, but they were happy to accommodate us. We had excellent service, wonderful food, and an amazing atmosphere that was not rushed or hoping to get us out the door. Every item on the menu was lauded by our party... appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The staff was truly friendly and awesome. I've only been in Nashville for a little under a month but have visited many great places to dine, but nothing lived up to the Silly Goose. This menu, these people, and the fun we had were unmatched. I couldn't recommend this place any more! Thanks again, guys. WE WILL BE BACK!
(5)Bob S.
If you don't know the chef was voted the people choice for best new chef in the southeast. I had the pleasure of eating therfe again the day the vote came out and the chef knock the meal out of the park. My only complaint is the place is small and if you dont get there at the right time, you may have a wait.... The King Kong Couscous were great!! I am so glad that he was out of Salmon that nite because i would of not had that dish. But because he substituted it with mahi mahi i ordered it, i am just a white fish person. But the flavors of this dish is the best fish dish i have had in Nashville since the Holland House got rid of there catfish dish over the southern bisquit ( I still am holding a grudge about that). If this little place is not on your list... Try it soon!!
(5)Jemina B.
After having one of the best meals of my life last night, I knew I had to update my prior review (which was glowing, as well). This is how much I love this place- my prior review of 4 stars seems paltry in comparision to my recent experience, so 5 stars it is! We started off with the cheese plate, which I highly recommend. It's pretty enough to take pictures of (you bet I did) and a great sampling of local artisan cheeses. The toasted bread served with it is also to die for. The special right now is seared scallops served over a lovely gazpacho/creamed corn medley that I really can't put into words. Just do yourself a favor and get it. Now. Run, don't walk. Hurry! Dessert was their ever-popular "Sex," which I'd have to say lives up to its name. Decadent, chocolatey, and all kinds of naughty. You may have to wait for a table (especially when everyone reads this amazingly written review, duh). But if you're really into food that's lovingly prepared by people who are passionate about high quality ingredients, it's completely worth it. Also, our server Zachary was the bee's knees! Bottom line: pay decent prices for amazing food paired with a non-pretentious environment. What more can you ask for?
(5)Stephanie T.
Cute hipster-ish restaurant. Usually have to wait a little, but that's okay since there is a coffee shop next door you can wait in- They'll come get you so no worries there. The people working there are very nice. The Bird is absolutely delicious. I begrudgingly let my boyfriend try it, but even so, I kept a close eye on the bite size... The couscous here is unbelievably tasty. I usually don't care for sides and focus purely on the main entree, but.. Wow. I polished that plate clean. Their desserts looked promising, but I had already planned to go next door to Jeni's for ice cream, which was also stellar..
(5)Julie L.
The food here is spectacular. But get it to go, because the service is...well, terrible. I had the King Kong couscous/shrimp concoction - the name of the dish is appropriate, because it's so good, I wanted to go apesh*t with each bite. Portion is a little on the small side, so if you're really hungry, you might want to add on something else. I also tried the basil lemonade, which was good, but not memorable. It wasn't busy the day my friend and I were there, and the waiter and waitress who were working acted as if they couldn't be bothered with us the entire time we were there. My friend's glass of tea was refilled by the guy who brought our food out from the kitchen. When my glass of lemonade went empty about 5 minutes later, it was never refilled. The waitstaff never came back to our table to see if we needed anything after our food was brought out, only to bring the check at the end of the meal. Super disappointing. Hopefully this was an off day, because it would be a shame for a place with food this good to go under.
(4)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 4 Service: 4 I came here with three friends for dinner Sunday around 5:30pm. There were barely any tables filled, but the entire place was packed by 6pm, so get there early. Dinner menu here: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… and yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… 1. Bird, 9 yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… Grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread ~Not bad. All the components were good, but it wasn't the best sandwich I've had. Same with the couscous, which was good but a bit bland (maybe that's just couscous though). 2. Citrus-Mint-Ginger Green Tea, 3 Quite good and bottomless. My friend liked it so much she wanted to take a gallon of it home. My friend got the Spalding: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71… Service was good, and their bathroom is cute: yelp.com/biz_photos/Zc71…
(4)Kaitlyn K.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville re-opened, and it's so cute! Still has that small restaurant vibe, but they do offer a few more seats / tables - and it looks a bit more dressed up. There was still a 25 minute wait last night, but I didn't care a bit. Amazing food, cute ambiance, friendly staff....does it get better??? I have been on a crazy diet, and I am in a phase where I can't have starches or sugars...so they took my favorite sandwich and turned it into a salad, and it was just as good, if not better... (The Bird). They also added quinoa instead of couscous. I mean, above and beyond. Read my other reviews for my favorite dishes....BUT their menu has expanded quite a bit. There's a great Mahi Mahi dish now, and a few exciting salads. The sandwiches are classicly amazing, and my Sparky Wrap is still there too! YAY! PS - cheese plate...still to die for. You can bring in your own bottle of wine, but in a few weeks (I'm told), they'll have their wine license. If you're not a vino lover like me..their tea / basil lemonade is just as good. My.Favorite.Place.In .The.Ville.
(5)Courtney C.
While visiting my sister at Vanderbilt, she took me to silly goose for lunch. I was wary of it while we drove through a less than scenic part of town but WOW. It is amazing! I forget what I ended up ordering but I had the hardest time choosing between at least 3 or 4 sandwiches. I think everything on the menu sounded good. and the basil lemonade was to die for. I had a similar, alcoholic version at a restaurant in Philly the week before and this nonalcoholic version was 10x better. I want to go back to visit her just so I can get another sandwich! Not to mention, the decor is very cute and trendy plus good service- our waitress insisted on closing the blinds because she could see the sun was going to be blinding us during our meal.
(5)Dan D.
This is a tiny place that doesn't take reservations for less than six people, so be prepared for a wait! That said, the food is unique and inspired. I loved the pink panther sandwich with brisket, blue cheese, something pink and something tangy!! Also had some lovely grilled salmon seasoned just right, perfectly oily and tender, not overdone. Delicious, neat new combinations of things, worth waiting for.
(5)Lisa B.
I rarely make it out to East Nashville, but I am pretty confident that's about to change. I've been dragged over the bridge by friends several times in the last few weeks and I'm quickly realizing that East Nash's food kicks Brentwood's food in the rear. Toward the top of the list of reason I will be a more frequent visitor: Silly Goose. I hear it used to be smaller, but I cannot imagine that this is true, because the place is still tiny. There was about a 25 minute wait at 7pm on a Tuesday, so good luck to you if you try it on a weekend. That's all the negativity I have. Oh - and there's no booze on the menu. meh. I had the Citrus Mint Ginger Tea and the Roscoe with a side of couscous. The Roscoe is basically a gourmet BLT with a few extra [read: delicious] ingredients - YUM. The presentation was amazing - they even managed to make a sandwich look pretty. The staff was attentive and friendly and carry iPads for you to swipe your credit card/sign/tip with, which pleased my inner nerd. I also like that the food is organic and not one million dollars.
(4)Carin M.
When you need a break from all the heavy southern food, go to the Silly Goose! We were here on a girls weekend and wanted to eat great food but had enough of the heavy/carby/southern food so we tried this place for a change. Sat at the bar and had such a good time with the wait staff and trying the amazing fresh and yummy food. Ate a panini - awesome and fresh - ate couscous - the one with chicken/goat cheese that is spicy and shared the beet salad and another salad. All delicious and we ate every bite. Also had some good wine and fresh ice tea. For dessert we split the flourless chocolate cake dessert. Great too. Small place so get there early or be prepared to wait. But it is worth the wait.
(5)Zeb M.
After only visit, I think the Silly Goose may be my favorite restaurant in town now. If someone gives this place a bad review, I wouldn't trust them. Or maybe their favorite restaurant is Applebee's.
(5)Tracy M.
I absolutely adore this place! The food is so well thought out, with interesting ingredients and intense flavor pairings. Also, I always feel good about what I ate when I leave, meaning I know I ate something not only tasty but healthy (mostly).
(5)Melissa B.
Stumbled upon this place on accident... First tried Arnold's Country Kitchen, and realized they're not open on the weekends...??? Anyway. This place was a little hidden, small, and fabulous. Walking in, it's very comfortable, casual, kindof hip, but not pretentious (super friendly.) No wait, and fantasitc open kitchen (It's always good to take a peek at who's cooking your food). Their drinks are awesome; We had basil lemonade and Pineapple Red Tea (FREE REFILLS!) Food was yummy with fresh local ingredients (vegetarian friendly) and fair priced. Wish were still hungry for the Orange & Goat Cheese, or Nutella ice cream...
(5)M L.
All I have to say is that The Silly Goose is the best place to eat in Nashville. If you love fish, scallops, or veggie options this is the place. Roderick is a fucking genius, his staff is the best, and the quality is bar none. If you love food, love a good atmosphere, and like BYOB. Simply go here. No questions. I Love Silly Goose.
(5)James Q.
The Silly Goose is a very small restaurant, so you often have to wait, but it's well worth it. You can always go next door to Jeni's Ice Cream and drool over it while waiting for a table to open it. My friend and I were seated at the bar area last Thursday evening. She and I both ordered the King Kong, which is their signature dish with couscous and curried shrimp and it's off the wall delicious. For the appetizers, we split the Honest Abe, which is a house-made lamb sausage, and Bingus Trio, which is sesame-lime hummus, roasted red pepper goat cheese, and guacamole served with flatbread. We both loved the Honest Abe. With the Bingus Trio, I preferred the guacamole and hummus over the goat cheese, while my friend liked the goat cheese the best. The service was also great at the bar. The bar waiter in addition to waiting on us also prepared the food. He was also nice enough to give us a sample of a couscous with balsamic reduction. The first time I went there was a year ago; I went with a dining group, although there's only one large table there. They don't cater to groups very well, although if it wasn't for that event, I might have never tried this wonderful place.
(5)R J.
The best food I had while visiting Nashville, and I tried quite a few places. I ate here twice, and tried five different dishes and they were all fantastic. And to top it off, the prices were very reasonable. Nice space, great food, good service, and great value - what more could one want in a restaurant? I only wish it was in Portland so I could go on a regular basis.
(5)Mandi P.
So I've been back many times since the last review and I love this place! The food never disappoints. I try to go on weeknights or for lunch and its always awesome.
(5)Whit W.
Silly Goose is my absolute favorite restaurant in a hundred mile radius of Nashville, and in my top ten anywhere. Like, if this place were a guy, it would be Joseph Gordon-Levitt, talented, handsome, and ridiculously charming. I realize that makes little to no sense, but their food does that to me: it overwhelms me to the point of absurdities. I've had quite a few of the menu items, but my go-to (and the thing I crave constantly) is the Zipper, but it's vital to add bacon. Andy, who is just one of the many wonderful staff members, tipped me off to try it like this. I always get it with a side of the Prince Edward, which is a magical blend of quinoa, sweet potato, avocado, black beans, and a semi-sweet vinaigrette. When they have it, the peach sangria is also to die for. Everything is always made with fresh, quality ingredients, but where Silly Goose truly shines is in its unique and ingenius combination of flavors in every dish. It's a foodie's delight. In case you were unsure, I would HIGHLY recommend trying it. Figuring out the right time to go to avoid a long wait is not a constant formula, but I like to go for an early-ish dinner (5:30ish). But it's always worth the wait.
(5)Trevor H.
Lyle's Surprise is a five star sandwich. Party of four, everyone's dish rocked, as did the appetizers. Do your mouth a favor, get the basil lemonade!
(5)Lauren P.
This is by far the best food I have had in the Nashville/Clarksville area. I am from California and am out here because my Fiance is in the Army. We are both very used to the luxury of amazing food in northern Cali. We have been to many restaurants looking for great food. We found it! The decor is awesome, very cute and artsy. The basil lemonade and pomegranate-pineapple red tea are SO tasty and refreshing. We ate the Zipper and the T-bird sandwiches. They were amazing! I cannot say enough good things about this place. We were stunned with how good everything was. From the beginning to the end our entire experience was a great one! Thank you Silly Goose for a fantastic lunch!
(5)Kristan H.
Silly Goose is a cute, "upscale casual" cafe with great food. My friends and I went for lunch on a Friday with no reservations. We had about a 10 minute wait, which we spent in the Ugly Mugs coffee shop next door. When our table was ready, the Silly Goose hostess came to get us. I had what was possibly the best turkey wrap of my life, accompanied by delicious couscous and field greens. My companions were similarly pleased with their meals. The portions were a good size (I actually took half my wrap home, though my friends ate all their food) and the service was friendly and attentive. Tip: I highly recommend the basil lemonade! In all it was a great first food experience in Nashville, and definitely the kind of place I would go to again.
(4)Eliza R.
I wish I could give the Silly Goose a 6 star rating, it was that good. After hearing many wonderful things about this restaurant, I finally headed over for a late lunch... for 2pm on a Friday, it was surprisingly packed! It is a tiny place, with a few small tables on the perimeter, some seats at a bar, and a large rustic wooden table in the middle that seats multiple people. The ambiance is very charming with a mix of old and new decor. My favorite little touches were the red bandanna napkins! The menu is mouth-watering and simple, consisting mostly of fresh salads, unique sandwiches and rich desserts. I ordered the Frisby sandwich (grilled portabella mushroom on rosemary foccacia) and was pleased that it came with sides of pesto couscous and salad greens. I also got the citrus ginger mint iced tea, which is served in an old fashioned quilted jelly jar. :) I was really anticipating the food after drooling over the menu and it exceeded my expectations! So fresh, tasty and wholesome, and I love that they use a lot of local and organic ingredients. Seriously, everything tasted incredible and I can't wait to go back multiple times and try everything on the menu!
(5)Samantha S.
A friend of mine asked me to meet her at Silly Goose for a late lunch so luckily we found a spot as soon as we walked in. Cute restaurant and even better food. Everything we had was great (The Zipper and Lyle's Surprise) You could taste the freshness and all of the ingredients really popped. It's hard to find a healthy and super flavorful sandwich. Only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was one of the servers/cooks (I think they do both?) dropped a cooking utensil on the ground, picked it up and used it to pick something up off the George Foreman-ish grill. I'm pretty OCD about that sort of thing and it grossed me out very bad. Enough to think twice about going back...
(4)Gregory R.
It's hard to believe, but as a self-righteous (and probably annoying) foodie my favorite food in Nashville is served at this place that doesn't even have a proper kitchen. Apparently all you need are the right fresh local ingredients, a little heat from a foreman grill, some creativity, and wow - delicious. The owner, Roderick(?), seems like he's around 30, is super excited about this place, and is refreshingly modest. He has created the most brilliant dishes. He actually deserves the kind of local celebrity chef status that people like Arnold Myint self-proclaim. My wife and I usually split a couscous dish (like the King Kong with shrimp) and a sandwich (often the Bird) and they always split it up on two plates with half of each which is just one of those little things that I appreciate a lot. The use of beets here is fabulous - both in the juices and the dessert.
(5)Josh K.
Been Going here for lunch for a while now and still one of the best places for lunch in the city. I personally love the Zipper especially. Finally had dinner there last night though and it was one of the best meals I have had in the city along with lockeland and flyte. I had the pony which is one of the best fish dishes in the city and if you aren't a salmon fan they will let you substitute a different piece of fish in for it. Please go try this restaurant if you haven't yet. One last note go to jeni's next door for desert. some of the best ice cream in city along with pied piper down the street.
(5)Sarah S.
It's allll about the Lyle's Surprise. I mean, I love everything at Silly Goose. I love the fancy stuff, I love the King Kong, I love the rosemary lemonade. But that sandwich just kills me every time. Cappicola and fennel soaked with a balsamic reduction on rosemary focaccia? Music to my ears. On our most recent visit, we also got the Karate Man for an appetizer. It was delicious with smoked duck pastrami on a bed of endive. I also like how you can go here for dinner and get a sandwich for $10 or an entree for $25. Your fancy friends with "real jobs" can get the pricier stuff and everyone else can stay in their budget. The prices are right for food these fresh and delicious. Everything is amazing here and it's completely worth the wait.
(5)Melissa A.
One of the best lunches I have ever had. I had the Jo CD sandwich and it was fantastic. It features grilled zucchini, artichoke, sun dried tomato, and other yummy goodies. My husband had the Mexico City which is chicken and goodies with couscous. The chicken was amazingly flavorful and good. The basil lemonade was the perfect accent to the meal. This is definitely a must go!
(5)Vee E.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville. Creative dishes for lunch & dinner. Suitable for diners of all types with options for vegetarians. Note that seating is on benches with few tables, so I'd imagine that there can be a line during peak hours. They do take reservations for groups. I'd love to return to try everything on the menu.
(5)Bridgette C.
The first time I went here, there was a half an hour wait at 230pm on a Saturday. That's one of those moments where you know you're at the right place. I went here with friends who couldn't stop raving about it. It's a small place but with a lot of open space. I immediately went for the zipper (smoked salmon, carmelized onions, um yes please). You can get your sammies with either salad or couscous, or a little bit of both. I recommend doing both. I cannot express in adequate words how delicious my food was. I would happily wade through traffic to get into East Nashville to eat here any day of the week. The service was attentive without being overbearing, the food was reasonably priced and mind-blowingly good, and the space itself inviting. Please go there. I want them to make more money to expand and make more delicious sandwiches.
(5)Rachel S.
The hype is true, and I can see why Silly Goose has made such an impact in East Nashville and all around town. It really is a very good little restaurant. Though I wish I could have tried everything on the menu, I had to keep it to a sandwich, which thankfully came with sides of a little salad and a side portion of the Silly Goose's own couscous, which they take pride in. The couscous was pesto-y, so tasty. I had the Zipper - the smoked salmon sandwich, which ROCKED, and I chose to replace the marble rye bread it was to come on with the rosemary focaccia. Y'all - take after me! This was a remarkable combination. Silly Goose has a few house-made teas and lemonade, and I had the apple cider black tea today, which was aweosomely apple-y. Only thing that made me go "hmmm" a little was that the salad was a bit on the salty side, as in over-salted. I dig salt, but this seemed like a miscalculation... Dessert and some more famed couscous next time...
(4)Ben G.
Amazing food, kind owner, well priced. You must check it out if you are around East Nashville.
(5)Aly S.
This is a small place but, in my experience, there's never much of a wait and the food is always outstanding. I've only had lunch here. Any of the couscous dishes are to die for. I'm taking an East Nashville client here for lunch tomorrow and I can't wait.
(5)Jamee C.
I love this place. We went for dinner, and if you have never been here, it's a small venue. The seats are sort of small and you can feel as if everybody's crammed in there but I like a different atmosphere. We sat at the bar and I liked the decorations and details in the interior. The food was pretty damn good. We had an exciting view of the kitchen. I love that you can see the whole kitchen. I thought it was pretty cool that all the cooks had tattoos and they wore black, all fairly young and pretty hip, but do not undermine their cooking skills! Love their tea as well.
(5)Dagan B.
They are lucky I base my reviews off the food because the waitress kinda sucked. The atmosphere isnt anything special but it isnt bad. Now to the food WoW it was good. The goat cheese and peppadew was good, not alot but very good. The grouper called the Darth Vapor was very good. My date had the Mexico City ( chicken with couscous and peppers and mango and goat cheese) it was really good. if i could lick my plate without looking like a barbarian I would have :)
(5)Haroun K.
Speaking about the sandwiches at Silly Goose, my hosts in Nashville said, "You feel like every ingredient has a purpose. You can understand why they put all of these ingredients together." I definitely agree. The ingredients are fresh, and oh so very complementary. There are so many veggie friendly options, which is a plus. And I appreciated the side of cous-cous. The waiter was nice, and it was pretty cool to pay via Ipad. It is BYOB for wine, too!
(5)Deborah W.
I visited here in December and loved it. It is a true gem in East Nashville. I had redfish with goat cheese and couscous. YUM. This place is small and intimate and was the perfect healthy dinner before seeing a show at the Ryman. Which was a whole other piece of heaven.
(5)Chris V.
You really can't go wrong here, but if the decision is just too hard - which it will be - just get the King King. It's life changing! This East Nashville hot spot is one of the city's best. If you're in a rush, you may want to skip it or have a plan B in mind. The space is quite small, so there is usually a wait. But if you're willing to sit next door sipping wine or espresso, the wait will be well worth it. Everything on the menu is delicious and satisfying - trust me, I've had it all!
(5)Yelper S.
Went for late lunch. Surprised to find more and more places like this in Nashville. Feels hip yet quaint. Very tasty and very fresh. Some dishes the portions are a little small. Agree that the bandanas are a nice addition as a napkin, but a natural non scented detergent would be more appropriate for use on the mouth and face.
(4)Greg S.
Holy smokes awesome. Grouper - amazing. Gazpacho awesome. Tomato salad incredible. One of my best recent restaurant experiences. Good vegan options. Fair price. Great service, thx Brian!
(5)Margie B.
WOW! I haven't had a meal that mind-blowing in a long time. We are on a cross country trip this summer, and came here after a long day of driving from DC, on a friend's recommendation. It was well worth the 1.5 hour wait (really, I mean it!). We started with tomatoes (can I lick the plate and not get caught?), followed by the Pack Mule ribs (I have never tasted anything like that) and the Sicilian couscous. Every choice they made in these 2 dishes were surprising and genius. The lemonade and red tea were wonderful. We ended with the beet ice cream (don't miss this one!) and a Ray (fresh peaches, rhubarb and oat crumble). And amazingly it was less than $60 for 3 of us, with plenty of food! Service was outstanding. You can tell everyone here loves what they do. Why do I have to live 3000 miles away from this gem??
(5)Jeremy E.
Great spot in East Nasty. Sandwiches were outstanding as was the couscous. Fresh ingredients and bread makes for a gourmet lunch at a reasonable price. Rosemary Lemonade was a refreshing treat. Service was good, as was the hostesses friendly welcome. Will certainly be back.
(4)David O.
Having recently been featured in Nashville Scene, my girlfriend and I decided to check it out. Wow. The food was delicious! While its mostly a sandwich place, the food seems to deliver at any time of the day. The sandwich offerings seem quite exotic, but don't let any of that fool you. My sandwich was quite rich in flavor. For dessert I tried the recommended Honey Beet Ice Cream which, while sounding disgusting was fantastic! The downside seems to be the small size of the joint, and don't get a chair near the door at sundown! Overall the passion of the staff really comes out in the food and I look forward to returning!
(5)Laila S.
This is one of my favorite East Nashville lunch spots. The couscous is flavorful and completely satisfying. The sandwiches are great too! haven't have a bad meal and don't expect to have one either. Yum!
(5)Andrea R.
Have been looking for fresh, local, and organic options in Nashville. The SIlly Goose was on the top of the list to try and it did not disappoint. I was hoping for a few moe vegetarian options and from that list was a bit picky. They are great about updating menus and announcements via facebook and their ice cream looks divine. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)Casey M.
The greatest treasure in all of Nashville. Locally owned with the freshest local ingredients. Try the beet ice cream with honey.
(5)Tonya O.
Having never heard of Silly Goose until it was recently voted Best New Restaurant by the Nashville Scene Readers Poll, I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful flavors coming from my Bird sandwich at Silly Goose. I had a hard time deciding which sandwich to get and planned to try others on other visits, I'm not so sure I could not order the Bird sandwich again. It might just become one of those sandwiches I crave on occasion. A side of couscous and greens came with my meal, and they were the perfect sides for the robust flavors of the sandwich. I also tried the Beat Apple Ginger pressed juice, which wasn't bad, but not really something I would order again. The Pumpkin Pie handmade ice cream was scrumptious. My boyfriend had the highly rated Honey Beet ice cream, which turned out to be very good, as well. The staff are incredibly sweet and accommodating, and the only problem that I see in the future for the Silly Goose is that they are a small establishment with just a handful of tables.
(5)Caitlin C.
The Bird This is the sandwich that was ordered by my friends who were visiting Nashville from LA. We stopped here for their first meal on a Thursday night. There was no wait to be seated and the food and service was great. My friends were so taken by this sandwich that we came back Friday night. Despite the rain it was buzzzzy. After learning we'd have to wait forever for a table we decided to get our food to go. My friends ordered an extra Bird just in case they'd be craving seconds later that night. Silly Goose was their favorite meal while in town. Lesson learned, get your food to go if you're planning on Silly Goose at anytime on Friday night. PS I'm very fond of all these places that inquire or automatically split checks for tables with a large crowd. It's an amazing convenience that establishments in LA hate doing, many servers become visibly annoyed if you even ask for a split check, and lots of places have completely banned it altogether. My LA friends were very impressed by Silly Goose and other places that offer this option and make payment easy through the use of an iPad.
(5)Nancy V.
If you are going to take someone from out of town to one local restaurant. Well, first, that is a very hard decision! Know that you can not fail if you select the Silly Goose.
(5)Lyndi S.
Silly Goose, it was love at first couscous. I double-dated here with boyfriend and some fellow Yelpers, and I now question why we waited so long to try this place! The atmosphere is laid back, the staff is friendly, but not in your face, and the food is, well... read on. We decided to split the King Kong couscous and the Saylor sandwich, which they split on each of our plates as well, which was great. The King Kong definitely brought a good amount of heat (you can get it sans heat if you're not into that), and was full of all of my favorite flavors: avocado, ginger, curry, mint, etc. Oh, and the shrimp, offering just the right combination of flavor and texture - yum. I need more of that in my life. The veggies on the Saylor were grilled and seasoned to the utmost perfection. If I had it my way, I probably would've refused to split, and then requested to be rolled out of there like Violet Beauregarde. Alas, I held back. But not for long, because I'm sure that we'll be back soon. And now that I know it's BYOB, well, it's on.
(5)Michelle M.
Cute little spot with delicious food with surprising flavors. Pleasant waitstaff. My one critique is the size. This restaurant is so tiny! And there is always a crowd trying to get in and eat (including moi). I wish they had more room to accommodate all of us right away. I hate waiting for that scrumptious food, but I keep doing it because it is really good.
(4)Todd B.
I love this place. Open space, amazing creative menu, great quality and excellent service.
(5)Lindsay W.
Rosemary Lemonade is sheer perfection. I had the T-Bird (minus blue gouda, sub chevre) with 1/2&1/2 couscous and salad greens on the side. Sandwich tasted fresh, homemade, healthy. Bread was amazing. Wish the meat had been more flavorful. Not a fan of the balsamic reduction drizzle on the plate that got all over the underside of the sandwich, and subsequently all over my hands.... awkwardly sticky. Had hoped to try the 4 on the Floor dessert I'd heard so much about but they were out of pears.
(5)Justin R.
The goose is loose! My girlfriend and met up with some fellow yelpers tonight for an awesome dinner. I've heard such great things about Silly Goose and have been meaning to try it for months, tonight was the night. The atmosphere is great. Very casual, laid back vibe going on here. And the staff sure knows how to treat you right. Our waiter was very helpful with pointing out some menu highlights to us newbies. We ordered the king kong couscous and the sailor sandwich. We told them the we were going to split both dishes, and instead of bring out two separate dishes for each meal, they split everything up for us. Nice touch guys! The food was so delicious and flavorful. The sriracha that covered the king kong, gave it just the right about of heat. Oh and I can't forget to mention the delicious peanut sauce on the shrimp. Cooked to perfection. They also have great teas and lemon-aids that are made fresh daily. If you are looking something a little stronger, have no fear, that goose is BYOB. So, pick up you favorite brews and a bottle of wine on the way, and they will gladly serve you. The goose knows what's up!
