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Billy Goat Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional)
500 New Jersey Ave NW(between N E St & N F St)
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 783-2123
- Nearest Transit:
-
Judiciary Square Metro Station (Red)
Union Station Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 2 am
Fri 7 am - 3 am
Sat 9 am - 3 am
Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Dominique F. said: "Came here with a couple of coworkers on a Monday evening and appreciated the fact that the place was not super crowded. We got a couple of beers, the fried pickles and had fun convos at a table by the window. The fried pickles were…" read more »
40 reviews for Billy Goat Tavern
Review Highlights
"The real treat is the outdoor seating in the warmer months."
(in 5 reviews)
"...of favorite basic brews, fries, grilled cheese, and burgers."
(in 4 reviews)
"You can still get yummy burgers and their is a bar."
(in 8 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie K.
Washington, DC
1/24/2012
Even though I can agree with some aspects of the more negative reviews, I do still like this place. The drinks are good, burgers hit the spot for late night cravings, and Fletch, the manager, is friendly and welcoming. The best advice I can give is to go around 8pm- well after the happy hour crowds have left. At that time it's generally pretty quiet and service is much better.
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Review from Steve C.
Martinsburg, WV
Stopped here while in DC for work. It is located in a bulding shaped in a triangle and this place is located at the point. Restaurant is not huge, bar area is half of it.
As soon as we walked in, we were met by someone who gave us the specials and took our orders. Not a big selection of food in my opinion. Ordered just a single cheeseburger and he tried to push a double cheeseburger on me. No says I. Ordered a side of fries, not chips.
Service was pretty fast. You place your own toppings on the burger and the selection of toppings is slim, onions, relish, mustard, etc. No mayo to be found.
I got my order and all I could see was a bun and the burger was hidden inside it. The burger tasted ok, liked the bun it was served on. The fries were crisp. To me this was an average place to get a burger and fries. I have had way better and way worse. Total cost for a burger, fries, and coke was around $8.00. -
Review from Sweet B.
Washington, DC
12/12/2011
The food here is surprisingly bad. The burgers and dogs are capable of being inferior to their counterparts in college cafeterias, though they are very affordable. The toppings are not very fresh. On the plus side, the outdoor seating is very enjoyable on a nice day and the bartender is very friendly and will put on whatever obscure sporting event you would like to see on their TV (they have DirecTV). It's not a place I'd recommend, unless you'd like to see a sporting event on your lunchbreak, in which case it's pretty great.
-
Review from bella b.
McLean, VA
6/11/2011
If you're familiar with the original in Chicago, underneath the city, this place will seem a bit surreal. First, it's above ground, second it's in a fairly new building with a triangular footprint. Then, instead of a smoky bar full of yapping journalists, you have GT Law students and others. OK, so the original no longer has the smokiness, but those are my memories.
Enough of my trip down amnesia lane...the food? The 'cheeburgas' (the DC menu spells it 'cheezborgers', I think, but my phonetic memory from Chicago is 'cheeburga' as the pronunciation) did remind me of the original.
Tastewise, this isn't the best burger in town, but it is a good burger, and the Billy Goat draft is actually Leinenkugel's. What else does a displaced Chicagoan need? (Besides Vienna beef hot dogs and Italian beef?)
As for putting your own condiments on, that's the way it's done at the original, so why deviate from that. I only wish the line cooks would bark back the orders like Belushi's character. I'm still on the fence about having french fries at Billy Goat's, but I'm glad they're in DC. It's a cheap, sentimental trip back to the 2nd level of Chicago, kinda... -
Review from Su Jin K.
Arlington, VA
3/4/2011
For the area, the Billy Goat seems really out of place. The outside is all sleek glass, but inside, it is dimly lit, oddly-shaped, and has a cramped/dirty feel to it. I've never eaten here, but I have enjoyed a cheap beer pitcher (or two) in a drinking contest I lost by a mile and during happy hour in mild spring weather at the outside tables (biggest plus of the place).
