Billy Goat Tavern
WHAT: Billy Goat Tavern
WHERE: Near Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building (430 N. Michigan Ave. at Lower Level) Other Locations
OUR RATING: Do It!
“Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger. No Pepsi. Coke.”
http://www.hulu.com/watch/3533
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(billygoattavern.com)
The Billy Goat Tavern is more than a Chicago staple, it’s a piece of the city’s history, tied to anything from the Chicago Cubs and the Curse of the Billy Goat, to Saturday Night Live and the likes of Jim Belushi and Bill Murray. The original tavern was founded near the Chicago Stadium in 1934, moving to its current location under Michigan Avenue in 1964, and is now joined by numerous chain locations, including Navy Pier and Merchandise Mart. Sure, there’s now one open in D.C., but the Billy Goat Tavern will always be a Chicago native.
(billygoattavern.com)
One thing that makes this city so special is its multilevel streets, putting the tavern in the unique location of lower Michigan Avenue. It’s pretty easy to miss the place too, if you don’t know where to look. But if you do find it, it’s nothing but “Cheezborger, Cheezborger!” from the moment you walk in, and the fast-paced, fun environment of a dive bar will get your appetite up and ready for the feast that awaits you.
(billygoattavern.com)
Alicia: I must admit that I’m not the biggest burger eater, but when I am, I prefer the kind that come in wax paper with a brown bag of fries, rather than with a fancy cheese on a clean plate. I mean, the experience is a huge part of my ‘fast food’ eating decisions. So, when you order a burger and it comes with a thin patty but a fluffy bun in wax paper, and you can add on all the pickles, ketchup and mustard you want…and it’s cheap…well then, that’s good enough for me.
(billygoattavern.com)
Now, the thing to get at Billy Goat is a double cheeseburger ($4.55), according to the tavern itself and most of the tourists and locals who go there. Now, I am not the biggest cheeseburger fan, nor am I the biggest eater, so a single hamburger ($2.65) is more my thing. Sure, I got a little push back from the cashier for not getting the double with cheese, or any chips, but that’s their thing, part of their personality.
Ultimately, the burgers are greasy and the ratio of bun to patty is a bit off (with a bit too much bread), but for the location the prices are very affordable, and it’s a super fun place to go with friends. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but go at an off-peak hour and you’ve got yourself a comfy no-frills dive bar experience with legit burgers.
(billygoattavern.com)
Adam: I needed help to discover this place. I’ve been coming to Chicago all my life and yet I’d never set foot in the Billy Goat, even though it’s been around since the ‘30s! But, on a special occasion, I tend to try new and exciting places, and Alicia knew of just the locale. It’s not fancy, but that’s not what I want from a burger joint. After descending down a rather treacherous set of steps and past the neon lit signs, I felt I was entering the belly of the world, as a frenetic energy enveloped us.
(billygoattavern.com)
It’s old fashioned and has a slightly timeless nature to it as well. If you’re going to get a burger you should get what’s recommended: the wonderful double cheeseburger, or cheezborger, as the staff call it (and no, it has nothing to do with Star Trek). In fact, these staff are shouting it, and moving patrons along fast. I would mind anywhere else, but at Billy Goat it’s part of the charm. It’s good to have your order ready before you approach the counter, otherwise you might get a little lost. Bear in mind that fries are not served, only potato chips and Coke is available in lieu of Pepsi.
It’s a great place to sit and eat with lots of friends. Long benches make munching on burgers a truly communal experience. There’s nothing else like it in Chicago, so I would say go for it and load up your bun!
(billygoattavern.com)
Final thoughts: If you’re in the city with friends and don’t want to to break the bank, step inside this little place and follow the neon signs as you head down the stairs – you won’t be disappointed. It’s also perhaps the most worthwhile place to eat at Navy Pier if you ever find yourself there with a growling stomach. Don’t be afraid of the Curse of the Cubs, you’re sure to win here!