Billy Goat Tavern (near United Center)

I’ve driven by this place thousands of times and finally went in before seeing a concert at the United Center. The burger and fries were soooo good! Great drinks too! Fun atmosphere- especially before a concert! I’ll need to add more pictures the next time I go! An easy walk to the United Center with some street parking available.

We decided to go here cause it had great reviews, and it was walking distance to and from the United Center. We were going to see Fluffy (Great Show) by the way 👍🏿👍🏿... It is fast food literally it reminded of the movie "THE FOUNDER" because of how quick the food was being ordered and cooked. This is a good place to for a meet up or a quick lunch break, but other than that 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️... My burger was ok could of been much better, double cheese burger was where it was at for me.

Classic no frills vibe, stopped in for a quick bite after work, grilled cheese was simple perfection! Solid French fries. Decent Italian beef, though I prefer sweet peppers to be diced and they had big slices. Nice condiment bar and variety of things to watch on screen with the football game on audio. Kid and I were both happy. Great place!

Is it Kitschy? Yep, it sure is, and that's the charm of it all. Just like the SNL skit, this is a bare bones cheeseburger centric diner. The staff did a good job of keeping everyone moving, the burgers? They're honestly a lot better than I expected! Really fantastic cheeseburger. They have a few other items on their menu, also, but it's pretty limited. They do have adult beverages, also, for those who might wish that. Is it the best meal we had in Chicago? No...but it was one of the most memorable.

We went here before a Blackhawks game. We needed somewhere close to the United center and kid friendly. You order at the counter and before you can pay your food is ready. Food was warm and good. It's simple burgers, hotdogs or Italian but have a condiments bar you can add your own. Also had a separate bar to get alcohol if wanted so it was nice you weren't in the same line. Would recommend to anyone who wants a quick place to eat for a decent burger.

Very cool old place, I first went to the original one on Wacker in the 1980's with a good friend. I was in the area for work and had to stop in. The last time I was at this location probably 20 years ago. The service was great, the people here are super friendly and fun. The food was awesome as remembered and very reasonably priced. This location has fries where the original location still only serves "chips" as made popular in the 1970's SNL skit. A Chicago icon!

A Chicago classic but don’t think it’s a favorite of mine personally. It’s a solid, cheap burger but I think I prefer a fatter juicer burger. The vibes are nice for a game day though and the bar seems to have a lot of fun drinks that I’ll be back to try out.

It’s a sports bar with a diner soul, and a bowling alley’s heartbeat. The place hums with energy, packed with a wildly mixed crowd that somehow all fits—postgame fans, solo regulars, late-night wanderers. The food is exactly what it should be: serviceable, comforting, unpretentious. A tightly stapled bag of fries. A Chicago dog that delivers. But the real reason to come is the experience. It’s loud, lived-in, and defiantly unshiny. No effort to corporate-polish the brand, and thank God for that. This is the kind of spot that’s still standing because it never had to change. The food’s fine. The vibe’s the point.

This is a great Sports Bar that is near enough to the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. I stopped in for a snack before the puck drop. The staff and service is always great and you can catch all sports on many TVs. So much history and pictures of great Chicago moments on the walls - love it!

Honestly only come for the food and keep it pushing. The service is sub par, idk if there is a language barrier or what. But the workers are rude and will ignore you when asking for service. Good food, the beef patties are really thin so I'd suggest getting the double. Plenty of room sit so seating so in issue.

Not sure why the rating on this place is so low, this is a great spot! Especially good to stop at before or after an event at the United Center. It gets crowded, but it's very efficient in there. Food is made as you order and is so tasty! Yesterday we got 2 cheeseburgers and a cheese fry; we left full and happy!

The food was good, the service was humorously rude but got the food out to us quickly. We ate here about a half hour before a Bears home game, so it was pretty empty, but can easily see it packed and hopping after a game at United.

Cool casual spot for before/after games at the United Center. Classic Chicago food menu and full bar. Food line moves fast - aggressive staff makes sure of it lol, but it adds to the Chicago feel.

