Goodkind

Very tasty, great dining experience. The walleye was a favorite and the oyster mushrooms were a great app. Fantastic ambiance, we were able to talk as a group very easily. The service was top notch! Would highly recommend!

On Saturday night, I visited Goodkind in Bayview to celebrate a friend's birthday. Although we mistakenly booked for Sunday, the exceptionally accommodating hostess managed to fit us in for an hour-long dinner.From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the restaurant's lively atmosphere. The space buzzed with activity--the dining room was busy and the bar was packed, adding to the energetic vibe.We sampled an array of cocktails, appetizers, and entrées. I was especially excited to try the cocktails since Goodkind was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2022. My top pick was the Sticks and Stobes cocktail; it was smooth, well-balanced, and featured a delightful bitters finish.Regarding the menu, I noticed that while the ingredients are listed for each dish, it doesn't clearly explain what the dish is. I was scrolling through instagram photos so I could get an idea of what to expect when my dinner came out.For appetizers, we ordered the duck and chanterelle pierogi and a crispy Brussels sprouts salad. As a pierogi lover, I found the dish decent--though not the best I've ever had--while the Brussels sprouts salad was refreshing, full of flavor, and had a pleasing texture.For my main course, I opted for the Jamaican Coconut Curry. Being a curry enthusiast, I was eager to try it--and it did not disappoint. The dish greeted me with an amazing aroma and delivered a bold, smooth, and spicy flavor profile. My only misstep was the drop biscuit in the center, which felt out of place with the curry.I had the chance to try my friend's entrée--the leg of lamb--which was cooked to perfection. I enjoyed it so much that I wish I had chosen it as my main dish.Overall, Goodkind offers a beautiful, unique, and energetic dining experience--a true hidden gem in Bayview.

First time here. And we were very impressed (mostly). Make a reservation and got in right away. It was early Saturday night and the place was full. It's an interesting layout and design. Has a hip, art-deco vibe going on. Nicely lit and lot of interesting items to check out (wallpaper, plants, vases, etc). What we also noticed right away was both the noise level and how close the tables are. Our server got to us right away, and did an amazing job the entire night, checking in, clearing plates, getting drinks, and hot water my the tea. Thanks Eric!We got the Brussel Sprout Salad, along with the Meatballs, and Trout. All were excellent. Lot of flavors, textures, and good portions. I would say that it is the best Pan Seared Trout that I have ever had. Didn't have room for dessert, but maybe next time. Would love to come back. But the crowding of the tables, and the noise level, was less than optimal. Felt like we were part of 3 different conversations. It was a little hard to ignore. We might try another night, other than a busy Saturday night.

We returned to Goodkind, and it will be our last time. Perhaps, Goodkind, had a new chef or our trip to San Francisco spoiled us, but our food was not good. I had two bites of my Skate dish and stopped eating. The fish had been drowned in assorted stuff, and I couldn't discern any distinctive flavor besides some innocuous sauce. My wife's Spicy crab pasta didn't have much crab, and the spice overwhelmed any taste of the pasta. It, too, was drowned out by the sauce. This isn't refined cooking.I had forgotten Goodkind does not offer any simple bar food. Even their burger is only offered once a week. Their menu items lean towards creative cuisine, but their creations need more technique and refinement. However, Goodkind is always packed with eager diners enjoying this kitchen's food. Thus, I'm not their target audience. Goodkind is costly, too. For two entrees, one cocktail, and one glass of wine, our bill came to over $100.00. Go figure. Service leans towards smug with a touch of Bay View down to earth.

I was initially disappointed in my Burek, as it didn't look or taste like Serbo-Croatian Burek. But I gave it a chance and realize that it was very good. Their dishes are like that, unique, tasty, not exactly what you might expect from the name or even the description. Nice place, ambiance is pleasing and comfortable though sometime inside can get too loud. When weather permits this is a great place to dine al fresco. Competent cocktails, attentive service.

We had an excellent meal at Goodkind. Intimate and raucous at the same time, the place had a great energy. Our server was excellent and the food was really, really good (as were the cocktails). We will definitely be back!

I went to Goodkind to celebrate my birthday and I'm so happy I did! First - the place is quaint and cozy. I loved the vibe and eclectic decor. I also loved the bar seating in the middle of the space - adds a lively atmosphere. I ordered a beer (some nice local options on the menu) and a great tequila / charred corn husk cocktail. Super creative. We split a bunch of appetizers and my highlight was definitely the vegan mushrooms. Crunchy and flavorful. I also got the burger special (only offered on Tuesdays) and thought it was creative and flavorful! The fries were great too. Somehow....there was room for dessert! Get the basque. It's sooooo good. I can't wait to go back and try more.

I've been wanting to go to Goodkind for years but finally remembered to put a reservation in a week ahead of time.The Hostess was friendly. And we were very quickly seated. The volume, although minimal music is loud just through people talking in close proximity. The walkways are a bit cramped between the bar and tables and then to the bathrooms. I would bring a sweater next time the air was running when it wasn't needed and right above us. I couldn't hide from it. CJ was very sweet. The menu has all the ingredients listed but not specifically what the dish is. For example instead of shrimp Currie it may say shrimp, coconut milk, peppers, etc. This results in a lack of understanding of what the dish is and looks like.We started with the Bar harbor mussels and Manila clams $18. About equal number of mussels and clams. All parts, seafood, sauce, green tomatoes, and bread very good.The Spice Rubbed Wild Gulf Shrimp or shrimp and grits is very good $28. Savory, limey. I don't like that the whole casing is left on. I know that used to show freshness but now just makes a mess. And then there's not much sauce left; it's all on the shells.The shwarma squash, $20, I didn't totally think works. It was new American aztex. The squash was crunchy. Maybe on purpose but odd. The tofu was fun, crispy. Since it's plain without the sauce I could have used more sauce, both the tofu sauce and the squash sauce.

Super well balanced cocktails and relaxed-cool atmosphere draw you in, good food and friendly service keeps you. Loved the small plates and really enjoyed the main I ordered. I'll be back for sure!

Overpriced mediocre food. Would not recommend this restaurant. Now Yrlp says I need to use more characters but there is nothing more to say.