Bub City Opens with BBQ and Barrels of Whiskey

By Sarah Freeman

For a decade from 1988 to 1998, the original Bub City on Weed Street served crab and BBQ. Now, it’s found a new home on Clark St. in River North thanks to the Melmans, and it will also serve crab cakes and BBQ. That is not all. In addition to ribs, pulled pork, blue crab claws and oyster po’ boys, they will serve a “whole pork picnic” to large groups which includes a slow-smoked pork shoulder and four sides.

The star of this space is a special guest they brought in to put together the bar program, Paul McGee. For months, pre-opening, McGee acquired a few special barrels of whiskey from Kentucky and Tennessee in addition to 125 bottles. Sip that whiskey straight or in a cocktail such as the “Riverboat Gambler” made with bourbon, maple, lemon and Blackstrap bitters. McGee’s signature cocktail is a frozen drink called the “Mexican Firing Squad” made with tequila, pomegranate, lime and angostura bitters.


Aside from the star behind the bar, there will be a few more on a sixteen foot stage performing country music. A partnership with Joe’s on Weed Street will bring touring country artists to the smaller venue. Last night, during their opening, Brent Cobb christened the stage.

435 N. Clark St.; 312-610-4200