Bub City

4.5

1443 Reviews

$30 and under

Barbecue

Top Tags:

RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun.

Bub City’s new menu with a focus on authentic barbecue. Signature items include Burnt Ends, Baby Back Ribs, Carolina Style Pulled Pork and 18 hr. Beef Brisket. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder served with four sides.

Bub City boasts a bar offering more than 125 selections.

Not bookable

Online reservations at Bub City can only be made directly on their website.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 610-4200

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Barbecue, American
Hours of operation
M-Fri 11:00AM - 2:00AM Sat 10:00AM - 3:00AM Sun 10:00AM - 12:00AM
Phone number
(312) 610-4200
Website
http://www.bubcitychicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Set with high top tables and bar seating, Bub City's semi-private Whiskey Bar is perfect for a cocktail reception (up to 40 guests) and with the added Corral, accommodates 60. Both are available prior to 7:30 p.m. daily. Arrangements for large groups of up to 20 guests can also be made in the main dining room.

Location
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
Chicago
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
CTA #22 Bus at Clark and Hubbard St Close to CTA Brown/Purple Line stop at Merchandise Mart Close to CTA Red Line stop at Grand and State St
Entertainment
Guests can expect to see live performances on the venue’s 16-foot stage by some of country music’s emerging talent throughout the week, take in acoustic performances on Mondays, and get behind the mic during live band karaoke on Tuesdays.
Additional
Beer, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch

Smoked Turkey Melt$19.95
hickory smoked turkey, apple wood smoked bacon, white cheddar, caramelized onions, and tomato served on rye bread
Hickory Burger$17.95
bub city smash burger with onion, 'merican cheese, bacon, Chicago BBQ, mustard, crispy onion string and choice of tots or waffles
Cowboy Brisket Dip$19.95
prime smoked brisket on toasted french bread with mozzarella, giardinera, horseradish cream, au jus and choice of waffle fries or tots
Game Day Platter$94.95
full rack of ribs, 8oz brisket, 8oz pork, general joes, smoked wings (6). served with texas toast and cole slaw

Almost Famous

Smokie's Chili$12.95
slow simmered double beef chili, cheddar, sour cream, scallions and jalapenos served with two fresh baked corn muffins
Guacamole, Pimento Cheese and Chips$8.95
housemade corn tortilla chips served with pimento cheese & guacamole
Atomic Cheesy Fries$9.95
golden waffle fries, creamy ranch dressing
Fried Pickles$10.95
creamy ranch dressing for dippin'
General Joe's Buffalo Bites$14.95
spicy chicken nuggets, blue cheese, celery
Giddy-Up Fries$18.95
a bub city classic with pulled pork, waffle fries, melted cheese and the works
BBQ Brisket Nachos$19.95
atomic cheese, sweet & spicy bbq sauce, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños
Loaded Bacon Tots$12.95
atomic cheese, bacon, cheese, sour cream, scallions

Fresh Smoked BBQ Meats

quality meats, smoked daily, 'til we run out

18hr Smoked Prime Brisket$21.95
lean, fatty or both
Pulled Berkshire Pork Shoulder$14.95
memphis BBQ sauce
Hickory-Smoked Jumbo Chicken Wings$16.95
served with white lightning sauce & celery sticks (6 Chicken Wings)
Chicago-Style Baby Back Ribs$21.95
half or full slab served with coleslaw, pickles & texas toast
Ribs & Chicken Wing Combo Plate$36.95
half slab ribs, 6 smoked wings
Pitmaster Combo Plate$42.95
half slab ribs, pulled pork & brisket
Faroe Island Salmon$20.95
your choice of grilled, blackened or BBQ – served with comeback sauce & coleslaw

Salads

Classic Iceberg Wedge$13.95
crispy bacon, buttermilk blue cheese, onions, ripe cherry tomatoes
Southwest Chopped$14.95
tomatoes, black beans, avocado, onions, cucumbers, white cheddar, chipotle ranch (gf), fresh lime vinaigrette
Add-Ons
add fried chicken for $6.95, buffalo fried chicken for $7.95, grilled chicken breast for $6.95, hickory smoked berkshire pulled pork for $6.95, smoked creekstone brisket for $9.95, salmon for $12.95

Burgers & Sandwiches

served with golden waffle fries or tater tots. add bacon $2.95, atomic cheese $1.95, roasted jalapenos $1

Chopped Brisket Sandwich$17.95
slow-smoked for 18 hours, jalapeños & pickled red onions
Pulled Pork Sandwich$13.95
hickory-smoked berkshire pork, bread & butter pickles
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich$14.95
creamy pickle slaw
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich$14.95
blue cheese, lettuce, pickles
Original Fried Chicken Sandwich$13.95
ranch dressing, lettuce, pickles, hot sauce
All-American Burger$13.95
2 smash patties, american cheese, ketchup, mustard, onion, pickles on a martin's potato bun Make it a Triple Patty for an additional $3.95
Cali-Burger$13.95
2 smash patties, american cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, cali sauce on a martin's potato bun.

