Billy Goat Tavern

What can you say about this place? It’s a Chicago staple. If you’ve never gone you have to at least once, but I guarantee you’ll go again!
The memorabilia alone is worth coming to look at. The food is great bar food and I actually found their own Billy goat beer to be really good.
Honestly, a year ago I cancelled dinner reservations for my birthday at Moto to come here because I knew it would be more fun. I made the right choice.

This place was awesome. I was in Chicago to go my brother’s graduation from Valparaiso University. I had about a 2 hour wait until my South Shore train left from Millennium Station, so I walked over to Billy Goat for some beers and a burger (even though it was about 9:45 am). I sat at the bar and had a few Billy Goat dark beers. The guy behind the bar was nice and made time to chat, even though he was busy cleaning and getting things ready for the impending lunch rush. When I was ready, I walked over to where they cook, and I ordered a double cheeseburger and some chips. The burger was made quite quickly. I loaded it up with my preferred condiments and thick sliced dill pickles, then walked back over to my spot at the bar and went to town. The burger was great, just as described in other reviews… Thin patties, but a good old-​fashioned burger. I had several more beers until I was ready to walk around before my train left. A man that seemed to be in a bus-​boy position stopped and chatted with me about something on the news. He was a very nice guy, and I did not mind his conversation at all. I believe the news was talking about the transgender restroom issue, and he and I both agree on the fact that people should be able to use the restroom for the gender that they identify with. Anyway, the bartender asked if I wanted another beer, and I said, «I’m not sure if I do.» And he said, «Ah, sure you do.» and he refilled my mug. I tried to pay for it, and he said it was on him. I thought that was a really nice touch. I had already had several beers, and I tipped a dollar a beer (customary for me), and his nice gesture will definitely have me return to this little gem on my next visit to Chi-​town.

Accessibility (Parking /​Wait Time)
¹⁄₁ Star: no wait
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Service (Waiter /​Cleanness /​Ambiance)
⁰⁄₁ Star: fast food service, ordered a water and it never came.
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Taste (0=Not Edible /​1=Edible /​2=Good (average) /​3=Must Try!)
¹⁄₃ Stars: the double cheeseburger was edible but didn’t taste like much. The bread was soft which was nice.
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Overall Experience
²⁄₅ Stars
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Last Words
Not sure why this place is so popular…

Cool place for cheep drinks and good burgers. IT IS UNDERGROUND! You must walk in between the buildings and down the stairs. But for sure a cool place to stop and grab a few!

Enjoyed a good burger and BBQ chips. Our waiter was very friendly and accommodating. The bar service was lacking. I was told to see the bartender as I wanted a souvenir hat. There were about 5 people sitting at the bar and no bartender in sight. I stood there for about 4 minutes without being acknowledged. Needless to say, I have not hat.

Pickle and onion bar!!! Who could ask for anything else. So much Chicago culture here, one place that literally hasn’t changed since the 70’s along with the workers and clients. The only old Chicago we found on our trip and the food was simple but pretty good.

The Billy Goat is a must stop every visit! Cheapest beer in Chicago and if you’re lucky enough to stop by during Jeopardy!, there is no greater fun and camaraderie among strangers turned friends than an interactive round at the bar!

A Chicago classic! Get the double cheezeborgor and a Coke (no pepsi). Tasty, classic burger that won’t disappoint. No fries, but chips are an option for a side. Find this classic spot under Michigan Ave where locals and tourists alike meet for a true Chicago burger.

Burgers are basic and you choose a single, double, triple. We had doubles and because the patties are quite thin I think you need at least a double. You add the rest yourself.
The burgers are pretty good, and complimented by an environment that is rich in history and character. Beers are well priced.
Staff made an effort to speak to us and made us feel welcome.
Cash only!

Yes, this tavern is filled with such rich Chicago history that it’s practically a mini museum. As someone who has lived in this city for over 23 years, I have only recently visited this place with high hopes. Unfortunately the hype dissipated shortly after I walked down the stairs into the seating area.
The place looks like your average dive bar with the exception of having numerous, priceless photos of Chicago legends (big ups to SNL for really putting this Goat on the map), alas the food did not compare to the pure relics that this facility held.
My double cheezborger was a bit dry and the fact that there were no fries disappointed me. The price is pretty outrageous too, but I suppose people are coming here more for the tourist attractions rather than a 5 star meal.
If you haven’t gone here before, by all means, stop what you’re doing and take a bite out of 20^th century Chicago history here, but I don’t think that this is a place I could go to frequently when there are better competitors. Seems like a one time thing, at least a once every couple of years type of thing.

