Awesome place that's truly historic to Chicago! We visited on a Friday night before heading to a Bulls game. The staff was friendly, the atmosphere was good, and the burgers were truly a hit! These area classic - smash burgers with a topping bar. We will be back! read more

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If you're craving some late-night drunk food, this spot might just hit the mark. It's also a cool place to soak in a bit of Chicago's history. Tucked away under a bridge, the location has a mysterious vibe that adds to the experience. The food itself is pretty average, but they've got drinks and plenty of interesting things to look at while you're there. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Burgers are the best. Smash burger style, add your own b toppings from the condiments bar. They have a long bar that serves Top shelf alcohol as well as old favorites. It's a must when in Chicago. Service is always great and the ambiance is my favorite. Vintage in the best way! Please don't skip this place it's not just Chicago history, it is a special place that reminds me of the best times in life. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Grill area - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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After taking a boat tour on Michigan have, my friend and I decided we wanted a quick bite. Something that was a Chicago staple. One of the locals recommended this place. We had to go down some stairs into a darker area. This area seemed a little NY to me, not in a good way. I couldnt really tell if there was a restaurant down there. The area looked dark and gloomy compared to upstairs on Michigan Ave. Anyway, we proceeded. I saw the BILLY GOAT sign which was just a couple of feet from the stairs. Upon entry it looked very old and felt a little hot. There were about 5 steps we had to walk down to make it to the order counter. I imagine that this is the kind of place that the show "Cheers" was filmed in. There were lots of old black and white photos on the wall. And a long bar on the wall. The tables were red and white checkered. I ordered a double burger which was 7.99. Chips were the side that was offered but I didn't want any. The guy made the burger right in front of me and there was a little "toppings" station off to the right with onions, pickles, relish, ketchup and etc. I added some toppings and took a seat. (Open seating) The burger was REALLY good, I just really wish they offered french fries. As I sat, more and more people entered. It's clearly a hot spot but you'd never know it, just based on the look of the place. Would I go back, absolutely. This is the kind of place that you shouldn't judge based on the look. The burger was bomb. The staff was also friendly. The bathroom was clean. Lol! Thought I should mention that. read more

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Interesting spot! Located in my opinion under the city streets of Chicago! Gotta have the cheeseborger! Yeah said it right with the pickles! read more

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No frills burger joint in the heart of downtown Chicago by the Riverwalk. The burger was fresh and tasty. The double is the way to go sicne a single patty wouldn't be enough protein. They dont do fries - so dont expect it. The drinks at the bar priced well too. Service is quick for food, the bar has one bartender and it is really just a waiting game. Be patient. Enjoy. read more

If you get someone to tell you who is in all the pictures on the wall, you'll get an idea of what this place has been to Chicago over the years. My dad - who was a cop- used to take me here when I was a kid and tell me stories. Get a cheeseburger and your favorite drink. There's no reason not to go. And no way you'll be disappointed you came. You'll probably want to come back. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Billy Goat Pilsner at the bar - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

it's bit tricky to find the location since it's on undergound level, so you have to take the stair down from the street level. you feel you are transported to the old time. very nostalgic feeling. you order and pay at the counter. and they call when ready. food come quickly, service is prompt. no frill burger but still delicious. must try to experience chicago old days/ time read more

A very cool tavern. Their house beer is good. Their burger was good and I'd like to try more. Their service was fast and friendly. I don't think you'll find better prices on Michigan Ave. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Burger and beer - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Went for Dinner Food - 5/5. Cheezborger is simple and delicious. Strong beefy taste, melted cheese, and soft bun. I loved how piping hot the burger was, which made it extra satisfying on a cold night. Pickles are just sweet & sour enough for a break between burger bites. Service - 4/5. Quick and friendly service. Ordering and pick up is all self and you find your own seat. They have a big toppings bar for condiments and toppings. Value - 5/5. The double cheezborger was $7.60, which was fitting for the size. Delicious burger with history at a reasonable price; would definitely recommend! Parking - Street (Metered) read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Double Cheezborger - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Glad to be back at this Chicago staple. Prices are still reasonable and plenty of tables inside to soak up the experience or good for to-go too. Better service than my previous visit; I'm sure she could tell that we were visiting, and we looked her in the eye and thanked her a couple of times, so I'd like to think our appreciation came across. There's something nostalgic about being there, ordering off of a letter board, eating inside with all the photos, putting your own toppings on, and sitting down to eat just a really solid burger. I'm a fries guy, so I would have liked to compliment it with them, but no fries is the rule. The cheese could have been melted a little more, but then the burger patty would have been overcooked, so I get it. That bun brings it all together. A must-stop with any visit to Chicago; here, not the one in Navy Pier or any other location...here. read more

