Really good drinks. Bartender was awesome (and cute).
(5)
Peter C.
Not good. It's a beautiful, well furnished venue, but seems to be in a bit of an identity crisis. Part eatery, part fancy pub, and part nightclub. Just like at many clubs, there's a high level of security/exclusionary practices/high pricing that you'll find here, at least on weekend nights. I came for a friend's private party, held in the third floor area. Several negatives pretty much summed up the experience here: First negative: It's not clear at all that you have to enter through a separate door outside for access to the third floor. No signs, nothing. Instead, you'll end up waiting in a mess of people by the first floor staircase, thinking that it's the way up to the third floor, while a bouncer holds back the crowd. Nope - gotta go back outside and potentially wait in another line. Luckily I arrived a bit late, so I didn't wait - but some of the folks in my party that arrived around 12 were held up outside for around 30 minutes trying to get up to the third floor. At many upscale clubs, such a wait would be expected in this situation, but this is just not the type of venue to justify 30 minute lines outside. Second negative: $20 cover for the third floor, $10 for the first. I'd say this concept (and the overall atmosphere here) is rather comparable to places like State and John Barleycorn (upscale bars with club elements and dining), both of which usually don't have covers altogether. Too expensive for a venue of this type. Third negative: $20 minimum on cards. Not even some of the clubs in Chicago have such a high minimum. Drink prices are in line with places like John Barleycorn, but the liquor selection seemed small - no Ciroc? Only positive was that the staff was professional. I don't plan on coming back here. If I'm going to go to a place with club prices and procedures, I'll go to an actual club.
(2)
Will D.
Great atmosphere and decor, Great menu and food choices, terrible execution. Ordered Brunch Burger medium rare and it was served well done. This place has so much potential, it's just not there though.
(2)
Sandra A.
Average. Bought a groupon for $20 for brunch for two which includes a mimosa or bloody mary for each person. You can choose from any option on the menu except two reasonable exceptions. I had the lobster roll with fries. It was ok but I've had better. Too much going on in it. Fries were ok. They offer sweet potato fries too. The bun was just ok, I left some on my plate which doesn't say much about it. I wouldn't go back for this dish. The mimosa was very good, a lot of champagne flavor, not too sweet like some. My partner had the skirt steak which she described as lacking in salt and flavor. They have a nice selection of cocktails and nice ambiance, especially outdoor tables. Our server was fine, our hostess Chelsea was friendly and helpful. The menu options seem very good. It was a good value with the groupon, $20 for about $50 worth of food and drink. Not sure if we'd bother to try it again.
(3)
Alex M.
Full bar. Pay to get in. I'm Here to PAY to have a drink at your place, but some bouncer at your door is charging guys that are bringing girls to walk in the doors. Either your bouncer are complete idiots or your management level is incompetent. Again, I came to the place to PAY for a drink. Unless you have a completely original, never done before, the first ever bar experience event or layout, no one should have have to pay to come in.
(2)
Liza F.
We had a reservation and waited over 20 minutes to be seated. It then took an additional 10-15 minutes for our waiter to even approach the table. Food was good, however we did not receive all of the items we ordered. Very unimpressed with the service from the beginning. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone based on our experience.
(1)
Venice Beach Dad K.
The service is good, but too dependent on your waitress (I've been here a couple of times) Good DJ The food is so-so. Don't come here for the menu. ...it's just good enough [if you're a foodie] but nothing that you should recommend to your friends/co-workers from out of town. I had the oddest mussels tonight. They put some weird, cheese wiz-like stuff on the bread, and there was ground meat heavily sprinkled throughout the pot. WTH?! Creative? Yes. Did it make my taste buds grin? Nope Probably fine for drinks...
(2)
Jen K.
The only time I've gone to Hubbard Inn, it's been Sunday for brunch. The place is always empty but somehow service is always so slow. Aside from that, drinks are plentiful and food is usually good. The pricing is reasonable and they can always accommodate large groups. I want to go at another time of the day to see what it's like
(3)
Monica B.
I haven't eaten here since it first opened, and I remember the food being good. I frequent this place on the weekends when I'm out and about on Hubbard. Crowd is mixed 20s and 30s, music is fun and atmosphere is great. Dim lighting and dark woods. There's often a line out the door after 11, but it moves pretty fast.
(4)
Melinda W.
Wow. So, let me preface this with, I absolutely have enjoyed this place before at nighttime. Great cocktails, awesome ambience. But maybe I should have left it that way. Went for brunch this past weekend and it was a colossal disaster. Minus the hostess, she was very sweet. First of all, we had purchased the Groupon for brunch for 4 and made a reservation as required by the Groupon. Let me just say, if I hadn't had a GREAT deal with that Groupon I would have been furious I had to pay for my food. Let me try to sum up the series of occurrences that have led me to this review... -Sat at our table for at least 20 minutes before a server ever came by. Had to ask the hostess if we even had a server. -Took our drink orders, drinks took another 25 minutes to actually show up. And, when the drinks were delivered, the order was wrong and the server acted like he didn't believe us. Big difference between a bloody mary and a mimosa. -Had to ask a different waitress for water. Was never even offered by our server. Never got refills...which wouldn't have been a big deal if it hadn't taken an hour for our drink orders to show up. -Asked a bus boy for ketchup because our server didn't come by until at least 30 minutes after our food was served. Busboy brought salt and pepper, no ketchup. -The missing drink showed up towards the end of the meal. It was a mimosa, oj + champagne, so I can't even give allowances for it to be a difficult drink to make. -Server showed up with bill without us asking for it. (Fine by me!) Think at that point he wanted us to be there less than we did. He had to have known he completely ignored us. We still left a 20% tip on account of having the groupon, i'd never stiff someone that much. Food wasn't anything to write home about, especially paired with the bad experience.
(2)
Jessica R.
Had reservations for a party of 6 last night and the appetizers were good but service was slow and rushed. They forgot to bring my dinner along with the rest of the group, explaining they were out of what I had ordered. I said to just forget my meal, I'll just piece off the other plates as everyone else had already begun eating. The server brought an alternate flatbread over for me after the other plates had already been cleared. I was unable to eat more than 2 bites before my party had to leave. The worst part is the server did not take my flatbread off the bill, charged us for 2 drinks we never got and was clearly over extended because he barely even apologized that I didn't get to eat.
(2)
Merril I.
My friends and I decided to check this place out just for one drink before meeting others elsewhere. We were given the option to stand at the bar (it was busy with the after-work crowd) or have a booth for an hour. We chose the booth. The decor and atmosphere at this place is awesome. Definitely upscale and trendy but also didn't seem too pretentious either -aka I didn't feel out of place haha For our drinks, I tried the naughty toddy, my friends tried the Prosecco and the Moscow Mule. All were delicious. For myself, the Naughty Toddy was made really well (strong but not overpowering) and not too hot -made me feel cozy :) The server was very attentive and we were in and out within the hour. Definitely will be back again, will have to try the later hours!
(4)
Ermelinda C.
Great place. We went here for brunch this past weekend and it was a very enjoyable experience. The drinks, the food, the service were wonderful from start to end. They even allow dogs outside so, our dear dog was treated to a nice bowl of water and a fun atmosphere :-)
(4)
April C.
Nice Restaurant, very clean. service okay. Loved the outdoor eatery! I felt like April in Paris!! I suggest Hubbard Inn for a relaxing lunch or dinner! Chic ! Cinco De Mayo Cantina Crawl!!
(3)
Laura G.
Great atmosphere. Eclectic crowd and quite busy for a Tuesday night. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which were delicious. The buffalo burger was also a nice choice. Not impressed by the flat bread. Decent wine selection at the craft cocktail bar also. I'll be back!
(4)
Tiffany R.
I really like the decor, it's a really cool space. I loved the tile and wood floor. Nice high ceilings. Hip place that just is without trying too hard. I appreciate that when you order a Moscow mule they serve it correctly and in a cooper cup like you are suppose to, yah! I ordered the asparagus flat bread and it was so super tasty. The bartender was nice. The bathrooms were very clean and stylish.
(5)
Magen R.
I've been here a few times over the past year and have really come to enjoy Hubbard Inn as a place to enjoy drinks with tasty food and a relaxing atmosphere. I dined in with a friend last night and we split the artichoke and mushroom flatbread, bacon wrapped dates, and brussels sprouts. All of the food was really delicious and one of my favorite things were the various sauces that complemented the dishes. I loved the horseradish vinaigrette on the pizza as well as the spicy sauce that accompanied the dates. These are the things that set their dishes apart for me. Also, worth nothing that their brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked, and in my opinion, totally to die for! The only things holding back Hubbard Inn from getting the elusive 5 stars is the service. I was not in love with our waiter or his demeanor. We also had a Gilt City deal and he refused to substitute small plates for sandwiches even if they were less money. Makes no sense to me but whatcha gonna do? Overall, Hubbard Inn's ambiance, quality cocktails, and great food make it a place I'll definitely be coming back to.
(4)
Amy S.
Saturday Nights - this place is always fun and usually the bouncers are very fair and nice (unlike the place across the street...ahem Mercer). I love the ambiance in this place; it's super cozy: walls lined up with books and candles, dim-lighting chandeliers throughout the space, and solid wooden tables and bar area. The beer selection here is fantastic! I've never tasted a Pumpkin Ale beer better than the one carried here. Unfortunately, it's only served within season. New Years Eve - Came here last night and I thought it was pretty good! NYE is pretty overrated as is, but this place made it really fun. It was open bar for 5 hours and there was an appetizer buffet on all three floors. The buffet consisted of different flatbreads, burgers (beef and veggie), glazed shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, vegetarian spring rolls, aaaand one or two more things that I did not get a chance to try. The food here is always really great, and NYE was no exception to that. The service was actually really great here, didn't have to wait longer than 3-4 minutes for a drink and it was a nice surprise to see them open up the third floor to everyone, as that usually seems to be rented out by a private party on the weekends. Dinner - I absolutely love every meal I've had here. The menu changes often, but whenever there is lamb in the dish, it is done amazingly well! Most bars lack in quality of food, but I think this place outshines all the surrounding bars when it comes to that.
(4)
Michael B.
Four stars for the great ambience and live environment. Friendly service and good food too. We just enjoyed casual items - bison burger (make sure to order MR so it is not dry), beet and goat cheese salad, and roasted Brussels.
(4)
Jaime G.
great place to hang out and drink some good beer and inventive cocktails. love the massive beer collection - try the off color honey wheat ale. atmoshere is cool and a pretty big place for big parties. service is also good - bar keep is esp good. food is ok. tried the 3 cheese flatbread, lobster roll, grilled cheese, and short ribs. ribs seemed to be the best but everything else was just ok. however, bacon wrapped dates and sweet potatoe fries where pretty good. would order that again. we came her on march madness and they broke out addl TV's for everyone to get a few of all games. which was cool. would come back for a beer and or cocktail for sure.
(3)
Kimberly J.
We love the monthly cocktails and cuisine dinners that are hosted by Pat Brickhouse, who is such a wonderful woman. Each four course dinner is paired with a cocktail using the featured spirit for the month. You also receive a welcome cocktail prior to dinner. We have gotten to experience several different liquors, such as tequila, Irish whiskey, rum, gin, and sparkling wines. All of the cocktails and courses are outstanding and we have gotten to know people that we look forward to seeing every month. It's definitely a great time!
(5)
Kevin M.
Hubbard Inn is pretty consistent. Nice staff, great location, cool vibe/decor. Food is above average for a bar.
(4)
Adrienne T.
Hubbard Inn is a great spot for after-work drinks and appetizers. I especially enjoy the wide array of craft cocktails offered. Not only are the drinks strong, but tasty, too. For you beer lovers out there, they have a great selection as well. Their downstairs area can get a bit crowded on Thursday through Saturday evening. If you find the downstairs area to be crowded, you can always head upstairs, where you will find additional lounge-style seating in a modern, chic setting.
(4)
Karen D.
Great place to grab some cocktails or even some local brews. It has the feel of a Mad Men- era bar with leather couches and a library in the back. I definitely feel far more sophisticated than I actually am in this bar. There's an awesome variety of local draft beers. If you're a fan of Gin drinks or that cucumber/lime taste, I highly recommend getting The Hepburn.
(4)
Lauren B.
A large group of us met up here for a friends birthday. We didn't have reservations and they were really accommodating. The first floor was packed so we went up to the second, which was equally nice. The staff were super friendly and attentive. It became very busy but it remained a cozy, upbeat atmosphere. I think every bar is too loud and this wasn't an exception :) but thats just me. In full disclosure we just got drinks but they were all great. Prices were actually really good, particularly for the area. I highly suggest this place to meet friends and bring people from out of town- the building itself is unique and they really paid attention to detail with their design.
(4)
Suz O.
Fabulous atmosphere. Cool rustic tables and library- fireplace feel balanced with funny monkey paintings and sports on TVs. Fabulous cocktails and what I think I can actually say are the best mussels in Chicago (sorry Hopleaf (my previous favorite)). Great service too! Brittaney rocks!
(5)
Nisha P.
Had a great Friday night here last weekend. I'm not a huge fan of Hubbard due to the 20-something sloppy drunk crowd - but Hubbard Inn was not too crowded and there was room to sit upstairs. I'm not sure how pricey drinks were as I didn't actually pay for mine, but the drink I received was a generous pour and quit strong, so I was happy.
(4)
Carlita R.
Three stars the place is beautiful with three different floors depending on what you want to do. The drinks are great and the bartenders are very friendly . The only thing I did not like unfortunately was the food. The display is pretty but the food fell short in the fast department. I would still go back but strictly for a hangout and drinks with friends
(3)
Courtney W.
We ate here for brunch yesterday, Sunday a little after Noon and it was excellent! It was a very busy day and they were short of service staff but that didn't keep them from being professional. We used our groupon voucher with no issues which is a plus! Even without the groupon the prices there are great for couples on a budget. We really appreciate the wait staff, hostess and cooks for an excellent experience. It really made our Sunday! I am now a raving fan!!
(4)
Heather K.
Holy shit this place is busy. So do not expect to get seated without a reservation! Even with one, my friends and I had to wait like a half hour to get seated. That was kind of off-putting. The decor inside is awesome....I love the dim lighting and the way they've set everything up. The drinks are great too. They make a very very nice martini and their list of cocktails is extensive and imaginative. I recommend doing a sharezies-tapas kind of thing. That's their menu style anyway, they're all kind of small-to-mid-size portions. My friends and I just ordered a shitload of things to share at our table and that worked out great. The food is very tasty and I can't complain about that at all. I definitely would get the crispy ahi and the seared scallops again, I can say that for sure. The seating kind of sucked, but that might just be due to the spot where we were put. It was near the bar and I think they were getting a little overzealous with trying to pack the max number of tables in that area because there was literally no space between my chair and that of the dude behind me. We kept bonking elbows. I hope he didn't have cooties. I don't think the prices were all that bad. In fact, compared with the Bay Area where I'm used to getting shaken upside-down for that last quarter, it was incredibly reasonable.
(4)
Ingrid H.
I haven't been here in a while, but I just had brunch at Hubbard Inn, and I was pleasantly surprised! The lobster omelet was fantastic, they take reservations for brunch, and our server Garit was excellent! Highly recommended.
(5)
Eric R.
Poor Service, mediocre food. The good, came in on a Saturday with a date at about 7:30pm and was seated right away. So far pretty good. Ordered drinks after sitting around for about 10 minutes. The server seemed indifferent. Salads came after a reasonable wait. But it took about 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive. My girl's burger was ok, and my steak was about what you would get in business class on a middling good airline. It was cooked medium, but tough. The food was just not that good and the service was bad. So nice room, and I think a great place for drinks. I guess that is why we got a table so easily on a Saturday night. You live and you learn!
(2)
Liam A.
Disappointing, really. We were already bummed to have missed their (newer) brunch serving so we opted to stay for lunch. We got the bison burgers, the lobster roll because it's been highly recommended by friends and yelpers alike, and the seared scallops. We marveled at the decor (a bit medieval-like and nice woodwork throughout the place) as we waited for our food. We were the only ones in the place which 1) seemed odd for the number of reviews this place has received and 2) made us think that it'd help our server become more attentive towards our party yet she only ever came by three times: refiled our drinks once, brought out the food, and gave us our check). The rest of the time she was with the other staff members talking towards the back (still within the front of the house) section of the restaurant. That's okay, we came for food anyways right? The food came out after a half hour wait (again, we were the only ones there...) and quite frankly it was nothing to write home about. The bison itself was cooked well. Meaty, flavorful, and more tender than what a ground beef patty would've been which is everything one can hope for from a bison. It also had pickled raspberries in it which added depth and unexpected flavor with every bite. The problem was that everything else that came with it seemed soggy and dead. The fries were limp and had no crunch (we had both regular fries and sweet potato fries) and the burger buns proved no match for the bison and ended up getting soggy as well. On top of that my friend's scallop ended up being too chewy so she just ate from our plates. Yikes. At least the lobster roll met expectations from all the reviews so definitely stick to that. Oh, and the cocktails weren't bad as well (we had the Acai Punch, Friends with Benefits, My Sweet Mistress, and the Aviation... all sweet drinks). I'm still giving this place 3-stars because of the decor and my willingness to come back if only for their brunch menu and nighttime atmosphere. It honestly just felt like a ho-hum place when I visited so I'd like to come back when it's more alive (hopefully with better food too). Worth giving a (second) try.
(3)
Annie M.
I came here for brunch today using a Groupon. Apparently there were plenty of other people who came with groupon deals, and they were cool enough to let us use it (despite it being father's day...there was a "no holiday" rule). The menu was awesome, the deal was awesome, but they just really didn't seemed to be staffed very well. It wasn't necessarily crowded, but the kitchen got my boyfriend's order wrong twice in a row. Long story short: He and another man both ordered the "make your own omelet" but the kitchen kept mixing the two up. The waitress was clearly stressed (understandably) but seemed to be doing everything she could to make the situation better. My boyfriend eventually just conceded and took the slightly incorrect omelet. Although the groupon included free mimosas, we also splurged on Moscow Mules...not quite as good as I was hoping, but not bad. I ordered the crab cake benedict as my entry. The poached eggs on top weren't really runny at all, but all-in-all, pretty good. The crab cake itself was very good. Overall: this place was just okay. Decent enough service, great food and drink menu, but not the greatest quality ever. I'd probably go back, if I had another groupon, but for the love of God, never order a make your own omelet hahah!
(3)
Darcy W.
Love the atmosphere here! Great place to grab a few drinks and a app after a long day. This place is always hopping! Cheers!
(4)
Anna G.
I recently lunched at Hubbard Inn after about a year's absence. They've definitely updated the menu since the last time I was there. There are definitely a lot more choices and they all sounded pretty good. Prices are still pretty reasonable (for the area). I had the chicken club and my friend ordered a the tuscan kale salad. We both enjoyed our dishes and there was plenty of food to make a second meal out of the leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. My friend was headed to O'Hare straight from lunch and they stored her luggage inside while we ate (we were seated at one of the sidewalk tables). There are just so many great options in the area, but next time I'll hopefully be back in less than a year!
(4)
Jon B.
Service was good, i ordered the bison burger which also was great. However i got food poisoning from something that was eaten there :-/ .
(3)
Todd T.
Lots of overpriced, overrated, and overcrowded places right in this area. (ie, Bottlefork). If you want a place with real food and excellent service that isn't busy reading their press clippings, try Hubbard Inn. It's a great, diverse menu and a welcoming staff. The most dependably pleasing restaurant in River North.
(5)
Emann B.
My best mate works most Saturdays in River North, closing shop at 5pm. Lately I've been meeting him then and trying out the area's offerings. As a long time Chicagoan, River North smacks of tourists and douchbaggery, which can easily turn what is otherwise a great spot into a night out with the rabble. But in early evening, you can experience great cocktails and service in a well appointed setting. And stylin' handsome bartenders to boot. Just be sure to move on before the 708ers show up.
(4)
Jacqueline L.
Great service and good vibes! Came here for my birthday dinner with a group of 6 and had an awesome time. Loved having a booth because it felt more intimate. Our waitress was friendly and fun! Everyone really enjoyed their food and I thoroughly enoyed the tuna tartare! The carrot cake was also probably the best carrot cake I have ever had and I can be a bit snobby with cake. Fun bar for a night out too! One of my favorite bars in Chicago.
(5)
Aaron Jae M.
This place has an amazing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. I was surprised that there was a 45 minute wait on a cold tuesday night, but it probably meant that it was worth the wait. We got drinks while we waited and they have a pretty nice beer selection and a bunch of classic cocktails to choose from. I did not end up getting food so I can't comment on it but I hope it's good since prices are not cheap and although it has a lot of flare and presentation, it's never a replacement for taste.
(4)
Hershel B.
There is a fantastic beer menu with excellent staff, but no shortage of hotties. I am in Pradeep lowe with this place, I wish I could come here every night.
(5)
Sloop S.
Came here with the groupon deal and we were very disappointed. 11 empty tables and the hostess would not seat us claiming their servers were overwhelmed. Keep taking care of your servers and not your customers. We will not be back.
(1)
Kelley S.
This is a nice short walk from the Brown line, even on a cold January day we made it comfortably. Not a huge lunch crowd, at least not the day we went. What a nice big location, great atmosphere, well decorated, huge bar, lots of seating. Menu is kind of small, but everything sounded amazing. Hard for me to decide, but I happened to be swayed by what the person behind me got... the Classic Cobb Salad, served with grilled chicken breast. I opted to have it served with the horseradish vinaigrette which was unique and delicious. That was in place of blue cheese it is served with, which I love! but wanted to cut down calories (who knows if i did...). The salad was big and all ingredients were fresh. presentation was excellent. Greens were tossed in dressing prior to serving so if you want it separate state that when ordering. We also ordered a flatbread - chorizo and goat cheese. This was also quite tasty. It was cooked well, the flatbread was firm and crunchy and the topping were plentiful. The staff were attentive, from the people at the door, to waitress to the guy adjusting lamps and refilling water. Prices were as expected and overall quite reasonable.
(4)
E H.
Was up in here a bunch of saturdays ago with the whole crew for A & M's going away party. I partied so hard that I couldn't even stand it. So many people came up to me and were like "you party so hard". Not a big fan of going to River North but I'll venture there for the occasional birthday and or going away party. Big fan of wicker chairs. Looking for some for a my deck. Possibly a set. Something "loungey".
(5)
Denrick B.
Came here for happy-hour seafood deal. The dishes were fresh and yummy, but the price is far from a happy hour price. The oysters were cheap, but that's about it. For 2 bucks, you get half a crab leg (not a full crab leg). Scallops were great, but again the portions were tiny. Epic next door has a better happy hour deal. Drinks were moderately priced.
(3)
Sandwich M.
One of the best contemporary american spots in Chi. AMAZING brussel sprouts and awesome cocktail menu. Their menu selection is always great and includes something for everyone. On top of it, ambience is perfect. Obsessed!
(5)
Lauren D.
Too few people know just how much bison meat can elevate a burger. Fortunately, my husband and I have discovered that fact, so we were thrilled to see the bison burger on Hubbard Inn's brunch menu. We came here with a Groupon and left feeling like we'd gotten a very good deal. The burger was juicy, the brioche bun toasted perfectly. The only slightly negative point I have is that the pickled raspberries that come on the burger don't seem to serve much of a purpose. They don't make the burger taste better and I ended up picking them off because they really distracted from the meat's goodness. My husband didn't like the roasted brussel sprouts but I loved them and ate both of our servings. The decor here is a little kitschy but not to an annoying point. Overall, a great go-to place that we're eager to try again.
(4)
Corey R.
Amazing looking place that has a wonderful feel to it. The drinks and food are a bit over priced but its River North so yeah. I spent $90 for myself but to be fair I had 3 drinks and three small plates. The biggest stand out wasn't the food or but our sever Elaine was a FREAKING rockstar!!!! We called her E-money by the end of the night. She was ontop of everything and went the extra mile finding out what was exactly in the food. @Hubbard inn all of the fried food is cooked in the same oil which means if your allergic to nuts ya might want to avoid fried food because they serve fried mixed nuts @ Hubbard Inn. Thats the only reason is why they only get 4 stars. Elaine was a damn expert about all the booze and made some great recommendations as well. The drinks here are pretty good.
(4)
Connie R.
The ladies behind the bar were in over their head. We ordered additional items from the Happy Hour menu and 30 minutes later, the bartender had no recollection of our order. My drink glass was broken by the bartender with glass and liquor shooting across the bar. Shortly after, another patron placed a beer glass on the bar that got shattered as well. Again, glass and liquor everywhere. The couple beside us at the bar were also in the line of fire. Nothing was comped, no offer to smooth the situation. Good vibe, nice crowd. Next time I will request seating away from the bar.
(2)
Grennan K.
Came here for brunch. I guess it's a recent thing! I find that most joints have the lobster roll. It was very good here, with the perfect bun, and the fries were so good. Makes me wonder how they prepared them to be not too soggy. Yum. Also we had the Turkey burger which was super moist with Brie (love cheese/ my bf doesn't) with perfectly seasoned cranberries. Only thing is that the turkey slice was way too thick making it a total mess to eat. Mimosas a perfect brunch drink with choices of pineapple, grapefruit, & orange! I'll definitely come back for more. I bet their dinner would be very satisfactory.
(4)
Melissa F.
Legit. I live in River North, so I kind of shrug and act embarrassed whenever anyone says, "Oh, it's so douche-y there." Yes, it is. What can you say? It's not? Of course it is. But it is still a lot of fun and provides some epic people watching. ;) Now, Hubbard street is effectively a microcosm of River North. So many douche-y bars with long lines, cover charges, bathroom attendants, overpriced food and drinks, and enough pretentiousness to confound any dinner party featured on Barefoot Contessa. Somehow, by 1am on a Saturday, this was true of many bars on Hubbard...but not Hubbard Inn. I was celebrating my birthday at a Korean karaoke place in Lincoln Square (as you do), and I headed back downtown to see my brother and his wife with my friend. I texted him, asking if there was a line. No. Wha??? Was there a cover? No. Wha??? My friend and I walked right in - no carding, even - and went to meet them on the 2nd floor. At this level, you enjoy a drink that is probably overpriced (mine was bought for me by the sister-in-law because she rules)...but ALSO a luxurious sense of schadenfreude upon seeing the huddled masses outside Mercer and Epic and such. Many of the bars on Hubbard are close-to-the-same, so why not go to a place that's a lot more accessible? Yes, still pretentious (bathroom attendants, whoopie!), but it hardly factors into the positive experience you're likely to have.
(4)
Krista N.
We were here for a rehearsal dinner. What a great spot. It was a block away from where we were staying and had plenty of room for a huge amount of family and friends. They had great italian food for dinner and all of it was really good. You know a place is good when they can mass produce food and it actually tastes good. I would love to go back here and just experience the bar and food outside of it being an event, but I can tell I will love it since we had such a good dinner with family and friends!
(4)
Erinne F.
Decided to stop by for lunch on the patio to enjoy one of the last nice days. Seated quickly, server was initially tentative. We asked for suggestions on menu and seemed knowledgable and good reasons as to why she recommended what she did. One of the suggestions was the Lobster roll. I, having had more than my fair share of east coast lobster rolls, was hesitant. I should have gone with my gut. For $17 this poor excuse of a lobster roll was BARELY filled with what looked like a seafood mix I get at the deli. There was maybe one hearty chunk in the entire roll, flavor was just okay. After food was brought out by the runner, the server didn't come back until we were completely done eating. Thus, not being asked if we received everything okay or how it was. I'll stick to Hubbard Inn for drinks!
(2)
Sangita A.
Organized my husband's post- dinner cocktails birthday party here last Saturday. It was almost a complete disaster only to be saved by agressive demands by my girlfriend and the manager trying his best to deliver what was promised us. Made reservations for an upper seating area for a group of 15. Got a day-of confirmation via phone. We get there, and they say they have to seat us downstairs where people are eating dinner. Um no. This is why we make reservations. An hour and a half later, the manager puts together a little seating area in the back of the second floor. I have to give him props for trying to help us make the best of the night with a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the hassle was not worth it and I would have rather planned his birthday elsewhere in the city. SERVICE The staff was very friendly once everything got sorted out, but I would avoid organizing birthdays here unless you had some sort of guarantee of space. AMBIENCE Loved the chill atmosphere and the music. The drinks were pretty good and they have a nice cocktail menu as well. -Hungry Hungry Pongy
(3)
Rhonda K.
We walked in on a Saturday around noontime to a half-empty restaurant. "Do you have a reservation?" asked the hostess briskly. "Um, no, but we'd like lunch for two." She clicked onto her computer screen. Scanned it. Looked up. Scanned again. Frowned. "The best I can do is the end of the communal table." Aisles on two sides, one leading to the restrooms, one facing her station. Despite our hesitation, we took the seats. And had a very nice lunch: lobster roll, brunch burger, fun cocktails (The Unpaid Piper, The Odd Craft), and some of the best sweet potato fries EVER, with a luscious spicy mayo to dip them in. Hubbard Inn is a trendy spot, with interesting art on the walls, all painted by the same talented artist. Nice food, an extensive craft cocktail list, not too pricey. But c'mon. Better to treat the guests that arrive at your doorstep to a nicer table than to punish them with crappy seats. And by the way, those 12:30 pm reservations she was holding all those tables for? Never showed.
(3)
S t.
If you like your turkey burger RARE, go here. If you like to be violently sick after eating here, go here. After sending my raw turkey burger back, my sweet potato fries finally came. Not with the sauce the waitress said was so delicious with them, they were out of that aioli with paprika. Isn't that just Mayo and paprika? Yep, out of it. My husband had chicken and biscuits. Came home and became extremely sick, probably due to food poisoning and improper food handling. The service sucks as well as the food. I will never go here again and tell all my friends to not bother either. I hate that I even have to give one star.
(1)
Margaret P.
Had my best friend's bachelorette party here. I worked with Stephanie to plan the evening, and she was wonderful in helping me organize the dinner. We did a 3 course prix-fixe meal, and what I liked about Hubbard was that there were so many different options that everyone in my party (about 15 people) would be able to pick something they liked. The starter and salad course was served family style, with three different starters and two different salads. The bacon wrapped dates were delicious! I don't even know what a date is, but it was sooo good. Everything was tasty, and there was way more than enough food to share. Each person was able to choose their own entree among 4 options. I tasted each of the entrees, and they were all great. From the moment our group arrived, we were treated with outstanding service. We had multiple waitresses who constantly came around and made sure our wine was flowing. I loved the ambiance of Hubbard Inn. We were seated on the 2nd floor, and all of the decor was so cool! I was not expecting this place when I heard it was in River North area. Besides the excellent food, decor, and friendly staff...the last thing that really impressed me (and my bride!) was that on the menu on our table, they listed our bachelorette's name. It was such a thoughtful touch, and made us feel special. Next time I come back to Chicago I will definitely stop by here again. I would recommend this place for anyone with a large group, as the prix-fixe dinner was amazing and reasonably priced.
(5)
Casey F.
I love Hubbard Inn. I've been countless times. Many to drink, only 1 to eat. After spending many a boozed up night here, I was skeptical to dine here. We had a girls night and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I thought it was delicious. I find that I'm always drawn here when I'm in River North. Even though I know I've been embarrassingly drunk here, I still come back and will continue to do so. The atmosphere is fab, the lighting makes it romantic, and there is always a great crowd. Love it. If I see you there, buy me a Jack and diet.
(4)
Charmin W.
Everyone deserves a second chance...While my first impression of this place was not so good, I am happy to say the second time around was much more favorable! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to receive a sincere follow up email from the manager, Zach, in response to my earlier Yelp review. I didn't write the review to get attention, but his response let me know that what happened was not something that is generally tolerated. So, I went back and I am happy to say Hubbard Inn and it's staff have redeemed themselves! The mussels and the flank steak with potato salad are must haves!
(4)
Kim S.
I stopped in with two friends for an early dinner on Memorial Day and was instantly impressed. Despite the odd dining hour, there were a handful of patrons inside and the patio was busy. The service was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly and I was especially impressed by the cocktail options. My friend and I both got The Hepburn and agreed we could have easily gulped more, although it was the perfect balance of booze and natural flavor. I ordered crab cakes. The portion was on the smaller side, but perfect for a light meal. I had to admit they are better than the recipe I swear by when making my own. My friends shared the turkey burger which was good and not at all dry or bland, like some ground turkey ends up. The burger was served with a cranberry concoction that added intensely good flavor. In addition to our server, two other staff including a manager came over just to chat with us and ensure we were enjoying our experience. Perhaps above all is the ambiance of this place. It has a very cool, authentic, old-school vibe. I look forward to going back for more of a full dinner experience and possibly some late-night fun. I understand they have three floors and good after hours options. We're not from the area and like to check out new places whenever we are there, but this is definitely a "return to" place.
(5)
Sarah F.
Food is excellent, service not so much. Made a 7 pm reservation for a large party, and we didn't get our table until 7:45... never fun when you're trying to entertain clients. They gave us our first round of drinks on the house (after we asked about it) and a few free apps. Waitress was friendly, but never refilled water glasses. This place could be great if they were a bit more organized and attentive.
(3)
Jon F.
Went for late night drinks on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was good and lively. Downstairs was the relaxed half of the bar and the upstairs was the let loose, dim the lights, and make bad decisions side. The "VIP" lounges were weird too say the least. Library themed corners of a bar?? Too each his/her own.
(3)
Tony B.
Can't believe I never yet reviewed good old Hubbard Inn! Probably on our top 20 places on our dine out list. First of all the food never disappoints! the other day we sat outside for the first time and the cafe service and atmosphere was perfect! All other times we've been in for dinner and it's consistently great. The only reason not 5 stars is when busy sometimes service becomes harried and a bit of attitude, but I guess that's understandable really. A really professional run place with consistently good food!
(4)
Jose V.
I've been here 4 times and I do have to agree with many of the other reviews in that the servers could be a bit more attentive and/or leave the River North attitude at home. However, I'm going to give them 4 stars because of the ambiance and because of their menu, so far everything I've tried has been REALLY good. The organic turkey and organic bison burgers are a must. My best experience so far has been during lunch. It gets super packed Fridays/Saturday nights.
(4)
Mike W.
I visited the Hubbard Inn for brunch after purchasing a Groupon. It was a beautiful day so my girlfriend and I decided to sit outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine. If my experience stopped with having a mimosa on the flower-lined outdoor area then I would have been much more satisfied with my brunch. However, as things played out we were getting food as well and that's when there were issues that came up. My GF ordered the crab cakes benedict and I went with the build-your-own-omlet option (Very nice that they don't charge by the item... pretty much earned them the second star). The Cc Benedict was adequate, but not much more. The breakfast potatoes they serve are pretty good though, just a tad on the bland side. The bigger issue came with my omelet, or to be more exact the fact I did not get the right omelet. When I cut into it I discovered that I did not have the correct meal. I was a little disappointed, but I know mistakes happen so it wasn't a problem to wave down our waitress who apologized and immediately went back into the kitchen to have them make me a new one. After waiting another 15 minutes or so they brought out another omelet and I thought all was going to be well.... until it wasn't. They had mixed up the plates again in the kitchen and I was given a spinich and tomato omelet... not the onion, ham, and bacon goodness I was hoping for. Upon overhearing me flag down the waitress for a second time, a gentleman behind me also spoke up that he had the wrong omelet. Fortunately he and I were able to discover that he had my meal... unfortunately for him though we have no idea where his was and I have no idea who was supposed to get the tomato and spinich omelet. After waiting all that time my GF was kind enough to order us a couple drinks from the bar, which were good, but not worth the $13 each they were charging. Our waitress was decent through the entire omelet ordeal, but was obviously very stressed out about having to manage the mistakes that were from the kitchen. Needless to say I do not think I will be visiting again. The omelet I finally got was decent, but there are a number of other places I can go for that without fear of a similar experience.
(2)
Yianni B.
Jackie is one of the nicest person here. Fast sweet and knows what she is doing. Can't wait to come back. Jackie you are the best.
(5)
Sheffia L.
Limited menu but the turkey burger and sweet potato fries were delicious!
(4)
May Y.
Best spinach and goat cheese salad I ever had in the States I was literally about to cry. The melting cheese reminded me of those I had back in Australia. I wish the noisy environment had not brought me back to reality. Great food, but super noisy and stuffy. Good to hang out with friends, but not for a date. Food: 5 Decor: 4 Service: 5
(4)
Holly W.
On Wednesday night, it is a really nice place. Great that they only have a one or two TVs. On Friday and Saturday, it just a scene that it is way beyond crowded.
(4)
Emily L.
We took my friend here for her 40th birthday. Lively bar scene, but all of our food and cocktails were high quality and delicious. We left with some neat ideas of how to better prepare food at home!
(5)
Justin B.
$16 for a burger that was half to two-thirds of the size of the Owen & Engine burger, with so-so taste and fries that were served as burn victims in a tin can? Welcome to River North! I have to say that while the space is fantastic and the drinks I had during a visit a few months ago were decent, the food is only okay, which was a minor surprise. The Bison Burger and the Lamb Burger were just average, and with a poor side order of fries and a server that seemed to be distracted until we placed our order, I wasn't really feeling this place. Also, the random music mix (Toto, then Gorillaz, then Hall & Oates???) was just weird, more "WTF?" than "Hey, cool stuff, man." Au Cheval, this was not!
(3)
Stefani J.
