When people think of classic food from Chicago, the Billy Goat Tavern is always one of the famed restaurants on the list. The restaurant, known for its famous “Cheezborger, Cheezborger” has been serving burgers, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, and more for decades.
With no-frills charm and a one-of-a-kind experience, Billy Goat Tavern is one of my favorite stops when I get to Illinois, and with six locations, from the original location on Michigan Ave to Madison St, Navy Pier, and even Midway Airport, you can find Billy Goat Tavern all over the Windy City.
Billy Goat Tavern has been around since 1934 when William Sianis bout the Lincoln Tavern for $205. The check was ready to bounce, but it found instant fame, and by the first weekend, Sianis made enough to cover the check and keep moving forward. From the sign that says “No Pepsi. Coke.” in the original location, to the other famous sign that says, “No Republicans Allowed,”….which brings all the Republicans in, the Billy Goat Tavern is always packed, always popular, and always a restaurant and bar that I visit when I’m in town.
Billy Goat Tavern Chicago Reviews – From Michigan Ave to Madison St and Beyond
The Billy Goat Tavern has a strong reputation online, with plenty of chatter on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp.
On Yelp, Billy Goat Tavern has over 1,300 reviews, and it’s rated with a 3.7/5-star rating. Many reviewers reference the restaurant’s ties to “Saturday Night Live” and the famed “Billy Goat” curse associated with the Cubs. Most of the reviews are positive, but there are some people who lower their rating due to “basic” burgers and big crowds. Really, this place is way more about the experience than the food…which is still pretty good, to be honest.
Sentiments are almost identical on the TripAdvisor page, where diners rate Billy Goat Tavern with a 3.8/5-star rating. One reviewer said they sat down and it took an hour or so to take in all of the things on the wall. This supports the notion that Billy Goat Tavern is one of the most fun, yet fast-paced place, you can visit in Chicago.
Billy Goat Tavern Chicago Menu
The menu at Billy Goat Tavern is straightforward: cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and a few sandwiches. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cheezborger—grilled simply, served fast, and loaded with character. Fries are famously blocked from the menu, and instead replaced by potato chips as the standard side. Pair your meal with a cold beer or soda, and you’ve got the expanded Billy Goat experience. While not gourmet, the menu sticks to what it does best—classic, no-fuss food that satisfies.
Billy Goat Tavern Chicago Dress Code
As you might expect, the Billy Goat Tavern is as casual as it gets. There’s no dress code, and patrons often drop in wearing jeans, t-shirts, or even Cubs gear if they’re heading to or from a game. Comfort is the rule here, not formality. I really respect the loyalty to the Cubs after seeing how people all look up into the corner to watch the game on a screen during the afternoon. This is NOT a sports bar, yet everyone is glued to the game. It’s something you can’t put in words and I have a lot of respect for the fans after seeing this first hand.
Billy Goat Tavern Chicago Location & Hours
Billy Goat Tavern (Original Location – Other locations are open and located throughout the city.)
430 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 222-1525
Website: www.billygoattavern.com
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7 AM – 11 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 7 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
This is a MUST visit venue in Chicago. We recommend this one as well as the other establishments below that we wrote reviews about.
Check Out Billy Goat Tavern and See a Real Chicago Landmark
Billy Goat Tavern is a true Chicago landmark. The pros? A legendary history, quick service, and iconic cheeseburgers. The cons? The food is simple and may not wow those looking for something upscale. Still, for anyone visiting Chicago, grabbing a Cheezborger here is more about soaking up tradition than fine dining—and it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
