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Bub City Reviews List
Bub City
RJ, Jerrod and Molly, in conjunction with partners chef Doug Psaltis and mixologist Paul McGee, have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun.
Chef Psaltis created Bub City’s new menu with a focus on authentic barbecue. Signature items include slow-smoked Bone-In Short Rib, Burnt Ends, Baby Back Ribs, Carolina Style Pulled Pork and House Smoked Pastrami served piled high on rye bread. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder served with four sides. A Shellfish Bar offers Shrimp Cocktail, Blue Crab Claws and Fresh Shucked Oysters, as well as other seasonal cracked and chilled seafood.
Nationally-acclaimed mixologist and partner Paul McGee has brought innovation to the cocktail menu at Bub City. McGee spent months finding a collection of whiskey, and now Bub City boasts a bar offering more than 125 selections.
See more Bub City details
Chef Psaltis created Bub City’s new menu with a focus on authentic barbecue. Signature items include slow-smoked Bone-In Short Rib, Burnt Ends, Baby Back Ribs, Carolina Style Pulled Pork and House Smoked Pastrami served piled high on rye bread. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring Slow-Smoked Pork Shoulder served with four sides. A Shellfish Bar offers Shrimp Cocktail, Blue Crab Claws and Fresh Shucked Oysters, as well as other seasonal cracked and chilled seafood.
Nationally-acclaimed mixologist and partner Paul McGee has brought innovation to the cocktail menu at Bub City. McGee spent months finding a collection of whiskey, and now Bub City boasts a bar offering more than 125 selections.
382 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 382 reviews
5 stars
(95)
4 stars
(174)
3 stars
(72)
2 stars
(33)
1 star
(8)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- vibrant bar scene(178)
- hot spot(166)
- good for groups(164)
- fit for foodies(74)
- neighborhood gem(72)
- great for lunch(65)
Bub City Reviews List
Review 1 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Southern food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Southern food. I usually go during lunch because it's a much more quiet, relaxed atmosphere. At night it can be a little loud, but our waiter was still very attentive to us. Would go, and have gone, again. We've actually gone 3 times in the past week. Maybe a little too addicted..."
Dined on 3/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
May 21st Lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience....everyone enjoyed the BBQ and tots (which few places serve)."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent, I had the pastrami sandwich and my husband had the beef brisket meal. The only minor complaint with the meal was we thought the portion of brisket was a little small for the meal portion. The brisket and pastrami were both tender and mouth watering.
The service was a little slow which surprised us because our meals were the only thing coming out of the kitchen from the restaurant end. I don't know maybe they had a catering order or something that was being put together. It wasn't an issue for us it gave us time to relax and digest between course unless that was the intention.
Our server was excellent , exchanging out the water bottles frequently, she knew the menu well and was on top of everything."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was great - but I'd avoid the back ribs, not nearly as good as they should be."
Dined on 5/19/2013
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Review 5 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the spot. Great feel in the restaurant. Fun for game watching. Food was horrible. Server was good. Atmosphere was excellent, but food was horrible."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 6 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fun!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"From the food to the service to the atmosphere - it is everything anyone could ask for! Even the Ladies Room is fun - although a bit inconvenient."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, scenic view, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous Brisket!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fun Country Bar in the Heart O'Chicago!!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find
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Review 8 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A tiny, quieter Nashville in my backyard. Definitely will be back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took a friend here who was visiting from out of town. We really enjoyed it. Especially liked the deep fried pickles with ranch dressing. Waiter was really attentive and food was great! I will be back!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 10 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
BBQ!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious food, great sides! Wish the wine list had a little more oompf and its quite hard to get a late night reservation. The ribs and po boy were both phenomenal. Other than that, a great time and we can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 11 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service & Spoonbread
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was fantastic, we'll keep coming back. Love your spoonbread! Keep the live music coming on the weekends, we missed it on Saturday. Thanks for moving the tables once it got later for some two-stepping."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 12 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic BBQ!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was outstanding and so was the service. They have a Whiskey selection that is awesome. You can't go wrong if you make this place the beginning of your night out."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We wanted to retry Bub City after enjoying the original so much. However, we were slightly disappointed. The ambience is terrific and so is the staff. The chicken was a little dry and the ribs were over-cooked. Also, as Lettuce Entertain You members, we are used to fantastic kid menus like Wildfire, Mon Ami Gabi, RJ Grunts, etc. Bub City doesn't offer a kid's menu but did offer to prepare whatever our child wanted. It wasn't quite the same. We will go back and try again and order something different. Thank you."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 14 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great all around