Bad service and extremely bad attitude from server. Do not order bottle service from here. My 12 friends and I will not be back. Ordered bottle service for a friends surprise 30th birthday. Specifically asked for the 3rd floor. I received a call the day of the party saying the 3rd floor was closed and did not get a reason why. I said that yes we still wanted to get bottle service and were ok with it on the 2nd floor. Should have never agreed to that. We get there around 11pm and our party was already there (since it was a surprise) and a bottle was already ordered. Things were fine. Music was generic techno mixes of current hits. It was ok for a few songs, but every single song had the same remix so eventually it got boring. We ran out of limes, cranberry juice and tonic water. The bottle girl did not even notice and we had to ask for all of it - multiple times. It took forever. We ordered another bottle in the meantime and it came out and was just placed in the bin w/o ice. She did not bring the bottle out with sparklers - which normally I wouldn't care but it was for a birthday and we were trying to show her a special night. Plus every other table had their bottles brought out with sparklers - even the Tito's vodka has sparklers. I said something to the bottle girl and she said that they were going to bring out a cake with sparklers. No apology. A half hour later nothing. I had asked her again and she said that their computers were down. Not sure what that has to do with bringing out a cake with sparklers. Eventually she comes out with a cupcake and sparklers. It was embarrassing. We all laughed b/c it was literally ridiculous. Then the bill comes. We gave $160 cash and were having her split the rest w 2 credit cards. She added a 20% tip on already. She definitely knew that her service was bad so she had to cover herself. Also we were charged for the cupcake. We were waiting for the check to come back and I looked over and saw our bottle girl pointing and scowling at our table while she was talking to another patron. She comes back with a charge on my friends credit card for $600 - which is what the entire bill was. She said that she couldn't reverse it. After 3 people got involved she then changed her story and said that his credit card was declined - NOT TRUE. So we told her to charge our other friends card the entire total MINUS the $140 we paid cash. Overall this was the worst service I've ever experienced when buying bottle service. Music never changed up and it was hard to dance to. I can't believe this girl is serving people with a bad attitude like that.
(1)
Jerrine F.
Great service and friendly bartenders ...and a pretty decent moscow mule!! Holla!!!!
(4)
Greg R.
Three of us checked out Hubbard Inn for brunch on 06/15. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so, since we arrived at 1:45, thought our timing was good for an enjoyable meal. Uh, not so much. Although the sidewalk seats were mostly taken, the inside was - at most - 10% full. Once seated, it took about 10 minutes for any wait staff to acknowledge us and when the waitress finally took our order, she, for some unknown reason, seemed very hurried. As mentioned before, the place was nearly empty. We ordered three simple items: kale salad with dressing on the side, chorizo and goat cheese flatbread, and lobster omelet with breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. When I ordered the omelet, the waitress politely apologized that they had run out of breakfast potatoes and French fries would be substituted. French fries with omelets??? That's a first for me. (How much do potatoes cost a restaurant, don't they keep for a long time and, if you do run out, couldn't a staffer be sent to Jewel?) The unimpressive kale salad arrived about ten minutes later, drenched in the dressing we requested to be on the side. Thinking the next two entrees were right behind, my wife waited for the remaining items. And waited. And waited. And waited. When we realized we had enough time to correct the wrong salad, we sent it back. (The waitress later claimed she thought we wanted the salad first, but she never asked. Since we had three entrees for three people, we figured all food would arrive together.) After another long wait, one more kale salad finally came to the table, this time with our flatbread and omelet. The salad indeed had the dressing on the side this time, but the flatbread was cold and hard and the omelet - complete with French fries - arrived without the wheat toast. By the time anyone asked how we were doing, I was done with the omelet so the toast was a moot point. We planned to just chalk this one up as a learned experience and be satisfied with the dozens of brunch choices within a mile of Hubbard Inn, but the manager, while whisking by our table, asked how everything was. Although we're not dining complainers, I couldn't resist to explain that the salad came out early, was soaked in dressing that we wanted on the side, the omelet came with French fries because they were out of breakfast potatoes, the flatbread was cold and hard and the wheat toast was still AWOL. To his credit, he picked up the tab for this experience. For that we'll be back... hopefully with a better review.
(2)
Alex J.
We sat in the bar, the new bartender Peter was excellent. Great apps and drinks, we really enjoyed our time at Hubbard.
(5)
Carolyn L.
I've come here a couple of times while out in River North. Once was for an event to celebrate a local nonprofit. The other was for a friend's birthday party. I don't remember much about the drinks or service. They seemed pretty standard. I really love the decor and feel of this place though. It's like drinking in a library. the only thing missing is a nice cigar (if I smoked cigars).
(3)
Lauren S.
Came here for brunch w/ a Gilt City. Brought some girlfriends I hadn't seen in awhile for some mimosas and eggs. The drinks, and food, were actually pretty good (Get the pork belly benny!). Decor was really cute. The service was maybe the WORST I have had in this city so far. The short recap: 5 tables were here for brunch (I counted). I saw maybe 5 staff members on the floor upstairs. Despite that, the service was awful, rude, and inaccurate. It will definitely stop me from coming back! Even the pork belly couldn't leave a good taste in my mouth after the awful attention from the staff :( The longer recap: I'll just give you all a quick running list. 1) Both drink orders and two food orders were incorrect. We gave them the benefit of the doubt on the drink orders, by the time the food came we were pretty bummed. 2) We also asked for some basic condiments and some water. Never came :( 3) Couldn't fix anything, because our waitress was MIA. Even asked a busser to nab her so we could try to fix the food situation. I saw him go up to her, tell her, and then she promptly ignored him and started moving tables for ten minutes. 4) Ok, fine, I'll go grab her (at this point, friends are eating the food they didn't order because they are starving). She rolls her eyes at me and makes a face at a co-worker (real mature) before coming over. 5) Second round of drinks never comes. Not sure why. 5 tables here, rest of the place is empty. We ask her to cancel them because we are ready to leave. She still brings them over, but the bartender comps us for taking so long (that's good at least!). 6) The bill was wrong.. THREE times. Yes, three times. This included weird things like just choosing a random amount of money to deduct for the Gilt City (it was supposed to include two entrees and two drinks), so I helped by circling the food we ordered, and they just tacked on ANOTHER random deduction. I just gave up and paid the difference. 7) Mind you, in dealing with the bill, I again had to go myself and find the waitress since she refused to actually come to our table. LISTEN, I was a waitress through college. I know how much it sucks, and how terrible people can be. But look, we were just looking for bare-minimum 'get us the food and drinks correctly' service. We're friendly! I don't think I was being demanding. If I had EVER done some of what this ombre-haired chicka pulled off, I would have been fired on the spot. Hope this group has a serious staff meeting sometime soon. I'm off to bigger and better ventures (as is my whole grumbly group).
(2)
Jami S.
I have just one thing to say to you Hubbard Inn... Bring the original Lobster Roll back!! Whatever impostor you have in its place is terrible!!!
(3)
Robert J.
These State Street bars feel much more upscale that Rush street (a word to the unknowing traveler). This is a 2-story bar with a good selection of craft & local beers. It can get super packed on the weekend (was here on a Saturday and barely had standing room upstairs). The music was great, the DJ did a nice job putting together some lively songs at a good volume. Overall, a nice bar, but I don't know if I would come back... there's really nothing special about it. It's classy and well put-together, but it can also get a bit too loud to talk to people.
(3)
German C.
First off, I am giving it two stars because Hubbard Inn is not my type of place to be. Drinks are good no lie. I ordered a vodka with red bull and it was pretty sweet. The service was also fast as well. However, I did not like the crowd. Too many hippies ( I call hipsters hippies)The music was pure edm (not my style) I did like that Hubbard inn provides plenty of seating area which is available to anyone. My visit here was not a terrible one but it wasn't quite me.
(2)
Emily T.
Came here for drinks this past Monday after work- and I love the vibe of this place! Sophisticated, spacious, and intimate. We had post-work drinks at the bar, and it was a slow Monday night, so I haven't seen this place in full swing, nor have I sampled anything but the house chardonnay, but I'll be back to spend a night out here soon. :)
(4)
Jesus C.
One of my favorite spots to dine or brunch in river north. Good food and great atmosphere!! Love the 2nd floor for lounging and having a drink with a group of friends.
(4)
AR H.
Awesome restaurant. Trendy spot and bartenders make a great old fashioned. Had the lamb burger and it was delicious. Would recommend going for happy hour as they have a great downstairs and upstairs lounge are to sit and hang out with friends.
(4)
Bo Y.
Recommend steak salad.
(4)
Stephanie L.
OMG, ended up here for a bday party on Sat night, not by choice, but its what you do for family. I really despise this place. We had a party of 11 at 6PM on Sat. We were literally the only table in there. We had two servers, both pretty incompetent. Spilled a drink down my Uncle's back, order was completely wrong, had no clue where the plates went, HORRIBLE service. Literally setting down plates in the middle of the table because they didnt know who ordered what. Didnt clear plates, absolutely a MESS. The food itself is totally A-OK, overpriced BS from RN. I brought in cupcakes and of course notified us of a $10 "cake cutting fee." When we asked if they were going to cut the cupcakes for us, they said no...? These girls were some of the worst servers I have ever encountered. Dont go here if you are looking for a good meal. This place has seen a better day and now going off fumes.
(1)
Missy C.
I'm Hubbard Inn's biggest fan. I work in River North, and my co-workers and I go to Hubbard Inn for lunch and happy hour often. Glen, one of the managers, is just the nicest person ever and so accommodating. I can't thank him enough for how welcoming he is every time I come in. Food is great! Be sure to try one of the flatbreads - they are all super delish but the mushroom and asparagus is my favorite. I hear they make the best Old Fashioned too.
(5)
Jennifer R.
My girlfriend and I had a 9pm reservation on a Friday night. We got there about a half an hour early and were fine having a drink at the bar until our table was ready. There were two empty tables near the bar and I went up to the hostess and asked if we could be seated there. I was flat out told 'no' and then was told to come back at 9pm when our reservation was to see what the status was. I looked at my phone. 8:58 p.m. Ok. I'll come back in two minutes. 15 minutes later (I gave them a grace period), I went back up to the hostess stand and asked the status of our table. I was told there was 'maybe' a table upstairs and when I said that we would prefer to sit downstairs, I was promptly told there would be an additional 30-45 minute wait. It was 9:15 p.m. by this point and my girlfriend (just as irritated as I was) made a 9:30 p.m. reservation at Paris Club down the street. I went back up to the hostess stand to tell them we were leaving for a reservation at Paris Club and was simply told, "Ok". No attempt to apologize or get us to stay. I've been a hostess before and these girls that were working that night as 'hostesses' were rude and flippant. There are a million bars and restaurants on Hubbard and when the competition is stiff, your first concern should be keeping your customers happy. Hubbard Inn failed. Sorry. The drinks were good (hence the two stars).
(2)
Shamik T.
Love this place. Last weekend, I had my second meal here, this time for lunch. A late lunch that was totally worth it. Granted, I think this place is slightly overpriced, but I found the service to be good, the drink list to be extensive, and the food to be very good. The beet salad was well dressed, and nicely seasoned. The Ethiopian/Moroccan style crepe however, was enormous. Very good, mind you, but simply enormous. Our server described the dishes as "medium-sized, tapas-style" dishes. This was like a burrito at a suburban Tex-Mex restaurant. Huge, albeit tasty. My girlfriend's lamb was disappointing, so she said. I think she had order envy. I don't blame her. Decor is a plus also, but this place gets loud.
(4)
Katelyn G.
I like eating here. I have been here a few times already and I must say, this is a great restaurant. The food is good and delicious. Price is just right and the atmosphere is noteworthy. The service is just average though, not great but not bad either. Just so-so. Even with that, this place still deserves a try and recommendation.
(4)
Riccardo S.
Wandered in here for a round of after-dinner drinks, and can't wait for the opportunity to come back. Great decor with a large space around the bar and high-top tables for those of us not up to standing around. All of it buttressed by an exemplary selection of beers, liquor, and most importantly - port. Best of all were the staff, completely nonplussed by the arrival of a 30-strong group and setting everyone up without one slip.
(4)
Lauren P.
Food was awesome! Went to Hubbard inn for restaurant week and not only was the food excellent, the service was even better! The waitress was very friendly and didn't keep us waiting long for any beverage refills. Highly recommend dining at Hubbard inn!
(5)
Nancy L.
A great place to meet and socialize. My inclination is to say this is more of a place for drinks than food but that was why I was there. They have great options for seating that facilitate conversation among groups - community tables, booths and areas with sofas surrounded by wooden bookcases that feel a bit like a library in an old estate. The atmosphere is more old world European feeling with a bit of whimsy. Lot's of clever artwork that make you take a second look and consider how many drinks you've had. An interesting touch that makes you smile and takes an edge off the stiffness of old world formal decor in the library areas.. A nice variety of mixed drinks to choose from - classics and classics with a modern twist. A lot of beers on tap too. The Audrey had a nice refreshing botanical flavor - cucumber with St. Germain was a hit. They also brought a round of shots to our table that also seemed to have a cucumber flavor. The shots weren't really strong - more flavor than burn. I didn't eat much there food but that wasn't the focus of my visit. Just recall the mussels and bacon wrapped dates were nice with my drink. Service was great - they were attentive and made great suggestions. The host told me they have a DJ on the top floor some evenings which I'm sure livens up things even more. There is a nice 'screened' off area on the second floor that would be great for a bigger group event. It's nice that it isn't a totally separate room so you don't feel like you are missing out from the energy of the whole place. Recommend for groups - after work for drinks and/or a bite to eat. Wouldn't be a place I'd go for a quiet date as the feeling is very bustling and energetic - feels like an upscale pub.
(4)
Kalyn H.
The two of us came here last night for a couple drinks before our 7pm dinner reservations down the street. It was pretty empty so we were immediately served and ordered two cocktails, so far so good. Their drink menu is awesome it's on a chalkboard behind the bar and we started to become extremely excited to try another drink ($12 each though, way overpriced). We only had about twenty more minutes before we had to leave and our drinks had been empty for awhile so we were becoming annoyed with service. All the bartenders were busy talking to other employees. The WEIRDEST thing happened to us in all our years of drinking/dining... the bartender brought us the same exact drinks to us without even asking if we wanted another round or what we wanted. Man was I bummed she assumed we wanted the same thing and that I couldn't try a different cocktail. It was so strange and we left disappointed!
(3)
Rebecca N.
Good thing the food was amazing because the overall experience was not! The goods: Every dish we got was honestly excellent! The bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and spinach salad, mushroom flatbread, scallops, crispy tuna were perfect. The steak tartare was good, but SO small!!! I would say the chickpea crepes was the least exciting. Our waitress was also really sweet! The bads: We had a reservation at 8 and did not get seated until 840! When I approached the waitress her reaction..."people have been waiting longer" um okay. When we finally were seated our waitress brought us shots and when we asked what they were she said she did not know. classy. We also sat next to the door. Half our party was freezing and people were surrounding us all throughout dinner. Oh... and it was SO loud!!! coming from someone who does not mind a loud venue that says a lot. It's too bad I enjoyed the food so much because I will not be coming baclk
(2)
Drea K.
Fair warning: This review is based purely on staff attitude which I found to be less than awesome. I've been here several times as a normal good-time Jane and think the decor is lovely, the drinks are tasty, and in general the food is a cut above normal gastro-pub food. But I, seriously, have a very hard time with lack of professionalism / manners, in general...especially from people in the service industry...whose general societal focus is ensuring that customers have an enjoyable time. As I was working to set up a charity event, I encountered a very serious "pulling teeth" scenario involving "we'd love to work with you again" and then s-lll-o-w-l-y evolving into "we've got new owners who need to approve everything" to "we have to decline" (2 weeks later!) but with no communication as to where the party-line switch was coming from / why a previous commitment made was changing. I've done enough charity work to know that sometimes venues cannot accommodate a nonprofit event, so believe me when I say I would not have been offended if the original reply had been "So sorry, we're under new management and we can't do a partially donated event right now" but the long gaps in communication with random changes and no explanation were a bit much. Final bad-taste-in-mouth straw: I sent a last note inquiring about the change to see if I could find out where the challenge was and received tumbleweeds as a response (ie. nothing). So, I will enjoy some Moscow Mules here but won't be planning any HubbInn parties anytime in the near future.
(2)
Jenni I.
From the street, this place seemed like a great pick. Outdoor seating ... music inside that you could hear from outside ... and a cool cocktail menu on a chalkboard above the bar. We asked the doorman about sitting outside and she told us to go inside to speak with the hostess. No hostess to be found. So, a server walked came up to us and told us to take a seat outside. We were seated at 11:40 and told the kitchen was closed. Okay, not a problem. We were bummed, but figured we'd get a drink anyway. Placed our order, then shortly after, we were told by four different employees that we needed to leave quickly. The fourth person, who seemed like the owner possibly, all but threw us out. This place has potential but the staff is rude. At 11:50, we were told by the doorman that we really needed to get going. We were waiting on our check. In the midst of that, I finished my $12 Moscow Mule (not worth it) and chatted up another guest who was rushed, as well. He told me that he has been visiting Hubbard Inn for months -- but that in the past week, it had changed management. He, a loyal patron, was unhappy with the service, as well, but seemed hopeful that they would iron out the issues and strike a better stride. Until that happens, I will not be back.
(1)
Coy W.
Damn this place has some seriously nice decor. It's a place that if lived in Chicago I could see myself hanging out at regularly. The crowd is really mixed but the music was awesome on a Friday night. Chicago brews some serious beer, the hostesses here are dynamite and the wait staff are friendly and helpful. I think I went through the whole local beer menu and enjoyed everything on it. There was a seasonal that really stood out but for the life of me, can't remember the name of it. I didn't try the food and I hate judging it by the way it looks but I would definitely give it a go the next time I'm in town. Did I mentioned the music is awesome and the hostesses are dynamite? OK good :)
(4)
John F.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriend and some friends for dinner and drinks. It was pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I suppose that's better than it being overly crowded. The decor of this place is pretty nice - big booths, long tables that you share which is different, you may or may not like that though. Overall it had a high end bar feel to it. For the food, well they try to push the whole tapas thing, saying ordering a whole bunch of small plates is the way to go. This is fine for a TAPAS place, but when I'm at a bar I would like to order my own meal. They do have entrees which range $20-$35. We decided to order a few small plates for appetizers - the bacon wrapped dates were awesome, flat bread was good, nothing special, and their homemade ravioli was not good at all and only 6 small sized raviolis were included. For the price I'd expect a few more or at least be the best raviolis I've ever tasted. After the small plates we each ordered an entree. I had the Wagyu burger which was $20 (yea, i know) and my girlfriend had the skirt steak which was also $20. The skirt steak was pretty good, but it's skirt steak... $20 seems pricey for just skirt steak. My burger was really good, but not $20 good. Burgers from Kuma's, Lockdown, Hophaus, and Burger Bar are better AND cheaper than the one I got at Hubbard Inn. So the food was mostly pretty good, but WAY overpriced. I almost forgot the drinks! I started off with a Manhattan - it was $12 which I expected, but it was pretty weak and I've had better Manhattans. I ordered a Hemingway next, which was refreshingly tasty, but again, pretty weak for $14. The drinks, just like the food, was good, but overpriced. They can at least make them strong if they're going to charge $12-14 per cocktail. Overall I found this place to be way overpriced. Yes the food and drinks are good, but not worth the price. If you have money to burn and are in the neighborhood, then sure, check it out. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere else or pay top dollar to a place that deserves it. I won't be back here.
(3)
Carol K.
Hubbard Inn? You answer when the question is where to go that is fun, has a wide range of menu items and where I am welcomed and remembered. So many restaurants . . .so little time . . .so it had been a few months since my last visit when I popped in with friends the other night. My friends wanted to experience the "Carol K' factor which is what my friends joke with me about when I pick a restaurant in town because I seem to always run into someone I know. We were promptly seated in the front and within minutes were sipping our drinks and checking out the menu to see what new things they had added since my last visit. Our server was great! Quick with suggestions of the new items (try the sliced sirloin and the crunchy tuna- perfect for sharing!) The food is always great and the drinks perfectly poured. And I always appreciate when David, one of the owners, remembers me and stops over to say hi! and on this stop, introduced me to his manager. And how nice was it that he bought our table a round of drinks! As one in our party said, "Now that's the Carol K factor!" Nah. More like the "David" factor. He's an owner who takes really good care of his regular customers!
(4)
Melissa P.
Great Drinks- specialty "speak easy" drinks. Food is also amazing but small portions. Get an app or flatbread as well. Cool crowd and ambiance. A ittle pricey but normal for River North.
(4)
Justyna S.
Rude staff, will not be coming back.
(1)
Brad J.
I have been here three times now and that will be it for me. I totally understand the good reviews based on atmosphere and decor, both are very nice. My issue is with the prices of the food/drink menu for what you get and the unfriendly and uninformed staff. One of my friends, who was a bartender, got a drink that was not made correctly, the staff argued with her and it went back and forth. We all tasted the drink and agreed with her. They handled the situation as bad as they could. The beer menu, which is quite solid, has everything marked up a dollar or two from most other place I've seen. I guess that's the decor surcharge. When I combine my experiences here with what I paid and how I was treated, I'm left to a whiff of snobbery and entitlement. I guess my issue isn't with the taste of the food as much as it was with the whole attitude of the place. I think in the long run the decor and atmosphere won't be able to make up for the feeling I left with, which was shared by my wife and the friends we were with. This wasn't just one experience either, it was three.
(2)
Sopla R.
I just soaked up the atmosphere and relished the vibe here. It's like the Anthropologie (well almost) of restaurants. I really appreciated the attention to the details. (decor that is.. we'll get to the other details later.. ) I had the fried green tomato/shrimp dish.The texture of the tomato was spot on the shrimp cooked perfectly, all in all a very tasty dish. We also tried the turkey burger. This was a nice flavor profile but not executed properly....The accompaniments were fine it was the texture of the turkey.. they over ground it. which happens quite a bit with turkey which causes it to taste mushy. Not the consistency you want especially if you are pairing it with a brie cheese and a cranberry relish/chutney. Also, tried the dark n stormy it was OK a bit heavy on the ginger but otherwise OK. As for the service, while friendly enough, she basically cut in front of me to deliver my husband's drink and he was sitting directly across from me, I had to move back abruptly. She didn't say oh sorry or anything, I don't even think it occurred to her how wrong this was and it wasn't like she couldn't go around either side of the table. I'm guessing she missed the serve from the left, remove from the right. or even if you really are a fine dining snob it's serve from the right and remove from the right "memo" which seems to be the norm these days in terms of service. I don't think it's OK to slack on these details when you are at this price point. I really hope the next time I go back I'll have the overall experience that I'm paying for.
(3)
B G.
The food is absolutely amazing! The bacon wrapped figs with goat cheese are DELICIOUS...we ended up ordering a second helping. I had the bagel crusted salmon, my friends ordered the scallops and the steak tartar...just great on the palette and fresh. We had some other places we wanted to try out before we headed back to NY but we thought about going for a second time during our short stay. Will definitely go back next time I'm in the Chi!
(5)
Susan F.
Updated review: Been here 3 times. Nothing bad about the cocktails, this review is strictly on food. We got 2 drinks, small mussel plate, small tartar, and large short ribs. With tip, it came to just under $100-- NOT worth it, I'll tell you why... Pros: 1. Great for reservations. Got in at 7:15 on a Friday 2. Short ribs. Smallish portion for a "big plate" but it was good. Too much at $20 for that small portion. Cons: 1. They sat us in the front by the window, facing the window. It was cold as eff. Wind coming in through their not-so-well insulated window panes. Uhg. 2. We ordered 2 small plates and 1 large plate to split between the 2 of us. 10 minutes after ordering, ALL of the food came out. So, we had to pick what we wanted to eat first because everything was going to get cold... What the heck. Also, 10 minutes is way too fast for food to come out. No other restaurant has every served these types of plates together unless you specifically ask for it. 3. Mussels were horrible. I have ordered about 30 different types of mussels in the past 3 years (no joke) and these were my least favorite. Sure, they had chorizo but the flavor had no depth and the mussels smelled like horse hay. I could only eat 6 or 7 of them before giving up. Also, another downside was that there were only about 15 mussels in there and for that price, we have gotten 24-30 other places in Chicago--- nice places too, I might add. Not impressed, I had to eat the bread to feel full. 4. Steak tartar. Nothing to write home about, small portion. Expected more. Really expected more from you, Hubbard Inn. Make your food as good as your drinks, please..
(2)
Ev A.
This place is always my go-to for everything and I've never been let down. When Hubbard Inn first opened, I had my birthday here and everyone was impressed by the ambiance and service. I've had first dates, company happy hours, girl's night dinner, happy hour on the patio... I mean every kind of occasion, I have counted on Hubbard Inn to deliver and have never been disappointed. For cocktails, I love the Moscow Mules and the South Siders. I always drink vodka-water so I'm glad I can change it up a bit when I come here. When dining, the Flatbread is delicious (Mushroom & Asparagus Flatbread is my fave), the Kale Salad is fresh and light, and this Chickpea Wrap is yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge "meat-eater"... I have tried their Lamb Lollipops and was impressed/interested and I always order the Bacon Wrapped Dates. I'm not sold on their Scallops though, a little too salty for my liking. If you're from out of town or live in the city, I always suggest and personally select Hubbard Inn.
(5)
Jaclyn L.
I came here on a random Wednesday night for a drink with friends. The ambiance is cool, the cocktails were creative and delicious, however they were definitely overpriced since they were weak. If I am going to pay $13-14 for a drink, I would rather head over to Three Dots and a Dash for their stronger cocktails, even though it's a totally different (but equally nice) vibe than Hubbard Inn.
(3)
Linsey R.
First time dining here on Friday night with my bf. Without reservations we anticipated a lengthy wait for a table at this River North hotspot. The hostesses informed us 45 minutes (what we had expected) and suggested the lounge upstairs for cocktails while we wait. I'm not sure I would consider the upstairs a "lounge". More like a lounge/sports-bar/club hybrid. The decor was fab--intimate lighting, early century candle sticks, and hand lettered menus on the walls--but the blaring music, TVs playing espn, and jam packed bar with standing room only, was anything but. We literally had to yell to maintain conversation--not what I expect in a "lounge". Great craft and classic libations menu, and the bartenders were knowledgable fulfilling my request for a classic cocktail not listed on their menu, but $12 for a Last Word? That's just too pricey for standard classics. The beer list was also extensive, although I was concerned that they had listed "Southern Tier Pumking" as brewed in Belgium. Hopefully this was just a typo. Over an hour later we still hadn't been seated. I curiously went downstairs to ask about the status of our table only to be informed of another 30 min wait. Not cool. There was no way we could tolerate another half hour in the "lounge" and we were too restless to start over somewhere else. My partner decided to discuss this predicament with the hostesses and, to our relief, we were seated right away. Once seated we were still unable to hear ourselves over the deafening music, but were promptly greeted by 2 different servers who were very welcoming and attentive. We ordered the crepe and pork belly risotto with a side of Brussels sprouts. Although listed as "small plates" these were more like entree sized portions. The flavors of the crepe and risotto were outstanding and the pork belly was cooked to a perfect crisp! The Brussels, however, were served in a miniature cast iron skillet wading in a pool of oil. I literally had to tap each piece and let the oil flow off before consuming. With incredibly mixed feelings about the Hubbard Inn I certainly will not be back on a weekend, but might give it another try as a midweek date night.
(2)
James C.
Hmm where to begin. Let's start with the good. It's a great vibe and ambiance, which is a relief for many of the bars in RN. There is a cool library space in the back that really goes with the flow of the entire space. Also, the staff is extremely nice. They were attentive and top of everything all night. A+ to the staff. Now that bad. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was completely awful. The shrimp were undercooked and had a horrible finish. I was able to eat only one. The greasy piece of bread underneath was a mess, adding nothing to the plate. And the drinks? I had five - six Grey Goose and sodas. After drinking this many cocktails, you'd think I'd be stumbling out the door. Not at this place. After drinking my last cocktail, I noticed that I was not even buzzed. This is my number one pet peeve at a bar. They serve you ten dollar cocktails, but poor the weakest drinks on earth. Seriously, I think they poured O'Douls instead of Grey Goose. I have zero problem paying ten dollars for a cocktail, but it better be strong. I would let it slide if it happened with one drink, but this was all night. I ended up switching to beer. I get the reason bars are stingy with alcohol portions. Wait, I don't get it. If you charge ten dollars for a drink, it better be the strongest drink I have ever had. I better take a sip and rethink my life choices. I better say, "Hey, am I an alcoholic?" I don't want to be five drinks in and feel like I've been ripped off. Hubbard Inn saved money on alcohol that night, but lost a new customer and gained a bad review. Priorities, people.
(2)
Kyle F.
This is based purely on service. We were given a 10 minute wait time. We kept checking in with the hostess stand, and ended up waiting 2 hours. They finally seated us at 10 after 10PM. This would all have been fine; we were willing to deal with the wait. However, when the hostess seated us, she gave us an appetizer menu. We explained that we were looking for a dinner menu, and she told us they stopped serving dinner at 10. The hostesses knew that we came for dinner, and no-one bothered to tell us they were going to stop serving before we got a table. We ended up having to leave to get dinner down the street. Although the food here may be fabulous (I see a lot of great reviews) I would never return to this place. There wasn't even an apology. The bottom line: if you want to eat here, you better have a reservation. If you are just walking down the street and think you can walk in, wait, and eat, forget it. Not worth your time.
(1)
Jennifer S.
I came to HI last Saturday night for drinks with a bunch of friends. We got there pretty early (8ish) and were able to get a big booth just for drinking. We were pleasantly surprised since a lot of establishments don't seat people who aren't going to order food anywhere but the bar. The cocktail list is really extensive and unusual...and exactly what I like! Since there was several of us we all got to try different things. There was also a very extensive beer and wine list, which kept the boys happy who aren't very into cocktails. The only downside of our experience was our waitress who was pretty dumb. Then we started having two different waitresses who apparently didn't know the other was repeatedly stopping by our table. I don't think it's a new place so I'm not sure what the kinks were there but all I can say is the drinks were great, I'd love to go back to try the food.
(4)
Regina M.
The food was disgusting! It didn't have any flavor and when we told the waitress about it, she offered us Tabasco sauce. We had to leave early without having dessert because we really disliked the food and the service was terrible.
(1)
Jill G.
No good. Slow service. Cold food. Sorry but risotto is not made by cooking rice and adding cream. My friends I were with both ordered the skirt steak and had to send it back because it came out cold. There are so many places in Chicago to eat - don't waste your time coming here. Sorry :/
(1)
Grace N.
Ok, so I admit that I am a naive, ex-River Norther turned suburbanite and thought that Hubbard Inn was actually....an inn. I arrived for an event and was pleasantly surprised that we weren't going to be schmoozing in a hotel lobby....rather, we were tete-a-teting in a charming "library." The upstairs room is a wonderful event space, and the bookshelves and fireplace really create a unique bar atmosphere. Not to mention, their food was really good. Flatbreads never wow me but theirs did, and the atmosophere was fun without being pretentious. All in all, not a bad place to study on a Friday night.
(4)
Jennifer P.
I made a reservation one month in advance for a party of 12 on Saturday, Feb. 2 9pm specifically for the second floor "library space". I received an email from Amy Nowasake confirming my time and the space. Again, one month in advance. I also received a confirmation phone call Friday (the day before) confirming my reservation. This was for a birthday party so, Evites were sent out. Our party arrived at Hubbard Inn promptly at 9pm. We were told that our spot had been "taken over" by another party and they were going to seat us downstairs at a communal table. This is unacceptable if you're at all familiar with Hubbard Inn. If you are not, the "library space" has couches and it's a comfortable area for 12 people to stand and move around. Highly different from a "communal table" downstairs. There was some back and forth talk for about 45 minutes with the host and hostess about what we were going to do about this issue. They wanted to put us (12 people) at two 4 top tables pushed together upstairs. That's unacceptable for 12 people. Needless to say, all 12 of us ended up leaving and going across the street to Mercer One Thirteen who accommodated us immediately, with NO reservation. I'm writing this review on Monday, Feb. 4. I held out to see if anyone at Hubbard Inn would reach out to me. I did this because not only did I have a confirmation email from Amy, I had a confirmation from Open Table that Hubbard Inn cancelled when we left. Obviously, they did not reach out. I have since learned that this same scenario happened to someone else the same night. Yes, they apologized. Yes, they tried to make other accommodations, even though unacceptable. I was humiliated as I had invited 12 people to a spot I had reserved and Hubbard Inn "gave it away". It should have NEVER happened in the first place. I would think twice before you book a reservation with Hubbard Inn.
(1)
Jessica N.
Held a private event here and had a great time. They have a diverse beer list. Cocktails were in the fancy mixology arena, my only complaint is that my Moscow mule was WAY to sweet. The ambience is great and cozy. The flatbreads were by far the best apps we tried. The mushroom, asparagus was a perfect way to welcome Spring! Bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates - how could that NOT be good. Plus the dates were a good size (not puny ones you get at tapas sometime). Service was great and friendly. I would definitely be back!
(4)
Bryan N.
Talk about awful service. We waited an hour last night for a table of two. During that time, we saw group after group sit down. The hostess said she would call us when our seat was open. During that hour, I never saw her pick up the phone. There were six completely open tables, so I asked her how long the wait would be. She said she was only 2/3s through her list, so it would be awhile, but that we should go to the bar and get sinks while we wait. Really? Seems like hey just want to get more money from us. We left and went to Bull and Bear right down the street. We were seated right away, and our hostess and waitress were so friendly. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Hubbard Inn.
(1)
Juliana R.
I can't believe how pretentious the people who go to this bar are. My friends and I were laughing and people were giving us the stink eye...I guess nothing's here? What a boring place to be. The beer selection is the only good thing, I guess.
(3)
Grace P.
I went to a birthday dinner for a girlfriend on sat. night. There were 14 of us. Really loved the food and drinks. Especially the bacon wrapped dates, spinach goat cheese salad and bagel crusted salmon! 5 STARS ON THE FOOD AND DRINKS! the 2 stars or low rating is for the ARTIC FREEZE you get when trying to dine! They really need to 'winterize' the door so that we don't get blasted with the cold air everytime people come through the front door! (the temporary door that some restaurants and bars put in so they don't freeze the patrons??) The place is just one big room - dining area and bar so everyone gets blasted! It was very uncomfortable to dine through this!! and it was much worse when the "club peeps" started coming in around 10. The doors were held open much longer....THEY SHOULD REALLY FIX THE ARTIC BLAST!!!!
(2)
Jaye E.
I planned a Bachelorette party here for around 20 people a couple of weeks ago. I live in NYC and found the manger who I spoke to, Zack, to be very helpful in booking the reservation. I called 3 times to confirm the time (once on our way there) and everyone I spoke to confirmed the amount of people and time. When we arrived at 9PM on a Saturday, it was EMPTY, yet they still kept us waiting and claimed that they had 2 reservations for us-- 1 at 9:30 and 1 at 10PM (neither of which were correct). Finally, we were seated in a smallish area, but at the time our party was small so I didn't think anything of it. When the place started getting crowded, we were informed that we need to squish into the little spot they had reserved for us because another party had arrived. I spoke to a different manager, Michael, about my disappointment in our area. We had a reservation for 20 people and our "table area" CLEARLY did not accommodate 20 people. As stated by other reviews, I was shocked at how terrible their customer service was. Michael said to me, " When you make a reservation for 20 people, it doesn't mean that 20 people will have seating, you NEED to calm down". First of all, I was calm and very polite when expressing my disappointment. Second, I live in NYC and have been to several bars and clubs-- I obviously know that a 20 person reservation won't seat 20 people. Twenty people could not even stand in the section we had. Finally, after about 20 minutes, they were able to give us some ottomans and expand our section a bit to make people a bit more comfortable. However, they were SO SHORT STAFFED. It seemed that our very lovely waitress was one of the ONLY people working and the drinks were HARD to come by. It took an average of 20-30 minutes to get even 1 round of drinks. We would have spent more money on drinks had the service been better. In the end, Michael did attempt to make it right and sent over 2 bottles of complimentary champagne as an apology for the evening. While I appreciate the gesture, his attitude and my overall experience at Hubbard Inn definitely put a damper on my night. My friend had a great time at her party, but I wish I could have enjoyed it a bit more-- and I also wish our guests would have had better service. I'm planning another bachelorette in Chicago this summer-- was hoping this place would be a go-to based on how lovely the booking process was--but after my experience, DEFINITELY not.
(2)
Tim S.
Pretty good "Goto" spot when people come visit. It's busy but not jam packed. During the week it's an easy business meeting spot. Good Moscow Mule and flat breads were tasty. It has a varied menu so something for everyone.
(4)
Mia K.
It's a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning and while all the brunch places in the neighborhood are packed this one was almost completely empty. This should've been a warning sign, but no, my friend and I still decided to go in. We were seated right away of course, since the place was empty. We ordered a couple of bloody marys and they were the most disgusting drink I've ever tasted. It felt like the bar tender just dumped a table spoon of pepper, salt and some other spices into the glasses. The spices were so heavy, it was impossible to drink so after a couple of sips we just put our drinks to the side. The waiter was ok, nothing special, he saw that we were not enjoying our drinks but didn't bother to ask why or to offer something else. I ordered the shrimp and fired green tomatoes, nothing special, lacked spices (probably ran out of spices after making that bloody mary), but the shrimps were very big. Overall, not the best brunch place, I will probably not come back.
