The Olympia Restaurant: Cheeseburger, Chips and Pepsi - SNL

Frustrated patrons are annoyed that they can only get cheeseburgers, chips and Pepsi at The Olympia Restaurant. A featured patron (Robert Klein) really wants eggs and argues with the staff including Pete (John Belushi). [Season 3, 1978]
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[@douglaslally156]

The sketch is based on a real Greek restaurant in Chicago called The Billy Goat Tavern (est. 1934). It's still there, in fact there are 8 of them, now. An SNL writer ate there in 1975 and was inspired to write the sketch based on his actual experiences.

[@user-pq6mr6op3p]

Oh bullshit

[@newspeak30000]

It’s true. I went there years ago. As soon as you walk in, they ask you, “Cheeseburger?” And the cheeseburgers are not that great.

[@user-pq6mr6op3p]

@@newspeak30000 I don't remember asking you anything.

[@DefyantFoxV2]

@@user-pq6mr6op3p as someone from Chicago I can confirm this is true...and the burgers are ok the best one was Billy boys

[@user-pq6mr6op3p]

@@DefyantFoxV2 There is no proof "some writer" who he has no name for made a sketch about this restaurant. They probably stole the idea drom S.N.L and said hey let's pretend this is our place.

[@greasefire75]

So my uncle was a prop master and set designer on SNL from 75 to 84, and YES I can confirm, that the grill was real. Powered by a simple barbecue propane tank and not only was Dan really cooking all the "cheeseburger" but my uncle Al and most of the staff decided to eat them in order for them not to go to waste, in fact Bill Murray made mention that the whole studio (8H) smelled like a diner for about another two weeks.

[@Clarence_Oddbody]

Did your uncle know Frank Sabino, one of the props/wardrobe guys from that era?

[@gregodify]

Your uncle must have known Joe Dicso, the stage manager.

[@greasefire75]

@@waynegoin5534 which part?

[@davidrojo9394]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@Rickkelley365]

This is a little gem of a comment

[@ToddWrightthedrummer]

This is my favorite cast. When Chevy Chase left I thought it was a huge loss, but Bill Murray was a great upgrade. The entire Not Ready For Primetime Players got into this skit, and it is still wonderful. RIP Gilda and John.

[@4seeableTV]

Murray was FAR more versatile than Chase. The show only got better.

[@lifeinsuranceman]

Chase for Murray was the best trade in the history of trades. Chase is one of the most overrated comedians of all time. Murray is a comedic genius.

[@davidderitis9068]

Hello I'm Chevy Chase and you're not !

[@davestorm6718]

@@lifeinsuranceman Chase always had issues with Murray and was a pain to work with after he left SNL (from what I've heard)

[@tommurphy4307]

t was that kentucky bluegrass/northern california sinsemilla hybrid they smoked

[@williamcobb6322]

SNL was required TV viewing on Saturday nights in the 70's! The early years of SNL are comedy gold!!!!

[@oldrocker74]

That's why I have the first five seasons on DVD.

[@ncavlleguy]

Absolutely!!

[@gator9339]

What time did SNL air back in the 70s?

[@ricklittle4617]

We used to have a watch party every Saturday night lot of booze and weed good times for sure

[@TheFlyingMasterChef]

The 70s version of the show was the ONLY one worth watching. Once that main crew left, in my opinion, they only ever had 8 decent comedians ever. The show was much funnier when they hammered on both political parties and didn't go full fledge left wing. But again, that's my opinion. I will only watch the 70's and early 80's shows..

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

I really want a cheeseburger, chips, and a Pepsi now

[@luciemedici]

Pessi 😎

[@IlaughedIcried]

ME TOO!

[@IlaughedIcried]

Actually, I really want fries with it, but I know there's no fries. Chips.

[@tyro244]

I want eggs now.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Not at THAT diner! But these comedians/actors, were ARE SUPERLATIVE.

[@eltravo2112]

I like how Belushi slam dunks ice into the Pepsi with his bare hands and Gilda just casually drinks it anyway 😂

[@Catalyst1234]

That's how things were back then... Hands are just fine.

[@djnorth2020]

Ah yes, times when you washed hands in the bathroom maybe once or twice a week, when you..... Yeah thanks George Carlin for that image. 😄

[@decker8202]

We played it fast and loose back then!

[@wauliepalnuts6134]

*_THEY WERE BANGING IN REAL LIFE._*

[@CaliGrown11]

@@wauliepalnuts6134 ewwwwww

[@bullwinklemoose8291]

All these years later, it's still absolutely mind blowing that all those legends were gathered together as the cast of one show. (I'm including Garrett Morris in that statement as well.)

[@remus80]

Robert Klein, too.