Chicken Tender Baskets

served with golden waffle fries, add a buck for buffalo or nashville hot

2 Pc.$11.95
3 Pc.$14.95
4 Pc.$17.95

Phoebe's Mac N' Cheesy

Original$9.95
Pulled Pork$13.95
Brisket$14.95

Sides

Tater Tots$6.95
Waffle Fries$7.95
Skillet Corn Bread$7.95
served with tabasco honey butter, available daily! weekends after 3pm only.
Brussels Sprouts$6.95
Cole Slaw$4.95

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookies$4.95
2 per order
Butterscotch Pudding$2.95
just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, homemade butterscotch custard, salted caramel and whipped cream
Milkshake$7.95
choose chocolate, oreo, strawberry, or vanilla

What 1,443 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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JK
JamieK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made a reservation on a Saturday night. We ended up waiting about 20 minutes for a table, but didn't think anything of it. It was a busy night and we just grabbed a drink at the bar while we waited. Once our table was ready, the server sat us and we were immediately brought a round of drinks and fried pickles on the house for our wait. We weren't upset and never asked for this, but were completely impressed by this gesture. It was excellent customer service. We will definitely be going back.
KI
KellyI
Aberdeen
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic vibe, great service and superb food. You gotta check this place out when you are in town!
PB
PatrickB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience3
the food should be hotter and the beer should be colder and turn the country music down so you can have a conversation
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience2
Always delicious food and great service! Just very disappointed to see that they don’t have live music on Sundays anymore and they also took away their Bloody Mary bar. 👎🏼👎🏼 those were my favorite reasons to go there for Sunday brunch!!
1
11111111111111
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, and delicious food. The portion sizes are pretty large!
C
Coco
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience3
We were a table of 8 out for a birthday. The location we were sat at was horrible. Stage was not very visible and it was directly off the kitchen. I cannot say how many times we were almost knocked over by staff and guests. When we complained we were yelled at by THE STAFF. The staff should have cleared the crowd standing and blocking the route to the back instead of shoving up against us to get by. It WAS NOT worth the $500 bill.
L
Linz
New England
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great location for BBQ and having fun with friends.
AM
AndreaM
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We gave us our table 15 min late which is mothing and they offered us several appetizers at no cost. Outstanding service. Very professional and polite.
k
kristenw
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
My only problem was that we sat right next to the door and people who were waiting for a table kept leaning on our table while we ate...like even resting their arm and leaning back on the high top. We were there for my husband's birthday and he had never been before so this was his first experience. We tried to let it go but then another group of people came in and almost circled around our table making it seem like we were being watched. We didn't feel like we could talk or relax because we were rushed to get out of there so other people could take our seat. The food was great and our waitress was not bad but I think they should make the people waiting stand closer to the door and not allow them to roam the restaurant and walk around. We almost decided not to order and leave but we tried to stick it out.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My roommate and I went here because we wanted a place with a fun atmosphere for dinner and drinks! we compared it to a country version of Buffalo Wild Wings. We got the buffalo chicken strips with waffles fries and a pitcher of the pomegranate (or some other fruit flavor) margaritas and everything was amazing!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall3food2service4ambience3
Nachos that were rated great by the Tribune were awful. Mostly BBQ sauce on chips & meat was scarce & not good quality.
CV
ChelseaV
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it. Our server was great, love the bloody Mary’s and the food was amazing.
CR
ChrisR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant. Gave it a shot on Valentine's Day and was not disappointed. Service was great and the food was outstanding. Our kids liked it so much they begged to come back the next night. Will definitely be going back on my next trip to Chicago.
GG
GusGussie
Houston
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Got there on time for reserved seating and was seated right away. Wait staff was incredible. The place was packed but didn't have to flag anyone down for another drink or to place food order. Had the BBQ Bristket Nachos and they were really good. Smokey meat, plenty of cheese and the spice was due to jalapanos that could be avoided if not desired. The Band was engaging and talented. Great night!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best brisket in town hands down
EC
EmilyC
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food3service4ambience4
Great atmosphere for a group dinner. Food was good and selection of beer was great!
GD
GemmaD
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
it was an awesome experience
MF
MichaelF
Minneapolis
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience5
The amazing bloody bar that is the main reason I go is not there anymore? Super sad and disappointing.
D
Dustin
Minneapolis