The food was descent but the staff behind the bar are really rude. I don't drink alcohol and asked for ice water bartender looked at me like I was dumb asking for water? I believe her name was Sara or Tara tattoo on the arm. She took stuckup to a whole another level. Whatever happened to customer service? Plenty of bars down the block only advantage here is the free parking.

Stopped in for lunch recently and was pleasantly surprised by the sheer size of the interior and extensive free parking in the lot. Staff was super friendly and you could tell there was regulars hanging out at the bar on the other side. My order was made fresh and they had a variety of toppings out and Available to customize your burger. I'm a bit of a pickle feen (plz don't judge) so I was a big fan. For the price and quantity I think this was a great deal. If you are used to the finer things when it comes to burgers not sure if you'd feel the same way but to my fellow no frills foodies this is a great option if you're around the area or want a quick bite and drink before a United center game.

"Can I have some shots" "No" "Can I get a drink?" "No" "Can I have a beer?" "No" Worst bar around town. Least welcoming staff. Unless you want a shitty burger, its a waste of time even walking in the door. Do yourself a favor and go to kaiser tiger down the block. You wont regret it.

The bomb! Great burger. Great fries. Great Chicago dog. Service was fine. They were obviously very busy. So for they to pull off our order (and everyone else's) without any mistakes definitely says a lot. Would love to eat here again. But hopefully at the original location next time. It could only be better.

I'm confused why this place has such a low rating...it's a staple to the city. If you're going to the United Center to watch the Hawks game or see a show, it's perfect walking distance. It's also huge! One half is for dining and the other is a sports bar. They are super fast at serving you too, even when its busy. Burger is good and you have to get the cheese fries too (the cheese is real cheese).

Long time favorite for burgers. Nothing fancy but reliably good. I always get the double cheese burger with extra cheese. The new buns really make a difference. The burgers seem more creamy.

Rude staff, can't be bothered. Don't get anything besides the burger to eat. Atmosphere leaves something to be desired. There are much better food and drink options nearby.

The Billy Goat will always be a 3 star type of restaurant. But they get an extra star for actually having some decent service this time. The same female that was kind of mean at their Lake St location was working here this time and was actually more polite and much nicer this time around! Billy Goat has one purpose, and that is that it serves, fast and cheap food, especially if you're trying to eat here before heading over to the United Center. The best thing is that they offer free parking to the United Center if you are dining there before the game. I ordered my usual Double Cheezeborger and added ketchup and mustard. Like usual the buns to meat ratio is like 3:1. The meat patties are super thin and the bread is too thick, but it's still a very delicious bite and wouldn't have it any other way.

So much charm, nostalgia, entertainment in this little burger spot! The food being amazing is an added plus excellent fresh griddled cheese burgers with loaded serve your self burger bar. Unlimited pickles for me please! Fresh dip Italian beef with all the peppers. Came with a large group ate fresh burgers within minutes! A staple when in the area.

Honestly everything sucked besides the clock that they handmade by cutting printer paper out with numbers on it. this cannot be accurate but it is beautiful

There's no good reason for this location to have an average of 2 stars. I work in the area, and stop in for lunch fairly often. Prices are good, food is consistent, employees are friendly. The burgers hit the spot, and the breakfast sandwiches are cheap and tasty. The atmosphere is excellent. I've been here before/after games at the UC, and yes, it will be busy- but they'll get you fed. Not sure what people who rate poorly are expecting.

Not fancy. I would recommend this place based on the close location to United Center. It's cheap and OK for the price and it's clean! I saw staff cleaning the entire time. Go for a drink or burger before or after a game or concert.

