Feb 15, 2018 | Billy "Goat" Sianis
The happiest and healthiest person in Wise Guy’s corner is also the one who has been here the longest. Bob Borgstrom says, “When I was a teenager we’d go to hockey games at the Stadium, and between periods we’d sneak over to the original Goat. People were always four or five deep at the bar, so when we’d called out our drinks and pass over the money, nobody ever asked how old we were and that was a good thing. But boy, did that place smell. Really bad because of all the animals around.”
Bob and a couple of the other white-haired Billy Goat regulars remember all of the taverns and restaurants that used to pepper the neighborhood. And he remembers the day the Billy Goat opens: “It was painted a fire engine red. It was like sitting inside a firehouse.”
Read more stories like this in our book! Our good friend Rick Kogan wrote a complete history of the world-famous Billy Goat Tavern – A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream. This is the story of a real Chicago legend. It’s packed with tales that include:
- The antics of “Chicago’s Greatest Inn Keeper” – William Sianis
- The real story of The Billy Goat Curse
- Billy’s Nephew Sam Sianis
- The SNL skit that immortalized Sam and his tavern
- Mike Royko and the journalists who are regulars
Get it here! https://www.billygoattavern.com/product/book-a-chicago-tavern/
Jan 18, 2018 | Michigan Avenue
The last time Michigan Avenue underwent a remodel was the year 1967. Wood paneling was put up in the addition that was purchased and was once a former parking ramp. Sun-Times columnist Tom Fitzpatrick said it looked like “a suburban recreation room”.
This room holds the now famous Wall of Fame. A wall of 37 men and one woman of top ranking newspaper editors, reporters, and columnists; a couple television personalities and one newspaper publisher; one mayor and a man who was the chauffeur for a Tribune editor. There’s probably not a person alive that can name all the faces on that wall, but they grace Billy Goat Tavern today. Their memory carried on and a story for each.
Jun 11, 2017 | Billy "Goat" Sianis, Michigan Avenue
Most days Billy “Goat” Sianis summons a favored few pals to his table in the V.I.P (Very Insecure People) Room. And, as old men do, he tells stories of the past, of his boyhood in Greece, and wild times on Madison Street.
These are stores those at the table know well. Most of then have told the stories in print: how one of Billy’s goats escapes into the city sewer system; how, when Billy is arrested for speeding, he so charms the cop that he isn’t given a ticket but rather a free lunch; how he is served with a draft notice when he is 70; about formally applying to NASA for the first liquor license on the moon; the time he gets hi shoes stolen while vacationing in Ireland; when he bails two midgets out of jail after the couple is charged with drunken driving after leaving the tavern.
Read about these stories and more in A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream by Rick Kogan. https://www.billygoattavern.com/product/book-a-chicago-tavern/
Aug 20, 2015 | Cheezborger, Michigan Avenue
We’re very happy to have been included in Rick Kogan’s list of the 10 most historic taverns in Chicago.
“I like taverns with some history, whether that comes in photos on the walls or the echo of past customers’ conversations — places with ghosts, if you will.”
Check out the article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/museums/ct-chicago-tavern-history-series-08192015-column.html
If you are a fan of Chicago history or Rick Kogan, you need to read “A Chicago Tavern. A Goat, A Curse, and the American Dream.” by Rick Kogan. It’s a complete history of the legendary Billy Goat Tavern. Buy it now in our online store! https://www.billygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html
Aug 18, 2015 | Cheezborger, Michigan Avenue
The following is an excerpt from Rick Kogan’s book “A Chicago Tavern. A Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream.”
Bill Murray is hungry and that is why we are walking toward one of the Goat’s red-and-white-checkered tables. He is here in June 1999 to promote a book he has written, Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf. Waiter Tito Chacon recognizes him immediately.
“Billy Murray,” he says. “You are the funniest.”
“The funniest what?” Says Murray.
Sam sees Murray and walks over. The two men hug.
“How’s your oldest boy?” asks Sam.
“He’s huge,” says Murray, whose two grown sons have been coming to the Goat since they were kids. “He could swallow both of us. All he needs is a couple of tattoos.”
The two men talk for a while. A couple of pictures are taken.
“I saw that new place of yours over by the United Center,” Murray says. “For a minute I thought they’d run you out of here.”
“No, no,” says Sam. “I always will have this place.”
“Sam, you’re the most successful Greek in the world,” Murray says.
“You help make that happen,” says Sam.
“Don’t blame me,” says Murray.
Check out the book “A Chicago Tavern.” You’ll find the most complete set of Billy Goat Tavern stories available. Buy it now in our online store! https://www.billygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html