I went here only when I was a student at Georgetown Law, and it was our default mostly because it accepted our student ID cards as a form of payment and it was conveniently located. Other than that, there's really no other reason to go here unless you work close by. My friend also worked here briefly, and it just seemed like a nightmare.
I had no idea this was even supposed to be THE famed Chicago Billy Goat until after I had already been a few times. As with any transplanted establishment, it is really hard to carry the atmosphere of the original with you to a new location.
Chicago and DC don't seem to make a good marriage. I'm sure Jay Cutler and DeAngelo Hall would agree (4 INTs in one game!). -
Review from Kat S.
5/12/2011
Everything about this place confounds me in an unpleasant way.
This is supposed to be a greasy spoon/dive bar, but is also a chain?
This is supposed to be a greasy spoon/dive bar, but is also a chain AND also located in the bottom floor of some shiny, sterile modern high-rise?
Makes. no sense. at all.
Mediocre service and beer (I'm sure the food is the same). Happy hour - miller, bud, $4 - is a disappointment and you'd do yourself a favor walking up the street to Dubliner or Capitol City Brewery.
But there is nice outdoor seating. -
Review from Edward R.
Washington, DC
5/18/2011
This is a great find! Who'da thunk the metallic-blue Realtors' building
would house a terrific street-level bar with good cheap eats ?
No place to impress a first date, it's a great spot (made famous on SNL for it's Chicago progenitor of the same name) for "cheeseborgers." A double costs just under $5. Nothing but the cheese and bun comes with it, but you can add chopped or sliced onions, relish, pickle slices, catsup and/or mustard from a sidebar.
Also for $5 is a pretty decent breakfast.
Avoid the salami sandwich.
The bar isn't stocked with a zillion kinds of liquor and liqueurs, but they have more than all the basics and half a dozen beers on tap. The bartenders are friendly and the bartendresses (can we still say that??) are absolutely eye candy.
The crowd is an eclectic mix even for Capitol Hill, where strange bedfellows was a watchword even before sex scandals became popular. Aside from Hill denizens, the regular clientele includes lots of law students and union organizers, office workers and tourists, political junkies and firemen, cops and robbers -- all owing to the surrounding buildings.
Just in time for Spring, they've added outdoor seating on both the New Jersey Avenue and First Street sides, with tables and ashtrays. That should be a huge help when this place is jammed because it's a short walk from concerts on the Capitol lawn and nights or days of big sporting events on the widescreens. -
Review from Jason F.
1/18/2011
Ribeye sandwich was two bacon-thin slices of rib eye "steak" on a bun. No condiments, no lettuce, no tomato, no sauce, no anything. The condiment bar contained only onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Loud, ugly atmosphere with lamentable food.
McDonalds is better at the same price. -
Review from Richard Y.
Washington, DC
8/29/2010
Horrible place. You cannot save seats if you have a large group.
I ordered a cheeseburger. The cook only placed cheddar on top of the patty along with the buns. The sad part was that the cheese didn't even melt onto the patty. The cook did not add on condiments. I had to add low quality condiments by myself.
I wasted money and 30mn of my life here. -
Review from Hannah P.
7/6/2011
Cheezborger! I will preface this by saying I was oblivious to the Olympia Cafe Saturday Night Live sketch until I got to the restaurant. So I can really only judge the food and not the atmosphere. The cheeseburgers were tasty. The buns were not like any other, they were thick. But there just wasn't enough meat per bun to fill it up. The cheeseburgers needed to be much bigger, then it would have been perfect. The fries were good and they had Newcastle so I couldn't complain.
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Review from MiC g.
