I have a little secret: for five months now, I have been directing Dawson City visitors to one of the best restaurants in Dawson, the Drunken Goat Taverna… without having actually stepped foot inside. Oh, I have had their food; wonderful people have shared their take out with me, but that’s not really the same.

Since I wasn’t working this evening I decided it was time to go to the Goat.

The menu is rather small, featuring the typical Greek appetizers as well as platters of roasted meat with rice, potatoes, and salad. The average price of a dinner is $30, but there is a ‘platter for two or more’ option that offers very good value as it includes spanokopita, cheesy phyllo thingies, shrimp, pita with tzaziki, rice, potatoes, salad, and a HUGE skewer of meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) per person.

Being alone, I decided to go for the chicken breast dinner with Greek salad, which would have come to about $31 with the tip. I made my decision while standing in a corner with a glass of water waiting for a table to open up. When one did it was a four seater and there were three solo diners waiting for a seat. The restaurant is quite small and very busy, so we were fine with dining together. As the fellows perused the menu, I suggested we split a platter for three. I can’t believe how bold I’ve become! They estimated the quantity of food and cost per person and realised that my suggestion was very good one. We didn’t regret it! There was so much food that we wound up giving some to a fourth person who joined us just as we were finishing up the appetizers! The cost per person was only $31, including taxes and tip.

The food was delicious and very fresh. I even liked the potatoes (very sweet and flavourful) and spanokopita (spinach isn’t my favourite thing in the universe). The phyllo cheese things are addictive (I had some this week from a friend’s takeout) and the chicken was so moist and flavourful. Add sweet shrimps, chewy rice, and perfectly dressed Greek-style salad! The service was okay and the atmosphere quite cozy. I doubt I’d go back to the Goat alone, it’s just not as good value when solo, but I’d happily join a group!