[@kang1599]

Was thinking the same thing, was epic, good old days

[@doyoulovehimloretta1607]

For sure, Gilda and John too. Very early days.

[@DannyD714]

they weren't legends at the time. the work they did made them legends,but point well taken.

[@mc76]

Even more remarkable is the fact that the eight of them performed (and in some cases, wrote) all the sketches while recents casts have numbered in the 20s.

[@josephwalther5979]

I love how when Belushi is pointing out everybody eating cheeseburgers and saying "cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger" Dan A. is putting a burger on the grill each time cheeseburger is said, thinking it is new order.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

Yeah, that's kinda the punchline of the skit....

[@catherinefan32]

Oh yeah that’s why he said there was no more. Lol but he was like “whelp I’ll just make eggs” lol

[@susanb5058]

Dummy me didn’t even catch that 🙃🤣😁

[@davidtsmith33]

Made me go and replay that part to double-check yes. Yeah that was funny as heck.

[@dennis2966]

I saw this when it originally aired. I enjoyed the sketch because I really liked the cast. Now, watching it all these decades later, to me that bit is the only actual funny part of the sketch.

[@gh9111]

Bill Murray doing the best foreign guy not understanding a word of English is classic.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Bill and John both from Chicago originally John from the western suburbs near Wheaton bill from the north suburbs up near lakeforest the Murray..and everybody that went through second City theater pretty much all hung out at the Billy Goat Tavern next door eating burgers.. unlike John though who character here was supposed to be here for years builds character is supposed to be someone who came recently at the time and hasn't been here long and hasn't learned much English..

[@JB0071051982]

I agree, this is defiantly one of the best SNL skits Bill Murray was in. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were in top form as well.

[@SpeedyDePalma]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist It's a bit of a recurring theme in Chicago you have a whole lot of these little mom and pop diners selling similar fare almost always they're run by Greeks that's just what I'm picking up on Belushi's accent is he's doing some sort of Mediterranean.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@SpeedyDePalma that's exactly what I wrote down it is it's a classic take on classic Chicago Greek diners.. but one must also know the history of the famous Billy Goat Tavern too..at 1 Google pretty much will tell you once you Google it the history of it as many years as it's been around and yes indeed has been like that since they started migrating in in the 60s the boom really came on in the early seventies and pretty much has been ever since two other things to know when you're really in an authentic Greek restaurant near Chicago is you will find pink thousand Island dressing always.. and usually Mexicans doing the cooking for the most part nowadays too..and if you called any kind of diners around Chicago and ask for the manager nine times out of 10 is named either going to be Pete or Jimmy lol

[@SpeedyDePalma]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist know what's funny is that it's the same way on the west coast you'll find diners like that but they won't be Greek run instead they're Korean.

[@vinko8237]

Belushi, Aykroyd and Murray in the same square meter. What a legendary scene!

[@hectorlopez1069]

Oh yes for the 70s

[@owl1873]

The most amazing thing about this skit is the set itself. The attention to detail is over the top, nothing left to imagine, it had everything you would expect to see in a diner.

[@hoibsh21]

I can smell the food from here!

[@wrwallpi]

Inspired by the Billy Goat Tavern, Chicago, IL. See today's "Pearls Before Swine."

[@g.t.richardson6311]

@@wrwallpi and 100 other places One in Carlisle pa since 1930s

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Funny Or Stupid

[@thewalkingmic5]

“Sausage, eggs- over lightly, a large orange juice, and a coffee.” “Cheeseburger?!” 😂😂😂

[@stevekov6740]

'NO SAUSAGE, CHEEZBORGER! NO EGGS, CHEEZBORGER! NO JUICE, PEPSI! NO COFFEE, PEPSI! NEXT!' (Gives & charges for 2 cheeseburgers and two Pepsis).

[@KairuHakubi]

chickEN sandWICH?

[@stevekov6740]

@@KairuHakubi Lol Goobacks on Southpark! I'll respond Simpsons style. No sadwich, only Khlav Kalash!

[@jamesd242]

Cheeborger

[@JoeCrow5542]

Comedy gold

[@jaygasper4853]

I love how he's really making hamburgers

[@sergiogalindo3024]

No hamburgers! Cheeseburger!

[@favrerules04]

That was my first thought when the video started. A working grill on set? That's dedication

[@JonWhitexas]

@RedneckSpaceMan Cheezeborger! I would love to be at the Billy Goat this fine Friday afternoon!

[@stevenichols2938]

Bill Murray used to be a short order cook. He knows how it is done.

[@jaw-knee-5]

probably the best prop in SNL history perhaps.

