Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
The legendary Billy Goat Tavern, famed for its 'Cheezborger' and beloved for its historic, no-frills Chicago atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The legendary Billy Goat Tavern, famed for its 'Cheezborger' and beloved for its historic, no-frills Chicago atmosphere.
"This iconic spot offers a taste of Chicago history with its legendary burgers and lively, old-school vibe."
Go for the Double Cheeseburger
Many recommend the double cheeseburger for a more satisfying experience due to the thin patties.
Sit at the Bar
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and chat with bartenders and fellow patrons while having a beer.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$
Phone
(312) 222-1525
Address
Lower 430 North, Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website
billygoattavern.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 'Cheezborger'
Experience Chicago's legendary 'Cheezborger' at this historic, no-frills tavern. A must-try!
Nostalgic Dive Bar Atmosphere
Soak in the authentic, old-school Chicago vibe of this basement tavern, a true local gem.
DIY Toppings Bar
Customize your burger with a variety of fresh condiments and toppings at the self-serve station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go for the Double Cheeseburger
Many recommend the double cheeseburger for a more satisfying experience due to the thin patties.
Sit at the Bar
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and chat with bartenders and fellow patrons while having a beer.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, try visiting during less busy times to still enjoy the vibrant vibe.
Find the Entrance
The tavern is in a lower level; keep an eye out for signage as it's easy to miss.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go for the Double Cheeseburger
Many recommend the double cheeseburger for a more satisfying experience due to the thin patties.
Sit at the Bar
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and chat with bartenders and fellow patrons while having a beer.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, try visiting during less busy times to still enjoy the vibrant vibe.
Find the Entrance
The tavern is in a lower level; keep an eye out for signage as it's easy to miss.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Billy Goat Tavern is celebrated for its iconic 'Cheezborger' and the authentic, nostalgic Chicago dive bar atmosphere. Diners consistently praise the delicious, no-frills burgers, fast service, and affordable prices. While some find the menu limited and the location a bit hidden, the overall experience is considered a must-do Chicago classic.
"I absolutely love this place. I love the location, like it's a secret. It's a historical diner. It's a small restaurant/diner with a small menu. They have cheeseburgers and hotdogs, no fries. There is a bar area with seating as well. We got the burgers and added our own toppings. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. The staff was very friendly and the service was quick. The decor was vintage. I will definitely go back next time I am in the area."
Jacqui
"Somehow landed here and let me tell you…the burger was SO good! I was originally going to stick with a single patty, but went with the double and couldn’t be happier with that choice. Everything is made fresh to order—one cashier running the counter while the chef is back there flipping burgers to perfection.
The menu is short and sweet, which makes ordering super easy. They also have a little topping station with extras like pickles, onions, and ketchup so you can dress it up how you like.
Since I’m not local, it took me a minute to find the place. Tip: keep an eye out for the signage on the lower level—it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
This spot is honestly in a category of its own. If you’re in the area, definitely worth the stop!"
D’Jillisser K
"A little hard to find because our Uber driver left us in the wrong spot but once we found it … it was sooo worth it. Loved the casual vibe. The double cheeseburger, chips (salt and vinegar) and coke was the perfect meal. The cheeseburger was so delicious. Perfectly made. So glad I went for the double vs. single cheeseburger. It was the ideal amount of meat. Going to try and make one more stop here before leaving Chicago. Thank you to the staff for the best dinner."
Adriana B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Billy Goat Tavern is world-renowned for its iconic 'Cheezborger,' made famous by a Saturday Night Live skit.
No, Billy Goat Tavern famously does not serve fries. They offer potato chips instead.
The original location is in a lower level under Michigan Avenue, so it can be tricky to find. Look for the signage.
Service is generally very fast. Visiting during off-peak hours can help avoid longer lines.
Yes, there's a DIY condiment station where you can add your own toppings like pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.
It's a classic, no-frills dive bar with a lively and nostalgic Chicago atmosphere.