As a Chicagoan sometimes you want to go to a place that's familar. Food quality doesn't always matter nor does beer selection every single day. Ordered a double cheezborger put some pickles, onions and mustard on. Ordered a Billy Goat Tavern pilsner. The beer quenched my thirst. Came at night time was pretty empty. Only a few other customers. The memorabilia is where Billy Goat Tavern excels. Pictures of politicians, sports gear, Chicago history. In some ways it's like eating in a museum. The warm feelings of Chicago sports glory, the lack of pretense in the bar staff, SNL humor. And a thousand other Chicago centric reasons is why I occasionally go to the Billy Goat Tavern.

First, the guy taking orders at the counter was unnecessarily curt. Part of that because it was loud and everyone had to yell, but it was mostly like he was trying to get through the order line as fast as possible, like they have a requirement of a certain number of seconds per customer or something. But there were only 2 people behind us, so... And the woman at the register was pleasant with us but seemed very annoyed with the kitchen staff not listening to her. Seems everyone working there absolutely hates to be there. Setting that aside, the food was crap. I had an Italian sausage, which tasted fine but it was wrapped up with the sausage not even in the bun, like they just threw it all on paper and wrapped it up however it landed. But the burger my wife got was an embarrassment to burgers. It was a double, and she actually had to lift the first patty to see if there was indeed a second one, because from the outside, it didn't look like there were ANY. That's how thin they are; the patties aren't even visible until you open the burger. And they're small. At least a quarter inch separated the edge of the burger patties from the edge of the bun. Even as a double, this is more on par with what you'd get in a kid's meal at McDonald's (and I hate McDonald's, so that's saying something). The fries were just okay. Everything was warm, though, so I guess there's that. About the only good thing I can say is I like that you can put on your own onions, and the onions were fresh and crisp as opposed to the droopy strands a lot of fast burger joints use. I can't imagine this place could survive if not for the benefit of the famous name. We won't be back.

Good spot before a game at the UC. I'd recommend the double cheeseburger. Good spot to eat prior to going to the UC. Gets pretty busy

This place is waaaay to cool!! Came here for a quick drink before heading for the game at the United Center.. Upon arrival you are greeted by the friendly staff, menu is pretty simple, from hot dogs, fries, sandwiches.. There is a bar separated from this food ordering counter where you can order drinkk, watch TV and relax. The place is pretty spacious with limited parking in the rear. Prices are pretty reasonable, super clean, lavatory was the cleanest I've ever seen even though it needs remodeling this lavatory was spanky clean. I had a steak and egg with fries and it was delicious. I will definitely would like to revisit this spot as it is definitely a unique experience. As for the drink I must say for the price drink was pretty strong which I was not complaining I definitely got a buzz. I recommend this place.

Billy Goats has been here my entire life and is a Chicago tradition. I'm actually not the biggest fan of the burgers the bun is super thick and they don't offer lettuce or tomato. I like to get breakfast sandwiches at any time of day. Cooked to order bacon egg and cheese on wheat is my favorite. The service is always great, friendly and fast. They clean and wipe down all surfaces between customers, tables are spaced out and hand sanitizer is available.

This is a long overdue review but I've been here a few times many years ago as I'm a big fan of their cheeseburgers. I will say that this is not a review based on a recent experience so please do take it with that grain of salt. The burgers are thin/small. You want to opt for a double or triple if you're the least bit hungry, at least that's how it goes for me. If you're looking for fast food, and you're in the area, I dont think it's a bad option at all. However, it's not a place I usually seek out.

Aurora and Cessi were phenomenal. Go here if you want a great time after a Bulls game.

Very good burgers fries and drinks. I had the Curse Breaker a Double Cheezborger (like they call it) with Bacon Grilled Onions and large slices of Grilled Jalapeños. It was only $8.99. All the prices are low not what you would expect in Chicago. I don't get the 2 star reviews either.