I was just visiting and my Chicago friend made us come here.
The burger wasn’t really that good and it was a little dry. But it was alright I guess.
I would say come here once because it’s a Traditional Chicago place. Burger was ehhh, but atmosphere of the place was really interesting with all the stuff on the walls.
Cash only.

Kinda hard to find, but it sure is worth it. When I read the title, I thought it was gonna be one of those classic looking rustic pub/​inn type place, but it’s really just a dive burger place with a bar. Pretty cool actually. I love the old style menu and lack of options. They don’t even serve fries, I love it! The double cheeseburger is pretty damn delicious. Pretty no frills bun and patties, but there was plenty of flavor in the meat. For very few dollars as well. Definitely a great place to stop by when it’s cold outside for a burger and drink.

We enjoyed the history here
We will miss Jeff the bartender retirement is this week
I find it ironic that he has a mustache in the photo like a ghost put it there
Truly had great memories here thanks oh bring cash for bar

CHEEZBORGER! CHEEZBORGER!
I think the novelty of the Billy Goat Tavern speaks for itself. If you’ve come all the way down here for a greasy spoon meal and some cheap drafts, then you’re in luck!
Smacked in the middle of Chicago below Michigan Ave, is a small joint that offers low prices for being a very central location. Those familiar with the geniuses of SNL will appreciate this joint– heck, they even remind you before you walk in!
Once inside though, be sure to grab a bite and a cheap draft before you go on your merry little way. The cheezborger here is pretty basic, so it needs a LOT of condiments to really spice it up. My friend and I doused ours in ketchup, despite Chicagoan’s hating the tomato sauce on their weiners. It makes the burger extra good! The patties are thin, so you may consider a double burger if you truly want a meaty experience.
The beer though… $ 3.50 for a draft during any time of day? Sign me up!
A Chicago favorite indeed… this hole in the wall should definitely be in anyone’s book to truly experience the cool, old school side of the Windy City.
CASH ONLY!

The Billy Goat Tavern is a tasty but unexceptional hole-​in-​the-​wall dive bar that is darn lucky to be at the intersection of both Chicago lore and pop cultural history. Yes, it was the owner’s goat that was denied entry to Wrigley, thus dooming the Cubs to perrenial mediocrity. Yes, it was the diner that combined a confoundingly limited menu and questionable communication skills into Saturday Night Live comedic gold.
And indeed, you can get the greasy «Cheeseborger» of legend, no fries, chips, and no Pepsi, Coke. And it’s thoroughly decent. But the food is not why you should go. You are going because The Billy Goat Tavern is a historical monument, and the «Cheeseborger» is the commemorative pin you get in the gift shop. It is undeniably five-​stars as a check-​off on the Chicago Bucket List, and perhaps to get a brew and watch the game if you’re in the neighborhood. But as a burger joint… it makes a good comedy sketch.

CASH ONLY!!!
Drinks were cheap. Had the game on so it was good while we waited for our other restaurant to call us when they were ready for us.
Burgers looked good but we didnt get. I wish we did… They serve their burgers on wrappers not plates! Pretty cool.

You’ve probably heard of the Billy Goat Tavern before. You may not, but this greasy spoon has a wild history.
There isn’t much space, but the restaurant does well with what it has. Once you enter down the stairs you place your order right at the grill. Upon suggestion, I took the double cheeseburger for a whirl. It’s a really good greasy spoon diner burger. I wish it was larger, but otherwise I wouldn’t change a thing. The Billy Goat has been on my «Tourist» list for a while and I’m finally glad I got the opportunity to stop by.
Some tips for this location:
* Bring cash. The Billy Goat doesn’t take check or credit.
* The restaurant is underneath Michigan Avenue. Please look for the signs so you can take the stairs down below.