Silver Spring, MD
1/20/2011
this is a joke, right?
out of all the possible 'authentic' Chicago restaurants that decides to branch out into the DC market - it's the Billy Goat Tavern?
the only aspect of this establishment that seems to be 'authentic' to Chicago is the large, grey haired, 55ish gentleman in sweat pants who swaggers about, while periodically supervising the cooks who are busy cooking nothing for the customers who are not there.
i've stumbled into this oddly, geometrically spaced, rumba room of a bar/diner a few times (due to lack of alternatives, time, or the fact that there was nothing else open at the time) and each time has been a taste bud erasing experience.
how hard is it to make a chicken sandwich or a blt? yet, after each time i have eaten at this establishment - i have wanted to wash my mouth out with battery acid to eradicate the taste of the Billy Goat's "food" from my taste buds.
this place is almost the opposite of Youngstown, Ohio. instead of the mob sending their young recruits to a satellite operation in order to cut their teeth for the big time, the mob sends their old, useless cast offs here to fade into the twilight.
oh, Chicago....
why can't places like Hot Doug's or Burt's Place try and set up shop in DC?
our open arms await. -
Review from Lisa R.
2/12/2009
If you want to eat at a place where you dine with ignorant uncultured summer intern yuppies on the hill that believe by eating here they are injesting something remotely authentic to the original "cheezborger cheezborger", then this place is for you. Otherwise, if you want to eat never frozen fries and decent hunk of red meat, I recomend taking a short trip to the Five Guys in Chinatown (unfortunately since BG is not conveniently located near a metro stop, 395 gets in the way, and it's not so easily found when coming from Union Station or Chinatown, that trip to five guys ends up being a semi-long walk, about 15 minutes)
Imagine eating a meat patty from a McDonalds cheeseburger on half of a loaf of bread, and you have their single burger. You sort of HAVE to get a double cheeseburger here because there is so little meat here offered. I for one, am all about enjoying a little bit of grease lining my intestines, but this place over does it. After a few bites i get nausious.
The french fries are usually just okay. These are a bit thicker than your traditional fries, but not quite steak fries. They do not give you a huge portion though, so that depends on your preference wether or not that's a good thing.
I honestly haven't tried anything else there, because the guy who takes your order as you stand in line practicalyl forces you to order a double cheezborger by telling you thats all they sell (i've seen him try to convince people to specifically not order something like a grilled ham and cheese).
There is just something about him that rubs me the wrong way, and that's other than his general ignorance to not understanding people speaking clear english (but with accents). He never said anything specifically, but when you are standing in line or are sitting eating your food next to him while he tells ONLY asians to slow their speach for order, it just kind of makes you think what else is wrong with this guy. I was half expecting him to respond, "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?", fortunately, he didnt.
The place is generally quick, so if you are desperate, and stuck in certain parts of DC surrounded by federal buildings that have ZERO food options, then check this place out... personally, if i go there again i'm going to try the grilled ham and cheese, assuming i can handle grease party in my lower intestines.Listed in: Bombastic Burger Bonanza
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Review from Laura V.
Alexandria, VA
7/30/2007
I guess I should give props to the Billy Goat since it's in my office building and all. Although, I have huge issues with the fact that this is not even close to the original Billy Goat concept in Chicago (even though the Sianis' are regularly down there making sure things go right).
I don't eat beef so I can't attest to the burgers, but they do make up a great grilled cheese. I don't get the fries because it's supposed to come with chips. The breakfasts they cook up there are AWESOME for a hangover and cheap - those hash browns are cooked to crispy perfection.
Happy hour is a fun time at the Billy Goat, and Fletch, the bartender/manager will take good care of you. He's a nice guy and fun to talk to. Plus, they have Silver Strike Bowling. That's always fun when you need to release some stress of the day...
Don't be fooled into thinking this is THE Chicago institution because it's not. But it is a nice place to stop by, have a drink and enjoy a burger or treat a hangover.Listed in: It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!, It's Noon and my Tummy's a…
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Review from Gayle G.
Woodbridge, VA
12/24/2006 1 photo
This place gets an extra star for having one of the best burgers on the Hill. Located in Union Station, this is the sole Billy's location outside of Chicago. The burgers are so good they inspired a SNL skit. If you have the "Best of John Belushi" DVD you've seen the skit with the famous catchphrase "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! You want double cheeze?
What makes the burgers so good here? In my opinion, it is that they are served on a freshly baked kaiser roll. Oh, and the sweet and savory sandwich pickles stacked on top help, too. The chicken sandwich here is just basic. Nothing special.
The breakfast menu is totally greasy spoon with typical specials like steak and eggs or ham and eggs. -
Review from Jeff S.
Washington, DC
7/20/2007
Miriam reminded me of the great Chicago eats that have made their way to DC. However, they messed up Billy Goat.
You can still get yummy burgers and their is a bar. However, the staff is definitely not in tune with cheezeborger, cheezeborger, cheezeborger. What is worse is they have fries. Billy Goat is known for its aggressive attitude, lively cooks and cheeps no fries!
Yum Burgers! Yay Chicago! Boo DC version of Billy Goat. -
Review from Dave E.
Washington, DC
12/22/2008
The food is average, prices are average, everything is painfully average. You won't walk out disappointed, but you won't be blown away. Cheeseburgers are good, moves well during the lunch hour, and the environment is alright.
The real treat is the outdoor seating in the warmer months. It's some good real estate, and a good way to get out of the office for an hour. -
Review from Yaamini R.
Santa Maria, CA
2/12/2008
August-September 2007: idealistic first year law students go out for "wednesday night pitchers" at the Billy Goat. no frills, no fuss. pitchers all around of favorite basic brews, fries, grilled cheese, and burgers. lots of laughing, dreams of saving the world or alternately, the corner office in a nice tall building overlooking NYC.
October-November 2007: first years still smiling, albeit much less than usual, trip across the street to the Billy Goat for pitchers after longer days inside the library and lectures about eminent domain. saturday lunches become common as a study break, eggs and grilled cheese and fries. the occasional football game with furtive glances back at the library windows.
December 2007: first years head to the Billy Goat in desperation after hiding in the library for 23 hr shifts. midnight pitchers, sorrow, and grilled cheese. pre-finals apprehension, post-finals meltdown. all over lager.
January-February 2008: a return to the triumphant days-- post-class drinks with solid friends, solid grease, and jukebox joy.
I love the Billy Goat, rough edges and all. Go and be happy, bring your friends. always welcoming, always fun. then go back to the library and get to it. -
Review from Mat T.
Washington, DC
7/22/2009
It's not Chicago, but neither is DC.
Bears. -
Review from Laura B.
Philadelphia, PA
8/13/2008
A fine option for a quick drink and some greasy food, but nothing fantastic. The food does beat nearby Kelly's Irish Times -- the fries and grilled cheese at the Goat are my favorite options.
The manager-guy who's always there can be a bit rude. Sometimes I feel like all the patrons are farm animals that he's trying to herd up to the cash register and out the door. I guess they do get busy around lunchtime, but still. -
Review from Dave K.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2008
Somehow I ended up here exactly a year after watching the river go green and visiting Chicago's tavern. This Billy Goat is different. It some ways, it's the exact opposite. It doesn't hide below North Michigan Avenue. Instead, it has a prime street-level spot in a glass Realtor building. They've also got flat screens and those Starbucks frosted lamp fixtures.
And while it provided me great frustration when I discovered last St. Patrick's Day that the real deal tavern only sells cheeps, this place has french fries, and for some reason, that also disappointed.
One last thing: the bathroom has crazy stuff written on the walls. McCain, Ron Paul, and other only in DC biz. Check it. -
Review from Sim D.
Owensboro, KY
9/17/2011
A convenience store atmosphere with a burger that is all bread and almost no meat. The fries are "ok" butbfrozen. It's cheap and you get what you pay for.
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Review from Nick B.