(2)
Vanessa B.
So I'm one of those people who really likes to try new places constantly. Despite that, I can't stop myself from continuing to come back to Hubbard Inn! I've only been for lunch (it is really close to my office), but everything I've ever had has been delicious. During fall they had a pumpkin sage flatbread that was so fantastic. It was savory with just the right amount of sweet from the pumpkin and perfect crispy flatbread. I am also IN LOVE with the sheep's milk ricotta ravioli. The texture of the pasta is great - the perfect amount of thickness and just a little al dente. The sheep's milk filling is rich and creamy and has just a hint of citrus that I love. It also comes with a really great mushroom ragout, which I was shocked to find that I like as I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms in general. I confess I order the ravioli almost every time. I need to get there for dinner some time as I hear they have great cocktails too!
(4)
Lisa Z.
I love the decor at this place. As far as Hubbard Street spots, I've found that it's pretty classy/swanky, but not as douchey as some places. If you want to get dressed up for a night out, this is a great spot! It may be packed shoulder to shoulder, so you may want to arrive early-ish to stake out some space, but it's a fun spot and everyone is suspiciously good looking. I've been for lunch and dinner as well, and think the food is great for upscale bar. I definitely recommend any of the flatbreads! Will definitely be back. I believe they also offer space for rent -- a friend did her 30th birthday here, and we had a nice spot in the couch area upstairs with our own server. They were very helpful and we never had to wait for a drink. The bar is crowded on weekend nights, but I haven't had real problems waiting for drinks there anyway.
(4)
Justine M.
Like the decor of this place - dark, classy old western-ish feel. Went for lunch w/ co-workers. Food was presented nicely. I got the lobster roll sandwich. Nothing too great - very creamy...too much for my liking. They have an extensive drink list. I'd come back to drink here but that's about it.
(3)
Kathleen C.
Yay Hubbard Inn! I visited Hubbard Inn around the holidays with one of my old roommates from college. I had to sit at the bar for a bit and wait for her (not super surprising...). I am knocking 1 star off of my review because of my bar experience. The bartender would.not.help.me ...seriously, wouldn't look at me, wouldn't acknowledge my presence...he helped the woman next to me and the guy on the other side. I'm not entirely sure if I gave him a stink eye or what, but he wouldn't help me. Thankfully, another bartender came over to take my order. She was super sweet (and that was even when she had to walk over to the other side of the bar from where she was working to help me). In any case, the rest of the visit was really fun! We had a reservation and even though both of us were not there at the same time, they held the table for us. The host and server even "saved" us when the guys at the bar kept coming over to try and loiter near our table (which was not actually at the bar). The server was super nice, really helpful with the menu and didn't rush us even though it was a busy evening. The food was really tasty and I liked that some of the menu items had a bit of a twist to them and were rather inventive. All in all, a great spot! Though, go early if you want a spot at the bar. Atmosphere - 5 Food - 5 Bathrooms - 4 Service - 3 Value - 4
(4)
Johnny T.
Now this is more like it! After a disappointing dining experience, my crew was in search of a proper way to end the evening. After a couple of clicks on our handy-dandy Yelp apps, we were led to Hubbard Inn and I am so pleased that we were. Being that we had zero appetite for food, we skipped the downstairs dining area and headed upstairs for some cocktails. Before I mention anything about the menu and service, I have to mention the decor. It's incredible. You feel as though you have stepped into Hemingway's Chicago home, complete with dramatic staircase, interesting tiles, comfy (yet, very manly) leather couches, books (!), bookcases, and dark woods (furniture and flooring). The Old Man surely would have given up on the Sea had a place like Hubbard Inn existed in the 1950s. Feeling appropriately masculine, I contemplated ordering a beer... but that's no fun, right? I looked over the house cocktails, determined to order something worthy of Ernest and that's when it hit me: when dealing with a classic, order a classic. And, it was at that time, that I ordered my first Moscow Mule. I know! Where have I been? Well, I waited for my first time to be a good one. The cocktail was expertly made and with every sip of lime, vodka, mint and ginger beer, I wondered why I hadn't been sipping on these lovelies for quite some time now. My libation reverie was made all the more better by attentive service from Tricia -- who even ran after our party when one of us forgot our phone. Managers of Hubbard Inn, hold on to her. She's an asset! Hubbard Inn is in an odd location. The night we went, the upstairs was rather empty and that's a shame. In another part of town (Lincoln Square/North Center), there would never be a moment where this place was anything but full. I suppose for the sake of my experience, I am grateful that it's not in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods. If it were, perhaps I would not have had the chance to live out my own book: The Old Man and the Drink.
(4)
Christina B.
The atmosphere has a good vibe, a trendier bar area on the first floor and a more intimate library themed area on the second floor. The drinks are great--they have a number of housemade creation staples and seasonal creations. The Strawberry Cooler is quite tasty. It did take a while to get our drinks at the first floor bar so only four stars.
(4)
Rachel S.
My decision to come here to eat was purely practical in nature. I was meeting BF's dad for dinner; he was staying at LaSalle and Hubbard, and I was coming from Fado (wicked close by) so the night before I decided to try to find a place for dinner that would involve as little transportation for both of us as possible. We went to Paris Club last time he was in town, so that was right out, but I wanted something similar-ish, small plates perhaps, good cocktails, etc. After browsing around Open Table for a while, I settled on the Hubbard Inn. Looked solid enough. When we arrived, I was pleased by the decor, very interesting, manly perhaps, somewhat rustic, with a definite European vibe to it. On to the consumables: For drinks, I started with the Hubbard Rose and ended with a Moscow Mule, both fine, for sure, but I've had better. For example, I was expecting the Hubbard Rose to be served neat in a coupe or something, not with crushed ice in a low-ball, but maybe that's just me. BF's dad had an aviation, which he liked, and a glass of red wine with dinner that he let the waitress pick. Meal: we started with the steak tartare (which was fine, the flavor was good, but the meat was a little gluey) and salads. I had the beet salad, and BF's dad had the pear salad. The pears from the pear salad were off the CHAIN so good, poached in saffron or some such, and were delicioius. My beet salad was unwieldy at best and downright ungraceful at worst. All the dressing was at the bottom (can't toss, son?) with a ginormous pile of frisee on top and a teensy sprinkling of cheese and walnuts with about 8 little beets around the edges. The beets were good, but the frisee was in hugemongous pieces so it was embarrassing and difficult to wrangle one of those hairy suckers into my mouth without getting the bright red (and extreeeeemely acidic) dressing all over my face. Overall, didn't really enjoy my salad, but BF's dad cleaned his plate, so there's that. Main event: I had the sweetbreads and BF's dad had the short ribs. I've never in my wee little life seen sweetbreads on a menu as a main dish, kinda weird, but I lurve those little glorious glands, so I gave it a whirl. Plus I love brussels sprouts. I was pretty much really disappointed by this dish. The menu (and the chef, presumably) claimed that the sweetbreads would be crispy. Crispy, they were not. Bland, they were, and egregiously overcooked, they definitely were. I cried little tears for mistreated offal and ate as much as I could muster to not appear rude to my companion. I tasted a bite of the shortribs and they were a bit ropey and dry. Sad sea lion. For dessert we went with what they called the apple crostini, which in truth was a small free-form tart, not crostini, but I'll let it slide, I guess. Despite the fact that I abhor apple pie and the like, I actually enjoyed this dessert, it was not too sweet, had something savory happening in there and the crust was delightfully flaky. Probably won't be back... There are always more fish in the River North Ocean of food.
(2)
Rebecca E.
This place is ridiculous. They think they are something that they really arent and you can smell it a mile away. We had a 9pm reso, arrived on time and expected to have to wait a few minutes because the place was packed. Well, 25 minutes later and we are still waiting at the bar...approach the holier-than-tho hostess who says it will be another 5-10 min, they are all paying...10 min pass...go back up to said nose-in-the-air hostess who has a matching condescending smile and she says she is sorry but the tables are lingering and they will give us a drink on the house at the bar for our troubles. At this point, it is about 10pm. I want nothing to do with your restaurant or the crappy service i have seen a preview of here at the hostess stand. Thanks for the drink offer, but no thanks. We took our business elsewhere. I am from NYC, where it is nearly impossible to get a table in many restaurants. If I have a reservation, I am seated. If I have a reso and have to wait 10 minutes, that is a new record. Hubbard Inn needs to learn that service is key to success.
(1)
Sangeeta K.
I was here for my husband's office Christmas party last year. This place has great ambiance and their cocktails were very potent! The rich wooden decor is just fabulous. However the food we tried was rather mediocre. I might give this place another chance in the near future.
(4)
Jackie H.
Great decor, food and drinks!!! I'm not crazy about the customer service but it's not bad enough to keep me away from this place. I love that it's inspired by Hemmingway.
(4)
Kelsey K.
I liked Hubbard Inn, don't get me wrong, but it belongs in the area where it is. The drinks are pricey and the same as you get anywhere and the staff is pretty douchey, as are the majority of the establishments within 3 blocks, but the food was really good. I have no complaints about the menu and the decor is really cool, but it truly is a product of its environment. I got the goat cheese ravioli which was delish and everything else at the table was met with great reviews. The weird thing was that I ordered some Effen Black Cherry cosmos and they just couldn't get them right. It was weird, it's just a cosmo, made with Effen Black Cherry... simple enough, no?? They tasted like they were made with gin or something and I had to send them back twice at the urging of my tablemates. Would I go back if invited? Sure, it was fine. Would I seek it out on my own? No.
(3)
Nish R.
Went there for an event recent;y. They had some delish appetizers st the upstairs bar. Bacon wrapped dates were my favorite, the pizzas were so so. Wings were juicy and delish and the sliders were pretty good too. They have pretty good cocktails and the staff is pretty nice. Decor is more classic, old school (in a good way) and creates a nice warm and cozy feel. Nice hang out on a cold winter night.
(3)
Nicole K.
I made reservations here for my sister's bachelorette party and I couldn't have made a better choice. We were looking for a bar that was really lively, but where we could still have a table and sit down when we wanted to. The great thing about Hubbard Inn is that you're able to reserve a table without having to deal with bottle service. We made a reservation for 10 people at midnight and were able to skip past the line to get in. I had originally requested a table upstairs, but when we checked in with the hostess, she said that it was totally booked. I think she could tell that I was disappointed, because after a few minutes of being seated at a table by the door downstairs, she tapped my shoulder and walked us upstairs to the area by the fireplace. The spot was perfect and my sister's friends all had a blast. I would highly recommend this place both for dinner or a night out.
(4)
Kate W.
Good drinks, cool atmosphere, nice for after work drink and app.
(4)
Andrea R.
I met some of my girlfriends for dinner here at Hubbard Inn on a recent Monday night. The last time I stopped in for drinks it was completely packed so I was surprised to see we were one of the only tables in the restaurant. Then again...it was Monday. The menu here is meant for sharing. One of my dining companions was pregno and happens to also be a picky eater so she ordered her own meal. The other 4 gals (including yours truly) shared. The food came out all at once, which was a bit overwhelming. I usually prefer that it comes out slowly when you're sharing several dishes, but I guess they get props for fast service. The good: bacon wrapped dates, steak tartare, the burger (tough to share, but we managed), and the spinach and goat cheese salad I had heard the flatbreads (aka small pizzas) were good, but I was underwhelmed by them. Oh and I can't forget the bottle of refreshing sauvignon blanc we shared as well. A must to starting off the week right!
(4)
Esther Y.
I met some friends here for after work cocktails and some snacks. The bevvies were good and the apps were pretty good as well. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which-tbh, is hard to mess up, and a couple of flatbreads. The mushroom and asparagus flatbread was by far the best...so delicious. This is a great option for drinks and apps.
(3)
Zander H.
This place SUCKS!! I thought is would be a nice place because of the effort that went into the decor, but we got there at 8:30pm on a Saturday night, barley any tables filled and they made us wait. Our reservation was for 9:15, but even when we asked at that time if we could be seated, they refused to sit us, and there we're still 10+ tables available. We were finally seated at 9:30pm after we asked to be seated for a third time. When we were seated, the service was terrible. Slow and didn't care. We gave him a 5% tip it was that bad. The food was even worse!!!!!! If you are looking for good food, do not go here. The hot food was cold and the cold food tasted like arm pit. Yes, arm pit! BO!!! This place looks like it is out of a Restoration Hardware catalog, but everything else is terrible. I repeat: DO NOT GO HERE, WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!!!!!
(1)
Meredith K.
Came back again for a late lunch. Has something happened? The service is still very friendly. The bathrooms are the worst! There was no toilet paper! Seriously I found a roll on top of some empty rolls in one stall. That was it. I was so annoyed. Also the hand dryer was broken. I let our server know. Maybe I was being punked? I wasn't in the mood for cocktails. I tried a sparkler which was ok. My bf had a chardonnay which was just ok. We started w/ the mussels which didn't say sausage on the menu but on the blackboard over the bar it did. Ooops! I ate some of it anyway just tried to avoid the meat. It did give it a nice spice. And zero barnyard mussels in the whole pot! That has never happened! The bread they serve with it is good too. I got the lobster roll and fries again. Good! My by got a beef burger and loved it. They took the turkey burger off of the menu. We both loved the fries. So removing a star for the menu changes (esp the mussels) and the terrible bathroom. I don't think I'll get another deal for here. Its a nice place but I don't need a third lobster roll.
(3)
Lindsey A.
Hubbard Inn is an 8,000-square-foot, 250-seat "Hemingway inspired" restaurant. The owners spent more than $1.5 million on getting the space to look as beautiful as it does - but maybe they should have used some of that green to give its serving staff lessons in how to properly serve people. No? The money pot has cobwebs instead of Washingtons? Here, I'll give you some tips for free: First, it's all right if my water glass gets low but don't let it get empty multiple.times.during.the.night - especially when I'm drinking heavily. I need that H2O. I guess it's not 'that big of a deal' if it gets low, since I do have a tasty alcoholic beverage to abide in, but, wait - don't let that AND my water cup go dry.... because you did, Hubbard Inn, many times last night. And it started to piss me off. Third (cause that was second, right up there): Bring us silverware before our food comes out. Fourth: If you're not going to bring us silverware, at least be present so we can flag you down - not wait 10 minutes and strain our necks attempting to search for you. We were a party of seven who spent a lot of money and time at Hubbard Inn last night and while the atmosphere shines (seriously, it's awesome in there) and the food hits the spot (though mains should be served with sides), the service ... or lack thereof.... marred my experience.
(3)
Jim V.
Great River North location with a spectacular ambiance and atmosphere! The food and drinks were top notch. Perfect for happy hours and dinner/drinks with friends!
(5)
Tracy L.
THE INN Two levels of bars and dining areas. An intimate sofa corner in the back of the ground floor. Cozy, trendy yet almost old-fashioned and speakeasy-ish. If you shrink it and make it older, I see Gandalf and his hobbit gang hang out here. Love it. FUN DRINKS Cocktails came in tiny, precious amount, but amazing. English Daisy, Hepburn and Hemingway were all refreshing and...strong. Sip please. FAB FOOD Sausage flatbread was a fun little snack. Crispy tuna was delicioso (I'm missing it as I type...) A good place, yes? Yes.
(4)
Matthew T.
It is with great displeasure that I have to give Hubbard Inn a one star rating. I am not that great at writing reviews but what I can tell you is that I have had much experience in restaurant operations and customer service. This is where Hubbard Inn has its down fall!!! The evening started out wonderful, we had a great dinner out for a friends 30th birthday followed by drinks at the Hubbard Inn. A section was reserved prior to us arriving at Hubbard Inn. We arrived shortly after our reservation where our section was still reserved (Plus). We started to order drinks the service was very slow. It seemed like it took forever for the server to get our 4 drinks. We asked for a pitcher of water and it seemed like the server had to go to the well down the street to fetch the water. Okay so while we were paying $12.00 for a drink another party showed up and started to complain about they needed a bigger section. It seemed as if the pretentious manager did not care about our several hundred dollars we had just spent but just wanted us to move on. So in good spirits our group decided to move to the upper level of the bar. We proceeded to have a seat where we got a few more drinks. A friend in the group asked our "bright" server if we could get some shots and well this is where the review turns for an alright night to a BAD night. The server came back to our table with my friends credit card in hand and in a very snooty attitude stated "We don't have that up here but you can go down stairs and order." I am sorry but if you are a full service bar and you are providing your clientele with a server are they not supposed to get serve you what you ordered? The server seemed to be very frantic and was very short with us. As I stated earlier I do have experience in restaurants and operations so I thought it would be a good idea to speak with the manager. This was a mistake he was just as helpless as our server. He seemed to have an excuse for why the server wasn't doing her job. "Oh I am sorry I can't imagine why she would do that I know her and she has pretty much been here since we opened." He stated he would try to find out what happened but he never came back to find me nor did he apologize for her being rude to our party. The server did come back and apologize but I think too little too late. I will never be going back to this establishment. They tried to smooth it over by send a complimentary birthday dessert for my friend. I guess that was nice but the servers actions as well as the managers actions are inappropriate. I guess unless you are spending thousands of dollars you do not matter at this establishment. Total money spent for horrible service about $400.00. Writing this review priceless.
(1)
Ebony R.
After reading the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. My friend was hosting a birthday celebration and because of that, thankfully, I went anyway. Nick, our bartender/server, was a doll. He was extremely attentive and his effort went above and beyond as he made an earnest attempt to learn our names. (No small feat.) My goat cheese and spinach salad was really good and the sweet potato fries were amazing. When I return it will be to try the bison burger.
(4)
Michael H.
Great Cocktails/Great Space-Can't wait to try the food!
(4)
Jelena Z.
Things I learned at Hubbard Inn: - They're known for their beer. Goose Island Sofie on draft? Get it. - The Facebook mobile chat application has gaping holes capable of ruining both established relationships and budding flirtations. If someone tells you they reached out via FB chat and you didn't get the message, odds are they aren't lying (Corey D and I ran multiple experiments on the premises). - Albert Pujols and Tommy Lasorda are evil, according to my colleague Johnny T. Know that his smack talk is null and void with me 'cause I'm from the StL. Anyway, Pujols doesn't lie about his age and surely doesn't engage in illicit steroid use. Gosh, Johnny, you're so mean. - Oh, the bar? Yeah, that. The space is all brooding and Hemingway-esque with its sprawling ode to a library replete with masculine wood trim and dark sofas. Le gorge. - Corey and I smelled the most delicious cologne. Where's the man wearing it? Aha, 'twas our server. A very female server! Turns out, Burberry Brit is very androgynous, and very sexy. I'm buying some tomorrow! - Said cologne will make you lose your head and forget your phone. But Tricia the sweet-smelling server chased us out to the next block to reconnect me with my Android. Good god girl, that perfume could turn a straight girl the other way! Though I will be using it to attract the less fair gender and I think Tricia does too. - Next time, I will pay more attention to Hubbard Inn. Forgive me?
(4)
Joe A.
So first off I'm a server/bartender and I first came here for the mustache pub crawl. My first impression was under dressed but felt greeted as soon as shannon the bartender greeted us with a smile to kill. It is probably the first time in a while in downtown Chicago I felt actually welcomed. The next thing I noticed was the atmosphere, very calm still before a storm, but the next thing that caught my eye was that Shannon was also the person handling the servers tickets (ala service bar). Not only she was one an amazing job with her bar tables but man she was quick with some labor intensive drinks for service bar. Now I do live in the suburbs but the experience I had there would drive me to come back without hesitation. This was probably the best experience I've had in a bar in a while. I found out she was a part time manager and she deserves it. Keep up the good work hiring within and bring the people up that deserve it guys! You won a person in the industry over today
(5)
John B.
I don't know what happened to this place, but I don't foresee it being around for much longer. Slow service despite a pretty much empty bar is unacceptable on a Labor Day weekend.
(1)
Hayley N.
Loved the atmosphere here and the decor. The staff was friendly and attentive, but not overly pushy. The music was great and the food was delicious. I had the goat cheese spinach salad, which was as good as a goat cheese salad could get with a warmed fried goat cheese medallion, blackberries, bacon, and nuts. The mussels were very flavorful and perfectly done. This place was full, but we didn't have to wait for a table. It was filled with a variety of different people, but everyone looked like they were having a good time. I would definitely recommend this place for a date- the lighting was nicely dim and the tables weren't all crammed together like most date places in Chicago. Definitely impressed by this place and will be going back.
The go go to spot for summer nights or even a bite to eat. The ambiance was set up to attract all types of personalities. I never been here during the day, but they serve food as far as I know. I came after after 10 pm...so as you walk in, it might seem loud, but your on the Main Bar floor. They also have a private fireplace lounge area in the back. You will see stairs going up to the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor is more loungy, a great place to chill with friends and enjoy some soft music in the background. The only thing you need to watch out for is that it gets super crowded, especially by the bar, me being short, I get lost in the crowd easily. I love the bar area by the window, decorated beautifully with melted candles! As you continue, you can either take the elevator or the stairs to go up to the 3rd floor (mind you, there is a 4th floor in the elevator but its private residential floor so it's locked) The third floor is less crowded because this is the club area, the music is loud and fast, the floor is occupied mostly by VIP tables(basically you can't sit there without a bottle service) you can still stand and enjoy the music around the bar area. I never tried their food here, my next review will be all about the food!!!
(5)
TR M.
We attended a private event here and everything seemed fine. The room was very casual, but clean. The passed appetizers were good. The staff was just okay. Not overly friendly, not overly helpful but competent.
(3)
Far K.
Came here with the Groupon deal, and was very disappointed. I didn't have high hopes to begin with but this was just below par for me. The interiors and decor is very nice and rustic contemporary. We had the mimosas, which was awful, crab cake Benedict, and flat bread pizza. The crab cake Benedict was very smelly; it had a very strong ocean crab smell, it wasn't fully cooked, and the hollandaise sauce had too much pepper. The flat bread pizza was plain with cheese, literarily tasted like someone put cheese and tomato sauce on some bread. The customer service was terribly slow, and there were long periods of waiting for the attention of our server. I would not be coming back to this place, and the only reason I gave it a 2 star was because the server offered us free strawberry ice-cream, which wasn't good at all. Over all, extremely disappointed, and also questioning most of the restaurant deals on groupon.
(2)
Josh M.
This place is a huge winner for us. I love that is is spacious. Love the beer and bourbon selections. Also, had some nice looking wine options, both bottle and glass. The food was really great. Recommend the scallops for sure. The brussel sprouts were on point too. I think this is a great place for groups also dates. Huge space but I think you could find a nook or cranny to chat in a date setting. Recommend you check it out yourself. Tasty and delicious.
(4)
A C.
Great for brunch! The corn beef hash with Brussel sprouts and a poached egg was one of the best I've ever had.
(5)
Neal E.
We came in for some late night drinks. Started off with a local craft beer - the Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV (Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL). Pretty decent Pale Ale - not as hoppy as I would have liked, but still pretty good. Afterward, I switched over to wine and tried a glass of an Argentinian Malbec. The bartender, gave me a taste of the two Malbecs they carry, and then let me select based on that. Lot of folks hanging out on a Wednesday evening drinking. Bartender was awesome! If I lived in the area, I'd probably be a semi-regular of a joint such as this!
(4)
Kate U.
Went to Hubbard Inn last night on a date and the food was & service was a little disappointing. We sat down around 7:30pm, but it took at least 15 min until a server came over to take our drink order. Once the drinks were put in our server was nowhere to be found until another 15 min went by and we finally put in the food order. The food itself was pretty good, I'd say 4 stars if I wasn't including the service. Started with the 4-cheese flatbread which was tasty, but kind of bland. I probably wouldn't have ordered this myself, but that's what the person I went with wanted. It's simple. I really wanted to get the lamb burger since I LOVE lamb and had heard great things about it, unfortunately they had taken it off of their dinner menu :( sad. Ended up getting the Bison burger instead which was loaded with stuff; raspberries, avocado, bacon, etc and was perfectly cooked however it wasn't juicy at all and even with all of that stuff added on, the meat had barely any flavor. I really wanted to like this place, but just didn't have a great experience for the money. Will have to come back again during lunch to try the lamb burger.
(3)
Frank O.
Feeling healthy so i got the Turkey burger with the side salad. Since the bison burger was a bit dry I decided to get the turkey burger with extra cranberry mostarda. Excellent decision, the mostarda definitely added a lot of flavor to a burger which wouldn't have much otherwise (because turkey, brie, spinach). The side salad came with the house balsamic vinaigrette and it was large and tasty. I'd definitely recommend it over the other sides. Although I usually get sweet potato fries, I've had the ones at Hubbard Inn twice and they are below average. The crab cake benedict had a nice presentation, but was a bit bland flavor wise. The mimosa was pretty good. So food was better the second time around, mostly due to different choice of entree. Service was also more prompt on weekend brunch than for weekend dinner.
(4)
Karen W.
The food was very hit or miss. The chicken rice soup - very good. The lamb burger was good as well. The Nicoise salad was requested with the tuna charred on the outside, raw inside but it came out looking like a skinny, overdone pork chop. Similarly, the steak salad was ordered medium rare and came out well done. While the servers were attentive, they seemed to choose whom they wanted to serve. One of our group was offered a drink refill, two others chimed in with a refill request also and were ignored. Overall, we were not impressed. The atmosphere was cool, but that's about it.
(2)
James C.
Resembled a Las Vegas pool party atmosphere. The drinks were non stop with the bottle service being a plus. We spent most of the early day here at an day party event. There were beer soaked floors and champagne soaked walls.
(3)
Joanna T.
A solid 3.5 stars. I love going to new places with a group because you get to try more things! Everything we tried was good! We had 2 different flat breads, both flavorful, the lamb meatballs which were very good, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, asparagus and the Cobb to share, and a grilled cheese. As others have mentioned, and I agree, it's got an old British Pub, well appointed library air about it. It's a comfortable, mellow place where you forget what time it is and instead order another round. I would recommend and come back.
(3)
Kirk K.
Atmosphere is top notch from the decor to the music. However service from my experience was average - took around 10 mins to get drinks ordered. Per the menu, stay with the shareables/apps. Ordered the bison burger which was over cooked and was not overly impressive. However the bar and drinks were the highlight, and there are multiple levels to explore
(4)
Assel U.
Awesome place! Beautifully decorated, attentive servers, delicious bison burger. For the quality of food, this little gem is unbeatable. Will be definitely back.
(5)
Pablo D.
Blueberry pancakes and Brunch Burger. Very neat and crisp interior with comfortable decor and seating. The food has a high quality American flavor with signature blueberry pancakes and made from scratch breakfast potatoes that where a highlight for the burger dish. The burger is served with bacon and an over easy egg and toast, a definite must if you're feeling hungry! The bloody Mary's while not the best I've had and mimosa were very good.
(4)
Tracy H.
Happy Hour review: Loved the ambiance. Came here on a Friday afternoon. Great drink list. My fiance and I got some happy hour items ($1 oysters/$2 king crab legs). The oysters were good, but the crab legs were excellent! Service started off strong but our waiter totally went AWOL at the end and we ended up waiting and waiting to close out, which is aggravating. Good, but in no rush to return.
Visited Hubbard Inn last night, 8/14, a Thursday night. The crowd was poppin' with beautiful, classy people. The decor is gorgeous. I have a slight obsession with cool chandeliers and lamps at different spots around town. Hubbard Inn has some cool ceiling lamps :) see my pic. The bartenders were fast, attentive, and made suggestions accordingly. The most important question though is, "why is this four star worthy?" The freaking Sangria people, the freaking Sangria! It's made with several different liquors and you get an option. My friend ordered hers with the rum option. Dee-lish!! I ordered the champagne drink, not really impressed. All I wanted was my friend's sangria, LoL. Disclaimer: we were already REALLY tipsied by the time we got here, so I hope the sangria is as good as I remember. I will have to go back at the beginning of the night to give it the sober Katy test but for now, I went to sleep dreaming about this quite impressive cocktail. We didn't order food but for drinks, two thumbs up from this girl! SYS, H.I. ;)
(4)
Angelica P.
I went to Hubbard Inn for brunch and was not disappointed. I had the lobster omelet and it was amazing!!! There were huge chunks of lobster in it. Their house potatoes were really good as well.
(4)
Violet P.
Had an 11:00 reservation for brunch on Saturday before Easter. By 11:30 the place was packed. What a cute place and let me tell you, the food was absolutely yummy. The decor was very old time and I really thought it was very homey. Started with a bloody. Nothing too fancy and no chaser. I had to remember that no one does a bloody like Milwaukee does a bloody so I gave them a pass on this one. But props for the delicious pickled asparagus and nicely sized piece of shrimp. The service was excellent. Bus "boys" we're very attentive. Kept the bottle of waters at the table full and dirty dishes off the table. Hostess came around at a point to ask if everything was ok as well. I ordered the lobster omelet with spinach and mushrooms. $15 but worth it. They didn't skimp on the ingredients. My better half ordered the chicken biscuits with gravy. Of course I tried that as well and couldn't complain about a thing!!!! Will definitely come back on the next trip to Chi Town!!!
Great experience here. Was so annoyed when a girl ran into me and spilled my $15 drink on me. Ran into an employee in the elevator who offered to buy not only me, but all of my friends another drink because of the accident. Totally felt like this bar valued their customers and made for a great experience
(5)
Lauren D.
If you go here for brunch, be sure to get the brunch burger!!!!! A big, juicy burger with an egg, bacon, and red-eye gravy on top. It's so good!
(5)
Sam N.
What a place. This is a great to go do some hard core after work socializing in mixed company if you know what I mean :) Elegant, classy, not over the top but a place just like the way you want it. You can hang with your old friends, with your new friends, with the friends you just met and even your family without them taking you aside and like " we think you have been partying too much" ( not that this has ever happened to me). The place has three floors. The 2nd floor is a awesome lounge to hang out in. On Friday and Saturday nights if you are in this hood after 10 PM check out their third floor lounge. They have a dj and some art in the lounge . The DJ starts to play either at 10 or ten thirty. I have a group from a social networking web site and we have used the third floor space to have some social events on e the weekend. I worked with their manager Zach who was very helpful in working out some things for this to have occured. I am very thankful to him and the Staff at Hubbard Inn for going all out and making the three events there a success. I could go into detail on how I like the food so much but I will do that at another time
(5)
Robert O.
Always pretty happy with this place on Friday, Saturday nights. Went for happy hour today and ordered a Yamazaki 18 that was shown as $20 dollars on the menu (I didn't see the fine print that said 3 dollars for up charge or 2oz shot). When I ordered the bartender never asked me how big I wanted my pour. I received my bill and it was for $28 dollars. Asked why I got charged the additional 8, Bartender said it was a mistake but she will still charge me the additional $3 dollar up charge. Earlier on she gave me water with a long hair in it. I'm not a high maintenance person or cheap, and I always take care of my service people...ex bartender/manager for nightclubs in San Francisco....just asked bartender to notify her customers in the future or ask for size of pour in the future and she had a pretty apathetic response.
(2)
Ela G.
Hubbard street seems to be where all the cool kids hang out on Saturday nights, so naaaaturrrrally I found myself sitting at a table outside at Hubbard Inn, taking in all the noise and people-watching. We had a lovely view of the Adult book store across the street. Although service was a little hurried and slow, it seemed reasonable for a Saturday night. Our server was kind and friendly - my gripe is for the busboys who never filled up our water or seemed to help her out! The beer menu is very extensive. I had myself a moscow mule, my favorite because of the ginger beer. Our foursome decided to share everything. We ordered the mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, sausage flatbread, and beet salad for starters. Everything was delicious and came out promptly! Next we had the halibut, scallops, and short ribs. The halibut is to die for, with greens and balsamic sauce, cooked perfectly and tons of flavor. The scallops and short ribs were also good but next time I'm thinking the Steak would be tastier. Short ribs schmort ribs....kinda over it. For dessert, we had the key lime pie w/blueberry compote and "house-made" whipped cream (lol, it doesn't take much to make whipped cream in house, but ok, good for you!). Apart from being a bit too sweet, the graham cracker crust was delicious. Served alongside some Julius Meinl coffee and we were good to go!
(5)
Mary W.
I went here late at night for some appetizers and shared with friends. It was bustling a bustling and lively atmosphere in the restaurant around 11pm. I thought the food was amazing and I'm looking forward to going back. I had the bacon wrapped dates (hard to go wrong), Pulled pork (melts in your mouth) the lobster roll (need I say more), and cheese flatbread (hard to mess up, but good ingredients).
(4)
Michele G.
As I write this review, I am slowly losing my voice. A temporary laryngitis from three days worth of partying in Chicago for Labor Day weekend. Here is the anticipated Yelp review of Hubbard Inn: As the music resonates through the entire room like a revolving door, I yell at the top of my lungs, "I'll talk louder if you talk louder!" My friend follows it up with, "I'm sorry, what did you say? I couldn't hear you." Hubbard Inn is just that... expect to lose your voice having to talk over the loud music. There are certain songs you will have to compete with more than others; however, it's worth the loss of words. It's also ideal for a third date. If you decide to take your date there, please make sure you have a connection with that person - because in order for conversation to flow, you have to get extremely close - probably more closer than comfortable. *male population: zone in on this. Let me paint you a picture worth less than 1000 words: Order yourself a very tasty Chicago Solstice. It's toppled with mint leaves and bursting with flavor. The top notch decor is like a mix of Harvard meets Morocco. A strange duo but it definitely knows how to tango. It would make any hopeless romantic swoon. The rectangular mirror covered walls leading down those amazing wallpaper covered stairwells is a dream come true for even the most well groomed 'narcissist'. There's more eye candy generated in one evening that not even Willy Wonka could generate in a year. It's a who's who's scene of young professionals with the occasional creeper trying to throw you his business card in hope he gets a call. Don't let it frighten you! Hubbard Inn is a wonderful way to jump start the evening without the hassle of a who's who's list.
(4)
Roxy H.
Went to the HI last night. A friend on FB suggested we check it out for the food and people watching lol. We were looking for dinner and a nice atmos but didn't expect what we got. LADIES!! There is a chick in the bathroom with mints, lotions and crap so if you need any of it, bring money to the can! (I told the girl I would do a shout out) BTW, it's a bunch of doors downstairs that lead up to the ladies room. Kinda creepy because I had a drunken man grab me by the waist and told me that I looked like Beyonce. Really? LOL 1st we came into this UBER-crowded estab with a bouncer at the door. Wow. For a restuarant? I thought. Small wait at the door for us (like 2 minutes) We go to the hostess station and ask for a table thinking the wait would be ridculous judging from the crowd. Nope. We were seated right away. We did the tapas style side of the menu. Food was ok. Nothing extra about it but it was definitely good. The drinks took a while to come out but it was okay. I ordered a martini which was great in taste but the size of the glass was awful! It was the size of the little plastic glasses you get at a cheap wedding lol. Don't get the martinis if size matters. All in all, glad we went. Had fun. Nice crowd. Very crowded.
(4)
Jason H.
What's good about this place: the decor. The tasteful way the TVs are adorned in picture frames and display classic (usually black and white) films. (I didn't think TVs in restaurants could be done tastefully until I saw the Hubbard Inn.) What's not so good about this place: the food. Except for one dish (the tartare) it is just too rich. Yes truffle oil makes things taste delicious. But don't overdo it, please, thanks. The cocktails are pretty good.
(2)
Derek C.
we were here for drinks after dinner for a friend's birthday. they have a bunch of specialty drinks on a big blackboard behind the bar, so I decided to try a few of the drinks. they were actually pretty damn good. I had the two brothers (altho not a manly looking glass acompanied the drink) and also the Lincoln. both were pretty good drinks. friends had tried some of the other drinks and enjoyed them as well. our waitress was also very friendly and helpful on drink selection. they had run out of a beer my buddy had wanted and gave him a different beer on the house! on the first floor there are a bunch of long tables and along with the loud music and just the amount of people there it was somewhat difficult to have a conversation. the second floor had a bunch of couches and such around and a "library" on the wall gave it an interesting look. once I got the check, I was in for a surprise, drinks were $10 a pop! but I guess this is normal for any specialty drinks anywhere in the city. the crowd was pretty good there as well, so it was definitely a good atmosphere to people watch. all-in-all we had a good time there and I'd definitely want to go back
(4)
Vic M.
My friends and I are becoming regulars at Hubbard Inn, though we usually just grab drinks and a couple flatbreads. The merguez sausage flatbread is phenomenal, and they are able to make a good sazarec cocktail. Decor-wise, the place is spot on, and we usually wind up hanging out upstairs or in the back library section, where things feel a little less hectic than with the regular diners.
(4)
Mike M.
Awesome addition to Hubbard street. With so many new concepts moving into this neighborhood all the time, you have to do something special to stick out, and this place delivers. Our server was Ryan, and he was great. He even gave us a tour of the whole place. Apparently, the owners retraced Hemingway's every European step, picking up little artifacts along the way. Every trinket, piece of furniture or painting has some kind of story to it. The owners spend a lot of time mingling with the crowd, so I'm sure you could get them to dish on the background. The food was excellent. We went for lunch and got some flat bread and the lamb burger. Everything came out on a cutting board - nice! I ate every crumb, then cleaned up my date's plate (because I know how to treat a lady). Overall, very satisfied, and will be back with a larger group.
(5)
Daliah F.
