Chicago, Illinois -
Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger
Restaurant reputed to be the place where the idea for the famous "Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger" SNL sketch in the 1970s began, and the source of a curse placed on the Cubs in 1945.
- Address:
- 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
- Directions:
- Michigan Ave. south of Illinois St. Lower Level (you'll understand when you get there).
- Admission:
- Free.
- Hours:
- Su 11am - 2 am; M-W 6 am - 2 am; F 6 am-2 am; Sa 10 am - 3am. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 312-222-1525
Visitor Tips and News About Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger
Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger The original Billy Goat Tavern from 1934 (though it moved from its original location to its current location in 1964 and has branched out to other Chicago locations) inspired writer Don Novello (Father Guido Sarducci) to come up with the famous 1978 SNL "Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger" sketch. The place is full of character, such as a stuffed Billy Goat head over the bar, bathrooms marked in neon: "Nannys" and "Billies," etc.
There is also the history of a curse placed on the Cubs by a disgruntled fan with a Billy Goat in 1945.
The biggest draw is the great, fun, silly atmosphere of the place. Sam Sianis, his family, and staff keep the place hopping and "in line" by continuing to badger customers with good-natured banter and the call for "Cheeseborgers," "No fries. Cheeps," and "No Pepsi, Coke" (apparently they've changed soft drink licensees since 1978). [D. Pruiksma, 08/26/2010]
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