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.