Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
Fried Pickles
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Waffle Fries
Tater Tots
About
Bub City
Welcome to Bub City, a lively hot dog restaurant located in the heart of Chicago's River North area at 435 N Clark St. This establishment, part of the well-respected Lettuce Entertain You group, offers a vibrant atmosphere infused with the spirit of the Midwest, complete with the twang of country music and a friendly staff that exemplifies Chicago hospitality.
The menu is a delightful exploration of flavors, featuring signature dishes like the brisket platter and the extremely popular macaroni and cheese topped with pulled pork. Diners rave about the melt-in-your-mouth qualities of the brisket grilled cheese, where tender brisket meets gooey, molten cheese, all resting between buttery bread. Complementing your meal with crisp, golden fries creates a satisfying contrast in textures.
Many patrons, such as Logan Santos, highlight the upbeat atmosphere and the exceptional service provided by staff members, including drinks prepared by the talented bartender Viv. Reviews reflect a balance of comfort food and a lively vibe—perfect for casual dining with friends or a sunny afternoon spent outside on the terrace.
While some reviews point out minor inconsistencies, like portion sizes or attentiveness during busy hours, the overall sentiment echoes a fun and fulfilling dining experience. The joy of enjoying a meal surrounded by country tunes and an energetic crowd gives Bub City its signature charm.
If you're looking for a place to indulge in American comfort food with a pinch of Southern flair, Bub City is a must-visit destination. With its stellar drink selection and tasty bites, there's always something to enjoy at this Chicago gem.
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“ Bub City is part of the Lettuce Entertain You group. I found the atmosphere to be nice, but a little over the top. As somebody from the Upper Midwest, the endless country music got a little annoying after a while. I ordered the brisket platter, which comes with a 2 ounce side of coleslaw. The brisket was a small portion. It was also rather fatty, even though I had ordered half fatty and half “lean“. I would recommend ordering just all lean if this is always an issue. The coleslaw was very mayo, heavy, which coming from where I come from was unusual because we usually have more vinegar-based coleslaws. I did really like the cucumber and tomato salad. I’d recommend getting that and the portion size was good but enough for just one person. I did find it interesting that when I paid my bill, there was a default tip amount of 25%. I thought that was rather high and there was no option for under 20%. ”
“ The upbeat country is always on point. The staff is super friendly and fast. Bartender Viv makes the best drinks. Always have a good time when I stop in. The vibe is top notch. Perfect Chicago Midwest hospitality. Would highly recommended to anyone I know. ”
“ 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…! ”
“ 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. ”
“ Walked in during busy Saturday, multiple seating areas & patio. Had the pulled pork bbq with Bub City sauce and not other options-wish chicken was available. Friend had burger. Excellent service. ”