Billy Goat Tavern (The Original) image

Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)

Restaurant Fast food restaurant Hamburger restaurant American restaurant

Well-known hub specializing in cheeseburgers, plus hot dogs & other fast food in a no-frills venue. People often mention burger, good, Chicago, chips, great, cheeseburger, double, Goat, visit, burgers,


Address

Lower 430 North, Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Website

www.billygoattavern.com

Contact

+1 312-222-1525

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (3.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: burger (22) good (13) Chicago (12) chips (9) great (8) cheeseburger (8) double (8) Goat (7) visit (6) burgers (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Long D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service and great food. Food comes out relatively fast. The burger is very flavorful. The steak is juicy and tender. Price is reasonable. It's a great place to hang out. I will definitely come back for more.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DR. ALVIN T. 7 months ago on Google • 333 reviews
    We enjoyed our visit to this iconic and historic eatery during our recent trip to Chicago! It felt nostalgic to enjoy an old fashioned cheeseburger lunch in this special unique underground location. The food was not groundbreaking but fun, delicious nonetheless still a good value for the money . The staff were friendly. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 TX _Marauder (. 2 years ago on Google
    First time to Chicago, had to come here as a fan of the SNL skit. Little confused cause they said the burgers were small so I was thinking slider. Ordered two cheezborgers. They were regular sized. Good thing I didn’t get chips. Bothers were good.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 victoria S. 1 year ago on Google
    So we read about this place and had to see it for ourselves! We walked down the steep steps as we entered the restaurant and were immediately greeted by staff. Really good burger! Order a triple as the patty’s are small. I imagine this place has not changed since it opened years ago and no money has been spent to remodel. It’s an original!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael Wu P. 3 months ago on Google • 1020 reviews New
    We got the triple cheeseburger, a sausage, and Italian beef. The food was great, but this place is rather old, and it is because it has historical significance. It's the original Billy Goat Tavern, which is now a chain in Chicago metropolitan area. The atmosphere is casual, but remember you're not here for the atmosphere or the service, you are here for the cheeseburger and the legendary story of Billy the Goat.

  • 5/5 Samantha C. 2 years ago on Google
    Quirky dive bar in the heart of Chicago. Off the main path. Drinks are strong and unique (loved the Irish Goat) and the food is fresh and cooked to order right in front of you. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is fun. Tried the egg & bacon cheeseburger and the double cheeseburger - both were a hit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amin 1 year ago on Google
    this is old and cool. Billy Goat Tavern is a fast food whit western decorations and a lot of posters and pictures on the wall. It's not a fancy or luxury place and tables, chairs, and the bar are very old-fashioned and nice and I love it. here almost always is crowded but the chef and employees are very fast and do your order in a minute. I eat burger, cheese burger and chips.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John B. 1 year ago on Google
    The burger was great! The kitchen staff was friendly! The bar is vintage and nostalgic. The bartender just played on his phone and paid no attention to the guests. I would highly recommend the dark draft beer. I would give 5 stars if the bartender was friendly, welcoming, and attentive which he was not at all.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Charlie T. 7 months ago on Google • 931 reviews
    My friend told me about this place and the history of it and told me it's a must go place. I stopped by, and the interior has that an old diner feel to it. The walls are decorated with many memorable pictures. The menu is pretty simple, and the food comes out quick. I ordered the single burger and then dressed it up myself at the condiment station. The burger was simple and tasty.