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The ambience, the food, the service, everything hit the nail on the head. I do wish the music started earlier, but that is the only negative I can come up with."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 15 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was pretty average and was about what I expected."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"mediocre - prices a bit high for quality of food- pies were not as raved about in Time Out"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 17 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was pretty good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I thought the food was good, but I really didn't feel that it was over and above some other bbq that I've had. Love the tater tots though."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome food as usual. Not as busy as expected for mothers day and the service was S L O W. Portions are great and tasty. Can't say enough about the food, definitely can work on service though."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Table size
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved everything but the table size . Lots of plates for the size of the table for four people."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 20 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great spot! Excellent service and food. Cocktails were delicious and food was exceptional. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 21 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the brisket sandwich and it was delicious! Well priced food for the neighborhood, and I loved the pitchers of beer. It is important to note we made reservations for 6:00 pm on a Friday, and the place was already very crowded! Reservations are a must."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 22 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pickles!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fried pickles, the surprise in the ladies room, an beer can American flag (God bless America), and great food with multiple BBQ dipping sauces make this place an all around tasty and fun spot. I had the party melt which was made up of ground beef and pulled pork combined. I'd have a hard time getting something else next time because this was so good!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 23 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Way to loud!!!!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We tried Bub City for the first time. My daughter and her boyfriend joined us. The music was so loud it was annoying and not conversation friendly. I tried to switch tables, but speakers were everywhere. The hostess said this is how it is and the volume can't be changed. The food was fine, but I could not wait to leave. Even my daughter and friend agreed. I would not go back. People go out to talk!!!!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 24 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't believe the hype
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Maybe it was our mistake to try this place out on a Saturday night but I have a feeling that it is this bustling every night. Made a 5pm reservation and still had to wait 15 minutes for our table which wasn't a good start. The noise level is so insanely high that it made it impossible to have a conversation. The cocktails were great - definitely the best part of the meal. The food was really mediocre. The brisket was tasty but that is the only thing worth mentioning. The sauces were boring so that didn't help to make up for the lack for flavor in the other dishes. The crowd was loud and drinking heavily. We tried to get out of there as quickly as we could. There are way too many great restaurants in town to waste your time and money here."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 25 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, not so great service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I feel like Ive been in here enough to state that the service is subpar. The waiters/waitresses never seem to be that attentive to tables and we constantly have to ask for things they should be on top of. I had a waiter take drink orders and never to return only to be told they had a shift change and he was in another part of the restaurant. Really? You cant tell the customer that? You cant get a new waitress for us or to even tell us that? Im sorry waiting on a table is a bother to you. Your industry is service after all so one would think you would get this."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 26 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Absolutely Terrible!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had 5:30pm reservations and waited more than 30 minutes to be seated. We spoke to the Hostess several times during that 30 minute wait and it's hard to imagine that anyone could have been ruder or more disinterested.
When our pager finally went off, we were seated in a VERY loud bar. When we asked to be seated in the main dining part, we were simply told "no." It was at this point, that we just left.
This is not the first time we've been to Bub City, it is however, the last time. The service has never been great but this time it was beyond unacceptable.
There are more than 30 other places within a 5 minute walk that will treat you like a human being. I recommend you to try one of those places."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 27 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
County! Loved it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The bbq chicken and rib was outstanding. The corn and Kale were outstanding choice for sides. The server was fun and very helpful with choices of items. I especially liked her beer recommendation."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
easy walk from the Loop; the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"easy walk from the Loop; the return of a gem (thanks for bringing it back) to a more accessible location; fun and tasty place to relax for food or drinks; a little bit of Texas in Chicago (just keep Texas's Gov. Perry out of here!)"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great and service was good. My wife has MS and they had no access to the ladies room, elevator was broken, They did walk her next store to another restaurant to use it there."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 30 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall it was great. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall it was great. Good food and great service. Only issue was the cold air blowing on us throughout most of the meal. Felt like airconditioning on and it was only about 40 degrees out."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Avoid the spicy fried chicken.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Avoid the spicy fried chicken. Rather than putting the spice in the coating, they give you the regular fried chicken with a hot sauce poured on top of it (with no warning in the menu). The coating gets soggy because of the sauce and the flavors are very uneven depending on where you happen to eat the chicken. Not a very good dish.
