Choose your location

usa

Europe

Venice

Sat / May 18

Tavern

Billy Goat Tavern Tucked away on the southern end of Michigan Avenue, Billy Goat Tavern – known for being not only the subject of several Saturday Night Live sketches but also the epicenter of the infamous Cubs curse – has been drawing in a... Chicago United States 41.8904097650536 -87.6242923736572

3.76 17

Famous cheezborger sign outside Billy Goat Tavern.

See all 19 photos

Collapse map / See photo gallery

Expand map / See nearby venues

Venues Events

Expand map / See nearby venues

Collapse map / See photo gallery

13 User Reviews

User Reviews (13)

Ratings:

Lucas

Adriana

Jonah

Emma

Party Earth Review Tucked away on the southern end of Michigan Avenue, Billy Goat Tavern – known for being not only the subject of several Saturday Night Live sketches but also the epicenter of the infamous Cubs curse – has been drawing... ... read full review

Neighborhood:

Streeterville
Address:

430 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Get Directions

Train:

Red Line: Grand; Brown, Green, Pink, Purple Express, Orange Lines: State/Lake
Phone:

312-222-1525
Links:
Official Website

Hours:

M–F 6am–2am, Sa 10am–3am, Su 10am–2am
Recommended as:
- Day Spot
- Night Spot

First to review Nick T.

Write your review

Party Earth Billy Goat Tavern Review

The Scene

Tucked away on the southern end of Michigan Avenue, Billy Goat Tavern – known for being not only the subject of several Saturday Night Live sketches but also the epicenter of the infamous Cubs curse – has been drawing in a...

Streeterville, Chicago –

Tucked away on the southern end of Michigan Avenue, Billy Goat Tavern – known for being not only the subject of several Saturday Night Live sketches but also the epicenter of the infamous Cubs curse – has been drawing in a diverse crowd for burgers and beer since 1934.

Neon lights point patrons down to the subterranean space, whose simple greasy counter and bright orange tables are usually filled with everyone from gruff but loyal locals to fanny-packed tourist groups, each plowing through plates of artery-clogging fare as the grizzled wait staff calls out orders for “Cheezborgers! Cheezborgers!” – much like former regular John Belushi did in his Billy Goat parodies on SNL.

TV fame aside, the venue has also become a tourist attraction thanks to its starring role in Cubs mythology; namely, back in 1945 the original owner cursed the team when ushers barred his pet goat from Wrigley Field.

Flanked by the Chicago Tribune and the old home of the Chicago Sun-Times – and featuring yellowed articles from former regulars like Mike Royko and Roger Ebert – the bar has long been a regular haunt for reporters drawn to the joint’s fast-paced, no nonsense vibe, and a slew of journalists young and old still show up to pour over copy or yell into their phones over seven-dollar burger and beer specials.

Offering both a glimpse at comedic history and an excuse for the latest Cubs loss, Billy Goat Tavern is an inviting watering hole where, true to its slogan, anyone can feel free to “butt in anytime.”

read less

Tip from Emma:

Chicagoans John Belushi and Bill Murray satirized the Billy Goat’s counter staff on Saturday Night Live with the catchphrases, “Cheezborger, cheezborger! No fries! Chips!” It’s still true – you will be reprimanded if you try to order fries.

Crowd

Tourists ranging from foreign backpackers to suburban families, journalists and media types, young professionals from nearby offices and the convention center, and local politicians, mid-20s to late 40s+.
Entertainment / Music

Four TVs tuned to sports.
Food / Miscellaneous

Diner fare including egg breakfasts, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Prices

Egg dishes $3–$6, burgers $3–$7, sandwiches $3–$6. Beer $4–$5, mixed drinks $5–$7.

What to Wear / Dress Code

Anything goes: Hawaiian shirts to business suits.
Hot Nights / When to Go

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for the biggest crowd and lots of convention-goers and business travelers, or Sundays for a busy but more relaxed atmosphere.
Close By

Wendella Sightseeing (400 North Michigan Avenue) runs boat tours and a water taxi on the Chicago River, and offers architecture and wine tasting tours popular with tourists and residents alike.