(5)Hunter K.
Great food greatly overshadowed by hostess's ongoing attitude problem. Here's my video review.... youtube.com/watch?v=L2I3…
(1)Peggy O.
Nashville - you continue to amaze me. This little East Nashville treasure is my perfect cup of tea. Funky, casual and locally grown food that is good to boot. Scallops that both coasts would be proud of. Beet salad with large chucks of beets, not slivers. Mentioning to the server we were going to split, we were pleasantly surprised when they split them prior to bringing the dinners to the table. The basil lemonade was addictive and refills kept coming. Feel free to bring your own beer and wine with no corkage fees. We arrived early, determined to beat the crowds. Success. The servers were warm, courteous and attentive. Will return - and soon.
(5)Jason M.
My wife and I went here for her birthday. It was a Thursday and it was busy... we were told there could be up to a 45 minute wait... we decided to wait and were seated within about 15-20 minutes... great job exceeding expectations! The names of everything on the menu are very interesting and I've not figured out the theme yet, but it seems western maybe... We had the Abe Yoeman starter which is house made lamb sausage... It was so good! Then for mains we had The Hustler and The Pony (yogurt marinated chicken in lentils and salmon respectively), both excellent. Then for desert we had two Reverse Cowgirls... We will definitely go back!
(5)Michelle H.
Fresh, healthy, delicious, beautiful, fair prices, amazing service, unique dishes and drinks and ice cream made from scratch. COME ON. There's literally nothing bad about this place. My favorite was the T-Rex sandwich and honey beet ice cream. YUM!
(5)Frank B.
I was recommended to the place by a close friend of mine, and they were definitely right about this place! I really enjoyed all the funny little names that each of the dishes have. I decided to go with The Foxtrot for my first time and man was it delicious. There are not many places that serve my favorite bird without charging an arm and a leg. The duck was amazing, not too fatty, and although I'm not a big fan of jam, it went extremely well with the pesto on the sandwich. This is definitely one of the best places I've been to in Nashville.
(5)Sunny S.
Oh this was so great! Cozy, great care on the food, just great! I have all positive feedback for u!'
(5)Sarah C.
I was shocked when I made a lunch date with some east-Nasty friends and they suggested Silly Goose! I had no idea that they reopened! Cue the hallelujah chorus! Super pumped and starving, it was Saturday afternoon so without surprise we had to wait for about 30 minutes for a table. I must say, upon first impression I was expecting more seating. They did add several more tables and a long communal-style farmhouse table but still can't fit all the folks that are craving the goose. When we were seated, service was impeccable. Like these kids have done this before! Prompt, eager, and patient. All that I look for when I dine out. Without a doubt my favorite part of Silly Goose is the tea. I had this erotic concoction of mint and fruit-incredibly tasty. I must have downed three or four mason jars full before I even considered the sugar content. For my meal, I ordered the Saylor and was slightly disappointed when it arrived. The vegetables were great but it needed more flavor like a balsamic or feta on there. It would have made the meal out of this world.
(3)Caroline G.
This place is silly delicious. My co-workers and I drove from Vanderbilt to visit this place. The service was spectacular. Since there was a wait, we went next door to Ugly Mug to wait, and the hostess came to fetch us when our table was ready. I had the steelhead salmon entree for dinner with a side of herb couscous. Who knew couscous could be this good?! I'm still sitting here just reveling in my extremely delicious dinner. Good job Nashville. Totally worth venturing out of downtown.
(5)Kendyl S.
Cous Cous, the food so nice they named it twice? I love Silly Goose. I grew up in a house where my mom always served couscous as a side dish and I thought I liked it then. Silly Goose is on a whole other couscous field. The Mexico City is amazing, jalapenos and mango and goat cheese. Yummm. Last time we were there my mom ordered the King Kong and it was equally delish. I had the flower basket, wild mushrooms, mascarpone, other great things. Its gooooood! The sandwiches are good too, lots of veggie options. I dont know that Ive ever had the desserts but ive heard they rock, and the teas and lemonades are so nice! The only downside is that the place is small and there is usually a wait, so be prepared for that.
(4)thomas r.
Had a business friend in from Toronto who is vegan and I LOVE meat! Wife suggested the Goose and we both loved it. Had a bit of a wait, was a tad unorganized and not a huge fan of the seating arrangements but the food was great. Just another fantastic dining option on the Eastside! Good job Goose.
(4)Janet S.
I know people love this but I prefer my cous cous traditional the old Algerian way. However, I tried their King Kong, basically a dozen shrimp overcooked and skewered accompanied by a mound of cous cous with multiple flavors, I get what they are trying to do...nouveau cous cous but it felt there was too much going on for my palate and the portions were small Nice c.asual seating and reasonably priced, beer and wine and interesting rosemary lemonade, (though I watered it down more and it brought out more flavor) AND YES the beetroot ice cream was delicious as promised by the faithful fans.
(3)Tiffany S.
The sandwiches & couscous are delicious. I was a little surprised that they only offer specialty teas and did not offer more traditional drink options. This made it feel like they may be trying a little too hard to be unique. The place had great ambience and all of the servers were very friendly & attentive. I'd definitely go back but may bring my own drink.
(4)Emma W.
Obsessed with this place. Sad I waited so long to make it out there. But now it's my go-to place for a good meal. Don't wait. Get the KING KONG.
(5)Benson C.
Good food and service, but be prepared to wait on the weekend evenings. It's a good place to go for dates or just a casual dinner. It's a fairly cozy restaurant located in East Nashville. I believe they expanded the dining area in the past year or two to accommodate the amount of customers that have been coming to dine at this fine restaurant. The food is fresh and local which makes it perfect for those who prefer local ingredient meals. I feel like many of the food businesses in Nashville are trying to use local ingredients and I applaud them for that. It's rare to find places like these in Chicago, and I'm glad to live near places like these who offer fresh and great tasting and locally-grown cuisine.
(4)Laura T.
Love the King Kong!!! every time my family comes up for a visit we go there several times during their stay in TN.
(4)Hannah J.
I have been here twice now and I have enjoyed every bite. They are definitely vegetarian friendly. More importantly though, they are creative! I have grown weary of uninspired vegetarian dishes on menus meant to please meat-eaters. Silly Goose has managed to do the complete opposite: creative vegetarian dishes worthy of anyone's palate. Last night, I had the Spalding. I really love goat cheese. The Spalding has goat cheese. It was divine and I ate the whole thing. I didn't even feel guilty about it since their portions are perfect and the food isn't too heavy. The previous time I ate there I had the Saylor. This sandwich has my other favorite food: avocados. Plus, they let you order half couscous and half salad for your side in case you don't want to just pick one. To top it off, the desserts are killer. I had the Muffin Top last night with Cinnamon Mascarpone ice cream. It had amazing chunks of cinnamon apples and wasn't too sweet. It tasted like something you want to eat every fall evening to help you stay warm and toasty. Previously, I had the Sex which is a fancy chocolate dessert. It was much more decadent. Both are great for sharing. The atmosphere is casual and laid back. They don't serve alcohol, but you can BYOB. Also, there isn't much of a waiting area since the restaurant is small. However, you can hang out at the spacious coffee shop next door. (Ugly Mugs) Sometimes they have live music so it's kind of fun. I highly recommend Silly Goose for a simple evening out. If you have a large party you can make reservations, otherwise you might have to wait. Try a Tuesday night if you want to be sat right away.
(4)Brent R.
I had planned out our dining escapades for our mini vacation to Nashville, and I was particularly excited about Silly Goose. We arrived Friday night to an understandable 45 minute wait, but after I gave my name and heard the hostess tell two friends of hers that she'd "try to get them in," I decided to go nextdoor to the Wild Cow. Hence the 4 out of 5 stars. Despite this, Art and I decided to return Saturday evening at an earlier time. The 15 or so tables were still booked, but the bar was wide open. I wasn't going to miss my chance this time. Enter the Zucchini and Artichoke on ciabatta, with the "Papa Mace" quinoa salad on the side. AMAZING. The sandwich veggies were well-seasoned and tender, and the quinoa was superb with sweet potato chunks and dried cherries. Art had the turkey club-esque sandwich with basil aioli, cranberries and brie with couscous and thoroughly enjoyed both. Finally, even though Jeni's is next door, we couldn't pass up the chance to try their house-made creams. We had the Vanilla-Nutmeg and Rosemary-Fennel Seed. Again, all amazing, but the Rosemary was killer. We loved sitting at the bar, interacting with several employees, and watching the kitchen buzz with preparations. Truly a wonderful place!
(4)Caroline L.
I'm in love. From the moment I walked in, I was totally charmed. The decor is chic, funky, and fun. The food was ultra fresh, LOCAL, and well thought out. I feel like it was a mirage- can that combination of flavor, healthiness, and value really exist?? It does! From my first bite of marinated artichokes and lamb sausage to my brie, turkey, and cranberry wrap, and port poached pear desert, I cleaned every plate!
(5)Kim B.
I'm going to say it now....I've never had the level of service at ANY restaurant that I've been to than here at Silly Goose! My colleagues and I were in town for just one night in Nashville and had heard that Silly Goose was the place to go. We were in a tad of a time crunch and heard that their kitchen closed at 10 PM at night. Once we got to our hotel at 9:35, we booked it over to Silly Goose to try and get a table for 11 people. While we were in a rush to place our orders by 10, our friendly waiter, Andy told us not to rush and that no matter what time it was, we could place our orders. I love that! Our group had a "to die for" feast. Every bite of everyone's plate I had was to die for! We were definitely the last group to leave. Unfortunately as we were not from the area we had to rely on cabs. Ivy called cabs for us at 1030 to come at 11. But after waiting for an hour and a half with no cabs in sight, and after calling several cab companies, Ivy offered to drive us in shifts to downtown Nashville! TALK ABOUT SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY!!! While Ivy took one group, our second group was hanging out and Andy and the other wait staff offered us wine and whiskey as we wait! While we knew that they had better places to be than work on a Friday night, we were so grateful for them to go out of their way to not only drive us places but entertain us. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SILLY GOOSE! Andy, Ivy, you guys are by far the kindest people we've ever met and gave us exceptional service! I will be back here again!
(5)Chad P.
If you went to the Silly Goose a few years ago, it's worth checking out again. The place has totally changed and now has space to sit down. Their menu is vastly improved since my last visit, plus the vibe has changed somewhat. Green light.
(4)Rob C.
A new and exciting experience for those looking for the new southern culinary experience. I was impressed with the thought that the staff had put into the food and how it would be experienced by their customers. The staff believes in the food as well and their enthusiasm came through. Anyone looking to jump into an all out culinary experience that they haven't had before should go here.
(4)Justin H.
Great restuartant. Atmosphere was very laid back. Service was fantastic and staff extremely knowledgable. We had the cheese plate app and it was delish. 5 types of cheeses w/ honey and almonds with some apricot preserves. Assorted breads came with. Ended up going with the Frisby...best portabello sandwhich I've had. No desert but the menu for them looked pretty tasty. Next time. I especially liked the openness of the restuarant. Being able to see the staff do their thing (we sat at the bar) was fun and gave us a glimpse into quailty of product. Our server was extremely nice and answered any question we threw at him. Very fond of the 'source locally' mentality and the quality of food was evidence of this. I was suprised when I got the bill...in a good way. Value is strong with this one... Highly recommend. Be ready for a wait b/c this place is popular. Also - it's also BYOB.
(5)Michael N.
In continuing my exploration of Nashville, I ended up at Silly Goose for dinner. I have to admit, this a pretty interesting place to rate. From what I've seen, Nashville is desperately short on modern American cuisine so I consider this place to be quite a treat as man cannot (should not?) live on steaks and BBQ alone. When you first sit down, it feels like a common west coast restaurant from back home, but there are some big differences. For one, I ordered the scallops ($23) not because I really wanted scallops, but because the pricing of the other rest of the menu totally confused me. $9-$11 for an entree? I'm sorry, I don't understand. Do I pay the other half later? Secondly, the portion sizes were enormous as if this were San Francisco, I would be lucky to get three scallops. Instead, I got five and they were sitting on a large bed of grits mixed with some mushrooms and hazelnuts. The couscous entrees ($9.50) were also quite generous and considering I started with their mushroom-artichoke-mascarpone salad ($10), it was a ton of food for two. I didn't get dessert, but I noticed that their pound cake dessert included two slabs of cake that were large enough to feed a family of four. Of course, it's not perfect. In the end, I'm from California so I actually do like overpriced dishes in ridiculously dainty portions and I found the food to be over-sauced and the plates constructed in a very sloppy manner. But you know, I sat at the bar and watched them assemble these plates and there was undoubtedly a lot of love put into the dishes. As I walked back to the car, I couldn't help but think that there was something very genuine and honest about serving me a large portion of high quality food at a good price without any of the pretentiousness of trying to create a food sculpture that looks like it belongs in a Cartier. And in the end, maybe that's what makes this place a Nashville restaurant and not a Los Angeles one. If that's the case, then I hope they never change.
(5)Nicole S.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I came to Silly Goose last September, so this review is way past due but consistent with other reviews. A colleague recommended this place to me as I wanted to try a local restaurant that wasn't typical southern food. (As a northerner I jump at the chance for great BBQ and southern food. However, as I spend a month each year traveling throughout the South for work, I vowed to stay away from sweet tea and all things fried). And I digress... Silly Goose was amazing!!!!! It was so good I went back the next day. I tried bird and sparky and they were both great. I would go in to more detail but there's no need, they were simply amazing. However, what really took the cake for me was the couscous. I NEVER eat couscous, in my mind there's rice, rice and more rice. However, their arugula pesto couscous was amazing. I ordered a side of it to take with me. I also tried the citrus, mint and ginger green tea mixed with the rosemary lemonade, also good. The staff was nice and very attentive. I sat at the bar the first day and the waiter described just about everything on the menu, helping me make a decision. I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Caitlin D.
Yelped a healthy place to stop and eat on a roadtrip passing through Nashville, and found this gem. Went by all the reviews, and I truly loved the food (portions too), ambience, and the service. Had the Spalding and my boyfriend had the Frisby-both unbelievably delicious. What a pleasant place to find in a sea of fast food joints and chains!!
(5)Daniel L.
I thought I could fly away from CA and its annoying yuppies, but Silly Goose seems to have attracted them. Well, that's okay because the food more than makes up for a slightly pretentious atmosphere. The staff were friendly enough, and I absolutely loved the owner's honest passion for dishing out fresh local ingredients to customers. I ordered the smoked salmon sandwich with goat cheese, and it ... was ... fantastic. The strength of the cheese complimented the smoky tang of the salmon, and the crunch of the grilled rye provided texture and taste. The prices were fair, too, and the decor of Silly Goose was modern and open. If I were local, I would definitely return. I give the food a 4, and the seemingly overwhelming "hipster" feel a 3.
(4)Samantha Y.
Delicious restaurant with a cute decor. I had "The Bird" with the side salad and couscous. I loved it all! And I loved the price. I will be back soon to try another sandwich (or maybe get the same one I loved it so much) and try one of the desserts.
(5)Gabriella H.
We have been to Silly Goose twice--once for dinner and another time for lunch--and enjoyed it both times. The first thing we have to say is: yay for BYOB. No one can ever complain about that. The next is: just to warn you, they serve their couscous cold. It was this fact that threw us off and made me not quite love dinner (I also didn't really enjoy the flavor components of the couscous) even though I could have my salad, which consisted of mushrooms, goat cheese, and artichoke, over and over again. Silly Goose can't be beat for tasty and reasonably priced food and satisfyingly sized (and original) desserts. We have brought in a friend from out of town who loved it just as much as we did, and we will be going back again.
(4)Jak I.
Great food. I had the brisket sandwich and it was very tender and was perfect with the other ingredients. Bread was excellent. Also I recommend the Green iced tea with ginger, mint, and (forgot). I have seen this done on cooking shows but never seen anyone do it in a restaurant; the guy wiped the plate with a towel very carefully before plating. With that said it does seem to be a very busy place at times and is small. It's far from fast food because they take their time and do things right, so go when you got a few extra minutes.
(5)Benjamin R.
Got one of the cous cousin dishes that was good, and a fish entre that was very good. But, not quite good enough in my mind to merit a 1.5 hour wait. There are lots of equally good places that will take a reservation.
(3)Kelly E.
We were seated at the bar, which saved us the 30min wait and turned out to be entertaining as we got to watch the food prep. Our waiter was great. We started with a cheese plate that was excellent. I got the sea scallops in a gazpacho sauce, which were fresh and perfectly cooked. The favors were amazing. My husband got the King Kong, a couscous dish with Asian influences like coconut, coriander, sirachi, sesame and grilled shrimp. It was also very good. Definitely some place we would love to go back.
(4)Jess R.
I ate here during my first trip to Nashville, and was quite excited to experience one of the city's finest. I was instantly pleased by the ambiance and decor. However, I was ultimately quite disappointed by both the service and the food. First of all, we had trouble finding our server throughout our meal, which included appetizers and full entrees. When he was present, he was inattentive and sloppy. Within the first ten minutes of the meal, he dropped a glass, which shattered near our table (and two of our open toed shoes). While this could happen to anyone, he did not clean under the table, leaving shards of glass around our feet. When clearing the dishes, he stacked them in a messy pile almost fully in front of me, dropping dirty forks and knives into my eating space. He also did not provide silverware for the second course, so five of us had to wait after our entrees were provided to begin eating. At the price point, I expected better service. With regards to the food, the server was uninformed and unhelpful. He delivered a cheese plate without bothering to tell the table which cheese was which (this is clearly desirable given the price point and the attraction of eating high quality, local cheeses). We had several different bottles of wine, and a. he didn't tell us which wine we were drinking, and b. tried to serve heavier wines earlier in the meal (clearly, he knew nothing about the wines or standard serving protocol). He was additionally more interested in hitting on the other women at the table rather than helping us. He spent most of our meal sitting and talking with the other servers, rather than helping us. For the most part, the dishes had too much going on - they were convoluted and contrived, without a lot of flavor impact. They appeared more for show than for flavor - again, at a restaurant that pitches itself as higher end serving local fair, there is no need for such overcompensation. Poorly conceived, and poorly executed. Chef Ramsey, we have your next victim...
(1)Amy B.
Duck, Duck, Silly goose! This place is "it!" I walked in on a Saturday mid afternoon with my sister. We were immediately greeted by a hostess who directed us to the bar. I was really surprised there wasn't a wait, but happy. I didn't think I would enjoy sitting at the bar but I really did! It was cool to see all of the different dishes being made and the service was awesome. The place is one of a kind. It has cute little chandeliers, they use bandannas for napkins, and every glass is different for every table. We were served our pomegranate pineapple red tea in mason jars. I felt very much like I was eating at an old friend's house! We ordered with recommendations from our waitress. My sister got the simple salad and really loved it. And I got the Sparky. Omgeeee, did I make the right decision! The dried cranberries & brie are what originally drew me to this menu item, but the entire thing was a taste sensation. The sun dried tomato wrap came out grilled and it also had a little balsamic glaze. I ate every single bite. Most of their sandwiches come with greens and couscous. I opted for the greens only. They were so fresh. I can't wait to go back to silly goose for my next Nashville adventure!
(5)Mohamed M.
I happen to just walk in here by mistake but it's one of the best mistakes I ever made in Nashville. I believe I had the sparky wrap and I also tried the Walcie (how ever you spell it) salad and the ginger mint tea. The food was good as hell omg it was good!!!!!! And the ppl there are soooo nice.
(5)Kel Vin W.
I've been meaning to try this place for the longest time and finally got to try it recently during lunch. It's delicious healthy food! I really love their King Kong curried shrimp with couscous! And I also love their Papa mace quinoa salad. This is not the stereotypical health-nut food, this is good food prepared in a healthy and tasty manner. My friend got the Bird sandwich which is a good chicken sandwich. I've tried both their Citrus mint ginger green tea and Apple cider black tea, and they were not too sweet and very well-balanced. I really like the neighborhood feel to it, like an "upscale hole-in-the-wall" if you may. The servers are always friendly and everybody chips in to ensure you have a good experience (my drinks were always readily refilled). I really love this place and this is one of my favorites in nashville!
(4)Betsy L.
I recently went here for a company holiday party, and it was absolutely delicious! Such a well decorated small restaurant. Has a great intimate feel, but not overbearingly so.
(4)Carmen J.
Aside from seeing too many food preparers licking their fingers and using the same fork while 'seasoning to taste', this place is THE BOMB. The T Bird, with it's hearty toasted bread, roast beef and blue cheese, is my sometimes vegan and always gluten-free nightmare. I've succumbed to it twice since cutting gluten, dairy and meat out of my diet. It's a real hassle trying to get it out of my mind... that T Bird. I'd also suggest the cheese plate. While expensive, it boasts the best cheeses complimented with the sweetest local pears and delicious delicious breads I've ever gotten out of a cheese plate. While I'm sure the restaurant will get an alcohol license once it expands, take advantage of the b.y.o.b without wine corking fees. Doesn't get any better than that! ps I'm not joking about the spit sharing part. I saw the people preparing the food lick their fingers and reuse the same taste testing fork the first four times I ate at Silly Goose. This place is so good that I didn't let that stop me from coming back.
(5)Veronica P C.
Silly Goose = interesting. Very innovative with its menu, I tried their Sparky Wrap with their Rosemary Lemonade and their Sex dish for dessert. Overall their food had a lot of flavor, the Rosemary Lemonade is worth trying, very good. Staff was great as well. Try making a reservation before going, this place is very very small and you can end up waiting for a long time. There is parking right outside, nice, informal ambiance , pretty laid back.
(4)Jay W.
The food is pretty good. I think the sandwich with goat cheese is very nice. Pumpkin soup is delicious as well. As for entrees, not a huge fan. For $2.5, my home cooked salmon tastes a lot better in texture and flavor. I will still go there for sandwiches and pass the more expensive and underwhelming entree selection. Servers are quite friendly and attentive. The tall host guy at the front door could use a smile and attitude check.
(4)Ashwin M.
Silly Goose reminds me of that one episode of Southpark when Cartman buys an amusement park for himself and refuses entry to anyone else, causing a crazy demand. When we walked into Silly Goose, the only three tables that were there were obviously full and we were told that there would be a wait and the said wait could be killed in the adjacent Ugly Mugs. Suddenly, we had to eat here, hook or crook, hell or high water, tsunami or desertification of urban China. Fast forward. It was our turn to eat and boy-o-boy was I giddy with excitement! The waitress brought our water in a mason jar and, you see, I'm the kind of guy who likes restaurants that serve their patrons their waters in mason jars and so I was already floored. The chalkboard on the side indicated where the food came from and it was all local (if you consider Kentucky to be local). As vegetarians, it "appeared" as if we had a lot of choices and we did (not to mention Wild Cow right around the corner would have blown this place clean), but, but, but, sadly, the flavor was severely lacking. When I say I'm a vegetarian, I mean I have never eaten meat in my 29 years. Ever. Not once. No bacon. No fish. Not even chicken stock based soup or lard cooked Mexican rice and beans. Thus, I am an authority on all things vegetarian and this place is not precisely where I would go for a hearty vegetarian meal. In fact, for a Saturday afternoon, as I licked my chops anticipating a good and innovative brunch with eggs and such, I was disappointed to find that Silly Goose had no such brunch menu. Still, the food was good. Good, not great. Just good. The couscous was delectable and the Saylor sandwich with avocados and eggplant was pretty edible.It could have used some more seasoning and spices, but then again my palate demands a high dose of capcasicin. Their juices are all freshly made and totally refreshing if you are into punishing your body with healthy stuff that taste meh! In summary, Silly Goose is that quaint corner cafe that I would visit occasionally for a quick grab (not exactly quick, considering the wait) but since their menu remains an absolute constant across the months and across the day, I m not going to go out of the way.
(3)Rachel H.
This restaurant always impresses me with their menu and its execution. The dishes are full of surprises and include extra garnishes, sauces, and sides that make all the difference. The flavor and complexity of the final dish is awesome!
(5)B C.
To Carmen I say, "SHUT UUP!" (in the best way possible!) her review was so funny, but I seriously cannot believe she SAW the food preps licking their fingers etc...BUT, on the flip side the food here is so good that most diners want to kiss the chefs anyway so, here you go. They're kissing you instead. Why 3 stars? Because we dined in and the ventilation is terrible! By the end of my meal I could barely keep my eyes open because the smoke was burning my eyes! And worse yet after leaving, I smelled like the joint. I find that gross. And for a place that serves such lush, fresh delicious food it's a shame that when I step out, I smell like I've been dining in a grease pit.
(3)Hanna H.
This East Nashville eatery has been on my "to do" list for months and I finally had a great excuse to go (not that I needed one)! Dinner with friends! When we arrived we had to wait, but I understood why...teeny tiny seating area. No biggie, we just stood outside on a completely perfect day and chatted it up. Once we were seated, our drinks were delivered (drink order taken while we waited outside) and were given the low down on the cheese tray appetizer. It was promptly ordered and it was delicious. I couldn't begin to remember what all was on that plate. I ordered The Bird ($9) which was one of the delightfully fresh sandwich options. Grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread. (Yes, that is taken directly from their menu.) It. was. phenomenal. After we finished our meals, the chef/co-owner Roderick came by the table to talk to us about our meal and what we thought. Then he shared the dessert options with us...big mistake. I'll take one of each please! We settled on two different homemade icecream selections, Guinness and Brown Sugar Sorghum. Yum and yum. A flourless chocolate torte was also ordered although there was much deliberation between that and cannoli. Decisions, decisions! Roderick told us that The Silly Goose would be closing down for the month of May because they are EXPANDING! Whoo-hoo! So, keep that in mind this summer if you are thinking about trying this place out. I highly recommend that you do!
(5)Shayna K.
I love this place! The very first time I was invited out to Silly Goose I wasn't sure what to expect. I am a very picky eater unfortunately and it's difficult for me to find food I don't have to pick through. (I don't mind picking through food) I had the Simple salad the first time. Delicious!!! I asked for mine minus the avocado. This salad was so refreshing and good I ate the WHOLE thing! I never finish my plate at restaurants. Mainly due to huge portion sizes. The second time I went I had the Hot Johnson and herb couscous. Now I didn't finish my sandwich this time around, but I did get to take it home to enjoy the next day. :) My boyfriend had the Bird with salad and herb couscous. Excellent!! My boyfriend said this is his new favorite place. The staff were very friendly and inviting. Didn't mind answering our questions at all. I felt very welcomed here.
(4)Jen S.
The Zipper is a taste explosion!
(5)Avonel R.