[@brainscott8198]

FUN FACT: Dan Aykroyd never used cue cards. He memorized all his lines by Thursday and was ready for Friday night's first run thru. By Saturday afternoon he had memorized everybody else's lines who were in any of his skits.

[@AlabasterSmithers]

Really? He remembered to say cheeseburger in this skit with no cue cards? What talent!

[@mikestevenson576]

Back when it was a much smaller operation and you could sort of count on the lines you memorized before Thursday still being in the show Saturday at 11:30.

[@johnpat3622]

Score one for the Canadian education system.

[@extremeconcepts1]

I wish the recent SNL casts would actually learn lines...the cue card eye looks are terrible and makes it less funny

[@TheEpicProjects300K]

Reminds me of when Will Smith memorised everyone's lines in Fresh prince of Bel air

[@DrStephenStrange]

My goodness. Just look at all the comic talent contained in just that one sketch!

[@allamericanheadbanger812]

When the cast of SNL was so talented they could entertain by just saying cheeseburger over and over

[@bullwinklemoose8291]

Well, actually it was ‘chee booga’. 😂

[@RomeKG471]

And Pepsi......no Coke

[@jamesweir2943]

real comedy

[@lorraineb.4698]

My mother loved this skit

[@geraldsobel3470]

@@bullwinklemoose8291 WWwwrroong! It was CHEEZE-BOYGAH. What country are YOU from?

[@Gablesman888]

Used to be a restaurant in our city just like this, and run by a beloved Greek family. They kept up the arguments, banter, etc., as part of their everyday working routine. You went for the atmosphere as much as the food.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I always lose it when Murry is just nodding his head at the customer like he understands. "Cheeseburger?!"

[@AJ_Deadshow]

And then the long nod like "ahh, yes" when he explains how he wants them over lightly

[@AaronLitz]

He actually looks about terrified, as appropriate.

[@robertchisholm7178]

Don't forget, he's a little touched in the head,like most of us.

[@5MadMovieMakers]

When the burgers run out, the eggs become accessible

[@OhNo_4mor4freaknbiden]

No hamburger , no cheeseburger , NO BURGER

[@PujoSwasono]

Achievement unlocked: Scramble Eggs

[@hectorlopez1069]

I still see burgers and patties on the grill, they haven't run out.

[@jimklipper6022]

I wonder if Jane could get that tuna then?

[@ichhabe330]

@@hectorlopez1069 When John Belushi pointed out in the diner that all had cheeseburger he said it out loud and Dan Akroyd thought that was orders for others. So when the customer finally caved in and ordered a cheeseburger they were "out".

[@ronaldzent4845]

The best and funniest cast ever for SNL, nothing like Belushi, Akroyd, Radner, Curtin and the skits and comedic timing

[@bradsanders407]

90s was way better

[@user-mv4be1tc2u]

Nope​@@bradsanders407

[@BrendanJSmith]

As someone who's worked taking orders, the amount of times I've had to shut down people who ask for Coke and tell them we have Pepsi is pretty much perfectly represented here.

[@hilaryapril7043]

Does shut down mean shut up....Pepsi ugh ! Coca cola is the real thing

[@poopypants8815]

@@hilaryapril7043 if u can’t accept Pepsi instead of coke u must be a white woman

[@esat189]

I always ask for C O L A. I think folks say coke as a generic term. Like Q TIPS for cotton swabs and Kleenex For facial tissue etc. Before the coke Pepsi marketing was Noone cared what kind of cola they were served. There were hundreds of regional andocal brands all over the USA.

[@rockymypug]

Pepsi sucks.

[@BrendanJSmith]

@@rockymypug Irrelevant.

[@johncorbin9599]

I love it at 3:41, when Belushi keeps saying "cheeseburger" and Aykroyd is repeating him and is slapping the patties down on the griddle for as many times as he says it!

[@jessiejames7492]

and yet he keeps saying no burger...?

[@JBigjake]

That’s how some of these old Greek places ran. In my favorite, they called out the orders backwards, in loud gravelly voices! “Cheeburger one, frenchy one”! Each counter guy was paired with a cook in the back, who took only his orders.

[@jessiejames7492]

@@JBigjake wow thats some system....

[@andyskeels8539]

@@jessiejames7492 well they ran out because he kept putting them on the grill. And so then they could make eggs.

[@jessiejames7492]

@@andyskeels8539 i understand .

[@NS1.]

I am kinda blown away by the acting. Also, the set and the writing itself. This seems to be way better than all the other snl skits I've seen from this era.

[@michaelp6794]

More talent in this one scene than we’ve seen on Saturday Night Live in the past 10 years.

[@joesullivan8861]

only 10?

[@jorgerodriguez85]

Amusing how they were cooking real burgers in this skit.