Wasn't impressed with the Billy goat at all, venue was typical fast food environment, Staff hurried customers through, it want busy, I was 3rd in line, 2 people eating, the burger was tasteless. Not quite sure what the rave is in the reviews about this place, I didn't see it, didn't feel it and didn't receive it.. read more

I think this place is great if you are in the area. We stumbled on it because we wanted a quick bite between a tour. The staff were friendly. It gives divey pub which we love. Everyone is just doing there thing. I cannot speak to a lot of the menu items but the burger was good. It hit the spot and was good for the price. We did love the toppings bar. read more

We stopped in after a sugar rush from the Museum of Ice Cream on a Friday afternoon. There was a consistent flow of customers but tables were always available and I don't think anyone waited too long for their orders. I had a cheezeborger and root beer. The burger had good flavor from being on the flattop grill (you can watch them make your meals) but the patties were small so I wish I had ordered a double. This original location was full of memorabilia related to the Chicago Cubs and the curse of the Billy goat which was cool. They had some merchandise for sale and while there was a bar, no one was behind it so not sure how you'd order an alcoholic beverage. Overall, I'd be happy to return if I needed a quick meal and was in the area. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Cheeseburger and Cold Drinks - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The burger buns are NOT the same ones I used to get back in the 80's. The new ones are soft and ruin what was once the best burger anywhere. Please return to the Kaiser rolls you had years ago! read more

Extremely let down here. We've all seen the SNL Cheeburger, Cheeburger skit so I made sure I stopped by to check out the spot when I was in the area. It had all the make up of a god place...old decor, old school furniture, simple walk up and order while the guy makes the burger 3 feet from you. Only to have it be one of the worst burgers ive ever had. The bun is oversized which is unfortunate because the burger is severely undersized. The cheese is typical American cheese, but had a weird consistency to its melt. So I ordered the Cheeburger like the skit did. I ordered the chips because "no fries, chips." and I ordered Pepsi because "no coke, Pepsi." Only to find they dont have Pepsi they HAVE COKE!! Ok, its an SNL skit that took some liberties maybe, but it did give my childhood memories a hit. Its a fine place if you're in the area and looking for a quick burger, it was out to me in 2-3 minutes, but its NOT a burger you're going to say "That was a good burger." Put it on par with McDonalds quality, but actually McDonalds probably would win out. read more

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A classic for so many reasons. And a MUST stop tourist or resident. A chunk of history you can put in your pocket when you stop in here. I had a cheezborger, chips, and a Diet Coke Better not be looking for fries It did not disappoint Love it Thanks guys , awesome as always read more

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We were recommended to come here from our server after eating at Lou Malnati's upstairs. They have signs outside but if we weren't looking, we wouldn't know about this iconic place. The bartender working that day was hilarious, had no filter and was such a good time. She made us feel as though we were locals. We came in for drinks and sat at the formica bar, history adorned the walls. Although we didn't have burgers here we had them on our way out at Midway, it was delicious there, I'm sure they are 5/5 here. Vibes are chill, I'm sure it gets packed for Cubs, Bears, and other sports nights. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Outside - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place used to be great. Now they have some young kid at the register who doesn't take anyone's orders seriously or right. You say single he says doubles. Then when u correct him he tells u ok kiddie burgers. It's annoying and super childish and makes me not want to return. Why can't we make this simple place an easy place to order from. The burgers are good but the cashier service is just down right annoying now read more

Fast service. Ample seating. Open late. Simple menu but great food. There's a bar inside too! Will come back. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Double Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

An old school diner feel to a burger joint!! Reading about the history of this place and the "Billy Goat Curse" was super fun and their "Cheezborgers" were delicious with no frills but very affordable (~$5 for a single, ~$7 for a double)! They have drinks as well and it seems like a nice place for people to come together and chat for a get together or an after work outing. As someone who hates pickles, I was surprised by their pickles that you can add at the counter! They are sweet and taste more like fresh cucumbers to me than typical pickles but complement the burger really well. They also have grilled onions, raw onions, ketchup, mustard, and relish you can add to your burger. Another thing to mention is that they don't have fries, just chips! So if you're in the mood for burgers and fries, this may not be the best place. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Outside - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A very iconic Chicago place, thanks to SNL and other comedians (such as Bill Murray) that made it famous. I was told that if I were to go to the BGT, this was the location to go...and I would pass that advice to any Chicago tourist! The guy who took my order seemed to have read my mind as he knew I wanted a double cheeseburger, which he put on the grill right away. Also got a bag of chips and drink. Did not sit at the bar or get alcohol...maybe next time! The burger was so delicious, partly thanks to the condiments bar, that I ordered an additional cheeseburger (which was equally great)! Definitely worth checking out! read more

I've only experienced Chicago as a traveler--and when those trips sucked, Billy Goat Tavern made everything better. It's the only reason, aside from Rossi's Liquors, that I can think of to go back, and it's a pretty solid reason. Sorry to the rest of Chicago--you've been beat by smash burgers. read more

