Gate A7 gives you a legit Chicago cheezborger without leaving MDW
Billy Goat Tavern & Grill sits in Terminal A by Gate A7 in the Main terminal, so this is the easiest way to tick the “cheezborger” box on a tight connection. It runs as a full bar-and-grill setup airside, with beer on tap and counter ordering. Figure mid-tier airport pricing ($$) for burgers and drinks, roughly what you’d pay downtown but with airport markup baked in.
The move here is simple: get the double cheezborger with grilled onions. Regulars say the single patty is too thin, and the double lands much closer to the Michigan Avenue original. Fries draw mixed reviews, and one Google reviewer flat-out says “skip the fries, get a double cheezborger and a beer and you’re set,” so put your money into extra meat or an extra drink instead.
Beer on tap turns this into a default bar for A-concourse passengers, especially at peak evening bank times around the A7–A10 gates. Expect the usual domestic drafts and some basic local options, served in plastic. The rating hovers around 4 stars, which tracks with the vibe: airport version of an old Chicago standby, not a food pilgrimage. It scratches that “I ate Billy Goat in Chicago” itch when you don’t have time to leave Midway.
Watch out for overcooked patties and rushed service when several Southwest flights are boarding near A7 within 30 minutes. Complaints center on dry burgers, a short toppings list (think cheese, onions, pickles, not gourmet builds), and staff who keep things brusque to move the line. If you want a seat, the bar usually turns faster than the tables, especially during the 5–7 p.m. rush.
Quick tip: if your gate is anywhere in A, budget 25–30 minutes, walk straight to A7, order a double or triple at the bar, and eat there so you can be back at your gate the moment boarding starts.