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and fabulous drinks! Always a great option!!
R
Richardg
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience4
Disappointed with menu changes -- No cobb salad+ other changes - Don't mess with a good forula
PA
PATTYK
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2020
overall4food5service2ambience3
Great FOOD!!! Nice amount ..well deserved..however the service was slow.. took well over 15 mins before we were even look at...work on the staff to be more attentive to your customers you never who is waiting.
AM
AlexM
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The brisket and pulled pork were fantastic! Great atmosphere. Will be definitely returning!
JS
JSeaJay
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall4food2service4ambience5
We have been coming to bub city for years, and I’ve always enjoyed the experience. However, they recently made substantial changes on their menu which will limit our future visits. In an effort to simplify their menu, they have removed nearly everything that we eat. Including, their supposedly famous fried chicken. It was particularly weird since all of the staff members were wearing T-shirts promoting their fabulous fried chicken. If you want simply ribs or brisket, With minimal ability to customize or change sauces this is your place. Kind of breaks my heart, as the place still has a lot to offer.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience2
The menu for rib specials on the table "hadn't started yet" and we ordered fried chicken sandwiches that came out luke warm. Fries seemed like they had been fried a while ago. Would not recommend to a friend.
M
Mattt
Chicago
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience2
Stuck in the city and miss the warmth and welcome smells and sounds of the suburbs? You’ve come to the right place. Normally LEY knocks it out of the park. This was a swing and a miss. Next!
J
Josh
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for the live band playing that night and we had a great date night! The fried pickles were delicious and beers, well, they’re always good.
LC
LonnieC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time to Bub City, the food was amazing , on top of that our friends band was in town , Reckless Whiskey, so we felt right at home !!!! Service was amazing !!!! We will be back soon with friends
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
No meat and 3 for lunch was a disappointment considering that’s the main reason we come for lunch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food and service was great. The only tip that I would give is to not have the bus boys troll and keep asking if they can clear your table. It was a little pushy and there were open tables.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was an awesome time! Get the big platter!
SL
SLfoodie
Chicago
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great food and love the live music. Excellent coleslaw
LM
LM15
Chicago
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience5
The service is fantastic and the food is usually pretty good. Looks like they underwent a menu change and took off my favorite items so that was a bummer. Plus they got rid of the bloody mary bar and raised the mimosa prices. Still a good spot, but may not so much for brunch any more.
OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pastrami was godly!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
NYE at Bub City was so much fun! It wasn’t too crowded. We ate at 8:30pm and the band came on around 9:30pm. The service was excellent. I’d highly recommend for anyone who likes country.
S
Sopranofortissima
Milwaukee
44 reviews
vip
4.0
44 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
We selected Bub City because it was one of the few locations in River North that still had open tables on New Years Eve at the 11th hour (well, more like 3 pm hour). At our table the food got high marks in terms of value and taste. It’s not the greatest bbq you’ve ever had in your life, but it’s very good, the service was fantastic, the vibe is awesome, and we had fun!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
They no longer offer their Bloody Mary bar and the menu has changed. Meh....
S
Smith
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
always a terrific night - love this place! Recommended for a great night listening to county music
s
simon
Yorkshire
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall2food3service4ambience3
The food we had was ok but for some bizarre reason the lunch menu has far more choice than the evening menu. Must admit I have never seen that in a restaurant before. Really disappointing as so many better options were not available to us. As a result we won’t be returning. Bonkers decision made by the restaurant management.
PC
PamelaC
Des Moines
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall3food2service4ambience4
The menu was limited and centered on meat. Vegetarians had the option of one salad and a Brussels sprout side. In my opinion, fried pickles don’t count, although technically they are vegetarian. Our server was attentive. The space was inviting and decorated for the holidays with colorful string lights.
J
Jenesis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience4
Food was decent though I got the feeling that they get a crowd that likes to be out the door in under 30 minutes. I was told my chicken would take 15 minutes, as if that's a bad thing. For reference, this was a Friday night.

FAQs

Bub City does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now, Postmates and Uber Eats. Bub City also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 610-4200.

Bub City is rated 4.5 stars by 1443 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

Online reservations at Bub City can only be made directly on their website.