The first location , at 1855 W. Madison St. , was opened in 1934 when William " Billy Goat " Sianis bought the Lincoln Tavern , near Chicago Stadium , for $ 205 with a bounced check ( he made good on it with the proceeds from the first weekend they were open ) . When the 1944 Republican National Convention came to town , he posted a sign saying " No Republicans allowed , " causing the place to be packed with Republicans demanding to be served . Of course , a great deal of publicity followed , which Sianis characteristically took advantage of
1944 Republican National Convention
1944 Republican National Convention
Billy Goat Tavern