Chevy Chase, MD
1/16/2008
I came here for lunch with some coworkers...I've been working near Union Station for months now, and I never even thought of going here for some reason. From the outside, it looks like a restaurant, especially with the "Tavern" in the title. Well, upon entering, calling it a tavern is a bit of a stretch. There is a small bar with random Chicago paraphernalia littering the wall, a few tables, and the tiny grill area. I have no idea how they can work so well in such a small space, but somehow, they churn out burgers and fries at a frantic pace.
The owner comes out and greets you, explaining to you that this is the famous Chicago "cheeseburger cheeseburger cheeseburger" place. Too bad I don't eat hamburgers. He seemed really into what he was doing, so I didn't comment, and just went and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I noticed that everything here is pretty cheap, which is a nice change from a lot of the lunch places in the area. A couple minutes later, the grilled cheese was done, and turned out to be quite tasty. Out of 6 people, I was the only one who did not get a cheeseburger, but everyone else seemed to enjoy their burger and fries. The toppings bar looked good, which I will have to take advantage of if I ever get the chicken sandwich. They have a lot of breakfast options also, for those craving a greasy, unhealthy start to the day.
The bar looked alright, but I'm sure it gets really busy whenever a Chicago team is playing. If you are from Chicago, you'd probably enjoy coming here to watch games with fellow fans, and talk about how inauthentic this place is compared to what you are used to at home.
Too bad I didn't know about them sooner. I wouldn't come here all the time, but compared with the options around Union Station, it's cheaper, pretty quick, and not that bad. Besides, I can only go to Kogod's so many times... -
Review from Marilyn Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/21/2010
If you are familiar with Chicago, and especially the Cubs, you have heard of the Billy Goat Tavern. I didn't expect to see one in Washington, but as I left our swanky hotel ( which was hosting a promotional MOET event) in search of real food after a long flight, I saw the familiar sign across the street. We didn't eat there that night, but dropped in the next day to enjoy a staple of Chicago--- the VIENNA BEEF HOT DOG.
These are hard to come by on the west coast. They are similar to Hebrew National, but better. You can't really rate a restaurant by a hot dog, kind of hard to mess up. However, as we were sitting in this tiny glass- walled bar and grill, the manager came over and talked to us. He was friendly and had an easy going manner that reminded me of the folks back in Chicagoland. He mentioned that the tavern had a great breakfast for about $4 and that we should stop by in the morning. Why pay $18.00 for breakfast at the hotel? So naturally we had room service the next day,which was fabulous but costly. The next morning, I remembered what the manager had said and decided some greasy spoon eggs and toast would actually be a better choice than a calorie laden Hotel Breakfast. We were greeted at the Billy Goat Tavern by a long line of customers. The line moved quickly as the staff worked the mountains of bacon, eggs, pancakes and obviously had served mountains of breakfast items before. The breakfast was anything but gourmet, but was a hearty, filling and NOT greasy meal. When traveling it is a welcome respite to get a simple meal served from a friendly waitstaff. It is nice to have a little eatery like this, next to the capitol and a little defiant of the flashiness surrounding it. -
Review from Dawn R.
Seattle, WA
6/25/2010
Wandering around after a late flight and late train, I was hungry and wanted something quick and cheap. The Billy Goat may have the ambiance of a sports bar shoved into a Subway, but it definitely has the cheap tasty grub. I got an egg, salami, and cheese sandwich that had no elegance, but was exactly what I needed after a tiring day of cross country transportation. My friends fries were tasty...guess they lucked out and got some fresh ones. My drink was a bit disappointing though...for $7 I'd expect my lime to be properly muddled and not just poured from a bottle. Am I spoiled? Anyways good cheap grub in a city full of overpriced options is nice to have near your hotel.
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Review from Brandon B.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very disappointing after having been to the branches in Chicago. No character, bland building, divey feel. Could have been a crappy bottom rate fast food place, not a classic Chicago joint with a edgy character.
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Review from Amanda M.
