Billy Goat Tavern

Billy Goat Tavern, home of the infamous “Cheezborger”, offers an all-day menu including breakfast plates, burgers, hot sandwiches, egg sandwiches and sides.

This popular and widely recognized Chicago restaurant/bar became famous when it served as inspiration for a Saturday Night Live skit featuring the late comic actor John Belushi. It is the fifth Billy Goat Tavern to open in the city, and Navy Pier Pier visitors are guaranteed to go away happy after ordering a “Cheezborger.”

MORE ABOUT BILLY GOAT TAVERN

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) and attracted mainly sports fans. 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.

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.

In 1964, Billy Goat moved his tavern to its present subterranean location. Since then, the Billy Goat Tavern has expanded to include locations on Washington Street (Loop), Wells Street (South Loop), the “Billy Goat Inn” on Madison Avenue (United Center), Navy Pier, O’Hare (Terminal 1, Concourse C), and Washington D.C.