Came into town for an ELO concert and got there an hour before doors opened and we were starving. After walking for a few blocks we saw either Billy Goat or a Subway. Definitely made the right choice by stopping here. Walked in and saw a line 6 deep and thought to myself this will be awhile. Not at all! It's a super efficient assembly line. Ordered and got our 2 burgers and fries in under 1 minutes. They have all the condiments next to the counter so you can add whatever you'd like. I was very impressed with the service, food and prices. 2 double burgers and fries were $20. If you're a Chicago sports fan this place is for you with all the history of their teams that play in the United Center. read more

Classic no frills spot featured by Belushi. Solid burger and service isn't far off from the SNL skit. Worth stopping by read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome spot for nostalgia and also for a great burger! The folks were great and it hit the spot to have a beer and at least one delicious Billy Goat burger, you will crave the burger again, guaranteed! read more

This was an awesome dive bar with great prices. If u are looking for upscale don't go. If u are looking for a good burger (didn't try the dogs) and cheap beer u need to try them. I will go back again when downtown! read more

I love this tavern! The fact it's down below the city is super cool. The burgers are AMAZING! The service is quick and simple. I would absolutely eat here again and recommend it to everyone! read more

Exactly what you'd expect. Go in get yelled at by the guy behind the counter for your order. Get a great Italian beef and a mid burger. Get a seat from a raving Blackhawks fan but he likes you bc of your baby. And get out. Chill but intense vibes, kinda like the bear. Best Italian beef I've had in my 1 year in Chicago. Also veerrryyy reasonable prices. read more

Late night burger run with the boys! Great spot for a last minute bite or just for a nice casual meal. Fresh food made to order and extremely good burgers. Toppings bar make it easy for everyone to grab and go. Great pickles! Definitely coming back the next time I'm in town. read more

It's a place steeped in Chicago history and character so for that reason I felt like I have to give it three stars. But the burgers aren't great and service can be spotty at times. Watch the SNL skit before going and enjoy the atmosphere but don't have high expectations for your meal. read more

Do you want a very simple and very delicious cheeseboiger? Well have I got the place for you. This historic burger place still exists for a very good reason. While I have been familiar with the classic SNL sketch inspired by this place, I wanted to come for the food and I'm glad I did. I would def return. read more

Billy Goat Tavern - Chicago - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got a double cheeseburger both bacon and grilled onions, got mustard-ketchup-mayo at the condiments bar. Loved this burger. No nonsense. They used slices of tillamook cheese, and it was so hot and melty it had a tiny bit of cheese pull with each bite. I got fries and cheese sauce. I think the sauce was their own? The sauce was good, nothing to write home about, but the fries were perfect. read more

Best burger I've had in a while! If you're a regular guy, go for the triple burger. The line looked long but goes real fast. The place is the perfect old school tavern, looks straight from the 60s or something. Tons of old pictures. Great quick stop for lunch and a beer. read more

Great place to feel like you're walking into the 1940's or 1950's. Great tavern for beer, burgers and hotdogs. It's a must visit type of tavern if you're in Chicago. Great, friendly service and reasonable prices. read more

Food and service has gone downhill. This is not what it used to be, sadly. Julian, the scrawny guy at the counter, is a prick.

Trying the infamous Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago!! They have been around since 1934 and have been serving up a mean hamburger that was even featured on Saturday Night Live. I decided to try this place out because of its popularity and also a few friends from LA also said it is a must to come here. It's an old-school place where everything inside has memories of the past. It's pretty cool to take in the history and also to try their hamburger. I got a single patty because I don't eat much and you can put whatever toppings you want which is in a topping bar next to where you pick up your order. It was delicious and what I would think it would taste like. Beefy and the bread is nicely toasted. Overall it is a nice chill spot and I'm glad I got to enjoy it here. read more

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We had Chicago dogs here on a food tour. It was the best part of the tour. There was the perfect amount of toppings that didn't take over the flavor of the hot dog and were perfectly balanced among themselves. The peppers were just spicy enough and not too much. Even though we were only there for a short time it was obvious that the employees are kind and have many locals they take good care of. The place is fun and inviting. I would return. read more

Very cool old place to eat. The best polish dog I have ever had. Can't wait to go back.

It's a simple meal in a low key setting. Sometimes you need simple and low key. Order at the register. They don't have fries. They have a selection of chips. No fries. If you order soda, they will ask if you want ice. The order comes quickly. You have to add your own accoutrement at the condiments bar. Your choices are: onions, pickles, relish, mustard and ketchup. The walls are adorned with photos. Take a gander. It's a walk down memory lane. It's located under the main Michigan Ave. If you are at the Gwen Hotel, exit at the drop off downstairs, make a left. Cross the street. Make a left at the next street and the restaurant will be on your left as you go into the tunnel. Enjoy! read more

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