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Finally made it to the famous Billy Goat Tavern after watching Anthony Bourdain's The Layover many years ago. It's tucked away in one of Chicago's underground tunnel streets, which makes finding it part of the experience. We stopped by during an off time, but it was still pretty crowded, and the bar area was almost full. The menu is simple and burgers were the only option available when we visited. I do wish they had fries to go with them! The single burger is pretty thin so I'd definitely recommend ordering a double. You add your own toppings, and the burger itself is simple, no-frills, and good. I'm glad I finally got to experience this historic Chicago spot. It's worth a visit but I'm not sure I'd return just for the food. Chicago has so many amazing places to eat that I'd probably prioritize somewhere else next time. Still, I'm happy I can check this one off my list!
Billy Goat Tavern is one of those places you have to go to in Chicago, especially if you don't live there. They've been around since 1934. It's casual, fast, and full of character. I grabbed a cheezborger and a beer. The burger was simple, greasy in the best possible way, and hit the spot. I also loved the atmosphere. The old-school decor, Chicago history, plenty of TVs, and classic tavern feel make this place feel like a piece of the city, not just another burger joint. It's definitely not fancy, and that's the point. Great service, plenty of seating, and a perfect place to grab a late-night burger and a beer. A classic Chicago stop that's worth experiencing. They also have 5 locations, and each is unique.
First of all, there's no five-star rating because this is Chicago, and honestly, the place is just great. The atmosphere is fantastic, the history is everywhere, the service was fast, and the food came out ridiculously quick. You've got the TVs going, a basic menu, and that classic Chicago dive-bar/tavern feel. It's exactly the kind of place you want to experience as a tourist. Now, I made my first mistake: I didn't get the burger. I got the hot dog. They give you the dog, the bun, and basically say, "Here you go, Chicago. You figure it out." You put it together yourself. But here's the thing: this is NOT a Chicago-style hot dog. They don't really have all the toppings you'd expect for the full Chicago dog experience. And honestly, I get it. This is a burger joint that happens to offer a hot dog. It's not their thing. So if you're coming here with a kid, or you're like me and suddenly have a serious hot-dog craving, go ahead and get the dog. But if you're specifically hunting for that authentic Chicago-style dog, save yourself the trouble and hit one of the places down the road that specializes in it. My advice: Get the burger. That's the move. The Billy Goat is about the atmosphere, the history, the experience, and the burgers. The hot dog is more of a side quest. Still absolutely worth stopping in if you're visiting Chicago.
So glad I got a chance to try this Tavern while passing thru Chicago. Got the steak & egg sandwich, delicious with the A1 steak sauce packet, and enjoyed it with my dear friends. The man on the grill was totally handling business and cranking out AMAZING food- quick, greasy (in the best way possible), delicious, fun food. Lots of tables for you to sit at and enjoy your food with your buddies and loved ones. Clean and cool spot. Loved reading the history of Billy Goat hangingon their wall!
After visiting the bean with my sons, I wanted a good burger from a local spot. Google led me to Billy Goat. We walked there and arrived around 7:30pm on a Tuesday. It is located on the lower level and my son actually noticed the signage stating the establishment was on the lower level. Outside can be a bit sketchy as there was a person with bizarre behavior. Inside, things were fine and retro. You order at the counter and it was made right then and there. They have 2 sides, one is calmer and has a couple TVs with games; the other side is a little louder with music and the bar. I got the Obama burger (2 patties, bacon, caramelized onions, and an egg) w/ chips & drink. (Note: No fries). I got my sons the double burger (plus chips and drink; one had bacon on their burger). The Cashier was very friendly and helpful! The food was ready quick and it was very delicious! You add your own toppings. They don't have "combos" so everything is separate. The drinks were $3 and the chips were about $2.50, which is a little on the higher end. For 3 "combos" it was a little over $50.
My fiancée and I wanted to be sure and try Billy Goat Tavern while on a trip to Chicago. We were very impressed. As an old SNL fan, I appreciated the nods to one of their sketches from decades ago. Upon entering, we noticed the classic decor , with photos of famous visitors, news clippings about the restaurant, and TVs showing local sports. The menu is simple, and we tried a cheeseburger and a double cheeseburger. The service was friendly and efficient. Once we had the burgers, topping them was up to us, with plenty of options at the topping bar. We paired the burgers with a couple of local brews. We enjoyed the experience very much. We'd happily come back on a return visit to Chicago.
