0 Followers
Bub City
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bub City
8.3
Bub City is a high-energy country bar and BBQ joint known for live music, whiskey, and game-day platters in the heart of River North. The kitchen leans into hearty smoked meats and shareable snacks, making it a go-to for nights that blur from dinner into drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Giddy Up Fries, 18 Hour Beef Brisket, Brisket Chili
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Loud, country-leaning BBQ bar where whiskey, live bands, and hefty smoked-meat plates share the spotlight.
Who should go: Friends wanting BBQ, whiskey, and a lively, music-driven night.
When to visit: Evenings and game days when the room, bar, and stage are busiest.
What to order: Giddy Up Fries, 18 Hour Beef Brisket, Brisket Chili.
Insider tip: Plan an early dinner reservation, then stay through the first live set so you can actually taste the BBQ before the room gets rowdier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages along Clark, Hubbard, or Kinzie. Rideshare is common on busy nights.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, boots, and game-day attire are all common, but groups often lean slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Loud — live music, crowd energy, and bar traffic make conversation difficult during peak sets.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during live shows or big game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; light to moderate flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides and salads can work, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect minimal accommodation beyond sides without toppings.
Gluten-free options: Some BBQ plates and proteins can be made gluten-aware; ask staff about sauces and buns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a high-energy, music-driven night — the room is loud and social, better for casual dates than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during evenings and weekends. The bar area often opens up faster than dining tables, especially before live sets.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but late nights skew adult-focused with louder music, bar crowds, and a party atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, game-day outings, whiskey flights, and nights that blend BBQ, drinks, and live country music in one space.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, refined BBQ tasting plates, or a menu with strong vegetarian or vegan coverage.
Bub City
8.4
Bub City is a country-leaning barbecue bar where award-winning chicken wings come smoked, fried, or buffalo-style alongside pulled pork, ribs, and whiskey. It doubles as a game-day and live-music hangout, so wings usually land in the middle of a noisy, party-like crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Award-Winning Chicken Wings, General Joe's Buffalo Bites, Giddy-Up Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A country-barbecue hybrid where meaty, smoked-and-fried wings headline game-day and live-music spreads.
Who should go: Groups wanting serious wings, whiskey, and loud country playlists.
When to visit: Busy game days or late evenings when the band and TVs are going.
What to order: Award-Winning Chicken Wings, General Joe's Buffalo Bites, Giddy-Up Fries.
Insider tip: Order a large basket of wings for the table and plan around live music nights if you want the full Bub City atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, boots, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and live music — conversation can be difficult at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during games or music nights; reservations help for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of major events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides, salads, and non-BBQ items are available.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu leans strongly barbecue- and meat-focused.
Gluten-free options: Select items can be prepared gluten-conscious; confirm sauces and breading with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, casual night than a quiet first date — the room is lively, loud, and geared toward games and music.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during games, concerts, and weekends; arriving early or later in the evening helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but late nights and live-music sets skew adult-focused; best for older kids or group outings.
Best For
Better for: Big-flavor smoked-and-fried wings, group outings, whiskey selections, and a high-energy country-bar vibe with live music.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined service, or a wide range of vegetarian/vegan options — choose a calmer restaurant instead.
Bub City
8.4
Bub City is a River North barbecue-and-whiskey hub where Chicago-style baby back ribs share the spotlight with brisket, bourbon and live country music. Open since 2012, it’s the go-to in 60654 when you want smoked ribs in a high-energy room with bands, big groups and late-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago-Style Baby Back Ribs, Baby Back Mac, Giddy-Up Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A country-leaning River North barbecue bar where live music and Chicago-style baby back ribs anchor the experience.
Who should go: Groups and rib-focused diners who like loud, lively nights.
When to visit: Prime evening or late-night slots when bands are playing.
What to order: Chicago-Style Baby Back Ribs, Baby Back Mac, Giddy-Up Fries.
Insider tip: Book a table near the stage or bar rail if you want full view of the band without getting stuck in the busiest traffic lanes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North — expect to use nearby paid garages; valet is occasionally offered on busy nights but isn’t guaranteed.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans, boots, and concert-night attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during live music and peak evenings — conversation can be difficult away from the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer when bands or events draw crowds.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait outside peak convention or game days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides and appetizers can work, but the menu is rib- and meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on select sides or modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some smoked meats and sides can be gluten-free with guidance from staff; ask about sauces and rubs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy outing than an intimate first date — the music and crowd create a lively, bar-style vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait during peak nights or live-music sets; arriving early or joining the waitlist helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but the room skews adult and loud at night; best for older kids or group outings before the band starts.
Best For
Better for: Lively group dinners, rib-centric orders, whiskey and country-music nights where atmosphere is part of the draw.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, broad vegetarian/vegan choice, or a purist, low-key barbecue experience.