Tags:: 20s30s40sAnything goesBeerBreakfastBurgersCasualDinnerDiverseHistoricLaid backLocalsLunchMedia TypesRegularsSandwichesSpecialty CocktailsSports FansSuitsT-shirtsTouristsYoung Professionals

Billy Goat Tavern User Reviews

Ethan Nicolopoulos May 7, 2013 4.0 stars one of Chicago's best The billy goat tavern is more than just a staple of Chicago, it breathes life into the famous Saturday Night live sketch that uses it's infamous catchphrase, "cheezborgor cheezborgor". Not only is the restaurant famous but the food is just as good as it always has been for over 70 years. The burgers are delicious morsels of greasy goodness that makes the trip worth it every time. The food alone is what makes this place historic and the chicanery seems to be an afterthought after you bit into the juicy burger, it's more than fast food, it's an institution of flavor.

Andrew Dziuk Apr 25, 2013 1.0 stars OVER-RATED! Cheesborger, Cheeseborger, my ass. Seriously, how can anyone consider this grease pile a good burger?! Especially in Chicago! Great, this place is a "classic," a "staple," and a "Chicago tradition." However, the food just does not stack up with other burger masterpieces in the city. Not to mention the fact that they've essentially turned themselves into a chain. Plus, they serve Pepsi (ew) instead of Coca-Cola, Miller (pee) instead of Bud, and chips (cheapskates) instead of fries. This place is overrated. It was overrated ten years ago, and is overrated today. With so many more delicious options, why bother?

Nick C. Feb 21, 2013 3.0 stars I'm supposed to go down these stairs??? I had been on Michigan Avenue countless times before I went to the Billy Goat. The first time I went it was completely by mistake. Upon entering I noticed a wide array of personalities, young and old, black and white, rich and poor all enjoying a beer and sandwich. Personally, I had a glass bottle of PBR, very classy. It is one of those places that you know is a dive and that is exactly what is charming about it. To have such a place tucked in near such upscale shopping boggles the mind, but I think that is the point. So the next time you are with your significant other and tired of walking through the millionth store of the day, stop by the Billy Goat and have a PBR in a bottle.

JD Katz Jan 29, 2013 3.0 stars Blackhawks Classic This is a Chicago Classic. I have gone to the Billy goat before or after every hockey game I have ever gone to. I'm convinced if I don't go the Hawks won't win. It is a picturesque Chicago bar/restuarant. Its got the dive bar feel and has a shrine to Chicago sports great. Not to mention the burgers are awesome. The food is cheap, the beer is plentiful, and its going to be a loud and rowdy time. You can run into everyone there. From college kids, to tourists, to people who will still be taking shots to Ditka. You can't go wrong with starting or ending your Chicago adventure with the Billy Goat Tavern.

ChristinaW Dec 13, 2012 3.0 stars Awesome and entertaining What a hilarious, ridiculous, amazing place. This is a Chicago institution for sure! I first came here my freshman year of college as part of our dorm orientation (i.e. “cultural orientation”) and I didn’t really know what to make of it all. It is divey, seedy, and not a place freshman me would ever have chosen to go on my own. But now, after experiencing the amazing Chicago dive bar culture, this place suddenly makes so much more sense. I’m still afraid to eat of the food they serve, but I can’t get enough of the ridiculous signs on the walls, and it’s a great place to enjoy a pint before any sort of downtown adventure. (Or before/after a movie at River 21 East!)

Craig Becker Dec 10, 2012 4.0 stars Ignore the naysayers and get loaded The Billy Goat Tavern is the real deal. Get off the 'L,' go down the stairs, and drop the facade. The food's cheap, the people are loud, and somebody is going to spill something on someone. Get over it. It's a good place to hit before at the beginning or end of a night, or as a destination all its own. One of the nights that I was there, they were showing a retrospective on Dennis Rodman on a few screens, complete with him in the wedding dress. The Billy Goat Tavern is a place to stop taking everything so darn seriously and just enjoy your burger and beer.

Brinda Gupta Dec 7, 2012 4.0 stars A Chicago institution, not just for tourists Though I've lived in or near Chicago my whole life, I'd never been to a Billy Goat Tavern, and I figured it was just a tourist thing. Turns out that the original location still feels like the real deal, with decades of yellowing newspaper columns lining the walls, low prices for good greasy food, and journalists still hanging out among the tourists. The underground location is pretty cool, as you can pretend you’re in a Batman movie. When I stepped in for a beer, there were old-school Woodward/Bernstein type newspaper guys trading stories, and I had a great convo with the bartender. I’m glad that, even though newspapers are apparently dying, the old journalist hangout is still going strong.

