Billy Goat Tavern (Navy Pier)

Breakfast! Great breakfast spot in the pier. Reasonable prices, Try the grilled Salami! So good. I had it in sandwich form but also available in standard 'bacon and eggs ' form. $27 for 2 with drinks, before tax and tip

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

That was the worst experience. I ate there today and developed diarrhea within 30 minutes. This suggests that the food had been sitting out too long and already contained toxins, such as those produced by Staphylococcus aureus.

On top of that, the staff were unfriendly, and the tables were dirty.

I do not recommend this place—unless you want to harm your intestines.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Worst burger ever! Dry meat, almost no sauce and the fries tasted of old oil. The cashier was the most unmotivated and clicked always the pen as sign that we should decide NOW. There was no que and we stood there for 3 secs. Chill out… Very sad experience for 50 bugs.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food's not bad but the menu shows an old schoo Italian sausage and in reality you get one the size of a hot dog

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Surprisingly rude/exasperated service. Just got a single. Seems to be for regulars only or maybe rich tourists.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 1

We had the rib eye steak burger. Not seasoned enough but the sauce is great.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

This place strikes odd with a review/rating. Honestly the food wasn't great. The Italian beef was one of the worst I've ever had, without much flavor and seemingly undercooked.
The beer was good, the Billy Goat Pilsner and IPA.
Service was really nice and everyone was pleasant.
The prices are probably the best on Navy Pier.
Maybe if I sat here and drank enough the food would be good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

GREAT LOCATION GREAT FOOD GOOD VIBE...A MUST FOR THE CHICAGO CITY SCENE.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I was there half hour before closing no food options. Drinks were ok. Only option open that late at night at Navy Pier.

Service: 4

Awesome food, Excellent service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Decent Food, Iconic Vibe—But the Staff’s Attitude Was a Letdown

I visited Billy Goat Tavern at Navy Pier with high expectations, drawn by its legendary status and quirky history. The ambiance definitely delivers on that front—retro signage, classic diner vibes, and a menu that’s unapologetically simple. It’s the kind of place that feels like a slice of Chicago’s past, and for that, it’s worth a visit.

The food was solid. The cheeseburger was juicy, the bun nicely toasted, and the fries were crisp and well-seasoned. It’s not gourmet, but it’s exactly what you’d expect from a place like this—no frills, just comfort food done right. The prices were reasonable for a tourist-heavy spot like Navy Pier.

Unfortunately, what really soured the experience was the attitude of the staff. From the moment we walked in, there was a noticeable lack of warmth. The ordering process felt rushed and borderline dismissive, as if we were inconveniencing them by being there. I get that the “cheezborger” chant is part of the shtick, but it came off more curt than playful. When we asked a simple question about the menu, the response was short and unhelpful.

It’s a shame because the place has so much character, and a little friendliness could have made the visit memorable in a good way. Instead, it felt like we were just another transaction in a long line of tourists.

Overall, Billy Goat Tavern is worth checking out for the novelty and the food, but don’t expect warm service. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite and some Chicago nostalgia, it’ll do the trick—but if you value hospitality, you might leave disappointed.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Hot Dog, Chicago Dog Online, French Fries, Hamburger, Chicago Dog

The cocktails have the perfect match between alcohol and flavor! Very recommendedded

Service: 5

Place was pretty good, my burger was pretty tasty and my wife liked her sandwich, tables were a bit sticky needed to be cleaned, prices well I guess its Chicago on the pier no service, as its cafeteria line. Obama Sandwich , LMAO should have been free with the taxpayers paying for it then.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Solid margaritas

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Both me and my friend got a stomach ache after eating here, I feel like throwing up right now. Also I could tell the fries were old or from the day before because they were so stiff/hard. Food tasted good but… be careful in summer

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4