I had the English Daisy which was excellent. That was the only good experience I had at Hubbard Inn (oh, and that we saw Alexi Giannoulias there.) The first time my boyfriend and I went there to meet friends before a concert and they wouldn't let us in because they don't allow 'jerseys'. We are white-bred yuppy-looking types. It was basically a rugby SHIRT with numbers on it. (Meanwhile, you can get in with shorts and trainers.) Last night they made us wait outside for 10 minutes - even though no one came out in the time that we stood out there. They did let a few people in ahead of us who were not there before we were - I guess those people are more important than we are. One guy in line asked why we were waiting and the guy at the door with his little ear piece indicated that it was a lounge and they didn't like to cram people in there. Again, no one came out of the bar between that time that we got there and were let in. Oh, and there were like 10 people waiting outside, not 200. I don't know about other people, but I generally prefer to go to a place without a line. I can't stand it when places TRY to be cool.
(2)
Jennifer S.
What a great place! There were so many details to explore and I love that! Great drink selection and prices, friendly service and a cozy, comfortable decor that makes you want to stay and hang out!
(5)
amanda y.
I'm not sure what I like more about this place....Is it the bartender with slicked back hair? Is it the azn hostess who kinda looks like Snookie... Either way, I absolutely love this Old World Inn full of glamorous people getting off work, ready to grab some amazing food. I've been here a few times and am always impressed by the small plates that they serve. It gets pretty busy here with the after work crowd, but I like to sit in solitude or with friends in the study/library area that they have in the back of this place. They play Breakfast at Tiffany's and other nostalgic (for your grandparents) movies. In fact, I've met a ton of old keesters in this area. It's cool, because there aren't any "real" creeps here. Just a bunch of people looking for some good food, away from Clark/Division area.
(5)
Dori S.
PHENOMENAL decor! HORRIBLE service. Give them a few months to figure it out. So....I ate here today to check it out for a luncheon for 8 people tomorrow, a small meeting/luncheon for 30 and another small meeting for 50. None of these will be booked at this place as I have learned... GOOD LUCK MAKING A RESERVATION I was told yesterday I could make a reservation today for a party of 8 at noon tomorrow. Today after lunch I went to speak to the hostess and...SURPRISE! They are booked tomorrow, no noon ressie available. Seems the person I was speaking to yesterday may have wanted to either warn me of this possibility or make a note of my call...ANYTHING except telling me it would be fine...which it wasn't. RESERVATIONS ARE MEANINGLESS Turns out a table would be available at 12:15 tomorrow. Cool, fine, no big deal. I asked the hostess if she was certain the table would be ready and was told all would be well. Thank goodness I didn't trust her so I threw this paradigm at her, "Let's say we come in here at 12:15 and our table is not ready. If that happens I'm going to throw a huge fit right here in your restaurant. Now, knowing that will happen, are you certain that our table will be ready?" Her response was "No we can't guarantee that your table will be ready, anything could happen, we have 150 seats, but as long as 8 are available, you'll be okay." Two problems with this: - Why do I have to threaten to throw a fit in a public place to get the hostess to give me an honest answer...that a reservation at this place is meaningless? - Are you kidding me? It's only an 8 top...during lunch...and you can't figure out how to ensure the table will be ready? Um, this screams...NOVICE! SERVICE CAN BE S L O O O O W Our (very nice) waitress was s l o o o o o o w. Slow like molasses, like a turtle, like a force of nature that could cause you to die from dehydration slow....I bet she'll get it together too tho. I worked in restaurants for 10 years so I know there are growing pains which can eventually be addressed. I hope that is what will happen with this place and I'll go back in a few months to check, but right now...it is just a hot mess!
(1)
Mike G.
Nice experience at a private function. Notable appetizers including the bacon wrapped dates and carpaccio. Had a sample of the new bourbon- Angels Envy-very nice. Great service made for nice time.
(4)
Jessica S.
We went to Hubbard Inn on a Wednesday night and adored it. The craft drinks were fantastic. I had the Blinker and it was delicious and really unique with asparagus liquor. For the small plates, the flatbread with roasted pepper and arugala was just large enough not to be overwhelming and the prawns were flavorful and sitting on a bed of eggplant which was really interesting. My boyfriend got the sweet breads, which I am not a fan of, but he enjoyed very much. The decor was fantastic, inspired by Ernest Hemmingway was dark, sexy, and inviting. I have been thinking about this place ever since I left!
(4)
Elyse C.
Meh. Hubbard Inn makes a great initial impression from the ambience but it wears out quickly. The communal table is awkwaaard, oh hey bros, enjoy your fancy pizza... Craft beer was lacking in diversity, but i guess it's more of a cocktail place. I just didnt like the food...salty undercooked scallops? oily steak tartare, and awkward ravioli. I dont know how else to describe it, ha. Not a memorable night, no thanks.
(2)
Emily B.
My review of Hubbard Inn is only 3 stars, but I think it has potential to knock it out of the park. There are just a lot of things about this place that screamed "we just opened", and I hope if I ever go back that they will have been worked out. First things first, I love love love the ambiance. It's definitely my kind of place--it's got the dimly lit, vintage, almost-speak easy feel, but it's spacious so you can go there with a big group and not feel claustrophobic. I will say that even though our group of 8 had an 8:30 reservation on a Thursday night that it still took nearly 30 minutes to get us seated, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, that meant spending 30 minutes hanging out by the bar, which I would not have minded if anyone knew how to make a drink. I see that another reviewer made the same comment, but seriously--none of these guys know what they're doing. I ordered a side car, which is not on the menu, but is a pretty run-of-the-mill cocktail. I've ordered this in many establishments, even ones not this classy, all over the country and never had the blank looks I got from the staff here. The first bartender I asked brought over 2 other guys who--I'm not joking--asked me to find a recipe--which I then Googled on my phone--and they made it from there. Seriously, guys? The other weird part is they did not seem at all embarrassed or apologetic that they didn't know the first thing about mixology. At a place of this caliber, that is LAME. Once we got seated, things were much better. We ordered lots of small plates and bottles of wine, all of which were delicious. It's been a few weeks and the standouts are escaping me, but I do remember being delightfully surprised at how low the overall bill was at the end. The only other thing I have to rag on (which I told the hostesses that night) is that even though this places pulls off an effortlessly cool vibe, all of the waiters wear tuxedo t-shirts. I am the queen of irreverent twists to take the pretense out of an environment, but this seems out of place here. I would almost like to see them in vests and funky bowties or something. The tuxedo shirt gets a big thumbs down from me. I think Hubbard Inn has potential, but they definitely need bar staff that knows what they're doing.
(3)
George K.
Saturday Night+Hubbard Inn +six friends= A Very Good Time We had early reservations, 7:30 and there was no wait for our front window table. By the time we left at 10 ish the place was packed. Great selection of local and import beers, some on tap and the rest in some very unique bottles. Great small plates, cheese and pate's, ravioli, burger, pizza, tenderlion, house fires, garlic prawns. All very good. Service was the minus one star. Our waitress just did not stop by often enough, If she had, she would have sold more drinks, more food and probably turned the table over sooner. The food runners and busboys were very good, we just could not get our orders in. We loved the atmosphere and met some very interesting people, We will be back !
(4)
Marco H.
The flatbreads were really really good. there is a little spicy kick to the 3 chesse flatbread. Merguez sausage flatbread is great too (Roasted pepper, not so much). Bacon wrapped date are delicious. for the main, try the grilled tuna (the lemon coriander aiola). i like this place, but it has to be one of the loudest restaurants ever. If you go with a group you'll find yourself screaming and straining to hear a conversation.
(4)
Gary C.
We were on our way to Hub 51 for lunch but after walking by Hubbard Inn and remembering it's a recent addition to the dining scene we took a detour. Our first impression was excellent, a warm greeting from the hostess, an inviting old time tavern atmosphere and efficient service from the waiter. The menu was interesting even though I am getting over the shared menu concept that's so popular and don't get me started on the communal tables that are a hit or miss for me. Sometimes it's like a flight from Chicago to LA, sitting next to a person that wants to share their life stories and IPhone pics with you. Luckily we were seated at a 4-top. We ordered the Ravioli with mushroom ragout, it was good but not something I'll be carving on my next visit. Next up the Mozzarella flat bread, this totally fell flat for us, and maybe it was the quality of the mozzarella or the burned leaves of fresh basil or the lack of flavor in the tomato sauce. The two stands out us - the burger with great aged cheddar and even better crispy fries, and from the chalk board, a very generous serving of fresh Mussels in a white wine sauce! We'll be back for another visit in the mean time a strong A-OK for this place.
(3)
Paul S.
I have been to Hubbard Inn three times now and I love it more each time! I have been for lunch twice and dinner once. Overall, I love this place, the food is spectacular and the service is impeccable: Food: For the times I have been for lunch I have ordered the Lobster Roll and the Halibut. I can't say enough amazing things about both dishes.So deliciously prepared. For dinner, I had the prawns but we were with a group of 10 that night so I had a chance to taste several different dishes.The prawns were excellent as was the hanger steak and the lamb burger (YUM!). The Executive Chef, Bob deserves a huge round of applause. Ambience: I am so impressed with how this place is decorated. Warm yet sophisticated with a hip, vintage look. They have little touches like lamps, books and vases that make it even more comforting yet chic. Service: By far, the best in Chicago. I mentioned we were most recently with a party of 10 and we had incredible service from Stacey. She was wonderfully kind, helpful, attentive, fun and professional. She represented everything I love about Hubbard Inn and made our experience the best. Superior food, superior setting and superior service!
(5)
Gamaliel E.
I came here for drinks after work and have to say I had a really good time. By the time i was able to get to the place, the downstairs bar was already crowded. I was able to score a stool at the upstairs bar...and received some great service from the bartender. She was able to recommend some of the signature drinks on the menu...in addition to a gin I have never had before. The decor reminds me of the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan avenue. The crowd was full of young professionals looking to grab a drink after work. Not very douchie which is a pleasant surprise. I'll be back.
(4)
Chris A.
My friend and I decided to check out Hubbard Inn last night. It was a Tuesday night at 7:30 and it was bustling. The decor of the place was old-style Chicago with exposed beams and 1920's era modern lighting. It's a large open space with private and communal tables. The menu was excellent, not overwhelmed with a ton of options. We chose the roasted beat and Frizee salad and warm Spinach and Goat cheese salad with bacon, apples and pumpkin. Both were spot-on...acid and sweet balance. For the entree course we chose the braised pork cheeks on a cheedar cake and seared scallops with English peas. The pork cheeks were perfectly tender and married very well with the cake and pork demi-glace. The scallops were seared to perfection and were a great pairing with the peas and cream. We also ordered their 3-cheese flatbread that was warm and gooey with great garlic and cheese flavors. The dessert seemed to be a bit of a throw-away, but still delicious. It was a flourless chocolate cake with a strawberry compote and whipped cream. Not the most creative dessert, but still excellently executed. Our server was warm, friendly, and attentive and explained all the dishes very well. Overall, it was a great experience and one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)
Maggie M.
I would gladly have those pan seared scallops daily. Great spot, cool vibe, trendy interior. Have been a couple of times with both large and small groups- worked well on all occasions. A littttttlleeee on the pricey side but for downtown dining it fits right in. Have never had something I didn't like- upstairs bar is also very cool to grab a drink in. I'll be back Hubbard Inn!!
(4)
Haley B.
A girlfriend was in town for work and so I met her and another friend at Hubbard Inn to catch up over drinks and appetizers. I hadn't been yet and I had been anxious to try this new spot that I had heard so much about. +1 The interior is really cute and unique. It has a cozy vintage feel, yet it's done in a very chic way. I am reading from my fellow Yelpers that it is modeled after Hemingway's library. Cute. And well done. I heart Hemingway. -1 I had made a reservation for 3 and though there were open tables EVERYWHERE the snotty hostess wouldn't let me sit down until they arrived. While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, the hostess came up to me and asked if I'd been helped yet... I honestly thought she was joking. I didn't know how to respond so I just kind of stared at her. -1 When we finally were seated we took a look at the cocktails... $10-$12 each. Fine, it's a new hip place downtown... We ordered. When the drinks arrived I wondered if I'd made a mistake and reserved us a table at the American Girl Place. They were SO tiny, however, they were good so I didn't complain... too much. +1 We ordered the flatbread pizza and split it between the three of us. The waitress suggested it as her favorite pizza and it was really tasty. Will I be back to this place? Perhaps. I'd like to try it out for dinner as I hear the food is really good. But I'll stick to places with better value for their drinks. Or just hit up the American Girl Place next time if I'm trying to drink something overpriced and tiny.
(3)
Izzy C.
Loved the ambiance--old school pub/bar with a modern touch. Loved the simple fare! I had a classic cheeseburger and fries with a micro beer. It was heavenly. I am still dreaming of it two days later. Glad I don't live close by--I'll grow to be quite a dumpling if I did!
(4)
Jenn S.
You may actually be surprised by the fact that I gave this place 3 stars after my experience. From the moment that we stepped foot in the door, everything went wrong. First, we didn't get seated until an hour after my reservation time. Yes, an hour. One of the managers was nice enough to buy us a round of drinks, but it was still a long wait. When we get our table, we're told that we will be sharing. Ok? At that point, we're three hungry women who just want to eat, so who cares. It turned out that sharing the table wasn't bad at all. I couldn't hear a word of what the other side was saying. After ordering our food, the plates trickle in two at a time. The ravioli was by far the best item that we had. The salmon was delicious as well as the prawns. The flat bread with asparagus was good, but nothing really special. And then there was the lamb burger... We literally waited over 30 minutes for this burger. The other half of our table, who had arrived after us (same amount of women nonetheless), was already figuring out their bill. We start talking with the other side only to find out that they never got drinks with their dinner. They had the first round but were never offered anything else. So you may be wondering, why on Earth they deserved even 3 stars. Oh believe me, usually, that would not have been the case. However, yet another manager (I'm assuming) came over and asked the other ladies about their problems and one of them said, "well it seems as though the whole table had issues tonight." The guy looked shocked and came over to talk to us. After telling him what happened, he assured us that the burger would be out soon...which it did. However, it came out rare. We ordered it medium. Now for those of you who just don't like rare lamb (or any rare meat), you understand why this may have just set us back even more. The waitress came over and we politely told her that this was not exactly what we were looking for, but the fries were at least good. Needless to say, this was the last draw and management handled it accordingly which I appreciated. Something that we also noticed while there was that there were quite a few people who were still there two after we had already been seated (and who when we arrived were finishing dinner). So we had a little more understanding for why our reservation was not honored accordingly. Everything else though had nothing to do with that, but I do appreciate the restaurant management for taking care of it. Will I go back? Honestly, that ravioli was so good. I mean REALLY good. I may bite the bullet and go back...but only if I get a reservation before the rush period (like 6pm) or later like 9:30pm.
(3)
Carly H.
The bar get pretty crowed on Fridays. It is simply full to the brim with people, the servers are pretty great. I went there 2 Fridays ago for my gfs birthday and but it was way too hot!! I don't know if the AC broke or if it's that is always the case in the summer- I wanted to faint!! 2 stars for AC 3 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)
Katie Q.
Love this place - wonderful decor, amazing food, great service. The Ernest Hemingway inspired space made for a cozy dinner and conceptual appreciation. My friend and I shared the salmon, deviled eggs, and the dates. Every dish was very good, particularly the Salmon. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Diana D.
Stopped in at Hubbard Inn as our point place to meet up with friends. While I waited I grabbed an app & so glad I did!!!! Holy Heaven...bacon wrapped dates were mouth watering!! I was bummed because I had to share but this place had some yummy treats! The service was fast for a Friday evening but as we were leaving the crowd was building. Such a fun place!
(4)
OldIrvingPoodle H.
Food was great, braised short ribs were the best. Small plates, so be prepared to share. Best piece of advice - do not get seated near the front of the restaurant. Every time the door opens you get slammed with wind. It made the food cold and sent a chill down our spines. Come 10pm, you will have people flooding the walkways in between tables (i.e. you will be sitting down at the table and have people's buttoxes in your face right next to you). Reserve a table in the back. Service could have been better - I dont think our waitress smiled - ever.
(4)
Rada I.
Awesome! The setting is almost dungeon-esque. Beautiful dim lighting, chunky wood tables. my salmon was perfectly cooked and the tartar was delicious. I'd come back.
(4)
Michelle W.
While in town for business a friend took me to Hubbard Inn. It's a nice, roomy restaurant with good, filling food. We had the dates to start (amazing) and a flat bread, which was also really good. I then had a burger and fries. The fries were a little too crispy for my taste, but the burger was good. I thought the prices were fair and the service was responsive and friendly. All in all, a great place to eat.
(4)
Denise W.
I was really looking forward to this place...but....Overall, overpriced. Food was undercooked. Also, the service wasn't all that great. For not having more than 4 tables at once, he forgot my drink twice and entered our order in wrong. The waiter compensated by comping part of our meal but still very much underwhelmed. Atmosphere was a cross between Paris Club and Girl and the Goat. Didn't live up to either.
(2)
Gregory C.
One of my favorite places to catch a drink on Hubbard. Always a good looking crowd. The staff is top notch. The drinks are fantastic. And the place just looks like a nice, warm, friendly place to relax and have a few cocktails. Still have never eaten here, but all my friends always rave about the food as well.
(4)
Eden O.
i LOVE the feel of this place. you get a cozy inviting feel from the library like decor. they have nice long tables that can fit large groups as they did for us. the food was just okay to me. and the service was lacking. i understand groups can be overwhelming, but he didnt handle it well at all. one of my friends and i were only able to order one drink the entire meal. hey buddy thats your loss. im in no rush to get back here.
(3)
Mike W.
food is good classic type stuff with a twist. I go here a lot for dinner with people from out of town
(4)
John K.
Very Nice Decor...Excellent Moscow Mule and Shandy! One thing that needs to be taken care of is the air-conditioning. I could not believe that I was sweating while I was sitting on the leather couch. Tip: There is a sweet spot in front of the bathrooms that is your air-conditioning heaven. Overall, not bad at all
(4)
Chris M.
I felt a little out of place here because it's not the typical place I eat at. The beer selection & bar service is great; but the food is very different, light, and pricey. I enjoyed the tomato basil flat bread and the other plates I don't even remember, it's small plates meant for sharing. The crowd is young and old with many coming after 10pm on a Saturday night. I spent $150 on dinner and drinks with my date. I won't come back here because it's just not my style. Lastly, one annoyance was the waiter kept coming back to our table and asking us how we're doing to get us to keep ordering those small plates.
(2)
Shirley L.
Meat market. Douchebags. Many of them in packed crowd. Beautiful Hemingway theme and decor not as impressive in light of crowds. In all fairness: probably would have given this place 4 stars if I were a few years younger and had a few more drinks :) This is a good upscale, standing bar option, but if you're looking for a "lounge" experience I'd say pass -- it's too crowded.
(2)
Ellen D.
THE WORST. Came here for dinner for a friend's birthday. I got there early, so I grabbed a drink from the bar - total bill: $8.88 + tip. Not bad for a glass of prosecco. We were off to a good start. We sit down for dinner... I ordered the scallops with pumpkin puree - pretty delicious, but the meal was tiny and $17 - it didn't come with any sides or bread or anything, and I was left stealing fries from the girl next to me (which were pretty delicious I must say). They brought out a chocolate cake for my friend's birthday, and at first, the bus boy tried to drop it off without a candle or anything in it. Before he set it down, our waitress ran over and pulled it away from him, calling him an idiot. Poor guy. Despite her rudeness to her colleague, the cake was a nice gesture and it was insanely good. We had a group of about 10 girls and when the bill came, we asked the waitress (Meghan M.) if she could split it up on multiple cards. She gave a hesitant sigh and said that she could, but that it was "very difficult to do," would only take a max of 6 cards, and that she preferred we pay in cash. A few of the girls reluctantly got up and went to the ATM, so we gave her a bunch of cash and only 4 credit cards to split the rest on... BAD idea. First of all, it took the waitress about 15 minutes to return with our receipts to sign - total bill: $41.00 including tip, which isn't too terrible for dinner and drinks. However, woke up the next morning and checked my bank account... Had I somehow blacked out and spent a ridiculous amount of money last night? I checked the recent transactions and there were the two charges from Hubbard Inn for $8.88 and $41.00... oh, and a THIRD charge for $311.32. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. If my punctuation didn't get it across, I was FU#K!NG FURIOUS. Four days before Christmas and these people "accidentally" charge me an extra $311?! I had bills coming out and presents to buy, and was in no mood to wait the 3+ weeks the bank would take to go through the fraud process to get the money back in my account. I called that morning around 9:30 AM and spoke to someone who said he "didn't handle this sort of thing." He took down all my information and told me that he would pass it along to the manager (Alex) who would give me a call later on. Of course, by 5:30 PM, I still hadn't heard from anyone. Even more furious, I called the restaurant again at 6:00 PM (this is a Tuesday, mind you). After placing me on hold twice, the hostess finally let me explain why I was calling. Yelling over the noise, she told me that the manager (again Alex) was "too busy" to take my call because they had just started dinner service. Look, I get that you guys get busy and have a dinner rush, but isn't that the point of having a manager? So that (s)he can handle the business side of things while the waitstaff and bartenders handle the customers' food and drink orders? I gave the hostess all my information AGAIN and told her to tell Alex to call me as soon as he was "available" and I went about my night running errands and preparing for Christmas. Arrived home at 11:30 PM... still no call from this mysterious "Alex," who's existence I was beginning to doubt. Tired, frustrated, and damn-near broke, I walked my ass into the restaurant. Of course, the hostess had gone for the night, so I stood like an idiot by the bar for about 5 minutes before anyone spoke to me. A guy (dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks but slinging cocktails behind the bar) finally walked up asked what I needed. I told him that I needed a manager, which he said he was (he does exist!!). I explained my situation for a THIRD time to a THIRD person, and he said no one had given him this information - that he hadn't heard anything about it. I wanted to lose it on this place. I somehow managed to bite my tongue and I gave him all my information... again. He seemed apologetic and told me he would fix the problem first thing the next morning (9 AM) and would then immediately call me to let me know it had been resolved... finally, a silver lining in this sh!thole of an experience. Wednesday... 1:15 PM... still no call from this joke of an establishment. I called the restaurant, and was immediately placed on hold. Finally, a voice came back, introducing himself as Alex. I asked him if he remembered me and my situation from the night before and he said, "Yea I talked to the bank - they're handling it." I asked how long it would take for the money to go back in and he said by the end of the day (still to be determined...). I asked why he didn't call me after speaking with the bank and he told me that they "got too busy." Most UNPROFESSIONAL, INCOMPETENT, and UNRELIABLE restaurant and staff I have encountered in a long time. I will NEVER, EVER give them any business again. If you like not being screwed out of hundreds of dollars, I suggest not coming here. The food is good, but definitely not $352.32 good. UGH!
(1)
Claudia R.
We went here for work drinks and were impressed by the gorgeous decor! Our waiter was adorable and very attentive and the drinks were good. When we arrived we had a little trouble getting a proper table because there there was a reservation on it for 7:45 - 2 hours later! The hostess ended up obliging our request and we good service for the 2 hours that we spent there. Our guest of honor was seated in an oversized "Through-the-Looking-Glass"-like chair and our growing group was accommodated without question. We moved upstairs to make room for the reservation and it was a perfect change of scenery to the lounge-y library area. In Yelp-speak, "Yay! I'm a fan" and can't wait to go back!
(4)
Dennis C.
Love the gatropub renaissance that cities seem to be going through. In LA... here in Chicago. I only had drinks here, but really really really wanted to try the marrow, seafood... Great selection of local beers and pretty much anything else. Although not as many on tap. Crowd was hip, trendy, large, and gender equal (I mention this because you don't see 1:1 ratio here). Ladies were dressed to the 9s and the guys, a lot of them had suits! I felt a little inadequate in my jeans and sweatshirt. By 10, it was standing room only -- and i'm told that it's been open 2 weeks. Nice.
(4)
Jessica H.
In one word, amazing. 6 of us girls went out for a bachelorette party. Our server, Chase was attentive, personable, funny, and polite. He made wonderful suggestions and had a lot of fun with us. Upon sitting down and telling Chase what the occasion was, their general manager Ernie Sandoval, sent us a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate! He also sent over perfect, creamy cheesecake at the end of our meal. The staff made us all feel like queens!! Us girls also ordered their drink, The Hepburn. Light, refreshing, and garnished with a cucumber, it was perfect with all the food. SPEAKING of the food, every plate was perfectly plated, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. For the appetizer we started with the cod fritters. Lightly battered with a delicious lemon aioli, and the mussels which had interesting flavors and were cooked great. Our entrees consisted of ahi tuna cooked to a perfect medium rare, sirloin with the most incredible grilled brussle sprouts, super tender and flavorful rabbit with a mix of fresh crisp steamed vegetables, and scallops that were tender but not chewy. We went back a couple of hours later to enjoy cocktails, and Ernie instantly remembered us and bought us a round of shots. I will be going here on dates, for birthdays, get togethers, plenty of more girls night, and reccomending this to everyone who wants one of the best dining experiences they'll ever have!!!
(5)
RYNE D.
Been frequenting this venue often lately. The food is terrific, Tuscan kale salad is a must and reasonably priced, the Brussels sprout side called for a second order. Also have to hand it to whoever decided to put Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc on the wine list by the glass, which is a rare find and my favorite producer in NZ. The Pumpkin seasonal beer they have right now is incredibly. The staff is effusive and Michael is an asset to their business. Hope this place keeps it up, and as long as it does I'll continue to patronize it.
(4)
C. K.
LOVED the feel of the place the minute I walked into the doorway. Great job to whoever did the decor there. I love that Moroccan/European feel. Staff was courteous and prompt. The background music was nice, too. Food was great. I met my friend out there for lunch on a Friday. We both tried the Lobster roll based on the waitress' recommendation. This roll is the best Lobster roll I have had outside of New England (where I have lived for three years!) The bun was perfectly toasted and buttery and the lobster mix, which can so easily be super bland or fishy, was well seasoned, had different layers of tastes...just perfect! I ordered a drink to accompany my meal and got the Hemingway. How refreshing and not too tart. Overall, a very nice experience!
(4)
Tracy T.
Okay, my husband and I were at Hubbard Inn at about 5:15 on a Saturday evening. No reservations, but the entire restaurant was empty. Hostesses were snotty - said they could seat us, but we'd need to be out by 6:30. Nice way to start an evening. We were seated at one of the dreaded high top tables, facing the street, which meant that every time our server or a busboy approached us, it felt like they were sneaking up behind. Not good to be shocked by your server. Of course, when you're doing small plates at tiny table - it gets cluttered pretty quickly. Food is good - some of the dishes are creative. Because of the "warm" welcome received, we didn't order dessert. You'll be relieved know that we did indeed vacate by 6:30 - strangely, the restaurant was still pretty empy - maybe four or five tables. Why not be welcoming to new guests, especially locals who might return??
(2)
Neil P.
This bar is absolutely miserable. I've never seen a "contemporary" bar with a worse layout than this place, particularly the upstairs section. It gets so crowded, you cannot move, the absolute worst flow of any place i've ever been to. Next, it took roughly a half hour to order a round of drinks. Between taking forever to get to the bar, then getting the bartenders attention (they take about 10 minutes to make a single order) it takes forever. Lastly, Hubbard Inn's DJ is the laughingstock of the nightlife industry. We were there for a large group birthday and made some requests because the music was so bad and his response was "I don't have that song but if you take care of me I might be able to find something like it." What a nightmare. I will never step foot in this establishment again. Horrible crowd, miserable music, zero flow, bad service, if this bar was in any other location it wouldve been out of business already. STAY AWAY!
(1)
Mihir P.
The perfect place if you are a 35+ female looking for a 50+ male - or vice versa. Decent drinks but it took me over 15 minutes to get one. Management needs to do a better job at staffing. The worse part was that the bartender was a dick. I gave him $4 for a $19 tab and he gave me a dirty look.
(2)
Kelly K.
Love love love this place. The decor is awesome, as is the food. Came here for lunch and was not disappointed. The steak tartar was some of the best I've had! Also came on a Saturday night and it was packed. Great vibe and I could actually have a conversation at a normal level.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I plan to give it another chance (going back this weekend, in fact) but I just did not come away with a strong impression my first visit. The space isn't as cozy or inviting as I expected; to my mind, an open space that leans more towards exposed and uncomfortable than inviting and warm, more of what I imagine a tavern-inspired place ought to be. The open and high communal tables are just not my thing, though there were other positives that made me want to give it another go. The drink I will remember most was the "Hemingway," which was a twist on an Aviation (happens to be my favorite). And I really appreciated the handwritten menus on chalkboards hanging behind the bar and the "Farewell to Arms" film that was playing throughout the evening. Also appreciated the service. The lamb burger and fries were good but kind of forgettable. Filled me up, but didn't do much else. Have a feeling I will return to try more of the drinks on the cocktail menu :)
(3)
Agnes F.
Had an absolutely good time at Hubbard Inn recently. The decor was comfortable and yet trendy, the service was attentive and the food was good as well. We shared a mozzarella flat bread, sweet breads (nice big chunky pieces), bone marrow (one of them did not have much marrow but when we mentioned that to the server, they took it off the bill which was nice of them), oysters rockafella, fries, bacon wrapped dates and steak tartare. Great beer and whiskey choices and everyone had a good time. A great addition to the River North dining scene!
(4)
Lindsay D.
The only reason Im giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the communal tables. With how loud it is in there, I'd like my own table with my friends I'd like to hear and talk to :) But on to the good stuff...... I absolutely love how this space is decorated and layed out. The lighting gives everyone such a glow and I loved that I could look at specials on their bar wall chalkboard while perusing though their signature cocktail menu. It was very crowded, but it was easy to get a drink from their long bar running along the wall. Our reservation was at 7:45P, ok we were 10 minutes late, but it was the perfect timing for dinner. It wasnt too insane yet where people loiter about trying to find a spot to stand. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We started with the Merguez flat bread---truly incredible. pear chutney, spicy sausage (or so we thought), bleu cheese, herbs on a crunchy piece of thin toasted bread. This and the Moroccan vegetables were a toss-up for my favorite dish. Our other dishes consisted of the grilled chicken thighs (Id take a pass next time), the braised short ribs with parsnip puree and the lamb burger. I think we went too well done on the burger, but it was otherwise tasty. I really liked the short ribs bc I could really taste the meat and natural juices. Sometimes I think short ribs are too smothered in sauce and the natural juice doesnt shine through. Overall, I really like this place. Its quite the place to be! I was with someone who doesnt eat anything that swims, so I'd like to go back and try the scallops, mussels, salmon, and trout, and I CANT FORGET THE MERGUEZ flatbread! It truly is not to be missed.
(4)
xoxo j.
Ooh, I'm a fan. I stopped in on a Tuesday night and was pleased to find the space full but not packed. There was a short wait for tables, but we opted for the bar and found seats immediately. Love the space + decor. The communal tables, dark wood, chalkboard walls, bathtub style sinks in the ladies room... everything is well done. The place is GInormous with multi-levels and restrooms that requires a breadcrumb trail to find your way back. You can't help but think, "what cheesy club used to be in this space?" simply b/c it's oddly large and in charge in terms of sq footage. Regardless, this place is a great stop for eats + drinks. We had the anchovy flatbread {mmMm... anchovies... seriously, it was good}, spinach salad {don't waste your time on this... I could have made this at home with a bag of spinach leaves} and the mussels. The portions are actually quite big, so ask your server if you're ordering too much or too little. I really wanted to add the steak tartare or scallops, but our bartender told us flat out that we were being too ambitious. Or maybe he just didn't know how much two small Asians can really throw down when it comes to grubbing. The only negative thing about our first stay at Hubbard Inn was that our bartender was really slow... and sometimes invisible... often conducting disappearing acts {where did he go again??}... and then sometimes believing WE were invisible {hi, do you see us? hi, we're right in front of you. kinda thirsty. kinda hungry. look at us. i know you can tell we're staring at you...}. It was odd... but the bar, like the rest of Hubbard Inn, is HUGE. There were two bartenders, but the service was snail-paced. He was pleasant, don't get me wrong. And thank God for that accent, b/c goodness knows British men can do know wrong in my eyes. I'll be back, and now that they're on Open Table, I'll make resos to avoid the slow poke bar service.
(4)
Kara E.
I was eager to try Hubbard Inn after hearing so much hype about this place. A small group of us ventured out to HI on a Friday night. The drink menu is extensive and a bit on the pricier side. The menu lends itself to sharing- think small plates. We started out with the bacon wrapped dates which were delicious- but there were only 4 dates. We then moved on to share the lamb burger, a flatbread w/ blue cheese and pear chutney, and the braised short rib. My favorite was by far the lamb burger which came w/ a side of garlic fries. The atmosphere is a little too sceney for me. I wasn't wowed by HI but all in all the food was tasty but a bit on the pricier side.
(3)
Yaw N.
I went here with my girlfriend for lunch last Saturday and absolutely fell in love with this place. They have an excellent menu that blends a lot of traditional dishes with the flair of new American cuisine. The only menus I have seen thus far with dishes blending bone marrow or quail eggs in this way are Gilt bar and Longman and Eagle. We had the Asparagus and Mushroom flatbread and it is out of this world! I can't wait to go back to try more. Onto the next important part of any restaurant.. The libations here are phenomenal. They appear to have a decent cocktail consultant and offer a great list of traditional cocktails with a few of their own signature cocktails. Equally impressive is their beer list which includes a solid choice of craft and microbrew beers. Lastly, the decor of this restaurant is exceptional. Hubbard street is littered with the all too familiar 'swank' restaurant/bar. This Inn with it's immense character boasts different sections that are cozy and fun. And apparently you can reserve which section you want to be seated in when you make your reservation online.. I recommend the library. Overall, this is refreshing addition to the city and a place we plan to visit frequently.
(5)
Erica W.
The drinks here are definitely the draw; even though they're pricey they are both delicious and potent. I've eaten here twice and was less than impressed...I can't recall any dishes that stood out in particular because they were all just OK. The whole small plate thing works when it's done right, but this place is a lot more about the scene than the food. Go here for drinks before or after you eat somewhere else, especially if you're single and into the typical River North crowd.
(3)
Erik J.
Great for brunch! Sat at a sunny table by the French doors, which were open to the street. Nice way to start a Saturday. Server was very friendly and helpful. Food was great (I had a scramble, my friend had a burger). Restaurant had a good crowd, but wasn't too packed. We will be back!
(4)
Aly R.
I thought Hubbard Inn was wonderful. The Steak and Eggs dish was something DEFINITELY worth going back for! The grilled prawns and beet salad were great too. We loved the decor and our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. They have an extensive wine and beer list, and a great variety of interesting menu items. Its great to go with a few friends to share a bunch of different items. I wouldn't waste my money on the deviled eggs, but I would definitely get the bacon wrapped dates again!! The flatbreads looked really good but we didnt try them. Overall for a fun experience with family or friends Hubbard Inn was great place to go!
(5)
John C.
Hammer show: If you wanna get drunk and flirt at the bar with a youngish crowd that imagines itself as hip, this is your place. If you wanna sit at a table in a really noisy, crowded spot and still have fun with your friends while having the oppty to exchange drunken compliments with other groups, this restaurant will please you. If you like being able to choose between 12 million microbrews whose descriptions are spat out like a machine gun by your server, it's not a bad choice. However, if you wanna eat good food and relax, this is definitely not your spot. The food, like the way waitstaff attends to diners, is pretentious, loaded with superfluous flourishes, and lacking in basic things like taste, warmth, substance and common sense. Salads are OK but only OK in spite of big deal made about ingredients. The hanger steak emerges cold into the large, kinda nicely done/fairly industrial chic space. The sides are bleccch! The burgers are strangely akin to White Castle fare, albeit not square (with same effect on your insides, however). So my recommendation is to go have a good meal before you get there. Then drink your head off while there. Maybe even meet some people at the way-crowded bar. Then get White Castle on your way home if nothing else happens better that night.
(2)
elissa w.
I would give Hubbard Inn 3.5 stars. Really cool ambiance + super strong drinks is always a great way to start the evening. The River North Smash gave me a buzz after finishing half the glass. Came for a bday dinner on a Wednesday night. The mergueza flat bread was awesome. I also really liked the scallops and carpaccio. We ordered two burgers to share, the greek burger was much better than the cheese burger. Finished up with the chocolate torte which was super decadent and huge - we easily shared it across five ladies. Towards the middle of our meal - around 8:30 the restaurant got super busy and the service really slacked. The waitress was MIA and we had to harass the hostess for our bill since the bday girl was in a rush to go to a bar - hence the three stars.
(3)
Elana L.
I really wanted to love this place. I had heard so much about it and how great it is. Yes the cocktails and most of the bartenders are incredible. They are a talented crew. My complaint is about the food. Te chef has absolutely no idea how to properly season food. I am a chef myself and I know what food is supposed to taste like. I order a flat bread with Mergaz lamb and some other ingredients I could not taste any of the flavors until I added my own sea salt. Plus I had a couple of other items that were completely unmemorable. Is anyone doing any tasting in the kitchen. What a shame this place has potential. Next time I go I will be sure to eat somewhere else.
(2)
Eric E.
Fantastic food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Everything on our Saturday evening first-time visit was delicious! The pork loin with cherry jus is NOT TO BE MISSED! And the veggie chick pea crepe was a creative flavor combo and an excellent appetizer to share. Our waitress, Jill, was one of the most attentive, patient servers I've had in a LONG time. I can't believe it took me so long to go here for the first time.....will definitely be going back soon.
(5)
Girlinthebluedress C.
I recently purchased a nye ticket from this place thinking that it would be cool, hip and totally (well not totally, but mostly) worth the $130, including tax. The food was pretentious (lamb chop with green goo on it) and the quality of drinks left much to be desired. Not only were the drinks weak and syrupy but the bartender had a difficult time understanding the difference between soda and tonic. Even after telling him that what my friend was drinking was, in fact, soda and NOT tonic he made her another gin and tonic USING SODA! He made it seem like a privilege to be getting anything from him at all and that we were obviously too wasted to know the difference. The best part of the night, i.e. leaving the rude service and pretentious environment that Hubbard Inn provides (I don't even know why I keep respecting the establishment by capitalizing hubbard inn), turned into the worst part of the night because the coat check (included in the price of my nye ticket) was above and beyond RIDICULOUS. Imagine about 30-40 people crammed into a hallway about 5'x15' with some douche bag bouncer creepily rubbing against all the girls that were around him and rude staff taking your numbers and then slowly returning only to say that your coat had been LOST. Unfortunately I waited in vain hoping that I could convince them to find my and my boyfriend's coat even without a coat check number (turns out my boyfriend had given the number to the swanky douche bag bouncer early in the night but he didn't return with our coats). When I got to the front of the line the staff was rude, careless and unsympathetic. I ended the night, sober, coatless and feeling completely robbed by the DBHI ("douche bag hubbard inn"). If you visit this glamorous hole in the wall, be prepared to spend tons of money and be treated like shit. This is BY FAR the WORST BAR in the city of Chicago. And I am including the Hangge Uppe.
(1)
Shannon B.
Wow this place our company paid a fortune to throw 30 person dinner party here. Ambiance check, service mediocre. (Slowwwww), entrees not good. I ordered the seafood boulabaise, it was cold with fishy seafood, the only redeeming about the price of this place is the playlist whoevers doing that should keep their job the chef should cut his loses here....
(1)
Mike J.
Was in Chicago on vacation for a weekend. This was the BEST bar i had been to in the entire city. Its a GEM. The signature drinks are timeless and unique. The ambiance and music was incredible, and so trendy and hip. THE MOSCOW MULE IS UNREAL. This place is as good as it gets, definitely a must see. It was recommended to me a local who lives over near Hubbard street. If you're in the area this is definite must see.
(5)
Alexis M.
I love this lavendar drink on their specials list. Otherwise food is ok. Nice date spot.
(4)
Ken M.
Try the Lamb Burger, excellent!
(5)
Ryan R.
This should really be like 2.5 stars. Lets do a little pro's and con's Pro's Food is excellent the bacon wrapped dates are our of this world Wine is reasonably priced with good selection Cocktails are creative and reasonable The space is large, open and inviting Cons We ate on a Thursday night and it was unreasonably loud Service was a bit slow both times I have been Now here is the real rub for me. We went on a Thursday for cocktails and didn't have a reservation, we asked if we needed to make one and they said no just take a table in the bar area. At 7:30pm they gave us the news that we had to leave, not relocate, not move to a dinner table or the bar, leave. They said that they had reservations to fill, this was the same person that told us that we didn't need a reservation. When I related this story to a coworker she said she was there on Monday for her birthday and as they were finishing their cocktails after dinner the manager told them the same thing. I need this table so please relocate to the bar. I know Hubbard inn is popular and for good reason with good food and drink but with so many other options in Chicago and specifically River North I don't ever need to go back and be told to leave. It was quite frankly classless.
(3)
Steven R.
I am only writing on the decor alone. This place is sick. The vibe and decor is great and an atmosphere that was missing from the Chicago scene. Also, the bartender was hot. Overall, much cooler place than Public House and I would much rather drink here than there.
(4)
Barri S.
Good food and ambiance. Nothing special but a great place to meet for a drink and bite to eat.
(3)
Alex K.
I had dinner here on a busy Friday night. While waiting for friends I sat at the bar and had an amazing Old Fashioned that I highly recommend if you like that sort of libation. The bar area was energetic, loud, and delightful. The staff was prompt and the scene was young and vibrant. Dinner was upstairs, which was a bit quieter and more intimate. A DJ was spinning beats (well, through a MacBoo Pro) at the top of the stairs, which was awesome. Even though the menu was small plates everyone at our table ordered their own meals and it worked out fine. The only glitch was a wrong entree order that was quickly remedied and taken off the bill without even requesting it. This is a sign of a restaurant that cares about the experience of its guests. The decor was traditional but the overall experience was youthful and fresh. I could just as easily go here just for drinks at the bar and seating areas as I would for dinner. This is a place best enjoyed in a group, in my opinion. Get off Michigan Avenue and walk a block or two to this place, you won't be disappointed at all.
(4)
Kendal M.
I was at the Hubbard inn last night and it was great. I received great service and everyone was so friendly and nice. I had a lot of fun! It is a great place for a date and I can also bring all my friends and we can have a great time too.
(5)
Sarah B.
I made reservations for our group for 6pm and we were promptly seated at our table. The place wasn't too crowded at this point (it was Friday) and you could tell most of the people were there for drinks. No one in our group had been there before so the waitress explained these were smaller plates, made for sharing and recommended 2-3 items per person. Because we all heard the word small, we ordered 3 each. Definitely to much food and next time I would only order 2 per person. That would have been perfect. They also gave us a complimentary dish which added to our overindulgence. The food was good, though nothing stood out as being fabulous. I think what I like the most was the ability to have a conversation with my friends. Would I go back? Definitely. Location is great for me and the service and food were good.
(4)
Templeton M.
This place has a gorgeous decor with exposed wooden beams and utility overhead allowing the room to open. The sounds carry but it's the kind of atmosphere when loud ppl talking shouldn't matter. If I wanted a quiet dinner I'd stay at home. The set up was nice with a combination of bar, tall tables, tall communal tables (brilliant), and other low tables to the right and in the back. Even being put in the back was nice and cozy and didn't feel like a 'bad table'. The food was superb. The bacon wrapped dates were perfect alongside the beet salad. We ordered multiple dishes that served us well. The halibut was tasty in a light broth, the short ribs were soft and well braised, the steak was awesome with a light blue cheese rub with spices (so good), and lastly the flatbread. We took the waitresses recommendation on the flatbread which was the mushroom and asparagus and it was great. Every dish had it's own characteristic to it as well as flavor and appearance. The beer selection was good. The only bad part was the dessert. These basic desserts were flourless chocolate, cheesecake, and a strawberry strudel thing. All three looked like they were purchased in a box, kept cold and served to order. There was really nothing special about them and you would typically see these boring three at a steakhouse. Hubbard Inn has a uniqueness but the desserts are not. Were they tasty? Sure. But they could do better and stay away from boring staples that tons of places offer. Lastly, the service was spot on. She was kind and attentive. She seemed new at this and pushed the spiel out but it wasn't anything to frown about. She was great and had perfect recommendations. I will be back and strongly recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Darrin D.
I like the scene here and would definitely go back to eat again if only I could get a table before 10pm. Definitely try the lamb burger.
(4)
R V.
New to scene and worth a visit and the wait. A very very cool vibe, communal tables, lighting gave the food and the people a fabulous glow, and decor is very eclectic with neat touches like the front doors being solid wood, chalkboard by the bar with specials, etc. The food is unpretentious but delicious- fries were amazing and the BLT sandwich was my favorite in Chicago yet. Presentation is understated, casual but elegant and the food was non-fussy but definitely made with care and attention. Cocktails were served in old-fashioned glassware that added to the eclectic touches of the place. Service was slightly scattered but it is pretty loud and crowded so I give the servers a pass on that.
(3)
Hannah P.
Hubbard Inn, finally a cool place with out the pretentiousness of Epic or Paris Club. First the design is amazing, which I'm not surprised knowing this is also the same owners as Lasalle Power Co. and English. Think upscale British pub, beautiful terracotta tile surround the bar and walls at chair-rail height in a rich dark teal and cream. The exposed brick above painted the perfect shade of cream to match the tile and help set off the old "looking" artwork that's hung randomly. Tin ceiling tiles or what look like them were used to cover columns in a coordinating shade of olive green. Lastly the almost Parisian style pendants that hang have a cream glass globe with a rustic iron belt around it provide the perfect glow to make any woman look beautiful. A friend and I went there last night for a little bite and a few drinks. Being a veggie myself, I find going to traditional places can be hard for me to find good food but Hubbard Inn doesn't disappoint! I had the Arugula and peppers flatbread. It's almost like a crusty pizza from Italy! Caramelized onions, perfectly roasted peppers topped with super fresh and tangy arugula not to mention the light and crumbly ricotta that smoothed out the flavors! Definitely one of my favourites at Hubbard Inn My friend had the lamb burger which was delicately topped with a mint cucumber tzatziki compote. She said it was delish! I'm actually looking forward to the cooler weather of fall so I can try the house-made ravioli, they had me at mushroom ragout! Ohh and perfect service from Stephanie, just the right amount of interaction. Checked on drinks and food(2 bite/2minute rule), but left us alone to chat and didn't rush us to pay or turn the table, I love that!!
(4)
Nick W.
Went for lunch around 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Was immediately impressed w the friendly greeting and un pretentious vibe. Quickly attended to by friendly server who was eager to provide info on the beers and food selection. I had the lobster club...lobster salad w lettuce and bacon. Very good and unique...nice large chunks of lobster. Love the wood plate it was served on and the tin can the fries were served in. Overall cool vibe...Great beer selection....unique decor. Nice relaxing Saturday afternoon.
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Great cocktails and treats, cute decor.
(5)
Taz M.
Amazing food in a very cool space. This is a great spot for a nice dinner - it's the perfect blend of casual and dressy. I came here for a holiday party and tried a few of their offerings: lamp chops, sliders, lobster roll, etc - everything was AWESOME! I would have given the Hubbard Inn four or even five stars, but my husband suffered food poisoning as a result of eating something here...hey, it happens!
(3)
Darlene L.
This is a bustling spot for the after work crowd on weekdays. Had a taste for a good burger, and they did not disappoint. Burger was bursting with flavor and cooked just right. Cute serving of fries in a spiral container was also a nice touch, and they were delicious. It is a bit pricey, but so is the River North corridor.
(4)
Jim K.
Good food, poor service. We had dinner here last night and I have to agree with other reviewers...it looks like a great pick from the outside -- the place looks good, lively atmosphere, etc., but poor execution keeps this from being a place we'd return to often. We had booked a table, but it wasn't ready when we arrived so we sat at the bar for a drink. Nothing unusual there, many restaurants don't honor your reservation time and make you wait to pump up their bar service. After a while, the hostess came over and offered us an outdoor table. Since it was a nice night, we decided to take it. The waitress took a drink order and came back quickly enough with them. We ordered our meal (shared starters, and lobster rolls). The starters came in good time, but it was soon after that that service really got frustrating. Our waitress noticed we were almost out of water so she asked if we wanted more. "Yes, please" was our answer. We finished our starters and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, another server came out with our sandwiches while the plates from our starters were still on the table. He seemed completely perplexed about what to do since we were seated at a small table. We tried to make room for him to set down the plates as best we could and fortunately our waitress appeared, saw the dilemma and quickly grabbed the empty plates. Once again we asked for water, and we ordered another round of drinks. The drinks arrived, but the water didn't. So we asked again for water. It never came. We finished our lobster rolls and waited. And waited. And waited. When our waitress finally appeared to clear our plates and ask if we wanted anything else, we asked for the check and told her we never got any water. Now the most shocking part -- she proceeds to grab a bottle of water off of a nearby table to pour us some. I say, "No, thanks. It's too late." The look of horror on her face was priceless. I'm sure she saw her tip going up in flames at that point (it didn't, we were more generous than she deserved). She brought the bill and we paid cash since we didn't want to test how long it might take to run a credit card. Food: The merguez sausage flatbread was rich and delicious. The summer vegetable salad was straight-forward and fresh, nicely done, but not memorable. The lobster rolls were good, but hurt by the use of very strong onions. We like onions, but the ones used in the rolls were too overpowering for the sweetness of the lobster and bread. Suggestion for Yelpers -- if you just want a casual meal for two, sit at the bar. That way your server is never out of eyesight. This is probably what we'd do if we return. Suggestion for the Hubbard Inn -- if you're going to have outdoor tables, make sure you staff them properly.
(2)
Brent W.
loved it. every part of it. decor, ambiance, food and drink. [x] Get Inn
(4)
Liz L.
Had such a GREAT time at Hubbard Inn for my friends bach party. I have thrown a few bach parties and I have to say that the service here was impeccable. Ashley the events manager was really nice and prompt about returning my emails. When we arrived around 10:15 are table was not ready yet. It was pretty crowded so one of the managers moved us over to an open spot, got us a round of shots on the house and then right away went over and got our table ready for us. I wish I remembered his name but I thanked him and he was so happy to help. Even the door girl and guy were nice! I hate clubs and this was such a great compromise between a bar and club. Not pretentious like Paris Club who would not even email me back after I tried negotiating on the price for bottle service. Regardless SO glad we ended up at Hubbard in, SO MUCH FUN!
(5)
Carrie L.
I was there for a work-related dinner, and the experience in the restaurant was good. The food was fantastic (get the bacon-wrapped dates and the scallops), and the drinks were top notch. It is loud, so if you are with a bigger group, it's difficult to talk to more than those seated right next to you/across from you. That said, the atmosphere was lively and fun. What makes me not want to come back here is the situation I had with my parking. I used the valet to park. I had to circle several times before any staff were there to park, and then he left my car right where I parked it. That's not a huge deal, and after it happened I didn't think twice about it. However, I just received a parking ticket in the mail from that night. Clearly the valet removed the ticket and threw it out or something. I called Hubbard Inn and they just referred me to the valet company, who won't return my calls. So, despite the good food, the whole experience left a really bad taste and I won't be going back again.
(2)
K W.
We got lucky and got a reservation on a Saturday due to a cancellation. We had an early dinner and It was great! The decor is beautiful and the artwork is cool. And...the food is quite good as well. We had the flat bread, spinach salad, and lobster sandwich which were all good! The service was great. We came early and did not have to sit in the communal seating. It didn't seem bad. By 9:30 it's packed so come early. The drinks are the old old school drinks like the Aviation...which here was not good. I stuck with a vodka based drink and it was great. Good beer list as well. Again, after nine a total scene which is wonderful for some. Worth trying! We enjoyed it.
(4)
Sonia A.
I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we had a great time. We ordered food to go along with our drinks, then let everyone at the table sample each others drinks and dishes. We were all pretty happy with everything that was ordered. The bacon-wrapped-dates and the braised rabbit were my absolute favorites! I'm going back for some more of that rabbit as soon as I possibly can. It's very tender and savory, and the little veggies that came with it were also cooked to perfection. I also really liked the bloody mary my friend ordered (nice and tomatoey, very refreshing), though my own red sangria was also quite nice. I also tried the steak tartare here, but since it was my first taste of steak tartare ever, I don't think I can give a truly informed opinion on it. I liked it though. The atmosphere here is nice and relaxed, despite the loud music. We shouted in each other's ears for a while before giving up and just eating. I was too full and happily buzzed to care about making conversation anyway, so I just saved that for the walk home. In the meantime, I enjoyed the dim lighting and finished off my friend's English Daisy or whatever it was called. Yum yum.
(5)
Kathryn S.
I feel like Hubbard Inn is a waste of a good location and good decor. I've been a number of times for lunch, most recently today, and it's always just meh. I had the panini today which was basically just really oiled bread with no discernible grill marks where the cheese had been sitting on it so long the bottom bread from the sandwich was very wet. Our meal took an hour and 1/2 in spite of the fact that we arrived before noon and were the second table seated. This place needs to get it together.
(3)
Emily H.
Okay, this place just opened which is what is keeping me from a 1-star review. A key to a successful bar: getting customers their drinks quickly. The upstairs bar was severely understaffed. After waiting at the bar for 15 minutes to get a bartender's attention, I was kept waiting an additional 15 minutes to receive the two drinks I ordered. Getting the bill for said drinks was quite the ordeal as well - a waiter promised to get it from the bar, passed by several times over 20 minutes without bringing it to us. The bartender himself, clearly unsure how to keep tabs at the bar, physically brought the card to the table to verify that it was, in fact, my credit card. I confirmed it was and that we wanted to close out. 30 minutes later I went to the bar, still having not received the bill, and the same bartender smiled and said "sorry, I got busy." The others in my party ordered from a waiter at the table, waiting 20-30 minutes for each round. There were countless men walking around the bar clearing empty glasses but is that really important unless I have a full glass to replace it? A little less clearing, a little more serving. As a plus, the decor was nice and the music was low enough (until about 10 or 11) to hear one another talk, which is rare in River North. That said, I sincerely hope they get their staff on track, otherwise there's no chance I will visit this place more than twice.
(2)
Anne C.
Went here for a work lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and tasty and for a new trendier place I was surprised by how large the portions were and how reasonable the prices were. We all had sandwiches or salads and everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. The service was great and the server went out of his way to accommodate some of my coworkers with food allergies. I'm looking forward to coming back for dinner and checking out the bar scene!
(4)
Suzanne B.
Everything was great. The service, the food, drinks, atmosphere... Can't wait to go back
(5)
Brian S.
Love the continued transformation of lower River North scene from crappy old meat&potato fest to a sophisticated and evolving evening scene, and Hubbard Inn feels like one more shining star in our glowing constellation. Asked Chef Bob to just send out whatever was clever and ended up with some outstanding shrimp, scallops, and med vegetables. Small plates, delicious, great service. Upstairs at the bar Willow (sp?) poured 7 different sample beers for me from an awesome selection before I settled on a favorite. Tremendous service even though the bar was crowded and the hoops games were on. This place has an awesome, sexy, feel. Want to be a regular already.
(5)
Chris P.
This place is great. Menu refreshes regularly, but staples like the bacon wrapped dates, the ravioli and the lobster roll keep me coming back. Service is usually very good, though I have one unbelievably bad waiter. Thus four instead of five stars. Evening crowd in the summer is a bit clubby, otherwise overall casual is fine. Prices are fair. Portions of the small plates are small so plan on sharing a flatbread or something.
(4)
Garrett P.
small plates, stiff drinks and a cool atmosphere. Can't ask for much more.
(5)
jess k.
Dj Jesse was great. Cucumber martini was memorable. Perfect for cocktails with the gals, but if you want to talk, go before 10.
(5)
Trevor S.
lets see... with a reservation for a birthday dinner, we still had to wait for 45 minutes for our table. then they 'lost' our table... so we waited 25 more minutes. when we got our table, and ordered cocktails, mine was spilled all over my neighbor as our server was setting it down. great. the whole place is Douche City with lots of Ed Hardy-type guys and gals. the decor is 'faux-library', which is lame. beware of the big jerk outside who barks out: "you gotta a reservation?" as you approach the front door. we DID have one and he still acted like we weren't going to get close to being let in. what an awful experience the whole night became. one good thing: the french fries taste EXACTLY like McDonald's fries. (which really isn't that great of a thing i guess. oh well.)
(2)
Michael H.
I really enjoyed myself here. Very classy with a great atmosphere. Despite the crowd, the bartender and waitress always made sure I had a drink in my hand. After soaking up the main level, we adjourned to the comfy upstairs which had plenty of room for lounging about.
(4)
Cindy D.
Came here for drinks, very hip place. Expensive drinks but very cool scene.
(4)
Andrea G.
Don't believe the hype! This is just another trendy loud restaurant for aging glitterati in River North's developing Viagra Triangle with theme decor, the dreaded communal table(s), average food, and subpar service (although, in defense of the servers, I would hate to have to work in this noisy, crowded environment). For $40.00 on a Friday night plus the cost of valet parking though, I'm glad I tried it (I do like to be "in the know") but I wouldn't rush to return and I wouldn't put it on my list of recommended restaurants in Chicago. And I'm confident Hemingway wouldn't either...at least not until they stop playing music by Duran Duran. Seriously.
(2)
Amanda C.
I loved Hubbard Inn. It's cozy and inviting but still reminds me of a creepy old movie at the same time. I went here for dinner on a Saturday (make your reservations more than a few days in advance, or you'll have to eat early) and ordered the hamburger which was very good. We had a flatbread for an appetizer (just ok) and my friends ordered other sandwiches. I think a lot of people go here to split dishes tapas-style. We drank wine, but their signature cocktail list looks awesome and super unique. The servers were very friendly- I'd go back many more times.
(5)
phil h.
This is my goto spot to start off bar hopping at Rivernorth. I enjoy the decor and the bookshelves and the drinks. The drinks are a bit pricey, but standard fair for the area. I've never eaten here, but I'd assume it's solid. I see people eat here all the time, but then again, people eat Panda Express all the time so that tells me nothing. At any rate, the drinks, service and the people are the pull here. There's a blonde girl that works downstairs that's kind of a B, but it's probably her job to be one. I'll add more if I ever eat here.
(4)
CoolMc M.
I love this place. Great food, drinks, decor, ect. I would highly recommend to anyone. I like the low key vibe and the dates! Such a great spot!
(5)
Lindsey M.
I went last night for their soft opening for small plate appetizers and drinks, and while there were minor bumps it was really good and I would definitely come back for small plates and drinks. I have to give major shout outs to Emily who was our waitress and was super friendly, Benjamin who amazingly rescued my vegetarian friend by making sure the non-meat appetizers got sent our way, and Matt who was just fantastic and kept stopping by for quick chats and to see how we liked everything. The food was really amazing, and after peeking at the menu is reasonably priced for both for what you get and being in river north. They don't have an online menu up yet but you should absolutely try the steak with bone marrow, mushroom and asparagus flat-bread, and smoked arugula with cheese they were so good! The only things that made me go...that was good, not awesome but good were the scallop on crostini and shrimp skewer. Drinks were fresh and crisp by round 2. We had the River North Smash, Hemingway, and something I can't remember the name of; but the first ones we were brought were good, but a tad heavy on the simple syrup. However the bartenders clearly found their groove because rounds 2-6 (yes yes i know...lush; whatever...they need practice...right?) were completely on point. I really hope they keep the music down to where it was last night, cause I loved that I was able to talk to the people I went with and still had a voice at the end of the night.
(4)
Irina M.
Hubbard Inn is a great new place with fantastic drinks, delicious food, and most important of all, great service. In a time when places similar to Hubbard Inn are opening almost weekly, it is important to stand out, and Hubbard Inn certainly does. The lamb burger is a must!
(5)
Catherine W.
I very much enjoyed the decor and atmosphere of this place, and had two particularly standout dishes, but am subtracting one star due to slow waitress service. We got there for an earlier dinner on a Saturday night and shared a variety of dishes, including octopus salad, mussels, braised short ribs, sweetbreads, and one of the flatbreads. All dishes are small plates and meant to be shared. 5 dishes among 3 people were about right.The standouts were definitely the mussels and the braised short ribs - both were just delicious. The others were okay, with the octopus salad falling a bit flat for me. Unfortunately, the service seemed very slow. Food came out quickly once ordered, plates cleared, drinks were refreshed regularly, but it took a long time for the waitress to take our entree order, drop off our bill when requested, run our credit card, etc. - probably added at least 25-30 minutes to the whole experience. We didn't mind too much because we weren't in a rush but it was noticeably slow. The decor of the place is absolutely charming though, with romantic, dark, wood paneling, reminiscent of an old-fashioned library and/or upscale saloon. We checked out upstairs, which looks like an excellent lounge place to enjoy drinks and conversation with friends. I saw a lot of "girls' night" dinners here which was very fitting.
(3)
Swati B.
So I have gone to Hubbard Inn on 2 different occasions...on one a Sat night for a friends birthday and one on a thursday night for dinner... LOVE the decor btw! Sat night for a friends birthday...we were told if we didnt arrive on time we would lose the reservation, we literally (mind you a party of 15) walked in about 2 minutes late and the guy at the front door was giving us such a hard time! Well..not me..or my lady friends..the guys that were a part of the group...kinda strange..once we got in ..we had a fantastic time...great crowd..older (think upper 20s, 30s)...trendy crowd...Drinks were easy to get as well....dont really remember there being great music though..and theres definitely no dancing here..this is your sit/stand talking crowd. Thursday night for dinner however was a different story. I was surprised when I didn't see the same menu that they have online, mind you this place JUST opened how could you have removed something already...so of course the ONE thing I wanted was the eggplant parm sandwich..yeah no longer exists...thankfully Ryan our server informed me that the Farm Egg Sandwich could be done without the bacon...and yes it was pretty damn good.... We had reservations at 7:15..we didnt get seated til 7:40... The bar area was really crowded with a great mix of what seemed like a happy hour crowd...it is quite loud in this joint..and the seating well its even weirder...we sat at a LONG table where multiple different parties were seated..and i wound up sitting next to my friend instead of across the table which actually worked out since it was so loud you we would have wound up screaming at each other the entire time... The reason I knocked stars off was that our server...seemed really irked that a) we bought drinks at the bar first...sorry but what did u expect us to do while we were waiting and b) had a really small order...and therefore had a really small tab..towards the end he was getting pissier and pissier with us...he got lucky we tipped him the full 20%! And i swear every 5 minutes someone would come by and ask if we were done yet..after the 8th time I felt obliged to say yes im done with my fries sheesh..even though i could have eaten some more... The portion sizes are pretty decent (the sandwich definitely filled me up..and my friend ordered the flat bread and finished it easily and was full...the small plates seemed to be the same price and not exactly super small either... The food was good..it was the service overall that was a bit disappointing..I think I may come back for a drink in the future but thats about it..definitely do not recommend it for a date...way too loud! Unless of course you plan on screaming at your date all night...oh but boys..take note..there are LOTS of beautiful women that hang out here!.
(3)
Jon C.
has the feel of a gastropub mixed with an english library. the drinks list was great with a lot of variety. we got the bacon wrapped dates as a starter and it was very well prepared. the dates melted in your mouth while the bacon induced the taste of fatty goodness. the pickled vegetables were also great but the portion was so small that it can be consumed by a small child. i got the toro burger and it was made just to my liking (medium). the house fries were great and the figs to go along with the burger gave it a great sweet taste.
(4)
Gregory L.
An Ernest Hemingway inspired throwback gastropub. Decor dressed with antique furniture, old books, fine art pieces and portraits hugging the mahogony trimmed walls. Dining tables, communal for the most part throughout the main level placed to make sure you are always a part of the crowd, unless seated in the more secluded tables in the back. So now combine that image with the River North scene and you have Hubbard Inn. I heard this place was to soon open near my apt, so I decided to follow them on twitter. Hubbard Inn had now been open for a couple weeks, but I just hadn't ventured over there yet. Until last night. All these tantalizing tweets could no longer be ignored. I hopped in and put my name on the list for 4. Then continued to the bar upstairs where Bridget promptly crafted my Sazerac on point with my specifics. For a guy waiting around solo, the only thing to do is start making conversation and not pretend to be interested in the televisions featuring black and white classical film clips or of course tuck away into your iphone promptly awaiting your guests for arrival. Now to the fare of degustation. These dishes are all recommended for sharing. That being said, ordering 4-5 between 2 to 3 people should suffice. Our selections: Seared Scallops over a pumpkin puree coated in a sage hazlenut brown butter. Braised Short Ribs with a parsnip puree, wine jus and little radish salad Fried sweet breads with apple, fennel, walnuts and a vanilla maple syrup Steak Tartare Charcuterie: Coppa, Prosciutto, Chorizo, chicken liver pate a Bleu Goat and firm sheep/cow cheese accoutrements of onion jam, pickled cauliflower and stoneground mustard. Their wisely selected range of craft brews should also be considered with your meal choices. Our pairings- Hop Czar, La Chouffe, Goose Island La Fleur All the dishes were prepared to fulfill my higher expectations. You can forget about their soft buttery delicate and supple scallops, but there is no amount of liquor to make me forget how well the pumpkin and hazelnut complimented each other. It is unusually addicting. The long braising process taken upon the short ribs resulted in effortless fork cutting beefy goodness. After the scallops though, I wanted something else to confuse my taste buds. Up next, the sweet breads. A lot of thought went into the production of these ever so challenging offal morsels. It's very difficult to cook these properly. Chefs often go through a few different processes just to get them ready to be cooked. Deep frying is the usual easier way out. However, these weren't squishy, chewy or dense. Their texture was up to par. I would have liked some sort of acidity brought to this dish. Thank you La Chouffe! The steak tartar was, well steak tartar. It's only as good as the quality of ingredients and the toast it's served with. No complaints here I'm pretty particular when it comes to charcuterie, so here we go. All the noted accouterments were splendid. The acidity of the pickled cauliflower and I believe it was a turnip did their job. It's always great to see some homemade pickling done by the chef. The pate was smooth and creamy. Not to thick, and went well with the cheeses and toast. Wasn't a fan of the chorizo I must say. The smokiness took away from some of the natural porky flavor which should be prevalent in salumi. The Coppa was, eh ok. It could've been fermented just a little longer, just to bring out a little bit more of the Coppa funk. Prosciutto was shaved nicely, and had a great aroma to it. All and all, the GI La Fleur was a stellar choice to enjoy with this plate. Prompt and friendly service with a complimentary first bottle of mineral water is always a warm gesture which will never go ignored. I must say, I do enjoy the crowd and feel of Hubbard Inn. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself here on a regular basis. Welcome to the neighborhood *Advice 1- Eventhough Opentable says there are no available reservations, show up and put your name in. Before you realize it, you'll be seated and continuing your night out. *Advice 2- Make sure the staff knows what you are wearing when you check-in. This way they can note it when they come to grab you to be seated. *Advice 3- The main floor bar can be crowded. Head upstairs and lounge around. The wait for a drink was minimal. Most of the crowds are in conversation and not waiting for a drink.
(4)
Hillarie R.
I've had my fair share of drinks at their bar, both upstairs and downstairs, and have never had anything but positive experiences with their bartenders. The pleasantries, however, end there due to my most recent experience on Thursday 04/12/2012. My friend and I were looking to grab a quick dinner and were greeted by the security personnel. They asked us to wait while they got a host for us. 10 minutes later a gentleman comes up to us and asks us if we have been helped. We told him we were waiting for the host, to which he retorts "Umm, I'm not the hostess". Sir, I can obviously tell that you are male and judging by the air of arrogance that you carry, were probably some sort of management. Ok, pass. He asks us to wait a little longer and he leaves. When he returns with what I hope I can assume was the hostess, he waves us off and tells us to go upstairs. The lounge was rather empty and I asked the bartender (the only personnel up there at the time) if it would be alright to order our dinner with him at the (half empty) bar. The exaggerated eye roll that ensued was the last straw. Listen, I'm a server, I get it, it sucks sometimes, people have rough days but there is absolutely no reason why I should walk into a place, expecting to drop a significant amount of $$ down for drinks and dinner and be treated like a nuisance right off the bat. Staff, your pretentious attitudes and lacking customer service skills are doing a disservice to what would otherwise be an outstanding destination in Chicago. We walked to Paris Club and had a great dinner there.
(2)
Berlin G.
I came on a Tuesday night and it was pretty crowded. The interior was nice the hostess was great. But my issue was, we made a reservation for 8 people. We waited over 20 minutes to be seated......wait, we might've waited 30 minutes.....and that's with a reservation. We get seated and waitress is courteous and nice. We order drinks, reasonable priced. Then we see the menu. Kind of expensive.....but okay, that's fine. As long as the quality and quantity is up to par. (I'm a person that feast with my eyes first then with my stomach....anyway) We decided we wanted to share so we ordered the mini plates. Man, were they mini. For our group size that food definitely wasn't enough. I left hungry and we ordered a lot but with 8 hunger people around and odd number of food in the bowl, it didn't work out so well. Now, the food itself (when I was able to taste it) was okay. I tried the dates wrapped in bacon. Good for the first bite but then it just become way to sweet. The Bone Marrow was actually pretty good with you had the bread to put it on. The flatbread was blah. The shrimp with mushrooms was....good, I was only able to eat the mushrooms and they were delicious. hahaha. So the big question: "Would you go back?" I say not of free-will. Sounds harsh but I really wouldn't go back unless my friends were having a birthday party there or they really wanted to get drinks there. But I would never suggest it. I gave it the second star because it wasn't crap but it wasn't "WOW! Hot-Freakin-Damn-That's-Good!". And I expected that, I guess it's my fault.
(2)
Allie B.
I very much love Hubbard Inn. Great drinks, friendly staff, BEAUTIMOUS decor/vibe. When I get my drinky drink on, I like to do it in a place where I can relax and feel chic. Hubbard Inn is most def that place. Try it out!
(4)
Jorge H.
This was stop #5 on a long bar/lounge hop night. Good ambiance, drinks were decently priced and the bathroom attendant was pleasant. Other than that, nothing too outstanding.
(3)
Rich P.
We went for drinks only. We sat at the upstairs bar, this place has amazing decor and lots of pretty people both staff and patrons. Good music selections being played, but not too loud, we were able to sit at the bar and talk without having to shout to be heard. Bar tender was friendly and whipped us up some "special" cocktails becuase we were unsure of what we had a taste for and they were amazing. We will go back for sure and we are gonna try to get dinner on our next visit to the Hubbard Inn. I will be sure to add a dining review when we do.
(4)
Lindsay M.
I had high hopes for this place--the decor and ambiance seemed perfect for a catch-up dinner with a friend when I was in town on business. The server was patient with our indecision and inability to focus solely on ordering (it's always hard to put ordering first when you're catching up with a friend you haven't seen in2 years). We ordered a salad to split--watermelon arugula--and individual entrees--cheese ravioli and hanger steak--and our server complimented us on choosing really great dishes. A lot of time had passed and our salad still hadn't come, but neither of us really thought much about it. After our entrees showed up and our server asked us why we hadn't received our salad yet, the response was underwhelming at best. Ten minutes into enjoying our entrees, a food runner showed up at our table with our salad. But who wants a watermelon salad when they're already digging into the entrees? We thanked him but sent it back. The salad mixup still wasn't enough to turn me sour on the place, though. What did was the next two courses of food. My hanger steak was the toughest, chewiest steak I've ever struggled to enjoy. Once I finally got it into bite-sized pieces, it was hard to chew The flavors were good, however, and the vegetables that came with it complimented each other, and the steak flavor, well. Then we thought about dessert. We figured since we had missed out on the salad that we deserved dessert. The server recommended what she called a blueberry-peach tart--she went on and on about how delicious the blueberry tart was--so we went with that. Turns out she got her fruits mixed up, because when a rhubarb tart landed on our table, we were confused. Even if that was what we had meant to order, the tart itself was so-so. There was too much crust and not enough fruit. It was something I would've been happy with had I made it myself in my own kitchen, but not worth the fanfare and price of a restaurant. I was disappointed that the Hubbard Inn didn't deliver the solid meal I was hoping for. If I lived here, I would be willing to give the food one more try. However, I might just have to stick with drinks from the bar if I find myself there again when I'm back in town.
(2)
Noopur L.
I went to Hubbard Inn for the second time Friday night, and I absolutely loved it! It's such a casual scene and it hasn't been tainted by d-bags yet. I decided that with two successful experiences in a row, I had to Yelp it. My friend and I had a reservation for 6 pm, and we were hungry. That didn't last for long because our waitress Emily showed up, we placed our order, and food started arriving in no time. Everything we got was heavenly... We started with the Merguez Sausage Flatbread (almonds, herbs, bleu cheese, sumac, pear chutney). I'm a huge fan of lamb (since I don't eat beef/pork), and this was so tasty! They didn't skimp on the the amount of sausage and paired with the pear chutney, it was awesome. Next were the House Made Ravioli (truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens) and Pan Seared Scallops (pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter). If we could lick the dish clean, we would have! I love anything with truffle in it, and I was impressed by the ravioli because the truffle didn't overpower the mushroom ragout. I'm a sucker for scallops and brown butter sage, so I'm convinced they made that dish with me in mind! Finally, we split the Lamb Burger (pinn-oak farm lamb, mint, cucumber, red onion, feta, tzatziki sauce), which came with a side of fries. Thankfully we split this too because I was fairly full at this point. But of course the fat kid in me could not stop eating, because it was just. that. good. I love restaurants that have fun cocktail lists. I ordered two English Daisies (patron reposado, lime juice, english lavender elixir), which I absolutely adored. This is the only drink I'm going to order when I come back. I wanted to try a different concoction and opted for the Don Pedro (patron reposado and berry elixir). It came looking viscous and the color of cherry cough syrup. I took a sip and wanted to hurl. Fortunately Emily came by to check in on us and when I asked her to take it back, she said she knew I wouldn't like it. I loved that she didn't make me feel bad about it! I opted for the Moscow Mule (absolut vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint) instead, and all was good in the world. Service was great, the mood is cool without trying too hard and the restaurant is spacious and warm. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Jonathan W.
I came for a friend's 40th birthday party on the second floor and I was impressed. The food was great and the service was great too. The look and concept are a little played out (Edison light bulbs, craft cocktails, fusion-y food). Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Gabriela R.
Great place for drinks and meeting up with friends. Haven't eaten there but I just love the environment-- bit chic
(4)
Nichole F.
