ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats in River North
Best Happy Hour in River North
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
Gus' Sip & Dip
8.0
Gus’ Sip & Dip is a Lettuce Entertain You tavern focused on reasonably priced cocktails and hearty dipped sandwiches just off Hubbard’s main drag. Named one of Bon Appétit’s notable new bars, it works as a value-minded way to do River North cocktails and a proper sandwich without committing to a full, expensive dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Beef Dip Sandwich, Crab Rangoon Dip, Roasted Chicken Dip Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cocktail-focused tavern where clever dips and sandwiches anchor an affordable night out.
Who should go: Drink-first groups who still want a real meal.
When to visit: Happy hour or early evening for the best drink deals.
What to order: Wagyu beef dip, crab rangoon dip, and fries to share.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the fastest refills and a better view of the drink prep.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; metered street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm — most guests use nearby River North garages (typically $18–30 for evenings).
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for night-out cocktails.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak evenings; you can converse at booths or two-tops, but it’s louder near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for small groups without a reservation; bar seats usually turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait (hours may be lighter than evenings).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few meatless snacks/sides and modifiable items; most sandwiches are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect 1–2 modifiable items at most; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; some items can be served without a bun or with sides, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, drink-forward dates — the energy is fun and informal, but it can be loud, so it’s better for relaxed conversation than intimate, quiet vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially early evening; expect a wait at peak times and consider bar seating if you want the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it skews adult, bar-centric, and louder at night; older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Affordable cocktails and hearty dipped sandwiches in a lively tavern setting — a value-minded alternative to pricier full-service River North dinners.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet or formal meal, extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or a true sit-down entree experience over bar-style sandwiches.