  • 4/5 Brent B. 6 months ago on Google • 187 reviews
    Cool place to visit. It's a very unique vibe. The burgers are good, but their toppings are a little weak (no hot peppers, tomatoes, etc.). Also they ran out of grilled onions and mayonnaise. How can you run out of these, when you're a burger joint? I did like the kaiser. I imagine this is probably what McDonald's was like, when it was run by the McDonald's brothers. Triple is too much, single is too little. Play the middle and go for a double.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bessy T. 8 months ago on Google
    Finally came to this classic spot. Never had it before but used to walk past it a lot Such a Chicago staple from 1934 with thin patties and a classic feel. Menu in the restaurant is so old, I love it There's a station for your own comments + onion, pickles, relish Recommend coming here at least one and to get the double or triple cheezborger to balance out the bun vs meat ratio. The patties are on the thinner side, with crispy edges Add grilled onions if you're down!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tristan 2 months ago on Google • 426 reviews New
    What a really cool hidden gym in downtown Chicago land. Not easy to find. Actually you gotta go below one street level to find it. Tons of cool memorabilia inside dating back to 1934. They brew their own IPA, Pilsner and dark beer which are all excellent and on tap. Bring cash! The hamburgers are outstanding, but no, french fries chips!

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 2 years ago on Google
    First time visiting yesterday. I had double cheeseburger no bun, chips, coke with ice. All the add ons were on the side to add yourself. Such a hidden gem. Decor fabulous, food amazing! 5 stars all day!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lee K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the original place under Michigan Ave. Gotta go there at least once. Don’t let the line scare you, they are fast. Classic double burger, great soft bun to soak up the juices. The pickles in the condiment were surprisingly delicious. Also had a ribeye sandwich and grilled cheese. The Curse Breaker with Jalapeños was the best.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jamison I. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nothing special about this place, but it had a solid vibe. Good for a quick bite and decent burger. Had some beers they brewed themselves which is always cool. Also a very affordable spot especially for the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pat L. 1 year ago on Google
    A definite must go. Not only the food was great but the atmosphere is top notch. Of course I got the double cheezborger and chips with drink all for just under $12. The burger was good. Like really good. I don't know what else to tell you. Atmosphere is a site to see. Clothing is also available for purchase. A shirt is just under $28 and is perfect to wear to a cubs game. This place is top notch!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy L. 2 years ago on Google
    I some how stumbled into this place walking around the city. I love the diner look and feel! Burger was top notch. Will be back for sure. They have a couple of locations now that I looked it up but I love the feel of this location. GREAT BEER as well!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Danielle S. 2 years ago on Google
    Burgers are decent....But, I feel like I'm walking more into a bar than a burger joint. And FYI if you go be sure to get condiments from the right of the cash register. Because, I learned the hard way condiments don't come on the food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Levnon 2 months ago on Google • 340 reviews New
    Delicious burgers in a nice, cozy, and legendary bar that offers a lot of beverages. The burgers are nothing out of the ordinary, just solid burgers with American cheese, and few toppings (pickles, onions, relish) you can add yourself.

  • 5/5 Tom G. 3 months ago on Google • 318 reviews New
    Perfect place to grab a quick, reasonably priced burger and a beer. Nothing fancy, but great food and a ton of charm. Great stop if you're downtown and looking for a bite to eat.

  • 5/5 Rin S. 2 months ago on Google • 147 reviews New
    On my last day in Chicago I decided to stop by this place for lunch for the 1st time. Just as soon as I walked in someone started yelling "Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, double Cheeseburger the best", I said I wanted a Triple Cheeseburger and he said " Triple Cheeseburger even better". This is a MUST place to be added to your list of place to see in Chicago. We had a blast, the folks working were so friendly and nice. Can not wait until next time in Chi-Town.....now, for some reason, I am craving a Cheeseburger! As seen on Saturday Night Live. Highlight Link to see the SNL skit: https://youtu.be/Y1tFx5xKrSI?si=PoUOPmKgGLfseV2g

  • 5/5 Michael B. 5 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    I was recommended this tavern from a co worker to try. It was a very interesting place. At first it was hard to find. I finally realized it was under the Wrigley building by main road. (Under the road) the menu is very easy and simple. I ordered a cheesy burger, chips, and drink. You get to build you own burger with choices of mayo, ketchup, mustard, onion, and pickles. They have a full bar with beer and liquor.

  • 5/5 Bachir C. 7 months ago on Google
    A Chicago classic with very affordable prices, classic single patty cheeseburger for around $6. Self service, the burgers comes basic but you can add your own relish, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and hot Louisiana sauce.

