Restaurant Review: Curses Broken; Billy Goat Tavern celebrates 92 years of ‘Cheezborgers’
“Butt in anytime”
“Enter at your own risk”
Welcoming signs at Billy Goat Tavern
Its locale on Lower Wacker Drive evoking a speakeasy-like feel, Billy Goat Tavern, 430 N. Michigan, stands as an icon of history as well as the budget-friendly, renowned purveyor of “Cheezborgers” in Chicago.
Why Are They Famous?
The Goat That Cursed the Cubs. The limited menu of “Cheezborger. No Fries, Chips!” John Belushi’s memorable Saturday Night Live sketch immortalized the Billy Goat Tavern for a nation.
But if their ‘Cheezborgers’ sucked, we sure wouldn’t be talking about them now. Nor would there be seven locations throughout Chicago!
The Official History of Billy Goat Tavern
As their website notes, the original Billy Goat Tavern location was “born” in 1934 when Greek immigrant, William “Billy Goat” Sianis purchased the Lincoln Tavern. Billy Goat bought the tavern for $205, with a check that bounced but was later repaid with sales from the first weekend. The tavern was located across from the Chicago Stadium (now United Center) at 1855 W. Madison Street.
The tavern became a legendary haunt for reporters, columnists, and politicians, adding to its authentic Chicago vibe.
Billy Goat?
Sianis became known as “Billy Goat,” when a goat fell off a passing truck and wandered inside. Sianis adopted the goat, grew a goatee, acquired the nickname “Billy Goat,” and changed the name of the bar to the Billy Goat Tavern. It moved in 1964 to its famous subterranean spot.
“No Republicans Allowed (?)”
The Republican Convention came to town in 1944 and Billy Goat posted a sign saying, “No Republicans allowed.” This caused the tavern to be packed with Republicans demanding to be served, and led to local fame for the savvy Billy Goat, publicity stunt master.
PLEASE NOTE: Then, as now, Billy Goat Tavern serves everyone on a first-come, first-served basis (without regard to political party affiliation, gender, culture, or religious affiliation.)
That Goat…
According to Wikipedia sources, Sianis brought his pet goat to Game 4 of the 1945 World Series, a home game at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Tigers. Despite paid-for box seat tickets, Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley allegedly ejected Sianis and goat due to the latter’s odor. Supposedly, Sianis placed a curse on the team that after that year there would never be another Cubs World Series victory, saying “Them Cubs, they ain’t gonna win no more.”
Ironically, on the 46th anniversary of William Sianis’s death, the “curse” was broken when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5–0 in Game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series to win the NL pennant. They went on to win the World Series after a 108 year drought.
Breakfast is Served!
Billy Goat Tavernstarts early every day with breakfast, served 6am –11am on weekdays. Build-Your-Own Egg Sandwiches are the order of the day, on a Kaiser Roll or white or wheat toast, with your choice of ham, bacon, sausage or steak, as well as a choice of toppings or sides like raw onions, hot sauce, ketchup, and/or mustard. For an upcharge, you can add cheese, grilled onions, and/or jalapeno peppers, to name a few. Pair it with Orange Juice, Bottled Water, a Fountain Drink, or Coffee for a solid start to the day.
“Cheezborger, Cheezborger!”
But the real reason to go are the ‘Cheezborgers.’ Grade A beef grilled into 1/3-2/3 pound meals that give you your protein to spare, wrapped in a soft Kaiser roll. Over the years, they’ve developed several variations on the original ‘Cheezborger,’ including their Homerun Hamburger, a 2/3 lb burger served on kaiser roll. It comes plain, but you can add your choice toppings to make it uniquely your own ‘home run!’
Dean’s Team Chicago is grateful for The Curse Breaker, a1/3 pound burger with American cheese, bacon, grilled jalapeno, and grilled onions, served on a Kaiser roll. This burger won the 2017 Critics choice for Best Burger at Chicago’s Burger Fest Competition.
Another favorite is The Obama, a 1/3 lb burger with American cheese, bacon and fried egg over hard and grilled onions, served on a Kaiser roll. As their website notes, Obama’s campaign staff wanted a sandwich that could be ordered for breakfast or lunch. It became so popular that they would just ask for “The Obama.”
Billy Goat calls the Double Cheezborger “the best” and we think they’re right! A 1/3 lb burger with American cheese, is served on kaiser roll, with your choice of toppings.
They serve other sandwiches
Try their Ribeye Steak, Ham & Cheese, or Salami Sandwich at their Michigan Avenue location. All sandwiches are served on Kaiser rolls with your choice of toppings.
Billy Goat Tavern is located just under Michigan Avenue on lower Wacker Drive. They are open Monday-Thursday from 6am–1am, Fridays from 6am-2am, Saturdays from 6am-3am and Sundays from 9am-2am. No reservations are taken or required. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