I absolutely love this adorable little establishment in East Nashville. My first time here I had the chicken sandwich and it was a tasty sandwich for the price. The reason why I love this place so much though is because of the chef. He came over to our table and introduced himself, asked us how our food was and convinced me I needed to take some sample size bites of his ice cream. He made two flavors that day: lemon pepper olive oil and beet. I had some serious doubts about these flavors but decided I needed to try them just because they were so strange. Can I say amazing!? Who would have thought..me.. the picky eater that wont try anything would actually like the beet ice cream and even the lemon pepper? I ordered both flavors after trying them. From that point on, I now try things that sound strange-otherwise I might be missing out on a lot in life!
(5)Yen N.
Silly Goose had me at Cous Cous. It was meant to be that I found the Silly Goose on my Yelp App. We actually were going to eat at Natural Joe's but upon arriving there discovered it was closed on a Saturday afternoon. No lunch on a Saturday afternoon? I knew I had to go there (thanks to other yelp reviews) and was grateful for Natural Joe's being closed. It is located on the East Side of Nashville. It's a small, eclectic, and trendy little village of unique shops and dining spots. The menu selection was very creative in the dish names and pairing of ingredients. I wanted to try everything, but decided on the "The Zipper". mmmmmm.... Smoked salmon with honey black pepper goat cheese, caramelized onion, baby arugula on toasted marble rye. It is served with your choice of Spring Mix salad, cous cous, or a little of both. Their cous cous is by far the best cous cous I have ever tasted. I asked them how they prepared it ,and they were happy to share it with me. I also got a side of roasted beets and sauteed mushrooms. The mushrooms were prepared so delightfully. Everyone at the table loed them. I also asked them how they prepared the mushrooms, and the staff again were happy to share the secrets. I have never actually tried beets but thought I would venture out on the recommendation of our server. They were interesting. I liked them, but I think they over did it on the balsamic vinegar glaze. I felt bad that I could finish it! I really wanted to devour it. The server didn't even charged me for beets since he thought we didn't like them. I wanted to yell out but I did! I just couldn't eat them all. The decor was definitely my style with its down to earth, homey, vibe. Real wood tables with benches. Silverware wrapped in bandanas for napkins. Cute yellow pom flowers in mason jars. We even drank out of mason jars. :) I had a blueberry and peach sangria. It was very refreshing and flavorful. The service was great. It was a busy Saturday and one server called out so there was only 2 waiting on the entire place yet I still thought service was very up to par. Brett (Sp ?) was very conversational and polite. He was busy but he also took the time to connect with the diners and had a feel good atitude about him. He also gave us some nice recommendations for activities in Nashville. Closing out was simple because you can pay at the table using an iPAD. No need to have the server make a few trips with the check card and then back to the table. I cannot wait to return to Nashville to dine at the Silly Goose. I love this place because it staffs real, friendly people. It's style is simple and artistic. They use organic and local ingredients. You can tell the food is made with love and thoughtfulness, and you also know with out a doubt the culinary team have a great relationship with food. It is in the cous cous.
(5)Andrea L.
One of the most amazing dining experiences i have had on the road. I ordered the flank steak with chimichuri sauce...it was phenomenal...i will be back...A LOT!!!
(5)Jamie D.
For the price, this is a great deal. Using as many locally produced products available; Silly Goose creates delicious creations. Although the interior only has 4 four tops and about four bar style seating, this is really a nice casual experience. My favorite sandwich is the Frisby. The focaccia holds the ingredients (not overloaded) just perfect. They offer you sides of salad, couscous or a blend of both. For about $40, you can have a nice glass of wine and an entree for two people.
(4)William B.
The food here is unlike anything I've had before. It's one of those places that puts things together that you never would expect...and some how it tastes great. My wife and I loved the food.
(5)Casey S.
Not to be missed. Freshest and best take on food in Nashville.
(5)Brian S.
Awesome food! I arrived without a reservation and was told there was a wait. I let them know I would be at the coffee shop next door (ugly mugs) and they came and let me know when my seat was ready, so that was nice. It only took a few minutes to get a seat at the bar. I like to watch the kitchen from the bar. They really take pride in food quality and presentation here. I had the scallops with gazpacho and it was really good. The scallops were lightly seasoned (just slightly spicy, but not at all too spicy) and perfectly cooked. The gazpacho was also good with sour cream and fresh sweet corn. I heard the chef telling other customers that their seafood is shipped in very fresh and I believe it. They also have a lot of local food on the menu including many local cheeses (which I did not get to try, but I did see a few cheese plates pass by that looked delicious). For dessert I had the flowerless chocolate tort (it's called the reverse cowgirl. can't believe they put that on the menu HAHA) with raspberry and white chocolate espresso sauce. It was magnificent! I also tried the basil lemonade and the pomegranate tea. The tea was good but I'm a sucker for basil, and that basil lemonade was great. This place is at the top of my list of great Nashville restaurants.
(5)Valerie K.
I'm pretty new to town, but so far this is one of my absolute favorites in Nashville. You can bring in your own bottle of wine (no corking fee!) and get a gourmet sandwich or cous cous, or try one of their unique dinner specials. The two times I've been so far have been great experiences start to finish, and I appreciate the extra ambiance touches like bandana napkins, menus on old school clip boards, and fresh flowers... and at the end you just pay on one of their iPads with the Square app, super easy and awesome. And huge benefit that it's right next to Jeni's Ice Cream, my favorite ice cream on the planet -- sorry Silly Goose, I probably won't be trying your desserts any time soon. ;) I don't know if they still have it or if it was a limited or seasonal thing, but if you get a chance, try the Flower Shop mushroom appetizer... incredible!
(5)Catherine S.
Fantastic establishment! My only critique is that it's a bit too small to fit all of it's adoring fans... but then again, it kind of adds to the local feel of the place. Also, if you're not into smelling your food while it's being prepared... then Silly Goose is probably not your place. Silly Goose has DELICIOUS food. We went there and got the couscous, a local cheese plate (to die for) and the portobello mushroom wrap. All of it was delicious... especially the couscous and cheese plate. Their iced tea is also fantastic! Located next to the Wild Cow in East Nashville, Silly Goose uses only local ingredients from my understanding. It's delicious, bright, and inviting. The chef even came over and gave us an explanation of all of the cheeses on our platter. Highly recommended!
(5)MJ S.
Delicious food with innovative flavors. I would definitely come back. Our waitresses were very attentive and friendly, although I think they were a bit over-worked. I do have one beef with this place: while we were there, their payment system, which involved the Square card reader and iPads, malfunctioned. We were asked to come back and pay them later or give them as much cash as we could. My dining companion and I had enough cash between us to cover the bill and tip, but I had to give them every last penny I owned. This was all very inconvenient and awkward (maybe even a bit crass) and left a bad taste in my mouth, tainting an otherwise pleasant experience.
(4)Brioche C.
A place where creativity meets excellent ingredients. We started out with the "Cardinal" [lamb and duck sausage, Georgia peach , smoked cherry , mint , marash chile , goat cheese ,orange reduction] which was excellent tasting though the sausage was a bit over cooked so that the meat was tough and chewy. I had the "Darth Vapor" [porcini crusted black grouper, lemongrass broth, carmelized parsnips, brussel sprouts, shitakes, cauliflower, cashews, cilantro rouille] and it was absolutely excellent. My companion had the "Pony" [pan-roasted steelhead salmon, coconut-ginger bamboo rice, pineapple, fresh chilis, guacamole, sesame vinaigrette] and enjoyed it. For dessert we had the "Ray" and "Second Chance". The "Ray" [peaches, rhubarb, vanilla mascarpone and thyme syrup], while creative, was a bit disappointing. Deconstructed desserts like the "Ray" expose every element and rely on the diner to combine them while eating. That's a brave technique, but every ingredient must be top-notch, otherwise it isn't pleasurable. In our case the peaches were not ripe. The "Second Chance" [toffee date cake, vanilla bean caramel, orange Greek yogurt, candied pistachios], however, was thoroughly enjoyable. We had an excellent wine (Zabu Nero D'Avola) which paired well with our food. I looked at the dishes others around us were having and many of them also looked yummy. The service was nice but I could do without the waiter staring over my shoulder while I enter the tip amount on their Square Up equipped iPad. This is a place for people who like creative, imaginative food and are willing to take some risks. The pricing is reasonable and overall we had a great evening. I'd give it 4.5 if yelp would let me.
(4)Jason B.
This was a great experience! I love the music, and style of this little restaurant. Had the rosemary lemonade and couldn't get enough! The Bird (sandwich) was very good; everything tasted fresh, like it came straight from the garden.
(5)Robert C.
Not impressed. Honestly, I believe people give this place four & five star reviews because they think they SHOULD love it. I'm as trendy as the next person; but this place is noisy & uncomfortable. When you finally get your small portion of over-priced food, it's tasty enough but not all that satisfying. I did not find the staff friendly; and I found Silly Goose a bit presumptuous. No salt & pepper! I get it; you are supposed to like it seasoned as the cook sees fit ... but in my opinion that's a personal preference. Take your tea sweetened the way THEY want it sweetened ... again a personal preference in my opinion. I will not willingly go back to Silly Goose. If I'm in a party who INSISTS, I'll make do with this over-hyped venue again ... but I will definitely have a snack before I go so I won't still be hungry when I walk out the door next time.
(2)Riley S.
Be Aware: 1 - Silly Goose doesn't take reservations, so on a busy night, expect a 30 minute wait. 2 - They don't sell alcohol at all, but have no corking fee. Unfortunately, we didn't realize this when we first went. With a group of 5, we arrived early knowing we'd have to wait some. It ended up being about 40 minutes which started to feel a little long. Once we actually sat down (at a smaller table at first since a larger one still wasn't ready) things got better. The tea, out of a mason jar, was fantastic. Couscous for an appetizer was also delicious. As the main course, I had a greek-yogurt marinated chicken (almost thai) which was phenomenal. To top it off, an incredibly light and scrumptious cranberry cheesecake made our wait worth it. So if you're prepared to wait a little and bring your own booze, The Silly Goose is a great choice. The reason this isn't a 5 is because of their disorganized way we moved around, and the disappointment when we couldn't enjoy a glass of wine with out meal.
(4)Megan C.
Silly Goose may just be my new favorite lunchtime destination! (Though, I'm sure they'd be delightful anytime...). I love the fresh, green walls, the mix of trendy and homey touches (mismatched silverware and cloth napkins were heartwarming...and I loved the Mason jar glasses). The other day, I actually caught myself having a daydream about the citrus-mint-ginger green iced tea. Yum. They've got a wide variety of couscous, salad, and sandwich options, all using as many seasonal and local ingredients as possible. I had the 'T-Bird' sandwich (roast beef, roasted red pepper aioli, blue gouda, arugula, grilled onion, Tuscan bread) with a couscous and side salad. ah-maze-ing. It was actually a really tough decision I had to make before ordering-some places I'll only be able to pick out a couple of things on a menu that I think I would like-here, every menu item appealed to me. My friend, Sarah P., and I also had a chance to chat with the owner and chef, Roddick. We loved hearing about the story behind the Silly Goose and learned great things about the menu-he changes it frequently to keep the ideas and ingredients as fresh as possible. It's evident that he cares about the quality of his food and the happiness of his customers. This is a very small restaurant, and they often send patrons next door to Ugly Muggs to wait during busy times. And, honestly, I can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Kristin M.
Oh, Silly Goose! I love you so much it hurts! Your couscous is heavenly and there isn't yet a plate that I didn't love! While I'll be sad that you will be closed for 5 weeks during renovations, I'm so excited to see the little Goose making big strides and expanding! It's about time...you guys have earned it! The staff here is always a joy to see! xoxo
(5)Samuel L.
Went here for lunch with a friend, and had an absolute fantastic time. Menu is full of fresh, local, organic ingredients, and my salad was absolutely delicious. It is nice and small, and not very loud, and I was able to carry on an excellent conversation with my friend. I just had their simple salad, with grilled chicken on top. It was delicious and simple. She had one of the couscous selections, I tried it, and it was great. I will definitely go back to this place, our server was fantastic and I felt right at home.
(5)Will M.
sustainable ingredients. Healthy and delicious. Had the smoked salmon sandwich, couscous, salad and lavender ice cream. stay away from beet ice cream is too exotic for my tastes. They allow you to have two different flavors for the price of one on ice cream. Also, you can have couscous and salad. chocolate dessert if u can. lovely service and good food. :-) I love how their flavors in each dish go together so well together. All the sandwiches are great and salad and couscous are delish.
(5)ken g.
My wife and I were really impressed. Everything was good and there were a lot of nice vegetarian options.
(5)Alice S.
What a great spot! HIGHLY recommend this cute little place. Here is why: 1) seasonal and local menu with all my favorite thing in different formations: bacon, avocado, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, ummm basically everything on their menu is my favorite... 2) obviously passionate chef and super friendly staff 3) I feel healthy and satisfied when I leave! Only downside is that its in a fairly tiny space. But, have no fear! They do to-go orders and the Ugly Mug lets you feast in their much larger space (as long as you order some coffee, I assume).
(5)Tara H.
The menu is delightfully interesting. I usually will order the Lyle's sandwich with greens and also order the King Kong cous cous. The two go so well together and its perfect for sharing! I love everything about this place from the cozy dining area to what seems to be a devotion to serving fine, local and ethically raised produce and meats. The service is always outstanding and I'm always on the verge of tears after every bit of goodness I place upon my salivating palate. It's inspirational.
(4)Steph H.
Despite all the raves that have been written about Silly Goose, I have never made it a priority to come here mainly because I am a weirdo who rarely likes to pay for sandwiches. I mean, really, sandwiches are one of the easiest things you can make apart from fixing yourself a bowl of cereal (I'm calling dibs on that restaurant idea!), so the idea of paying $10 for one always turns me into Scrooge McDuck. But, when the opportunity to dine out with friends recently arose, I decided that the time had come to be a bit indulgent and see what this place serving the magic sandwiches and couscous was all about. We arrived at 6:30 and although I was dreading a lengthy wait, my proclivity to eat dinner freakishly early paid off as we were seated in under 10 minutes. I was immediately charmed by the ambiance, which immediately struck me as a funky Moulin Rouge/rustic country amalgam that really works. Yes, drinks are served in mason jars and there's exposed brick, but this place really manages to feel both quaint and upscale (that groovy red "SG" sign probably helps). Also, even though this place is tiny and so clearly turning over tables is a premium here, we never once felt rushed and the vibe is decidedly chill. Literally everything looked good on the menu, so I decided to order the T-bird, which is a fancy schmancy roast beef sammy (I will echo Jason S's sentiments as to never knowing that blue gouda was a thing prior to that moment!), while my husband opted for the Pack Mule, which is the dinnertime ribs option. I had heard good things about the couscous, so I was really happy to find that I could get herbed cc as a side. Our dining experience was very positive, but based on our experience, I definitely think that sandwiches & couscous are the way to go when dining here since the three of us who ordered sandwiches were extremely pleased with our food while my husband's dish was definitely more of a mixed bag. The salad and the cornbread that came with his meal were out of this world good (seriously, hands down the best cornbread I've EVER had), but the main component of his dish, the ribs, were quite tough, which is a huge let down. But the sandwiches were really very good. You can really tell that top notch ingredients are being used in all of the dishes; in particular, I was really pleased that it was so evident that the roast beef on my sandwich was prepared in house rather than that weird stuff that gets sold at grocery store delis. Also, I decided to splurge and order a glass of the orange apple cider tea and it was not only delicious but you get free refills! Amazing! I'm almost tempted to come back just for that... (seriously) So here's the thing, obviously I have to knock off a star because of my husband's entrée, but even basing on just the sandwich I ate I don't think I can give this place coveted 5-star status. Don't get me wrong, the T-bird was super yummy, but it wasn't like it changed my life or my philosophy on paying top dollar for sandwiches. I did love the vibe, however, and our server was really sweet and friendly, all of which made dining here really pleasant. Can't say I'll be a regular, but there are definitely some other sandwiches on their menu that I intend to try out the next time I feel like eating a sandwich made by someone else's hands. Watch out Saylor, I'm coming for you next...
(4)Kristen W.
Hubs found this little place through Yelp on our trip to Nashville over Labor Day. Arrived around 8:00 and waited about 10 minutes for a table. The space is pretty small, but very relaxed and cute. Everyone we encountered was very nice and helpful. Hubs got the basil lemonade (yum!) and the pork tenderloin special. He liked it but didn't love it. I tried a bite and it was good. No complaints, just nothing memorable. I got the red tea (a little too sweet, but I'm an unsweet tea kinda girl), Zipper sandwich with both herb couscous and a salad. All very good, but again, not really memorable. I want to note though that all of the food was presented really beautifully, which does add to enjoyment. We decided to pass on dessert to venture to Jenis next door (even though they did have a selection of Jenis ice cream at the restaurant, we wanted the full experience). Overall, I would come back, but I wouldn't become a regular.
(4)Ashley R.
Duck Duck (Silly) Goose, yall! I have only been here once, but I am a big fan of the fact that you can bring your own wine and there is no cork fee! You got my vote! The inside is very small, so you may want to make a reservation. It is charming and inviting, and I would definitely go back. Get the King Kong rice bowl dish. Everyone was jealous of my food. boom. Another perk: right next door to Jeni's Ice cream!
(4)Josh M.
I really like this place. We went there for lunch on a Saturday. When we arrived, the hostess informed us that there was about a 20 minute wait, so we decided to have a cup of coffee next door, which is welcome and convenient. Whenever your table is ready, they will come get you. I had Lyle's Surprise, which is a sandwich. I also had the herb cous cous and salad with it. I highly recommend you check it out. There are also a ton of options for vegetarians. Try one of the teas and/or lemonade.
(5)Dean R.
Nestled quaintly in a small urban center is The Silly Goose. The small restaurant vibe is apparent, but does not hinder the atmosphere, in this eclectic sandwich shop. The small, yet elegant drink selection was quite refreshing. I chose the Rosemary Lemonade, which was very tasty and full of flavor. 2 The food selection was pretty broad, as far as a sandwich shop goes. The ingredients in the sandwiches were a nice change of pace from other sandwich shops around town. All of which, tasted as if they were freshly choosen before the meal was assembled. I chose the T-bird, with a side "salad" of fresh spinach and arugula, which was phenomenal. The flavors complimented each other in a way that every bite tasted better than the last. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who has a chance to visit.
(5)Talon F.
Love this place! Try the tea!
(5)Alyssa F.
My brother and I just drove from upstate NY, down to Nashville, all across the south, and up the west coast last month. The Silly Goose was THE BEST food we ate the entire time, hands down. Fresh, local, SO FLAVORFUL, and festive decor! I revisited the menu the other day with the crazy notion that I might be able to recreate the menu item I purchased, and realized they had already changed the menu to more seasonally in-tuned ingredients. Huge plus. Huge pluses all around. Please go. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Sloane S.
One of my absolute favorites! Citrus, Ginger Mint tea and Spalding. The best couscous in town. Great service, hipster decor and you pay with square! For dinner, try their cheese plate. Chock full of local cheeses, marcona almonds and homemade jam.
(5)Kiley S.
Such a cute little establishment in East Nashville. The owner is adorable! We ordered the cheese plate and he explained all the cheese and fruit in detail - very knowledgeable! I love the strive for local and organic foods. If this place was closer I'd be a regular. Oh and the ice creams are amazing!
(4)Katie L.
Wow. That pretty much sums it up. Nothing else to read here... oh, okay... I'll go into a few details :-) Came here with my parents (they live here- I just visit) for dinner. We got there early (just after 5pm, so seating wasn't a problem. They have a very busy take-out business, so that is definitely a better option if you live close by. The teas were all delicious. Mom and I shared a Sparky (basically a turkey wrap). It had big chunks of brie, enough aioli to keep it moist, and it was delicious. My dad had the Zipper (smoked salmon, onions, goat cheese). I debated getting this one. I should have- it was amazing. Most of the sandwiches are panini-style. The squishing and toasting melds all of the amazing flavors together into yummy perfection. I had to carefully examine that Zipper so I can try to recreate it at home (wha? why no, I don't live anywhere that does sandwiches like this). I will definitely be back when I come to visit again at Christmas. We shared Sex for dessert and it was also incredible. Chocolatey, but not too heavy with the mousse. Someone next to us got the Bird and that also looked amazing. It was a thin (possibly butterflied?) chicken breast squished panini-style with a lot of yummy looking ingredients. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The kitchen was crazy busy, which was kind of fun to watch. I forgot about the cheese plate from the other reviewer- gah! I'll get it when I come back. And a Zipper... that I won't share with anyone (insert gluttonous laugh here).
(5)Kristin P.
My friend and I are always looking for new places to try, and after a Yelp search, we decided to try the Silly Goose. First, I have to say that we fell in love with the neighborhood before we ever walked into the Silly Goose. I'm a sucker for beautiful, older homes. My first impressions of the Silly Goose were very positive. The atmosphere is hip, relaxed, and friendly. The waitress was knowledgeable and pleasant and the service was top notch! I love the idea that they support so many local farmers and co-ops for their menu supplies. All the more reason to go there often! I ordered the Bird sandwich with a salad and couscous side and the citrus, mint and ginger green tea to drink. I mentioned to the waitress that I have a nut allergy and the chef/owner came to the table himself to make alternate suggestions for the bread (their whole grain bread has nuts in it) and couscous. I was pleased and touched at the effort they made to accommodate me. My sandwich was amazingly good and the sides complimented it perfectly. The flavors were bold and layered. I had to make myself stop eating or explode trying to finish. My green tea was just as good; light, refreshing and full of flavor. I look forward to going back to the Silly Goose and trying more of their wonderful menu!
(5)Deryk L.
this place is VERY trendy, not that is a bad thing, just saying. i found it yelping, of course! i was looking for a good quick bite that wasnt too far from oreyland. well it was a bit of a drive but not too bad. the service was really quick and the staff was fantastic! oh yeah, the food was great too! i enjoyed one of their signature iced teas and i chowed down on a roast beef sandwich they call the T-Bird. the place was very clean. a bit on the pricey side, i spent ~$17 for a drink, sandwich, and side salad.
(4)adam z.
The name conveys a lack of seriousness, but this food is SERIOUS, and the name better reflects the lack of haughtiness that can come with this level of food. I wasn't ready for what was being served here, thinking the well-designed interior was the draw. Wrong. This place reminds me that you don't have to go ethnic to get interesting. The combinations are intriguing and I wish I could try them all. A great reminder that American food can be exciting. Service was excellent, which is to say understated and not interruptive. SG, keep up the good work, and everywhere else, go eat here and take notes. I loved the Yoga salad, so simple and yet ... more than the sum of its parts.
(5)Rachel H.
This was the best lunch we had while visiting from Cbus, Oh!!!!!
(5)Jason S.
Oh how I hate hate hate communal tables. When I first walked in during a lunch date with the wife, I clenched up. Seriously, if I wanted to sit at a table with strangers, I'd hang out with some hobos at a soup kitchen. Not to mention it is probably the #1 pretentious cliché of all time, next to hipster bartenders with ironic mustaches. So, when I set foot in this joint of my wife's choosing, I immediately went into a pissy "This place is bullshit" mood and was certainly on the defensive. And let me tell you, I hate being wrong. I was wrong about this place. Initially pouting, I got a glass of water, whilst a chipper waitress gave the wife some sort of cider tea. When I saw the menu, I started to bend. I jumped to the "T-Bird", which was basically a roast beast sandwich with blue gouda (who the hell knew that existed), peppers and all sorts of other goodness, easily the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. The fresh bread was perfect and the sandwich was constructed in such a way that you could actually hold it and get all of the ingredients in one bite, a frequently-missed feature at many sandwich places. The presentation was excellent and it was served with a side of greens and cous cous. The cous cous was the best damn cous cous I've ever had. The wife got the "Saylor", a really tasty eggplant sammich. I finally chilled out enough to let the stick to fall out my butt and ended up getting some of the cider tea, which was great (though served in another cliché, the Mason jar). Oh, and then they had me pay using an iPad. So, I was wrong, dammit. While they may have some of my pet peeves in hipster dining, this is a pretty damn good place. I felt the price for what I got hit the spot, and I still had room to go next door and grab some ice cream at Jeni's.
(4)Nat J.
This place was amazing!!!! It was so nice to have healthy, fresh food after eating "Southern" food for a week. The food was so fresh! The service was great! The atmosphere was wonderful! I over-ate, and was happy about it. I had the King Kong Couscous. I ordered it with out the curry, (The chef told me it wouldn't be the same, but I risked it, since curry doesn't agree with me). It was fabulous!!! I wonder how much better it would have been if I had tried it with the curry. I also had the roasted beets and they were pretty good as well. The Rosemary Lemonade was fabulous; it wasn't too sweet, and the hint of rosemary was so good! The reason I chose this restaurant was because of the dessert, "4 on the Floor". OMG!!!! It was the best thing I have ever eaten!!!!! It was a poached pear, with a yogurt, a cinnamon / brown sugar crumble and the most delicious vanilla bean syrup. WOW! WOWEE!! I love dessert, usually, I think I can make this at home. Sometimes I think I can improve upon it. THIS WAS PERFECTION! I would not do anything different. However, it was so good, I won't be able to make it at home. I just won't do it justice. I now understand what people mean when they say, they want to lick the plate. It was perfection! It wasn't too sweet, it was outstanding! I wish that I could get it sent to me. It was the best!!! My boss also loved the place. He wanted to come back on our way to the airport. Unfortunately, we didn't have time. the vibe of the restaurant was so cool, because everyone there seemed really happy there. They were all passionate about food. It was great to see how well everyone interacted with each other in such a positive manner. I had a great time!!! I would go back and eat there everyday, if only I lived in Nashville. It is a pretty small space. I would recommend getting there early. We arrived around 5:30 pm and got a table. I could see this place filling up quickly. It is definitely worth the wait! My gosh, I wish I were there right now!!! Please go eat there, and make me jealous!
(5)Lap L.
If I had my own plane I would fly to Nashville just to eat at Silly Goose. What a unique place. A little off the beaten path but Oh is it worth the trip. The place is casual and small no need to dress up fancy. The menu made it hard to decide what to pick but the well informed staff explained each dish. We started with the green tea and cheese plate. Amazing! For the main course we both wanted to have the Snapper but I gave in and ordered the Salmon so we had a chance to try two dishes. The pairing of flavors in these dishes made my taste buds dance with excitement. The chief is a genius. Dessert was just as original in taste as the rest of the meal. The chocolate cake was great but the ricotta cheese cake was the real winner. The pictures can't capture how good the food is. I wanted to go back our last night there but just couldn't. If you only have one night to dine in Nashville pick the best and eat at Silly Goose.
(5)Rebecca G.
While in Nashville for the Rock and Roll Marathon I decided to stop by the Silly Goose after reading all the reviews by fellow Yelper's. This is a small, quaint, ORGANIC!, FANTASTIC place to eat. DID I MENTION it serves ORGANIC food???? I had the eggplant sandwich, cous cous, salad, and homemade tea. EVERYTHING was phenomenal and I went back a second day for more of their food. Staff was very friendly and helpful!
(5)David G.