  • 4/5 Benjamin R. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a chicago staple, anyone should go and experience this place at least once in their life. For us, we enjoyed our cheeseburgers. But I wish they had some of their other items in stock to try. Literally the burger was the only item that was available to order when we visited. Located in a very unique location, it can be difficult to find if you don’t know where to look.

  • 5/5 Chris N. 1 year ago on Google
    Nowhere near the best burger I've ever had but it was good. The atmosphere inside is great with a mix of locals and tourists, construction workers in on their break or people sitting at the bar watching the baseball. It's apparently a Chicago institution and it shows, the grub is cheap and cheerful and good choice of beers

  • 5/5 Eze- O. 6 months ago on Google
    The feeling is inexplicable. It’s like going back several decades. From the moment you spot the place under the bridge until the moment you walk in. Ordering is simple and they have plenty of room to sit. The food…? Simple. Nothing really special. Is not about the flavors, it’s about the place.

  • 5/5 Coty C. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was very good and well priced. I was happy with the food and the service! If you’re near the navy pier and looking for a tourist place to visit I’d highly recommend stopping here.

  • 5/5 Tom 6 months ago on Google
    Another diamond in the rough, I stumbled upon this place when I needed a quick bite to eat and we were walking down town. I was pleasantly surprised how busy they were, that's what originally caught my attention there was hundreds of people around the building. So I stopped by for a quick bite and I was shocked with how truly satisfying that meal was. Let your friends and family know about this place if you're in the area check them out, you won't regret it.

  • 5/5 Jiseob K. 7 months ago on Google
    I've heard that Billy Goat Tavern is a cheeseburger restaurant with a rich history in Chicago. The ingredients were incredibly simple: just a patty and cheese. Surprisingly, the patty was very thin, making the burger look more like a snack. However, its fantastic flavor had me wishing for five or six more. You shouldn't miss out on Billy Goat Tavern if you're in Chicago. It's an experience you must have. Thank you for the delicious meal :)"

  • 4/5 Nicole H. 2 years ago on Google
    Customer service wasn't very friendly but the food was decent. Ordered a burger when I first walked in. You add all the toppings yourself. Next I hit up the bar. No drink menu was disappointing so I just grabbed a beer.

  • 5/5 David B. 1 year ago on Google
    Full of tradition and history. I thought this classic would be relying on its brand. The chargers were actually impressively good. Very quick cooking, delicious flavors, and even the bun was surprisingly delicious. The walls at this location are covered in history and famous people that have visited over the years. At this location it's no fries, cheeps only (chips).

  • 5/5 TheSUNGlassKid 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Confused the heck out of me on how to get there just by looking at the map, but there are signs pointing you in the right direction on Michigan Ave. (It's down.) Personal anecdote, but I don't care for wood panel bars. Was never really a style I cared for. The Billy Goat is somehow different. I chalk it up to the lighting, which is bright and warm but not overwhelming. The picture frames up add some history and style to the place. But the thing that impressed me the most was that it's quiet, even at rush hour. There isn't the loud roar you find at bars where you have to raise your voice and leaves your ears ringing after. Even with almost standing room only, it's a quiet and relaxing place to take the weight off your feet after exploring the city. But what of the food? It's good! The second time I went after ordering my food (double burger), it was already sitting and waiting for me to pick up at the register. It's up to you to put toppings on your burger, of which there's a limited choice to pick from. (Pickles, onions, mayo, ketchup, and mustard as of my visit in October of 2023.) Not by any means the best burger ever on God's green earth, but it's not a frozen patty they throw on the griddle to warm up. Though be warned: If you come here hungry for a filling meal, a single isn't going to cut it, as I found out at my first visit. Fortunately, the line moves so fast that you can hop back in to order another entrée (hot dog at my first visit, still good). For the side there's only chips to pick from, Lay's chips mostly. Wonderful atmosphere, good food, feel free to grab a t-shirt if you're so inclined.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 312-222-1525 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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