Our First Bouncer was a Check.

Oct 25, 2018 | Billy "Goat" Sianis

According to legend, in 1934, Billy Goat Tavern was opened by a good man with a bad check.

Like many of the stories that surround the Billy Goat, the tale of how Billy Goat Sianis comes to own the tavern and it’s three story building is massaged into myth by imaginative reporters told and retold like this: Sianis plunks down a $100 personal check and $5 bill as down payment on the property. And when the check bounces three days later he convinces the buildings owner to carry him until he can pay it off.

The real story is this: “My uncle, he does not have enough money to buy any place,” says Sam. “But he is able to borrow $500 from a business man he know. That’s what he used to buy the Lincoln Tavern. But after awhile when save the money to pay the man back he goes to this house and a lady answers the door. She asks what he wants and he tells her that he’s here to pay the man back the man back $500. She tells him she is the man’s wife and that the man has passed away. He tries to give her the money but she says no. She tells my uncle to keep the money for good luck.”

The First Food & Liquor License on the Moon

Jul 20, 2018 | Billy "Goat" Sianis, Uncategorized

Shortly after the Apollo Moon Landing, Billy Goat Sianis petitioned the U.S. Secretary of State for the first food and liquor license on the moon. Here’s the original letter. The text is typed below the picture. What follows is classic Billy Goat fun!

March 5, 1970
The Honorable William P. Rogers,
United States Secretary of State,
Blair House,
1651 Pennsylvania avenue NW.,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Rogers:
The Greeks charted the heavens and it is only fitting that a Greek open a restaurant on the moon to serve our astronauts when they arrive so they do not have to eat that synthetic food the space agency has been serving them.

I used to refuse to serve republicans in my restaurant and tavern but when Spiro Agnew came along, I decided to become non-partisan and Republicans do not have to pay any more than Democrats when they eat at my place.

I slept on the deck of a ship to get to the United States and I will find my own transportation to the moon. I guarantee my moonburgers will have as much ham in them as my hamburgers — None.

For many years, Catholics have been eating my hamburgers on Fridays without violating any church laws.

As I have done here on Earth, I will serve on the moon all the finest whiskies but NO CALVERTS.

When I am not tending bar, I will be raising billygoats from the par which will accompany me on my initial trip to the moon. They are sure footed animals and do not fall off as the planet turns around.

Please tell Mr. Agnew I said hello.

William G. Sianis
Proprietor

Remembering the Original Billy Goat Tavern

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/