Billy Goat Tavern to be ‘displaced’

Very unique place. Not at all what I expected. Have to wonder if it will really re-open if it closes for some length of time.

 

That Cubs fans flock to the Billy Goat, still owned by the descendants of the guy who claimed he put a curse on the team, says everything about why they're Cubs fans.

 

That's a Chicago landmark. It may be displaced, but I don't think it's going anywhere as far as a permanent loss.

 

You're not saying it's an official landmark, are you? Best I can tell, it's earned an Historical Marker: http://bit.ly/1gHMtak, but I don't think it has landmark status.

Either way, landmark status usually applies only to the exterior of a building, not the interior, or the tenant.

What may save it is that it might be a tough space to rent, given it's location. But, if it's going to be a high end condo/hotel, they might want that space for any number of reasons.

 

Naaa, Yankee, I wasn't referring to it as a historic property. It's just a place Chicago tourists go to for the experience. That's all.

 

Great journalism topic.

 

Haven't been there in ages but recall the photos of notable Chicago newspaper writers and editors on the walls. Them that died had little "30" plaques beneath their photos.

(There, does that make this a journalism topic?)

 

We were talking about this place before an NBA game this week. It's cool the first time you go but the second time? Not so much. Little pricey too. But the decor is pretty cool.

 

It definitely means something special to a lot of us current and former Tribune & Sun-Times employees. Some of the best post-work adventures began at the Goat ... then to Mother Hubbards? or the Boss to see Karen ... or how about some all-night poker at somebody's apartment.
It was a great place to pick up a quick bite during a shift. I was addicted to those egg & cheese sandwiches.
The Goat will always be one of my favorite places.

 

Without context, Dick's post reads as sarcastic. But, as a local, I think he was being serious.

I purposely posted it on the Journalism board, as I know it's a favorite of Trib and Sun-Times writers, is a bit of a shrine to famous Chicago journalists, and is a frequent stop for out of town journalists.

What alerted me to the story was tweets from the Trib's overnight crime reporter seeking recommendations for bars that were open at 7:00AM, when he gets off work.

 

Went to the Billy Goat once before a Cards-Cubs game. Service was spotty, to say the least, because the place was absolutely packed. And Old Style sucks.

 

I know I made it a point to stop in during journalistic trips to Chicago. And, in fact, first time there was with a friend from the Sun Times.