A Cheeseburger Is Really a "Cheezborger" When It's Served with Chicago-Style Attitude at the Billy Goat Tavern
What makes a cheeseburger a "cheezborger"? When it's served at an establishment known for a stray farm animal, a sports curse, a Saturday Night Live skit, and Chicago-style attitude. I'm talking, of course, about the Billy Goat Tavern and Grill, one of the city's most famous burger joints. And the story behind the Billy Goat is stranger than fiction. The Billy Goat got its start in 1934 when Greek immigrant William Sianis purchased a tavern across the street from the Chicago Stadium (now the United Center). One day, a goat fell off a passing truck outside and wandered into the tavern. Sianis adopted the goat, who he named Murphy, grew a goatee himself, and soon became known by the nickname "Billy Goat." He also named his tavern after his new pet, who became the establishment's mascot. Among other pastimes, Murphy developed a fondness for drinking beer. Murphy would soon become infamous when he played a key role in a feud between Sianis and the Chicag...