We came through while traveling and stayed at a hotel nearby for an event. The staff was very personable and made us feel welcome, even though we were just passing through.The food was great, but the giant pretzel was absolutely the crowd pleaser. It was buttery and crispy and just had no business being as good as it was. Highly recommended, was a good size to share between 4 people. We didn't order many other dishes, but this one totally stood out. The ceviche was subtle but fresh, and the food came out promptly.The old fashioned cocktail I had was great. Made with a good bourbon and excellent attention to detail, and a splash of agave syrup. My friend enjoyed their frozen margarita, but needed help finishing it as the serving was quite generous. It had a tart, smooth taste with a hint of coconut-- really nice!Anyways, the drinks were great, the food was just what we needed, and the people here were welcoming, generous, and kind,Dietary restrictions: Pescatarian options, onion free options, dairy free optionsParking: There is not an accessible spot right next to the restaurant, but parking was readily available.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a curb cut up to the sidewalk which is level with the patio, the restrooms are through a hallway that's a little tight, but a standard width wheelchair should fit. There are grab bars in both restrooms with room to turn around, but difficulty fitting a second occupant or assistant along with the chair. No automatic door openers, but the doors are relatively lightweight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Pretzel
Jake Deane
Flako is outstanding, awesome place to watch sports, eat good food, and be in good company. One of the best burgers I have ever had. The peanut butter on the 3rd base burger works very well with the spice. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 2nd Base Burger, Seasoned Fries, Chorizo Cheese Dipping Sauce, Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos
Eva Lunnemann
My father, husband and I were recently in Sparta visiting Family and stumbled upon this gem. We live in Oregon, and I was raised in California, so I'm accustomed to really delicious and authentic Mexican food. No offense, but our expectations walking in were low given that GOAT is located in the southern tip of Illinois. When we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, funny, and engaging. We got tacos and chicken wings and loved every bit of it. We were impressed to say the least. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a second night for different tacos and ceviche. Also delicious! They have a great selection of tequila as well. The owner, Flako, was attentive and eager to please. I honestly don't think the small town of Sparta knows how much of a gem this place is. It's a must visit if you're in the area. Can't wait to go back during future visits!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos, Wings
Eva L.
My father, husband and I were recently in Sparta visiting Family and stumbled upon this gem. We live in Oregon, and I was raised in California, so I'm accustomed to really delicious and authentic Mexican food. No offense, but our expectations walking in were low given that GOAT is located in the southern tip of Illinois. When we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, funny, and engaging. We got tacos and chicken wings and loved every bit of it. We were impressed to say the least. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a second night for different tacos and ceviche. Also delicious! They have a great selection of tequila as well. The owner, Flako, was attentive and eager to please. I honestly don't think the small town of Sparta knows how much of a gem this place is. It's a must visit if you're in the area. Can't wait to go back during future visits!
Derek osgood
My wife, father in-law, and myself were visiting Sparta Illinois for a couple of days and were looking for a place to grab some food and drinks. G.O.A.T Came up and we decided to give it a shot. We are so glad we did! We enjoyed it so much that we went back for more later in our stay. The tequila recommendations were great, but mostly it was the tacos and hot sauce selections that won me over. They certainly know what they’re doing! I also had the chicken wings and ceviche which were both excellent. Some of the best Mexican food I’ve had anywhere (And I consider myself to be a connoisseur based on my extensive travels). Flako and his staff were fantastic - I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos
Gene Lunnemann
We had tacos and ceviche. Some smooth reposado tequila.I loved it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brii Williams
I've been here a few times. I absolutely love their gator bites and bacon wrapped shrimp. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I have a great experience every time.Parking: Parking is in the front. There's plenty of spots available.Kid-friendliness: They are kid friendly. Sundays kids 12 and under either eat free or reduced. The exact special is advertised on the window and can't be found on the website. They have kid menus that has coloring and activities. Drinks come with a lid.Wheelchair accessibility: There's wheel chair accessibility to the door and parking directly in front of the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Pickles, Wings
Stan F.
First time here. I had the 2nd base hamburger. Wife had bourbon baton chicken sandwich, both got fries. Both was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donald Ayers
Ordered 12 wings @ 11am to go and bring to my wife for her lunch break at work, needless to say the wings looked like they had been recooked and were dry
Sharon
Excellent fish tacos! Food served fresh and very hot temperature. Reasonable quick food serve time. Staff hard working, friendly, nice and professional. Sports on tvs. Great music. Comfortable and fun atmosphere.
Excellent Fish Tacos. Reasonable quick wait time for food. Food fresh and very hot temperature. Nice and very fast staff. Comfortable atmosphere. Great music. Sports on tvs.
Penelope H.
Loved the service the people (even though they didn't speak English very well. The drinks were great and, he made sure we were taken care of, the place was full!! I'm going back
Rohit Gohil
We got there right around 5pm before the dinner rush. Food came out fairly fast. The pickle chips where on the salty side but the specialty sauced wings were really good.Great beer / margarita deals on Mondays though!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Wings
Eric Huelson
best Street tacos "messi" at a bar and grill that I can remember, super
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amber Earl
The first time we stopped in was just a few weeks ago. The food was great, the atmosphere was chill and perfect for a conversation or watching a game, and the service was amazing. So we decided to stop in again. The second visit was probably our last. It was an entirely different experience. The food was disappointing, the service was meh, and the house music was extremely loud for the middle of the afternoon.