This is my second time going here. The first time was right around when they first opened. First time there was really great. So I've been recommending it to clients and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be recommending it anymore. The hostesses they have now act like they are far superior to anyone that comes in there. I watched as one of them sat an older group of people (60+ in age) and as she walked away from their table, rolled her eyes and you could tell the hamster wheel in her head was just spinning with judgement. Our server was lack luster. When asked about an ingredient in the entree I received (It wasn't anywhere to be found), he didn't have an answer and didn't bother to find out. Mind you, it was a $13 plate that consisted of 4 small ravioli smothered in cream sauce. Husbands lamb entree had no flavor so he was pretty disappointed in that as well. The Salt Cod Fritters were not good - too doughy and sweet. Unfortunately the place has become too pretentious for me and the food is not anywhere as good as it used to be.
(2)
Lauren T.
Hubbard Inn just has the beautiful rustic look from the outside and inside; it's so welcoming. Whether the widows are opened to the street or there is seating outside, you know there is a good time to be had here. I adore the upstairs with the walls of book shelves, exotic paintings and of course, the comfortable lounge. The first few visits here it was purely for after dinner drinks. In the summer, the patio is relaxing and the service outside is spectacular. Even when ordering multiple glasses of delicious cabernet sauvignon, you are not forgotten out there. A few weeks ago a group of friends and I decided to have dinner here. The Saturday night crowd was in full effect making it a little difficult to get a drink at the main bar before our table was ready. We had gotten there about ten minutes early before our reservation but ended up waiting about 15 minutes afterwards before getting sat upstairs. Our table started off with the bacon wrapped dates, an appetizer that I was able to sample at the Taste of River North in the summer. They were fantastic and the red pepper sauce really makes the flavor pop. I highly suggest giving these a try. For dinner I had the lamb burger which was out of this world. It was perfectly cooked, a healthy size and had the best little hint of mint. The vegetables were very refreshing and added a great crunch to the overall burger. As an after dinner drink, I opted for the Two Brothers house cocktail which was very good. It came in an old-timey shallow cocktail glass which was adorable but also did not hold as much alcohol as one would wish. Our waitress was sweet and tried her best to duck through the many people standing in walkways but it did take a long time for her to take our order, bring additional drinks and to bring the check. Yet upon signing the check, she was back within 2 minutes. We greatly enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back but maybe on a weekday night.
(4)
Jake D.
Went for Drinks. Girls everywhere. Awesome drinks. Interior of an antique inn suits perfectly. Great cocktails. Michael Jackson played at least 3times while I was there. Can you say go there tonight!
(4)
KC C.
Great place and experience. Highly recommended unless I want a table and its busy, LOL. I've been here several times now and really like the environment, food, service, and attention of the management-which in two instances manager intervention was clearly above and beyond, and this past Friday saved the day for me-thank you! The small plates approach is really nice for a date, and if you can get the window seats, combined with small plates, the fine wines (decent wine list), and the right person makes for good conversation and people watching on the street. There is one business right across the way that really enhances the people watching, LOL-but you will need to go there to find this out. LOL. Duck confit, scallops, short rib dishes are my favorites-the Amish chicken has been a companion favorite. I'm partial to reds and the selection I thought was good and included enough choices for most. Service has always been outstanding-and it is interesting to enjoy a place that is so close by, and has Chicago history and continuity. If you are looking for a date nite place, try Hubbard Inn window seats and small plates. Oh, and because of the small plates gym time equivalency table to portion size, food intake is very manageable. Off to the gym for me!
(5)
Mahsa T.
In my initial excitement, I may have overrated this place. They have some service issues to work on. I came back for a second visit (early happy hour on a Friday) and the place was busy but not packed, yet it took a while for us to get seated even with a reservation and it took even longer for our waitress to come to our table. It seemed like the front desk and wait staff were a disorganized mess. My friend and I got creative with our beer selections (they do have some really good beer choices) and shared a flatbread (asparagus, mushroom, caramelized onion, ricotta) which was delicious! I'd still come back but be prepared for so-so service.
(4)
Melanie K.
The cocktails stole my mind. The crowd stole my heart. The decor stole my eyes. Official opening is tomorrow night - 2/10/11. Friends and family was tonight and was an absolute success. Can't wait to write up a full review. But in the interim, Let's just say - order a Hemingway, some flatbreard, and pumpkin soup and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Max M.
I would recommend Hubbard Inn for after work drinks. They have a full menu but it gets very loud and does not feel like a sit down restaurant. The dates are supposed to be very good...I didn't try them. We ordered flat bread and seared tuna. Both were good for snacks but generally overpriced. Service was OK. Stick with just drinks and go somewhere else in River north for food. Lots of options within walking distance.
(3)
Daniel C.
Love this place after work! Its the kind of place where I want to go and have a beer and great conversation with a friend or two. Great vibe and stylishly designed. Reminds me of a pub I visited in London. Good people watching and excellent when you're in the mood to see and be seen. Have had dinner there a couple of times and never had a bad dish. Check it out.
(4)
Ebs B.
Gothic? Maybe... Vampire Den? Could be... Sensual? You know it... Beautiful? More like lovely... Classy? In every way... Tasty? Words can't describe... I know you're confused as to whether this review is about me (and all of the above traits may/may not apply), but all of these qualities are what describe the almost open Hubbard Inn! I was fortunate enough to be able to dine here during a private event yesterday before it's official opening. At a "dry-run," there are always hits and misses, but last night proved to be filled with way more hits! Here's what you can look forward to: * Different types of tables to satisfy your need! (Some seats are from church pews where items can be stuffed into the seats... other tables are communal... tall tables make for a more relaxed feel) * Great atmosphere! (Look at the odd pictures on the walls or the real books on the bookshelves... Even the 5-stick candle holder with its tall ominous metal arms beckon to you) * Wonderful drinks! (My faves were the Sleight of Hand, River North Smash, Hemingway, and finally, the Devil's Flip which tasted like hints of Tiramasu) * Food is fabulous! (My faves were the bacon-wrapped-dates which were not greasy like most places and were served in a delectable sauce... the scallops were cooked perfectly and served over a delicious pumpkin puree... Da' Burger as it's called was the best standard burger I've ever had. The foie gras in it made it soooo tasty. Yes, I'm salivating as I think about it) I could easily type a book, but my best advice is to just go and try it once it opens. The exact open date is still unknown, but it will definitely be something I'll keep an eye out for. See you there! Maybe we can even sit together at one of the communal tables!
(5)
Meredith H.
Great spot in the rejuvenated section of downtown Chicago. Stephanie was extremely helpful with great food and drink recommendations.
(5)
Mandi P.
Different. We were at Hubbard Inn a couple of weeks ago for a couple of drinks while waiting on friends. The inside is quite pretty...kinda old school, but in a good way. The bar is long with many seats and lots of standing room. The bartenders are efficient and friendly. We didn't eat here, but the food smelled awesome. One thing I didn't like, however, was the lighting. It was way too well lit here. Unless I am in a cafeteria at lunch time, I don't want to see every blemish of a restaurant or every blemish of my friends. Nor, do I want to think about what blemishes my friends are noticing on me!!! Night time drinking and eating places should be dimly lit...it is a time for relaxation!!! I most likely will return to Hubbard Inn to try out the food, but I guess I will have to come earlier in the day so that I can eat peacefully!!!
(3)
William T.
Great food! Great atmosphere! And our waitress Eileen had a lot of great suggestions and was very kind and helpful. I recommend the bacon wrapped dates and the flatbreads. However, the beer menu was outdated. I was hoping for a Christmas ale and they had October beers still.
(4)
cindy f.
i had an expired gift certificate for $100 and the restaurant refused to honor it. The manager was extremely rude and told me that he manages to use all of his gift cards before they expire and I should have done the same. ...WTF!!! Sorry...bad business...can't recommend a restaurant with that kind of attitude!
(1)
Emily Z.
We could not stop talking all night about how much we loved the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn. It is hard to explain because every table or area seems to be a little different than the next but overall it is vary warm and homey like being in a friends dining room that is way nicer than anything you could ever afford. A plethora of eccentric artwork covers the high white brick walls and a sea of large globe lights hang from the ceiling. The seating arrangements are very varied from low four top tables with high back chairs, a large communal table in the center of the lower dining room with stool seating and even a few church pews; the over all seating theme is rustic wood. The only thing I am not sold on is the odd 'rear end shaped metal stools that are at some of the tables, not comfortable! After diner we went upstairs to the lounge area which houses many tall pub tables and a few nice seating areas surrounded by fireplaces and high shelves packed with books. There are large HD tv's built into the walls that are playing old black and white movies in the best quality I have ever seen, maybe it was the wine but it looked like Grace Kelly could have just leapt off the screen, who knew Blu-ray really is all its cracked up to be! The service was very good. Though often too good, yes I just paid $1.50 for that half of shrimp I am going to suck every last bit of sweet meat out of that tail, thanks! The server Caitlin took time to explain all the dishes as they appeared at our table and the bus boys kept our water glasses full. The servers and bar tenders are all dressed in prohibition area apparel, mens vest and ties. The bus boys on the other hand were wearing tuxedo shirts, so tacky! Between 6 girls we tried 4 of the signature cocktails and no one was impressed with the result though we all loved the complementary champagne we got! They offer you one complementary bottle of Evian water and once you suck that down be sure to let them know tap is fine, unless you feel the need be pretentious. We decided to all order a small plate and share so we could taste a variety of the dishes, the waitress warned us that it would not be enough as they recommenced 2-3 small plates per person, she was right. Here is my food review from my favorite on down; - Housemade ravioli, truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens ($12). Delicious, though with 3 ravioli they were $4 a piece, really!?! - Bacon wrapped medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce ($7) Very rich dish with warm earthy goat cheese and soft sweet dates the bacon flavor gets a little lost. Serving is 4 so we were saddened to have to split them since there were 6 of us. - Half dozen Pacific & Atlantic oysters on half shell, mignonette ($16) Great presentation and very fresh, I don't eat oysters haha, but everyone else loved them. - Grilled prawns, wild mushroom conserve, garlic potato puree, sundried tomato vinaigrette ($13). 4 large prawns with a delicious smokey flavor and delicious plump marinated mushrooms. - Steak tartare, quail egg, shallot, dijon, lemon, caper, olive oil crostini ($12) - Asparagus & mushroom ragout, caramelized onion, ricotta salata, gremolata ($10). Small portion that was almost impossible to split as the dough was so hard and crunchy. I would pass on this next time. - House potato chips with sour cream chive dip ($4) - crunchy kettle cooked chips with an extra thick dip reminiscent of the kind you buy at Jewel or Dominiks. Overall the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn is top notch and I will totally be back for drinks but honestly the food is over priced. I would say make reservations if possible, though it didn't start filling up until like 7:30.
(4)
Chris S.
I met a group of friends here for dinner on Saturday night. I read a lot of reviews before going, so I knew what to expect - primarily the slow service. The bar area is nice and large and has a good beer selection and a big board of their specialty cocktails. I had a beer while waiting for our table and the bartender was quick and helpful. Once at our table, I ordered the caprese salad, the bison burger (raspberries on a burger?), and a side of asparagus. I expected to get my food in about that order, but was brought a plate of asparagus during the appetizer/salad portion of the meal. While delicious, I would have preferred to have it as a side dish, as I had ordered it. The caprese salad arrived about 3 minutes before the main course, and it was only okay. The mozzarella was fresh, but they covered everything with pesto. I really like pesto, but this drowned everything else out and made the entire dish way too rich. The burger arrived and was perfectly cooked (one member of our party ordered one medium rare and it arrived well done - it was promptly replaced and removed from the bill which was nice). To my surprise, the sweet and sour raspberries went really well with the burger. The burger came with a side of fries, which I must have missed on the menu, hence the asparagus order. The fries were excellent. Several members of our table went the tapas-style route (also the more expensive route) and really enjoyed everything. Everything was reasonably priced given the location, ambiance, and food quality. The atmosphere in the restaurant is casual/trendy with a very dim lighting, a laptop DJ front and center and a bathroom attendant in a bathroom that was too small (he was sitting right behind me as I used the urinal). I'd give the food and bar 4.5 stars (other than the caprese salad), but the service and awkward bathroom attendant bring it down to 3 for me.
(3)
Shradha A.
I just hosted my birthday party at Hubbard Inn with about 50 guests and there was not one person who didn't comment on the coolness of the space. We had the area by the fireplace upstairs and the servers were super nice and helpful. The ventilation was a little poor and during a week where Chicago's average temperature was 100F, wish they had done something more to keep the place cool besides opening up their large windows. I also had the opportunity to try some of their food while vetting the place for my party and enjoyed the vegetarian-friendliness of the menu as well as the taste of the food and especially enjoyed the extensive beer list!
(4)
Donna L.
GREAT PLACE!! Especially for a big group- very comfy and upscale 'swanky' almost. Booths look sooo cozy, but we had a big group and took the long table. And even that was so nice, not too tight and not too far, still easy to talk to everyone. Drinks were great! Everybody got something they like, whether it was a special beer, or special cocktail- mine of course were cocktails: (names were weird but taste was awesome) The Hepburn (Effen Cucumber, my fave) and The Option Two. Appetizers were delicious! Bacon wrapped dates were fantastic! Flatbreads were delicious, and we also enjoyed the salt cod fritters (but I wouldn't get them again). Salads sound good, but dining with a bunch of guys, majority rules. Beautiful array of entrees to fit all tastes. Rabbit, Pork Belly and Tuna were on the list to try, but I had to go with the Duck (the salty and sweet mix of sweet potatoes and maple glaze were unforgettable). Scallops were also ordered and very tasty. More and more drinks were ordered so dessert was not ordered, but I can't wait to try them one night.
(5)
Andrea H.
I admit that I hadn't heard much about this place before I went but my dinner group was going there so I looked into it. Sounded pretty cool, great reviews about the decor, food, cocktails, etc. How could you go wrong? So I went. And it was overwhelmingly...ok. First of all, they have a great beer and cocktail list. I'm not 100% sure, however, that the bartenders know how to make them. My sazerac came on the rocks and heavy on the absinthe. Now I like absinthe and all but I really wanted to taste the rye. Maybe they're trying to make it their own, like American Idol style. I don't know. I had a couple of the other cocktails as well, the Dutch Daisy and the Devil's Flip. They were both ok but seemed a little off, not quite balanced. Maybe they're still working out the kinks. For dinner, I ordered the sweetbreads and the trout small plates. The sweetbreads were a good size but quite bland. The trout was fishy tasting and almost non existent. There were a good number of clams in the dish, however, that kind of salvaged it. Overall, I wasn't a big fan, except for the atmosphere. Maybe I should have ordered a burger. Those looked good. And a beer. Hmmm.
(3)
Eric H.
# Vegetarian Review # Fun, casual place for drinks and good food. I had the chickpea crepes, and I highly recommend them! So delicious, and anticipate leftovers! Bottle of Mumm Champagne always washes crepes down well, followed by amazing specialty cocktails, such as the Hemingway. Definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Jennifer Y.
I love Hubbard Inn! Perfect place for a date or intimate dinner, Hubbard Inn is dark and candle-lity with amazing cocktails and pretty great food. Cocktails are really interesting with unusual ingredients and well paired flavors. My personal fav is the Hepburn. Food is pretty good with some standouts: Bacon-wrapped dates are delicious. Lobster Club sounds like an unlikely choice but is sizable, DELICIOUS and comes accompanied by a small, mouth wateringly portion of shoe-string french fries. Flat breads are a bit over-baked. Overall, is a top pick of mine when I am looking for a lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails and great food. I caveat this by saying: avoid the Thursday Night Happy Hour scene.
(4)
Anand A.
Fantastic location and vibe which makes for a refreshing spot that contrasts with the formula that is currently used at the spots peppered on Hubbard. Food is a bit rich and it was clear they are still working out the kinks there. Known for small plates. Try the Ravioli.
(4)
Christina G.
I've been here twice recently and just as a warning, this place is loooouuuud. But it's fun too and the food is pretty good. Good wine selection. They have communal seating which I am personally a fan of but have yet to try. Maybe next time.
(3)
Naz A.
We went to Hubbard Inn last weekend for a birthday party. There was a line when we arrived. We went up to the gentleman at the door who was letting people in and told him we were part of a reservation for a birthday. He was very aloof, told us he would look into it and asked us to stand on the side. He then proceeded to let about 10-12 people in before us. 15 minutes later when we asked if he had checked about our request, he turned to ask for someone to help us. Basically, he had forgotten. A women came over and asked us for the name of the person who held the reservation. When we told her, she had the nerve to tell us "That was at 9 o'clock. You are very late". It's a bday party, not a dinner reservation. I'm not sure why she thought it was appropriate to say that or speak to us in that tone. The inside of the Inn is really nice. The drinks are great and I really like the set up with the bookshelves. Very cozy. It's really a cute spot. I would have loved to come back here with friends or had a party of my own here, but not after the treatment we received at the door.
(2)
Georgia W.
Super chill, but trendy enough to be interesting. And that's just the crowd. The food at Hubbard Inn is even more tempting, the drinks are tasty and the service - attentive. Dark wood, warm lights, chalkboard specials above the bar...it's cute! There are plenty of laid back taverns and worn in bars in Seattle. So I get excited when a place can combine creative small plates along with craft cocktails. And do it with style. Mission: local beers on tap and good apps. *Done and Done* Some reviews point out some random rants- heating/AC/loud music/ drunk dudes... seems a little harsh and off base. Hubbard Inn is a T*A*V*E*R*N. (?!?) Bacon wrapped dates were insanely good....might be the best EVER. Go. Chill. Drink. Enjoy. It's a good spot.
(4)
Kim D.
I went here for my bachelorette last Saturday night as I was in town visiting from San Francisco & had heard great things. It's definitely crowded & loud, but very fun. We managed to grab a table as another group was leaving, so were absolutely psyched. After waiting for about 15 min, we went up to the bar for a drink assuming there was no server. Shortly after, a short blonde came up and said that we "had to order drinks from her if we wanted to sit in her section". We tried to explain we had been waiting & were from out of town, but she was pretty rude. The next time we needed a round we waited almost 40 minutes. My friend was really ticked at the way we were treated so she left no tip during the 2nd round of drinks. Shortly after the rude blonde server comes back, throws the receipt at us and says "I'm not doing this for free". Wow. Last I knew, gratutity was for good service - not an expectation!! I called the manager over to talk to him about what was going on. He introduced himself as John and said he would take care of it right away. He was absolutely professional and did take care of us right away. Not only did he comp our last round of drinks, but he got us a new server & made sure we didn't have a problem getting a drink. Thanks John! You absolutely saved the review for me on this place.
(4)
Molly M.
great atmosphere buzz killed by $4 upcharge for an icecube in my basil hayden.
(2)
Matt M.
If you are looking for price point this is not your place. If you are looking for "fine dining" this is not your place. This place has a unique atmosphere and great service, but the food and experience fail to make this place standout. The fries in a cup thing is kind of cool, but the fries inside are kind of like soggy jays shoestrings. The lamb burger I had was nothing special either. The bun was dry and the meat was not seasoned at all. The ambiance is also unique but awkward. You can sit at a really long table that makes it look like a yuppie chow hall, or you sit at a tables that are jammed waaaaaayyy to close together with awkward seating. Not to mention, you will not be able to hear the person across the table from you at all. Its the perfect place if you are looking for a sports bar atmopshere, fine dining prices, and fast food flavor.
(2)
Ali O.
Sadly I have to give this place an overall bad review after 2yrs of coming here due to service. When it first opened I loved it; the bartenders were super nice and actually even wanted to know my name. Then I came here for a late afternoon/early evening meal...and man...the service was so slow. Then one time I came and the bartender was so rude to me and my friend I guess because he thought he was God's gift to women and we weren't flirting with him. Now the last straw was was charged 11.08 for a vodka sprite...keep in mind I usually only go to bars in the west loop and river north so I know the standard vodka soda is not 11 dollars considering they have signature cocktails at that price...to make matter worse he took forever to ring me while giving his attn to some other patrons. So I have to end this relationship. Train your service staff to actually respect your customers.
(1)
Bryan M.
The duck sausage was worse than low grade dog food. I could have cooked better sausage in a microwave. The short ribs and the scallops sucked too. The bacon wrapped dates were ehh. After living in Chicago for 7 years this is the worst meal I have had. I would seriously rather eat a dead raccoon than this garbage again. Suuuuuuuuuuuucked. If you are thinking about eating here, do yourself a favor and eat a bag of sand. It would be more enjoyable. Succcccccccccccked. And what's with every door downstairs leading to the bathrooms being for employees only. You literally have to walk past 10 doors all marked employees only before finding the bathroom in the back of their Buffalo Bill's basement. I got your dog mister and I am serving it to guests as an overpriced tasteless entree. Suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkked.
(1)
Chirag P.
Good drinks and good draft beers, but the food was nothing special. Although most of the dishes we had were veggie, so I'm guessing that was the issue. The scallops were probably my favorite, definitely give those a shot, but skip any VEGGIE stuff. I know my wife will be pissed that I said that. Anyways, the place itself gets pretty packed on weekends, so try to go on a weekday if you're going for a meal. Fun place to hang out and nice decor.
(3)
B C.
I went here with friends for a beer and appetizers meal, and we were roundly disappointed. While the service was nice and trying 110%, the food was overpriced and worthy of a Jewel freezer section. Another thing this place had going for it was an interesting decor. An arrogant guy in the Alps would live in the Hubbard Inn. Unfortunately, tag-a-longs show up and that's what you have here, a bunch of obnoxious fellas talking in that way that's meant to be overheard.
(2)
Amelia B.
I'm torn between 4 and 5. Food =5, everything else =4. Going with 4, so read on. I made a reservation for 7:30pm a few weeks ago and was really eager to try it out. Behind Ayn Rand & Dickens, Hemingway is my favorite author, so obviously I was drawn in to any place that would model the restaurant after him. We were seated promptly at 7:30pm, but at the table right next to the front door. At this point, I should have spoken up and asked to be placed elsewhere, especially because there were plenty of open tables and I made a reservation weeks ago (so I thought I should get some priority). Alas, I chickened out. And having been a server for a long time, I understand how patrons requesting to switch tables can put a server in the weeds. So I spent a lot of the dinner getting blasts of cold air in the face (despite the double door arrangement). Nevertheless, the cold is nothing that a few drinks can't cure. Started off with a perfect dirty, extra dry vodka martini with blue cheese olives. Delish--probably one of the best I've had in the River North area. We also started off the asparagus flatbread--absolutely DIVINE. So much flavor, I probably could have ate three of them. It's a pretty decent size as well. Moved on to the salmon and the scallops. I highly recommend both--the salmon was cooked perfectly, and the scallops just melted in the mouth. We also ordered a bottle of sangiovese, which, for the cheapest red on the menu (hey--I roll like that), was surprisingly smooth. It definitely drank like some more expensive wines I've had. Some random observations non-food & drink related: (1) Holy crap, this place is loud. I had to yell at my dinner companion even though we were only a foot away from each other. And this was at 7:30pm. Granted, we were sitting right near the bar and there was a large crowd there. (2) Holy cougars! Definitely a mixed crowd, which I appreciate. But I did get some great laughs out of a large party of older women making it a point to take pics with the young guys around the bar. No wedding rings in sight. (3) Is the complimentary Evian bottled water necessary? (though make sure you specify you want tap water after that, or they will charge you $3 for another). What's wrong with tap water? (4) I wish we had sat further back in the restaurant--might have been a better ambiance. (5) there is bathroom attendant--ladies carry money. I ran back up and grabbed a few bucks and then ran back down. So overall--food is definitely five-star, but a bit iffy on the rest. I'll be back, and hopefully in a different location in the restaurant.
(4)
Leang E.
I came here for a friend's birthday party, and it was a pretty cool spot. We were upstairs. I was disappointed that it was so warm in there though. Like with the temperatures we have been experiencing where was the air conditioning?! I felt like I was sweating through my dress, and I couldn't understand why the gas fireplace was on. I think it was real anyways and it seemed like heat was emanating from there. The drink prices were pretty comparable and it is a spacious area, but it gets packed. I liked that the crowd was maybe 30's ish and not too young and annoying, but more sophisticated and relaxed. There was a variety of different types of music. I want to come back and try the food. I heard it was good, so I will be back.
(3)
Jaime S.
I didn't know what the premise of Hubbard Inn was before I walked in, but based on the other reviews, It appears my impression of Hubbard Inn was spot on: It smells like a library, the lighting is such that you feel like you may be in an absinthe induced haze, and the Hemingway/expatriate vibe is VERY apparent. I came with 6 girls after some March Madness, mostly because my BFF was in town from Philly and i wanted to get her to every new place in River North so that she doesn't feel disconnected from Chicago. It was supremely crowded, but I imagine if you can get there in time to get a table, it would be a great spot. I don't stray from clear drinks, but the drink list looked impressive. 3 Stars for now, but I'm going to have to try this place again.
(3)
Maria B.
I love Hubbard Inn. From the interior decor to the staff...everything is perfect. The lighting is great, the crowd looks good and the atmosphere can't be beat. To be fair, I have only eaten here once, and it was good, but my favorite thing to do is come here and split a bottle of prosecco with my friends and watch the world go by outside. Great people watching. I have also come here many times for evening cocktails on the weekends and it is a great place to get the night started. The weekend crowd and upstairs bar have a vibrant energy and feel a bit more mature than other spots in the area-in a good way. Reminds me of Waverly Inn in NYC crowd and energy wise. Definitely recommend for dinner, cocktails to get the weekend night started or after-work happy hours.
(4)
Holly J.
Great atmosphere - although be warned, it can get a little loud. Definitely recommend for a couple drinks but would not go out of my way to have dinner. Food is ok, not great. For the prices, you could get a better meal at many other places in River North. Go for the social environment. Do not go if you are expecting to have a memorable meal.
(3)
Ariana S.
Well done Hubbard Inn! Here's the thing. If you met me you would probably stereotype me as a 20-something, single urban professional who tends to gravitate toward the trendy "it" place only to snobbishly judge it myself and then tell the world my opinion as if it mattered. Well...you're stereotype would be spot on. Nice to meet you! I have been wanting to try Hubbard Inn for a while and I was so glad I did! I went for dinner so I can't yet speak to the weekend night scene but I'll come back to update. Atmosphere: LOVE! Looks kind of like an old smoking room with high wooden tables, wrought-iron castings and chalk on chalkboard menu items. We sat in "the library" in the back on chaise lounges next to the fire and busts of horse heads. (ok sounds weird but it was really cool). Drinks: I played it safe at first and ordered off the wine menu and was not disappointed but the cocktail list was beckoning me so I quickly downed the wine and ordered the "Hubbard Rose" and loved it! Whiskey with rose juice and mint. Yum! Food: I trusted my date on this one and I was not disappointed! [The food was good too. ;-) ] He ordered like a pro, not missing a beat as he sprouted off the Duck Rilette, Short Ribs, Scallops with pumpkin sage, and clam covered flatbread. Seriously this guy has mad skills. Everything was really tasty but I have to give a shoutout to the SCALLOPS. Melt in your mouth INCREDIBLE! The Short Ribs were also so insanely tender that they basically didn't need to be chewed and the Flatbread was a reall unique combo of flavors. Wasn't thrilled with the duck but still enjoyed it. Nice job Hubbard Inn! You made this 20-something a very happy yelper.
(4)
Shayna R.
I had a private party for 18 people at Hubbard Inn. This was the most horrible private party experience I have EVER HAD. As someone who organizes private parties for clients and my own company, I have had experience with setting a menu and pricing dinners. I had to sign a contract with Hubbard Inn for this party, and put down a credit card to secure the spot. I arrived 15 minutes prior to the reserved time (8pm, Fri night). The table was NOT ready yet. For a party of 18, you would expect them to have it set up at least 15 minutes prior, so I could see how it would look, or make any changes that I wanted made. No such luck. I would have to wait till 8pm, and until HALF my party arrived to be seated. Then they brought us to a communal table. To my horror, they sat us at a table, 18 of my party, 4 people WHOM I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW, at the end of my table! They had 4 extra spaces and they were going to get good use of it! I told the manager this was unacceptable--true it was not stated in my contract that I would get a private table, but no where else did it say, nor did the events coordinator tell me, there was a possibility of being at a communal table. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOOKED A PRIVATE PARTY WITH A COMMUNAL TABLE. Who thinks expecting to sit at a private table with 18 guests is reasonable? I DO! By the time she worked out that she would throw in 4 bottles of wine and the dessert charge, my party had already ordered wine by the glass and beer. Bear in mind that I had to be away from my party for the first 15-20 minutes to RENEGOTIATE the contract due to their negligence. They even admitted that the party at the end of the table was not originally seated there, that they had been unhappy with their own table and were moved by a waiter. WELL AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, THAT WAS NOT MY PROBLEM. I after all, booked a PRIVATE PARTY! Well the end result was that after everyone had already ordered single pour wine, we only really ordered 2 additional bottles of wine. I just assumed she would remove the charges for the single pour wine since she waited till everyone was seated to rectify the situation. her mistake. No such luck. At the end of the party they only took off $40 off a $1100 bill and brought the GM and the events coordinator to ARGUE WITH ME, in front of my guests. They also had the nerve to tell me that despite spending $1k at their restaurant, "that's not a lot of money." I GUESS THEY DON'T NEED BUSINESS AT HUBBARD INN. At that point, I really had no choice but to threaten to take them to court over this issue and paid the bill. Unhappy. Very very disappointed with their ability to handle a discrepancy with a CONTRACTED DINNER. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.
(1)
Stephen F.
Based on a Saturday night sojourn, Hubbard Inn is a regular stop on the Near North 30-something trend-o-matic conveyor belt. The women wear Blahniks and too much makeup, the men pre-distressed jeans and Ed Hardy or a full suit. It's a popular scene -- and totally not what I'm looking for in a night out. But Hubbard Inn did appear to be organized, running well without long waits at the bar or bathrooms. The beer menu gets a solid B -- and I don't grade on a curve. So if you like to be seen with pretty people, this is your stop on a night out.
(3)
Chloe C.
Probably my favorite bar on Hubbard. It's not quite as clubby/douchy as some of the surrounding bars but it's still fun and fancy. Fun for groups of friends or dates (if you can get one of the normal tables or sit at the bar instead of those long tables - that can be a little awkward on a date). I'm a fan. :)
(4)
Amanda F.
I've been to Hubbard Inn a few times and always enjoyed the evening...whether its right after work, dinner, or late night. From the art, to the menu, to the themed cocktails, the "Hemingway-inspired" theme is fun to trace. The drinks are fantastic, but sometimes contain such hard-to-find ingredients that even Hubbard Inn doesn't have them in stock. Ideally, the Bartenders would mark which cocktails they are unable to concoct, but on more than one occasion I've had to play a guessing game that ended in "Well what can you make?!" Regardless, "The Aviator" is my new favorite drink and worth the $10 (when all the ingredients are in stock). While on the pricier side, the food is warm, well-portioned, and very tasty. There are also some menu items that are unique to Hubbard Inn. I had the Pear Salad, the Moroccan vegetables, and shared french fries. The vegetables were spicy, savory, and delicious. The portion was also massive. Everyone at my table loved their food were sufficiently liquored up to ignore the higher-than-average Tuesday night dinner bill. The crowd is pretty typical for River North, but there were a fair number of business travelers at 11Pm on a Friday night that clearly looked like they were past due back at their hotels post dinner. In general, it caters to the young, yuppie foodies who don't mind paying a little extra for drinks and enjoy "semi-dancing" (so as not to spill pricey cocktail). If you're a fan of the River North scene (new concept restaurant/bar, high ceilings, high-tops, gourmet-pub fare menus, and late evening noisiness), Hubbard Inn is your new favorite spot. .
(4)
Bo Y.
Loved it! The atmosphere was perfect: busy, energetic, trendy, dim, sexy, fun...the cocktails were delicious and deceivingly strong, plus they have great craft beers on tap. Didn't eat here, but certainly enjoyed the fashionable crowd and the decor.
(5)
Beth A.
as a rule i dont stand in line to get into places in a city where i can walk down a single block and find 8 other places to just walk in to...but last nite i waited and waited and waited on a nice weekend nite i expect bars to be busy but what i cant handle is when there are plenty of potential customers waiting while the stick up their ass doorguys are lettin in 40 other ppl off the streets...my money is worth the same as anyone elses tyvm after we were allowed in it was crazy loud and so crowded we couldnt even make our way to the bar ...maybe this place is worth it off hours during the week but i will never set foot near here again on a weekend
(1)
Brandon J.
I've been to Hubbard Inn for happy hour a few times. The drinks are solid, beer selection thoughtful, and service is excellent. On weekend nights, the crowd picks up a lot and by 10pm, it's a borderline dance party.
(4)
Kristen D.
This place is really fun and great for socializing. The bar upstairs is large and has tons of seating. The bartenders are super friendly and they also have a great drink menu. I really enjoyed my night here and recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun and easy going bar in river north.
(4)
TJ Y.
I went here on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was overall a great experience! However, there were still many negatives through the night... We had a reservation, but were not seated until 30-40 minutes after our reservation. This was a bit annoying since we did have after dinner comedy show tickets. The manager/gm did make it up to us by giving us a free bottle of champagne... this could've also been because it was a birthday celebration or maybe because of both the birthday and the wait. Who knows... As far as ambiance... it was very busy and VERY loud inside... we sat in a booth on the main floor and you had to shout for the person across the table to hear you. If you're looking for a place where you can hold a conversation with friends, this isn't the place. The food was SPECTACULAR. We got two flatbreads to share as an appetizer and the mushroom/asparagus one was great! For the main course, I had the braised rabbit over tagliatelle. The light sauce wasn't what I expected for a rabbit dish, but it was delicious!! My friends also ordered the scallops as their main course and they loved it. Portions are on the small side, but we left feeling satisfied. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert to split between the 6 f us and both were awesome. They were big pieces of cake and both were sooo good!! The service was ok. At some points, we couldn't locate our waiter and it took awhile to track him down to get our check. Overall, foodwise, it was great and I would definitely go back! Next time I may go on a weekday or earlier in the evening when it isn't so crowded and loud.
(4)
Desiree B.
Went here last night for a long-awaited girls night-great atmosphere, great drinks, great food. The reason I'm taking the time to write a review is to comment on the impeccable service and response we got from the manager, host, waitress, and bartender in response to an unfortunate situation we had with a Grade A Douchebag who clearly had never been let out of his little monkey cage. The way the Hubbard Inn staff handled it was first-class-and instead of letting our night and dinner get ruined by a low class reject, they totally salvaged with it with their attentiveness, great service, comic relief, new food, a fresh round of drinks and dessert shots for good measure. Girls night was saved and we will laugh about it for a long time. We all look forward to coming back and checking out the swank private dining space upstairs. Hubbard Inn 1, Pathetic Douchebags 0.
(5)
Niti B.
Finally made it out for a drink and a small bite to eat on a random wednesday night. I was looking to sip on a glass of wine and sit outside while I people watched and this place was right in the hot spot zone even for a weekday. I had the beet salad with goat cheese rather than blue cheese and the three cheese flatbread. Everything was delicious and the service was super nice. Although I felt like it was a friday night I loved the atmosphere both inside and outside this spot and might consider coming back since the wait wasn't very long for a table outside on a nice spring day!
(3)
Bruno C.
We stopped in after a white sox game and was blown away with the clubby, sophisticated space. Giant bar with every brand of liquor you can imagine. Beers galore. And, inspiring craft cocktails made seasonally. The room seems to have a Hemingway theme with original art. The food is mostly small plates, all well put together and tasty. Though the delicate flavor of the mussels I ordered was overpowered by chorizo. I should have known better because I love mussels but only like chorizo, sometimes. We also ordered a couple of the flatbreads, great with cocktails and done to perfection. Seared giant scallops. Terrific. Lobster roll, very tasty but a bit light on the lobster. Overall a great experience--atmosphere, cocktails and food all top notch. I went back at lunch 3 days later and had perfect, fresh oysters and a rich, tasty lobster bisque. And three more cocktails--try the Hemingway. The service on both days was friendly, welcoming and seemed genuine. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)
Katie W.
I've been here a few times now and my opinions still more or less reflect what they were on my first visit. I want to like this place so much more than I do - I think it has great potential and stands out a bit from the other places on Hubbard. My main gripe is with the service. I work in the area and every time I have gone for lunch it is so...slow...Like literally 10-15 minutes between sitting down, being approached by a server, getting a drink, taking the order, etc. If you are a downtown restaurant, most of your lunch clientele is likely working and does not have 2 hours to spare for their lunch break. Sheesh. The food *is* good and also different from the other fare at restaurants nearby, but they're kind of uppity when it comes to making any adjustments to your order. I'm not talking super high-maintenance "I want that salad but don't include xyz and please add this and dressing on the side" type requests. One of my coworkers wanted an egg added to his burger - which was an ingredient available on another sandwich, so we knew they had it. Our waitress was all "well I don't know if the chef can do that blahblahblah". Listen - this isn't Alinea. Just put the egg on the burger and call it a day. Another coworker made a request that they said they would honor but when she got her food, they hadn't. All things that seemed simple enough but that they acted very inflexible towards. Ok finally this is admittedly nitpicky but the bathroom is SO DARK. Like, I-ran-into-something-because-I-couldn't-see-s**t-Âand-stubbed-my-toe dark. Not sure what they're trying to accomplish with that but all of these things put together just lead to the overall feeling that they're trying way too hard. I think they have a good formula here but are just overthinking it a bit. I did go for drinks once and the bartenders were really nice and the cocktails were super. But when it comes to having an overall good meal experience, it's not a place I would recommend.
