Aug 7, 2018 | Sam Sianis
Sam Sianis is Chicago’s #1 tavern owner. Bar none. His work ethic is just as legendary as his cheezborgers.
From a letter written by Mike Royko: “I’ve know Sam Sianis for many years and consider him one of my closest friends. He has so many fine qualities, many of them sadly lacking in our present society, that I’m not sure where to start, but I’ll try.”
“Work ethic: If everyone in this country tended to their jobs or businesses with Sam’s diligence, Japan would be up to its collective ears in red ink. Since taking over Billy Goat’s Tavern, he has turned it into one of the country’s best-known bars. He treats his employees fairly and earns their loyalty. In the meaning of service, Sam and his staff treat all of his customers alike, whether they are famous or an old bag lady who wants to sit in the corner to get out of the cold.”
Apr 26, 2018 | Michigan Avenue, Mike Royko
in 1991, President Bush came to Billy Goat for a visit and to meet Sam.
Sam calls Mike and excitedly tells his assistant over the phone, “The president wants to know if Mike is here. I tell him no and then he wants to know where he usually sits and I show him and he seems very excited to see where he site when he comes down here.”
Sam wants Mike to have a burger with Bush. Hes says no. Sam calls Mike’s wide, Judy. Shes wants him to go. He says no. Mike often refers to Bush as “the greatest tourist of our time,” and in the next day’s Tribune writes, “The country is going to hell in a hand basket, and the president of the United States wants to know on what part of the bar I rest my elbows? Or forehead?”
Read more stories about Mike Royko, Sam and Billy Goat Tavern Rick Kogan’s Book “A Chicago Tavern” https://www.billygoattavern.com/product/book-a-chicago-tavern/
Dec 20, 2017 | Cheezborger, Sam Sianis
There was no food served at the original Billy Goat tavern on Madison Street, but on the day the Goat opens on Hubbard Street its most popular menu item is one that is referred to as a “double-hamburger-on-toasted-roll-with-chopped-onions-and-relish.”
But with Sam working the grill, the place begins to echo with his distinctive pitch to customers walking down the stairs: “Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No fries, chips! No Pepsi, Coke!
Jul 11, 2017 | Billy Goat Curse
The 1994 season begins badly. The Cubs lose 12 home games in a row, the worst start in team history. In an effort to end the streak, Same takes his goat to Wrigley Field only to be denied entrance. Amidst the chant of “Let the Goat in!” from the crowd, Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks escorts Sam and his goat into Wrigley. The Cubs win the game 5-2 but finish the 49-64 in fifth place in the strike-shortened season.
Learn more legendary Billy Goat Tavern stories in A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream by Rick Kogan https://www.billygoattavern.com/product/book-a-chicago-tavern/
Jun 11, 2017 | Billy "Goat" Sianis, Michigan Avenue
Most days Billy “Goat” Sianis summons a favored few pals to his table in the V.I.P (Very Insecure People) Room. And, as old men do, he tells stories of the past, of his boyhood in Greece, and wild times on Madison Street.
These are stores those at the table know well. Most of then have told the stories in print: how one of Billy’s goats escapes into the city sewer system; how, when Billy is arrested for speeding, he so charms the cop that he isn’t given a ticket but rather a free lunch; how he is served with a draft notice when he is 70; about formally applying to NASA for the first liquor license on the moon; the time he gets hi shoes stolen while vacationing in Ireland; when he bails two midgets out of jail after the couple is charged with drunken driving after leaving the tavern.
Read about these stories and more in A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream by Rick Kogan. https://www.billygoattavern.com/product/book-a-chicago-tavern/
