The legendary Mike Royko often wrote about Sam and Billy Goat Tavern. He raved about Sam’s work ethic and character. In a letter of recommendation, Mike wrote of Sam:

“I would say that if I had to walk down to the OK Corral, Sam would be the first person I’d ask to join me. On second thought, I wouldn’t have to ask. He’d already be there.” - Mike Royko

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! http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

Enjoy one of the last summer weekend’s in Chicago! Billy Goat Tavern will be serving Cheezborgers all weekend at the North Coast Music Festival.

September 4 - 6, 2015

UNION PARK - Chicago

Check out their three day lineup: http://lineup.northcoastfestival.com/events/2015/09/04/

Here is a map of the festival: http://www.northcoastfestival.com/site/uploads/2015/08/ncmf15_Map3.jpg

Visit Billy Goat and don’t miss a beat!

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! http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

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! http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

We have the perfect day planned out for you. On Saturday, August 15th or Sunday, August 16th (or both!), head on down to Navy Pier. Grab some breakfast at Billy Goat Tavern. Save your receipt! Take it over to the Tall Ship Windy and buy a tickets for a cruise leaving anytime between 10am and 2pm. Your Billy Goat Receipt will get you $5 off!

Board the ship and sit back and relax. The marvels of the Chicago Air & Water show will be taking place right in front of you! It’s the best way to spend the day!

It’s baaaaack! The annual Chicago Air & Water Show is back at Chicago’s lakefront this weekend. With a lineup featuring greats such as the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and new this year, the Breitling Jet Team. Check out Facebook or the website for the most up-to-date info on performances.

Billy Goat Tavern on Navy Pier is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before, during and after the show.

Captain Billy Goat says it’s the best place to get a goat’s-eye view! See you there!

After a tough day at work, you can’t beat a hot burger, a cold beer, and a great bartender.

Folks have been stopping here after work even when there wasn’t any.

Billy Goat. Chicago’s after-work tavern since 1934.

Around the time Billy Sianis opened the Billy Goat Inn, miles away his nephew, Sam Sianis, was born in a little village in Greece. He would grow to become a strong, dedicated, loyal, and hardworking adult. At 19 years old, he would take those attributes to pursue a life in America working with his Uncle at the Tavern. When Billy dies in October 1970, Sam would take over and become one of Chicago’s finest and a legend in his own right. Raised on goat’s milk….it must be in his blood.