Mentioned in
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It may not be home to Chicago’s best burger (we’ll leave that open to debate), but there’s no denying the fact that the Billy Goat Tavern is a world-renowned restaurant, thanks in part to an appearance on Saturday Night Live as well as owner Billy Sianis placing a supposed Curse of the Billy Goat on the Chicago Cubs back in 1945. Today, it remains a reliable spot to get a no-frills “Cheezborger,” dressed with the toppings you want from the condiment station, plus a cold beer. And the flagship Michigan Avenue outpost is a bit of a hidden secret, tucked away in an underpass beneath the Mag Mile.
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Tribune and Sun Times reporters have guzzled in the subterranean Billy Goat for decades. Order a 'cheezborger' and Schlitz beer, then look around at the…
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The Billy Goat Tavern was immortalized in the SNL skit and when planning our trip, I knew we’d have to stop in at one of their locations. We went with the Navy Pier location – less authentic, but the location is better for families who can then pop into the Children’s Museum or ride one of the ships. The story behind this picture is that Ella was being a bit of a ham out front, doing her best Bill Murray interpretation, when one of the cooks came out and gave her an authentic Billy Goat Tavern cap.
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Among the best places to eat in Chicago, few are as classic and historic as the Billy Goat Tavern (the original opened in the 1930s). The location I listed above is on the “lower-level” of Chicago, meaning its no-frills, Gotham-like location was perfect for the set of some of the Batman movies (which were filmed here!). Billy Goat is most famous for their “cheezborger,” which you are encouraged to order with more than one cheesy meat patty if you desire.
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Billy Goat Tavern, where flavorful simplicity blends with Chicago history!. Furthermore, Billy Goat Tavern, well-known for its renowned “Cheezborger” and easygoing charm, welcomes you to tuck into a menu full of flavorful burgers, sandwiches, and traditional chips. The Navy Pier location provides a taste of Chicago heritage with every bite, whether you’re looking to unwind with friends or refuel before visiting the Pier’s attractions.
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Take a bite of Chicago history at the world-renowned Billy Goat Tavern!. Famous for its iconic “Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger” mantra, this beloved eatery brings a legacy of laughter, tradition, and some of the city’s most classic burgers to Wrigleyville. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Billy Goat Tavern invites you to indulge in its celebrated fare.
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While it may not be the place with the absolute best burgers in Chicago (that’s up for debate), Billy Goat Tavern is definitely a popular Chicago restaurant. It became famous after being featured on Saturday Night Live. Also, the owner, Billy Sianis, did something interesting in 1945 – he put a supposed “Curse of the Billy Goat” on the children of Chicago.
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Not a great place for little kids, the Billy Goat Tavern is a solid pick for pre-teens and teens. With nine locations serving the Chicago area, the chain is a local favorite with a quirky and entertaining back story. The food is worth the trip, but it’s the sarcasm and wit that keep this place popular – not to mention the prices.
Highest-rated Bars in Chicago, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 3.0 / 5 (310 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (3.0/5), Service (3.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $- Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Billy Goat Tavern was made famous by this Saturday Night Live sketch, and it’s definitely worth stopping by to get a cheezeborger. Despite the sketch, they have other food on the menu besides cheeseburgers!
Affordable yet delicious restaurants: around Mag. Mile & Streeterville?
You might also like to try the Billy Goat Tavern, memorialized forever on Saturday Night Live as the "cheezeborger, cheezeborger" place. Just off Michigan Ave. a little further south.
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Sometimes you just want a solid burger, and you can’t beat Billy Goat’s Cheezborger. Plus, it’s quite fun to say it three times in a row. Go ahead and try it — we’ll wait!
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Billy Goat Tavern: This legendary tavern is said to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger. In 1948, a customer asked for a hamburger with cheese, and the rest is history.
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At the historic Lower Michigan Avenue location of Billy Goat Tavern, you might find 87-year-old owner Sam Sianis still calling out, “Cheezborger!
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Originally opened up by Greek Immigrant William “Billy Goat” Sianis in 1934, this hidden tavern has great food and drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit