Prepare for the grand arrival of the globally renowned Billy Goat Tavern, famed for its spirited chant of “Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger.” Soon, at 3724-3726 N. Clark Street, Wrigleyville will welcome this iconic establishment, heralding a legacy of joy, tradition, and some of the city’s most iconic burgers. Since its inception in 1934, the Billy Goat Tavern has transcended mere dining, evolving into a cultural cornerstone, immortalized by the infamous “Curse of the Billy Goat” and a timeless Saturday Night Live skit. Its original location beneath Michigan Avenue has long been a sanctuary for journalists, locals, and luminaries alike, serving up straightforward fare that embodies the essence of Chicago.
Among Chicago’s narratives of lore and sports history, none rival the intrigue of the Curse of the Billy Goat. This fabled tale traces back to the 1945 World Series when Billy Goat Tavern proprietor William “Billy Goat” Sianis was purportedly ejected from Wrigley Field due to his pet goat’s odor, leading him to bestow a curse upon the Chicago Cubs, prophesying their World Series drought.
For decades, this curse cast a shadow over the Cubs, intertwining the team’s fate with the Billy Goat Tavern in a saga as emblematic of Chicago as its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. It wasn’t until 2016, after a 108-year hiatus, that the Cubs clinched the World Series, transforming the curse into a tale of resilience, optimism, and the indomitable spirit of a city and its cherished baseball team. Now, Wrigleyville eagerly anticipate the goat’s arrival.
Its arrival symbolizes more than the expansion of a beloved Chicagoan eatery; it signifies the convergence of two iconic institutions – Wrigley Field and the Billy Goat. Wrigleyville, a neighborhood steeped in history yet ever-evolving, stands poised to be enriched by the Billy Goat Tavern, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of Chicago’s vibrant culinary and cultural legacy.
Whether it’s pre-game festivities, casual gatherings with friends, or a quest for a slice of Chicago’s storied past, the Billy Goat Tavern is destined to become a haven for all.
So, Wrigleyville, brace yourselves: the Billy Goat Tavern approaches, carrying with it a reminder of the enduring allure and personality that define Chicago as a truly extraordinary place to live, work, and play.
Southport Corridor News and Events - Chicago, Illinois 