Billy Goat Tavern
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 222-1525
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Kinzie Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Grand; bus: 3, 145, 146, 147, 151, 157 to Tribune Tower; 29, 65 to Lower Michigan Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 6am-2am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 11am-2am
Editorial Review for Billy Goat Tavern – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
So Chicago, it's surreal. The original wood-paneled '60s decor remains, and walls are covered with photographs, reprinted columns and a "Wall of Fame" of Chicago journalists (Mike Royko has his own wall), some of whom still can be found warming bar stools here. Royko's replacement at the Trib--John Kass--is a regular.
The Food
Burgers, dogs, steaks--but you're sure to get berated if you don't order the double cheez. The two thin, greasy patties come straight off the grill, onto a bun and into your hands. Grab a bag of potato chips--still no fries--and load on the onions, pickles and ketchup for yourself. Voila--a Chicago classic.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoNo credit cards are accepted here, so unless you want to wash dishes with the guys in back, bring the green stuff.
User Reviews for Billy Goat Tavern
05/13/2008 Posted by Bazoomas
On holiday in Chicago with my Girlfriend and after reading the history behind the BGT we decided to have a drink and some food on a Sunday evening at the original location. On entering the bar at about 7.30pm we nearly turned around and walked out again. If you're thinking of going to BGT DON'T EXPECT 1, a smile- 2, any eye contact from the staff- 3, a please or thank you- 4, a decent drink- 5, any sort of entertainment. However...you CAN EXPECT 1, surly service without a smile - 2, a smelly, scruffy establishment devoid of any sort of atmosphere ( yes I'm aware of all the history but there are plenty of museums with history...and they tend to have a better atmosphere) 3, A packet of crisps (or chips as yanks call them) with your burger...nice! 4,loads of grainy photo's of the original owner (some Greek bloke who looks like Colonel Saunders) with various 'celebs' who've been through the doors 5, To wait 10 minutes to get served as the grease-ball proprieter is ordering more bbq sauce from his suppliers - 6, a drink that is completely flat and warm, all seved up in a filthy glass inside a filthy bar. In short this place deserves to go out of business, it's a scruffy dump, the staff and owners are rude...and I wouldn't feed my dog Patch on the food from their kitchen. Avoid.
Pros: Good Location
Cons: everything else
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
10/17/2007 Posted by vegitoboi
For the out of towners who may not know much about Chicago, the famous Billy Goat Tavern underneath the viaducts on Michigan Ave by Navy Pier is a classic restaurant sketch come to life from the old Saturday Night Live days, just like the other classic sketch of Hub's Fast Food Restaurant with "the juice". For Chicagoians, the Billy Goat is more than a hidden gem in Chicago. It's history dating back to the 1945 Chicago Cubs and the Curse of the Billy Goat. For me, my first go around with the Billy Goat Tavern came on New Year's Eve 05 when my cousin and former friend decided to head to Navy Pier to see the fireworks. On the way to the Pier, low and behold the Billy Goat was right on the path. Now I knew about the Curse and the SNL sketch, but never did I imagine the history that was inside surrounding the walls and the ambience. The famous "cheeseborger cheeseborger cheeseborger" line reigns true here, despite having other items on the menu too. But putting history aside, the "cheeseborger" was something unique that I quickly identified as not a typical burger. Whether it was their unique, soft, flakey bun they use of the actual seasoning of the beef, something just jumps out and says to you, "That's a good cheeseborger." You won't find fries here or Pepsi as the other half of the famous line goes "...no Pepsi, Coke, no fries, chips", but who needs them. We even got the chance to meet the owner of the place. So if you're looking for a piece of Chicago history with your "cheeseborger" and chips, this is a definite place to go.
Pros: Tourist spot, Made famous by SNL, "Cheeseborger Cheeseborger Cheeseborger..." Landmark in Chicago
Cons: "...No Pepsi, Coke, no fries, chips.", No Parking, small underground place
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