I came in on a Saturday night to catch the bulls game with my buddy after a long work week. I've lived in the city my entire life as a 4th generation Chicagoan on the southeast and I had never been here before so I figured I'd try it out. I wasn't sure what kind of food they had but when I got there they didn't have anything I could eat because I don't eat meat nonetheless, my friend ordered food and we sat at the bar because I enjoyed the atmosphere- their menu was no big deal to me- just glad to sit somewhere and throw a few back in place I've been meaning to visit. I had noticed a restaurant next door that I could grab food at so I had asked the waitress if it was okay to bring food back into the tavern- I figured I'd ask because it was so dead inside and it wouldn't be to much of a big deal. She said, "yes of course" so I ran over a grabbed a bite to eat and brought some back into the tavern. As soon as I sat down the owner/manager/ Came up and proceeded to laugh in my face and say "I don't know who does this?" Embarrassed as I asked him "what?" And he said "brings outside food into another restaurant" I didn't want to throw the bartender under the bus and potentially ge their fired as I can tell this guy already seemed in a bad mood... so I said "they didn't have anything I could eat so I Grabbed something next door" he then continued to laugh and said "you can eat it just go eat it in the corner, this is ridiculous" my friend and I laughing awkwardly because we don't know why he's being so rude all while the entire time the bar tender said it was okay. The manager/owner then points at my friend and says, "see he's laughing at you, you look ridiculous." Then my friend said "I don't think it's funny at all" we were just in shock that he was being so rude. After he said this we ended up leaving immediately. As a disclaimer I wouldn't have gotten food if the bartender didn't say it was ok. Overall, im just really disappointed that a place with so much history and reputation as a Chicago staple treats it's own locals like garbage, it was really embarrassing and sad because I feel like over the years Chicago's reputation in the food industry has gotten worse and it's unfortunate that an establishment with so much rich history such as the Billy Goat Tavern treats their own locals so poorly. I would not recommend this place, it's atmosphere isn't what Chicago is.

We were in town visiting our Son. This place has the Chicago atmosphere, history, fast & friendly service and delicious food. They also have a parking lot (no charge). We went a total of three times. And the Billy Goat beer was fantastic. Highly recommend.

I honestly think Billy Goat Tavern is awful, but I'm a Chicagoan and all Chicagoans must come here at least once and at least try the food. Everytime I have ever come here, the burgers on my bun were crispy and burnt. I am not a huge fan of hamburgers to begin with, but when I tasted this, it made me hate burgers more. The fries are super good though, so that's a plus. If you are new to this place, make sure you do not get a single patty... get a double or a triple because if you don't, you are basically eating enough food for a bird. Your food is prepared so quickly because the patties are so thin, they burn in two seconds. You need to put your own condiments on your food, which also gets annoying because it gets so busy and people are cutting you and pushing into you. Overall, not a great place to eat. All negatives aside, Billy Goat Tavern does have a great sporty atmosphere. This place is always packed and honestly it is a great location because it is right near United Center so everyone and their mother comes here for food before Blackhawks games or other big events. There are TVs everywhere, and everyone is always in a great mood here, both workers and customers. You can easily come here for a drink and make new friends because, normally, everyone pregames here instead of spending $100 at United Center for beer.

After eating here yesterday, I think I finally learned my lesson on their burgers. Learned my lesson to at least get a double cheeseburger next time, since their burger patties are thin. Sigh that I noticed after getting a single burger here, that I hated how it felt more bread like and that I didn't notice the meat as much as I'd prefer. Also I wish they used a different bun, than whatever they are using for their burgers. Since I'm not sure why, but I thought it was just a-okay. The burger was a little better, after I added condiments to it(onions, ketchup, and a few other things on their burger topping condiments bar). Keep in mind too that even though it isn't officially listed on their menu, you can get chili cheese fries if you want to. Yep one of those 'off menu' items you can get(a la In 'n Out), since they have all the ingredients to make such an item. I'll also note if you want a milkshake, they do NOT serve those here. I would head east to Cone Gourmet or Shake Shack, if you are looking for a milkshake in this immediate area. Do have to say after reading over some of the other reviews, looking over their entire menu after I ordered my burger, and my friend's ribeye steak sandwich, I've finally conceded that I overlooked the rest of their food menu for way too many years. It probably is time a la like what I did with White Castle some years back(and finally appreciating them in the process, since I'm still not very wild about their traditional sliders), to explore the rest of Billy Goat's food menu if I ever eat here again.