[@lukeGGlee]

Jorge Rodriguez And then they eat it

[@stefan-anamericaninrussiaa6683]

Even then, the real heros of SNL were the prop and carpenter crew.. This didn’t exist on Tuesday, and it was fully formed by Saturday, including a working grill..

[@akiraman26]

You like the juice

[@mr.vargas5648]

real pepsi too. Lol.

[@colejx78]

I just Noticed that!

[@LegendaryCanary]

bill murray was already old when he was young

[@animechic420]

It's the mustache.

[@timlawson2193]

A younger Robert Klein.

[@erikrandan7294]

Love when Belushi is pointing out all the "Cheezeborgers" to the guy who wanted eggs and Aykroyd is slapping down burger patties every time Belushi shouts "Cheezeborger" to the guy😂😂😂😂 nice visual gag that tends to get overlooked!

[@tealingw1371]

Comedy gold

[@lawoftheuniverse8089]

45 Years Later and it's still Funny as Hell...Real Talent Back Then...!!!

[@4catmomma150]

Talent like this no longer exists because the Left outlawed humor.

[@KarlPHorse]

Say what you will, their ability to keep up with cheeseburgers and pepsi's was damn impressive.

[@bobspence5322]

i didnt get that the first time i saw it. ackroyd nailed it on every cheeseburger one went on the grill and ran out exactly on cue.

[@ericjamieson]

This skit always reminds me of a former co-worker - we used to go to this local burger joint and he would order a turkey melt, and they would always angrily refuse to make him one b/c it wasn't on the menu. He'd point out that they had both a turkey sandwich and grilled cheese, so they had all the ingredients and if you can make a grilled cheese you can easily make a turkey melt, but this never convinced them. This went on for over a year until one day we walked in and the owner booms out "Bill! Today is your lucky day! I will make you... a turkey melt!"

[@Im2Old4ThisShite]

If I were "Bill", I'd have said, "nah...I'll just have a cheeseburger"... just to fu@k with him....

[@sq7238]

Why’d he keep going after one year being refused a simple turkey melt?

[@jovanyalaniz8642]

@@sq7238 you have to stay persistent now bill will always go back to the resturant for a turkey melt and so will new customers. a win win situation all from one guy who stayed on top of the task

[@sq7238]

@@jovanyalaniz8642 thats exactly my point, why’d the restaurant deserve Bills business if they couldn’t be bothered to accommodate à the simplest request ?? Of course the restaurants going to be a happy camper with a loyal customer, but when (before finally agreeing to make the Turkey melts, ofc) did they put in the work to make Bill a loyal customer ??

[@jovanyalaniz8642]

@@sq7238 Good Point.

[@catherineshaw1122]

For anyone not aware, this was based on a legendary Chicago joint, Billy Goat Tavern. They used to have solely burgers, chips and Pepsi. Now they have more items but my god the cheeseburgers were soooo good. And they ran their counter back then just like this, lol.

[@flickmonger87]

I can testify that the burgers are still just as good

[@DoomPlague]

I'll never forget my one visit there about 14 years ago. A friend ordered first to purposefully upset the older guy taking orders by ordering a coke and fries, so that our other friend behind him was extra intimidated. The second friend never got the two burgers he ordered and was too afraid to ask about it.

[@catherineshaw1122]

@@DoomPlague they're used to that but I'm sure they also find it annoying sometimes. People have done that ever since they opened, hence the sketch.

[@yeniczek]

@@flickmonger87 and cheap :) Yep, the atmosphere adds a lot, but I always return when visiting Chicago.

[@babyyodasizzurp3042]

Went to the Billy Goat tavern last night and it was one of the best burgers i’ve ever had along with the nicest cook i have ever met!

[@oldtimer794]

I ordered a single burger at the Billy Goat and the guy said "No singles today, only doubles and triples." So I had a double and it was great!!

[@hectorlopez1069]

But it's no pepsi, coke.

[@arthurkyriazis]

I worked in my Greek grandfather’s texas Weiner lunch place when I was 11 mopping floors and cleaning toilets. I got paid in food. That job was my happy place. This skit really was the American Dream for our family. I got to go to Harvard because my grandpa slung burgers & hot dogs over a hot grill coming to America. I love this skit.

[@0714will]

Very Cool! Just randomly got here. But you're awesome man!

[@AGTsakumis]

God bless you and your family, brother. My father started one of the most successful chain of steakhouses in British Columbia history. I have three university degrees because of that hard. Now I run a real estate portfolio that extends to San Antonio. Very best to you and your family. We learned right.

[@seanscott7070]

VE RI TAS.