Abysmal. Absolutely and positively atrocious. I cannot even comment on your food because your service and obviously your floor manager for the evening were so poor tonight that I was never able to find out. First, the story and followed up by a few other observations: The story: It's tonight, a Friday, and we decide to give this place a try. We call at 6:15pm to ask what they had available that was gluten free - as we always do - and we ask about reservations. Silly Goose can do gluten free - check. But, you don't take reservations except for parties of 6 or more (see: other observations at the end). Ok, so we're a party of 2 but decide that based upon reviews and hearsay it'll be worth it. We leave the house around 6:45pm with the expectation of a wait - it is prime time dinner hour approaching and it's a Friday. We arrive at your restaurant at 7:16 (I know this because that's what your completely useless hostess wrote down next to my name). I ask for the wait time: 40 - 50 minutes. Fine. Like I said, we knew there would be a wait. At about the 30 minute mark, I grow concerned as no one and I mean no one that was also waiting outside with us or across the way in Ugly Mugs had been seated. We continue to wait. You had two separate parties of 8 with reservations. One finally gets seated. But from 7:30pm until what at this point is 8:00pm the other table is set for the other reservation. But, you know you have a super small restaurant and you have to push together to four tops just to seat 8. So, you've left two tables just sitting there for a half hour empty. At this point in the story, the two girls who had been outside long that they were sweating when we arrived go inside to check on their status... you see they had been told 30 - 40 minutes and they were approaching 1 hour and 15 minutes. They come back outside and have found out that your other party of 8 had been there, left to "go get wine" and "would be right back". At that point, your floor manager should have simply said, "No.". You have two four tops held for these people and you have maybe 15 tables in the whole joint. Look, you didn't know they didn't serve alcohol... too bad. Either tell them 'No' then or give them a very limited time table (it's East Nashville... there are plenty of liquor stores nearby). Instead you never free up the table and just leave it empty while so many more customers wait outside. And that point, it was 8:15pm and we left and went across the street. Your hostess never had any idea what was going on, she was completely incapable of quoting times even within the grace period that I'd give folks of +/- 15 minutes. I've worked service industry, it's a tough guess. Your manager for the evening was useless, spineless, and should have opened that table long ago once your wait list got behind by over 30 minutes. We ran into those girls who were sweating when we arrived later on that night. They stuck around to try your food. They said it was good, but they'd never dine in again. They also said we would have waited at minimum another 45 minutes. Your inability to turn tables, but particularly your inexcusably spineless manager are to blame. General observation: Either (a) Allow EVERYONE to make reservations, or (b) allow NO ONE to make reservations. And if you allow everyone to make reservations, then walk-ins simply get turned away and are encouraged to make reservations on super busy nights. And if you allow no one reservations, then large parties just learn to get there early and suck it up because they are a large party (much like they'd have to at many a restaurant). Congratulations, Silly Goose, you are officially the WORST service experience I have had in Nashville since moving back here after a few years hiatus about 9 months ago.
(1)Simon K.
Here's the short and important: - Prices are appropriate but not a bargain - Aesthetics are nice. They put a lot of effort in creating a nice environment - It has the overall "Cool" factor Here's the long and and less important: - It's NOT pretentious. It's not trying to come off like a foo-foo wannabe hip restaurant like Suzy Wong's or Mad Platter. I mean they use real silver for silverware... c'mon, not even fine dining restaurants do that Talk about cool, they swipe you credit card on an ipad, and then you sign w/ your finger. The downside: it's just another salad and sandwich place. I know they use excellent ingredients, but in the end I just don't wanna spend that much on a sandwich. It's a better quality higher-priced Panera Bread.
(3)Ray H.
I love this restaurant! The bird and the zipper (add bacon) are amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food fresh and bold, and the staff extremely friendly and ultra cool. what more is there to say? You should go right now.
(5)Mindy J.
This is one of the better restaurants I've been to anywhere. The relaxed home style environment was very pleasant and inline with the rest of Nashville's East side. We had two fish entrees that were so good we debated licking the plate. The best compliment I can give a restaurant is to take a menu home and I now have one from the silly goose in my file the service was also prompt.
(5)Lana O.
Food is beyond delish. Got the Mexico City and I couldn't have asked for more flavor or fresher ingredients. It was just so incredibly well made! I agree that I wish that the place was a little bit bigger/had more ambience, but for fresh food I have yet to see it topped in Nashville. And yes, it is a little bit pricey.
(4)Nathan W.
Every time I've tried to go to this place in the past few months it seemed to be closed. It was as if the world was telling me, "don't eat there, you won't enjoy it." Now I understand what the world was really telling me, "don't go there, you just might fall in love with it." On a whim I ended up here for lunch. Surprised to find it open, I gleefully made myself at home with some clients and co-workers. Here is where my affair began. Beverages. Really, beverages? I am serious. I had some sort of tea concoction that I can't really describe, but I get the impression that they change regularly. It was sublime (a word I seem to throw around too much). Follow that up with my entree, the T-Bird. A delightful sandwich of Gouda, beef, greens, and all other sort of yummy stuff. The desserts looked amazing as well. It's not a terribly detailed review, but maybe a love affair shouldn't be too detailed. Just tantalizing enough to make you want to come back for more.
(4)Danielle B.
Best restaurant in Nashville. Farm to table and very creative. Great warm ambiance as well. Plus Jeni's is right next door.
(5)Kurt R.
Good grief....I had a food orgasm. I ate the sparky and the bird then I was on a food high. I was so happy I wasn't sure if this food was that good or they slipped Prozac in there. Absolutely loved it! Top 5 of all time!
(5)Chad B.
two words: king kong!
(5)Cynthia F.
Loved the basil lemonade and the dessert peach rhubarb mascarpone & oats. The food is very gourmet but the portion sizes are not huge. I had the tasty Zipper sandwich (smoked salmon & goat cheese?) with a side order of salad; I paid extra to have one of their fancier salads on the side instead of plain garden salad. I subtracted one star because the waiter forgot to give my dressing on the side (he read my mind, though, and gave the right amount of dressing), and because my husband didn't care for the Zipper sandwich. It will take some coaxing, but I will drag the husband back there again because I enjoyed the food.
(4)Tiffani K.
Awesome local food! If you like hole in the wall restaurants with fresh local food, this is your place. Super veggie or meat entree options. Unique food combinations. Highly recommend & I eat out a ton.
(5)Big M.
So, this place is ok. Prices are reasonable, nothing crazy special to note about the food and the atmosphere is piecemeal and segregated. I would suggest it for lunch, certainly not for dinner.
(3)Liz D.
I love this place! Came here with a group of girls to celebrate lots of things. We brought our own wine, but they actually received their alcohol license that day, so they can now serve. But they were happy to open our bottle and bring us glasses. The entrees seemed pricey, but from what my friends said, it was delicious and well worth the price. I opted for the cheaper sandwiches- the Bird, specifically. It was amazing. The goat cheese, bacon, avocado combo with the perfectly cooked chicken was SO good. Came with a salad and couscous that filled with flavor. Delicious and filling dinner, awesome atmosphere, great service, all under $10! I want to come back here again and again!
(5)Dee O.
This is my third visit to The Silly Goose. I've enjoyed every single meal there. Yum, yum, yum. So good. I always get the mixture of the couscous and salad. Wonderful sandwiches. Great flavored lemonades too. A tad on the expensive side but definitely money well spent. Their vegetarian options are a little limited but at least they have a few items on the menu for those not wanting meat. A favorite and highly recommended!
(4)David W.
This is a great little spot on the east side of town. fairly new restaurant to the scene. The place is tiny but they do a good job on lunches. Their signature is couscous which is a great change up for menu sides. Had a pressed turkey sandwich that was really tasty. Side salad and couscous. Nothing blew me away but I thought it was great for what it was. Locally sustained ingredients is a huge plus! Will go back next time I am in town.
(4)Happy C.
Go here. Now.
(5)Albert F.
Three diners.lunch.everything was delicious, and the menu inspires a sandwich.
(5)Taylor D.
Silly Goose is one of my go-to restaurants in town. First of all, order the basil lemonade. I would go just for the basil lemonade. Secondly, notice all the decorations on the wall? Made in Nashville by Sideshow Sign Co (look them up too!). I absolutely love everything on their menu and how it's priced. Wish the place was a little bigger only because I'm immediately drooling as soon as I get there. Definitely worth the wait (and the proximity to Jeni's!)
(5)Bobbie C.
Smoked salmon sammy was to die for!!! Citrus tea is excellent ... Great service, friendly folks---will be back soon!!!!!
(5)Dan K.
This is the kind of place where you think, "I'll come back here once a week and just go straight down the menu, eventually trying everything." Amazing sandwich. Amazing homemade lemonade and ice cream. Try the honey beet ice cream! Decent prices. Possibly one of my top 5 sandwich shops in the whole country, though they don't only do sandwiches. This place is a must-try! (Also you can bring your own booze, no corkage fee!)
(5)Myelin G.
This place is amazing. My favorites are the Lyle's Surprise, The Bird with a little bit of both :). Also, don't pass up the rosemary lemonade...it's amazing.
(5)Katie A.
Found this place on Yelp and decided to take my mom who was visiting from the San Francisco area. So glad we found this place! It seems like a restaurant that belongs in Berkeley or San Francisco (very trendy and rustic with the decorating). We both had sandwiches that came with salads and I had some kind of fruity lemonade. Everything was delicious and the service was great! I had just moved to Clarksville, where everything is a chain restaurant or fried... so it was really nice to have a fresh and light (but filling) meal! My only minor complaint is- we sat in the corner and every time I stood up, I smacked my head on the low hanging lamp :P loved this place though! Would definitely go back!
(4)MJ P.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville. Easy to be GF with this local, fresh, always interesting and delicious goodness.
(5)Jerome O.
Had dinner on Tuesday (probably the 10th time since I discovered the place in October) - yet again a wonderful experience. It just doesn't get old. And plenty of new dishes, which triggered this update. Lamb sausage? Duck pastrami? Curry Riesling mussels? All great! And... Same lovely staff (Ivy, Laura...), great Chef Roderick, casual but fun atmosphere... A trip to Woodland Wines before, and you are off for a terrific evening! And the Goose ventures into a selection of wine, too, I hear! So next time, I'll have to try some. By the way: order the flower shop as a starter - artichoke & mushroom ballet, to get you in the mood. Go Goose!
(5)D A.
If you want to eat at Silly Goose, make sure you eat before you get to the restaurant. I've tried to eat here numerous times but have never been able to get a table with a wait of less than 45 minutes. I came in with two friends, and ordered an appetizer to split. As soon as the appetizer, ironically called the Magic Man, came out, my hear sank. The appetizer consisted of six tiny peppers(smaller than a quarter) stuffed with goat cheese and bacon on top of a honey sauce. These things were tasty, but hardly an appetizer worthy of 9.50. I then ordered from the medium section of the menu and joked to my friends that I hoped the entree was larger than the appetizer. I could not have been more wrong. When the entree arrived, I asked the server "where's the rest of it?" She said "you may find it more filling than you think." False. I ordered the Fox Trot, which was lamb belly, raisin jam, and duck. This plate consisted of 4 bites of food. That is not an exaggeration. I have never been more disappointed in a portion size in my life. I hate the direction that "gourmet" food is going. I get it, I support locally sourced organic food. What I don't support is paying 25 dollars for a meal and leaving no less hungry than I came in. When I mentioned his to the server she asked if I wanted to take another look at the menu. I declined, mainly because I didn't want to have to take out a second mortgage in order to stop my stomach from growling. The ONLY positive things I can say about the meal was the service was good and the rosemary lemonade was amazing. I will not return.
(1)Anna A.
The beauty of this place is in the simplicity and honesty of the food. I have said before when I am eating out that one of the primary goals for me to experience something I can't reproduce in my semi skilled culinary repertoire. I'm even willing to pay a little extra for something that's unique and flavorful. To that end, Silly Goose nails it on all accounts. The food is wonderful and for the price it's a home run. The menu is very simple ranging from couscous plates, to salad, sandwiches and wraps. What I'm blown a way by is that everything has a unique and fresh flavor twist including some wonderful cheeses and the owner's sweet concoctions like basil aioli. It's plain to see there is a reverence for healthy fresh food being conveniently and afford ably delivered. There is a small eat in space but take out is easily easy and doable. This one is definitely a keeper!
(5)Lee G.
Small, new restaurant in a east Nashville neighborhood. Very nice presentation of curried shrimp and sesame couscous with mint, cashews, avacodo, Ginger and coriander. Lots of flavors, adequate proportions. Lots of interesting sandwich choices, salads, and other couscous combinations. This place is worth a trip into lesser known area even though it is near Ugly Muggs and Rose Pepper Grill.
(4)Dana A.
This has to be one of my favorite places in Nashville. The owner is passionate about his offerings and they do not disappoint. I wish I could recommend a particular item, but I can't....they are all great! The cheese plate is a must have, and any of the Couscous dishes are fabulous. Who knew you could do so much with a Foreman grill? Get there early....the 4 tables fill up fast. This is a place Foodies will love!
(5)Annie W.
Thank you, Yelp, for steering me toward Silly Goose. We headed to Silly Goose on Saturday for a quick dinner. While they won't do reservations, you can call 20 minutes ahead, and they had a table waiting for us when we arrived. They probably can fit around 20 people in the restaurant at once, so definitely don't bring a group unless you're going at an odd time, and I'd definitely recommend calling ahead. The owner is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable about all the food that passes through the restaurant. We started with the cheese plate, which is a MUST for all cheese lovers--four semisoft cheeses that change daily, walnuts and apples, balsamic glaze, and the most incredible local goat cheese served in two different sauces. You MUST try the goat cheese--it really did completely change my expectations for what good goat cheese should taste like! They were rather busy and they forgot our cheese plate at first, but when we gently reminded them they brought it out quickly and gave it to us free of charge, and the delicious (free!) cheese erased any irritation at the extra five minute wait. Our table went with the Mexico City Couscous, the Bird, and the Hot Johnson. The couscous entrees are a good size (maybe not for a hungry male), and were flavorful and delicious. The sandwiches were HUGE--I got the Johnson, which came with a pile of ham, brie, granny smith apples, arugula, and whole grain mustard. I managed to finish half of it and had the rest cold today--still delightful. You can get couscous, mixed greens, or both with your sandwich. We all went with both, and the salad was bright and delicious (whatever their balsamic dressing is, it's amazing). The couscous was a tad oily, but the texture was amazing and the flavor fantastic. I really regret that we ran out of time to try their homemade ice cream--they have a honey beet ice cream that sounded incredible, along with a few more traditional flavors. All around it was a delightful dining experience. Prices were fair--for $12 (would have been about $15 with the cheese plate) I ate an incredible, fresh, flavorful meal that left me with extra food for the next day! Go try Silly Goose--you won't regret it.
(4)Matt R.
We came in from out of town and had long standing reservations for six. When we showed up they were closed for a wedding! We were so hungry and had to wander around looking for somewhere else to eat. We were so upset! They had left a message while we were traveling but it didn't say they were closed and not to come, just to call them. It was so unprofessional and left us to find dinner in an unfamiliar city at 7pm on a Saturday.
(1)Anna S.
Holy moly: their King Kong couscous is worthy of its epic name, and their iced teas are AMAZING (do beware, though, that they're heavily sweetened with honey). I haven't had their sandwiches yet, but my companions loved every bite. Friendly staff who take your orders on IPADS! An added bonus is that Jenni's ice cream is in the same complex. Win, win. Silly goose, I'll be back.
(5)Tracy P.
Believe the hype.
(5)Lauren A.
This place is pretty amazing. I'd give it 5 starts if they had just a little bit more room.... as of right now, they have 4 tables and a bar... so we tend to show up mid afternoon so we can have somewhere to sit! But the food is consistently delicious so we will continue to go back for more. The couscous they serve with the sandwiches are awesome. I can't remember the name of the sandwich I like to much... I think has the name Lyle in it - some fennel and hot cappicola mmmm.... and they finish the plates off with a drizzle of some herbed oil and balsamic syrup. They list out the farms where they get their cheeses and veggies... seems they try to stay local whenever possible - I think thats great! And they make some pretty interesting flavors of homemade ice cream. Can't complain about that.
(4)Maximus Decimus Meridius M.
well, it's definitely unique and creative. food is good, but i'm surprised at how much people love this place. the food is 4 stars but the restaurant itself is small and just seems a little chaotic. i get it, it's crowded it's busy, so expand or something. i was there at 2pm on a saturday and it was still swamped. parking seems to be a bit of an issue. they need to find a new location. judging by the numerous vacant buildings i passed on my way here (between downtown nashville and the SG) it shouldn't be hard to find. obviously, the goose steppers will fall in line and follow mother goose wherever she leads. might i suggest, a larger building with decent parking?
(4)Anush J.
Would give 4.5. Fresh, unique selections. We had a difficult time choosing our lunch due to what seemed like all good options! One adult ordered the turkey wrap and savored every bite. Kid-friendly too - the kids quesadilla was yummy and the fruit that comes on the side for kids is colorfully arranged and appealing. The couscous was met with mixed reactions....it was cold, so that was unexpected. I left feeling pleasantly full (not yucky full!) Atmosphere is eclectic and trendy. Service was ok.
(4)Mell F.
Our 1st visit to Silly Goose was last night and I concur with the previously posted reviews. Inventive flavor combinations and super nice people. They will add or leave off any ingredient you choose. My sweetie got the Hot Johnson (No pun intended), and said she would order it next time without the spicy mustard. I thought the prices were a little high, but they do use premium ingredients and they do it well. Try the Basil Lemonade. Oh, and you can BYOB with no corkage fee.
(4)Jim A.
We were visiting from dc, heard about this place. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Fresh and reasonably priced. Great sangria
(5)Cinimod S.
Driving through Nashville on a recent trip to Florida I got off the highway and got some lunch. Best decision of the road trip. The iced tea and lemonades were refreshing on the hot day and the sandwiches were fresh, tasty, and healthy. Wish I had tried the ice cream.
(5)Kim U.
There are very few restaurants in Nashville that really amaze me. I'm incredibly happy to add a more casual place to my list of favorites. Every few minutes while I was eating my dinner from The Silly Goose, I would pause and say "I can't believe this is from a Nashville restaurant, it's that good." Seriously. We got three items from takeout: the simple salad, the southwestern couscous, and a roast beef sandwich. Two thumbs up for all of them. The simple salad featured leafy greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado and a tasty vinaigrette. The southwestern couscous was deliciously flavored but not overly spicy and came with a nicely seasoned chicken breast and goat cheese. The roast beef sandwich had a super tasty roasted red pepper aioli, was served on bread from Provence, and came with a side of herbed couscous. As an earlier reviewer noted, they're incredibly good about substitutions or modifying the dishes. My husband isn't a fan of blue cheese, so they substituted havarti on his roast beef sandwich, no questions asked. Also taking the advice of an earlier reviewer, we picked up their ice cream of the day - beet and honey. Yes, I said BEET. I was skeptical (despite loving beets) but wow, that was amazingly tasty ice cream. The only thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the cucumber-ginger-lemon juice but that was more of a personal preference issue than anything else. I love their emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and look forward to seeing how their menu evolves over the spring and summer. My only actual criticism of this restaurant is that they need a better online presence. For example, it would be really nice if they had their menu posted online and if they updated their twitter feed more regularly with daily specials. This place is absolutely worth trying out and deserves much more attention in the Nashville restaurant scene. For those curious about cost, for our takeout meal which included a large salad, a couscous entree, a sandwich with couscous side, ice cream, and juice, the total was around $32 total and was more than enough food for two people (in fact, I'm having leftover couscous for lunch today). Absolutely worth every penny for the quality of the food. As others have already noted, if you choose to dine in they have a BYOB policy.
(5)charles b.
Very creative menu. Nice looking restaurant. Looks like it would be great....but, I walked out, very loud. The waiter say, "yes, we know it is a problem....we are working on it". I hope so as I would like to go back...when I could hear the waitress! I'm giving it three stars. This could be a 4.5 star - but only if you can hear! Comment: In regards to the response from The Silly Goose, Yes, I did walk out - after ordering take out. Thus, I do feel that I can comment on the food. It was good - very good. However, I waited outside - where it was quiet. Your comment might have been more appropriate if you outlined how you might be working on the issue. Your comments seems to recognize the issue, of noise, while considering that 'great food' will overcome the problem. And, I was impressed with my 'take-out', just not the noise. In regards to the noise level, one of your own staff complained to me that he goes home with his ears ringing.
(3)Jeremy W.
We are in town visiting and very much enjoyed Silly Goose, which we found right behind the all-important Jeni's Ice Cream. The menu is simple but interesting, and we really enjoyed the couscous dishes. Also make sure you try one of the teas, they are great! The portions are just right and the ingredients are fresh and delicious.
(5)Avery F.
This is my first five star review of a restaurant. I've been to SIlly Goose a dozen times. The food is consistent and flavorful. The staff is friendly, courteous, and often sexy as hell. The service is prompt and the prices fair. Highly recommended.
(5)Sugar X.
Such a silly little name, for such seriously great taste! Upon entering I felt swept away in garage sale chic that screems modern eclectic. The thoughtfulness put into using a blood red bandana for linen puts Hallmark to shame. Lively colored metal mix matched outdoor chairs on cement floors are beautified in simplicity by abundant natural light. I had the Bird, I was told this to be the most in demand, excellent referral my organic peeps! It gave me goosebumps. The way the goat cheese played with the herbed bird was a battle of tastes that I still recal. The use of the iPad for paperless payment is modern and forward, this is the way smart dining is moving. The inconspicuous laid back vibe of the staff complimented this establishment delightfully! I fully noted a few errors the staff made, a dropped glass and watched them recover with style and grace. You silly, silly people, next time you open a resturant just call it "The Bomb" so we're all clear.
(3)james f.
The Bird is my favorite sandwich here, you must try it. Beet ice cream, I do not even like beets and I could eat two bowls of this stuff. The dining area is a little small, but I have been seated relatively quick each time I have eaten at Silly Goose.
(4)Michael M.
I am not a resident of Nashville but I frequent the area because of local family. I love food and I tend a large vegetable garden back in Virginia. My mother taught cooking and is an excellent chef, as is my wife. I must be the toughest critic around as so many "great" restaurants don't impress me. The last time I walked out of a Nashville restaurant and thought-- I'll be back as soon as I can-- was the first time I ate at Zola's several years ago, until now. There is nothing silly about the food at Silly Goose. It's light fare in a small casual context but very satisfying and complete. After the first bite of my Saylor sandwich, I knew that the ingredients were carefully chosen for freshness and flavor. The preparation was likewise executed with great care and attention to detail, what the slow food movement is all about. Everyone in my party of four had the same conclusion. Every aspect of the meal was likewise of the same exalted quality including the beverages and the superb desserts. What initially sounded unusual, such as rosemary and toasted almond ice ream, was nonetheless a spectacular success. I hope that Silly Goose will be embraced and supported by the community; I wish it were in my community! In summary, the small size and rustic atmosphere precludes this being a place for a formal dining experience but if one wishes excellent food to savor and enjoy, Silly Goose is fantastic and simply has no peer of which I am aware.
(5)larry s.
This restaurant matters. They have created a business that adds so much to their community. When I travel I seek places like this out. That is to say , a business that is providing a product and service in a unique way that is true to who they are and that reflects what people with sophisticated and discerning tastes are looking for. First of all the vibe is good when you walk in, there are eager and attentive staff with smiles on their face. The music is good and it smells good. I enjoy the casual hip ambiance and the business is put together in a way that is thoughtful- everything has it's place. Secondly the menu is awesome. Just the right amount of offerings. The flavor profiles are from people that enjoy cooking and eating good food for a living. I ordered the King Kong and my wife had the Mexican style couscous. Both were great and executed well. I also enjoyed the lemon ginger beverage, it was flavored nicely and not overly sweet. Lastly they also had good coffee! This seems to be a vey difficult task. So many places my wife and I will have lunch or dinner a go to another place for coffee. I got the idea that Silly Goose would deliver on a good cup of coffee and they did. Bottom line is this place does things with purpose and with love and passion. These things are important . So many restaurants are more concerned with creating the next blockbuster that will be duplicated across the nation so they follow some silly trend or recipe that has already been done. They are more concerned about the business plan then they are about serving their community. Silly Goose is not like that.
(4)Lea P.
Maybe I was there at a weird time... it was late afternoon, there were a few other people dining there at the time. The food was good, but the experience sure left something to be desired, especially when you are paying upwards of $15 for a sandwich and iced tea. There were plenty of available tables but the host directed me to the bar without offering me the option of table seating. The bar faces the prep area, where loud kitchen appliances buzzed at full speed (and volume) for my entire meal. Then the staffer (since I was at the bar, this is a guy who was prepping food as well as serving me) handed me my "check" (they use ipads) with my bill before I was finished with my meal, and stood there waiting for me to pay (and presumably leave, which I did).
(3)Ian R.
Silly Goose has been getting a lot of positive attentions recently and for good reason. Their food is fresh, local, creative and different than what you can get at just about any other restaurant in Nashville. The location and the menu are both small, but cozy. I don't know if I would call it fine dining, but everything they do is done very well. If you go with the expectation of good food you will not be disappointed.
(5)Kristie P.
This place definitely does not suck. Seriously, the food here is hella good. On my first visit, I ordered the King Kong which is sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander and avocado. It was FUCKING DELICIOUS!!! As stated by other reviewers, the flavor combinations and presentation are creative and visually pleasing. In their own words, they use only the purest and highest quality ingredients available and buy local, organic, sustainably produced, minimally manipulated food. Hell, they even tell you who their suppliers are. How effin great is that? And for you alcoholics out there, you can BYOB with no corkage fee.
(4)Alan M.
My wife and I go out to dinner at least four times a week all over the US. And this food has to be the best meal we've had in a long time. The place is not great to look at but the food was just great
(5)Robert G.
I looked up a little bit about the Silly Goose before taking my girlfriend there for a special occasion dinner. I was hoping for atmosphere, and what we got was loud, busy, and crowded, which was not expected for a Thursday evening. We were literally bumping elbows with people next to us... at different tables. The music was loud, and the other diners were louder. My girlfriend and I had to leave. We couldn't even stay long enough to decide what we wanted to eat. The only reason why I left a 2-star review instead of 1-star is because the staff was friendly and the food... sounded delicious. We'll definitely try again if they expand the restaurant size and turn down the music.
(2)Robin S.
Love love LOVE this place! The couscous is incredible--I have no clue what they season it with, but it's addictive. The sandwiches (kind of like paninis I guess) rock--fresh and local ingredients and they come with a side of the yummy couscous or a salad. But the best thing? And it's like crack to me--is the King Kong. Curried shrimp, that addictive couscous with avocado and plenty of sriracha sauce (you can get it mild or hot--I love hot!). YUM. And get the basil lemonade. You won't be sorry. After your lunch, sample their ice creams. They vary by day, but I've had honey beet and coconut mango and they both made me very happy. The place is tiny--only 4 4-top tables and a "bar" area by the window that might seat 4 more, so don't go with a big group. I'd go here every day if I could, but they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
(5)Madeline L.