Okay so it's the Billy Goat. Cheeseborger, cheeseborger, cheeseborger, blah, blah, blah. That skit was funny the first 50 times I saw it. Anyway, I eat here when I'm in the west loop because they have a parking lot, its clean, and the food is good. Case closed.

I dont know what is up with this place. I came on a Sunday afternoon after the Hawks training camp festival and they were sold out of burgers. How the heck does a burger place run out of burgers? Obviously they have horrible management. Gave them a star simply because the burgers are good. What a disappointment.

Not a bad joint! I got a cheeseburger and fries, which seems to be pretty standard here. It's a simple menu, but that's good because that makes service quick. My burger was good, but I'd honestly advise that you get a double. The bun is thick and the burger is thin, so it was a little unbalanced. All in all, I'd definitely go back here, and I'm excited to get my double cheeseburger next time!

I love this place! It's such a quick dine in place before seeing a concert at the United Center! I came here before the Chainsmokers concert just to stuff my face with burger and fries! They have cheap beer specials as well! I think my friend paid like $15 for burgers, fries, and beer at this place! If you're ever in the area and need something quick then drop by this place! I almost wanted to come back after the concert for some late night munchies cause I was starving! I needed to stop myself from going to this place cause it's so cheap compared to other overpriced restaurants in the area. Service is really quick and people are nice! Legit just eat and leave!

Went here with a large group from work. Burger patties are super thin. Meat to bun ratio is a big difference so if you wanting a decent burger get the three patties. Not a bad burger but not a great one either just good. Reasonable pricing and the ppl are really nice.

Well if you're ever in Chicago, you have definitely have to go to the billy goat in the west loop! The burgers are amazing, get a double cheeseburger on a regular bun! They don't put any fillers in there meat. Absolutely love them ! The other favorite thing about the billy goat is the bartender Gail is hilarious, you will never what to leave, and know all friends come for the food and Gail the bartender. The best ever in Chicago!!! Another thing about the billy goat is the breakfast, omg so delicious, you just have to come and live the experience of the goat, it's a go to definitely don't forget about the breakfast there very delicious

So I'm on my Sunday stroll driving from Oak Park! I have a taste for Billy Goats. Over the years I have countless of times always a good please for great place for great cheese Borger as they call it! Ask my Borger is being made I noticed the cook throws back the fries in the fryer and recooks them! Place is empty!! I mention to the lady that works there she says sorry that about it!!! WTF never again....

We stopped in at the tail end of the Packer game when the place was clearing out for the Blackhawks game. We looked over the old school menu board and ordered cheeseburgers and fries. The burger was a smaller patty that was slightly overwhelmed by the large bun. I liked the flavor of the burger though. The fries could have used a little bit more time in the fryer but they were seasoned well and tasted good. It took a while at the bar to get drinks while we watched the football game. While the food was pretty good flavor wise the bathrooms were a disaster. Women's had no toilet paper in two of the stales and men's had bodily fluids everywhere from what I was told. Stay for the food avoid the bathrooms.

Highly impressed with the Billy Goat....Great food great service. I ordered the triple cheese burger I inhaled it, it was so amazing. The staff was friendly the service was impressive I'm glad we stopped here on our adventure. In fact my waitress to great care of me she went above and beyond. There was a little wait in the being sense it was before the Iron Maiden concert but it was well worth the wait. The patrons we're even nice. If you are every in the area and need a good place to stop while visiting stop in and check our the Billy Goat. Wish there was one of these back home. While I waited for friends I order a late snack of fries crispy just the way I like them...hands down if I could I'd rate this place a 10+ the staff was wondering while I patiently wait for my party to arrive. Thank you again to all the staff who worked the night of the Iron Maiden concert.

