Bub City

“My husband and I just stumbled across this place and it was awesome.”

My husband and I just stumbled across this place and it was awesome. Great atmosphere, he loved his brisket and my burger we both agreed was one of the best burgers we have ever had (The Cali burger). Our waiter was so nice and super helpful. We are only here for five days but we will definitely be back before we go home.

Amber Crane

Jan 2026

“Exceptional service by friendly staff, food is outstanding.”

Exceptional service by friendly staff, food is outstanding. Drinks were also very delicious. The bartender was very nice and gave us a complementary drink on him as well for the playoff game, which the Bears ended up winning, which was even better!!! Live music was also a hit!!

Scotty

Jan 2026

“We had fun in this place.”

We had fun in this place! I like the drinks and the food. The crew members are very approachable. We stayed at the bar table, so it’s easy for us to order drinks. However, many tables are available aside from the bar.

Hazel Joyce

Dec 2025

“Delicious! Ribs, wings, and Mac n cheese were all amazing! Delicious food and fun atmosphere. The...”

Delicious! Ribs, wings, and Mac n cheese were all amazing! Delicious food and fun atmosphere. The brisket was so good. Perfect blend of lean and full flavored cuts. The Mac n cheese was a great side too. Sits like a brick...just like it should!

Cameron Garber, DPT

Dec 2025

“I love Bub City DOWN!!”

I love Bub City DOWN!!! One of my favorite places for bites, drinks, and hanging out in the River North Area! We were staying nearby while in Chicago, so it was one of our first stops of our stay for dinner and some drinks. The Mac N Cheese with pulled pork added to it HITS! Soooo silky smooth, creamy, delicious, and a great contrast in textures between the cheesy mac and the pulled pork. The drinks here are also tasty and strong! We stopped by a few more times during our stay to hang out and grab a drink. It's also very easy to order and service is always prompt. We also returned just before heading to the airport for returning to LA and got their All-American Burger and more of the delectably delicious Mac N Cheese!! Neither disappointed and totally hit the spot! I absolutely recommend this spot to anyone looking in the River North area of Chicago.

Parker Green

Oct 2025

“The air shimmered with smoke and twang.”

The air shimmered with smoke and twang. Country tunes tangled with the scent of slow-cooked justice, and the crowd looked ready to testify under oath or at least order another round. I cracked open the case of the brisket grilled cheese. It was guilty on all counts: buttery bread, molten cheese, and brisket so tender it nearly confessed. The fries stood by as loyal sidekicks, crisp and golden, seasoned like they’d seen things. Behind the bar, Old Fashioneds marched out two by two, amber and dangerous. The neon flicker painted the room in crime-scene pink, but no one seemed to mind. In this joint, time moved slower, laughter louder, and diets strictly confidential. Every bite was evidence that comfort food still has the power to disarm even the most stoic caped figure. Detective Tips: • Stake out a corner booth; visibility is high to survey the scene. • The brisket grilled cheese is the city’s best-kept open secret. • Happy hour turns suspects into friends. Choose your whiskey wisely. • Pair sweet tea with saltier dishes; it’s balance disguised as indulgence. BEWARE OF... • Assuming one Old Fashioned is enough; it never is. • Underestimating waffle fries; they vanish quicker than clues at a crime scene. • Calling it “just a bar”; Bub City is a barbecue interrogation with twinkle lights. • Thinking you’ll skip dessert; the pie will find you.

Batman Jawn

Oct 2025

“Food was delicious, great atmosphere, and we stopped in during $6 Bloody Mary’s which was a bonus!”

Heidi Sullivan

Sep 2025

“Enjoyed some quiet afternoon beers and appetizers outisde in the sunshine.”

Enjoyed some quiet afternoon beers and appetizers outisde in the sunshine. Great outdoor terrace, good selection of drinks, and our server was really friendly and helpful. It was so good that we had to go back for margaritas at the bar later…!

Matt Barton

Aug 2025

“Yummy barbecue joint with a variety of drinks available.”

Yummy barbecue joint with a variety of drinks available. Great place for a fun party. The staff easily accommodated our group of 8 without a reservation so we were very lucky! I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and enjoyed it! I recommend adding extra sauce (that they provide) to eat bite. The music is kindof loud so if you have a big group it might be hard to hear the person at the other end of the table. Staff are super patient and polite, we had great service!

Morla Phan

Apr 2025

“If I could go back, I would.”

If I could go back, I would! Chicken wings were great, pulled pork, cucumber salad, baked beans and more. A feast to be had. I am very confused on why this rating is not higher. My experience was the best! My coworkers and I got to have a last dinner in Chicago when our flight was delayed an extra day. Our server was so personable, there happened to be a live band that night (I think it was ‘Sun Fallen’) The food was outstanding. I wish I could say I know I could visit again but I am not sure when I will return to Chicago.

Rosie Hutchison

Jan 2025

“Listen here's what you need to do on a date night in Chicago.”

Listen here's what you need to do on a date night in Chicago. Look up Three Dots and a Dash bar and go there for a couple drinks. Once imbided, walk around the corner for the best brisket grilled cheese of your entire life, and then take public transport back to hotel. Also a great, not crowded lunch spot.

Caren Reason Parker

Dec 2024

“Get there before the show and gotta have dinner here!”

Get there before the show and gotta have dinner here!! We got there right before the Smokeout Festival ended and we were able to get a table and we ordered from the BBQ options. We had brisket, Buffalo chicken bites, burnt ends and everything was delicious. The live entertainment was excellent and we had a great service. We will definitely go back+

Carmen LaRue Grijalva

Jul 2024