[@josephhuether1184]

My German American grandfather owned a lunch spot in midtown Manhattan in the 20s, 30s, 40s. Believe it or not, it was also a Tammany connected election day voting spot. LOL…those days are long gone.

[@stevecook7551]

This sketch takes me back to my own youth growing up in east end Toronto , there where dozens of small restaurants owned by hard working Greek families . Incredibly hard working and dedicated people with the sole intent of making a better life for their kids than they had .

[@gj8683]

Gilda: "I'll have the usual." John: "Cheeseburger!" Cracked me up.

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

It never gets old 😂

[@stephenscott6570]

I am so happy I passed through the years of SNL when these comedians were the ones.

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

Hashtag METOO…..in a good way 😉🤪😅🤣

[@geraldsobel3470]

@@phyllisanngodfrey6137 Yes, and don't forget Chevy Chase too!

[@AOMartialArts]

You mean: when it was funny. Yup.

[@oldrocker74]

That's why I have the first five seasons on DVD!

[@nstark1066]

I remember this skit triggered the munchies every time! Pepsi surely got plenty of publicity

[@denvan3143]

This is a real place in Chicago. It’s called the Billygoat Tavern. I was there in the late 1990s. You won’t see it when you come to the address; it’s down a set of stairs to the underground world of Chicago. Photographs of local celebrities line the wall on the right. They have Coke, no Pepsi, chips, no fries. Order three cheeseburgers and the man at the counter shouts over his shoulder “Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!” The man at the grill yells back “Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!“ The cheeseburgers are pretty good. 🍔🍔🍔

[@LumiHyseni]

This scene was inspired by John Belushis dads place.

[@trafficsignal101]

The first episode was in the late 70's. I was still in Jr. high school. The Billy Goat Tavern must have stole the idea.

[@flyingwithtime]

@@trafficsignal101 The Billy Goat was founded in the 30's. Belushi grew up in Chicago and met Akyroyd while they were both living there. The OP is right: this sketch was inspired by the Billy Goat.

[@willshaw3493]

There are a couple Billy Goats...I think the original is down the stairs below Michigan Avenue, but there's also one on the other side of the Loop.

[@liamstacey419]

All true

[@morgana.1269]

If anyone is ever in Chicago and wants to go to the place that inspired the skit it is called the Billy Goat Tavern. There’s locations on Madison, lower Michigan, at Navy pier, and at the airport. The owners are really nice and they have the best burgers ever.

[@trenthall1427]

that is AWESOME!!!!!

[@adzisme]

Which airport? There are 2 in Chicago

[@dalethelander3781]

@@adzisme ORD.

[@nikkib6604]

Just went by accident this past weekend!! Really good - most affordable meal in all of Chicago!

[@psychoticmortacarn]

With the amount they make I would certainly hope so

[@nealmaxwell790]

It’s too early for a cheeseburger!! Said no American ever!

[@jimratliff2753]

Still to this day remember watching that live. The '70s was Saturday night live could not be beat. The best comedians the funniest skits and the best music. You will never top it!

[@daniela.jimerson3486]

The ‘70s……the last great decade.

[@MManv84]

What would be more impressive is if you watch any on SNL in the 70s which was *NOT* live, lol. Because that would have required owning a super rare/expensive vhs or beta machine

[@ctwishkeyprn2039]

I would've died in that audience smelling the good smell of fresh cheeseburgers grilling and pessi! Lol

[@davidpatrickcox3004]

I hope they didn't waste those burgers. I wonder if they fed the audience? Or, the rest of the crew? In any case, I've always loved these Olympia Diner skits!

[@Circuitssmith]

@@davidpatrickcox3004 According to some people who claim to have been there, the cast and crew didn’t let the burgers go to waste and enjoyed them after the show.

[@eltravo2112]

“We’re all out of hamburgers. However, we do have cheeseburgers”

[@aliensoup2420]

if you ordered a cheeseburger without cheese, they would probably have a brain aneurysm.

[@AJ_Deadshow]

No bourgie! No cheesebourgie, no hambourgie, no bourgie!

[@crazydude-cx2be]

That is epic, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and John Belushi oh and Gilda Radner..so young at that time and to see them in their element and prime...wow

[@dantuttle3463]

I was always impressed with the detail in this skit that not only looks like a real restaurant, but they are really frying hamburgers. Amazing !

[@garyaugustus1009]

"Chiz boigah... No Coke, PEPsi..No fry, cheeps."

[@willard2729]

No laughs

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

In homage this skit people srill remember that line today

[@melissahorn6091]

I remember this skit, watched it live. So many classic cast members. 👍

[@jxchamb]

The look of confusion from my 7 year old whenever I quote this sketch at a diner is priceless.