I do not know how I managed to go all this time without eating here! Silly Goose is the best casual dining restaurant in Nashville. With fresh, local, organic ingredients, they make the most amazing and unique sandwiches for lunch (along with some delicious cous cous and salad). Their dinner entrees are also spectacular. Try the tea or lemonade as they are infused with herbs and are SOO good! They pay such close attention to detail and flavor. It's very refreshing to eat a place like this. The ONLY thing I would like to see is their hostess being a bit more friendly and personable. Everyone else there is really helpful and great. Sit at the bar and watch the magic happen!
(5)Tim B.
I am having trouble explaining my experience at Silly Goose. On one hand the food was great. On the other the food was disturbing. Greens - lettuce greens with balsamic, fresh, tasty but leaving me wanting more. Robert Bobby - Herbed Mahi Mahi with a chili sauce over quinoa mixed with fresh sweet corn, cherry and tomato chunks. The corn and tomatoes were cold? Two tomatoes? cherry and ?? , the ?? tomatoes were hacked by and unskilled sous chef for sure. The flavor was there so not complaining. Something was just off. Ice from a cooler (that was on the main floor) Open kitchen (cool) prep table with gadgets all over (not cool) The place will be something great, soon, just need to work out the bugs. Note: They called me by name the whole night! Very cool...... And yeah, glad they expanded, still small.
(3)H S.
I didn't have strong feelings about couscous, to me it was a basic grain side dish that came in a cardboard box. Then I went to the Silly Goose. Everything they serve sounds so simple, but the flavors are complex and exciting. When each plate arrives you will be delighted by the rich colors and each bite you take will leave you feeling impressed, satisfied, but not uncomfortably full. Order anything, everything is good. Make sure you start with the local cheese plate and finish with beet and honey ice cream. The place is TINY. For dinner, go early and be prepared to wait in the coffee shop next door. It's worth it. BYOB, if you are so inclined.
(5)David C.
Hands down, my favorite spot in Nashville. All of the sandwiches are to die for and the prices are very reasonable considering the ingredients. Get "The Zipper" and wonder how you've made it this far in life without having tried something so delicious. I took my sister here when she was visiting from Denver and after we finished our plates, she said it was so good that she needed to try something else. We ended up ordering ANOTHER sandwich, which was just as impossibly good. Finished it off with some rosemary infused lemonade and rolled out of there happier than ever. She still talks about it whenever she visits and it's now my go-to spot to take anyone coming through town.
(5)thomas h.
Great place! Just be prepared to wait because the secret is out about how good the food is. I like to go at off hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)Anne S.
Found this place because it has so many good reviews (plus Trip Advisor too)...I took a group of 8 girls and we all loved it! It totally lives up to the hype. Great atmosphere - open space, big windows, cool vibe. The food was fantastic - King Kong couscous was delicious - a great mix of flavors and textures. We all got different entrees -some salads, some sandwiches and everyone was blown away. Our server, Albert, was great - gave us solid recommendations. I am trying to plan another trip to Nashville just to get back here!
(5)Darah K.
One of our favorite go to places in Nashville. My favorite sandwich is the Sparky it is SO good!
(4)Sean W.
Got a recommendation from a friend to try it out, made my way over for a lunch time experience and it did not disappoint. The menu is small and succinct and keeps to their promise to serve only what they can get fresh and local. All the staff seemed very involved and you can tell that they care when your food arrives with an artisan touch that they waved it good bye when it left the kitchen. Everything seemed a bit pricey when I first looked at the menu but the quality and care taken in preparing and selecting the ingredients really shines and it is well worth it.
(4)Karen M.
All I can say is I have eaten food here that I have never tried and it is so good. The ice cream is very good, and when I cannot decide on a flavor I get a sampler. I am so addicted to this place, which is bad for me since my residence is in California.
(5)Chef X.
Nice, happy folks making nice happy food. Thank you Silly Goose.
(4)Brynn S.
Just had an amazing lunch at Silly Goose! So great to have a restaurant with fresh, local ingredients, combined in interesting ways. Also, my daughter had the BEST kids meal ever served at a restaurant. Fresh diced mango, pineapple, and dried cranberries served with her yummy sandwich. We love this place!
(5)Myra E.
Go here now. We still are craving the cous cous.
(5)Ryan D.
Great selection of healthy food, nice staff, and original ice cream flavors. Really loved going here!
(5)Rach M.
One word to describe this place...Refreshing! The flavors are unique and well paired. I will most definitely be back
(5)Patrick S.
The restaurant is yet another reason why i friggin love Yelp! This place is phenomenal and also very personal. I love restaurants were you feel connected to the food. The place does it well in two ways. First, many of the ingredients are local and they showcase that very well, example being the cheese plate which i recommend. The second reason is the Open Kitchen. I love to cook and when i go to a restaurant seeing my meal put together i respect it more as an art and not just as nourishment. Couple things to mention is that it's a little tough to find, but it's located ACROSS the street from Rosepepper Cantina and not on the same side. Also, seating is limited so prepared to wait, or possible call ahead to see what the wait is. Last thing i want to mention is it's BYOB, which is awesome. A bottle of vino and a nice dining companion would make any meal here a memorable one.
(5)MJ Y.
"nomnom goose" 4 stars really cute, unique, personable~ quite small inside, can probably seat 20 ppl max (probably have to wait!) ~ the vibe reminds me of cafes in norcal. everybody enjoys their plates ~ great sandwiches/ wraps, couscous, salads. price and proportions are good. ingredients are fresh, colorful, and wholesome ... really can't imagine going wrong with anything *love the lemonade and ice creams. they make their own ice cream and switch the flavors around. i've tried honey beets and carrot ice cream which were both *Nomnom :D
(4)Linda M.
Hands down one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Smoked salmon sandwich (Zipper) was out of this world as well as the J. Cunningham - quinoa salad. An absolute must try -
(5)Jeff F.
The only negative I have is about the menu. It said nothing about what comes with the Sandwich. Initially, I thought $10 for a sandwich was pretty steep but after having it served with a side salad and couscous it was well worth the price....and way a lot of food. I absolutely loved the Zipper with the smoked salmon. I love the use of local ingredients!
(4)Amelia Z.
Visiting Nashville for the first time, I was eager to unearth great local fare. After reading about the size of the place, I opted for take-out on a Saturday night. When I picked up my food, I was greeted right away by a friendly staffer. Okay, it's true, the couscous is awesome. I got the Mexico City - a perfect combination of spice, creamy goat cheese, and mango...yum. I also picked up the dessert special - and I wanted to lick the to-go box. Fresh SC peaches grilled, mascarpone cheese, candied walnuts in a balsamic reduction...oh yeah. I also liked that they used to-go containers made from recycled materials. A huge plus in my book. Oh, and yes, try the basil lemonade...refreshing on a hot summer day.
(4)J A.
Fun little place in a neighborhood setting. Food was fantastic, as was the service. They were getting ready to expand so by now they probably have more space. We had to wait quite a while for a table to fit our group of nine. It was well worth the wait. Portions were appropriate, not ginormous like so many restaurants today. Flavors are wonderfully dynamic.
(4)Sara S.
Great little restaurant. And by little I mean TINY. That's the main drawback here if you want to get in without waiting. Otherwise the food is delicious, great salads and sandwiches. And you've gotta try the tea! Friendly staff as well. Will return!
(4)M. Y.
been several times overall good experience. nice and subtle flavors. highly recommend all salads. entrees overall really nice flavored. black grouper a bit over-cooked and dry. steak a bit over-cooked too.
(4)David H.
Very, very good food here. Hip, trendy kind of area. The food is simple and on the healthy side. Dig this spot. Lots of organic and locally grown/made ingredients.
(4)Jonathan P.
It's a fine joint. I don't like any of their food at all. Possibly because the great majority of it is cold, on purpose. But there are many nifty fusion flavor situations to choose from. Lots of Quinoa and Couscous. Most things are drenched in Balsam. Though Balsam is good to use, using it on everything is kinda lame. Fresh and Organic is a plus, if your hungry go across the street to Rose Pepper. If you are a starving artist who wants to pay too much money for barely any food, a.k.a. hipster, this place is perfect. Be sure to try the cheese platter, it has cheese from farms, that are close by, for some reason. Just no wine....que?
(2)Angela K.
I eat here fairly often...been going since they opened. It never fails to delight my senses. The food is delicious and pretty too. Roderick is a CIA trained chef and his dishes would do The Institute proud. I always feel good after eating here....that tells you about the freshness and honesty of the food. Try the King Kong and wash it down with the basil lemonade or the green ginger mint tea. And don't forget to save a little room for some homemade ice cream! It's BYOB, by the way....and if there's a line, well it's certainly worth the wait.
(5)Athan D.
Silly Goose is - in my humble opinion - a terrific restaurant. Here's the story. We "stumbled" on it through Yelp during a visit to Nashville. It's not a far drive from downtown, so we decided to give it a try. It was a Tuesday evening, but we still should have called ahead. There was a wait, but the hostess told us we could venture outside and she would let us know when our table was ready. So, after we sit down, our waiter brings menus and tells us about the specials for the evening. He really couldn't have been more on top of things. In other words, the service was great. We order three appetizers to share among four people - a cheese plate, a charcuterie plate, and my 11-year old son ordered mussels in a curry sauce. The cheese plate was lovely and tasty, and the charcuterie included homemade turkey pastrami, sausage and other delicious goodies, and the mussels were lick-the-bowlheavenly. I'm not going to bore you with the rest of our meal. Let's just say it was very, very good. If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. Moreover, the restaurant uses local sourced ingredients, and the chef, Rod Bailey, has a true talent and passion for food and for his restaurant. The one thing we didn't do was try the desserts. We went next door and had ice cream. The ice cream was great, but I'm sorry we didn't stay at Silly Goose. Btw, they do serve wine as well as some great homemade teas and juice concoctions - my kids both had rosemary tea/lemonade (I forget which...) and it was tasty. Do yourself a favor and try this place. My twins are still talking about it and so are we.
(5)Elated J.
Absolutely delish...didn't like steep up charge to sub shrimp for chicken...but AWESOME, fresh food!! Ginger apple tea=TO DIE FOR
(4)Patrick D.
The Silly Goose is a culinary gem. You cannot go wrong eating here. The prices are about $10 per entree and worth every penny. Want to treat a friend from out of town to a meal that makes them feel warm fuzzies inside each time they remember their time in Nashville? This is your place.
(5)Jonathan S.
Love, Love, Love this place. Just terrific food! Makes my body feel better after dining on local, organic food. One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Nashville.
(5)Ashley L.
Food is amazing! Try the bird or Mexico city couscous...so good!
(5)Dante' T.
Thanks to all of the glowing reviews of The Silly Goose in Yelp, my husband and I decided to give it a try. Oh my, I can't begin to express how delicious everything was. We split the T bird along with Sicilian Couscous and the honey beet ice cream. I am still dreaming about it all. As mentioned in several other posts, it is small but the vibe and service are awesome. I highly recommend this establishment. Enjoy!
(5)sheri c.
I have to admit that the name of this restaurant (and the signage) did not lure me in at all. I had been to the neighboring Ugly Mugs and The Wild Cow several times and never did I think to even step in and check out the menu. That being said, I read the reviews on Yelp and decided to take the plunge. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!! They even have a blackboard letting customers know which local farms their amazingly fresh produce comes from. I am a vegan and they were VERY accommodating and happy to make substitutions as needed. It's hard to believe this place is in Nashville!! It's THAT good.. I even commented to my friend as we finished our meal that I wish we didn't eat yet so we could eat again! She totally agreed. I will be back...many times!!
(5)Michael F.
Simply wonderful!! Hands down, the best lunch I've had in a longtime. My next stop will be dinner...
(4)Kirk M.
Went there for lunch today...it was great! I had the Frisby Sandwich, and it was excellent. The staff was friendly, and the service was excellent. The servings were large. Two thumbs up!
(5)Andra B.
A great fresh sandwich. Awesome meal. Try the ice cream, what you think you will not like, YOU WILL. Want a quality, fresh meal, this is a good one.
(4)Melissa L.
Everything everyone says in their reviews is correct. This is a fantastic restaurant. The basil lemonade was delicious. For dinner I ordered the Spalding and my date ordered Lyle's Surprise. We both greatly enjoyed our meals. At first I was skeptical that I was going to be satisfied by my dinner, but it turned out to be the perfect amount of food. I was full, but not uncomfortably so. The couscous was tasty as were the portabello mushrooms with goat cheese. We followed up with the beet ice cream and honey. Delicious. You need to try at least one dessert. It is a small restaurant but that gives it an intimate feeling, without feeling like you're eating with the people at the next table. It was perfect for a date.
(5)Sojo M.
King Kong couscous is awesome! The way they flavored the shrimp (which tasted like very light curry) was to die for. I got the basil lemonade but I didn't taste the basil at all (which was why I gave this 4 stars). A friend of mine got the citrus mint tea and that was very refreshing. I also got the Bird sandwich which was very heavy on the goat cheese and me not being a goat cheese person, it wasn't my favorite but that was my fault.
(4)erin s.
delicious, quality, interesting, exciting, food!!! must try!!!
(5)Brad C.
Fantastic toasted sanwiches with fresh ingredients. Yes, silly goose deserves praise. But being from Sydney, Australia, I am spoilt by many of these types of fresh food places which are common place so I don't get the same 'buzz' as other reviewers. For me Silly Goose is one place that reminds me of home (Sydney, Australia) and is where I go to get a tasty and healthy toasted sandwich.
(4)Shelly J.
My husband and I loved the Silly Goose. I ordered the Waldorf salad and it was delicious! My sandwich was called the Bird and it was grilled chicken breast with sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon, peppered goat cheese on organic flax seed bread. Absolutely wonderful! It's a small place, but we only had to wait afew minutes for a table. There were fresh flowers throughout the restaurant and great art work on the walls. Fabulous place!
(5)ALEXIS P.
I can't tell you how excited I am to have Silly Goose so close to home. I have been there 3 times in the past 2 weeks for both dine-in and takeout. It is likely the best takeout sandwich I have ever had. We brought in a bottle of wine last Friday night and had a lovely dinner. I highly recommend the King Kong, Sicilian, Lyle's Surprise, the herbed couscous side, and the basil lemonade. My only concern is that once word gets out about this place, there is not going to be room for anyone, it's tiny! Hopefully they will get the chance to expand, but not move (I live right around the block)!!!
(5)Jennifer B.
Amazing flavor combinations. I've been to Silly Goose several times and always leave miserably full because I can't stop eating the delicious (and large) sandwiches. While the space is small, I've never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a spot. Last time I dined there the owner came out from behind the counter and spoke with several of the customers, getting a feel for the response to his menu and looking to suggest other items that might match well. Small menu, but perfect. Only wish I had room to try to desserts!
(5)C S.
The silliest thing about this place is Ive just now eaten here. Got the salmon sandwich and the flavors coyly tucked under the bread where truly face splashing with happiness. And thats before I even got to that banging couscous.
(5)Valerie K.
Love this spot! Great food, friendly staff and very quaint. This was our first visit and we will be back! Sitting at the bar was an experience watching the peeps next door! I look forward to the expansion. Keep up the good work, Silly Goose.
(5)Rose W.
The food was very good. The staff doesn't wash their hands. Wearing the same gloves all day is no different than no gloves at all. I watched staff wipe their dirty gloves on dirty towels then clean counters, sweep floors, touch their hair. With same gloves continue to reach into food bins and touch other food products like the breads. I did say something but the girl got defensive and said "well wouldn't they have food in their hair?". Uh no. Not if u wipe your dirty ass gloves on your dirty ass towel then touch your dirty ass hair just before you put your dirty ass hands back in the food bin. She stopped arguing when I told her I got video. There is a post on 10/13/11 of a young couple who got sick eating dinner there. I blew it off at first. Now I see why they got sick. It would be a shame to see this place get shut down. The food was good but was difficult to eat after what I observed. The most troubling though was the defensive reaction when I reported it.
(3)L S.
The food here is just really good. And different. And it's charming.
(5)Stephanie R.
It is rare that you meet passionate, innovative people who can carve out a space of their own in this business without compromising on what they feel is important and without succumbing to burnout. Silly Goose is a refreshing gem of a place that manages to churn out excellent food made with high quality ingredients in a way you wouldn't expect to from a fledgling restaurant in this economic climate. The optimism, passion and love for food and the community that has been put into this place couldn't radiate more from its doors. Places like these and the people behind them are what make East Nashville great. My fiancee and I came in looking for a low key dinner a couple nights ago after I had heard about its opening at Ugly Mugs and seen some positive reviews here. We took a seat at one of the tables in the small dining room and ordered a couple sandwiches and a cheese plate. I was pleased to see a board on their wall listing the current local vendors they purchase product from and the credo in their menu upholding sustainability, local products and organics. When our cheese plate was brought to us, it was massive and the chef (and I'm guessing proprietor?) named the cheeses and their vendors as he served it to our table. The cheese plate was nice, a very broad mix from a blue gouda to brie and havarti to goat cheeses and cheddar, much of it local. My only complaint would be some issues with the plating. Our cheeses were served with a liberal garnishing of balsamic reduction across the plate, the pears were topped in the kitchen with (local) honey while marcona almonds uncomfortably dotted the dish. There was a lot going on, but nothing that couldn't be solved with a little tightening/compartmentalization and a looser grip on that squeeze bottle of balsamic. The goat cheeses were topped with a basil pesto and a chili sauce (respectively) that could have been nixed, but I'd say noise reduction is a pretty minor crime for a brand new restaurant with a passionate young chef. With time, I'm sure tightening will come. Our entrees were two big sandwiches with couscous and a fresh greens mix. They did not disappoint. I ordered the Roscoe - a basic BLT (plus avocado) on whole grain bread and my fiancee got the Hot Johnson - a ham/brie combination on focaccia. All I could think about was how high quality their ingredients were and how high their food cost must be. The side of couscous was a little bland, but then I'm not the biggest couscous fan to begin with. The chef came back out at one point and we chatted with him about his local vendors, food, the restaurant industry and how he runs his kitchen and it was painfully clear how into it this guy is and how much care and drive he's put into opening this place. I was impressed by his enthusiasm and the creative approach this guy has had to take to make that space work for him. As we were paying, he even brought out samples of his ice cream for us to try that he makes himself in house. His orange coriander ice cream is pretty incredible but even more amazing is this chef's attitude and dedication to his work and establishment. I hope they have a long successful stay here in East Nashville and I look forward to going back soon.
(5)mumin k.
very nice place. this is a very trendy place with great decor and only 4 tables. the menu is really compact, not many choices but they have some good sandwiches. the salads looked original too but did not try any. I had the roast beef and blue cheese sandwich and liked it. my wife had the 'bird' sandwich with chicken and it was pretty good too. the ingredients were fresh and tasty. My only (minor) complain was the server, she was somewhat hard to communicate with .. asked for drinks with no ice, but she brought drinks with ice .. i was asking for deserts other than icecream but she insisted on telling me about the ice creams etc. But as I said, that was a very minor issue. overall, i liked the place and would recommend it.
(4)Leigh S.
One of my favorite causal eatery's. Such a cute/quaint little place to share good food and laughter with friends. The service is incredible and the owner is passionate about the menu and willing to share and explain every last detail on it. I have been here SEVERAL times and am NEVER disappointed. Try the Zipper, it's killer.
(5)Amy C.
limited menu becuase its all FRESH and lovely! BYOB (i believe) & yummy!
(5)Joy S.
Great choice! Excellent and usual flavor combinations made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. A little pricey but definitely worth it! Try the bird sandwich with basil lemonade.
(4)Jerry E.
a hipster place with interesting dishes; they just started serving wine and it was a nice addition. the whole neighborhood is loaded with interesting restaurants.
(4)Kathy T.
Great couscous! The place is really cool and hip! Plus they have great food and friendly service.
(5)Carolyn S.
One of the best restaurants in Nashville, if not the best!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Carrie T.
I'm hooked on this place. Love the food, it's always fresh and oh so tasty. But ladies, for the love of god will you please smile! I mean really, my tip doubled the one time someone smiled at me when I picked up my food. Notice I said the ONE time someone smiled :)
(4)Carie B.
I absolutely love this little restaurant. Ingredients so fresh, locally grown, organic, and so delicious! It's also priced well.
(5)Gabriela L.
Delicious, tiny, unique. I love the sandwiches. Great spot for lunch!
(4)Samma A.
Your a silly goose! if you live in Silly Goose neighborhood and don't try their couscous or deli sandwiches. Its not a big place but big 'nuff to quickly give you a to go wich or such. Roderick likes to buy locally grown and produced stuff. It shows in the gourmet standards. Good wraps and salads too but the couscous really helps make this place special. Spicy courscous is mexican influenced with chili spice and goat cheese. Or try mediterranean or asian influenced shrimp couscous. They even make their own ice cream.
(5)S M.
OMG I LOVE THIS PLACE. It's seriously THE BEST PLACE EVER. Most places in Nashville are overpriced and not so good. For what you pay, this place is amazing. An absolute must.
(5)Kath F.
Have been reading some of the other reviews with a big smile. The Silly Goose is my husband's and my favorite restaurant in Nashville. Roderick (the owner and creator) is the nicest ever, and his staff is warm and wonderful. Besides going there often alone, we always take our out-of-town guests there. Without exception, all have loved it, and ask to go back there when they are in town again. I am a total food snob (good or bad, just is what it is!) and this is the most delicious, creative food in Nashville. My favorites are the Lyle's Surprise sandwich and the King Kong shrimp and cous cous dish. We love bringing our own wine or beer. I love that all the food is locally and sustainable sourced, the meats come from local or nearby farms, and the ice creams are the best in Nashville - wait no, in the UNIVERSE! :-) Without exception, we leave with happy smiles and look forward to returning to The Silly Goose. Which will be as soon as it re-opens! Cheers guys.
(5)Lauren F.
what a wonderful lunch place. i would go here all the time if i lived near... i got the sicilian cous cous which was moderately seasoned and a nice balanced of textures, with the nuts and soft couscous. there was a little more cappicola than i cared for on the plate because it is so very satly, but, it is reminiscient of bacon and i love bacon. three sauces drizled on top were so beautiful and tasty. honey beet ice cream, spearmint cardamom, and vanilla cinnamon sampler was pretty much the best dessert ever. and i love how they list the local farms where the got the veggies and cheeses from. i want to try everything on the menu!!
(5)Molly D.
They took a reservation for our party of 7 over a month in advance. We showed up a few minutes early to the restaurant being randomly closed for the day. Considering we gave our phone number when we gave our reservation it was pretty disappointing they didn't think to call us and cancel when they decided to close...not a great customer service strategy. We saw no less than 5 other groups of people show up as well. Finding a place to eat for 7 people at peak brunch time was not how we wanted to spend the last morning of our vacation. We ended up finding an awesome brunch gem (though we had to wait 1.5hours). If you make a group reservation here, I would recommend you call and confirm week of to ensure this doesn't happen to you!
(1)Hank D.
Great spot using very fresh ingredients with courteous service. The sandwiches were excellent that we ordered. I am glad to have this option in the hood.
(4)Lauren L.
Ended up here for lunch with a friend when a restaurant near by was closed. So lucky because this was an awesome lunch. We split the sparky wrap with turkey and brie and the sicilian couscous. The couscous was my favorite. the flavors were ON POINT and the entire lunch was so light and refreshing. I will definitely be back here to try more things.
(4)Sarah S.
I LOVE The Silly Goose. I have been twice and loved it both times. The first time I went with a girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon and was lucky enough to get into the last table right away. I ordered the Blackjack which is: pan roasted verlasso salmon, whipped sweet potatoes, roasted mushrooms, arugula, and hazelnuts. The absolute best salmon I've ever eaten. Melt in your mouth deliciousness...I've been craving it since. I went back last week with a couple friends and since Silly Goose was out of salmon, I was happily forced to make a different choice. This time I went with one of their incredible sandwiches, the Pink Panther ("smoked beef brisket, gorgonzola, kale, carrot and cabbage slaw, horseradish aioli, toasted hoagie). It was the perfect balance of smokey, tangy, and hearty. I had it served with a side of salad greens tossed in balsamic, and a bit of couscous tossed in pesto. Oh my word...yum. Both times I've enjoyed the rosemary lemonade. I want to also note the service has been wonderful! Both servers I've been able to enjoy dining with were very attentive and accommodating to food allergies (not mine but in the part). Great experience and can't wait to go back again! **the only "negative" is that for some reason their menu does not read as well as it could it seems to a lot of people. I had 3 people back out of our group lunch because they didn't think there was anything there that they'd like. I know this cannot be true because they are not particular eaters and the food here is wonderful, but a bit of rewording on the menu might spark a little more mouth watering anticipation for the less food savvy**
(5)Hanna K.
Stopped here for lunch on a Wednesday right when they opened (11am). Glad we were early because this place was getting packed real quick! We ordered the t bird & sparky wrap. I was very pleased with our sandwiches. Good flavor, fresh ingredients. But the sides were kind of whatever (salad & herbed couscous).. Wish they had more than just reduced balsamic on them. Maybe a cherry tomato or two? Overall I had a good experience. Service was rather quick. They have the whole iPad thing going on for the checks, which was convenient. If I were a local, I might be back to try some of their other sandwiches for a lunch date or something. But nothing I would rave about..
(4)Loralyn D.
I love this place. It's a pretty small restaurant which can lead to a wait for both lunch and dinner, but it's worth it. The sandwiches are great for lunch, I really like how a lot of the entrees come with couscous. I sat at the bar once and watched them cooking everything, which was also a fun experience. Highly recommend! And if you aren't too full, Jeni's is next door...
(5)Johnny T.
4.5 This is getting to be a pattern. Odds are, if a business is located in this stretch of Eastwood, I'm going to like it. I'd heard good things about Silly Goose and with every bite of my food, I liked it more and more. It lives up to the hype and then some. Let's start with the seating policy: no reservations. But rather than having the rule just to be capricious (I'm looking at you, you know who you are), it makes sense because the restaurant is only *that* big. It's tiny. Reservations in such a tiny place doesn't make a lot of sense. Either come at an off night or at an off-time. I came on a Friday night but I got there around 6:30. Old folks dining times usually works for popular restaurants. The vibe is casual fancy so it speaks to a lot of people. And, best of all, there's no whiff of pretension at all. Not in the menu. Not in the decor. Not in the waitstaff. The proof is in the pudding with the product; there's no need to put on airs when you have nothing to prove. Confidence in product/business model is such a good thing. Silly Goose is rightfully confident. Why? Because the food is so [redacted] good. It almost seems as though they aren't trying, but looking at the expertly-prepared plates and tasting the interesting food profile combinations, it's obvious how much SG cares and what a win that is for guests. I started with the Magic Man because the Wilson sisters live in my head on a fairly regular basis. I might as well eat what they tell me to... They did right by me. Imagine a combo of roasted goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers, prosciutto, pine nut butter, and rosemary honey. It's tough to do, right? You don't even know what some of these items are, much less what they taste/look like. That's magic, man! And it's magical to behold and taste. Seriously, with every bite, I was, like, 'what am I eating? How is this so good? What is happening??' A meal that makes you think at the same time that it pleases your belly is a win. It's also masterful. For my entree, I decided on the Tango. I don't 'get' the name but what's in a name? In this case, there's no food in a name. The food is on the plate and it will soon be in your belly. The Tango is reservedly decadent and cautiously hearty. This is a dish that takes its time revealing itself to you but by the time you're in, you're all in. Again, it comes down to original combinations. I don't know that I ever would have thought to mix (Sunburst) trout, lemon basmati, charred cauliflower, shitakes, mint chutney, peanuts, and brown butter. What might sound like a mess of ingredients thrown on a plate adds up to a wonderment of a dish. It will change and challenge the way you think of fish courses. Remember that casual fancy vibe? It lends itself to the rustic decor, chalkboards, glassware, and napkins. I found my server to be very laid back but attentive... casual but professional... accommodating but not overbearing... She added to my dining experience. Had I had more time, I would have experimented with the wine menu but I was quite satisfied sticking with my Casteggio pinot grigio for the evening. Silly Goose is a must for all those who love food, not scenes. There's nothing silly about it.
