The Billy Goat is Dining Excellence

Thankfully, I am not referring to eating the actual billy goat. Rather, I am referring to dining and drinking at the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, Illinois. I doubt that I will ever find a better example of “Fine Dining” than the Billy Goat Tavern. Consequently, I never miss a chance to visit this dining favorite. Initially, just the journey to find the Billy Goat is noteworthy. Secondly, the tavern’s involvement in Chicago history is outstanding. Next, the classic “Saturday Night Live” connection only adds to the fun. Finally, it’s just a great dive bar. True, it does not have PBR on tap. But, all things considered, the Billy Goat is dining excellence.

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To start the fun, the Billy Goat is an adventure just to find it. You start on the iconic Michigan Avenue. But, its not the pretty part of Michigan Avenue. Its UNDER Michigan Avenue. As Carol demonstrates above, find the stairwell on west side of Mich Ave, just north of the Chicago river. Now, descend the dirty, dark stairwell to Lower Michigan Ave. When you get to the bottom, you will lose faith. You will think that nothing good can possibly be down here. Hang in there. At the bottom, just bear to your right. If you came down the correct stairway, you will immediately see the Billy Goat Tavern appear on your right. You have arrived at my favorite Chicago experience…the Billy Goat Tavern.

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OK, now that you have found it, let’s talk history. There are two famous, long lasting curses in the history of Major League Baseball. One curse was on the Boston Red Sox (i.e. the curse of the Bambino). And, one curse was on the Chicago Cubs. Prior to 1945, the Cubs were one of the most successful MLB franchises. In the 1945 World Series, the Cubs were leading the Detroit Tigers two games to one. However, a man named, William “Billy Goat” Sianis, wanted to enter the stadium and watch Game 4 with his goat, “Murphy.” The stadium security prevented them from entering. Furthermore, the issue even escalated to the owner of the Cubs, P.K. Wrigley. But, in the end, Billy Goat Sianis and Murphy were denied entry into Game 4. This prompted Billy Goat to issue his famous curse…

“The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field.”

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Well, to make a long story short, the Cubs lost the next 3 games, losing the 1945 World Series. The success of the Cubs ended that day. For the life of Billy Goat Sianis, the Cubs sucked, never winning a World Series or NL pennant. In 1969, in his last year of life, Billy Goat Sianis said that he officially lifts the curse. However, apparently it takes awhile for these power enchantments to wear off. In 2016, the Cubs finally won a pennant and World Series. Thus, the curse of Billy Goat Sianis had finally worn off. As I hope you have guessed, Billy Goat Sianis was the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern. The walls of the tavern are rich with Chicago history with a particular emphasis on the Curse of Billy Goat Sianis. Quite the history, but wait, there is more. Let’s talk “Cheezborger, cheezborger…”

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Everything that I am about to describe only applies during peak hours. In off hours, the staff is a bit more relaxed. But, show up on a weekday at noon, then you will get the real Billy Goat experience. First, there will be a line which will help you prepare yourself. Then, when it’s you turn, you must step up to the counter and face a rather unfriendly looking Greek guy. He looks at you and says…”double-o-cheese?”…with appropriate accent. That’s a double cheeseburger…and, that’s all he really wants to make. For Seinfeld fans, think “Soup Nazi.” Do not think of making special requests. Just say…”Yes, thank you.” This allows the line to move faster and keeps the mean Greek guy relatively happy. This experience was so unique that it caught the eye of classic Saturday Night Live of the 1970s…

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Back when Saturday Night Live was good, the “Cheezborger Cheezborger” skit was a weekly staple. As many of the actors/writers were from Chicago, they were familiar with the Billy Goat Tavern. Thus, the “Cheezborger Cheezborger” skit was entirely based on the Billy Goat Tavern. SNL called it “cheezborger,” while the Billy Goat says “double-o-chesse.” But, the scary Greek guy and high pressure ordering was all straight from the Billy Goat. If you are too young to know this skit, youtube it. Regrettably, my recent visit to the Billy Goat was in off hours. However, Carol and I still ordered the “double-o-cheese” in the spirit of all that is good and proper.

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Needless to say…but, I will say it anyway…the Billy Goat Tavern is Americana Fine Dining at the highest level. Initially, you have to follow a darkened path to lower Michigan Avenue to find this oasis of culture. For Chicago, its highly affordable drinking and dining. The place is rich in Chicago history, not to mention defining the historical performance of the Cubs. Lastly, its so unique that SNL based an entire skit on the Billy Goat Tavern. I can not imagine checking anymore boxes. If you ever get to Chicago, follow my earlier directions and find the Billy Goat. If you go during peak hours, please do not embarrass yourself by asking questions or making special requests. The Billy Goat is dining excellence. So, just say yes to the “double-o-cheese” and quickly move along. Have a wonderful day! PT

Thank you for reading “The Billy Goat is Dining Excellence” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

If you want more Fine Dining, check this out https://travelingwithpt.com/ode-to-the-hamburger/

If you want to read more on the Billy Goat Tavern, read on https://www.billygoattavern.com/

p.s. The Billy Goat Tavern has franchises and newer locations. Don’t bother with them! If its not the original on lower Mich Ave…its NOT the Billy Goat Tavern.