[@makeminefreedom]

I love watching the original cast together again. Thank you.

[@ExtremelyOCD]

Classic, total classic! Talk about a powerhouse of talent. The first era of SNL will NEVER be matched!!

[@waylontassone8732]

The crew of the late 80's and early 90's was pretty talented. The Bad Boys of SNL Sandler,Spade,Carvey,Myers just to name a few

[@b_side8669]

Amen brother

[@tylerpuszczewicz2535]

@@waylontassone8732 Don't forget about Farley.

[@jackag24]

Why do we always hold them up on a pedestal never to be taken down? instead we should be looking towards the next generation of people that can be just as good as them!

[@matthewnickerson9962]

@@waylontassone8732 Both groups were great, as shown by their movie careers.

[@tojiroh]

I like the part where he said "cheeseburger".

[@intsoccersuperstar1]

tojiroh Can you give me a time stamp? I can’t find it.

[@namk19]

I like the Pepsi

[@johncorbin9599]

Correction "cheeberger" lol

[@eisenkreuzmusik]

@@namk19 Pecsi!

[@johnmagill9496]

Yeah, I noticed that too, it was pretty cool.

[@harryknutts8428]

I don’t know why but ice cold Pepsi sounds real good and I could almost go for a cheeseburger and some chips

[@monkey-wrench1027]

Ah, okey okey. CHEEBURGYE! one chip, oneh pepsi!

[@cjvasta8756]

Amazing. They're actually cooking real burgers live on television.

[@soranraina4391]

that studio had to have been smelling good

[@Circuitssmith]

That’s the magic of “live”.

[@leebeehh3905]

Even a simple scene like that shows the amazing talent this show had during this era. They nailed it perfectly -- even the accents. You felt like you were an actual patron in this highly dysfunctional diner.

[@catherineshaw1122]

Aw, it's a classic joint here, we still love it.

[@MrRezRising]

That was all Belushi. This character is based on his father, an Albanian who immigrated to Canada and opened....wait for it....a diner. John worked there as a kid. He basically studied for this character his whole life. EDIT: Chicago, not Canada (that was the other Blues Brother) and while his dad did have a diner named, "Olympia", this was based on a Chicago diner, and the character was based on his uncle who ran a food cart in North Chicago. My bad. 🙂

[@obi-potobi790]

Crazy that SNL has been going for so many years and this is still deemed to be the best cast.

[@MrRezRising]

@@obi-potobi790 I think that's bc the original cast were the only ones allowed to fully improvise scenes. After the original cast left, Lorne left too for four years ('80-'84) which is when, under Dick Ebersol, the modern format of writing and scripting, using cue cards, etc. became the norm. When Lorne returned, he stuck to the new format, which has great moments, but does lack the energy and general over the top craziness of eg Gilda's monologues as a little kid (Amy Pohler's "Rick Rick Rick!" comes close), or Belushi's Weekend Update reports.

[@leonardo899]

So there was a time when SNL was not about Donald Trump?

[@frankpitochelli6786]

The sets they used with actual working grill and the diner look, counter etc... Those were classic yrs, and I got to see them first hand, SNL was in a class on own.

[@tammyhodges4447]

All the greats in one place

[@ruthresetar5940]

Those were the days. Classic.

[@favrerules04]

My boss just walked through the room and he saw my screen before I could minimize the window...he just looked at me and said, "Chee-bugga chee-bugga chee-bugga!" True story.

[@brianfitzsimmons6074]

You must really be Phil Collins with your obsession of cheeseburgers

[@Phooie]

How fun could that have been!

[@favrerules04]

@ben gib you don't know my boss

[@rocknroller77]

Mustard Tiger

[@joeheid2776]

Coolest boss ever

[@joolslaloosh]

What a trip! I realized when I saw this back in the day that it was incredible because they were actually cooking hamburgers on a live TV set.

[@harperstacey9604]

I bet those hamburgers were delicious. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@loriallenbaugh35]

In the mid/late 70’s me and a couple teenage friends worked at a burger joint called “The Lucky Greek” in Southern California. It was owned by two Greek brothers. We joked with them about the SNL sketch and they watched for weeks until they saw these sketches. We all laughed so hard. They loved it!

[@mjcruiser4238]

This holds up so well over the years -always brings a smile

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

I miss the old Greek run coneys in Detroit. These guys never wrote anything down, orders were always right and food arrived about ten seconds after you ordered it.

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

Neil Yaremchuk And they charge you almost nothing, and you get a ton of food. I love those places. I try to get down to Lafayette every chance I get. Otherwise, Leo’s is a great substitute.