(5)Marcus B.
I opted to eat here for my last meal of the New Year. My girlfriend was with me and I really wanted to show her a good time at a restaurant that had great reviews. The Silly Goose seemed like an easy choice. Silly me. I made reservations for 7:30PM. It took a while to actually book the reservation and I can't help but get the feeling that the person manning the phone deliberately hung up a few times. Perhaps there was an influx of other callers trying to make reservations for a NYE dinner too. When we arrived, I wasn't sure where the restaurant was as it was dark outside and the place isn't visible from the street. I called and was fortunate enough to reach the same person that made my reservation. Things sort of went down hill from there. My girlfriend and I were given seats that would've been fine- if we were both a foot shorter. I sat at a small table barely sufficient in size for the menu and the plates for the appetizers. If you're trying to come here in a large group (3 or more), don't. I mean it. Do yourself a favor and find another place. The restaurant is going for some hipster thing; I'm not sure. In any event, it just didn't vibe very well with me. I think the whole mason jar & bandanas for napkins works a lot better when a few sliced cheeses and sliced apples isn't $14. Nashville is not NYC. And what's more, there was a specific menu for NYE. It was a five course meal for $65 (per person). My girlfriend didn't want any of the stuff offered on that particular menu and since it was our $65, we opted for the regular dinner menu. The male waiter seemed put off by it and went to the kitchen. We waited another ten minutes before receiving any sort of attention. In that time, I saw the hostess and the waiter have an exchange in the kitchen. He stormed off and she came over to our table where she told us that she would be serving us since "there was confusion about what to order". OK. We eventually received new menus. And then we didn't see our waitress again for a while. Fortunately someone else from the kitchen area took pity on us and offered us drinks. It's ironic since I was thinking a drink or two (or five) might be needed to get through the rest of the night. However, I was the DD so none for me. We instead asked for the nonalcoholic drink menu. I was pretty excited when I read that the Silly Goose offered selections from High Garden Tea. Alas, it was not meant to be. We never got the menu that we asked for. Twice. I wanted to leave but at that point, we came to the conclusion that on NYE, our options in Nashville were severely limited*. The food tasted delicious. I have no issues at all with the flavor or quality of the food. My gripe is with the portion sizes. I suppose I was expecting much more than we received for the price we paid. To cap off the review: -The service was pretty bad. I don't think there's any other way to put it. -The food actually tastes really good -The seating is horrible. -The portions sizes are such that you don't have to worry about saving room for dessert. You WILL want something else to eat. *I was wrong. Rusan's was the saving grace of the evening. And yes, we went there immediately after finishing our "meal" here. Seriously.
(2)Chad R.
If you're looking for an eclectic and unique restaurant, then look no further! My wife and I dined here a few months ago and it was one of the best restaurants we've been to. The portion sizes are meant to be shared (like a tapas style) and everything we had was incredible! The cheese plate was great, I highly recommend it! You can't go wrong with choices off the menu either (we shared 3 of them). The only issue is there is not a lot of seating so a reservation is a must. This is a great place to eat if you're ever in East Nashville
(5)Megan K.
Stellar lunch location! So glad I finally made my way over to East Nashville to try it out. My friend and I shared the grilled bread appetizer (with a pesto dip and a great balsamic vinegar dip). I liked it okay... the great start to the meal was the rosemary lemonade. Really refreshing and fragrant. There were a lot of unique drinks from which to choose, and they all looked fantastic. For my meal, I had the Sparky wrap--a turkey wrap on a sundried tomato wrap, stuffed with basil pesto, cranberries and walnuts. It was like Thanksgiving in a wrap--very fresh-tasting and yet hearty. Great couscous and greens salad on the side. So good. Super filling. Moderately priced ($15 lunch, without the appetizer). My friend had the Pink Panther sandwich (some kind of brisket) and it looked amazing--she kept talking about how great it was... So get down there! Prep yourself for a possible wait--the space is small (we were seated at a community table, with no wait around 11:30 a.m. on a weekday), but inviting. Cute bar area and great decor. A fun little spot in the heart of East Nashville.
(4)Mikaela Z.
A main goal for a weekend trip to Nashville was to eat nothing but amazing food. The Silly Goose really set the bar high being our first stop for lunch. Brought our own beer in, server didn't seem to mind that we weren't buying alcohol there. Bonus points for said trendy musiciany looking server. Side note: felt instantly cooler walking in here. Every server I saw was probably about to hit it big as Nashville's next great country pop/rock superstar. Had the Rosie salad and Lyle's sandwich. The salad was good...but a smidge on the small side. I wasn't entirely full at the end of the meal, and found myself wishing I had gotten something else, even though it was really good. The sandwich was melt in my mouth goodness (I stole a quick bite!). I'd probably order that if I visited again.
(5)Sayumporn B.
We went for lunch on weekends, got there around 12:30, the place was full. So, we went to Cumberland transit to shop while we wait. I liked that they called us when the table is ready, so we didn't have to wait around. Everything we ordered was awesome. I had a Pink panther and my husband had a smoked salmon sandwich (can't remember the name). We end up traded half of our sandwich because they both are so good. I can't pick just one. Our wait for food are quite longer than usual. I've been here before, and the food didn't take as long. I had noticed a big party ahead of us, which probably why we had to wait so long. Next time I will go for either early or late lunch. Don't skip their drinks, basil lemonade, ginger green tea are awesome. Next time I probably try pineapple red tea.
(4)Joyce L.
Very disappointed at our current experience. Took 45 min to get served. Unhappy with the number of staff just sort of touching the plates. Everyone at our table was upset about the amount of hair flipping that went on by the waitstaff. Staff was nice enough just needs a lesson in cleanliness and food. There is a problem with air vent condensation dripping on people and the potential for it to drip onto the food in the prep area. Previous trips have been fabulous.
(3)Amy S.
Stumbled into The Silly Goose on a random trip to Nashville and discovered innovative tasty food, wonderful service, and a pleasant atmosphere - what a gem!
(5)Jenna S.
I am sure my rating would be higher had we not waited almost two hours to be seated here... and if they had served real alcohol and not just wine. We showed on a Saturday night, group of five, around 7:50 p.m. and were quoted an hour for a wait. We were a bit panicked because this places closes at 10 p.m. on Saturdays (that's early, right?) but we were assured we'd be seated and served regardless. We decided to eat dessert first at the Jeni's next door and then grab a beer at the Mexican cantina place across the way to bide our time. Fast forward to 9:30 p.m.: our table still isn't ready and now, of course, we're all starving. Do we go somewhere else? Stay? There isn't really anything in this part of town so we figured we were stuck without calling a cab and hauling ass back downtown. There was one table that seemed to be for us and there was an annoying group of people there who just wouldn't leave even though they weren't drinking or eating. Now that we've sat down, we're incredibly disappointed to find the only alcoholic beverages on their menu are wines of somewhat expensive varieties. Since we had been drinking all day, wine did not see a prudent choice as we would have fallen asleep immediately, so we went with tea. It was some pretty darn tasty tea but I would have preferred a beer or a cocktail. Our waitress also took our drink orders and never brought them until our main courses were coming out so that was annoying since we reminded her about them twice. Just get that tea, man! Our appetizers were pretty tasty but the servings were small and you'd really need to order 3-4 to accommodate any real appetite of a group of five. The peppers were really good with the goat cheese and I highly recommend a double order of that. Our entrees were pretty decent. My companions enjoyed their choices more than I did. I got the couscous because I really didn't want to eat a bunch of meat at like 10:30 p.m. and I was sorely disappointed. A) couscous and its ingredients can't possibly cost more than like... $7, so how was this entree $19.50?! 8 billion pounds of couscous is like $3 so how is that possible? There were also so few actual veggies in the dish that there wasn't really any substance beyond the couscous which was not that great. Maybe I would have been happier with a different choice but I can firmly say the couscous isn't great. Avoid it, if possible. All in all, this place was like a bunch of other overpriced hipster joints in hipster parts of town in any major American city. They think what they're doing is really important and unique and it's not. Is this place worth a stop? Sure, why not. I just wouldn't go back a second time.
(3)Brittney S.
Came here for lunch during a trip to Nashville, and this place was great! I got the Mexico City couscous. It did not disappoint! My dish was very flavorful, and you could tell all the ingredients were fresh. There is not a lot of seating, so we opted to sit at the community table option in the middle. Our server was very nice, and knowledgeable about the menu. He gave great advice when helping us choose our meals. I will definitely be back again
(5)Dipti M.
We went to this place for a late lunch & were surprised to see it crowded even then. The host found a table for us in a cozy corner. We started with pomegranate pineapple ginger tea & basil lemonade. The former was a little sweet while the latter was refreshing. For our appetizers we ordered grilled bread & I was truly surprised with what we were served. We had different types of breads including what I would like to call marble bread with two dipping sauces - olive oil with balsamic vinegar & mint dressing. They were both great. For entrees we ordered the king Kong & blackjack. I felt the red curry in the king Kong had a slight raw flavour and the fact that it was a cold dish wasn't inviting. It was a rainy evening & I was looking for something more warm. That's when blackjack appeared. The base was mashed sweet potatoes, which is not my all time favorite, but in this dish it tasted heavenly. The sauteed mushrooms were great.these gave the perfect base for the salmon which was simply OUT OF THE WORLD!! the crust on the salmon was so good. The kale & hazelnut on top added a nice texture. To finish this lovely meal, we ordered beet honey ice cream & a dessert called second chance. The ice cream was so flavorful and the honey sauce was delicious. Second chance has so much going on and it's all so good together. The date toffee cake was so warm and we found that they are usually made to order!!! The cake was topped with orange Greek yogurt and pistachios. There was a vanilla bean caramel on the side and a date shooter. It was all so delicious. At the end of the meal...We so enjoyed every bite and only wished we could dine here more often. :)
(5)Yeshanth J.
The interior gives you an old rickety look but that's what makes this place stand out. It looks more like an old tavern. Enough being said about the ambience. The place was in fact booked when we wanted to dine here for late lunch. Somehow, we managed to squeeze into a corner. We started out with the crowd's first and second favorite non alcoholic drink( Basil Lemonade and Pomegranate Ginger Tea). The Basil lemonade clearly stood out to me as more refreshing. We ordered grilled bread. The grilled bread is unlike what you would come to expect. We had different kinds of toasted bread with Olive Oil/Balsamic and Mint chutney. The mint chutney wasn't really minty enough to give that tangy feeling. But the balsamic felt very fresh. For entrees, we went with one of our choice and one of the popular one. The King Kong being the popular did do it for me. It is more or like a salad , souped up a bit with some tasty shrimp. The only bright side to that dish were the 6 tasty shrimps. Nevertheless, it was good enough to not complain too much. The blackjack was just amazing. I have never had a salmon cooked so well. It is a difficult fish to cook, more often than not one would over cook it, thus making it hard to chew. This one was just perfect. The sweet potatoes was just the right one to go with the salmon. The kale/hazelnut topping was just like the icing on the cake. We were on song so we decided to try their desserts. We had their honey beet and second chance. They both were fantastic. The honey beet is really really good. If beets are served like this, I would eat them all day. The second chance was very flavorful. The sauce just elevates the flavor of the date toffee cake to another level. The cake already came with a greek orange yogurt topping which brought subtly to the dish. Bottom line: Dine in !.. I meant All In !
(5)Jean K.
My Regina salad from Silly Goose was fit for a queen. Royally loaded with roasted beets, pistachios, tart apples, blue gouda, and shaved Brussels sprouts in a throne of arugula, it was dee-e-vine. The only things missing were my beloved jam puffs. Where is my raspberry colored crystal bell when I need it? "Oh, Jeeeeves!..." Suddenly, I'm pulled back into reality by the un-toasted baguette slice on top. Oh, Jean, you're no longer the queen. You don't get a crusty, crunchy, toasty flavorful slice...you get a plain, untoasted, unseasoned, uncircumcised slice without a single pat of butter as far as the eye can see. You don't even get a raspberry colored crystal bell. Why, oh, why is this plain baguette commoner squatting on my royal salad?! And then, I see it. The tiny chalice with a thick, dark liquid that my cupbearer so dutifully placed on the side for his queen. A dressing so dark and rich that I cannot see the bottom of the vessel. Before I can yield to my manners, I pinch the defector between my thumb and forefinger, dip him into the chalice and...bam! The dressing is deliciously rich and flavorful and yes, you Silly Goose, I am the queen again.
(4)Candice C.
What a cute place! The only downside is that they don't serve beer but they do allow you to bring your own. We ordered some salads to start, which were very good. I had the vegetarian plate, which had quinoa, veggies, and a bit of curry flavor. It was Awesome. The portions aren't enormous but the food is high quality and we all left feeling full. The guys had the steak with broccoli. The only complaint was that the broccoli was a bit salty. Overall, we had a great experience!
(4)Gracie C.
I realize these are bold words but the sandwich I had here was the best sandwich of my WHOLE LIFE. I did not realize sandwiches could be so good. They are so carefully crafted, you can definitely tell someone put a lot of thought into creating them.
(5)Corie K.
Been back for dinner three times since first lunch visit. I've tried nearly 80% of the menu now. I like that it's a little more low key for dinner. Just wish they had liquor/beer selection for bringing out of town colleagues who are beer guys.
(5)Ray M.
Please note this review is not about the food but the service. So, I just came in to scope the place out for a potential dinner party. I was thinking, I'd sit at the bar area and get a feel for it. Now, no matter how eclectic or well-rated a place is, most places have such a thing. When I came in and asked if there was a bar area, the hostess literally laughed in my face. And said in "air quotes" "Ummm we are NOT the kind of place where people come to do THAT." We said ok, turned to leave, but she didn't drop it. Instead she pointed to, I kid you not, a bench and said, "I mean, I guess you can sit here and do THAT sort of thing." Damn. Not going there again.
(1)Meghan T.
Best food I've ever had in my life, absolutely AMAZING!!! I had the Spalding and the Citrus, Mint & Ginger Green Tea. Every single bite was perfect and full of flavor! I will definitely be back every trip to Nashville! SOOOOOO GOOD, fresh and healthy YUMMY!!!
(5)Ben W.
The food gets a gold star, but the service just isn't up to par. This review isn't about the food. You can read all about how good a goat cheese ball with balsamic reduction sauce tastes a bit further down. This review is about the experience and boy was it average at best. Silly Goose has a great menu but needs a trained staff to match. Despite being small and quaint, the staff seemed overstretched and inattentive. We came with a party of 6 and had reservations. It took only a second to be seated but although there were less than 14 people in room (including our party) the service evaporated immediately and we were left at a large empty table for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind we can see the open kitchen and watch the staff shuffle around aimlessly reorganizing menus and wiping tables. Finally when service resumed the waiters had no idea about the food. Clueless as to many ingredients in their offerings it was mostly forgivable due to the detailed menus. However the staff was completely clueless about wine and seemed content to rest on the idea that if a wine is Pinot Gris then it tastes like every Pinot Gris on earth. Their Chardonnay recommendation fell flatter than a Coke sans CO2. We ordered a bottle and it was sweeter than barefoot Moscato...despite several inquiries regarding that exact issue. Oh well. The younger contingent of our group enjoyed it. Overall not a bad place for food but seriously lacking in the service department. And let's be honest, can you really mess up goat cheese pepadews with bacon in it?
(3)Chris A.
Was craving something that would fill me up and was honestly going to go to Rosepepper. There was a huge line of people waiting to get in Rosepepper so I opted to walk across the street and see if SG was busy. I walked in and of course, asked for a table for one. They were very accommodating and cleared a table for me within minutes. The staff were attentive. I got the "Tango" which was a trout seasoned with some good flavorful spices and rice. I forgot to take a picture of the menu so I know it may sound lame "spices" but it was incredibly delicious! I cleaned my plate. I then got talked into dessert by the waitress. I got a chocolate Torte which I later found out was called the "Reverse Cowgirl" which is the most awesome name for a dessert! loved the food! such amazing flavor! the decor was nice too. Staff were friendly. What more do you need? Love everything about this restaurant.
(4)Iana P.
Amazing place. It's a bit tinier than I thought but it's nice sweet and very friendly. Super delicious!! Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great music, well songs like Florence and machine, great for me. Indie music. The food is delish!!
(5)Tim G.
I would change nothing about this place. It's so much like a home like restaurant. It's great. They use all local. Their basil lemonade is to die for. To die for. I always get the bird too! There aren't many seats, but it makes you feel like you're part of the community, especially if you happen to get seated at the community table!
(5)Jules W.
This. Is Greatness. I started with the Basil Lemonade (what's this now?), which was ridiculously good. Super refreshing - I want it in a Popsicle. I had a grilled shrimp dish too (everything has cute names - of course, I can't remember this one). It had bacon jam. That's right. Bacon. Jam. You really can't go wrong with bacon, but this is fantastic. I want to go back and try more. Maybe tomorrow. lol.
(5)Brett P.
I was looking for a place to stop in Nashville for a late lunch, mostly to get off the road for a little while on my way back to Atlanta. I pulled off the road briefly and was reading an article on visitmusiccity.com . They mentioned this eclectic little café that does a great lunch. Since I am very much on an anti-chain restaurant kick, it sounded like something I wanted to try. I'm glad I did! It's not a place to go if you're in a hurry to get in and out, but, if you have the time, this place has an excellent fresh to order, locally sourced menu of choices. I had a really good, not too sweet, iced green tea and a T-Bone sandwich (honey ham, cambazola, fennel, tomato-olive tapenade, basil on toasted rosemary olive oil bread) with a side of field greens. I definitely recommend it and can see where this is an excellent place for people with vegetarian or restrictive diets. They offer a wide variety of choices without having too big of a menu.
(4)Kimberly K.
Soooo good! Came here at around 11 am, so there was plenty of seating available. At noon, the restaurant was packed. We were warmly welcomed and the servers are the nicest. So friendly, attentive, and informative. Restrooms are in the back. I love the art in the women's room. We ordered the Orange Apple Cider Black Tea and Citrus Ginger Mint Green Tea. They are well prepared and so clean to the palate. Absolutely delicious! Everything here is light, yet filling, and prepared with quality ingredients. For our entrees we shared the King Kong and Loose Cannon. The cous cous and shrimp in the King Kong were cooked perfectly. The curry on the shrimp was a lot like Thai curry, absolutely delicious. This dish comes as mild, medium, or hot. The medium had a nice kick to it but wasn't overly spicy. The steak in the Loose Cannon was cooked to perfection. Slightly pink in the middle and super juicy. The salad in this dish is amazing, so much flavor and texture. End your meal with a Reverse Cowgirl dessert and you're good to go. That flourless dark chocolate torte with homemade blackberry sauce is what dreams are made of. Yum! Not overly sweet and so smooth to the palate. I love that they bring iPad minis to your table for you to pay your bill. It's so organized and you can get your receipt emailed or texted to you. Friendly service, great food, with a chill environment.
(5)Leah H.
I have dreams about their T-bird sandwich, couscous, and inventive iced teas. Mmmmm...
(5)Christy Y.
Oh my my, every dish was tasty! The dessert was manifique and the service was perfection. I sorta felt I was back in Cali! Thank you for that. Had King Kong, fish and BBQ, topped with flourless chocolate cake and vanilla latte ice cream with fresh pressed coffee. Such a great lunch will have to come back to try dinner. Thanks!
(5)William D.
What a whoop-ass sandwich with a great, simple salad backing it. I had some kind of pesto-capicola sandwich and skipped on the fancy-ass iced tea (not being an iced tea fan) and was well-served by the hip guy behind the bar. It appeared that none of the waitstaff was un-hip. From listening in to the conversations, all of the employees are musicians. There's a lot of pride in things being sourced locally.
(4)Mariam H.
There's nothing silly about this place.... it's serious eats! Of course I checked out the menu before my visit and was pleasantly suprised to see not one but four couscous offerings! How could I possibily chose just one? Thanks to the pictures on Yelp, I went with the King Kong. A perfect blend of the Asian taste combo... spicy, savory, bitter and a little sweet dashed in with a touch of mint. The citrus, ginger and mint tea was the perfect drink compliment. I was very happy girl... full tummy and not feeling like I just blew all of my calories for the day. My date had a turkey wrap. I believe it was the Sparky because I remember the cranberries. It was also very fresh tasting, and filling. I loved that they jazzed up a plain old wrap with some more intriguing ingredients like brie instead of cheddar and a basil aioli instead of mayo. One minor, minor complaint is that our table was literally unhinged from its base. We skillfully played a balancing act while eating. Other than that the decor was very country meets industrial with salvaged illuminated signs and what looked like a reclaimed wood table (possibly a community style table?). Service was just ok. I did have a few moments where I went for a sip and just ice clunked down to my face. The four star review is soley based on the menu offerings and the fact that I loved, loved the King Kong. Please work on the wobble table and a more attentive staff and the extra star will be added! P.S. I will be back for dinner.... so seriously... .fix the table, please!
(4)Margaret S.
Red tea was fabulous! The sparky sandwich was just the right proportion of meat and extras. Yum! Service was excellent with very short wait.
(5)Simon F.
Easily one of the top three meals during a 4 day trip to Nashville. The fresh drinks are great (ask for LESS ice = less dilution). Our group of 7 loved what we ordered. My only gripe was the size of the King Kong. Looking around at everybody else I felt somewhat left out. Then I ordered the biscuit for dessert and the world was right again.
(4)Caitlin F.
Got the goat cheese and smoked salmon sandwhich and I literally couldn't put it down. Can't stop thinking about it. Iced tea was super refreshing. Love!
(5)Erica M.
This is one of the best restaurants in Nashville. No corkage fee, and outstanding lemonade. The food is great. You can order the couscous for parties, as well as the salad. Serve them at home and everyone will think you made them! Totally delicious. Cons: Parking, need for reservations, restaurant is tiny
(5)Josh H.
If you like sandwiches and have taste buds, then you must try Silly Goose. After just one carryout experience, this place is already a 4 in my book. Based on my one sandwich (the T-Bird), I'm not sure if Silly Goose or Mitchell Delicatessen has the best sandwiches in town. Silly Goose, you have my attention, and I look forward to coming back soon. Update: I came back for dinner with my girlfriend, and we ordered apps and entrees. Everything we ate and drank was delicious, and the service was very good. If you're looking for simple, then go somewhere else. Silly Goose serves up huge, bold flavors. This place is a keeper.
(5)Maria I.
While stopping in Nashville for one night, we decided to head here. It's in a trendy plaza/lofts-type area with a coffee shop next door and plenty of parking. I called ahead and made reservations for 7:15pm and we were seated within two minutes of walking in. It did get loud around us because the tables are close together. The lighting was kind of dim and the decor was pretty trendy. We had a nice waiter explain the menu to us a little bit. I tried three pieces of Magic Man, which is roasted goat cheese stuffed peppadew peppers, prosciutto, pine nut butter, rosemary honey. I ordered Rapp for myself and that is: crisp yukon gold potatoes, haricot verts, hazelnut romesco, manchego, paprika oil. I can't describe how aaaaaaamazing everything about Magic Man was. All of the flavors flowed really well together and it was like voodoo because I couldn't get my head around the taste. Rapp was great. I loved the potatoes and the hazelnut romesco was probably my favorite part. It was filling and played on a homey feel for me. For the main dish I ordered their special, which wasn't on the menu, but it was: seared scallops, green papaya salad, smoked salsa verde, avocado, mint, and bell pepper. This was by far my favorite thing in the entire universe. I saw the chef and basically yelled out I LOVE YOU for the scallops! Seriously. They were a masterpiece in my mouth. Perfectly cooked and perfectly layered with the salad. Any avocado in there was icing on the cake because I adore avocado. I wish I could eat these scallops every single freaking night. I'm going to be thinking about them for a while. We split a flourless chocolate cake-type dessert that wasn't listened on the menu. It was enough for two people and it didn't taste like it was missing anything, which is always a plus in my book. I also got a scoop of the passion fruit coconut ice cream. I tasted way more passion fruit than coconut and that was kind of a bummer for me because I love coconut. It was still very delicious. So, I was super excited to give this place five stars except the service was lacking. Maybe it was busy, but we felt neglected. I wish I could say differently because I enjoyed our waiter when he was present and we felt like he was incredibly attentive/personable at our table. Once he was gone...he was gone for some time. I know he was running around doing other things and not just orders. I tried to be understanding for a while until we both really needed water as time ticked on and on. Then when we were ready to go we twiddled our thumbs for an extended period of time. I really, really wanted to give Silly Goose (bonus for the name) five stars, but customer service is a big thing for me. I'd love to come back to this place whenever I'm in town again. I feel like maybe this was an isolated incident. I like to give people/places second chances for the most part.
(4)Ian L.
Service: 2 Cous cous: 5 Pink Panther: 3 Service was clipped. Against popular suggestion, I got the Pink Panther brisket sandwich and king Kong cous cous on the side. 5 stars: King Kong probably one of the best cous cous I've had in my life. It had such a unique, indescribable lightness and complexity. Hints of duck and rosemary in it. unfortunately the half portion (as a side) does not have shrimp... 3 stars: Pink panther was imbalanced. The beef was tender but too salty and combined with the saltiness od cheese, lacked depth. Pesto and red onions redeemed it.
(4)Gabriella L.
This place has my heart. Healthy food that doesn't taste like wet lettuce or leaves you hungry in an hour. The couscous is a dream.
(5)Dara M.
How can a restaurant with a name like The Silly Goose not be fantastic? This restaurant is adorable, with all manner of reclaimed/repurposed furniture, a hipster staff, and beautiful plates of fresh, local food. It was very noisy, though, so I don't recommend coming here with a larger group. We had a party of seven and it was impossible to hear the people at the other end of the table. We ordered a variety of small and medium plates as appetizers, then one large plate per person as an entree. One of my favorite things was the SVS (spring vegetable selection): shaved beets, sprouts, crispy kale, goat cheese, hazelnuts. A little plate of bright, crisp, fresh, deliciousness. The caramelized cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and shiitake were fantastic, too. Oh--and the teas! Iced green tea with citrus and ginger, and red tea with pomegranate and pineapple. Everything we had was delicious, though, and plated beautifully. I loved nearly everything about this restaurant. Three cheers for The Silly Goose!
(5)PatricK C.
Delicious. This place will be a regular spot
(5)Madison T.
