Billy's goat

Billy’s Chicago Place proves that nothing is as good as the original. Although I was pleased with my overall dining experience, I’m convinced that I’ll have to go to Chicago if I want to experience the authentic Chicago-style food so many IU students rave about.

I fantasized about eating a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza all day before I went to Billy’s Chicago Place. Sadness crept into my heart as I read the limited menu, which did not include pizza of any style.

Basic entrees such as hotdogs, hamburgers and Italian-meat sandwiches made up the majority of the food menu. The beer menu included an average selection of bottled and draft beers. The iconic Old Style beer synonymous with Chicago’s Wrigley Field was available for $2.50 a bottle.

I ordered a Chicago-style hotdog and a gyro while my friend ordered french fries. We chose a table near a large picture of the Chicago skyline. Other items commemorating the city and its teams, such as a multicolored Cubs light, were hung throughout the restaurant. Banners commemorating IU men’s basketball national championships were also hung inside the restaurant, in stark contrast to the Chicago theme.

My observation was quickly interrupted when our food was brought to us shortly after we had ordered. My gyro toppings included tomato, onions, tzatziki sauce and nothing else. I’m used to having more toppings crammed into a gyro, but the thick slices of meat made up for the lack of toppings.

My friend noted that my Chicago-style hotdog appeared to have all the necessary ingredients such as onions, tomatoes and pickle spears. The menu lists “bright green relish” as one of the toppings, and they weren’t kidding. This stuff looked like it would glow in the dark.

The fries weren’t salty enough for my friend, who admits to being a fan of cholesterol. I was able to grab a few before she devoured them and suggested we order something else. She changed her mind when I informed her that the IDS would not reimburse me for the meal. Just like the rest of the food, the fries were OK, but not worth writing home to Chicago about.

The take-home menu I picked up claims that Billy’s Chicago Place has been “A Bloomington tradition since 2007.” The food is comparable and prices are lower than at other establishments that consider themselves Bloomington traditions, but until alumni start bringing their kids to your restaurant, I think you need to change your menu cover, Billy.