Billy Goat is very quick, quite tasty and a unique stop in the river area, for both its location and its offerings. I've visited here every time I've been in Chicago and the food hasn't changed in many years. It's still a bar and a diner style burger restaurant that serves breakfast sandwiches from 6am and then burgers mostly until the late night/early morning. The breakfast sandwiches are winners, fresh cooked eggs, greasy meats, and a soft bun. The steak and egg with cheese comes out to a pricy $18 but it hits all the bad spots in the am. It's also tight next to the river so there are other businesses and buildings nearby that have gotten more expensive and upscale while Billy Goat has stuck to its roots. It's a little tricky to find but start out on upper street level Michigan Ave and look for a set of stairs with a Billy Goat plaque, head down and the tavern is to your right.
This place is a no frills burger joint in downtown Chicago. When we came in we were looking for lunch and somewhere to rest our feet after sightseeing all morning. It's old school in the best way possible. My partner and I both ordered double cheeseborgers. And here you get to dress it up how you want, which I loved!!! As many pickles as my heart desires. The food came out quickly and they cook it right in front of you. We ate and relaxed, you see all kinds of people coming through during the lunch rush. It was a fun peek into what downtown Chicago life is like. The staff are all very nice and efficient. This is a great spot for a quick lunch.
Love the ambiance and history of Billy goat tavern! Always a great time here when visiting Chicago! Aside from the cultural history (the Billy goat curse on the cubs and SNL skit, the double cheezeborger here is pretty good. No frills burger and they have a self-serve toppings bar. They also have a bar with their own Billy goat beer.
A must see while in Chicago, fun little "dive bar" that's been around since the 1930's. Larger inside than it looks, several different bars and seating areas. Has the while "cheeseborger, cheeseborger" thing from old SNL which is very cool. The cheeseburger was okay, not great, with a Coke of course, "no Pepsi", and chips no fries. Had a great time.
Honestly, like any good Chicago staple, there are rules. It's not a fancy spot, but it's iconic. Service is so fast, because they've seen it all! Know what you want when you walk in so you don't hold up the line - it'll go faster than you think! Nice to have pickles and onions out so you can fix up your cheezborger to your tastebuds' liking. The full bar will keep the party going if that's the vibe. Whether we should or not, this is a great spot to end the night. Get some carbs and protein into your belly before you fall into a slumber. NO PEPSI....Coke! P.S. hot tip, don't look for french fries here, this is a potato chips only kinda spot. The food is good, but know the single cheeseburger is like a kids meal size from your favorite fast food spot.
I smelled the burgers outside and all the memorabilia inside was pretty cool. The pickle bar was eye-catching. A little tricky to find it was sort of underneath the river walk, under Michigan Avenue near Hubbard Street and Rush, off the beaten path and literally hidden. But the curse is what brought us in, we didn't eat here. The Billy Goat Tavern curse is a sports legend that claims a curse was placed on the Chicago Cubs in 1945 when William "Billy Goat" Sianis was ejected from Game 4 of the World Series with his pet goat, Murphy. Upset, Sianis cursed the Cubs, vowing they would never win the World Series again. This legendary curse is said to have explained the Cubs' 71-year championship drought until they finally won the World Series in 2016, with the Murph the Goat curse reportedly broken.
This was a must for Husband and I on our Chicago visit. Such an iconic joint with a fool proof system. Cheezborgers (had to) were always ready so service was instant and it was cooked to perfection. Loved that you get to put your own toppings on it as well. I wish every place did that! We also hung around and had some beers and it was cool to see the SNL decor and learn more about the lore. The bartender was busy, but she was quick and didn't let anyone go too long without service. read more
5 days ago
service was very speedy, as usual. prices are the best for last night food compared to others in the area. the steps always get me but once you make it to ground level, it feels like a real tavern. you can spread out to bigger tables but grabbing a drink and watching the game is a great vibe for this place. my go to is a cheese burger (double when in the mood) with extra mustard and extra of their fresh onions read more
5 days ago
How can you not visit Chicago without paying homage to THE GOAT! Best burgers in Chicago, hands down. Fast, gritty, and delicious. Just don't order Pepsi or fries. For the win: Double Cheezborger and a Billy Goat Pilsner. read more
21 days ago
Finally made it to the famous Billy Goat Tavern after watching Anthony Bourdain's The Layover many years ago. It's tucked away in one of Chicago's underground tunnel streets, which makes finding it part of the experience. We stopped by during an off time, but it was still pretty crowded, and the bar area was almost full. The menu is simple and burgers were the only option available when we visited. I do wish they had fries to go with them! The single burger is pretty thin so I'd definitely recommend ordering a double. You add your own toppings, and the burger itself is simple, no-frills, and good. I'm glad I finally got to experience this historic Chicago spot. It's worth a visit but I'm not sure I'd return just for the food. Chicago has so many amazing places to eat that I'd probably prioritize somewhere else next time. Still, I'm happy I can check this one off my list! read more
1 month ago
Billy Goat Tavern is one of those places you have to go to in Chicago, especially if you don't live there. They've been around since 1934. It's casual, fast, and full of character. I grabbed a cheezborger and a beer. The burger was simple, greasy in the best possible way, and hit the spot. I also loved the atmosphere. The old-school decor, Chicago history, plenty of TVs, and classic tavern feel make this place feel like a piece of the city, not just another burger joint. It's definitely not fancy, and that's the point. Great service, plenty of seating, and a perfect place to grab a late-night burger and a beer. A classic Chicago stop that's worth experiencing. They also have 5 locations, and each is unique. read more
2 months ago
First of all, there's no five-star rating because this is Chicago, and honestly, the place is just great. The atmosphere is fantastic, the history is everywhere, the service was fast, and the food came out ridiculously quick. You've got the TVs going, a basic menu, and that classic Chicago dive-bar/tavern feel. It's exactly the kind of place you want to experience as a tourist. Now, I made my first mistake: I didn't get the burger. I got the hot dog. They give you the dog, the bun, and basically say, "Here you go, Chicago. You figure it out." You put it together yourself. But here's the thing: this is NOT a Chicago-style hot dog. They don't really have all the toppings you'd expect for the full Chicago dog experience. And honestly, I get it. This is a burger joint that happens to offer a hot dog. It's not their thing. So if you're coming here with a kid, or you're like me and suddenly have a serious hot-dog craving, go ahead and get the dog. But if you're specifically hunting for that authentic Chicago-style dog, save yourself the trouble and hit one of the places down the road that specializes in it. My advice: Get the burger. That's the move. The Billy Goat is about the atmosphere, the history, the experience, and the burgers. The hot dog is more of a side quest. Still absolutely worth stopping in if you're visiting Chicago. read more
So glad I got a chance to try this Tavern while passing thru Chicago. Got the steak & egg sandwich, delicious with the A1 steak sauce packet, and enjoyed it with my dear friends. The man on the grill was totally handling business and cranking out AMAZING food- quick, greasy (in the best way possible), delicious, fun food. Lots of tables for you to sit at and enjoy your food with your buddies and loved ones. Clean and cool spot. Loved reading the history of Billy Goat hangingon their wall! read more
After visiting the bean with my sons, I wanted a good burger from a local spot. Google led me to Billy Goat. We walked there and arrived around 7:30pm on a Tuesday. It is located on the lower level and my son actually noticed the signage stating the establishment was on the lower level. Outside can be a bit sketchy as there was a person with bizarre behavior. Inside, things were fine and retro. You order at the counter and it was made right then and there. They have 2 sides, one is calmer and has a couple TVs with games; the other side is a little louder with music and the bar. I got the Obama burger (2 patties, bacon, caramelized onions, and an egg) w/ chips & drink. (Note: No fries). I got my sons the double burger (plus chips and drink; one had bacon on their burger). The Cashier was very friendly and helpful! The food was ready quick and it was very delicious! You add your own toppings. They don't have "combos" so everything is separate. The drinks were $3 and the chips were about $2.50, which is a little on the higher end. For 3 "combos" it was a little over $50. read more
3 months ago
My fiancée and I wanted to be sure and try Billy Goat Tavern while on a trip to Chicago. We were very impressed. As an old SNL fan, I appreciated the nods to one of their sketches from decades ago. Upon entering, we noticed the classic decor , with photos of famous visitors, news clippings about the restaurant, and TVs showing local sports. The menu is simple, and we tried a cheeseburger and a double cheeseburger. The service was friendly and efficient. Once we had the burgers, topping them was up to us, with plenty of options at the topping bar. We paired the burgers with a couple of local brews. We enjoyed the experience very much. We'd happily come back on a return visit to Chicago. read more
Billy Goat is very quick, quite tasty and a unique stop in the river area, for both its location and its offerings. I've visited here every time I've been in Chicago and the food hasn't changed in many years. It's still a bar and a diner style burger restaurant that serves breakfast sandwiches from 6am and then burgers mostly until the late night/early morning. The breakfast sandwiches are winners, fresh cooked eggs, greasy meats, and a soft bun. The steak and egg with cheese comes out to a pricy $18 but it hits all the bad spots in the am. It's also tight next to the river so there are other businesses and buildings nearby that have gotten more expensive and upscale while Billy Goat has stuck to its roots. It's a little tricky to find but start out on upper street level Michigan Ave and look for a set of stairs with a Billy Goat plaque, head down and the tavern is to your right. read more
1 month ago
This place is a no frills burger joint in downtown Chicago. When we came in we were looking for lunch and somewhere to rest our feet after sightseeing all morning. It's old school in the best way possible. My partner and I both ordered double cheeseborgers. And here you get to dress it up how you want, which I loved!!! As many pickles as my heart desires. The food came out quickly and they cook it right in front of you. We ate and relaxed, you see all kinds of people coming through during the lunch rush. It was a fun peek into what downtown Chicago life is like. The staff are all very nice and efficient. This is a great spot for a quick lunch. read more
Love the ambiance and history of Billy goat tavern! Always a great time here when visiting Chicago! Aside from the cultural history (the Billy goat curse on the cubs and SNL skit, the double cheezeborger here is pretty good. No frills burger and they have a self-serve toppings bar. They also have a bar with their own Billy goat beer. read more
A must see while in Chicago, fun little "dive bar" that's been around since the 1930's. Larger inside than it looks, several different bars and seating areas. Has the while "cheeseborger, cheeseborger" thing from old SNL which is very cool. The cheeseburger was okay, not great, with a Coke of course, "no Pepsi", and chips no fries. Had a great time. read more
2 months ago
Honestly, like any good Chicago staple, there are rules. It's not a fancy spot, but it's iconic. Service is so fast, because they've seen it all! Know what you want when you walk in so you don't hold up the line - it'll go faster than you think! Nice to have pickles and onions out so you can fix up your cheezborger to your tastebuds' liking. The full bar will keep the party going if that's the vibe. Whether we should or not, this is a great spot to end the night. Get some carbs and protein into your belly before you fall into a slumber. NO PEPSI....Coke! P.S. hot tip, don't look for french fries here, this is a potato chips only kinda spot. The food is good, but know the single cheeseburger is like a kids meal size from your favorite fast food spot. read more
Business owner information
Paul S.
Thanks Brie! We hope to see you around again very soon:)
I smelled the burgers outside and all the memorabilia inside was pretty cool. The pickle bar was eye-catching. A little tricky to find it was sort of underneath the river walk, under Michigan Avenue near Hubbard Street and Rush, off the beaten path and literally hidden. But the curse is what brought us in, we didn't eat here. The Billy Goat Tavern curse is a sports legend that claims a curse was placed on the Chicago Cubs in 1945 when William "Billy Goat" Sianis was ejected from Game 4 of the World Series with his pet goat, Murphy. Upset, Sianis cursed the Cubs, vowing they would never win the World Series again. This legendary curse is said to have explained the Cubs' 71-year championship drought until they finally won the World Series in 2016, with the Murph the Goat curse reportedly broken. read more
16 days ago
Tasty burgers and sandwiches in an iconic neighborhood spot! It's the Chicago cheeseborger place, snl, belushi, if u know, u know!! Great memorabilia from over the years, news, sports, politics. read more
Stopped by Billy Goat Tavern and ordered a double cheeseborger. The burger itself was simple, old school diner style with thin patties, melted cheese, and a soft bun. I added raw whole onions and ketchup on them. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot if you're in the mood for something quick and straightforward. The place has a lot of character with its history and that classic Chicago feel. SNL brought me here. Service was fast, and the atmosphere is more about the experience than the food itself. read more
1 year ago
Billy goat tavern is a no frills burger joint. Burgers are made on the line and not necessarily to order. There's a condiment bar with your basics, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo and ketchup. You take your food to a table or belly up to the bar for a Billy goat lager or dark ale. Pro-tip- the stairs are just past the clock building next to the street where you go down and you'll find the tavern tucked away amongst the loading docks. read more
Great old school dive on downtown Chicago. I stopped by to check it out and enjoyed some ice cold old style on draft. Definitely taking a step back in time. Cool vibe. The food is very reasonably priced and looked good. Nothing fancy but cool. Enjoy!!! read more
A classic Chicago establishment that represents the old days of the city. Based on a popular SNL skit. They are know for their cheeseburgers. This spot is a little tricky to find as it is on the lower level of Michigan Avenue. Once you get in it feels like you are transported back in time. The line works pretty efficiently and they have a system that works pretty well. The burgers are delicious and a great place to go with friends. read more
25 days ago
I try to come here every time I am visiting Chicago. I love all the history of this place, from the real history to the SNL history. I love to sit at the bar and have a cold beer, cheesborger and chips and talk to the bartender. It's always a lot of fun, the beer is cold and the burgers great! Plus, I just love the vibe of an old-school Chicago tavern. WHile I am sure there are many tourists here, it never seems touristy, everybody enjoying the vibe, like me. I highly recommend stopping by and checking this olace out, it's alway a fun time! read more