(2)
noel f.
Food is terrible and there's not much of it. I'm not big fan of raw potatoes and high priced tiny dishes! Drinks are good, good location, not a good place to eat.
(2)
Tanya M.
We had a great experience at Hubbard Inn. Our seat was a table half in and half outside. It was a beautiful night and fun people watching. The beer selection was great and we enjoyed the food as well. Small plates are the way to go because there are so many wonderful choices.
(4)
Joel W.
I loved HI's atmosphere. It's what I imagine Mr. Burns' or Bing Crosby's library looks(ed) like. The small library/sitting area is awesome. There's a bar on ground floor and upstairs. Both I'd feel classy sitting at, sipping midcentury cocktail concoctions. The ground floor also has a large table that can accommodate...maybe 20 maybe more? it's huge. Food was very good. Between my wife and me, I tried a few entrees and appetizers. All were great, however the HIGHLIGHT, for me, was the Chickpea Crepe. Oh man. I'm not a vegetarian, but I periodically like to try what restaurants are doing that are vegetarian or meatless. I felt lucky for picking it. I enjoyed the rabbit and scallops and burger and rhubarb salad...but that Crepe, hmmm, I still dream about it. I also had Steak Tartare, but I've learned that I just don't like tartare much. I can only assume that Hubbard Inn did a good job, so since I didn't like it, it probably means my trying-to-like-tartare days are over. When we arrived, our table was not ready. They invited us to grab a drink at the bar..but it was full. So we ordered between two people and stood and sipped our cocktails. 4 sips in and we get word the table was ready. We were escorted to the second floor where a few table were empty awaiting guests. I hope they didn't make us wait just so we'd buy a drinks ($23 for two). They wouldn't do that,...right? Hm. I think in total we spent about $125, so it's not cheap. Dress up and go.
(4)
Ashley M.
No thanks-- Walking in, the decor is nice. It has a modern vintage vibe which I adore. I got there a bit earlier than my date so I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely nice. And this is how they got two stars. I want to bump it down to one though. After sitting at the table, the waitress kept pressuring us to make a selection "oh well the kitchen closes at 10". Okay lady hold your horses. I ordered the ravioli and it was..okay. Let me put it like this, Olive Garden is better. The date ordered steak. He cleaned the plate so I'll assume that was good. I kid you not, every three minutes someone asked us were we done eating an could they take our plates. If my fork is in my hand the logical answer would be no right? Not here. Afterward the date and I thought it would be a good idea to take our drinks to the sofas and talk. I mean, they close at 2am so we had plenty of time right? No. Our waitress came over and told us they were closing that part of the restaurant (really?) and then dimmed the lights. I actually preferred the dimmed lights so the date and I kept talking and drinking. She came over AGAIN with a nasty attitude and we asked for the bill and she brought it over. I saw her speaking with a few of her coworkers who started to stare in our direction. We were the only two people over there. Then she turned the lights OFF in our section. Off. Completely off. Really?? Being defiant, the date and I stayed until she came to get the payment and she said "you guys can't be in here like this" and walked off. Really?? At least wait until we tip you to be rude Stacy or whatever your name is. Never again.
(2)
Myrna J.
The place looks incredible. We just wanted drinks so sat at the bar. The bartender had good hair. The drinks were good (according to the folks I was with).. all were good. I had a simple gin and tonic.. was fine too. I thought the bartender was pretty unfriendly. He wasn't busy either, just not communicative... nor did he smile. I probably wouldn't go back unless I couldn't find another bar nearby. Too many place in Chicago to settle for less than great!
(2)
Morgan M.
Slowly but surely there are places that we naturally gravitate to...why it's taken so long to get to Hubbard Inn, is just plain crazy. Forget winding down over a cup of tea--this lady needs a night out, and it involves stopping inside a packed house. There is so much happening inside of this hot spot that not one single thing can be denied. Not the beer Not the space Not the men..or the ladies Not even the bartenders I honestly had low expectations when my friends suggested we make a stop at Hubbard Inn for a drink. Thinking it would be like any other place along that strip, I was shushed and tsk'd all along the way. They knew what was to be expected. The minute we walked in, despite the sardine-effect...it was comfortable. This is a prime spot for an after work cocktail, a place to take a date later in the evening...or simply a place to just go. The crowd is ecclectic and mixed, and yet everyone is equally engaging. Something that can be hit or miss with similiar bars. Your eyes will not get bored either from the interior decor or the eye candy, there's a whole lot going on inside. We didn't have any food, but opted for cocktails as it was a very happening weeknight. Prices are no different than any other bar. One hour turns to two and you lose yourself in your groups and the five groups around you. Nobody is shy. Honestly, you can't go wrong if you're looking for someplace different that offers glamour, hipsters, happy hour folk and clubbers. It's a full range that brings everyone together for a sure-found successful night out.
(4)
Lindsey W.
I've been here twice now and I have to say, I'm still impressed. The first time I was with a group and we did small plates. Perfect portions to share- the salad with blue cheese was so good and filling, the dates melted in your mouth. Everything else was okay, but I remember those. They had a mix up with our reservations and sent us a bottle of champagne to make-good after we mentioned it to the manager. So the wait service is very nice, the hostesses not so much. The second time I've been we each did our own entrees and I had the chicken sandwich. It was delicious, the fries were addicting. My only complaint about this place is the price of drinks, but for River North that's to be expected.
(4)
brion d.
I only decided to write after I saw another Yelpers' experience (Ellen D). The night after I went there, I found multiple charges on my credit card that I didn't make. I called the restaurant and got no call back. Tried again, no call back. After the third try I called my credit card company and told them there was an unauthorized charge on the card. My credit card company took it from there, and the invalid charges were voided, but what a pain in the butt. And to see that someone else had the same experience with the management isn't good. Check your statement after you leave this place! Oh, everything else about this place is fine.
(2)
Dan H.
We've all had some bad waiters in our time. But it's those stellar servers who make the meal all the more memorable. Sometimes you just get lucky, depending upon the eatery. Other establishments strive to ensure each and every waiter and waitress shines. Hubbard Inn accomplished just that. My waitress, Eileen is an adorable brunette, very personable and very efficient. She was friendly, attentive yet not smothering, knowledgeable yet not a know-it-all, the wait staff at Hubbard Inn understand that high-quality service goes hand in hand with high-quality food. With an eye for detail and impeccable care for individual needs, Hubbard Inn's wait staff not only ensure that patrons' meals are perfect, but that their entire dining experience is equally unforgettable.
(5)
emily h.
Meh, meh, meh. My husband and I came here with a few other couples for dinner one night. When I walked in, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the decor. It has a very cozy yet chic feel to it. The food, drinks and service were NOT impressive. Our waitress acted really bothered by us the whole time. Any time I would order another drink, she acted like I was imposing. Overall, the food portions were very small and pricey. I think I got 3 raviolis for like $14 and they were not even that good. We all left annoyed and hungry and swore never to come back. Well, somehow, a few weeks later I came trotting back in with my girlfriends for a bachelorette party. The bride was wearing a crown (that perhaps had a male body part on it) and we were asked to leave. FINE WITH ME!
(1)
Tony G.
The bacon wrapped dates were a great starter. The pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked.
(3)
Nicole C.
I was at Hubbard Inn last night for a friend's birthday dinner. This is a perfect spot for a girls night out! Between the four of us, we shared the following small plates: ______________________ *Beet Salad* roasted red & yellow beets, watercress, billy blue cheese, candied walnuts, bean vinaigrette *Bacon Wrapped Dates* medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce *Pan Seared Scallops* pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter *Salmon* pan seared with creamy dill rice *The Burger* all natural angus, lettuce, tomato, onion, aged cheddar _____________________ All of the main courses are served in small cast iron casserole dishes meant for sharing. It feels very much like tapas. I'd recommend everything listed above, but my favorites were the bacon wrapped dates and the salmon. Add two bottles of wine and one specialty cocktail to the courses listed above and our total bill was about $170, or about $42 per person. Sure, these same dishes can be found at good restaurants all over Chicago, but I loved the atmosphere (very classy and old fashioned) and the food was amazing -- and I can appreciate a little Spanish flare to the ambiance and food. LOVE the Spanish tiles!!! In speaking with our server we learned that this place is owned by a man from Spain and a man from Mexico. They also own English, LaSalle Power Company, and several other well-known Chicago restaurants.
(4)
Christina M.
I stopped in for drinks/appetizers this past weekend with my boyfriend. I thought the fries were average and that the drinks were pretty good. I also liked the decor, it seemed like someone put a lot of thought into the decoration. I especially liked the downstairs area.
(3)
Christy T.
Do you ever entertain friends from out-of-town? I don't mean friends from Schaumburg cuz they want to go to someplace like "Nine" (if that place is even around anymore). I'm talkin about that person you stood up for in their wedding, or that old frat guy you enjoy an occasional concert or swapmeet with...? Well, next time your long-lost friend comes into Chicago to visit their "know-it-all" Chicago friend (that's YOU!!!), make sure and start your evening of festivities at Hubbard Inn!!! Located on the N/W corner @ Hubbard/Clark (2 doors w. of Clark), you & your crew can indulge in cocktails and people-watching. We made a reservation for dinner and between the sausage flatbread (mini-pizza served on a wooden chopping block), the sea scallop dish, and short-rib entre, my FAVORITE DISH of those was the SAUSAGE FLATBREAD! I did order the flourless chocolate cake to go. It was OK- I'd go back to Hubbard Inn with a group of gal friends before going dancing or seeing a concert. Boomin-vibe!
(3)
K B.
Went here with a large group (17) for a birthday. Had a huge table reserved for us, but we had to get there at 5. Anyway, the restaurant just said they would come out deliciousness, and boy did they ever. Started with the mussels and bacon wrapped dates and they were killer. I would have been satisfied with just that, but oh no! They then brought the seared scallops, three cheese flatbread, and house made ravioli. All still wonderful (and I usually badmouth cheese "pizza"). And I think they brought out lamb shoulder at the end but my stomach was already spent. So, just to be clear, the food here is delicious. But damn expensive.
(4)
Shannon C.
I've been a few times before. Saturday night, girls party reserved table upstairs. I like the couches and the atmosphere is well managed so it isn't too crowded, good music. Champagne menu too expensive and not well selected. I met the owner and I was a little turned off by his dismissive attitude. Better for twenty-something mingling than thirty-something socialization (and obviously, the increased dispensible income between these decades is not necessarily valued bc they do pack a full house on the weekends).
(2)
Allison H.
We called the day before to make sure the dinner menu would be served at 3pm on Sunday. We were coming right after the Hawks game and didn't want brunch. They assured us that we would be able to order off the dinner menu. However, it was a different story when we arrived. They said we couldn't order until 4pm. This was dissapointing since we did call ahead. Then, they were out of the first two wines we ordered off the menu. Looks like they need some work on communication and ordering. We decided to leave at eat somewhere else.
(2)
Kida T.
Ehhh.....went here for my birthday and it was ok. It was packed and I stupidly forgot to make reservations so my friend and I ended up at the bar. We ordered a couple of their signature cocktails and boy, were they awful. I can't recall what they were but my friend and I never finished them. Just really bad tasting. We ordered food off the menu as well snd I was disappointed that they were just small plates. I get that it's supposed to be fancy but we were expecting something more. The food was good though and our bartender Zach was very attentive,.although he should pay a bit more attention to how he's making dem drinks. I'd go back though.....
(3)
Lindley E.
I remember one thing from our meal: the french fries. They were tasty. Actually, I should say, the french fries were pleasantly memorable. The aoili, it was fine. But I'll be damned if I can remember much else from our meal. It just wasn't executed...memorably. If anyone tells you this restaurant is gorgeous, they likely are male, like male activities like big game hunting and drag racing, chess and Xbox 360, heavy drinking and saunas. They like the idea of tuna fishing, but don't necessarily have the patience for it. They're also known women, many women. And sometimes they write about it, Tucker Max style. They usually only share this with anonymous friends on the internet. These men, these leather sofa-loving men who stock libraries full of classic editions of the great books - 'just for show' - also like to order classic cocktails and craft beer - 'just for show'. Which makes Hubbard Inn the perfect place for them. Unfortunately the sound level is really high, so they have to yell to tell their dirty sex stories, something they only do after three drinks (they make 'em strong here). I like dining in a restaurant where I can hear not only my thoughts, but my dining companion. Some seats in the joint allow this (hint: ask to be seated in the library). Specials are adorable on chalkboards, but only in a place that really do focus on fresh and seasonal. I didn't get the impression that that's Hubbard Inn's bag. You know. They're more about the leather.
(2)
Dana F.
"About morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after." It's true - even Ernest Hemingway himself would endorse my hedonistic urges. When I discovered that the Hemingway-inspired Hubbard Inn had recently opened, featuring small plates and an impressive liquor list, I had to check it out (and take my partner in crime, the lovely Dee Y., along). The atmosphere is fantastic and really transports you to Hemingway's library. To add to the sort of somber ambiance, sad songs by one of my favorite bands, The National, were in rotation. No detail is overlooked - photographs line the walls of the bathrooms and even the silverware has a very 1920s vibe to it. The beers on draft are fairly standard and include a few common Belgian beers, as well as quite a few Goose Island selections. I opted for a glass of Rioja wine, which was of surprisingly good quality for only $10. To start, we shared the poached prawn salad. The salad was a bit heavy on the dressing and the olive and roasted red pepper toppings were quite sparse. I'm not even sure if I saw any artichoke lurking in that huge bed of arugula! We also shared the seared scallops with pumpkin puree and brown butter. These were my favorite of the evening. The scallops were large and juicy and the sweetness of the pumpkin enhanced the natural sweetness of the scallops (that, and I love anything pumpkin). The Moroccan vegetables were good, albeit a bit ordinary. There was nothing unique or differentiating about them. That, and the carrots were very undercooked compared to the rest of the vegetables and protein (cauliflower, chickpeas, etc.). For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate cake, topped with strawberries and cream. What an odd cake; it had the consistency of a chewy brownie. Oh, and it was HUGE. I was expecting bitter chocolate for a flourless cake, but this chocolate was much sweeter than I had expected. Service is spot-on at Hubbard Inn. Whether the community manager is contacting you on Twitter or your waiter is suggesting some of his favorite small plates from the menu, I felt very much at home. The food, however, left something to be desired, but this seems like a great place to enjoy the atmosphere and have a drink or two at the bar.
(3)
Paul C.
The first thing you'll notice about Hubbard Inn is the huge communal tables. That's right. Yet another place going for the flavor of the month, pack-you-in-like-a-second-grader-so-we-can-Âsqueeze-in-a-few-extra-customers, vibe. This results in a very noisy spot, that's probably good for happy hour and little else. Don't come there with a date, someone you're trying to impress, or anyone you want to have a conversation with. I ended up hitting up Hubbard Inn for a company lunch, so the best thing about my meal was I didn't have to pay. Hubbard Inn is going for the gastro pub type fare with portion sizes that are all over the map. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was quite tasty and well prepared. The fries were totally bland and forgettable. Other people I was with had varying degrees of happiness depending on what they ordered. The salads were huge, but fish portions quite small. If you order the prawns you get three prawns--more of an appetizer than a main course. The flat breads which are billed as an appetizer are definitely big enough to be a stand-alone meal. Tried the cheesecake for desert and it was pretty good. I honestly didn't have any real complaints about the food. Service was ok, but nothing stellar. One of our dishes was forgotten so they were 11 for 12 on getting dishes out. From time to time our server also just disappeared, especially when it was time for the bill. Coming in a group of 12 did make the communal eating more tolerable, but it was basically impossible to hear anyone who wasn't sitting next to you or directly across from you. Given that the food was overall decent I'd put this place at a 2.5 stars but rounding down for communal tables and general loudness. Hubbard Inn is probably a nice spot for a happy hour, but I wouldn't want to buy my own meal there.
(2)
Annie N.
I met a friend here for lunch and although the location and decor were both on the positive side, but our experience was just ok. Our waitress was nice, but the food took a while to get out. It was really hot outside that day (this was a bit ago) and we were sitting outside, so the sun was killing us, and my water wasn't refilled fast enough. For lunch, this spot was pretty popular, and lots of people were coming in and out, even for the outdoor seating. The menu was pretty standard - salads, flat bread, sandwiches, and some other options. I honestly wasn't impressed with the selections, and since I wasn't eating meat at the time, nothing really stood out for me. I ended up getting the Mushroom & Asparagus flat bread and my friend got a Cobb Salad. Portion was fine, enough for lunch, and the food was average. I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'd remember the next day or talk to people about. My lunching companion said his salad was good, but again I didn't see anything outstanding about it. Prices were alright. Kinda on the pricier side for lunch - I think the bill came out between 40-50 for the 2 of us, but he had drinks. It wouldn't be bad if the food was a bit better. But I probably won't come back just for food. There are many other options around the corner.
(3)
Eric S.
Hubbard Inn is a interesting mix between upscale restaurant and bar. Their food menu has some great selections of both apps, small plates, and meals. I've had everything from the bacon wrapped dates (yum), to the scallops, to the lobster sandwich. Everything is always perfect. The bar has a great list of various selections too. The only complaint I would have is that their higher end alcohol selections rotate so not everything may be available at all times.
(5)
Filip F.
Since this place is fairly new, they might still be working out the kinks. I went here at 8:30pm on Friday night. It was obviously busy. Right away they asked me to take my hat off. Not a big deal. I rarely wear one anyways....But then I saw the staff wearing tuxedo t-shirts. This irritated me somewhat. If a bar takes itself seriously enough to enforce a no-hat policy, I want to see staff wearing something that was not bought at a douchebag store outside Wrigley field. Speaking of douchebags, they do frequent this place. Food was "ok". Portions were somewhat small. It tasted good. I had a burger. Our waiter was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He disappeared for long periods of time. Overall, decor was very cool and unique. It was loud. Could not hear anyone without leaning in within inches of their face. In summary, this sounds like a bad review. But place is new. And it was Friday night. This place is not bad, but not great either. If I was walking by it on accident, looking to get a drink, I would stop in. But I would not make this place a destination. Just A-OK
(3)
Don J.
A nice and friendly bar that was pretty busy on a Monday evening. A small group of my friends and I met up for drinks and it turned into a session. The break down on the drinks is: - the Guinness is terrible, worst pint of Guinness I have ever had. Its served in a crap 16oz glass and tasted stale. - the Manhattans were great and went down way too easily. - they have a great selection of Whiskeys and we tackled a good few of them After having a few drinks we decided to get some food. Hubbard Inn has nice, upscale food for what I always expected to be just glorified bar food. Their prices seem affordable however when you get the food you realize that their portions sizes are much smaller than other bars/restaurants in River North. We tried the following: - Pork Belly was nice but a very small portion for $15. I ordered a side of fries with it and I was still extremely hungry afterwards. - The Chicken club sandwich was described as being "ok" with my friend adding "its impossible to mess up a Chicken sandwich". - The Merguez was described as being good but not in any shape or form filling. Service was good throughout and the decor is obviously amazing. Our bartender was a friendly guy who helped us when asking questions about the Whiskeys. A nice bar and I will go back but not if I'm extremely hungry. I think its strange that 3 people spend $50 on food and they all walk out of the place still starved.
(3)
Nick H.
Though it is a little loud inside (seems to be a popular after work spot) the food was outstanding. I recommend the Steak Tartare
(4)
K K.
I want to like Hubbard Inn more than I do. It's beautiful. It's loud. The service is great. The food is good. I just haven't had a great meal here. Yet. I'll keep trying. I'm sure that me and Hubbard Inn will get in synch someday.
(3)
Seema A.
Great job on bringing a unique look to the city. This place stands out as the decor, service, food and overall ambiance is wonderful. Def. one of my weekend favs.
(5)
Dan M.
Always enjoy myself at this cozy, Ernest Hemingway-inspired gastropub! If possible, sit at the bar and indulge in their impressive draught beer selection. I recommend trying the Hennepin, Sofie, and/or Duvel Green.
(4)
Camille P.
It's a well known fact that 3 of the most important factors of a successful restaurant are location, location and location. Hubbard Inn is a thriving example of this. Ok, so maybe they've got a couple of other things going for them: a cool interior and an on-trend 'old is new' cocktail list. But it's certainly not the food that has this place packed from the moment the loop breaks free from the work day. We snuck in just in time to grab a seat at one of the massive communal table. I've never understood why they seat a party of 2 four feet across from each other, when they could seat us directly next to each other, making a conversation actually viable. So we just had to yell to each other across the table, while I secretly wanted to chime in on the couple next to us. I know, it's bad, but I couldn't help it! Their conversation was way more clear than the one I was attempting to have with my date who I couldn't hear. Anyway, on to the food. First was the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad with apple, pumpkin, cranberries, walnuts and a sherry-bacon vinaigrette. A decidedly fall-like salad for a spring menu, huh? I guess I was expecting all of those ingredients to have somehow been united but in actuality, they weren't at all. It was raw, sliced apple, mushy, cooked pumpkin, and dried cranberries tossed with some greens that sat beneath an enormous hunk of goat cheese covered in un-toasted, stale walnut pieces. It was like someone found a bag of walnuts that had been knocked behind the basement refrigerator 7 years ago and thought, "Hey! We'd better use these walnuts before they go bad!" Yeah, not pretty. Next, we had an Octopus and Shrimp Salad with olives, capers and red bell peppers. It, too, left much to be desired. The shrimp was tasteless and the octopus didn't have the help of what often makes octopus delicious: char from a grill or a pan. It was simply boiled and not even until tender; it was still tough. The red bell peppers were straight from a can and there were enough capers on the plate to kill a person. Seriously. We had one more to go: Grilled Hanger Steak with blue cheese, confit tomatoes and chimichurri. This probably would have been ok minus the blue, but there was no getting around it. The steak was cooked nicely and the chimichurri (a South American herb sauce) wasn't bad either (beside its excessive oil). Apart from the fact that the flavor combination just didn't work for me, there was just too much aggressive, pungent, stingingly sharp cheese that the dish was even hard to eat. In fact, we didn't even come close to finishing it. Oh yeah, and there was nothing 'confit' about the tomatoes. I think it's safe to say that the food here is a bust. Cross it off the list. The space is visually cool, even if the acoustics are piss pour. When we went, it was packed with people in suits, rushing to get their cocktail on. Definitely a rockin' happy hour scene. And the service was friendly and adequet even if they did try to push us through by bringing our steak 5 minutes after our salads. The food runner could tell by my face that we weren't even close to ready for it and immediately offered to take it back to the kitchen. I'm glad I didn't have to tell him to do it, he just knew. Now, I pretty much expected them to bring back the same steak 20 minutes later, over cooked as hell from sitting under the heat lamp, but they didn't. A new steak was cooked and its temp was as we'd requested: med-rare. So that was a plus on their side. So... The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 4 Service: 7 Ambiance: 8 Overall impression: 6 Would I go back? Nah... I'll leave it for the 9 to 5-ers.
(2)
Ryan L.
interesting place. I definitely have to be in a specific mood to go here. Namely, a yuppie/hipster mood (although I know the two may seem at odds with one another). Has pretty fantastic drinks, and the food goes well with it. I've not been here for dinner, but the flatbreads and some of the other dishes that I can't remember (read that as: post-inebriation) were quite good.
(4)
Audre L.
It feels like you're at your rich uncle's library/den. Great vibe, love it. Nice addition to the Hubbard Street bars. Only came out for drinks - Cooper's Sparkling Ale from Australia was on the boards. Pretty tasty
(4)
Lola K P.
Review for drinks only. 5 stars for the decor. The library upstairs is a thing of beauty. I want to live there. Not with the bar patrons. They would have to go. There's a more-than-acceptable percentage of douches on the premises, at least while we were there. It's painful watching a bunch of 20-somethings trying to pull off sophisticated pretentiousness while getting hammered. I'd like to try the place for dinner next time, given the wonderful decor - after the newness factor wears off and all the douches run to the newest "it" place.
(3)
Leslie P.
LOVE this place. I wasn't really expecting much, but we made a last minute decision to go there for dinner and share a bunch of stuff. Highlights were: Cobb Salad, Watermelon Salad, Ravioli, Scallops, Flatbread Pizzas, Lobster Club with Fries. Lowlights were:...there were none. Another gem - my friend clued me in on an excellent Cucumber Martini. If you are a fan of a good Cuke Martini, there is a bartender that works there that can whip up a good one. However, it's not on the menu, so make sure the right bartender is working (shame on me for forgetting his name!)
(4)
Meagan D.
This was my first try at a River North eating spot and I was pleasantly surprised. They recently changed their menu so you may be surprised by the offerings, I was sad to see the pumpkin seed salad disappear into the mist. If you want to try their best app. go for the bacon-wrapped dates.
(4)
Christina P.
Two words: Ob Sessed. I am digging on Hubbard Inn like no other. The scene: like an old library and very NYC-esque. I love the lights and the antiquey decor. And bravo for the t.v.'s playing old movies and not ESPN (even though I too love a good SportsCenter with Jesse Palmer). The people watching is worth a visit on its ow. The drink: Very extensive and thought out. Great specialty cocktails and huge wine list. The food: The bees knees, the cats pajamas. Whatever you are in the mood for Hubbard Inn has something for you. Salads, flatbreads, oysters (my current obsession), entrees and otherwise... it's kind of ridiculous just how good everything has been that i've tried. The overall review: get off your comptuer at get to Hubbard Inn.
(5)
Jeff K.
I think I would have given this three stars except for the fact that I was here when it first opened, was underwhelmed, and then went back last week and was generally pleased. The space can be a bit loud and crowd was a weird fratty businessman mix, but being able to look past all the shenanigans, we had a perfect table by the window and sampled a series of delicious small plates. The food was better than I remembered and I throughly enjoyed the flat bread and duck plates. I am not sure I am going to be rushing to come back, but would not say no if someone else wanted to come here for dinner some night.
(4)
Jason H.
The food was very good. Bacon wrapped dates are always good anytime and anywhere. Something about these tasted super awesome though. The fried goat cheese salad was also simple yet exceptional. The drinks were very unique and tasty. The Laphroaig Project was exceptionally good and interesting. The server was good and attentive although not a personal touch. The ambience was unique the room was very subdued and relaxed lighting, which helped mellow the loud and packed environment. There were interesting paintings on the walls and black and white phtos all over the walls downstairs. Overall, I would recommend this place for its food and unique feel, its just not the place for a quiet or romantic dinner. I also think its slightly overpriced for how many people they stuff in there.
(4)
Morgan S.
5 stars because my food was just that terrific. Had the poached pear salad and the mussels. Both were incredible. The manager introduced himself and bought me a glass of wine, which helps too. Atmosphere was good, but seemed like every other place in the neighborhood.
(5)
Francesca D.
Best lamb burger!!! Food and service was great. I will definitely will go back!!
(5)
donna y.
Hubbard Inn looks a bit dark and intimidating but it's quite cozy inside. The window seats are also great for people watching although one might find it awkward to sit next to vs. in front of his/her guest. Anyway.. on to the food - the three little pigs flatbread and scallops were good. My favorite was the mussels. It comes in a flavorful broth with a nice spice to it. It was the most memorable part of my meal. The cocktails are priced like the rest of the neighborhood but seemed much skimpier. Overall, good place to dine.
(4)
Mari Y.
WHAT? HUH? SAY THAT AGAIN? That was approximately 50% of my conversation with my friend when we had dinner at Hubbard Inn last Friday night. We were unfortunately seated at a four person high top table next to the bar area. With it being a busy night, there were several groups of loud talking, white dudes wearing tucked in light blue shirts standing behind us. Said dudes liked to put their empty glasses and discarded lemons/limes on our table while we were eating. I can barely remember what we ordered with the exception of the bacon wrapped dates because we were just trying to get out of there before I got an elbow to the head from one of the blue shirts making wild gesticulations. Perhaps a rope or built in separation would do the trick? But damn, those dates were tasty. It took me back to when my colleague would bring back several boxes of dates into the office from Dubai and we would demolish them in no more than three days. I had one as an appetizer and then saved one for dessert!
(2)
Ise B.
I attended a Yale function here tonight. The Yale crowd was nowhere in evidence at the beginning of the appointed time period of the event so I had some time to investigate the place for basic functionality, and as a former architecture student I was alert to matters of workability. The stairs between floors were not well marked and seemed to be a confusing combination of employee and guest use. There was one stair in plain view between the first and second floors but it didn't continue on up to the third floor or beyond. There was another, less evident, stair all the way up, but was it an employee stair or a guest stair? Hard to say. The staff was in large numbers and there were no flaws in performance. The waitress who took my credit card was right on key and made me confident of a pleasant evening. She was a steadfast monitor of my need for a certain flow of drinks, coming straight to me to ask my pleasure. I am not a frequenter of bars so I learn about standards of service as I go. Sitting waiting for my crowd to arrive there was a gentleman pair chatting nearby and I thought they were Yale folks, but one spoke to me cordially and introduced himself as an owner of the establishment. He asked me of my station, basically, in a friendly manner, and his courtesy lent a certain groundedness to my view of the business. He was a young chap, thirtyish. The decor of the room was sufficient to satisfy one's needs, artwork of a well educated bent, not invested in detail and so to a pleasing background sort of effect. There was one female nude that stated firmly a sense of visceral acknowledgement, not too lusty and not too prudish. All was in order, successful and memorable.
(4)
Julie B.
Let me just start by saying that I'm sooo over the whole long wait for weekend brunch thing that is going on all over Chicago. We sure do love our brunch here! Enter: Hubbard Inn...and Open Table :) I'm a fan of any place that takes reservations for brunch so when we grabbed an 11:30 one a few weekends ago I was already stoked. AND we had a Groupon!! I mean...it hardly mattered if the food or service were good, I was already loving it! But fortunately, the food and service were great too. Our server explained our options with the Groupon, helped my indecisive self decide between sweet or savory -- The Struggle!! -- and was attentive and friendly :) Food-wise, we covered our bases. The Monte Cristo was delish, but very rich and sweet so sharing as an app -- yes, brunch apps are a thing! -- may be better. One person got the brunch burger and I was SO jealous as I ate my omelette which was great but...a burger with egg yolk running down it is better! haha Someone else got the biscuits and gravy and said they were delicious as well. And the coffee! My first French press experience -- it was Awesome! I would go back for just the coffee even :) Reservations. Groupon deals. A cool atmosphere aaaand delish coffee. Can it be the weekend yet?! Brunch is calling my naaaame!
(5)
Phil G.
I would definitely come back here. We stopped in looking for after dinner drinks and to catch some sports on tv. It is not really a sports bar but it does have tells. It has cool Victorian style furnishings and little rooms off to the side where groups can hang and mingle. The drinks were very well done and properly sized. Did not eat here.
(4)
Angie K.
Brunch alert. This place serves pretty damn good brunch. Upon arrival, we were seated asap as it wasn't packed and had a nice little sidewalk view of Hubbard St. Our adorable server told us about their french pressed coffee and being a litle coffee junkie, I gave it a shot. He accidentally brought us the larger size coffee but comped it because he was just fab. He showed me how to press it and the little sand timer to know when it's ready. The coffee was phenom. I need to get on that elite coffee status and get me a french press pronto. I believe we also split a mimosa because what's brunch without an alcoholic beverage? Idk.. We then had our food. I had the crab cake benedict and hubby the grilled steak with poached eggs. The benedict came with a mix of purple, sweet and yellow potatoes. YUM! Also, I had just finished spending 6 weeks in baltimore (6 weeks too many) and the crab cake was on par with the fish right out of the Chesapeake bay. It was really really freaking good. Hubby said his steak was a little over charred for his liking but he gobbled it right up. Again, our server was on top of everything and helped us from beginning to end. I will definitely return to try lunch and dinner and anything else going on at HI.
(4)
Asma M.
Came here on a Thursday to take advantage of the oyster happy hour special. I was the first customer in there and yet it took 15 minutes to get a water, and even then I had to flag down a busser. Our waitress was very nice but pretty absent. I had to flag her down anytime we needed anything. The venue itself is very nice. Big open space with high ceilings and great woodwork. As for the special we got a ton of oysters, they were small (which is my preference) and very fresh. We also got the shrimp and lobster which were just ok. I plan to go back before summer is over and give it another try.
(3)
Teal R.
Great atmosphere on a Thursday evening. The interior has an art deco feel to it with lots of character everywhere you look. Group of coworkers and I stopped in for drinks and bites. We tried a wide array of items on the menu. I really liked the beef jerky, bacon wrapped dates and the tomato salad. Drinks were on point as well.
(4)
Adelisa L.
The brunch was amazing!! I ordered the pork belly Benedict. It was a beautiful restaurant with interesting decor. Our server was sweet. This is a great place to bring the family, but definitely make reservations in advance on the weekend.
(5)
Lily Z.
I came here for happy hour with friends on a Wednesday. I was lured by their seafood happy hour specials. I ordered some oysters (very small, lots of grit, there was a bug underneath one so they brought it back and the chef added one for free), while my friends ordered the shrimp cocktail and lobster cocktail. I was surprised because I thought it would be fancier than getting a cup of chopped lobster or a single shrimp. But I guess what can you do with one shrimp and a cup of sauce? I would go to Joe Fish for their oysters and wine. I do like their outdoor patio though.
(2)
Jenna R.
fabulous drinks on the first floor and fun dance/club on the 3rd floor! Bartenders really know how to make drinks and keep you wanting more--yummy!!! The food here is super great too and it changes seasonally. I had the lobster bisque and it was very well prepared. real lobster chunks then they pour the soup over the lobster in this big bowl and it was decedent to say the least. mmm mmm good!
(5)
Dylan M.
I really enjoyed this place. It's decor is beautiful with intricate woodwork, furniture and lighting throughout. They really put some time and money putting this establishment together. The service was very good from start to finish. I made a reservation that was confirmed by phone day of and seated on time. Granted I was here for and early after work dinner and can tell this place could be jammed later in the evening or a weekend. But for the dinner I experienced it was perfect. Food was very good. The ingredient were fresh, flavorful and inventive and a large variety to chose from (I highly recommend the chickpea crepe). The flow of the meal went very smoothly with the various courses arriving at a nice pace. Honestly I was close to giving Hubbard Inn 5 stars and next time I come back hopefully I will have a similar experience and give it that 5. When I return again... and I will... I am defiantly going to have to wander around more and explore the other levels/areas it has to offer.
(4)
Sofia J.
Oysters are the best part of the happy hour. The scallop crudo was mushy (not very fresh), lobster cocktail was just shredded up lobster (no sauces), shrimp cocktail was just 1 piece of shrimp (which was still good), king crab was ok (1 leg split open - you get half). Great service - really appreciated the attentiveness and promptness of our waiter during an incredibly busy time - also very much appreciated him letting us know there was only 1 shucker so the oysters would take some time. Food off the regular menu and drinks were delicious!
(4)
J W.
This was by far the best time I've ever had at a restaurant. The food was awesome and the service was amazing! Thanks to the Hubbard Inn team and Eileen for helping to make my brothers bachelor party a memorable one.
(5)
Andrew D.
Hats off to Hubbard Inn for refusing to follow their River North counterparts and turning into a douche factory past the 10 o'clock hour. While many of their neighbors turn up the music to obscene volumes, form dumb lines outside their establishments, and basically turn their bartenders into asshole mode, Hubbard Inn keeps it classy - still accepting OpenTable reservations well into the night. The cocktails are decent and they have a decent, respectable beer list. The food is good - not spectacular like some of the other restaurants nearby, but it doesn't try to fit into that "Contemporary" category. Their happy hour oyster/shrimp specials are the best around and you can tell, as they rarely have space available past 5:30 p.m. Nice default to take a date. One of the coolest looking bars in area, complete with Hemingway-esque decor.
(4)
John S.
This is the most picture-esque restaurant in the downtown area. This is a place straight out of a movie. Charming, elegant, beautiful, whimsical... I looked at the menu online and found a few options I was eager to try, but got there for dinner to find out a variety of things were only listed on the Lunch menu - understandable but unfortunate. Our table of 4 placed orders and there were a few issues (someone's 'well' burger came out looking medium rare at best). The restaurant was nearly empty but at times it seemed difficult to get our waiter's attention. Overall, a beautiful restaurant that I wish I could live in. The food was overall great (except my friend's $10 salad that looked like a side of coleslaw). I would come back but with reservations.
(3)
Kevin B.
Hubbard Inn's beer selection is nothing short of awesome. From craft to IPAs to your regular domestics, its a wide range you can choose from and ON TAP! They even have Grey Goose and Bacardi on tap. I've never seen a Grey Goose spout before. Everytime I've been here it's for after work drinks or a special event. Most recently they hosted an event which included an open bar and small bites. They had slider versions of both their bison burger and lamb burger and both were delicious. The feta and sauce that went with it complimented it perfectly. Everything they brought out was tremendous. Considering the area, it's reasonably priced as well. And Hubbard has 3 floors so it's plenty of room. Great for hosting events.
(4)
Stu K.
Best. Brunch. Ever. Incredibly sized portions with some of the most explosive flavors you'll try. I had the breakfast burger on my first visit then the pork belly French toast dish on my returning visit. Seriously, try both. Great restaurant and will def be back!
(5)
Margaret A.
Hubbard Inn is one of my go-to places for drinks and apps. I've never had a full meal there but their drink selection is great and their apps are wonderful. I've had their flatbread pizzas and LOVE them. Make sure to make a reservation because they can become quite crowded. Warning though, the wait staff is not very smart so orders and table selections can be lost on them.
