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Gus' Sip & Dip
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Skip if: You want a quiet or formal meal, extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or a true sit-down entree experience over bar-style sandwiches.
Gus' Sip & Dip
8.4
Gus' Sip & Dip is a new-school tavern from a seasoned cocktail and kitchen team, pairing approachable signature drinks with an unusually serious bar-food menu. Happy hour here focuses on well-priced cocktails, a standout wagyu beef dip, and snacks that make it an easy pre-dinner or all-night stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Original Wagyu Beef Dip, Spinach & Artichoke Fondue, Knife & Fork Avocado Caesar
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven tavern where thoughtfully made drinks meet one of River North’s best beef dip sandwiches.
Who should go: Cocktail fans who also care about serious bar food.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or early evening before it fills.
What to order: Original wagyu beef dip, spinach & artichoke fondue, avocado Caesar.
Insider tip: Order the beef dip to share at the bar, then build your second round around the cocktail list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages within a short walk. No reliable valet presence reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished given the cocktail-bar setting.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evenings — conversation is possible at smaller tables or the bar, but large groups may need to speak up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at peak hours without a reservation, especially during prime happy hour transitions.
Weekday lunch: N/A — the venue operates primarily evenings and happy hour rather than weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian snacks and small plates, though the menu leans meat-forward overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be modified, but options are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items and modifications are available; confirm with staff as the kitchen is not a dedicated GF environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cocktails, bar seating, and lively-but-not-chaotic vibe work well for a casual first date, especially earlier in the evening before peak crowds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — bar and high-top seating are commonly available early or mid-week, but expect a wait during prime weekend hours and busy happy hour windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the space is bar-centric and skews adult-social; teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail execution and a notably serious bar-food program — especially the wagyu beef dip and shareable snacks — than many nearby happy hour spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, seated dinner environment or a broad vegan/gluten-free menu — choose a full-service restaurant instead.
Gus' Sip & Dip
7.7
Gus' Sip & Dip is a newer River North tavern from Lettuce Entertain You that pairs a long list of $12 classic cocktails with dipped sandwiches and tavern plates, several of which can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Beef Dip Sandwich, Steak Frites, Thick-Cut Tavern Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 6.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-focused tavern where staff can adapt several sandwiches and plates for gluten-conscious guests in a lively, walk-in-only space.
Who should go: Gluten-aware drinkers wanting cocktails with adaptable bar food.
When to visit: Early happy hour for easier seating and best $6 cocktail deal.
What to order: Wagyu Beef Dip, Steak Frites, a classic shaken cocktail over shaved ice.
Insider tip: Mention gluten-free needs when ordering sandwiches; the team can often adjust components or guide you to naturally gluten-free plates and sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Typical River North situation — limited street parking and frequent congestion; most guests rely on nearby paid garages. No dedicated valet reported.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and casual tops are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but bar-adjacent areas can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes since it is largely walk-in driven, with faster seating at the bar or high-tops.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though the room can fill during peak happy hour cross-over windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, mainly sides and a few plates — better for mixed-diet groups than strict vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — expect very few fully vegan items; modifications may be possible but are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Multiple sandwiches and plates can be adapted on request; staff guidance is important and adjustments vary by item.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, cocktail-forward first date — the space is lively and energetic rather than intimate, so it works best if you’re comfortable with a buzzy tavern vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the format leans walk-in friendly. Arrive early for happy hour or later in the evening to reduce waits; the bar and high-tops are usually the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more of an adult cocktail tavern. Older teens at off-peak hours may be fine, but it’s not aimed at families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Casual cocktail meetups, walk-in happy hour hangs, and mixed-diet groups that need adaptable gluten-conscious options without committing to a full restaurant meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a fully gluten-free or vegan-focused menu, or a formal dining experience with reservations and structured service.