Billy Goat Tavern: User Reviews

Save your money
By Doris from florida, July 10, 2008

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Lots of talk about how great this place is, but I was thoroughly disgusted by the poor food and service. The cook/ cashier set our burgers out on the counter, open-faced and unwrapped, leaving us to pick them up and take them to our table. The place smelled terrible, the burgers were horrible, and I felt cheated out of $30 for a "meal" for 4. Save your money -- don't waste time eating here. Go see it if you're interested, but stop at the door, take a photo, and RUN to the nearest McDonald's if you're looking for a burger.

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No trip to chicago is complete without stopping at the Billy Goat
By the scout from up north, October 20, 2007

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Having heard and read about the Billy Goat for years we made a detour and ate and drank there . It was as expected a real chicago dive . we come back each trip to the windy City . The food and drink are not what draws one to the Billy Goat it is the total experience . I hope to be able to take my children there one day and let them hear " NO PESPI COKE and YOU GET A DOUBLE CHEESE ."

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The original, and in my...
By Bob from Des Plaines, IL, June 26, 2006

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The original, and in my opinion, still champion. The place hasn't changed in 30 years! As the official Metromix review states, there are laminated copies of legendary Chicago newspaper columns on all the walls. Is the food great? Probably not(but the Kaiser roll and pickles are good.) But the great thing about this place is that it has managed to survive without becoming trendy. And, it is a great homage to Chicago's great journalists, including the great Mike Royko. And, with the cooks doing the "Cheezburger, cheezburger,not fries, chips" bit, the spirit of John Belsushi lives on! Not pretty or fancy but it's one of those unique Chicago places that truely deserves it legendary status.

Magical, Intoxicating yet very earthy....
By Dan Nibblett from Pleasant Hill, OR, July 7, 2004

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Magical, Intoxicating yet very earthy. As a Saturday Night Live fan from early on, I was thrilled to visit the motherland. Yes, the burgers are for real! You also must try the house beer, very unique. Our High School is the Billies, and when I presented a couple items to the staff, they returned inkind Billy merchandise. I am making a special trip this summer and this time my wife will experience the magic that is the Billy Goat Tavern.

Lured by the name and...
By Stacy * from Grand Rapids, MI, February 1, 2004

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Lured by the name and the mysterious steps leading down from Michigan Ave, we enjoyed a Saturday lunch at the Billy Goat. After sitting down to eat, we enjoyed watching unsuspecting tourists (like ourselves)cautiously enter and be cajoled into ordering the double cheeseburger ("It's the best.") and chips ("No fries.") This is a real Chicago burger joint that is obviously enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

There are few culinary landmarks...
By Chris Depre from Chicago, IL, October 29, 2003

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There are few culinary landmarks anywhere that have so much lore and are so revered as the lovable Billy Goat. The burgers rock, the atmosphere is one that can't be missed, a Chicago staple, and I think Joel S should shut the hell up