This place is an institution! So cool! We loved the fact that it was tucked away at street level and the off almost speakeasy vibes before entering. Inside you get a true old school bar/diner feel with the grill being operated right in front of you. Sure, the burgers are simple - but that's the whole point and the price point matches. We voted on our favorite meals/places we visited and the Billy Goat was the top across the board. If you are going to go - I'd strongly recommend the OG. PS - they have mayo for you fellow midwesterners but toppings are pretty limited! read more
1 year ago
Somehow landed here and let me tell you...the burger was SO good! I was originally going to stick with a single patty, but went with the double and couldn't be happier with that choice. Everything is made fresh to order--one cashier running the counter while the chef is back there flipping burgers to perfection. The menu is short and sweet, which makes ordering super easy. They also have a little topping station with extras like pickles, onions, and ketchup so you can dress it up how you like. Since I'm not local, it took me a minute to find the place. Tip: keep an eye out for the signage on the lower level--it's easy to miss if you're not looking closely. This spot is honestly in a category of its own. If you're in the area, definitely worth the stop! read more
If you come expecting a hole in the wall, no-frills pub, then you will be delighted with this. Just get a cheeseburger, freshly made off the grill in a few seconds, and ask for their dark pint. Staff is friendly at the bar and quick at the burger line. read more
We were recommended to try this iconic chicago diner by our boat tour guide. You order at the front and the food comes out so quickly. I got a grilled cheese to keep things simple. The cashier recommended all my friends to get the double cheeseburger. Once the food is ready you pick it up at the front and head to the topping station. They have relish, pickles, onions, ketchup, & mayo. I wish they had tomatoes as well. I love that you can get as many pickles as your heart desires and customize ur meal however you would like. I also like that they don't have plates. Instead you eat off of parchment paper and just wrap it up to throw away once you are done. It gives the place a simple diner feel. I just wish they had fries on their menu as well, but other that that, a definite must try! read more
4 months ago
So freaking cool, this place. Definitely worth checking out. Feels like a part of history. read more
Well, what can I say that John Belushi didn't nail already. Cheesborger, cheesborger, cheesborger... No fries! Chips!. This place is so odd. It's tucked underground in a tunnel like roadway under the city of Chicago. So much history around this place, from the iconic SNL skit to the legend of the curse of the goat. I don't think this place has changed much in decades, but that's what makes it so cool! Still reasonably priced. Full bar with a good selection of regional options on tap. It's not fancy at all, so just come on in! Grab a beer, brag a burger,grab a seat. read more
7 months ago
Having been a fan of original SNL, this place has always been on my list of places to go in Chicago. Great food, great service and a great atmosphere all around. While I didn't hear anyone do the famous "cheeseborger" quote, it's a great dive and city landmark! read more
5 months ago
This iconic underground tavern isn't a place for gourmet dining - it's a place for double cheezborgers and beers while watching baseball on the TV read more
1 year ago
Doesn't look like much but service is quick and friendly. Basic menu with affordable pricing considering location. Worth a stop for a dated nostalgic feel of an older restaurant with nothing fancy. Got a triple burger with chips and a soda. Affordable and tastes good. Worth stopping in for a quick bite to eat read more
Cool place. Second time here, first time eating here. The double cheezborger was great. Get the double because the patties are really thin. Very tasty burger. Love the pictures on the wall and the sports memoribilia too. One of the best lunch options downtown in my opinion. read more
4 months ago
History Cool Factor 70's SNL Drink prices Not sure what psychopaths are giving anything less than 5 stars. It's a great spot since 1934!! read more
I used to love coming here for the iconic Chicago beer & 'borger. The burgers are still good, but it seems like they are capitalizing on their storied history. It has the divey feel from yesteryear, but the prices are wayyyyyyy higher. $7 for an Old Style? Over $20 for two doubles? My wife had never been before, and with her being a big fan of classic SNL, it was a must do for our Chicago trip. Aside from that, it's not what it used to be. I will say, our order came out pretty quickly, despite the line being somewhat long. read more
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More info about Billy Goat Tavern
430 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Near North Side
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(312) 222-1525
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http://www.billygoattavern.com
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Ask the Community - Billy Goat Tavern
Are kids ok?
Most definitely. I would let them watch an old SNL video of the skit, so they know why you're there first though. Lots of seating and the food is on the kid level...nothing fancy.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Sorry Billy Goat Tavern is not wheelchair accessible, there are stairs down into the restaurant . They may have made alternative entry by now, so if you want to go, you should call...
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86 reviews that are not currently recommended
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