Molly Tribou Nov 19, 2012 4.0 stars MMMM! Billy Goat's is a must see in Chicago! The burgers are so good and of course the experience of it all adds to the fun of going! I always like to go and order with my best SNL accent "Yeehh can I get a Cheezborger ?" it's so great to see everyone who works there yelling out the orders too! You get your food really quick and every time I've gone the burgers have been phenomenal. It has a very old school, sportsy, underground dive kind of feel but I like that about it. It's definitely enough to fill up a girl like me (and believe me I can put away a large plate of food if I put my mind to it) and you'll be full for your day in Chicago either shopping or site-seeing or ice-skating in the winter! If anything, go for the experience and I think you'll be pleased with the food as well.

Audrey Sykes Nov 19, 2012 4.0 stars Go late on a weekday and you'll have the place to yourself This was a great surprise. I’ve always been a big SNL fan, and the skits based on Chicago characters have always been a favorite (from Da Bears to Cheesebourger). It’s funny how identical the whole place is, from the location to the look of the food and traditional squeeze bottles. Plus you can grab a beer there. I can’t recommend the cheeseburgers if you’re looking for good food, but I ate one anyway in the name of Belushi and classic comedy skits that still make me laugh. If you like photography, you can get some colorful shots with neon lighting in the background… especially of the burger flipping.

Daniel B Oct 23, 2012 2.0 stars Touristy Dive The Billy Goat has got to be the most tourist-infested dive bar in the states. But don't let that stop you from hopping under the bridge and pulling up a sticky seat at this Chicago icon. It's a great place to catch a game or have a cheap beer before heading out for the night. But with culinary legends like Hot Doug's and tons of deep-dish options scattered through the city, there's really no reason to eat here (prices reflect the high tourist volume).

jshephard Oct 4, 2012 2.0 stars Go once for the tourist draw.... Oh, Billy, you are no doubt on every Chicago tourist's list because of its SNL fame. And while I have seen the skits from the 1980s a million times, there’s really no other reason to go here than for a bit of nostalgia. Last time I stopped at the Billy Goat was on the way back from a Blackhawks game, ready to celebrate since the visiting team (my hometown!) won! It is more like a diner than a tavern... low key, brightly lit and basically empty. True to the SNL skit, the main menu item is the "Cheezborger" and there are no fries or Pepsi, only chip and Coke. And if your boyfriend happens to ask for fries he will get the SNL skit response of "No fries! Cheeeps!" .... I very much enjoyed my Cheezborger, but it wasn't anything legendary. It's one of those places you have to try once and take some pictures of to say that you did, but that's pretty much it.

Nick Tresnowski Aug 24, 2012 2.0 stars Simply a destination The Billy Goat has built up a reputation as a must-see Chicago landmark over the years. However, it really is overrated as anything other than a place to check off your list of must visit destinations. The food is standard bar quality with a limited selection and the atmosphere is almost run-down starting with the easy to miss entrance tucked under and overpass. The novelty of ordering your food and have the people behind the counter haggle with you about what you want to eat is fun, but other than that it is really not very special. If you want solely and experience then the Billy Goat is a place you should check out, but in my opinion there are much better options for a place to grab a bit all over Chicago and especially in the immediate River North area.

Similar Venues

Schaller's Pump
Historic Bar / Restaurant
Small Bar
Bar / Restaurant
O'Donovan's
Historic Bar / Irish Pub
Piece
Bar / Pizza Place
Twisted Spoke
Bar / Restaurant

Upcoming Events in Chicago

May 18 Flying Lotus

May

18

Flying Lotus
Concert
May

19

Club KISS DJs
Concert
May

20

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
Baseball
May

21

Bullet For My Valentine
Concert
May

22

Of Monsters and Men
Concert

See more upcoming events
in Chicago →

Billy Goat Tavern Dive Bar / Historic Bar / Restaurant / Tavern

See all 19 photos

Expand map / See nearby venues

Collapse map / See photo gallery

Ratings:

Neighborhood:

Address:

Get Directions

Train:

Phone:

Links:

Hours:

Recommended as:

Party Earth Billy Goat Tavern Review

The Scene

Tip from Emma:

Crowd

Entertainment / Music

Food / Miscellaneous

Prices

What to Wear / Dress Code

Hot Nights / When to Go

Close By

Billy Goat Tavern User Reviews

Similar Venues

Upcoming Events in Chicago

Recent Articles