Walking into Bub City was a refreshingly new and different Chicago restaurant experience. It was like walking into a Memphis BBQ joint, but with the upscale touches that you expect from the Melman siblings. The decor was flawless, down to fun details like red plastic cups, plates made to look like Dixie paper plates, “bud heavy” on the menu and a tractor trailer trophy above the bar. I also loved that they were playing country music, an extremely rare choice in River North.
Mexican Firing Squad Special Corazon blanco tequila, pomegranate, lime, angostura
The wine list had decent selections, but I wanted to try a specialty drink and was sold when the waitress recommended the Mexican Firing Squad saying that the pomegranate juice was made in house and the drink itself was quite strong. This fun drink was refreshing but filling, slightly sweet with a hint of bitter, very bright and definitely a drink I would order again.
Giddy Up Fries Barbecue pork, waffle fries, cheddar cheese
Can you really go wrong with waffle fries, cheddar cheese, barbecue pork, jalapenos and delicious BBQ seasoning? These were so incredibly delicious that two of us finished this entire plate! While I thought I might have enjoyed a bit more pork, I don’t know that anyones stomach would be able to handle the richness it would add. My fiance particularly enjoyed the seasoning on top, which tasted like the seasoning on BBQ chips. The only problem with ordering this first? We couldn’t eat anything else on the menu because we were so full! I would highly recommend the giddy up fries if you have a large group or if you are okay with french fries as your main meal (or you have more self control than I do).
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After conquering the giddy up fries, we decided that we wanted to stick around for another drink and possibly more food if we could handle it, but we didn’t want to hold up the table so we moved to the bar. There are two bars in the restaurant, and the main bar is big, but tight (not surprising or bad on a Saturday night). I could not help but notice how nice and friendly the bartenders were. I cannot recall the last time I was at a bar with such amicable bartenders, which was great.
Horse’s Neck (With a Kick) Wild Turkey bourbon, lemon, ginger beer
Since there was such an extensive whiskey list, I felt like I should choose a whiskey drink. I went with one that looked familiar to me, and this was close to a Moscow Mule. The drink was well balanced and refreshing, although I would have enjoyed a bit more of the ginger beer flavor. Overall I was happy, and I typically don’t enjoy whiskey.
Baby Back Ribs
So we broke down and got ribs to-go. I tried one of the ribs the following day. With leftovers tasting that good, I look forward to ordering fresh ribs when we head back.
It all looks awesome, but I want the fries and Horse’s Neck cocktail! I love a cocktail with ginger beer.