Tables are placed very close together. Hard to move about the restaurant when it is crowded or even to push your chair out to stand up as you will hit the chairs behind you. Our table was about 3 inches from the table next to us so you have to hope you like the folks at the table next to you as you are basically eating together.
The service was very good even though it was crowded."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
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Review 32 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service was friendly but not
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was friendly but not particularly efficient. Previous diners or wait-staff had spilled a full glass of ice water, my seat was wet, and no one had cleaned it up.
Food was mediocre at best - pulled pork was bland and boring on a soft bun that could have come from the supermarket. Beans had an odd lemon-metallic taste and were delivered cold. (They did take the beans off my bill - kudos for that.) Fried apple pie for dessert was only a notch above McD's apple pie and the caramel sauce with it had a strong metallic taste. Good as a sports bar but don't go for the food."
Food was mediocre at best - pulled pork was bland and boring on a soft bun that could have come from the supermarket. Beans had an odd lemon-metallic taste and were delivered cold. (They did take the beans off my bill - kudos for that.) Fried apple pie for dessert was only a notch above McD's apple pie and the caramel sauce with it had a strong metallic taste. Good as a sports bar but don't go for the food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
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Review 33 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great from the minute we walked
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great from the minute we walked in! Had a last minute change in our reservation and the hostess was very nice about it! She did everything she could to still seat us. We were very happy! Attentive wait staff, good food, fun, country atmosphere - but not overbearing! Will definitely go back and want to bring more friends! Good atmosphere for those 25 to 45!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Was overall fun... wish the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was overall fun... wish the music started a
a little earlier. Could be bigger. WHERE DO YOU DANCE?"
a little earlier. Could be bigger. WHERE DO YOU DANCE?"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
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Review 35 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went here for lunch during
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went here for lunch during a work day. Good brisket. Awesome sauce selection. Good service. Good find for a river north spot."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was really good,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was really good, but it's always super crowded and the set up is kind of awkward to me. It seems like they are trying to make it more of a sit down, need reservations, type place vs. a bar."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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Review 37 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Crowded Bar Serving OK BBQ
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a very crowded bar serving OK BBQ. The place is pretty small,tables are close together, and conversation is tough.
The ribs are dry rubbed and pretty meaty. The dish called burnt ends was like eating pork belly. The salads and sides are interesting. The brussel sprout salad was really good but the mac and cheese needs a hot sause kicker. The portion of waffle fries is over the top and the basket of onion strings would feed an army.
The wiskey selection is very good and this is the kind of place to have shots of Jim Beam rye wiskey and Lone Star beer in a long neck bottle and pretend you're a red neck (unless you are one).
We didn't stay for the entertainment but I can't imagine conversing.
Most Important: Make a reservation"
The ribs are dry rubbed and pretty meaty. The dish called burnt ends was like eating pork belly. The salads and sides are interesting. The brussel sprout salad was really good but the mac and cheese needs a hot sause kicker. The portion of waffle fries is over the top and the basket of onion strings would feed an army.
The wiskey selection is very good and this is the kind of place to have shots of Jim Beam rye wiskey and Lone Star beer in a long neck bottle and pretend you're a red neck (unless you are one).
We didn't stay for the entertainment but I can't imagine conversing.
