Billy Goat Tavern

Cool place to visit. It's a very unique vibe. The burgers are good, but their toppings are a little weak (no hot peppers, tomatoes, etc.). Also they ran out of grilled onions and mayonnaise. How can you run out of these, when you're a burger joint? I did like the kaiser. I imagine this is probably what McDonald's was like, when it was run by the McDonald's brothers. Triple is too much, single is too little. Play the middle and go for a double.

My friend told me about this place and the history of it and told me it's a must go place. I stopped by, and the interior has that an old diner feel to it. The walls are decorated with many memorable pictures. The menu is pretty simple, and the food comes out quick. I ordered the single burger and then dressed it up myself at the condiment station. The burger was simple and tasty.

Confused the heck out of me on how to get there just by looking at the map, but there are signs pointing you in the right direction on Michigan Ave. (It's down.) Personal anecdote, but I don't care for wood panel bars. Was never really a style I cared for. The Billy Goat is somehow different. I chalk it up to the lighting, which is bright and warm but not overwhelming. The picture frames up add some history and style to the place. But the thing that impressed me the most was that it's quiet, even at rush hour. There isn't the loud roar you find at bars where you have to raise your voice and leaves your ears ringing after. Even with almost standing room only, it's a quiet and relaxing place to take the weight off your feet after exploring the city. But what of the food? It's good! The second time I went after ordering my food (double burger), it was already sitting and waiting for me to pick up at the register. It's up to you to put toppings on your burger, of which there's a limited choice to pick from. (Pickles, onions, mayo, ketchup, and mustard as of my visit in October of 2023.) Not by any means the best burger ever on God's green earth, but it's not a frozen patty they throw on the griddle to warm up. Though be warned: If you come here hungry for a filling meal, a single isn't going to cut it, as I found out at my first visit. Fortunately, the line moves so fast that you can hop back in to order another entrée (hot dog at my first visit, still good). For the side there's only chips to pick from, Lay's chips mostly. Wonderful atmosphere, good food, feel free to grab a t-shirt if you're so inclined.

Billy Goat Tavern is a good place to get a burger that is pretty basic in nature. The service was good while we were there and our food came out pretty quick overall. The burgers were good and are pretty thin overall so we got the double cheeseburger with it being comparable to a single burger elsewhere. The meat used made it pretty juicy with the two patties & the toppings bar that they have available had everything that you could want to put on your burger. We did like the topping bar being available as it gives an opportunity to get what you want without anything being put on that you end up having to take off. They have chips available which is good, but we wanted some fries so it was somewhat disappointing that this wasn't available as an option. We went on a weekday as soon as they opened so it was pretty quiet for a lunch hour but this was likely due to it being at the beginning & not at the noon hour. Overall it was a good basic burger experience, which is what you want from here a good burger with not a lot of frills.

Finally came to this classic spot. Never had it before but used to walk past it a lot Such a Chicago staple from 1934 with thin patties and a classic feel. Menu in the restaurant is so old, I love it There's a station for your own comments + onion, pickles, relish Recommend coming here at least one and to get the double or triple cheezborger to balance out the bun vs meat ratio. The patties are on the thinner side, with crispy edges Add grilled onions if you're down!