Billy Goat Tavern to be ‘displaced’

[YankeeFan]

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.

The National Association of Realtors’ board of directors voted Monday to replace their building at 430 N. Michigan, home of the world-famous Billy Goat Tavern.

The building’s redevelopment plan includes a high-end hotel, condominiums, offices and stores.

Stephanie Singer, a spokeswoman for the association, told the Chicago Tribune that the Billy Goat would be temporarily displaced but that she has been reassured by board members that accommodations would be made for the tavern.

The Billy Goat Tavern has been open in its current space for 50 years. No time frame has been set for the redevelopment.

http://bit.ly/HUCbo3

 

[Bob Cook]

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.

 

[steveu]

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

 

[YankeeFan]

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.

 

[steveu]

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.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Great journalism topic.

 

[Joe Williams]

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?)

 

[TwoGloves]

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.

 

[JR119]

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.

 

[YankeeFan]

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?)

Without context, ****'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.

 

[joe]

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.

 

[old_tony]

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?)

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.

 

[YankeeFan]

It's still open, and now they're serving fries!

 

[djdennisOU]

What's next, Pepsi?!

 

[YankeeFan]

What's next, Pepsi?!

You might be joking, but they've actually served Pepsi for years.

 

[djdennisOU]

You might be joking, but they've actually served Pepsi for years.

Really? Every time I've been in there (which is more often than I'd like to admit) they've never had Pepsi, just Coke products. But, they also say they don't take debit cards but they've always accepted mine, so I could believe that.

 

[YankeeFan]

Really? Every time I've been in there (which is more often than I'd like to admit) they've never had Pepsi, just Coke products. But, they also say they don't take debit cards but they've always accepted mine, so I could believe that.

****. You're right.

The old SNL skit was, "no Coke, Pepsi."

They were famous for serving Pepsi.

But they've served Coke for years.

 

[steveu]

No fries, cheeps. Guess I can't say that anymore.

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

It's still open, and now they're serving fries!

Yuck!

 

[hondo]

Great journalism topic.

It was Mike Royko's favorite bar and he frequently referred to it in columns.