I ordered a cheeseburger and it was terrible. The buns used now are not like in the past, the cheese was like a Kraft packaged slice not melted. Threw half of it away. Very disappointed. Yuck.

This place was fun, that's the best way to describe it. I read the reviews about the burgers being nothing special, but 3 people that were with me tried and said they were decent. The burgers were being made and served really fast so there was no real waiting time even though it was packed.

First time there with my son so we just ordered a single patty burger. Boy was that the wrong thing to order. Why the hell do you even have this on the menu anyway? The patty was paper thin but the buns were huge for god sakes! Who are these people that love the burgers here? Billy goats has been benefiting from Saturday night live for the last 40years. Talk about being overrated Would never recommend this place to anybody.

This afternoon I ordered an Italian Sausage with fries through Grub Hub. After I ate my fries, I proceeded to break apart the sandwich and lo and behold it was raw in the inside. I threw it away never even tasting it. When I requested a refund through Grub Hub, the representative told me that the manager of Billy Goat Tavern said that it was fully cooked and that Italian Sausage is suppose to be pink, as if I don't know what a well done sausage is suppose to look like. He then told Grub Hub that they weren't refunding the money back. Grub Hub gave me a credit for the uncooked food. Do not order from this establishment, as you can see they're in the business of making money but not providing quality food.

Billy Goats is a burger / bar joint with quite a large space. From the sounds of it, they have a long standing legacy and quite the reputation in the city of Chicago. The food is solid, and I'm happy to have given it a try. Very cool.

Love the burgers! Full of Blackhawk fans. Great atmosphere. I come here before every game. Sometimes the line is huge but it moves quickly.

After driving past this location on a fairly regular basis, my fiancé and I finally made a last minute decision to stop in during a break from running errands. Several years ago, before I even lived in Chicago, I went on a food tour of the city and stopped by the original location... and I don't know if it's due to the different location or how long ago I went or my ever evolving taste in cuisine, but I remembered it being so much better than this.. and so did Jordan! The patty is underwhelmingly small. The bun is overwhelmingly large... Large and stale. The fries are large and hot but not salted at all, which is a problem I guess is easily remedied but still just not good Only redeeming factor is the service! Really great, cheerful, helpful service! A++

There is no reason to ever visit here! None. Now, the original Billy Goat under Michigan Ave. - THAT place has MUCH more going for it! It has a real sense of history, old school Chicago journalist hangout vibe. The burgers are notably better there - must be the 60 year old grease! Seriously. But this place? No redeeming qualities whatsoever. Yes, the burger to bun ratio is ridiculous (at least the Michigan Ave patties tasted better!). And the quality and freshness of the buns are very low. Good condiments can help save a mediocre burger. Here, the pickles are very good. But your choices are pickles, onion, relish... and that's it! It has all the charm of a low-end strip mall in a depressed area. The service is sometimes friendly if you are lucky. The beer is cheap. Okay, that's ONE redeeming feature. This is awful-sports-stadium-quality food at lower prices. But cheap crappy food is still crappy.

It's famous, what can I say. I asked my brother if the building disrepair is part of the shtick.

You can't get much more CHICAGO than this. The owner SAM is a very nice man! Great burgers, full bar, cool and knowledgeable wait staff, and free parking for the United center games and events when you stop in!

Sitting in my car on a rainy winter night prior to a Bulls game I pondered where to pig-out. Yelp to the quasi rescue. I wasn't too familiar with the area surrounding the United Center, so I relied on Yelp to tell me what was nearby. Once I saw I was close to the Billy Goat, the decision was easy to make. The food isn't going to blow your mind, but the Tavern is more of a required Chicago experience. It's a burger joint. Get the double and just listen to the sounds of the goat. The food is reasonably priced and beats spending $20 for a hot dog and beer inside the stadium.

We were in town for a concert a few weeks ago and the rest of my group had never been here. The woman at the counter was rude and gross. The food was rushed and subpar. Go to a different location!