This has become one of my favorite, healthy eats in Nashville! Everything on the menu is amazing and fresh. Their dinner menu is flawless. It's a bit pricey ($20 range entrees) but well worth it. The vibe is casual, but trendy.
(4)John B.
Second time coming to Silly Goose. This time I had the smoked salmon sandwich. Really good with the mint & ginger green tea.
(4)Steven Y.
Food was good...We went on our first Vday as a married couple and I asked repeatedly before if they accommodate vegetarian to which they said yes and I mentioned that it isn't just sides to which they said yes. Confirmed online,reservation call in, reservation confirmation and at the restaurant the day of. My wife's meal consisted of all the sides instead of like we were told at the table and multiple other times that there would be a primary veg option similar to the those with a meat protein. We were told there would be something else to make up for the lack of a meat protein. We thought ok and ordered and noticed nearly every dish was just the same as my dish sans meat. We had to speak up and only got a side from another dish. For the hefty price they charged and the money we spent we felt that they would have accommodated dietary restrictions better. We were still happy to spend the day together but pretty let down by our experience. I confirmed so many times because my wife had to go through this many times before and it always leaves her feeling neglected by the kitchen. We really did feel left out in the cold for our first Vday as a married couple at Silly Goose.
(2)Kristina C.
Good food, HORRIBLE service. When we spend nearly $100 on dinner for just the two of us, my husband and I are looking forward to a certain level of service. At the very least having full glasses of water while we wait for nearly 45min for our food doesn't seem like we're asking too much. Unfortunately the waiters couldn't be bothered to inform us of any specials, take our order, refill our water glasses, bring us clean silverware or even bring us the check at the end of our meal. The place is small - 10-12 tables - and was only have full during our dinner but the 3 waiters who were "working" (i.e. socializing amongst themselves) were incredibly inattentive and rude. We had to ask for everything and one waiter even rolled her eyes. Definitely disappointing and ruined our dinner.
(2)Paige D.
One of my favorite places ever. Healthy, nutritious, delicious food. So many interesting plates to choose from!! It's like a vegan place but with meat= heaven!!
(5)Jeanette V.
There are no words for the genius of this place! The flavors were put together in such a way that I didn't want my meal to end! A party In your mouth. Fresh local flavors! I had the Spring Salad with chili grapefruit vinaigrette & added grilled shrimp. Being from Florida I know shrimp. They tasted like the Goose was on the water and they just came off the boat & if you have ever eaten shrimp you know when they are cooked perfectly! This they were!! I did finally take that last amazing bite! With that said..... I came back the next day to have it again!
(5)Cvcvc C.
Been there for lunch and for dinner, both times fantastic! The pomegranate pineapple red tea is my favorite. Also, the reverse cowgirl is amazing
(5)Jillian B.
My friend and I decided to try the new brunch at silly goose! Though the menu is small and oddly religious themed- each of the dishes is named after some prophet- the food does not disappoint. The smoothies were delicious. The table next to us had a French press that we will need to try. The ambiance was great and the music was perfect. My dish was the Hejus and it exceeded my expectations. I really liked the addition of Gorgonzola cheese with the brisket. My friend got the Yahweh which was a little lighter with some great flavors. She added an egg on top and she liked that addition to make it a little more decadent. Our service was excellent and it was our server who recommended the smoothies and my Hejus dish. Conclusion: go and bring your friends
(5)Katti W.
While visiting Nashville, we decided to have dinner at the Silly Goose and it was our favorite meal that trip! We started out with the Short Simple salad to share and I don't know what it was (maybe the avocado), but it was divine! Since it was dinner, the King Kong couscous that we read about wasn't on the menu, however, they had extra from lunch and made the dish for us! We were glad they did because it was delicious just like all other reviews said! My husband ordered the Tango and the shitakes in there were cooked so perfectly we fought over each and every one. Also, the basil lemonade is on point! I'd love to come back to try their other dishes as well!
(5)Harry W.
What a great surprise! WE LOVED THIS PLACE. Upon the recommendation of our server, I ordered the King Kong couscous curry shrimp . IT ROCKED. The shrimp, the avocado, the curry, the mint, and whatever else was there were so well balanced I could have eaten a ton of it. (now that I think of it, that was the serving size). K had the T-Bird and Rosie Salad. Both were great. The teas were also very good. Way too full for desert although we were tempted. Sat at the bar and watched the staff in full lunch rush mode. Easy to see their passion for what they were doing. Reminded me why I enjoyed the biz and why I'm glad to be out now. Don't miss this place, its worth the wait
(5)Kaci P.
King Kong Cous Cous is amazing. The ambience is really great. The staff is fantastic. The food came out really fast. All in all a great experience!
(5)Micheal P.
My first trip to silly goose was a little off-putting. The restaurant was small and crowded. I felt like I had paid a lot of money to sit in a corner eating glorified couscous. I wrote it off a little too soon. I returned with a friend and realized the error of my ways. That couscous is not being given inappropriate amounts of glory. It IS actually really good. A perfect accompaniment to the delicious sandwiches they serve. And wait, whats this liquid I just dispensed in my cup? Citrus basil tea? How positively refreshing! I'm so sorry I wrote you off, Silly Goose. You're a Nashville treasure.
(4)Alessia R.
Amazing food. Whimsical names for everything on the menu heighten the quaintness of this modern Art Deco restaurant. The actual space is small so beware of s full restaurant when you arrive, you may have to wait but my friends and I ate lunch at an off hour and were seated immediately. We had two different servers who were extremely friendly and helpful. We asked for recommendations of places to go because we are from out of town and the server was more than happy to oblige. She even asked the other employees for their recommendations. And OH MY GOODNESS their homemade flavored teas are to die for. We loved the citrus, mint& ginger green tea so much we brought home a gallon of it and used it to make deliciously alcoholic drinks. We're only here for four days and will definitely try to return.
(5)Sarah C.
Freaking fantastic! I had the Maltese Falcon, which consists of "crisp duck confit, green chile basmati rice, red mole, tomatillo chimmichurri." It was listed as a medium plate and was definitely satisfactory for dinner. The flavors were amazing and the duck was melt-in-your-mouth perfect! The neighborhood the restaurant is in was really cute, too.
(5)Will P.
Super cool place. I've been meaning to try it for a long time b/c pretty much everyone raves about it. I had the Mexico city couscous. I think it's cool that they have an array of couscous based dishes. That can't be too common. Next time I think I'll ask what their most popular items are and try those.
(4)Melissa C.
One of my favorite restaurants. Food is always fresh and locally sourced when possible. The couscous is so tasty and filling. I've never been disappointed, but I usually go at off peak times to avoid the wait. Definitely try the lemonade and iced tea options as well.
(5)Kina L.
I didn't know how I would feel about trying out the Silly Goose since it already has 346 other reviews...you know that Napoleon Dynamite effect-overhyped and underwhelming? (I still stand firm that that movie is awful). BUT Pleased to say it was a great meal! We went on a Thursday at 1pm so seating was a cinch. I ordered the Sparky (turkey breast with brie, cranberry, and toasted walnuts) wrapped in a sun dried tomato tortilla. As my side I got the half couscous (The king kong- sesame seeds, curry, ginger) and the side salad. SO notes on that meal... I asked for my Brie on the side. Hot diggity- I got so much Brie it was ridiculous. like 4 full on wedges! Ive been to places where that amount of Brie plus a tablespoon of preserves was a $8 appetizer. Anyway, my wrap was really good. It was a nice combo of savory with sweetness from the cranberries. TIP*** For a $1 up charge, you can choose your cows cows to be one of their specialty ones like the King Kong versus getting their standard herbed couscous.** However, don't expect to get any shrimp in your side portion. Cause you won't. The flavor profile for my couscous was a bit off I felt. They list ginger as one of the main ingredients.. yet I could not taste any. Ginger isn't exactly a mild flavor either... anyway, it was still delicious. I loved the fact that they didn't drown their couscous in olive oil. I really hate that. Oh yeah, this place is not good for group meals. Seating is incredibly limited with mostly 2 tops. Overall great meal. Expensive though. My meal with tax and tip was $13.26.
(4)Vanessa K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. It is absolutely delectable. You know from the moment you walk into this place that you picked the right place. That being said, I wish the service were just a tad more attentive, but hey. That won't stop me from going back. I normally order their Beebs dinner dish & I've never regretted it. Others in my group ordered a side of shrimp, a side of chicken, & the Hustler dish. No one was disappointed.
(5)Hannah H.
Yum! My sister and I came here for a quick lunch. The Silly Goose is next door to Jeni's Ice Cream, and there's plenty of parking spaces in the lot. The restaurant itself is cute, and has a rustic vibe. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, wine, and sweets/coffee/tea. Our server was Andy, and he was really cool, awesome, and efficient! My sister and I shared a King Kong, which was sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, and avocado. I am thinking that this place is known for their couscous as they have a separate category for it! It was quite delicious - the couscous was very flavorful, and the curried shrimp was saucy and of good size. I really liked the dish overall as it was light and healthy-tasting. We also had a side order of the Cantina, which was a salad filled with caramelized butternut squash, local apples, quinoa, spiced pecans, mustard greens, goat cheese, and dressed in a 4 herb vinaigrette. This was also a light salad that was quite delicious as well (gotta love goat cheese and butternut squash!). I also washed everything down with a Basil Lemonade that came in a mason jar (FREE refills - YAHOO!) - this was very refreshing as the lemonade was nice and tart (not overly sweet) and with great basil infused throughout - I really enjoyed this! I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +King Kong - YUMMMM :D +Cantina salad :D +Basil Lemonade (free refills!!!)
(5)Heather W.
My partner and I had just come from camping in rural Kentucky and were looking for a meal for our foodie souls. This was a seriously spiritual experience! We started with basil lemonade and the green tea and there were free refills! Since when does that happen!? We were thrilled. Then we shared a half portion of a delicious cantina salad- butternut squash and quinoa perfection. It was too delicious to feel any quinoa shame. Then we both got our own King Kong couscous which was orgasmic. The coconut curry and the avocado all add for beautiful light flavors. Since we were going all out, we ended with a fennel ice cream. I never felt like the more happy quintessential queer foodie couple. Best lunch ever.
(5)J L.
Always a great meal- stuck with my usual "king Kong" (grilled shrimp with avocado, flavored couscous) but got a starter with Potatoes, haricot vets, manchego cheese and romesco sauce. Everyone at the table thought it was delicious! Hubby got the Flank Steak- he thoroughly enjoyed it. Two other diners got the Jubilation (salmon entree) and really liked it. Silly Goose food always has great flavor (robust and fresh), and feels very healthy! Reservations accepted for parties greater than 6. Jeni's Ice cream is next door.
(5)Andrés R.
This is perhaps the best restaurant in Nashville. It's got delicious, well thought, carefully planned dishes at very affordable prices. The waiters are very friendly, and the chef is a great guy. Keep it . Three dishes are a must: The Claw (shrimps) The Chicken The Chocolate cake Please don't take them off the menu
(5)Cher Y.
A nice addition to the Nashville dining scene. I have only been here for their dinners. Pros: -Good variety menu, meat vs. seafood vs. vegetarian -Tasty and creative dishes that stand out from other similarly ranked dining places -Friendly wait staff -Neat dining ambiance -Neat location - near bars, Jenni's etc Cons: -The wait - it is always a 1 hour wait or more. -Some dishes are on the salty side -Only wine, no beer or other drinks Overall, it is worth the wait whenever the mood/craving hits for what Silly Goose does best - coming up with creative dishes!
(4)Ling X.
This was my favorite meal in Nashville. The food was phenomenal and actually felt healthy. We got the King Kong couscous and the Lyle's Surprise sandwich, plus basil lemonade. Loved the bandanna napkins and mason jars for water/drinks...great rustic atmosphere!
(5)Kyle P.
Great meal! Try the green mint tea! It's excellent! I had the bird which was a fantastic and flavorful sandwich! Will stop by each time I'm in Nashville it was that good!
(5)Romy G.
I biked here during a short stay in East Nashville. I attempted to eat at the Wild Cow first, but they seemed to be missing a host, and their whole menu seemed to be tacos and beans and rice, so I came to the Silly Goose instead, and was seated at the bar immediately. The bartender was attentive and generous with water refills, which was nice after my bike ride. I enjoyed the basil lemonade and the hustler: chicken skewers over mildly curried red lentils and sauteed kale, with goat feta and this delicious tamarind sauce. It was reminiscent of Mediterranean and Indian flavors, but in this pleasantly weird way I couldn't place. That said, a piece of naan, flatbread, or pita would have rounded out my meal nicely and allowed me to be more ladylike when I was scooping the last of the lentils out of the bowl. For the price, the portion was a little on the small side, but still delicious. I would have liked if it was less salty. The bartender also suggested breakfast places for me for the following day, which was appreciated. I do get the criticism from a lot of the other reviews on service, ambiance, and value. Since I arrived late and alone, I did not endure a lengthy awkward wait. As I was reading a book, noise did not interfere with my conversation. The folks at the host stand could have been more attentive, but it was way better than the Wild Cow, so here I dined.
(3)Lindsay H.
I love this place and every time I come through Nashville I stop at silly goose. Yet another amazing meal and I had to point out Ryan going above and beyond helping me out. Amazing people serving amazing food.
(5)Tara W.
Best couscous ever! I haven't had a meal here yet that I didn't love! I could eat lunch here every day. Service is great, too, but it's small so be prepared to wait if you go at peak meal times.
(5)Carlos A.
I had the Jubilation which is the Salmon. It was very good. The small plate Magic man was a great appetizer. Service was awesome and I recommend you try this place out. I am on a business trip and love to try great foods. This is not your typical Nashville food and I am so happy I ate here. Try it!!!!!!
(5)Joe F.
Start your apps with the Rapp and Magic Man. Rapp- crisp gold potatoes, hazelnut romesco, manchego and paprika oil. Magic Man- roasted goat cheese, stuffed pep padre peppers, prosciutto, pine but butter and rosemary honey! Outstanding and the main course was as good. If we hadn't drunk wine I would tell your more. Time to call Lyft! By the way, the wine prices are superb. Love this place!
(5)Jon B.
This place has the most flavorful prepared dishes I have tried. Typically I stay away from Tapas style eateries. The meal came out in waves as prepared. The first we had was called "Abraham" and was excellent. This was followed by "The Claw", a shrimp dish. And I thought wow this is even better than the first. Then the Salmon main dish came out and I have to tell you, I was blown away! The salmon alone tasted fantastic, but the mixture of garnish that accompanied the salmon took it to the next level. I also had their Basil Lemonade which was refreshing and plentiful with free refills.
(5)Laura H.
Food - 3, Service - 1 Start with the positive: I had the spicy cantaloupe gazpacho as an appetizer. It contained grilled shrimp, corn, avocado and diced melon. I did not find it spicy at all, which I think would have improved it greatly, but it did have good flavors and I liked the creativity. For my entree, I had the Beebs - braised and seared pork belly served on a piece of sourdough bread with sweet corn mustard and peaches. The combinations of savory and sweet really worked, and the portion size was perfect. My only complaint was the crust of the bread was so hard, it was very difficult to try to cut it with a butter knife. There were 8 others at my table and everyone enjoyed their food, saying the salmon was the star of the night. The negative: Our server was rude and never smiled once until she delivered our check. I brought my team from all over the country to Nashville for a meeting and wanted to show them the best of Nashville cuisine. I researched restaurants extensively, and SG had great reviews. When our server first came to our table, one of my employees asked for her recommendations or what the most popular meat and vegetarian dishes were. Her response was that everything is good and would not recommend one dish. I found that response bs - every restaurant has more popular dishes and if you haven't tried everything, just say so. Then when she came to take our order, the end she started with was not ready. I suggested she start with the other end of the table as we were ready to order, and she made a face as if I'd asked her to chop off her arm. She never asked us if we wanted more drinks (she refilled our waters but left us with empty glasses of wine), and one of my employees had to ask her three times for silverware. When she started delivering our entrees, I noticed my employee asking for the third time for silverware. Our server told her she'd get it after she finished bringing out our orders - not an appropriate response to put her off once again. By this time I was admittedly shooting her daggers with my eyes. I cannot tolerate bad service in the service industry. I feel she noticed this and although I could see my food plated and ready to go out, she delivered every other entree to our table then served another entire table before bringing me mine, making me wait a good 3-4 minutes while everyone else was politely waiting to start eating. That is simply unacceptable. If you don't enjoy your job, get a job as a data entry operator where you don't have to interact with the public. We were not a demanding group, ordered wine by the bottle and apps in addition to entrees and paid everything on one check. Everyone on my team commented on her bad attitude, and for this reason, I will not return to the Silly Goose. One final note - this is not a good restaurant for groups if you want to talk, as the music was so incredibly loud, you could only hear the person right next to you.
(2)Charline H.
The first time my friends and I set out to Silly Goose for lunch it was great. The sandwiches were full of flavor and fresh ingredients. Each sandwich/wrap is served with herbed couscous, salad greens, or a little bit of both. The rosemary lemonade was so yummy! On my second lunch visit, I was left with a "WOW" open mouth as I finished my King Kong couscous (curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, avocado). The dish is incredible and a full of spice and flavor. My sister is not a fan of curry tried it and loved it also. I don't know how I'll go and order other things.... I crave it. Only possible negative: Very long wait for the food both times, but totally worth every bite.
(5)T M.
Truly outstanding. A marvelously inventive menu, expertly prepared dishes. Maybe the best meal I've had in Nashville. The restaurant is cozy and charming except... One complaint: music was too loud to hear dinner partner or waitstaff. It's a restaurant not a club.
(5)Josh T.
I really wish I could give this restaurant a great review because I talked it up so much based on the reviews before we went. However, the service was...for lack of a better word...bad. We went at lunch time and were seated immediately. But from the time we ordered till the time out food was served was easily 45 minutes. All we ordered were sandwiches. Now, the food was fantastic. So maybe we just got a slow day, but I was disappointed with the service.
(3)Lauren W.
Since the Silly Goose is participating in Restaurant Week, it was a perfect opportunity to revisit one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. For a cocktail, I ordered Prosecco. Prosecco seems to be my go to cocktail of choice lately. I think it's a perfect drink for a hot August day. Plus: BUBBLES. Let me take this opportunity to talk about the service at Silly Goose. Everyone that I've dealt with, from chefs to waiters, has been incredibly pleasant and helpful. The gentleman who took care of us did everything with a smile on his face, and that type of service just makes the overall experience better for the guests. Since it was restaurant week, we decided to go with the three course $30 option. I see this as a great opportunity for chefs to put their best foot forward, so why not taste what they are trying to showcase? Our first course was a tomato salad on garlic toast with herbs and balsamic vinegar. It was a nice take on a fresh bruschetta and an all-time summer classic. They really let the tomatoes shine through in this dish. The toast was delicious with just the right crisp-to-soft ratio. Plus, I think the Silly Goose has the market cornered on balsamic vinegar. They have the best stuff, hands down. For the main course there were two options, one meat and one vegetarian. I went for the chicken dish, which is on the menu normally as The Hustler (a dish that I get quite frequently). The Hustler contains Greek yogurt-marinated chicken skewers, red lentils, kale and feta. The chicken was super tender and had a slight, almost imperceptible, tang from the yogurt. I love red lentils, and they were my favorite thing about this dish. They were well seasoned, a tad bit spicy, and well cooked so that every little bit was nice and soft. The dessert might've been my favorite part of this particular meal! It was a plate of fresh peaches, stewed rhubarb, mascarpone and oats. So simple, but oh so good. This also might've been my first time eating rhubarb, ever. I don't think we had any opportunity to eat it up north. It was sweet, tangy and sour all at the same time. I guess I really like rhubarb! Who knew? Honestly, the mascarpone was my favorite part and it went perfectly with the sweet peaches. I still love Silly Goose!
(4)LK H.
Not a good choice. The food was decent- a bit overpriced- but the service was ridiculously slow. I waited for a sandwich for an hour and, during that time, the waitress never came to refill our drinks.
(1)Christina R.
We had an amazing dinner at Silly Goose. First, the service was amazing. We are from out of town, and we've never been here before, and our server gave us excellent suggestions. We had the Joe Bailey (cheese plate) and the Abraham (pork belly). We thouroughly enjoyed both dishes, and we also had the red iced tea (mmmmm). The flavors were interesting and fresh, and the atmosphere was casual but still young and fun. We did have to wait about a 1/2 hour, but that is to be expected on a Friday night. The hostess called us when our table was ready, so we were able to walk around a bit while we waited. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone!
(5)Kaitlyn M.
One of my favorite places in Nashville, and a very unique place at that. The food is amazing; simple, fresh, and seasonal. Considering the casual atmosphere, I'm always impressed with the fine-dining quality food. If you have any dietary restriction - vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. - this is a great place to go because there are a lot of options and they really know their stuff.
(5)Paul G.
The food and vibe here were great. I was in Nashville from Chicago and The Silly Goose reminded me of some of the cooler, healthier restaurants in some of Chicago's trendier neighborhoods.
(5)Katie M.
This was an awesome experience. My dad and I were driving across the country and stopped in Nashville for the night and stopped here because it was right next to Jeni's ice cream. It was delicious and the servers were extremely friendly and attentive . My flank steak was cooked perfectly and mixed with sweet potatoes and Gorgonzola it wasn't too heavy. GObL HERE
(5)F. S.
This is an update review for takeout. I just had a baby, so we ordered takeout in those early days when it's so hard to go anywhere. It was perfect! So beautiful and tasty in the box. So much better than the last time (which I realized was 3 years ago!). This place is unstoppable. Food is great, service is even better. And takeout is a good choice!
(5)Darren L.
My wife loves it. My sister loves it. My friends all love it. I'm just not crazy about it. Crazy long waits regardless of day or time it seems. Tiny ,hip Eastside eatery. I've been three times and twice I've had the turkey sandwich thing. It is great but nothing else really interests me. Great service, great fresh farm to table ingredients ... Just not my fave.
(3)Bryan B.
Looking for yummy lunch spot in East Nashville? Look no further! I've been to Silly Goose a handful of times now and each time was better than the last. This isn't your ordinary sandwich shop. The food here is created with finesse and complex flavors. I'm usually a straight-forward bologna sandwich type of guy but I love the tastes and enjoy all the food here. This is one of those places where you shouldn't get the same thing twice. The restaurant is quite small though so depending on your timing, you could be in for a wait. If you are stuck with a wait, go next door and grab some coffee or even some ice cream. You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)Miriam M.
The Silly Goose is located in the darling five points area and If I were to describe this place in 1 word I'd say it's REFRESHING. Don't get me wrong, I love southern food but this place uses fresh ingredients, eclectic and healthy options on their menu, and has such a friendly staff. They have some great ice tea options too. I got the King Kong Couscous and the flavors were just perfect together. Sesame couscous and curry shrimp, covered in coconut curry sauce siracha and cashews. I wish I could eat this meal once a week. And it's not heavy at all. My friend got the Mexican couscous which was also good but not better than the King Kong. They have a lunch menu, dinner menu, and an all day menu. I wish we had time on our trip to go back again because the "Memphis Queen" dish sounds killer. Tip: get dessert at Jenis ice cream next door!
(5)Stacy B.
My boyfriend and I visited Nashville for the first time over the weekend and wanted a nice meal that wouldn't break the bank. Enter The Silly Goose. We arrived just as the dinner menu began and did not have to wait for a seat. As a Pescatarian, I always read menus before venturing to new places and was impressed with the options here. We decided to split the Double AA Couscous and two sides: Grilled Shrimp and Verlasso Salmon. I love that seafood is offered as a side for $8! We really appreciated that they divided the entire meal for us onto two plates and even topped our couscous with the seafood. At most restaurants, we're left to divvy up our own food, which leads to disaster for a clumsy person like myself. The meal was delicious, and we spent an unhealthy amount of time debating whether the almonds or the fried chickpeas were the best part of the couscous. When it came to the salmon, there was no debate. It was cooked to perfection, and no doubt our favorite part of the meal. The veggie skewers and shrimp were great as well. If we make it to The Silly Goose again, I would order exactly this. We did not order drinks or dessert, and our total was around $39 with tax. Well worth it. If only it wasn't four hours away...
(5)Kathryn I.
First time at The Silly Goose tonight and it was our first meal of this stay in Nashville. FABULOUS! I had the Abraham and the meat had incredible flavor as did the sauce. Portions were perfect. Husband loves his choice of The Claw as well. Friendly waiter. Went at 6pm on a Tuesday night and got a table quickly. We will be back!
(5)Ata S.
Was recommended to check this place out by several people and it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and our server, Bryan, was super friendly and attentive. The wait staff seemed to be having a great time giving the place a great atmosphere. The food was really creative and delicious. Probably our favorite meal while visiting Nashville. Highly recommend it to locals and visitors alike.
(5)Abby H.
Enjoyed our time at Silly Goose. Wine, pepper appetizers, chops, chicken, cake for dessert. There were higher notes in some of the dishes over others, but I would definitely come back again.
(3)Kevin B.
I came here while on vacation due to a great recommendation I got from a cousin and boy am I glad we ate here! There's tons of parking here and we were seated quite promptly. The service was very good throughout the whole meal and we had no complaints. We both got sandwiches and I loved that you could get couscous and a salad as your side (nice that you could get a bit of both). The sandwiches were absolutely amazing and I would have licked my fingers if we weren't in a public place! I really would eat here all the time if I lived in town and I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area!
(5)Eddie K.
After reading the great reviews, I decided to check this place out. I was VERY disappointed. As I'm finding with so many establishments run by hipsters, the service was mediocre and the staff apathetic. The music was too loud for the room and clearly played for the enjoyment of the staff (although the staff exuded nothing remotely resembling joy.) As for my meal; the dry rub ribs were burnt and flavorless. The cornbread cakes were hard and tasted like they came from a generic box brand at Kroger. The Sangria was more of a white wine spritzer than a true Sangria, but whatever, I was just glad it contained alcohol at this point. I knew I was on my own with this dining experience when my server described everything I inquired about as "Awesome." I wanted to like this place, but they've got some work to do. My advice; focus less on trying to be "hip" and get real about quality service and the quality of your food.
(1)Lyla T.
I was visiting Nashville with my parents who are VERY attached to their chain eateries. I decided to educate them in off-the-beaten-path cuisine and how great it can be so I checked Yelp and found this place. We were able to get seats at the bar immediately as it was 2pm, and while the ambiance was rather loud the seats were comfortable. Our order took almost an hour to be served, we ordered sandwiches.... Fortunately the food was incredible, and the lemonade was Ah-frikkin-mazing. Just as my parents were acknowledging that maybe trying local cuisine once in a while was worth it, a COCKROACH crawled across the bar and scurried under my plate. I discreetly let the waitress know and she got rid of it, then asked if we wanted a to go box. Umm, no lady, I don't as I am busy throwing up in my mouth right now. I cannot think of a single instance of ever seeing a cockroach at an eatery and if there's ONE in plain sight in broad daylight, there's a million you can't see. My Mom was looking pretty green, and I was shocked when they made no apologies or anything, just shoved an iPad at me to pay my bill with. So much for showing my parents the delights of non-chain eating. Ugh, I'm still grossed out just thinking about it.
