Billy Goat Tavern Lake Street

Came here just to try it because it was "the place to try" in Chicago. Well, the food was OK. The service was not bad.. but I didn't care for the location, even though it was very centrally located. The area just outside of the restaurant reeked of urine, and I almost considered not going in... Once inside, the place was dingy and sterile. Overall, I'd say the saving grace was the "fame" of its food and some of the old photographs on the wall showcasing its past "glories"... and I at least can say that I've been here and tried the iconic "Chicago hot dog".

I had dinner and breakfast here. The burger is the thing to get. Have an egg on it at breakfast time. The breakfast potatos were under cooked. Everything was pretty good. Service was fast and location was pleasantly divey but family griendly.

I feel a little bad for tourists who go to Billy Goat expecting an experience like they would get at Bad Apple. That's not what they do, but if you're not overly fancy you can get a good meal here.I used to stop in here from time to time when I still worked from an office. I never had an issue. This location has fries too.The single is basically a kids meal. Most will probably want the double. The patties are thin and pressed so they form a slight crust on the griddle, which is a specific burger cooking technique. I like the kaiser roll buns they use. And like I said before, the fries here are good.If you still work around there and want a quick, hot lunch, it's worth a visit.

John Belushi got the idea for the SNL "Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger" skit. Third time I've been to Billy Goat over the years, and the atmosphere, food, and decor has not changed from what I can see and remember. It can be difficult to find, as it's not on street level of Michigan Avenue. This is is a fun, friendly place to enjoy beverages, food, fellowship, and watch a ballgame.

First off, no, it isn't "the one under the bridge." That's just a bit north. This is the Loop location on Lake Street.What carries over is the continued, iconic excellence in the making of a damn good burger. I had the Obama burger (with fried egg and grilled onions). Delicious, as expected. The hamburger buns are owed their own hat tip-- delightfully soft with a small gesture of sweetness. All the stuffings were cooked to perfection. It's unusual to not get a near-perfect burger at a Billy Goat. The fries are also cooked the way any fry should be-- so good that even my bacon went in for a taste. While an SNL skit may have made the place famous, decades of Chicagoans haven't needed that to tell us what we already know: Billy Goat makes great burgers.

My friends and I were visiting Chicago in the late summer for an internship and were exploring downtown and needed something quick but cheap to eat.We heard a lot about the Billy Goat Tavern and decided to stop there before heading to Navy Pier. The ambiance of the restaurant is very simple, but in that it's also very comforting in its own sense. The employees are also very very nice, and seem to genuinely care about their job and the customers. The single burgers are very small, and I usually eat A LOT, so I got a double. I'm not sure what the secret is, but these patties were SO good- perfectly warm, salted, seasoned, etc. The tavern also has a unique setup in that after the burger is served, you can put your own toppings on it. My only complaint about the tavern is the drink price. I needed a water, and was surprised to find a measly water bottle (smaller than average, not even a 16oz one) was over $3!

Loved the open condiment bar because I'm a pickle girl so you know I grabbed all of them. You definitely need to get the double because the patties are thin but really good. It's an affordable and quick lunch. The inside isn't anything to write home about but they have a full bar and TVs if you want to stick around. Staff is nice.

...looking for a good refuge from a June heatwave after dipping toes in at the fountain at Millennium Park, I discovered this location was very close, and on the way to the Loop. Glad we did.Anyone who has been to the Billy Goat is looking for one of a couple things. Mainly it's some configuration of the "CHEEZEBORGER!". Having been doing the business since 1934, consistency isn't an issue here. If their other food is as good as what I had, There shouldn't be a bad thing on the menu.Your burger usually comes plain, with a help-yourself toppings bar. They got your standard old school burger fare for toppings, and were quite fresh. The pickles were especially special. I dug into this, and some refreshing lemonade to get myself right again. I was quite pleased. I don't know if it'll be this location (there are a few), but I'll definitely make another visit (I already visited the original for a couple beers before going on another excursion. Review of that place is coming soon.)If you're looking for classic inexpensive Chicago food downtown (which is a little sparse in that area), this place should be on your list.

No Coke, Pepsi! No fries, Chips! Yes, we all remember the skit from SNL years ago. But this place is the real deal and exactly as it should be! It's inexpensive and delicious with burgers, sausage sandwiches, fries, onion rings, etc. A full bar to get your drink on while you chow down on a $3 burger and have a cold Old Style beer. It's nothing fancy and that's on purpose! Nothing more to add other than best hangover spot in the area lol!

I've been so down in the dumps since the whole "Matt incident," that I've been completely forgetting to eat. It's not like I'm trying to starve myself out of righteous anger or as some sort of spiritual statement, I've just been so absentminded that I forget to take a second to have a meal. Today, while out on my usual lunch break stroll, I decided to take a different route. After a while, I found myself on Lake street in the hustle and bustle of Chicago's work week. I took in the sights as various people maneuvered around me. A group of businessmen strutted into a coffee shop like a pack of wolves, an older corporate-looking lady was yelling at her cell phone, and a handful of --what looked like middle schoolers-- wandered out of a 7/11. The city had never felt more alive to me.While strolling along, I took in some colorful smells from a hole-in-the-wall burger joint just across the street. The scents tempted me, and I made my way over to the eatery.I ordered myself one of their specialty burgers. After the first beefy bite, all the emotions and passion that I once felt for food came crawling back to me like a tsunami. I literally started crying.This establishment also has a nice bar. I ended up grabbing a drink after my burger and was blown away once again. One of the best margaritas I have ever had! In fact, after I finished one I ordered another! And then I ordered another! Then another! Sooner than later, the sun was starting to set outside. I looked at my phone. The time had magically went from 12:30 to 8:30. I had seven missed calls from Matt.