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

The first time Billy Goat appears in print is on June 19, 1938, in the Tribune: “One great personality in Our Town is a goat.” It isn’t much, just a couple of paragraphs, the first item in a column called “Our Town.” It tells of the tavern and details Billy’s trouble getting a copy of his U.S. citizenship papers because the photo he sent to Washington no longer resembles the 22-year-old, whiskerless picture that has been on file since 1916. “Billy could solve it right away with a shave, but he just can’t bring himself to do it,” the anonymous columnist writes.

That the columnist has no byline is not unusual. That’s the way it is in these days, when bylines have to be earned, sometimes over years of writing stories. But the writer is well-acquainted with Billy and his tavern. That’s the way it is in these days, too. Newspapers and booze have been joined at the hip for at least a couple of centuries, and few places ever provided as comforting a home for the press as the Billy Goat.

A Chicago Tavern: A Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream - By Rick Kogan
http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

Cheezborger. Cheezborger. Cheezborger.

The stories that have made Billy Goat Tavern world-famous are the stuff of legend. Our good friend Rick Kogan has compiled the most complete history of Billy Goat Tavern in his book - A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream. 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

http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/books/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

A Chicago Tavern by Rick Kogan

Check out this great interview on Billy Goat history with Bill Sianis:

http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2013/04/17/billy-goat.php

For the complete history of the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, check out Rick Kogan’s Book “A Chicago Tavern” http://thebillygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/books/book-a-chicago-tavern.html

Hamburger America is a book, documentary movie, and TV Show on the Travel Channel about the travels of George Mott to the most famous Burger spots in the country. Of course, Billy Goat steals the show!

Our friend Rick Kogan enjoyed it: “Hamburger America is not an indictment, but rather a celebration of burgers and the people who make them.” It’s almost as good as his book A Chicago Tavern - (Learn More)

Visit their website: http://www.hamburgeramerica.com

Hamburger America Blog: http://hamburgeramerica.blogspot.com/

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

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

A Chicago Tavern by Rick Kogan