Billy Goat Tavern- Chicago, IL
Chicago’s famed Billy Goat Tavern opened its doors in 1934 and hasn’t looked back.
Billy Goat Tavern founder William “Billy Goat” Sianis bought the tavern known as Lincoln Tavern for $205. Unfortunately, the check bounced. However, Sianis paid his debt with profits from his first weekend in business.
Sianis was known as Billy Goat because of the goat he adopted. The goat fell out of a truck going by Billy Goat Tavern and walked into the Chicago restaurant. Once Sianis’ new nickname took hold, the name Lincoln Tavern was changed to Billy Goat Tavern.
Sianis was a bit of a business genius as evidenced by his actions in 1944 when the Republican Convention came to Chicago. Sianis hung a sign in his window that indicated Republicans were not allowed in Billy Goat Tavern.
Of course, the Republicans stormed Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago and demanded service.
The original location of Billy Goat Tavern was across from the Chicago Stadium which is now known as United Center.
In 1964, Billy Goat Tavern moved to a new location and soon began to expand the business. New Billy Goat Taverns were established in such locations as Washington Street, Navy Pier, and O’Hare.
William “Billy Goat” Sianis and his goat Murphy soon became famous for more than their restaurant. Billy wanted to go see Game 4. So, Sianis bought two tickets: one for him and one for the goat.
When Sianis and Murphy approached the stadium, they were denied entrance. Sianis became so upset that he placed a curse on the Cubs. Ever since , the Cubs have not been back to the World Series. They have come close, but the continual snubbing of the goat seems to be getting in their way of a World Series win to this day.
Billy Goat and his Billy Goat Tavern rose to an even higher status of fame in 1978. Billy Goat was known for entertaining his guests by shouting out suggestions to try the double cheeseburger, drink Coke and not Pepsi, etc.
In 1978, Loraine Newman, John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd performed a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live mimicking Sianis. This skit only proved fruitful for Sianis and his staff at Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern.
Today, diehard Chicago Cubs’ fans frequent Billy Goat Tavern on a regular basis. Both natives to Chicago and visitors alike unite in their love of the Cubs at Billy Goat Tavern.
These patrons of Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago are in good company. The likes of George W. Bush, George Bush, Bill Clinton, and numerous other politicians have dined at Billy Goat Tavern.
Billy Goat Tavern has been recognized for its place in Chicago’s restaurant history. Billy Goat Tavern has earned the distinction of being the Best of the Best by New City Chicago in 2002. In addition, CNNsi placed Billy Goat Tavern as #2 on its Must See Sports Destination in 2001. Numerous other accolades have been bestowed on Billy Goat Tavern as well.
When you are in Chicago, visiting Billy Goat Tavern will give you a true sense of Chicago and its restaurants. If you would like an authentic restaurant experience in Chicago, be sure to stop by Billy Goat Tavern for your double cheeseburger.
Print This Page
Everest- Chicago, IL - (Mar 14, 2007)
Bice Ristorante- Chicago, IL - (Mar 14, 2007) Billy Goat Tavern- Chicago, IL - (Mar 14, 2007) Lou Malnati's Taste of Chicago- Chicago, IL - (Mar 14, 2007) Giordano's- Chicago, IL - (Mar 14, 2007) Lonie Walker's - (Oct 26, 2006) Keefer's Restaurant - (Oct 26, 2006) TRU of Chicago - (Oct 26, 2006) The Village - (Oct 26, 2006) Harry Caray's Restaurant - (Oct 26, 2006) Charlie Trotter's - (Oct 26, 2006) |
