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Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub
8.2
An old-school River North sports bar dating back to the early 1990s, Mother Hubbard's is known for Chicago's Famous Jumbo "Pterodactyl" Wings and long hours that stretch to 4–5 a.m. The menu leans classic bar comfort—wings, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza—priced for repeat visits rather than big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago's Famous Jumbo Wings, Pterodactyl Jumbo Wings, The 1886 Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running late-night sports pub built around jumbo, sauce-soaked wings and classic bar food.
Who should go: Wing lovers chasing cheap late-night bar food and games.
When to visit: Late nights after downtown events or weekend games, especially.
What to order: Chicago's Famous Jumbo Wings, Pterodactyl Jumbo Wings, The 1886 Burger.
Insider tip: Wings are hefty, so start with one order to share and add a Francheezie or pizza only if your table is still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited in River North, especially during events; nearby paid garages on Hubbard/State are usually the most reliable. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual and sports-bar relaxed — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and late nights — conversation can be difficult at peak times.
Weekend wait: Generally short to moderate waits (10–30 minutes), but expect crowding during major games or late-night rushes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; many tables open outside of game days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few bar snacks, salads, and cheese pizzas depending on availability.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is primarily wings and bar fare with minimal vegan substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free kitchen; some items may be adaptable but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if both people want a casual, game-day sports bar vibe — it’s loud, informal, and better for wings and beers than conversation-forward dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in and late-night friendly. You can usually find a table, but arrive early for big games or post-event crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for casual daytime meals, but it functions as an adult-leaning sports pub and becomes unsuitable for kids late at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night wings, cheap bar food, long hours, and a classic sports-bar atmosphere where watching the game is the priority.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, upscale drinks, healthier or dietary-restricted menus, or a polished date-night environment.
Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub
7.8
Mother Hubbard’s is a decades-old River North sports pub where ribs, burgers and wings fuel game-day marathons deep into the night. While it’s first a TV-packed bar, the BBQ ribs and ribs-and-chicken combo platters are quietly dependable, affordable options when you want late-night ribs within 60654.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Ribs, BBQ Ribs Chicken Combo Platter, Pterodactyl Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A long-running, TV-lined sports pub where surprisingly solid BBQ ribs and combo platters are served until very late at friendly prices.
Who should go: Rib-and-wings fans who want sports, beer and late hours.
When to visit: Game days or late-night hours when you need ribs after 10pm.
What to order: BBQ Ribs, BBQ Ribs Chicken Combo Platter, Pterodactyl Wings.
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the bar for faster service and order ribs early in the game before the kitchen gets slammed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; closest option is nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking — easier before major games and late nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and game-day attire are normal.
Noise level: Loud during games and late nights — conversation can be difficult near the bar area.
Weekend wait: Short to moderate wait unless there’s a major game, when it can spike to 20–40 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is typically available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — expect a few bar-style options such as salads or sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — best for snacks rather than a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Some items may work with modifications (e.g., ribs or wings without breaded add-ons), but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep — confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both want a loud, sports-bar vibe — it’s better for casual hangouts than conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in; arrive before kickoff or between games for the best chance at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids during non-peak games, but the late-night crowd and noise skew adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ribs, affordable combo platters, and wall-to-wall sports viewing in a no-frills setting.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, polished service, or chef-driven BBQ — choose a dedicated barbecue restaurant instead.