Cheezborger, Cheezborger…No Pepsi, Coke! The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago –Restaurant Review

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The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

“Cheezborger, cheezborger, no fries – chips, No Pepsi – Coke” – SNL

If you grew up in the late 70s and watched Saturday Night Live you recognize that line.  It became iconic when John Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd made fun of a short-order cook and his assistants.  If you were eating at “The Olympia” you would be watching them yell at the customers and make fun of them because they tried to order something other than a cheeseburger, chips or Coke! Welcome to the original: The Billy Goat Tavern in downtown Chicago.

To be honest with you, I had no idea that this was an actual restaurant (o.k. dive would be a better description).  I soon found out that not only was it opened in 1934 but they were franchised.

The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago.  The famous SNL quote

The original The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago is located near the Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building at 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level (that means in the alley below street level). It is tucked away so you’ll have to search a bit. 

They have 8 locations spread out in downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs including both airports (O’Hare and Midway). There is also a location in Washington, DC.

I love Chicago and have eaten in some pretty amazing places so to come across this tiny dive of a tavern, situated in a back alley… well, it was all about the ‘experience’. Sometimes you have to have a mediocre. I am willing to take one for the team.

Billy Goat Tavern_Chicago_DownshiftingPRO_Inkscrblr_ Restaurant Review Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

Paula Schuck (from Thrifty Momma’s Tips) and I had finished packing after Blogher and we needed to catch a bite to eat before our return trip home.  We asked the bellboy if he could suggest somewhere fun to eat: “Pizza?”  he asked.  “No, not enough time,” I said. Having been to Chicago before, my stop at Uno or Duo was a minimum of 45 minutes for a good deep dish pizza. Not to mention the other 45 minutes to an hour that you’ll have waited to be seated. We needed something quick & dirty.

Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

“Have you ever heard of the ‘Cheezborger, Cheezborger… No Fries, Chips – skit on SNL?” he asked.  “Yes, I loved it”…”Well, the dinner it’s based on is just down the street… you should go.”  Off we went for a culinary adventure to this iconic eatery.  Paula didn’t know about the skit so I later sent her this video so she knew why the guy kept giving her a hard time for ordering a corn beef sandwich.


Watch John Belushi – The Olympia Restaurant in Comedy  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

I am not one to break with tradition when it comes to food.  If you are supposed to order a cheezborger, chips and a Coke… then so be it!  I did get a double cheeseburger because as he stated, the single is too skinny…I’d have more bread and condiments then burger.  You get the burger but you add your own condiments.  Don’t expect anything fancy like mayo and tomatoes. As you can see, from the size of the roll, that is pretty much what I got.  I should have gotten a triple. LOL

Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO - All dressed Burger
THE Cheeseburger at The Goat Tavern in Chicago
Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO
Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

The atmosphere in the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago is old school.  The decor is dated, and the tables are wobbly. Lighting does no one a favour.  The sign is yellowing from the grease that this place has seen through many years serving burgers.  Al those foibles aside, you need to go just to see an iconic diner that dates back to the 50s.  It is just a little bit of fun and a lot of history. I’m pretty sure, that was the last time they did any sort of makeover. 

Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago @DownshiftingPRO

The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago:   3 Stars out of 5

Best Feature: The ambience, the retro diner, the short-order cook

Least impressive: The Corn Beef Sandwich.  The burgers were just O.K.

Recommendation: Go for the fun of it, not the food.  It is a step back in time.

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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.

8 thoughts on “Cheezborger, Cheezborger…No Pepsi, Coke! The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago –Restaurant Review”

  1. I’ve never heard of that before, but then again I’m an 80’s kid, lol. The food sounds delicious and I love that the menu isn’t so complicated. You got to love places that keep tradition!

  2. Oh man! This is sooo great! I can’t believe I missed this place when I was in Chicago! I love going to “hidden gems” where the character and story are still strong. Thanks for sharing this one!

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