The Goat Turns Ten

The Smoking Goat
The Smoking Goat

Revered North Park restaurant The Smoking Goat celebrates ten years in business this February, having opened its doors in the neighborhood back in 2010. Now a community mainstay, the Goat—as it’s affectionally called—has long been a gathering place for those who favor the inspired cooking of chef/owner Fred Piehl, who runs the kitchen of both The Smoking Goat and its sister restaurant next door, One Door North. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the restaurant will be hosting a celebration on Wednesday, February 19th, the day it opened its doors ten years ago. Diners are encouraged to book reservations in advance to partake in a lively evening that includes a three-course meal for $40 (choose an appetizer, main and dessert from the regular menu), festive décor throughout the restaurant and complimentary birthday sweets and a glass of champagne for all guests.


What began as an 850 square-foot foray into the world of restaurant ownership for Fred has evolved into a larger, more established neighborhood bistro that has earned its spot in the community as the place to dine, whether for a weeknight meal or to celebrate a worthy occasion. When the space next to the original restaurant became available back in 2012, Fred expanded the restaurant to include an open kitchen and intimate dining room. In many ways, The Smoking Goat is responsible for the culinary renaissance that took place on the once sleepy corner of 30th and Upas, as well as in North Park as a whole, having been an early entrant into the community.


Menu items available since day one have become staples, including the Escargots à la Bourguigonneserved with garlic and herb butter and toasted sourdough, New York Strip with red wine bordelaise sauce and Duckfat Truffle Fries dusted with pecorino romano and served with mustard aioli, plus the namesake Goat Cheese Cheesecake served with seasonal fruit. Over the years, Fred hasn’t worried so much about keeping up with trends or completely overhauling the menu annually and has instead focused on building relationships with purveyors and maintaining quality and consistency of beloved dishes for his guests. What that’s led to is a truly authentic dining experience driven by seasonal ingredients that stands out for its ability to deliver on taste at every meal.


The Smoking Goat is San Diego’s window into the rich and rustic cuisine of the European countryside by way of California’s highest quality produce and culinary talent. Helmed by chef/owner Fred Piehl, The Smoking Goat’s menu reflects his French culinary training through technique and flavor, while showcasing Southern California’s locally and sustainably grown produce, freshly caught seafood, ethically raised meats and an edited wine selection focused on French wines and their California counterparts. At its heart a neighborhood bistro, the restaurant’s warm and inviting ambience inspires the community to return again and again for memorable moments.


Owned and operated by partners in life and hospitality Fred and Tammy Piehl, San Diego-based Piehl Restaurant Group is known for its two North Park neighborhood restaurants: The Smoking Goat and One Door North. A labor of love, Fred leads the group’s culinary direction and acts as the executive chef for both concepts while Tammy manages the day-to-day operations.