(1)Christie P.
My friend and I were looking for a fun, unique, local place with fresh food, and The Silly Goose totally nailed it! I loved the "lemonade of the day" which was basil on the day of our visit. We both ordered salads with the house vinaigrette. They were delicious! Fresh greens and unique flavors! I had to try the lavender mint ice cream for dessert, and it was also amazing. We both really enjoyed our visit!
(5)Ali S.
We went here for my birthday dinner. I got the salmon. Overall It a good experience. I love the healthy options here. I highly recommend to get a reservation as this place becomes packed.
(4)Lyrad V.
My husband and I made the trip to East Nashville to check out this place after hearing good things about it. We went early for dinner one weekend and ended up ordering off of their lunch menu. Being early, it was not busy, but the place was full by the time we left. I found their menu interesting as they had an entire section of couscous plates. Since this seems to be a specialty of theirs, we decided to try the Spalding couscous. The chef actually halved the dish onto two small plates for each of us which was nice. And it was delicious! There were a few entree options, but mostly sandwiches on this menu. My husband and I both enjoyed their special of the day which was a BLT with avocado. Very good. Served with a side of greens (salad) or herb couscous. Given we already had the specialty couscous, we got the greens. The fruit tea was good. Everything is made fresh and in season, and they buy their ingredients locally. We would love to come back to try out their dinner menu. The place is small and quaint, but only takes reservations for large parties. The atmosphere/decor is very casual, but they do have a sophisticated dinner menu in the $20-30/entree range. Another bonus. They are next door to Jeni's Ice Cream, so skip dessert and go next door! Although the Silly Goose's desserts look good as well.
(4)Randy R.
I was disappointed from the minuet we walked in the door. The hostess lacked professionalism and courtesy. The menu was lacked definition, and the food was ok. The dining experience return for the money was paltry.
(2)Michael H.
I struggled with how many stars to give this review. For my final night in Nashville I wanted to takes daughter someplace different so spent some time reading reviews we settled on SG as we like this part of the city and the promise of Jeni's ice cream is always a plus. We arrived just before 8pm without reservations and a wait of at least 45 minutes. The manager (?) assured us there would be no issue with the time-everyone promised a table got one, and he was true to his word. We were seated and never felt rushed to finish. I believe our server was rather new as it brought back memories watching him pour the wine to the exact right level. He did fine though, but did get "lost" at another table for a while, but the other server covered for him. The cheese plate was ok, a bit lite for the price but it was tasty. Definitely not a filler. My daughter had the trout and asked to have the hazelnuts kept out, which was not a problem. In fact, our server was concerned enough to inquire whether my daughter had a nut allergy as he said they would take extra precautions. That was a nice thing! I had the skirt steak and it was cooked to perfection as was my daughter's trout. Here is where I struggled with the number of stars. The entrées were well proportioned but we both felt they were just a bit overly complicated, sweet, and slightly muddled. I will certainly return as it was an enjoyable evening.
(4)Josh H.
Great choice. Quaint, atmosphere, natural local food. I got the curry soup and Darth Vapor (grouper in broth with veggies) loved them both. My wife got the Wild Bill, also vey good. We received great service and a warm welcome for dinner. I called ahead to make sure I didn't need to reserve a table and had pleasant conversation with a worker. Liked it so much I bought a tshirt. This is a very trendy/hipster area of town. Glad I wore my chucks tonight. Adding pictures.
(5)Micah C.
Amazing meal. Lovely staff. I got The Claw and my husband ordered the Black Stallion. Both were great and both had very different flavors! We both had a glass of wine. He enjoyed a red zin and I enjoyed a Pino noir. If we lived here I would definitely come back! It was a tad more expensive than we expected.
(4)John J.
Went for an early dinner last night. The gentleman next to us was having a conversation with the chef. We overheard the chef explain exactly what he was going to prepare for him and when it came to his table it looked amazing. When our server came to take our order we excitedly said we'll have the same salad he's having. She said, that's not on our menu, you can't have that. I think it may be on our lunch menu..... Rather than ask to speak with the chef we just ordered from the menu so as not to confuse our server. The gentleman with the amazing salad said "well, she was rather harsh" We agreed
(3)Patrice G.
This is the best!!!! Small, unassuming spot with great music and killer food! Started with delicious ginger green tea sweetened with honey. Had the apple fennel green salad with an unusual but scrumptious dressing. Could just come back for that alone! Ordered the salmon with roasted beets and sweet potato. Over the top good! Oh how I wish this place wasn't 8 hours away!!!
(5)Funda M.
Absolutely amazing! Our group of three sat at the bar/chef's table: this was informative and fun We started with the FVS- just great taste and crunch combo. Then we had the trout , the chicken And the beef and shared. All just fabulous. Interesting food, different taste combinations and all yummy. We also tried the desserts: reverse cowgirl, the second chance and samples all four ice creams - the beet honey ice cream got mixed reviews but six thumbs up for the lemon- pepper, the pistachio and peanut butter. Will be back!
(5)Chris K.
Everything I've ever tasted here has been exquisite. King Kong is awesome. Salmon sandwich is amazing. The Lyles surprise is crazy good. Crazy good. The ice creams are ridonculous. So creative and rewarding. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. You can tell that they're all genuinely excited about the quality of their food. This place WINS!!!!! HARD!!!!!
(5)Chris B.
Very good and elegant food.i par Great feel inside the restaurant as well. Excellent drinks
(4)Kevin V.
Lovely romantic meal!
(4)Tina S.
Fabulous service. Very friendly and helpful. We had hot tea, special green tea mint lemonade, the Pink Panther and the Zipper sandwiches. Deeelicious.... too bad we live in Washington state. We may have to fly back just to try more of their menu. Locals are lucky to have a cool place like this. They had a couple of special ice creams honey beet, vanilla bean, and bananas foster. More desserts on menu. Sandwiches have a complex set of ingredients.
(5)Courtney M.
Loved this little charmer! Came here for lunch during a business trip on a recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint. We visited during a rainy afternoon, so seating wasn't an issue at all. My food was fantastic - I didn't see a single thing on the menu that I didn't want to just dive right into... Word of advice, if it has goat cheese, GET IT! Random memory of The Silly Goose comes from my experience with the restroom... The ladies room also plays host to the laundry room. So, while you're in there washing your hands and whatnot, you are graced by the pleasant smell of fresh laundry. Some might find that off-putting, but I found it to be really charming. You see that this is a small, local restaurant and the people that work there take pride in freshness of every element... Food, Flora and hand towels! P.S. It doesn't hurt that they have fabulous in-house ice cream too! (Sorry Jeni's, I still love you).
(5)Jack M.
Silly Goose is a pretty basic cafe with the pretentions or grand delusions of being an elite gastro pub. It's far from it. I was able to overlook the hour+ wait, baffling menus, and laughable prices, but drew the line at utterly indifferent service and mediocre food. Our server was among the worst I've ever experienced. And I'm not picky; keep my water glass full and get my order right and a 20%+ tip is guaranteed. In this case, our server's incredible antipathy about our table pushed me over the edge. This was not a case of someone having a bad day or just not being good a waiting tables. It was more a disdain or steely indifference to doing a job. A member of our group asked for a glass of water. Twenty minutes later, he politely asked again. And then a final time. Eventually the server brought a baby food jar sized glass, tossed it on the table like an old western saloon keeper, and called her job done. For the first time ever I felt like leaving a 1¢ tip on a pretty hefty tab, if only because my meal had all but been ruined by the lousy service. Unfortunately, this restaurant uses iPads in lieu of paper checks, and not only did the server announce our total to the entire restaurant, she then stood there with previously unknown resolve until I fished out a credit card. Then, to add insult to injury, she handed the device to me on a preset tip screen (with 15%, 20%, and 25% the only choices) and hovered beside me until I made a selection and signed the screen. This was the final straw for me. I inquired with the host about speaking with the manager only to be told, "we don't really have a manager". I called back later after fuming over this total lack of service and got an apology from whomever was taking responsibility for placating customers that night. I don't feel entitled to refunds or free meals in cases like this, but something other was half-assed explanations and empty platitudes would have gone a long way in tempering my frustrations. In conclusion: the food is okay. The ambience is pretentious, but palatable. And the service was, at least for me, absolutely dreadful.
(1)Marc P.
Ate at The Silly Goose the other week and was beyond impressed with every aspect of the visit. Silly Goose had great vibes throughout the entire experience. I had the Lyle's surprise which turned into one of the better sandwiches that I have had. The focaccia bread was amazing along with side of salad and couscous. This is a must go to in Nashville.
(5)Laura L.
These people are extremely obnoxious. I asked for no peanuts on my meal and for the chimichurri sauce on the side as I do not like peanuts and was unsure of the sauce (since it had cilantro). The waitress came back and said they couldn't make those accommodations unless I was allergic. She insisted I trust the chef I insisted she trust my taste buds. Why would I sacrifice a $30 meal when I know I don't like those two ingredients? B/c I must trust a chef that knows nothing about me? She came to the table 3 different times saying she could not permit the changes which made the whole experience awkward and annoying. I wasn't asking for a change in the meal these were simple request that they could've accommodated but they insisted on trumping with their strict ridiculous rules and not caring about their customers needs. The staff was extremely immature and started mumbling around the register and rolling their eyes. Instead of concentrating so much on your agenda focus on your customers. Rather than arguing preserve the time and make sure the food lives up to the hype. You had set such high expectations on trusting the chef and they couldn't even serve a warm meal.
(1)Mel P.
Silly goose is a unique, quaint restaurant with an organic seasonal menu. We love the food, particularly their farm to table menu. We've always had great service and their basil lemonade and sangria are amazingly tasty.
(4)Adam G.
I wish I could give this place 6 stars! The food is amazing. I had the skirt steak which was a mix of savory and sweet. Also had the Earl Grey Rose Ice Cream ( a local favorite). Great decor and atmosphere. Friendly staff as well. Definitely a must visit if you are in Nashville.
(5)Ryan T.
I've been eating for almost 28 years. This is by far the best food I've ever had. Incredible food, super rad staff and great dining environment. I just tired the Mexico City for the first time and I must say- this dish is amazing. 10 out of 10; or in yelp terms 5 out of 5.
(5)Tamela L.
Today was my first time eating at silly goose. I had wanted to try this place for a year now, but never had enough time and courage to try something new. The service was a joke. You never have just one waiter I guess. The women who sat me down and took my drink order, well, I never saw her again. Some random guy brought me my food. Who just came over n sat the plate down; never did he say a word. Then some guy with a thick beard and long hair walked by my table and asked if I needed a Togo box. I said no thanks can I get the ticket. He then walks to another table and carries on a long convo with a gentlemen. Then I see the both of them at the booth up front, so I walk over there and waited for them to finish up. When the guy left the waiter said sorry about that I was having a conversation. He took my money and I left. The food was not good in my opinion. The kale was ok. I had the bird, with kale and the weird green stuff. The green stuff was just a weird texture with no flavor. My sandwich just had way too much going on. There were just to many bold flavors that clashed horribly. If you like pretty food, with unpleasant taste, then I recommend silly goose. It's unfortunate, but I really had high hopes with this place. I will most definitely not return to silly goose.
(1)Dustin H.
Sometimes I will eat Silly Goose 3 times a week... And I'd eat there more if I could! The ribs are amazing, and the blackened grouper is awesome! The Bird is the best chicken sandwich I've ever had anywhere! I love a lot of restaurants in Nashville and I can honestly say that the Silly Goose has been one of my go to favorites for years!
(5)Dana S.
I'm not sure how I've never reviewed Silly Goose before. It's my favorite restaurant in all of Nashville, easily. It's where I request for birthday lunches and for dates with the boyfriend. I had never been for dinner before tonight because I was worried they wouldn't have their lunch sandwiches, but have no fear, they have two of them for dinner too! Complete with sides of cous cous and salad with the best balsamic reduction in the world. I'm too attached to their sandwiches and wraps, but one day I'll venture out and try their other dinner options because they certainly look tasty. My go to order is the Sparky with a little bit of both sides. Their citrus mint ginger green tea is also a favorite. I've tried to make it at home, but it never quite measures up. This place is super hipster, but so so amazing.
(5)Wg M.
I've been eating for 30 years and this was the worst meal to date. The staff and atmosphere was pretty cool, but it all went out the window when our food came. I had a sandwich my wife had some chicken pasta type dish. We literally ate 2 bites and left. It's -10 on a scale for me.
(1)Erik Y.
My favorite sandwich. Ever. Go, get Lyle's Surprise, drink a ginger green tea, and die happy.
(5)Patrick L.
Food was fantastic. I had the Big Pink steak dish and the sweet potatoes were excellent, friends had the BBQ Pork short ribs and the Shrimp dish; all of them were very good. I should have done a little more research on the place though, the only alcoholic drink options are Red or White Wine; would have liked to have a beer with my steak, but oh well, food was still excellent
(4)Stacie P.
One of my fav places in Nashville. Try The Bird, it's the best with a little bit of couscous and salad. The sandwich can also be made into a salad. I also learned that you can take their balsamic vinegar home. Yum!
(5)Devin B.
First off, the restaurant is superb. The atmosphere is laid back and the menu is full of interesting items. Talk to the chef and see what he recommends. Definitely a place that is worth a try.
(5)Tram N.
Overall, my favorite date restaurant in Nashville. The menu is simple, exact and just delicious. The ingredients are fresh and I love grabbing the counter space because you can watch them prepare the food. Every single time I've been there I've been impressed with the service, the ambience and yummy options.
(5)Frances B.
Amazing. King Kong Shrimp & the Bird Sandwich are absolutely outstanding, if I lived in Nashville I would frequent this place.
(5)Leah M.
So I have to say the food was delicious. I had the fish entree. Seriously delicious. Very expensive but food alone was worth it. The rest of the experience was the reason for the 2 star rating. Service was rude. Like so rude we were shocked. We had reservations and showed up on time. We were told we COULD NOT sit at the bar and have drinks while we waited for our table which wasn't ready for 30 minutes after our reserved time. We were literally forced to sit in an awkward waiting area and hold drinks, that only some of us were served, and others ignored or worse. Then the meal... During our meal which started at 9:30- the entire staff served themselves and sat down to talk and eat RIGHT BEHIND US. They never once checked on us! We needed waters and drinks refilled and were rude when we "interrupted them". We were a table of 8 and at 30$ a meal they made a killing for horrible service. Seriously, this strip mall feel and entitled attitude was not worth the price no matter how good the food tasted. (Typed on my iPhone, please excuse the mistakes in grammar / spelling)
(2)Tony R.
Very good quality ingredients and creative cooking. I'd definitely go back. Salmon plate with creamed corn was fantastic and the BLT (Roscoe) was almost perfect. The salad that came with the sandwich was a bit wilted and over dressed but otherwise this meal was very satisfying.
(4)Mark F.
I'll try it again because everyone else's food was good. They cleaned their plates. I went for brunch and had the brisket. It tasted like there was a pound of salt in it and wasn't edible.
(1)David B.
Lots of yummy local food, so much so I could t decide what to get until we came to the convulsion that we were sharing it all. Awesome vibe and friendly staff.
(5)Alisha L.
This is a great place for the organic, non-GMO fans of the world! I enjoyed my meal but wasn't overly in love with it. I ordered The Bird sandwhich and next time I'll have to get it without the sun-dried tomatoes since them seemed to overpower the taste a bit too much for me. he couscous was awesome as well as the salad. I'll probably be back again but at a time that's not as busy since seating is limited.
(3)Stan S.
This is one my wife's favorite restaurants in Nashville. Despite the dining area being small, the food and environment more than make up for it. Any sandwitch you get at lunch is especially good and dinner entrees are very unique, as well. I would highly recommend checking it out (but don't go in a hurry) and enjoy!
(5)Jessica W.
Based on the Yelp and word-of-mouth reviews I'd heard, I really wanted to love this place, but I just didn't. The service was not overly inattentive, but almost every employee we encountered there was just rude and seemed bothered to have to be serving customers. I'd heard a rumor that this was the case, but there are places that I can overlook things like that when they have exceptional dishes. As for the food, it was fine, but I've had much better elsewhere. There's not anything too horrible about this place, so give it a whirl if you're curious.
(2)Bill E.
Drove 15 miles with a coworker because Yelp had great reviews. The guy at the host stand (Long Hair and a Beard) was a complete ASSHOLE! He told us that we could wait for a table that would take 30 minutes or sit at the Community Table. But he made sure he told us 3 times that if we sat at the Community Table that we were "Out of here in less than an hour". I said "Dude, I am out of here now"! The place looks like a coffee house and the guy looked like a wannabe Seattle barista. It is obviously a place to be seen and not a place to see. In my opinion, do not waste your time or your money. We walked across the street to the Eastland Cafe and had a great meal. Oh, and one more thing.........go "F" yourself dude!!!
(1)Carly H.
This place has something delicious for everyone. I think they do a great job of making the menu unique while including some of the favorite flavors of the south. I had the sandwich called 'Bird' which had chicken, avocado, bacon, and mango salsa. I got my sandwich with a side of couscous and salad and everything on my plate was more than delicious. We also ordered a cheese plate which came with freshly cut cheese, fruits, honey, and fig. I am a large cheese critic and I approved of every cheese offered. I would absolutely go back here to eat next time I visit Nashville!
(5)Suranjan S.
Fantastic food. You can tell they use fresh ingredients. The flavors are eclectic and rich, the portions are generous, and the service is great. Only downsides are that the dining area is small (might face a wait) and the prices are not cheap (but neither is the quality/quantity).
(5)Tom K.
The food and service is excellent. I had the salmon entree and it was superb. The only reason i did not give this place 5 stars is the seating. It is extremely uncomfortable at best. The tables are very tight. The server bumped into me at least 10 times throughout dinner. Other than that, this is an absolute phenomenal dining experience.
(4)Tran T.
I went to East Nashville for the first time just to try this restaurant. I couldn't find the place at first because the signage was hidden. However I knew it was near Jeni's Ice Cream so I parked right across from Jeni's. I found Silly Goose was right next to it. I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. It was so fun to watch the chefs cooking the food. The order seemed to be taken faster and the drink was served quickly. For drink, I had the Black Tea (No refill). May be I'm so used to sweet teas, I thought the Black Tea was very bland. The two gentlemen who sat next to me got the Green Tea (Free Refill) and were raving about it. I'll try this next time. For lunch, I had the spicy King Kong. It included couscous, shrimps, and avocado. The spicy sauce was Siracha hot sauce. I noticed the chef just poured Siracha messily over the food. Presentation: 1/5. I'd be happy just to have it on the side in a small cup. Despite the poor presentation, the food was awesome. The chilled couscous and the hot shrimps just tasted so well together, along with the creamy slides of avocado. I rarely cleaned my plate but I did on this one. I would order the King Kong again on my next visit. If you're like me: read many positive reviews in here, unsure if the food is as good as people said because Yelp has disappointed you before, and hesitated to go because it's all the way in East Nashville. Well, stop hesitating and reading this review. Go there right now!!! 2013/#59
(4)Aminda S.
A group of six bearded men walk into a restaurant....not the beginning of a joke. Just dinner at The Silly Goose. There are enough beards in Nashville to warrant permanent relocation for this beard fan, and the majority of those I saw walked into or were working at Silly Goose while I dined there on a recent trip. This really added a nice extra element of thrill to my dining experience, but that's neither here nor there. Silly Goose is a great spot for dinner! We had a group of 8 and were seated at a large table I assume is typically used communally when not being used by large parties. What Silly Goose lacks by way of adult beverages (wine only - and things you can make with wine - like sangria) they more than make up for with their menu options which are prepared in good sized portions when compared to many restaurants it is up against. Some highlights: The Hustler which is comprised of skewered chicken, red lentils and feta among other things - I mean, are you kidding?! I love lentils - borderline obsessed with them, so it was a no brainer for me to get this dish though the scallops did give me pause. When my friends' scallops came out I nearly fell off my seat at the size of them - the size of my fist I swear. I have never seen such large scallops. I was able to try a few bites and they were truly divine, served with a goat cheese corn concoction that I must duplicate if it kills me. Both of these dishes are worthy of your taste buds, okay? They have a small selection of couscous dishes served all day/night, of which we had two. The King Kong and the Spaulding. Both were impressive though we all agreed The Spaulding was the stand out among the two. It was a great vegetarian option - portobello mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and goat cheese. The King Kong was spicy with curried shrimp - still a stellar dish but when you're up against the Heidi Klum of the couscous selection you just have to accept runner up graciously. We drank some fantastic Prosecco, and Pinot Noir and I even opted for one glass of the White Sangria which for me might have been a tad too sweet, perhaps due in part to the dryer wine and bubbly I had consumed just before it. I probably should've started there. I have a friend heading to Nashville this weekend and I told her Silly Goose is a must. And that it's beside Jeni's Ice Cream (Ohio native here)...come on?!?!?!?!? Do yourself a favor and forego The Silly Goose ice cream selection (sorry guys) and head next door to order up a couple scoops of the Buckeye flavor like you know what you're doing (OH-IO people)! Thanks Silly Goose! Will definitely make a return visit next time I'm in East Nashville!
(5)Sheena T.
I crave Silly Goose all the time. Some of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and the couscous is incredible. You can either get a sandwich or couscous with additional toppings. I've never had the couscous on it's own, I usually get it on the side of the sandwich because the sandwiches are just so good. One day I will get the couscous on it's own because I need to try all that Silly Goose has to offer! Very cute cafe; it's small and trendy and the food is excellently prepared. You can feel the love in every bite!
(5)Kay C.
My review of this place is going to be very short because it's been a while since I've been here. I loved the artisan cheese platter and all of the eclectic dishes that we ordered. I don't think you could go wrong with anything on this menu, especially if you have a taste for eclectic dishes that are done right. Another perk is that Jenni's Splendid Icecream is right next door for dessert.
(4)Fabiana H.
Everythinf I had here was always pretty good. The salads are great and so are the sandwhiches. I still think dinner menu is a bit too expensive for what it is. The place is doesnt even look that upscale. I prefer to go there for lunch
(4)Kate H.
My favorite lunch spot in Nashville. I'm obsessed with their Sparky wrap and couscous. So good.
(5)Anna J.
I just love their couscous! They infuse so much flavor into them. My favorite is the King Kong (love the name too!). It's sesame couscous with curried shrimp, mint, ginger, cashews, coriander, and avocado. The couscous is served cold, just fyi, but it's got a punch to it. Their wraps and sandwiches are always fantastic! Be prepared for a wait here, regardless the day of the week (oh and they are closed on mon & tues i think?). The space is very small and intimate, but the kitchen cranks out some awesome food!
(4)Greg A.
Took my wife to The Silly Goose for dinner a couple years ago and it was AMAZING, so we decided to give it a go again on this trip to Nashville. It was still AMAZING. The menu is creative without being absurd, the portions are good size, and the staff is always helpful. We started off with Magic Man, and it was sublime. If I had one complaint it would be that the portion was a bit small. The dish was obviously labor intensive, but for 9.5 I would hope for a bit more. For entrees I had the Big Baby and was blown away. The steak was cooked to perfection, and all the ingredients played so well with each other, especially the addition of the piquillo peppers. The wife had the Tango which was equally impressive. The trout was so good by its self, but when paired with the peaches and mint, it was perfection! We finished dinner with the Honey Beet ice cream. We had tried it the last time we ate here, and it is definitely not for the unadventurous. It is one of those things you will either love or hate; my wife and I LOVE it. The small size is plenty for two people to share. Overall it was another amazing dinner at The Silly Goose, and I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)Kory H.
always delicious, staff always friendly and helpful. Can't miss.
(5)William L.
The meal was excellent. I was here with some close friends and we are all from different parts of the country. We ordered several small plates, medium plates, and a large plate to share. The FVS was so fresh and the flavor combination is just so complex and delicious. The Maltese Falcon was also delicious. We will definitely return if we come back to Nashville.
(5)Victoria F.
Soooo delicious-Amazing lunch, so light & fresh with delicious flavors! You will not be disappointed here!
(4)Linda W.
This place did not disappoint! I had the Lyle's Surprise and T had the The Bird. Both were incredibly flavorful! If I lived in the area, this would be a frequent stop for sure. Great staff also.
(5)Donielle S.
Pack mule ribs were to die for along with the ho cakes. Double AA was out of this world. Will be making a special trip back JUST to eat at The Silly Goose!!!
(5)Jenni H.
Silly goose? Silly me. I didn't read the fine print and arrived on a Monday to closed doors. However, questionable hours of operations aside, this place was fantastic! The kitchen was busy and lively with a young staff. I ordered the King Kong which was a healthy but delicious dish with couscous, curried shrimp, and sliced avocado on the side. Upon first bite, I discovered that the couscous had big chunks of avocado mixed into it!!! Whoever thought of this deserves a giant medal. Shrimp tasted great as well. I also ordered a pineapple-pomegranate black tea which arrived as a pretty orange to yellow gradient in a mason jar.
(4)Lindsey E.
Silly Goose is my favorite restaurant in Nashville. The menu is always full of so many awesome choices, it's hard to pick! My favorite is the pork belly on the medium portion of the menu; WOW. So awesome. Everyone who works there is great, the atmosphere is awesome, and the food is obviously amazing.
(5)Meredith X.
After a hot yoga sesh in the morning, bf and I were craving something light and healthy in anticipation of the impending night (fried tomatoes, you are my kryptonite). Decided on this place almost solely because of the menu item names (Reverse Cowgirl peehehe). I ordered the Sparky, bf the Zipper. Both were refreshing but filling. The sparky filled with ample amounts of roasted turkey, little cranberries spilling out and thick chunks of brie tucked into the folds of the turkey. The zipper, generous spread of goat cheese (really, give me a goat cheese log and I'm yours), caramelized onions, and smoked salmon. Both were served with a side of greens tossed with a balsamic reduction and fragrant herbed couscous. As much as I wanted to order the either the Saylor Dog or Pocahantas, the hearty portions left us perfectly satiated, poorly planned on our parts. Will definitely be back if we end up in Nashville again!
(5)Sandy W.
I finally gave in and tried The Silly Goose after way too many recommendations. I had a really good sandwich and both couscous and greens as my sides. The vinegar dressing on the salad was wonderful and I think it's really random and neat that they offer so many flavors of couscous. The sandwich (that had to be remade) was just pretty ok, especially given the price. I would have given three stars, but the sides saved the day. Aside from the food, I found the décor.. cliché. Hear me out, being born and raised in Nashville, I feel like I know the city rather well. So when I go to a restaurant seen by many as a Nashville staple, only to be given silverware rolled in red bandanas and drinks served from mason jars, I'm a little turned off. I felt like I walked into what someone's superficial idea of Nashville is. I breezed through this magazine with a Taylor Swift interview recently, and she mentioned loooving the Silly Goose. It almost seems like someone read that article, tried to imagine the kind of mixed up combination of youthful trends meets Country Living décor this restaurant must have to be Taylor Swift's fave, and then made it come true. If I wanted that kitschy crap, I'd go somewhere on Broadway. Just sayin. But hooray for couscous.
(4)