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

@@CrowTRobot-ni7zu Nowadays, I just stick with Red Hots Coney Island in Highland Park. One of the last places that makes their own chili while everyone else just buys it from National.

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

Neil Yaremchuk I’ll have to try that place sometime.

[@mattf49006]

And a ice cold Vernors or Faygo pop

[@americangiant1003]

@@neilyaremchuk6798 Or if you ever in the NYC area, go to Nathan's famous Restaurant in Coney Island, NY. Home of the famous Hot Dog Eating Contest shown on ESPN on July 4 for years now.

[@iammontecristo]

Last time I flew threw Chicago O'Hare, I got some food from one place that had a sign that had "Olympia Cafe"/ "Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!" on it. I couldn't stop laughing

[@tylerkeller8869]

iammontecristo *through

[@tylerkeller8869]

Still funnyburger

[@TheSjuris]

iammontecristo Aah the Billy Goat Tavern at OHare.

[@Rowebot15]

So, whatdya order, cheeseburger? Pepsi?

[@johncorbin9599]

No. Frickin. Way!

[@izzybeau8183]

I miss this classic humor the stuff today can't compare to the classics! Telling a story, setting up dialogue and characters everything works and the comedy comes naturally. This is what SNL spirit is about. Wish they have all SNL seasons on dvd.

[@AlexanderWeurding]

This is gold!

[@grawakendream8980]

3:04 Him grabbing ice with his hands and stuffing it in the drink got no audible reaction from the audience because this was acceptable in 1978. In 2020 it's the biggest laugh in the sketch

[@annamariegotschall2874]

It wasn't the biggest laugh 🙄

[@PanelDaze]

also, smoking

[@eltravo2112]

Ice grab @ 1:51

[@bobzelley5100]

It is still acceptable in most countries . Most countries are lucky to have the means for ice . Nice to be in the top 1% and worry about such things

[@grawakendream8980]

@@bobzelley5100 at least you're outwardly appreciative of your privileged status anyway

[@chipwhite7170]

Thats the best snl crew ever the original not ready for prime time players

[@seanm3226]

Late ‘80’s/early ‘90’s cast most talented.

[@briangenthner5500]

Get over it

[@chipwhite7170]

@@briangenthner5500 oh trust me we are over it

[@chipwhite7170]

@Dire Straits whoa there cheech im not a liberal jesus they were funny and poked fun at both sides,nobody was safe from their humor

[@seanm3226]

Chip White “...poked fun at both sides”? Well that certainly isn’t the case this century. How many clever SNL political skits do you remember during the Obama years? It was ‘hands off’.

[@edwarddillon6016]

No grilled cheese, but you can get a cheese burger. LOL!!!

[@wmrustycox]

What a classic !!!

[@javster4138]

Yes

[@joemasters2270]

Imagine being in the studio & smelling those burgers - just watching this is making me hungry

[@NickNintendo1985]

I haven't seen anything so funny in a long time!!! My parents are Greek but I was raised in the UK. We also had a fast food joint and all the mannerisms really hit home. Jon Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd all play it great!! I love it when Jon Belushi hits Bill Murray with the menu, I love it when Bill Murray nods his head not understanding the customer and I love how Dan Aykroyd is casually smoking a cigarette whilst making the burgers. I'll have to watch all the late 70's early 80s SNL skits. Too funny.

[@johnx3312]

They are the best. Nobody can beat them..

[@jeffkwak2190]

I've been watching this skit everyday for a few months now and never tire of it. It's in my daily KZbin que. If you watch carefully Bill Murray accidentally tosses the chips too hard and the bag slides off the counter so Garrett Morris has to retrieve them off the floor. I remember when this first aired and never forgot it. John Belushi and the cast was fantastic. 😂❤

[@whoward6258]

True comedy from some of the best. This cast was truly hysterical.

[@razorsedge5145]

That’s my type of restaurant, nothing but cheese burgers, Pepsi, and chips. Love the classic SNL.

[@hollyb6885]

Avalanche Fan Breakfast of champions

[@hollywoodharriet13]

When sodas were made with sugar and weren't weighted down with all that high fructose corn syrup.

[@clintmurdock119]

Then stop by the Billy Goat Tavern if youre ever in Chicago. Thats the place the skit is based on.

[@jeremyb408]

if they run out of cheeseburgers you can get eggs too - you just have to be patient

[@steveaustin7306]

The talent in one scene! Never to be repeated or even close on snl history or other shows

[@glennduke5853]

Solid classic skit. I loved seeing this one again! Really brings me back in time!

