Get that 'cheeseborger, cheeseborger' now in Mount Prospect

I have a confession: I'm a working, Chicago-area journalist who has never been to the legendary Billy Goat Tavern on (or more accurately, below) Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The storied hangout for local newspaper folk, including luminaries such as Mike Royko? Nope. Never been. But I've finally remedied that — at least sort of — by checking out the Billy Goat's 10th location at Randhurst Village in Mount Prospect that opened in November.

Motif: It's a somewhat small, modern space with lots of windows and brick walls. There are about 10 or 12 tables in the dining area; in the bar area, there is a jukebox and several flat-screen TVs. The walls are covered with photos of well-known members of the Chicago media (including Royko, of course) and sports figures, as well as politicians and celebrities who've visited the restaurant's Michigan Avenue location over the years. There are also newspaper clippings about the Sianis family, who owns the Billy Goat Tavern, the Chicago Cubs, the curse and the goat. Yes, that goat.

Crowd: We were there on a Sunday night, and it wasn't very busy. There were a few guys in their late 20s watching the Blackhawks game in the bar area, and couples of varying ages eating a late dinner. As movies let out at the AMC theater across the street, a few teenagers trickled in, too.

Service: The service was friendly and efficient. (No one yelled at us to stop staring at the menu, which I've heard can happen at the original location.) From the person who took our order, to the one who cooked and served it to the bartender, the service was exemplary. Granted, as I said, it wasn't busy — but that doesn't necessarily guarantee fast, friendly service anywhere. We certainly got it here. The bartender gets a special shout-out: She managed to hit that perfect balance between being talkative and helpful without being at all intrusive.

Food: Come on! It's the Billy Goat Tavern! You've got to have a “cheeseborger.” And we did. The double is a tasty, no-frills burger served on a soft roll; a good value at $5 (with bacon for an extra $1.50). There's a condiment bar near the food pickup so you can dress it the way you like it. Unlike the “Saturday Night Live” “Cheeseborger, cheeseborger, cheeseborger” skit that brought national attention to the Billy Goat, you CAN get a hamburger instead of a cheeseburger and Vintner's chips or fries. Do not skip the fries. I know fries aren't part of the authentic Billy Goat experience. But this is the Northwest suburbs, not North Michigan Avenue. The fries are cooked while you wait and are really good. Not in the mood for a burger? No problem. There's a breakfast menu available from 8 to 11 a.m. daily and a variety of sandwiches served for lunch and dinner, all in the $3 to $7 range. There's even a small selection of premium ice cream for dessert. Try a strawberry shake — the tasty vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries is a great big win.

Liquid consumption: There are five beers on tap, including two of the Billy Goat's own brews, and more than 20 bottled beers. There's also a selection of mixed drinks, including the restaurant's signature cocktail, the Horny Goat — citrus rum with lemon-lime soda and a splash of cranberry juice. For $6, it was tasty but a little weak. To be fair, however, I'd waffled on ordering it — within earshot of the bartender — because I'm just not much of a rum fan.

Parking: There's plenty of free parking in nearby lots and garages.

Overall: There's much more to the Billy Goat Tavern than the cheeseburgers and that Cubs curse. It's a piece of Chicago history, and that alone is a good reason to visit. But its newest suburban location also happens to be a nice place for a burger and a beer after a movie, and a cozy place to watch a sporting event.

Billy Goat Tavern

164 Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect, (847) 870-0123, <a href="http://www.billygoattavern.com" target="_blank">billygoattavern.com</a>

<b>Hours: </b>8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday