Are you going to BlogHer ’07 in Chicago? If you’re a food blogger, you’re probably headed to Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill or Topolobampo – if you can get a reservation, that is. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful dinner, but you’ve hardly had a Chicago experience.
If that’s what you’re interested in, come hang out with the real Chicagoans at the world famous Billy Goat Tavern. You know:
Cheezborger! Cheezborger!
No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!
as made famous by Second City alum and Saturday Night Live legends Jim Belushi and Dan Akroyd.
The Billy Goat Tavern isn’t just another Chicago bar. It was selected Best of the Best by New City Chicago in 2002, and was #2 for Must See Sports Destination in the "Food and Drink" category by CNNsi in 2001. It was also ranked #1 in Citysearch: Chicago’s Audience Poll for Best Burger in 2001.
The Billy Goat Tavern was one of five bars nominated as Citysearch: Chicago’s "Editor’s Pick" for Best Local Tradition 2000 – and boy are Chicagoans all about tradition! It was also one of only 12 bars receiving Four Mugs (highest rating) by The Official Chicago Bar Guide in both 1994 and 2001.
My visit to the famed Chicago icon
My friend Mary, a native Chicago gal, took me to the original Billy Goat Tavern nine or ten years ago. She said it was a "have to" place to go. It’s located near the Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building at 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level under the subway tracks.
Yes, the guys at the counter really do say, "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! You want doublecheez?!? Who’s next!?!" It’s a bit overwhelming. You don’t know if you should order or laugh. I stood there speechless, so Mary ordered for me – cheeps, cheezborger, and Diet Coke.
And the food? A classic, greasy, WONDERFUL bar hamburger. I loved the decor too - photographs of local celebrities and articles written by Chicago newspaper columnists from the Chicago Tribune and the Sun Times.
I agree with Mary, the Billy Goat Tavern is a have to Chicago place to go.
(And if you’re going to the BlogHer conference, there is a Billy Goat Tavern location at the Navy Pier. Click here to see the menu. Even so, try to find time to visit the original just for the ambience alone.)
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Miraculously I, I a Chicago native, have yet to hit up The Billy Goat for any borgers or cheeps. Perhaps, coming from the suburbs, I feel I need to “be ready” before I step up to order. Either way…the time will come soon.
Being gluten intolerant, I have to pass on the cheeseburgers, but I do sometimes drop in for a root beer. Friendly place, but for obvious reasons (lower deck location), a trip best taken during the day or in a group.