Great eats abound in the Windy City, but some have been around longer than others. Tied to an astounding history, there’s a timeless restaurant located in downtown that attracts both locals and tourists who are lucky enough to know it by name. Best known for its burgers, you certainly don’t want to miss out on a meal at this incredible place. Keep scrolling for the whole story.
Billy Goat Tavern opened in 1934 under the name Lincoln Tavern and has since expanded to eight locations around the city.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern The original location sits across the street from the United Center (once known as Chicago Stadium), but you can also find this timeless restaurant at Navy Pier and O’Hare.
The restaurant was named after the owner, who was nicknamed “Billy Goat” when a goat fell off a truck and wondered into his restaurant. He even grew a goatee to embrace the name!
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern
This popular eatery has been made famous through several means. Saturday Night Live has a sketch about the place, and it was written about by famed Tribune columnist, Mike Royko.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern The restaurant also claims the Cubs curse. The owner once attempted to take his pet goat to a game for good luck and was denied entrance. It is believed the Cubs lost that game and every other game for 108 years because of this injustice.
Hours vary depending on which location you visit, but you can always catch a bite here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner any day of the week.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern Some locations are even open late (until 2 a.m.)!
The iconic food to order here is the Cheezborger.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern Served on a Kaiser bun and containing 100 percent beef, the sandwich is made with thin patties that you can stack about as high as you like. It typically comes with just cheese, onion, pickles, mustard, and ketchup… according to their website, the goat ate the lettuce and tomatoes!
Other delicious menu items include hot dogs, grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches, and other types of sandwiches.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern
This joint is still a popular place for reporters to go.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern This timeless restaurant has seen the likes of John Kass, Richard Roeper, and Rick Telander, to name a few.
Billy Goat Tavern has multiple locations, but the original is at 430 N Michigan Avenue. You’ll find more information on the restaurant’s Facebook page and website.
Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern
The original location sits across the street from the United Center (once known as Chicago Stadium), but you can also find this timeless restaurant at Navy Pier and O’Hare.
The restaurant also claims the Cubs curse. The owner once attempted to take his pet goat to a game for good luck and was denied entrance. It is believed the Cubs lost that game and every other game for 108 years because of this injustice.
Some locations are even open late (until 2 a.m.)!
Served on a Kaiser bun and containing 100 percent beef, the sandwich is made with thin patties that you can stack about as high as you like. It typically comes with just cheese, onion, pickles, mustard, and ketchup… according to their website, the goat ate the lettuce and tomatoes!
This timeless restaurant has seen the likes of John Kass, Richard Roeper, and Rick Telander, to name a few.
Everyone loves the food at this vintage eatery, but check out 15 more foods Chicagoans can’t live without.
Have you ever visited this timeless restaurant? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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