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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. Source of a curse placed on the Cubs in 1945 and lifted in 2016.

Address:
430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL
Directions:
Michigan Ave. south of Illinois St. Lower Level (you'll understand when you get there).
Hours:
Su 11am - 2 am; M-W 6 am - 2 am; F 6 am-2 am; Sa 10 am - 3am. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
312-222-1525
Admission:
Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About 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.

Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger

Fun, autographed photos of SNL comedians grace the walls, including one of John Belushi. Ironically, they no longer serve Pepsi, only Coke.

[Stephanie Stuckey, 05/03/2023]

Billy Goat Tavern.

Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger

Cheap food and local beer. The Billy Goat Tavern is a perfect place to watch a baseball game.

[Gretchen, 07/11/2019]

Billy Goat Tavern.

Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger

At the famous Billy Goat Tavern, the beer is great and the people are even better! Cheezborger, cheezborger!!

[Gail, 06/24/2014]

Sign.

Billy Goat Tavern - Cheeseborger Cheeseborger

The tavern is in the lower level, so look for the stairs heading down. Other than initially not knowing where to look, the place does not disappoint. It's a rowdy, rollicking fun fest. Enjoy!

[Drumbabe, 08/23/2013]

Billy Goat Tavern.

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]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Famous Rocks of the Tribune TowerFamous Rocks of the Tribune Tower, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
Monument to Jack Brickhouse, Famous AnnouncerMonument to Jack Brickhouse, Famous Announcer, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
Chicago in MiniatureChicago in Miniature, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Frankenmufflerman, Burbank, IL - 13 mi.

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