First and for most, This rating is based on what they have been known for since the 70’s and maybe even older then that. It’s cheap, fast, low key, and a hole in the wall located underneath Chicago. They are not advertising gourmet Angus beef burgers with impeccable service with a crazy price tag. Look up their history of this place and you’ll see you get exactly what they are known for. This is defiantly a Chicago landmark and staple to check out.
Food: Your basic fast food cheeseburger ordered up as a single, double, triple, and so on in a Kaiser roll. The patties are thin so I suggest making it a triple because of the thick Kaiser roll and anything else can get lost with in that roll. After you pick up at the counter you can then dress it up on the next counter with pickles, onion, and your basic condiments mustard and ketchup. DO NOT TAKE THE KETCHUP AND MUSTARD TO YOUR TABLE!!! They will yell at you and take it back to the counter.
Brew: They have your standard full bar with your basic beers. They also have their own beers on tap, a dark beer and a lager. It was a quick lunch so i just had the lager and it’s a light crisp beer to wash down your burger. Nothing special but it’s not crap just cheap.

The Billy Goat Tavern is such a cool place to stop by just to dabble in a part of Chicago’s history. There are other locations throughout the city, but this is the original. My friend and I visited because we wanted to go for a quick bite to eat before we continued to walk around in the city some more.
The ambience is divey in nature, but I can see why the locals and tourists alike love it. It has a small, yet comfortable interior and you will feel like you’re a part of the place once you settle in. I really dig the Chicago attitude and personality coming from the workers. They’re really friendly, and as a visitor I appreciated that.
If you’re having a hard time deciding what to get, the norm is the cheeseburger. As they say, «double is the best, and triple if you’re hungry!» Which is true because if you get a burger with a single patty, it’ll be thin. I got the standard double cheeseburger, which didn’t take too long to prepare. The condiments are right next to the counter where you pick up your burger.
The double cheese burger was pretty good. It’s not a gourmet burger, but it’s definitely a solid burger. I didn’t want anything too over-​the-​top, just a simple city burger. The Billy Goat Tavern didn’t fail to deliver on that aspect.
This place is a great stop for casual lunches. You can also grab a few brews with some of your friends and sit at the bar and watch the game on TV and just engage with everyone and everything around you. Perfect little dive bar to just kick back.
I feel like this place is underrated. It’s rich in history and to top it off, they serve some great burgers… It’s just another place that Chicago should be proud of!

Cheezborger!
Cheezborger!
Cheezborger!
Alright now I got that out of the way, let’s actually talk about this restaurant and their burger.
It was probably one of the worst burgers I’ve had.
I actually would take McDonald’s burger any day over Billy Goat Tavern’s.
As soon as I walked in and made my way over to the food counter, I was rudely greeted by a bartender asking if I’m going to order anything from the bar. I told him I will think about it and walk over to the bar after I order my food first, but he was rudely insisting I should order soon. I didn’t understand what the rush was, since the restaurant was near empty when I arrived.
Once I placed an order for double cheeseburger at the food counter, I placed an order of lager with the bartender. Again his responses were very rude and condescending.
So after all this, I finally got my order of famous Billy Goat Tavern’s Cheesborger, but as mentioned before, it was one of the worst burgers I’ve had.
It was just dry, no juice in the meat, no flavor, and just plain pitiful. I had hoped some toppings would make it better but no luck, it was still bad and there was no way to save it.
Horrible food, horrible service.

Como dirían los americanos, ¡este lugar está tan lleno de sí mismo!
Billy Goat Tavern se autovende como una taverna legendaria con hamburguesas gloriosas y una mística espectacular. La realidad es que las hamburguesas son poco inspiradas, apenas se las puede condimentar con ketchup y mostaza, y no hay mucho más que eso. Funcionalmente, para el argentino al menos, es un carrito de hamburguesas.
El barman, enfrente de la barra del grill, es alguien con un acento eslavo que gruñe cuando te atiende. Pero bueno, la cerveza es barata.
Unilocal! dice que tres estrellas son para cuando algo no decepciona. La realidad es que después de tanta autoglorificación sí lo hace. Pero le voy a poner tres estrellas, como si me lo cruzara caminando por Michigan Av. sin saber de él y decidiera entrar.
Recomendado enfáticamente para ir a tomar, dado el precio de la draft. No perder tiempo ni plata en la comida de aquí.