Most Important: Make a reservation"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
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Review 38 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It was terrible. The food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was terrible. The food was terrible, the service was deaf, the atmosphere was ok. My customer had ribs that came out very dry, the waitress brought the wrong wine, the wrong sides, and the brisket was fatty and tasteless. I eat out 4-5 times a week, and this restaurant would only be recommended to the customers I want to get rid of."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2004
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Review 39 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had a really nice night. The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a really nice night. The food was good, drinks as well. The band who played at 10:30pm wasn't really a country music band. I thought the bar was supposed to be a country bar."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 40 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Super crowded on a Friday
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Super crowded on a Friday night. Tables are so close together it's hard to move around. Service was fine but nothing spectacular. The food was ok. I wouldn't necessarily go back for the food. The cocktails were good. I have high expectations for LEYE restaurants and this was a little disappointing. The chocolate pecan pie was my favorite thing of the night."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 41 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tables VERY close together
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tables VERY close together and crowded - hand to walk through the place. The food was just ok. Ribs were not that great. Patty Melt, good, but small. Banana Pie was great. Prices are reasonable. It seems to be a hot spot, and later at night when the music starts, I would imagine the place really is hopping."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 42 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Something Different in River North
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"If you like BBQ and/or southern style food, this is a good place to go in River North. The prices are really reasonable....mixed drinks are typical Chicago prices. It can get noisy, but it gives an energetic vibe to the meal. If you are fortunate to be there when the live country music starts, it's definitely worth staying for."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 43 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a great time celebrating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great time celebrating our anniversary at Bub City.. not a typical choice for anniversary celebrating, but we don't need anything fancy! I had been looking forward to visiting given my love for Lettuce Entertain restaurants, and we truly enjoyed it. Staff was great, food came out SO fast and was all delicious. Combo platter is good for two people, and don't skip the spoonbread!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 44 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Need to improve the flavor
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Need to improve the flavor and quality of food. Ordered pulled pork and the serving was kind of small on the bun and not alot of flavor Big chunk of fatty pork that was inedible tucked in the center of the pile. Was able to add a little flavor with the sauces at the table (hot sauce was very good, the others so-so). Tater tots were good - curnchy but not dry. Friend ordered buffalo chicken sandwich and again not bad, but not memorable. Atmosphere and decore was awesome and our waitress was great, funny and a lot of fun. Service for lunch on a Monday afternoon was very quick."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2006
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 45 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Atmosphere good, food needs help
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall I really like the atmosphere in Bub City. I love country music and it's one of the few places that play it. It's also a good place to watch sports. I'm not a fan of their food yet -- it is never consistent. I ordered the pulled pork plate and my fries were served cold and the pulled pork was served in a dish with a 1/2 inch of greese/oil on the bottom. It was flavorless and gummy from being overcooked. Even adding the BBQ sauces provided on the table couldn't improve the flavor."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2007
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Review 46 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service was incredibly slow.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was incredibly slow. Our waitress was nice , pleasant, and knowledgable. Maybe it was the kitchen's or bartender's fault. We spent almost 3 hours in the restaurant. Had to leave in the middle of dinner to feed my parking meter, which eventually cost me $12. It took about 15 minutes to bring us 2 drinks. 30 minutes after ordering our food, we still hadn't been served. Only 10% or 15% of the people in the restaurant had food on their tables. Not a good sign. Beef rib special was burnt, tough, and sent back. They were replaced quickly with pork ribs which were fine. Of the 5 people at the table, 2 were served as the other 3 waited 10 minutes for their food.
Fish, fries, and oysters were good.
Not a place I would return to."
Fish, fries, and oysters were good.
Not a place I would return to."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
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Review 47 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy! Waiter was great even
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Yummy! Waiter was great even though place was extremely crowded."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: late-night find, hot spot
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Review 48 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This is a bar, an extremely
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a bar, an extremely crowded one at that. I am averse to having a reservation to sit at a high top table in a bar area - and that was what happened in Bub City. So four of us shared a tiny high top, and got hit by tipsy passers-by every 2 minutes. The food was alright - typical greasy, BBQ-esq but not even good down home stuff. I'd probably come here for happy hour and eat something bad for me after a few cocktails but wouldn't make this my evening plans ever again. The country music is fun, though!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 49 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was great. From
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was great. From start to end my expectations were exceeded. The server was very friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere, food and drinks."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 50 for Bub City
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Barbeque in Chicago
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The best Barbeque in Chicago - creative appetizers, like Barbeque bacon, a 1/2" thick slice, enough to share the taste, which our party of 3 did - alternative selections for those that have another style besides great barbeque in mind, like a lobster roll, or burgers; Incredible pie selections; Great service; Generous portions. We will return soon and often."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2001
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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