[@jeffsadon552]

Smoking cigarettes and flipping burgers

[@darylabrams2]

Back in the day people could smoke on the job. I've worked with old construction and industrial workers who told me how they used to drink beers at lunch and even on the job

[@Craig2760]

In high school (the 70’s) I worked in the meat dept of a ma and pa grocery store. The head meat cutter, a WWII vet, had a cigarette either in his mouth or on the corner of the cutting table all day. When we swept the floors at closing time the store floor was littered with cig butts from customers.

[@Greendragon434]

I think it's a toothpick in his mouth, though

[@nkuhlman677]

έτσι όπως πρέπει.

[@akiraman26]

God miss yhe day when people wasnt pussy pansy’s

[@geraldpatterson3903]

Am I the only one impressed at how all out they went with the diner props

[@hollydatsopoulos7998]

My husband owns a Greek restaurant. This reminds me of him and his family. 🤣🤣🤣

[@chha6439]

I grew up with this … wish it was still this great ❤

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

I watched this every week when I was a teenager. One of the best casts ever

[@jasondownsnet]

I love this sketch. I return to watch it like once a year. Always makes me smile.

[@harperstacey9604]

The first year of Saturday night live was the best. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@seanscott7070]

I watch it every 22.7 years, and thats too much.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

Laughed every Saturday Night back in the 70's and 80's so much!

[@TS-vn2fc]

That was the best time of SNL with the best cast ever!

[@evilmidget]

I can only imagine how good this set must have smelt

[@annetteathanasatos1229]

I am Greek, & this is a great version of a Greek lunchnette. YASOU''''

[@a.i.privilege1233]

I was lucky to have watched these as a kid. That's probably why I have the sense of humor that I do.

[@tomperkins5657]

All the classic SNL staff in one crowded scene. Wow! Just wow!!

[@MirandaJ157]

John Belushi - awesome in every way, may you be singing with the angels of the blues 😊

[@tolfan4438]

How awesome was John Belushi? Starring in the number one television show starring in the number one movie singing on the number one single on both the rock and blues charts as well as the number one album on both the rock and blues charts all at the same time that's how awesome he was

[@sheriffburfordt.justice4488]

I would rather he stayed with us.

[@chi-townye]

Fact: The Restaurant is real. It’s in Chicago. It’s Called Billy Goat Tavern

[@seanpatrickcain2]

I'm there

[@everettallan]

It's Loosly based On the Billy Goat Tavern....But John's father had a Arminia restaurant. So He mix both into this skit.

[@liverpoolishgirl]

My parents met when my Mother worked at The Billy Goat Tavern.

[@joejonas3684]

Yep! Great place I’ve gone there many times. Also another fun fact the family that owns the Billy Goat Tavern is the Sianis family which is the same family that put the infamous Billy Goat curse on the Cubs

[@clintmurdock119]

Not a fan of it because their buns are so big the meat to bread ratio is fucked. You have to get the triple cheeseburger just to make it even.

[@ronb8052]

This was done in 1978, and it's still funnier today than anything on the new SNL.

[@FortifiedEnhancements]

To each their own. Must be the nostalgia because it didn’t live up to the hype for me.

[@razenhell6514]

@@FortifiedEnhancements You've probably told that before.

[@JamesDavidWalley]

...or any version of SNL for the past four decades.

[@TheSmartWay749]

Sucked in 78 sucks worse 2023

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Anything's funnier than the latest SNL!

[@winningvictory]

God bless the souls of some of the greatest comedic actors/actresses that ever made most of the world laugh! SNL was the best in the 1980s and the 1990s!

[@faceman2556]

About damn time they put this video back on KZbin for a while it was gone

[@farhanmahalludin]

Watching this somehow makes me hungry

[@ederanged7960]

Ah the good old days, when wounds went septic and ankles gave yer tent a pole.. I miss the war.

[@kams7170]

Yes! Cheeseburger from a N.Y. mom and pop restaurant

[@mrmustangman]

makes me sad....... life will never be as good as it was back then....... :-(

[@joejonas3684]

@@kams7170 actually this skit is based on the real life Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, Belushi’s hometown

[@jamesmackinnon7727]

Three legends behind the counter 😅

[@bekind8246]

Just simple pure genius comedy

[@importantguycommenting8156]

the golden diamond platinum year of SNL = Belushi+Murray+Akroyd

[@speedgeek5494]

I don't know why the Greeks had diners all over Chicago but some of the best food anywhere. Gyros and eggs for breakfast, good hangover cure and if you ate before you went to bed after a long night, good hangover preventer.

[@catherineshaw1122]

So true. Billy Goats is still going strong, which this was based on, but we lost many others, like the Melrose. The under 40 crowd don't get diners.

[@reedocheltree7794]

My dad would quote this skit every time we would have burgers

[@ruthlundy4497]

Another classic !! Miss this cast SO much