Billy Goat Tavern
Established in 1934, it probably wasn't until the famed Saturday Night Live sketch that the Billy Goat Tavern achieved nationwide fame (or at least became known to me!)
"Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!" John Belushi, as the surly diner guy, would respond to any befuddled customer who wanted to vary the order from the canonical "Cheezborger, cheeps, and Coke."
Located in a weird stretch on Michigan Avenue, well, not actually on, but under because the Billy Goat Tavern is underneath Michigan Ave., beneath an underpass! Going in through the doors ("Butt in anytime") you're warned to "enter at your own risk". Once inside, it doesn't really look anything like the SNL set. Head down the steps and sidle up to the counter. The menu is a nice selection of sandwiches made on the grill to your left. In addition to the single, double and triple "cheezborger" you'll find ribeye steak, chicken, etc. Chips are also there, and, sad to say, Coke OR Pepsi!
I couldn't resist the basics, so I got the triple cheeseburger and Pepsi. The cook had them all lined up and my burger rolled off the grill and was slapped on a bun in just about a minute or so. Grab the burger and take a step or two to the "fixin's bar" where you can get tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and onions (sliced or diced).
I dressed up my burger and grabbed a seat (you're on your own for seating). The walls are encrusted with photographs of celebrities -- big small, sports, TV, film, local, national.
And the burger?
Well, it was pretty good. Nice and greasy, flavorful and done nicely. Needless to say, probably not something good your arteries and, yes, the Billy Goat is probably boasting on thirty plus years of SNL notoriety (there are now a bunch in Chicago and even one in Washington).
Still, next time in your Chi-town, wander down the scary steps under under Michigan Avenue. You won't find any Trolls under the Bridge, just the Billy Goat and a tasty "Cheezborger!"
More pictures.
Meal: Lunch
Rating: *****
Address: 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level, Chicago, IL
Website: http://www.billygoattavern.com/
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