Sam Sianis, the longtime proprietor of Chicago’s iconic Billy Goat Tavern, died on May 15 at a hospital in Chicago. He was 91. The news was confirmed by his son Billy, who, along with another son, Paul, now manages the establishment.

The Billy Goat Tavern, located just below street level near North Michigan Avenue, has been a staple of Chicago’s local culture for more than half a century. Known to locals simply as the "Goat," the tavern sits conveniently across from the Chicago Tribune headquarters and has historically drawn a steady clientele of reporters, editors, and press workers. Its reputation as a classic Chicago dive bar is marked by its dimly lit, grease-stained walls and extended hours — often open up to 20 hours a day to accommodate the shifts of nearby newspaper staff.

Sam Sianis, a Greek immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1960, was instrumental in the tavern’s enduring presence. He initially worked alongside his uncle, William Sianis, who established the tavern at its current location in 1964. After William Sianis passed away in 1970, Sam took over operations and became a fixture behind the bar or in the kitchen for decades.

Mr. Sianis semi-retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping back from day-to-day duties while his sons assumed management responsibilities. Throughout its history, the Billy Goat has been celebrated not only for its food and drink but also for embodying a particular Chicago spirit and character, gaining a devoted following among both locals and visitors.

Sam Sianis’s death marks the end of an era for one of the city’s most recognizable and beloved institutions.