Tiverton, RI
9/9/2009
Not as nice on the inside as it looks on the outside.
Redeeming qualities: open until 12:30 and unlimited pickles.
However when we got there, there was a pile of bacon sitting on the grill sitting there for god knows how long, since the place was empty. I opted for the bacon-free cheeseborger.
Other than that, kind of a fast food joint with a bar. Burger was good, fries were good and the whiskey & coke was strong. -
Review from James L.
The Billy Goat Tavern is part greasy spoon diner and part dive bar, which makes it seem out of place considering its location. The oddly shaped triangular building where the Billy Goat is located is "home" to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is directly across the street from the American Federation of Teachers - not the mention the Georgetown Law School is nearby, and oh there is also this thing called the US Capitol building a few blocks away. With such a nexus of influential organizations nearby, I would've thought that the Billy Goat would be one of these trendy upscale bistro type eateries. Friends, this is not even a close approximation.
Walk in and the diner/restaurant part of The Billy Goat is to the left. As others have noted, the cuisine is limited to sandwiches and in particular, greasy burgers. The prices actually aren't too bad with burger, fries, and drink combo running a little over $7. Don't expect anything to taste particularly fresh, since the concept of cooking here is relegated to mostly reheating/refrying stuff that was previously frozen. But while the food at Billy Goat is mediocre at best, I do enjoy sauntering down here for happy hour after work and sipping a beer on the outside patio when the weather permits. Again, the HH is nothing special with domestics (translation: Bud and Miller drafts) costing between $4-$5, but for downtown DC, this is to be expected. The interior bar area is tight on space and is usually comprised of suit wearing office types engaged in government shop talk; hence the reason I prefer to drink outside.
While performing research for this review I discovered that the Billy Goat is part of a national chain (http://www.billygoatta...) based out of Chicago. Having been to the DC outpost, I'd be interested in visiting the original location the next time I'm in Chicago for a comparison. -
Review from Robert C.
8/3/2010
A cheeseburger, fries, and drink will run you about $8. The burger is served on a kaiser roll, but there's barely any meat in there. And the guys working the register and the grill seem a little unhappy. It's some real depressing mediocrity all around, but at least this place is open on weekends for lunch.
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Review from Emily H.
New York, NY
2/24/2011
As an old fan of the Billy Goat Tavern on Washington in Chicago, I wanted to like this place and have been here whenever I have to to Dc for work which is often. I have had decent eggs and borgers ( yes, that is how I am writing it) here and yet I have to shout out the Spanish staff is incredibly rude and incapable of getting an order right. I don't think it is a language barrier as I am Hispanic but it is just poor training. You order a coffee and they ask you what you want to drink. You ask for bacon on the side, pay for it and then they look at you like you are crazy when you ask where it is. I tried to put my stuff down at a table, and they yell at me that I have to wait for my food by the counter because it is ready when ten minutes later- it is not. Whole wheat comes white and I wonder why does anyone come here? Cheap and greasy- yes. That is all to recommend here. The managers should watch the staff.
It cannot last like this and thinking about ole Chicago- that is a shame. -
Review from Lesly S.
8/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm really on the fence here. Totally loved falling into this place and enjoying their outdoor seating on a post-work Friday, but the sickness from the burger and fries I ate stayed with me for almost 24 hours. And it's hard to objectively review when I could have hurled at any moment.
Listed in: One and Done
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Review from Sean C.
Arlington, VA
5/9/2009
I would say this place does not compare well with the original Billy Goat in Chicago, though it does seem cleaner. It lacks the charm of the original. However, the burgers are decent. The fries were good. In particular I really liked the buns they use. I would stack these burgers against Five Guys. You will probably get your burger faster here.
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Review from Christopher C.
Washington, DC
7/25/2009
Two and a half stars. Haven't been to the original, so can't make a comparison, but the Washington version is an odd mix of diner/bar in a sleek, modern building. The bar and kitchen are at opposite ends of the space. If you want food, you have to go and order yourself and then wait for them to call you. The "cheeseborger" and fries of Saturday Night Live fame were nothing special (there is a photo of John Belushi on the wall in homage to the comic genius). The bar has four draft lines, including a Sam Seasonal. The beer is served from plastic cups. Extra points for serving pitchers. Since it's located across the street from Georgetown Law, they have a built in customer base.
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Review from Monika H.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2010
I went here, do to some reviews on here, and well it was near by and open. true to its category, a dive. I had the grill cheese, the kind you could make yourself. Lets just say...it didn't stay down..YUCK! Bottle juice, so thats fine. I gave it a 2, because I could see the people chilling at the bar enjoying their beers and game, and you could sit outside on this hot dc day too! If I had better food I would have stayed and drank a beer too. I guess it would be ok if you HAD to eat. OH, the bacon pile is suppose to be there, its normal.
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Review from Keren M.
Washington, DC
1/30/2010
The Good:
The food and beer are good and cheap.
The drinks are stiff.
The bartenders are really helpful and really friendly.
Plus, I always meet really interesting people when I sit at the bar.
The Bad:
The guy who runs the place--he's either the owner or the manager.
When my friends and I walk in and see him sitting at the bar, we turn around and walk out. We leave because he pretty much always ruins the vibe in what is other wise a low key bar. He screams at his staff and is rude to the customers. Not surly waitress rude. But screams at you until he gets red in the face when you don't order fast enough. Plus, i am pretty sure half the time he is drunk. And the rest of his time he is calling his staff "stupid bi%$&'s" or telling the bartender he is a screw-up because he had the history channel on or something. -
Review from Matthew J.
Berkeley, CA
9/23/2009
The mediocre reviews are pretty spot on. The food is sub-par at best. A chicken sandwich is literally a heated frozen chicken breast on a bun. That's it. Fries are OK. Burgers are awful. And they're overpriced.
My main reason for reviewing is the owner, or whoever he is. I work nearby and I see him lurking around the NJ and F area every day. During the lunch rush, he collects orders from people standing in line, which does absolutely no good because you have to repeat your order at the front anyway. I think he uses it as a way to feel important during the hubbub and as an excuse to shout at his all-female, English-challenged staff. Creep. -
Review from Proteus D.
Skillman, NJ
4/11/2010
Stayed in a nearby hotel and this is the only close option to get a meal .... apart from the very expensive hotel restaurant and Union Station. So the food menu is very limited. Burger or burger! The burger was OK...I got the double cheese. But the fries were awful. They had been sitting there all night and I guess they just splashed some hot oil on them to make them seem fresh. They were pretty stale and hard. It was expensive too at about $7. Could have got much nicer food at McDonald's. Probably great after a few beers, but I was sober unfortunately.
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Review from Mia C.
Washington, DC
2/25/2010
You can get pitchers here for less than $20. Need I say more?
Very low frills, but beer is cold, food is better than most bar food - it's not really even bar food as it doubles as a breakfast grill in the a.m., but you get it at a bar so does that make it bar food?
Always a different, fun crowd mixed between students blowing off steam for finals, a sports team celebrating a victory in their not so fresh clothes, and the hotel guest from next door stopping in for a drink.
In the summer the outdoor seating is terrific and Five Guys can't touch this -
Review from Amanda B.
Alexandria, VA
4/11/2009
This place is pretty awful. I had a chicken sandwich and fries, and they both tasted as though they had just left the freezer. Their condiment selection was poor and the entire place is just uninspired and ehhh.
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Review from Tiff Y.
Phenix City, AL
9/11/2009
Nice for a good quick buger, but nothing special. I'm a VERY light eater, but the hamburgers were very thin. For normal eaters I would defientely recommend a double.
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Review from Alice H.
Washington, DC
9/6/2009
If only it weren't in such a sleek building, but a tacky run down bar! I love Billy Goat's and plan on being a regular.