We came through while traveling and stayed at a hotel nearby for an event. The staff was very personable and made us feel welcome, even though we were just passing through.The food was great, but the giant pretzel was absolutely the crowd pleaser. It was buttery and crispy and just had no business being as good as it was. Highly recommended, was a good size to share between 4 people. We didn't order many other dishes, but this one totally stood out. The ceviche was subtle but fresh, and the food came out promptly.The old fashioned cocktail I had was great. Made with a good bourbon and excellent attention to detail, and a splash of agave syrup. My friend enjoyed their frozen margarita, but needed help finishing it as the serving was quite generous. It had a tart, smooth taste with a hint of coconut-- really nice!Anyways, the drinks were great, the food was just what we needed, and the people here were welcoming, generous, and kind,Dietary restrictions: Pescatarian options, onion free options, dairy free optionsParking: There is not an accessible spot right next to the restaurant, but parking was readily available.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a curb cut up to the sidewalk which is level with the patio, the restrooms are through a hallway that's a little tight, but a standard width wheelchair should fit. There are grab bars in both restrooms with room to turn around, but difficulty fitting a second occupant or assistant along with the chair. No automatic door openers, but the doors are relatively lightweight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jumbo Pretzel
Flako is outstanding, awesome place to watch sports, eat good food, and be in good company. One of the best burgers I have ever had. The peanut butter on the 3rd base burger works very well with the spice. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 2nd Base Burger, Seasoned Fries, Chorizo Cheese Dipping Sauce, Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos
My father, husband and I were recently in Sparta visiting Family and stumbled upon this gem. We live in Oregon, and I was raised in California, so I'm accustomed to really delicious and authentic Mexican food. No offense, but our expectations walking in were low given that GOAT is located in the southern tip of Illinois. When we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, funny, and engaging. We got tacos and chicken wings and loved every bit of it. We were impressed to say the least. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a second night for different tacos and ceviche. Also delicious! They have a great selection of tequila as well. The owner, Flako, was attentive and eager to please. I honestly don't think the small town of Sparta knows how much of a gem this place is. It's a must visit if you're in the area. Can't wait to go back during future visits!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos, Wings
My father, husband and I were recently in Sparta visiting Family and stumbled upon this gem. We live in Oregon, and I was raised in California, so I'm accustomed to really delicious and authentic Mexican food. No offense, but our expectations walking in were low given that GOAT is located in the southern tip of Illinois. When we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, funny, and engaging. We got tacos and chicken wings and loved every bit of it. We were impressed to say the least. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a second night for different tacos and ceviche. Also delicious! They have a great selection of tequila as well. The owner, Flako, was attentive and eager to please. I honestly don't think the small town of Sparta knows how much of a gem this place is. It's a must visit if you're in the area. Can't wait to go back during future visits!
My wife, father in-law, and myself were visiting Sparta Illinois for a couple of days and were looking for a place to grab some food and drinks. G.O.A.T Came up and we decided to give it a shot. We are so glad we did! We enjoyed it so much that we went back for more later in our stay. The tequila recommendations were great, but mostly it was the tacos and hot sauce selections that won me over. They certainly know what they’re doing! I also had the chicken wings and ceviche which were both excellent. Some of the best Mexican food I’ve had anywhere (And I consider myself to be a connoisseur based on my extensive travels). Flako and his staff were fantastic - I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Street Tacos, Flacos Tacos
We had tacos and ceviche. Some smooth reposado tequila.I loved it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been here a few times. I absolutely love their gator bites and bacon wrapped shrimp. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I have a great experience every time.Parking: Parking is in the front. There's plenty of spots available.Kid-friendliness: They are kid friendly. Sundays kids 12 and under either eat free or reduced. The exact special is advertised on the window and can't be found on the website. They have kid menus that has coloring and activities. Drinks come with a lid.Wheelchair accessibility: There's wheel chair accessibility to the door and parking directly in front of the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Pickles, Wings
First time here. I had the 2nd base hamburger. Wife had bourbon baton chicken sandwich, both got fries. Both was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered 12 wings @ 11am to go and bring to my wife for her lunch break at work, needless to say the wings looked like they had been recooked and were dry
Excellent fish tacos! Food served fresh and very hot temperature. Reasonable quick food serve time. Staff hard working, friendly, nice and professional. Sports on tvs. Great music. Comfortable and fun atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Street Tacos
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent Fish Tacos. Reasonable quick wait time for food. Food fresh and very hot temperature. Nice and very fast staff. Comfortable atmosphere. Great music. Sports on tvs.
Loved the service the people (even though they didn't speak English very well. The drinks were great and, he made sure we were taken care of, the place was full!! I'm going back
We got there right around 5pm before the dinner rush. Food came out fairly fast. The pickle chips where on the salty side but the specialty sauced wings were really good.Great beer / margarita deals on Mondays though!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Wings
best Street tacos "messi" at a bar and grill that I can remember, super
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The first time we stopped in was just a few weeks ago. The food was great, the atmosphere was chill and perfect for a conversation or watching a game, and the service was amazing. So we decided to stop in again. The second visit was probably our last. It was an entirely different experience. The food was disappointing, the service was meh, and the house music was extremely loud for the middle of the afternoon.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2