River North's BBQ-and-Country Honky-Tonk
Bub City on Clark Street is the Lettuce Entertain You group's River North BBQ honky-tonk. Smoked meats by the pound, a deep American whiskey list, and live country music that earns its setting rather than feeling forced.
The cooking is American BBQ at chain-restaurant-group standards: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and a serious bourbon-and-whiskey programme.
What to Order
The BBQ platter with brisket, ribs, and sausage. The dish a first visit is built around. Whiskey flight from the bar. The bourbon list is unusually deep. Cornbread and the considered sides.
The Format
The room is loud, busy, and unmistakably honky-tonk in its register. Live country music runs evenings; the bar is the room's anchor.
Best Occasion: Team Dinner
Bub City handles a Chicago team dinner with practised ease. The BBQ format provides shareable centrepieces; the country-music register provides the entertainment; the bar absorbs late arrivals. The format is the celebratory dinner that doesn't take itself too seriously.