(4)
Brandon B.
This is a review of my experience which, note, is very subjective, as a quiet person who doesn't really like loud places. I was invited to a friend's birthday party. The first confusion was figuring out how to get in, there were masses of people in different lines, including inexplicably scantily clad women in the middle of winter. There is not an easy way to figure out which door belongs to this place. My friend said just to come in but I was stopped by a bemused bouncer who demanded a $10 cover and gave a hand stamp. Inside there were tables but it was pretty chaotic with drunk people in clusters, blocking any straight line you could take and making it difficult to get to the bar. There was only a late night menu, the flatbreads were actually not too bad but very expensive, as were the mediocre drinks. And it was loud, loud loud, hard to hear yourself think, getting louder as the night went on. Trying to walk around you get bumped like a pinball by all the stumbling blonde girls drunk in heels and frat boys flailing their arms doing strange dance moves and bro talk. Some interesting window watching of crazy people darting across the street into traffic and near accidents. Officially grumpy old man review. If I make it back in the day I will update.
(2)
Lefai K.
Pretty fun place to get drinks and food. This place has multiple levels and they were all bumpin' when we got there at around 1AM. The atmosphere is OK, but at times it felt really crowded.
(4)
Lauren S.
Hubbard Inn has is usually a spot I stop by for drinks only. I enjoy the upstairs lounge. Recently we have been coming in for brunch and it's quite delish!!! The groupon deal is amazing. I have thus far stuck to getting the lobster roll which is wonderful and stuffed with lobster!!! Check it ou!!!
(5)
Elizabeth P.
This was our last meal during a great girls weekend of eating our way across Chicago. 12 of us girls went there for brunch - service was a bit tardy, even given that the restaurant wasn't that busy. I had the lox and bagel, which was fair but not the best I've ever had. Some of the girls ordered omelettes which they seemed to enjoy. It's a really cool space, in a nice area for strolling around. I would recommend it for large groups especially.
(4)
Faith C.
The first thing I have to say is the server was a total B! I will never return. The food however was really good. The server we had should be fired. We got drinks bloody mary not good and a coffee burnt. We asked for water it never came. We got our brunch I had eggs benedict my boyfriend had a burger. No complaint about either dish. I asked for hot sauce my boyfriend asked for ketchup neither were delivered. Instead of the traditional "is everything ok?" We got a thumbs up tilt of the head? from across the room. THERE WERE ONLY 2 OTHER PEOPLE EATING IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT! Oh and there was a food runner so I still tipped but my tip to you is she doesn't deserve a job in the service industry
(1)
Sarah D.
Food was OK but had terrible service. Had to ask the busboy for salt & pepper and spoons because our waiter was nowhere to be seen. It was Sunday brunch but they weren't busy enough to have to wait for sweetener for my coffee for 30 minutes.
(2)
Melanie S.
A group of us came here for lunch and it was rather abysmal. On its face, the $22 prix-fixe lunch seems like a good deal, but with mediocre food, it was hardly worth it. $22 gets you any starter/snack, followed by any burger or sandwich. I went for broke and ordered the lobster roll, and started with the chicken noodle soup. The soup had a weird flavor undertone, and it was served lukewarm. The lobster roll had entirely too much mayo, which was obviously covering up the far more sinister "lobster" meat (which had the consistency of cat food). It didn't taste fresh and I couldn't stomach more than a couple bites. Hey, at least the fries were good. No one else seemed to enjoy their food much either. Burgers suffered from being either too overcooked and/or dry. Not a single one of us ordered dessert. With a group of seven women, that's pretty telling. I guess no one wanted to risk splurging on something that likely wouldn't be worth the calories. Even my lemonade sucked. It was definitely from a can or fountain; it had that weird artificial taste. Service was friendly, but we had to ask for things like condiments or drink refills several times before we were accommodated. I liked the atmosphere, and the cocktail options all sounded good, so perhaps I'll pay a return visit after work one evening, but with so many better options for lunch in RN, I'm certain not to return for lunch ever again.
(2)
Alex M.
I was in Chicago for business and took our clients out for dinner here. The environment of the venue is great; good music, and a fun vibe. Let me first tell you that this place is waaaaay better when treated as a tapas style meal. here is what we ordered and ranked 1-5, 1 being something I wouldn't feed my imaginary dog and 5 being something i will have dreams about. -steak tartar : 5, its that good. - meatballs: 3, they are just ok - flatbreads: 3 just ok - tuna tartar: 5,really good - lobster roll: 5, probably the best dish i ordered here. Kind of wish i had one right now... All in all hubbard is an ok place...not sure i would go back for anything other than a soccer match, beer, and that lobster roll...
(4)
Casey A.
Classy, yet rustic, I have been reacquainted with Hubbard Inn, since about 2 yrs ago, and I think I love it more. Maybe its my getting a little older, but it's just as great for an after work/happy hour as it is for a Sat night out and a late night spot. I definitely recommend checking out (more than 1x), as its not exclusively a wine bar, brew pub, or cocktail lounge, but is successfully all 3.
(4)
Joseph L.
This place was decent. Good service, but not the most amazing food which I was not expecting. Cute atmosphere which is the main reason why we went, it looked like a fun place to eat/drink at. Unfortunately, there are TVs behind the bar which takes the place into a complete different direction. All in all, I'd just go to this place to drink... I wouldn't plan your special dinner here. Food: 2.8 Service: 3.5 Atmosphere: 3.0 Price: 2.5
Typically I normally post pictures of my food but while I was waiting on my server, who took FOREVER to bring us water and take our order, I had time to take in the ambience & decor of the restaurant. I was very intrigued by the paintings that were on the walls. I'm not an artist and maybe, just maybe I'm missing the message behind the selection of Black Monkey's plastered on the wall next to other white human paintings. The monkeys were very well dressed (sarcasm)! All the other pictures in the restaurant were white paintings with actual faces, no animalistic theme whatever so ever; yet all things black were portrayed as monkeys. Unless the manager and/or owner can open my eyes as to why they chose those pictures or the meaning behind it, they won't be getting more of my money. It's clear to me that they are degrading blacks. They'll allow the "good blacks" that's look to par tho! (More sarcasm!) In other news, the turkey burger was delicious, hence 2 stars. However, I still won't be back. Blatant racism at its finest... I can't AND won't support this business ever again.
(2)
Mon P.
The place is nice and the service is great. The food is ok. I think you should go there at least once but I am not sure its worth going back for dinner. I have been here just for drinks and at night and that was fun for about one hour. It gets really crowded and its hard to order drinks. It's just not my type of place.
(3)
Michael N.
Atmosphere: A Food: B+ Service: B* Frankly, this restaurant deserves three+ stars, perhaps even four. However, based on a failure of service I cannot do that. The decor is very enjoyable, from the exposes ceiling, to the paintings, the floor tiles, the bar, the lighting, the variety of seating, I could go on but then I gave the Atmosphere an "A" so that likely speaks for itself. The food was very good, we did not have an opportunity to sample the entire menu (e.g., entrees), but those looked quite appealing as we passed other tables. A strong drink selection from tap is always a plus, as is the controlled menu, which was a very good balance of complementary and supplementary offerings. The service was prompt, relatively attentive and partially helpful. This is where the asterisk comes in; one of our party had some type of discount that was not honored for the lunch/dinner menu. I think that this is a mistake. The manager should come over, explained the situation, either providing an exception or make some other gesture of good will. Instead the server was required to do that and did not really do a very good job. Even when giving a patron "bad news" it can be an opportunity for excellent service; this is my recommendation to the Hubbard Inn.
(2)
Cynthia R.
Didn't even know this place was here. Awesome old Chicago feel with awesome high ceilings and brick. Really cool spot. We went here for Brunch one Saturday afternoon. Just looking around at other people's food, I found myself getting super excited because everything looked amazing. When we got our food, they did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious. I had the lobster omelet. It was sensational! Even the potatoes that accompanied were fabulous. My hubby got another omelet...I think it was veggie. Fantastic! We definitely want to go back to experience some of the other tasty morsels on the menu.
(4)
Laila C.
Generally I'm here much later on a weekend and it can get...how do I put it...douchey. But come on a weeknight after work and the environment is far more tolerable. The food is ok...nothing has ever stood out but the cocktails are pretty good. Priced very inline with the rest of River North. That means $25-$35 for food and depending on if you're a lush like me or a normal person, cocktails range from $13 to oops I forgot how many I've ordered and I don't want to check my bank account tomorrow.
(3)
Patty T.
This place is great for drinks (usually crowded for happy hour and on weekends) and the "library-esque" bar on the 2nd floor is a nice touch. Very lively 20/30 somethings scene. The food, however, is very underwhelming and overpriced. For example, the TINY tasteless flatbreads for $14. Or the pickled vegetables that hard/watery. Presentation of food is nice, but it really leaves something to be desired. Even their cake is a bit dry. Service I've experienced has also always been slow and inattentive. I recommend going for drinks here - fun atmosphere and good cocktails. But head somewhere else for dinner. Not only because the food is less than average, but typically downstairs it's too loud/crowded to even enjoy your underwhelming meal.
(2)
Jenna K.
If you like hair in your food, waiting 45 minutes to be seated after your reservation and crappy service: Hubbard Inn is the place for you! I had the worst experience here with my friends a couple weeks ago. None of us will ever come back and we will not be recommending this place either. If you have a reservation, expect to still wait. We had a reservation at 7PM on a Saturday and were not seated until 7:45 for a party of four. Ridiculous! We had made that reservation weeks in advance. Service was nothing special, as expected from other reviews. Seemed like we were bothering our waitress every time we had to flag her down for something. Maybe check back with your tables more often so we don't have to constantly keep asking you for things...? Started off with a greasy flatbread with a hair sitting on top, lovely. Steak was rare instead of medium well, undercooked fried chicken, come on guys I've had better food in a cafeteria. Will not return to this dump.
(1)
Krystle T.
Let's smoke some cigars, play a hand of poker, and down some whiskey on the rocks- that's the vibe I get from Hubbard Inn w/ the lights dimmed on a chill Friday night. Price: Not bad, it's your typical Chicago restaurant. You'll probably be looking to spend $15 - $20 for a dish. Parking: Not sure, we walked on ova. Service: The waitress was chill and attentive. We had a bartender help take our picture and she was good at that, haha. Much appreciated! Food & Drinks: I couldn't decide what I wanted especially since they're known for their flatbread which wasn't gluten free. I went with something different- a chickpea crepe. I asked the waitress how that one was and she simply said "I like it." I was sold! It was not bad, kind of dry, but that's what you'd expect from chickpeas. The side salad it came with was drenched in dressing which is not how I like my salad. I didn't know it came with a salad either though, so I guess it's a win win! The buds ordered flatbread & grilled cheese, and enjoyed it. You can't mess up grilled cheese. Notes: I appreciate the gluten free and etc. markings they have on their menu. I also spotted grey goose on tap which was interesting... idk how I feel about that. Overall: I actually enjoyed this place. I'd kick it here on a night after work if I wanted some drinks and something light to munch on. Deal me a hand!
(4)
Christopher B.
We came here on a Friday night and hung out upstairs just to have drinks. The place had a lot of energy and was slammed. The Moscow Mule I had was really good. We found an area to sit, which made it really nice to chat with friends. I think this is a good spot to stop in on a Friday night before heading onto something else.
(3)
Jeff M.
Wonderful food. Enjoyed the meat board, bison burger and the beef short rib! I hear they have a club upstairs :)
(4)
Dannie C.
Came here for lunch with a coworker today. Ordered the bacon wrapped dates, chorizo & goat cheese flatbread and chickpea crepe to share. That's the order of amazing-ness too. I think bacon wrapped dates are a brilliant invention in general, and Hubbard Inn tops it in a red pepper sauce that really complements. The dates were creamy and the goat cheese within went really well together. The flatbread was decent, although I think the restaurant could think of another way to fit the veggies in with the chorizo and goat cheese coz right now they just sit on top of everything else. I thought the crepe was decent (the portion is huge), but the filling and the crepe (which felt a little dry) didn't go that well together. Overall, a good meal at a decent price. It's a "don't mind dining here" kinda place.
(3)
Evan C.
I have been to Hubbard Inn multiple times and it really depends on the type of mood you are in. The decor is pretty cool and has an English style pub type feel to it. I have never been blown away by the food. I have had everything from a bison burger to flatbread to bacon wrapped dates. Everything on the menu is pretty expensive for the flavor although the presentation looks great. At night, this place gets super crowded. One of the best parts of this place is the fireplace lounges on the upper floors. If your company can book a happy hour or networking event here you will not be disappointed. Overall, alright place so I'm giving this 3 stars.
(3)
E W.
JFC, please fix the fucking front door; the constant barnyard slamming is so annoying if you are seated near the front. Also you may wish to dust the cobwebs in the foyer chandeliers. THAT aside, my meal here once I was seated was very delicious. We had the Groupon brunch, including pineapple mimosas and a nice selection of brunch options. Prices are moderate, but entrees are appropriately artisanal. The vibe is somewhat yupscale, which may be obnoxious later in the evening, but brunch was quiet and calm. I wouldn't go out of my way to return here, but it's probably nice to meet friends here and feel vaguely successful.
Just so-so for brunch. Both the brunch burger and skirt steak were ordered cooked to Medium, however arrived very well-done. Burger had two thinner patties and was dry. Breakfast potato side was good. Brussels sprouts side was probably the best part of the meal. Bloody Mary only comes with a celery stick.
(2)
Mike W.
This review is for the weekly Raw Bar Happy Hour. What we ordered: Oysters - $1 oysters during their happy hour and they were pretty good. A few had a fair amount of sand in them, but other than that no complaints at $1 per. Shrimp Cocktail - $2 per shrimp. Not sure how much of a deal this for a medium sized shrimp, but taste wise this was easily the best item. King Crab Legs - $2 for half of a crab leg. Nothing special to report here, a little bland but hey that's crab. A little butter on the side might have been nice. With two beers the tab still came out at ~$45. Our server seemed pretty indifferent to us and didn't have much personality. It almost seemed like she was ticked that we only ordered a light meal from the raw bar. Given the glut of happy hour specials with $1 oysters in the area I'd probably choose a different place next time.
(3)
Derrick P.
The only reason I'm giving more than one star is that the food at the end was for free. Horrible service. Doesn't exist. Three waiters for Sunday brunch. It's a bad joke. 40.min to get seated even they were empty tables. After that - completely forgotten. I had to ask If we can expect any service. Got the drinks and forgotten again. No water refills. Even once. Overpriced bland food. 15$ flatbbread. Another bad joke. Flatbbread from freezer tastes better. Hard dough. Like reheated multiple times. Saggy, soft crab cakes... Eghhh. Bloody Marry... Weak. Bad food experience. Few pros: very good coffee and nice bartender, interior design. That's all about pros. Everything else I consider as Cons. I will definitely not come back.
(2)
Belle L.
Competitive pricing with less food portion in common ingredients and well seasoned balanced flavor. Small Plates are out of fashion. Loud. Madhouse. For one, it's easy to spend $47 for one drink and no brown bag. Tips for an affordable satisfying meal: SEARED HALIBUT ($19) -- perfectly seared with balanced flavor and good seasoning. Hats off to Sous Chef Garcia. The bigger portion of the small plates category. An explosion of contrasting flavor and texture. LE GRAND COURTAGE ROSE ($12) -- I am appreciative whenever Le Grand of whatever is available per glass. Thank you! Avoid, unworthy.... Side of Asparagus ($5) -- specks of cheese and few sticks of common asparagus is worth $3. Pineapple Cake ($8) -- serves 2. The buttery biscuit with topping of pineapple chunks in cinnamon caramel sauce. Good light flavor. For price, I expect a more complicated dessert preparation rather than flop a biscuit and pour topping. * * * SERVICE -- informative and knowledgeable. Prompt water refill. Quick cleanup. Polite. Beautiful Leah was encouraging on lunch menu. UPSTAIRS BARTENDERS -- Nick and Travis are charming and knowledgeable that is hampered by madhouse vibe that starts at 6:30p on Friday. It's amazing how attentive they are to crazed customers while uber busy. Great team! MENU -- something new and old every month to keep regulars from getting bored. FRIDAY DJ -- lounge type music with ugly mishmash beats that is annoyingly noisy. iTunes on random Shuffle.
(4)
T B.
One of the worst meals I've had in Chicago, unfortunately. We've had good food here in the past, but the short ribs this time were like old shoe leather.
(2)
Raul B.
Great good! Best lobster roll in Chicago. Very good sea food and also the porter steak with lobster sauce is to die for! Highly recommend both! Staff is very knowledgeable n professional
(5)
T G.
Went here for brunch and the food was excellent. The service was great! The waiter was wonderful and the manager helped his staff with the guests. It wasn't beneath him to clear the table or offer help to the server. I recommend! Best of all the drinks were really good!
(4)
Marjorie F.
It was a Friday night and the occasion was my friend's 40-something birthday. The atmosphere was festive with many wandering over after work for some happy hour cocktails. I had every intention of making it an early night, but alas, it would not be so. When I arrived, my friend and her co-workers were already one cocktail in. The drink of the table was some sassy sangria concoction. I'm not sure what was in it, but since that's what most of us were drinking they ordered a whole vat of the happy juice. Great. That's just what I needed. NOT! We also ordered a variety of dishes (tapas style). That was sign #2 that I would soon be inebriated. TIP: If you're going to drink, eat something SUBSTANTIAL. I should have had a burger to myself. Seriously. Anyway... Out of all the dishes, my favorite was the bacon-wrapped dates. The other items were good, but not as memorable. Service was great. Our server made sure we finished every last drop of the sangria. I will definitely be back, but hopefully, not indulging in more than a glass or two of any drink. Cheers!
(4)
Eowyn K.
We stopped by early on a Saturday night. While there was was a good hum of people, it was not yet too busy or crowded. The bar has two floors. The first floor was full of tables and booths while the second floor seemed more bar oriented. The decor is what sets Hubbard Inn apart. Round-bulbed hanging lights, chandeliers, interesting textured wallpaper and actual art work adore the walls. We found an empty couch area that gave us a good view of the room for people watching. The service was good, though we had some difficulty getting our credit cards back when we were ready to leave. We did not try any of the food, but based on the other reviews, I would come back to in the future.
(4)
Alex W.
Great food, fun chill vibe, good service always, not too pricy, good fun. Love this place and go here all the time.
(4)
Egle M.
Live nearby & stopped in on a Sunday around 5pm. No one sat us & took the waiter over 15 minutes to acknowledge us. A drink, flatbread & chicken app cost $50. Crazy! The flatbread wasn't flat & was tiny. No thank you. Soo glad we had discounts through Spring Rewards & Giftie. Might come back for drinks, but not for overprice blah food.
(3)
Brittany L.
Great place to grab drinks on a Friday night. (Or any night really). Recently stopped in during a recent trip to Chicago. The drinks and the bartenders are on point! Strong pours, friendly bartenders and a the ambience is rocking it. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Natalia K.
I'm a huge fan of the decor in here and would love it more if it wasn't located on a trendy strip with the atmosphere and prices to go with it. But with a glance at the unique menu and groupon in hand, I was more than excited to come here for brunch. The service was really great and attentive and we received our mimosas right away. It's nice to be able to choose a different juice to go with your champagne than just orange and I enjoyed my grapefruit mixture. For our entrees, my friend chose the bison burger and enjoyed it despite the strange pickled raspberries, which she said she didn't love. Her sweet potato fries were enviable and I stole more than one during the course of our meal. My lobster omelet was ok- I wanted to like it, but I wasn't into the fishy egg pairing. Eating the egg and lobster separately helped, but I only made it through half. The breakfast potatoes and toast were good and filled me up nicely. I would definitely come back to try some other things off their menu- especially with another groupon.
(3)
Ken M.
Try the Lamb Burger, excellent!
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Great cocktails and treats, cute decor.
(5)
Taz M.
Amazing food in a very cool space. This is a great spot for a nice dinner - it's the perfect blend of casual and dressy. I came here for a holiday party and tried a few of their offerings: lamp chops, sliders, lobster roll, etc - everything was AWESOME! I would have given the Hubbard Inn four or even five stars, but my husband suffered food poisoning as a result of eating something here...hey, it happens!
(3)
Karen W.
The food was very hit or miss. The chicken rice soup - very good. The lamb burger was good as well. The Nicoise salad was requested with the tuna charred on the outside, raw inside but it came out looking like a skinny, overdone pork chop. Similarly, the steak salad was ordered medium rare and came out well done. While the servers were attentive, they seemed to choose whom they wanted to serve. One of our group was offered a drink refill, two others chimed in with a refill request also and were ignored. Overall, we were not impressed. The atmosphere was cool, but that's about it.
(2)
James C.
Resembled a Las Vegas pool party atmosphere. The drinks were non stop with the bottle service being a plus. We spent most of the early day here at an day party event. There were beer soaked floors and champagne soaked walls.
(3)
Teal R.
Great atmosphere on a Thursday evening. The interior has an art deco feel to it with lots of character everywhere you look. Group of coworkers and I stopped in for drinks and bites. We tried a wide array of items on the menu. I really liked the beef jerky, bacon wrapped dates and the tomato salad. Drinks were on point as well.
(4)
Adelisa L.
The brunch was amazing!! I ordered the pork belly Benedict. It was a beautiful restaurant with interesting decor. Our server was sweet. This is a great place to bring the family, but definitely make reservations in advance on the weekend.
(5)
Julie B.
Let me just start by saying that I'm sooo over the whole long wait for weekend brunch thing that is going on all over Chicago. We sure do love our brunch here! Enter: Hubbard Inn...and Open Table :) I'm a fan of any place that takes reservations for brunch so when we grabbed an 11:30 one a few weekends ago I was already stoked. AND we had a Groupon!! I mean...it hardly mattered if the food or service were good, I was already loving it! But fortunately, the food and service were great too. Our server explained our options with the Groupon, helped my indecisive self decide between sweet or savory -- The Struggle!! -- and was attentive and friendly :) Food-wise, we covered our bases. The Monte Cristo was delish, but very rich and sweet so sharing as an app -- yes, brunch apps are a thing! -- may be better. One person got the brunch burger and I was SO jealous as I ate my omelette which was great but...a burger with egg yolk running down it is better! haha Someone else got the biscuits and gravy and said they were delicious as well. And the coffee! My first French press experience -- it was Awesome! I would go back for just the coffee even :) Reservations. Groupon deals. A cool atmosphere aaaand delish coffee. Can it be the weekend yet?! Brunch is calling my naaaame!
(5)
Phil G.
I would definitely come back here. We stopped in looking for after dinner drinks and to catch some sports on tv. It is not really a sports bar but it does have tells. It has cool Victorian style furnishings and little rooms off to the side where groups can hang and mingle. The drinks were very well done and properly sized. Did not eat here.
(4)
Angie K.
Brunch alert. This place serves pretty damn good brunch. Upon arrival, we were seated asap as it wasn't packed and had a nice little sidewalk view of Hubbard St. Our adorable server told us about their french pressed coffee and being a litle coffee junkie, I gave it a shot. He accidentally brought us the larger size coffee but comped it because he was just fab. He showed me how to press it and the little sand timer to know when it's ready. The coffee was phenom. I need to get on that elite coffee status and get me a french press pronto. I believe we also split a mimosa because what's brunch without an alcoholic beverage? Idk.. We then had our food. I had the crab cake benedict and hubby the grilled steak with poached eggs. The benedict came with a mix of purple, sweet and yellow potatoes. YUM! Also, I had just finished spending 6 weeks in baltimore (6 weeks too many) and the crab cake was on par with the fish right out of the Chesapeake bay. It was really really freaking good. Hubby said his steak was a little over charred for his liking but he gobbled it right up. Again, our server was on top of everything and helped us from beginning to end. I will definitely return to try lunch and dinner and anything else going on at HI.
(4)
Asma M.
Came here on a Thursday to take advantage of the oyster happy hour special. I was the first customer in there and yet it took 15 minutes to get a water, and even then I had to flag down a busser. Our waitress was very nice but pretty absent. I had to flag her down anytime we needed anything. The venue itself is very nice. Big open space with high ceilings and great woodwork. As for the special we got a ton of oysters, they were small (which is my preference) and very fresh. We also got the shrimp and lobster which were just ok. I plan to go back before summer is over and give it another try.
The go go to spot for summer nights or even a bite to eat. The ambiance was set up to attract all types of personalities. I never been here during the day, but they serve food as far as I know. I came after after 10 pm...so as you walk in, it might seem loud, but your on the Main Bar floor. They also have a private fireplace lounge area in the back. You will see stairs going up to the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor is more loungy, a great place to chill with friends and enjoy some soft music in the background. The only thing you need to watch out for is that it gets super crowded, especially by the bar, me being short, I get lost in the crowd easily. I love the bar area by the window, decorated beautifully with melted candles! As you continue, you can either take the elevator or the stairs to go up to the 3rd floor (mind you, there is a 4th floor in the elevator but its private residential floor so it's locked) The third floor is less crowded because this is the club area, the music is loud and fast, the floor is occupied mostly by VIP tables(basically you can't sit there without a bottle service) you can still stand and enjoy the music around the bar area. I never tried their food here, my next review will be all about the food!!!
(5)
TR M.
We attended a private event here and everything seemed fine. The room was very casual, but clean. The passed appetizers were good. The staff was just okay. Not overly friendly, not overly helpful but competent.
(3)
Far K.
Came here with the Groupon deal, and was very disappointed. I didn't have high hopes to begin with but this was just below par for me. The interiors and decor is very nice and rustic contemporary. We had the mimosas, which was awful, crab cake Benedict, and flat bread pizza. The crab cake Benedict was very smelly; it had a very strong ocean crab smell, it wasn't fully cooked, and the hollandaise sauce had too much pepper. The flat bread pizza was plain with cheese, literarily tasted like someone put cheese and tomato sauce on some bread. The customer service was terribly slow, and there were long periods of waiting for the attention of our server. I would not be coming back to this place, and the only reason I gave it a 2 star was because the server offered us free strawberry ice-cream, which wasn't good at all. Over all, extremely disappointed, and also questioning most of the restaurant deals on groupon.
(2)
Josh M.
This place is a huge winner for us. I love that is is spacious. Love the beer and bourbon selections. Also, had some nice looking wine options, both bottle and glass. The food was really great. Recommend the scallops for sure. The brussel sprouts were on point too. I think this is a great place for groups also dates. Huge space but I think you could find a nook or cranny to chat in a date setting. Recommend you check it out yourself. Tasty and delicious.
(4)
A C.
Great for brunch! The corn beef hash with Brussel sprouts and a poached egg was one of the best I've ever had.
(5)
Neal E.
We came in for some late night drinks. Started off with a local craft beer - the Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV (Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL). Pretty decent Pale Ale - not as hoppy as I would have liked, but still pretty good. Afterward, I switched over to wine and tried a glass of an Argentinian Malbec. The bartender, gave me a taste of the two Malbecs they carry, and then let me select based on that. Lot of folks hanging out on a Wednesday evening drinking. Bartender was awesome! If I lived in the area, I'd probably be a semi-regular of a joint such as this!
(4)
Kate U.
Went to Hubbard Inn last night on a date and the food was & service was a little disappointing. We sat down around 7:30pm, but it took at least 15 min until a server came over to take our drink order. Once the drinks were put in our server was nowhere to be found until another 15 min went by and we finally put in the food order. The food itself was pretty good, I'd say 4 stars if I wasn't including the service. Started with the 4-cheese flatbread which was tasty, but kind of bland. I probably wouldn't have ordered this myself, but that's what the person I went with wanted. It's simple. I really wanted to get the lamb burger since I LOVE lamb and had heard great things about it, unfortunately they had taken it off of their dinner menu :( sad. Ended up getting the Bison burger instead which was loaded with stuff; raspberries, avocado, bacon, etc and was perfectly cooked however it wasn't juicy at all and even with all of that stuff added on, the meat had barely any flavor. I really wanted to like this place, but just didn't have a great experience for the money. Will have to come back again during lunch to try the lamb burger.
(3)
Frank O.
Feeling healthy so i got the Turkey burger with the side salad. Since the bison burger was a bit dry I decided to get the turkey burger with extra cranberry mostarda. Excellent decision, the mostarda definitely added a lot of flavor to a burger which wouldn't have much otherwise (because turkey, brie, spinach). The side salad came with the house balsamic vinaigrette and it was large and tasty. I'd definitely recommend it over the other sides. Although I usually get sweet potato fries, I've had the ones at Hubbard Inn twice and they are below average. The crab cake benedict had a nice presentation, but was a bit bland flavor wise. The mimosa was pretty good. So food was better the second time around, mostly due to different choice of entree. Service was also more prompt on weekend brunch than for weekend dinner.
(4)
Joanna T.
A solid 3.5 stars. I love going to new places with a group because you get to try more things! Everything we tried was good! We had 2 different flat breads, both flavorful, the lamb meatballs which were very good, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, asparagus and the Cobb to share, and a grilled cheese. As others have mentioned, and I agree, it's got an old British Pub, well appointed library air about it. It's a comfortable, mellow place where you forget what time it is and instead order another round. I would recommend and come back.
(3)
Kirk K.
Atmosphere is top notch from the decor to the music. However service from my experience was average - took around 10 mins to get drinks ordered. Per the menu, stay with the shareables/apps. Ordered the bison burger which was over cooked and was not overly impressive. However the bar and drinks were the highlight, and there are multiple levels to explore
(4)
Assel U.
Awesome place! Beautifully decorated, attentive servers, delicious bison burger. For the quality of food, this little gem is unbeatable. Will be definitely back.
(5)
Pablo D.
Blueberry pancakes and Brunch Burger. Very neat and crisp interior with comfortable decor and seating. The food has a high quality American flavor with signature blueberry pancakes and made from scratch breakfast potatoes that where a highlight for the burger dish. The burger is served with bacon and an over easy egg and toast, a definite must if you're feeling hungry! The bloody Mary's while not the best I've had and mimosa were very good.
Visited Hubbard Inn last night, 8/14, a Thursday night. The crowd was poppin' with beautiful, classy people. The decor is gorgeous. I have a slight obsession with cool chandeliers and lamps at different spots around town. Hubbard Inn has some cool ceiling lamps :) see my pic. The bartenders were fast, attentive, and made suggestions accordingly. The most important question though is, "why is this four star worthy?" The freaking Sangria people, the freaking Sangria! It's made with several different liquors and you get an option. My friend ordered hers with the rum option. Dee-lish!! I ordered the champagne drink, not really impressed. All I wanted was my friend's sangria, LoL. Disclaimer: we were already REALLY tipsied by the time we got here, so I hope the sangria is as good as I remember. I will have to go back at the beginning of the night to give it the sober Katy test but for now, I went to sleep dreaming about this quite impressive cocktail. We didn't order food but for drinks, two thumbs up from this girl! SYS, H.I. ;)
(4)
Angelica P.
I went to Hubbard Inn for brunch and was not disappointed. I had the lobster omelet and it was amazing!!! There were huge chunks of lobster in it. Their house potatoes were really good as well.
(4)
Violet P.
Had an 11:00 reservation for brunch on Saturday before Easter. By 11:30 the place was packed. What a cute place and let me tell you, the food was absolutely yummy. The decor was very old time and I really thought it was very homey. Started with a bloody. Nothing too fancy and no chaser. I had to remember that no one does a bloody like Milwaukee does a bloody so I gave them a pass on this one. But props for the delicious pickled asparagus and nicely sized piece of shrimp. The service was excellent. Bus "boys" we're very attentive. Kept the bottle of waters at the table full and dirty dishes off the table. Hostess came around at a point to ask if everything was ok as well. I ordered the lobster omelet with spinach and mushrooms. $15 but worth it. They didn't skimp on the ingredients. My better half ordered the chicken biscuits with gravy. Of course I tried that as well and couldn't complain about a thing!!!! Will definitely come back on the next trip to Chi Town!!!
(5)
Tracy H.
Happy Hour review: Loved the ambiance. Came here on a Friday afternoon. Great drink list. My fiance and I got some happy hour items ($1 oysters/$2 king crab legs). The oysters were good, but the crab legs were excellent! Service started off strong but our waiter totally went AWOL at the end and we ended up waiting and waiting to close out, which is aggravating. Good, but in no rush to return.
Great experience here. Was so annoyed when a girl ran into me and spilled my $15 drink on me. Ran into an employee in the elevator who offered to buy not only me, but all of my friends another drink because of the accident. Totally felt like this bar valued their customers and made for a great experience
(5)
Lauren D.
If you go here for brunch, be sure to get the brunch burger!!!!! A big, juicy burger with an egg, bacon, and red-eye gravy on top. It's so good!
(5)
Sam N.
What a place. This is a great to go do some hard core after work socializing in mixed company if you know what I mean :) Elegant, classy, not over the top but a place just like the way you want it. You can hang with your old friends, with your new friends, with the friends you just met and even your family without them taking you aside and like " we think you have been partying too much" ( not that this has ever happened to me). The place has three floors. The 2nd floor is a awesome lounge to hang out in. On Friday and Saturday nights if you are in this hood after 10 PM check out their third floor lounge. They have a dj and some art in the lounge . The DJ starts to play either at 10 or ten thirty. I have a group from a social networking web site and we have used the third floor space to have some social events on e the weekend. I worked with their manager Zach who was very helpful in working out some things for this to have occured. I am very thankful to him and the Staff at Hubbard Inn for going all out and making the three events there a success. I could go into detail on how I like the food so much but I will do that at another time
(5)
Robert O.
Always pretty happy with this place on Friday, Saturday nights. Went for happy hour today and ordered a Yamazaki 18 that was shown as $20 dollars on the menu (I didn't see the fine print that said 3 dollars for up charge or 2oz shot). When I ordered the bartender never asked me how big I wanted my pour. I received my bill and it was for $28 dollars. Asked why I got charged the additional 8, Bartender said it was a mistake but she will still charge me the additional $3 dollar up charge. Earlier on she gave me water with a long hair in it. I'm not a high maintenance person or cheap, and I always take care of my service people...ex bartender/manager for nightclubs in San Francisco....just asked bartender to notify her customers in the future or ask for size of pour in the future and she had a pretty apathetic response.
(2)
Jeff M.
Wonderful food. Enjoyed the meat board, bison burger and the beef short rib! I hear they have a club upstairs :)
(4)
Dannie C.
Came here for lunch with a coworker today. Ordered the bacon wrapped dates, chorizo & goat cheese flatbread and chickpea crepe to share. That's the order of amazing-ness too. I think bacon wrapped dates are a brilliant invention in general, and Hubbard Inn tops it in a red pepper sauce that really complements. The dates were creamy and the goat cheese within went really well together. The flatbread was decent, although I think the restaurant could think of another way to fit the veggies in with the chorizo and goat cheese coz right now they just sit on top of everything else. I thought the crepe was decent (the portion is huge), but the filling and the crepe (which felt a little dry) didn't go that well together. Overall, a good meal at a decent price. It's a "don't mind dining here" kinda place.
(3)
Lexie C.
Typically I normally post pictures of my food but while I was waiting on my server, who took FOREVER to bring us water and take our order, I had time to take in the ambience & decor of the restaurant. I was very intrigued by the paintings that were on the walls. I'm not an artist and maybe, just maybe I'm missing the message behind the selection of Black Monkey's plastered on the wall next to other white human paintings. The monkeys were very well dressed (sarcasm)! All the other pictures in the restaurant were white paintings with actual faces, no animalistic theme whatever so ever; yet all things black were portrayed as monkeys. Unless the manager and/or owner can open my eyes as to why they chose those pictures or the meaning behind it, they won't be getting more of my money. It's clear to me that they are degrading blacks. They'll allow the "good blacks" that's look to par tho! (More sarcasm!) In other news, the turkey burger was delicious, hence 2 stars. However, I still won't be back. Blatant racism at its finest... I can't AND won't support this business ever again.
(2)
Michael N.
Atmosphere: A Food: B+ Service: B* Frankly, this restaurant deserves three+ stars, perhaps even four. However, based on a failure of service I cannot do that. The decor is very enjoyable, from the exposes ceiling, to the paintings, the floor tiles, the bar, the lighting, the variety of seating, I could go on but then I gave the Atmosphere an "A" so that likely speaks for itself. The food was very good, we did not have an opportunity to sample the entire menu (e.g., entrees), but those looked quite appealing as we passed other tables. A strong drink selection from tap is always a plus, as is the controlled menu, which was a very good balance of complementary and supplementary offerings. The service was prompt, relatively attentive and partially helpful. This is where the asterisk comes in; one of our party had some type of discount that was not honored for the lunch/dinner menu. I think that this is a mistake. The manager should come over, explained the situation, either providing an exception or make some other gesture of good will. Instead the server was required to do that and did not really do a very good job. Even when giving a patron "bad news" it can be an opportunity for excellent service; this is my recommendation to the Hubbard Inn.
(2)
Cynthia R.
Didn't even know this place was here. Awesome old Chicago feel with awesome high ceilings and brick. Really cool spot. We went here for Brunch one Saturday afternoon. Just looking around at other people's food, I found myself getting super excited because everything looked amazing. When we got our food, they did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious. I had the lobster omelet. It was sensational! Even the potatoes that accompanied were fabulous. My hubby got another omelet...I think it was veggie. Fantastic! We definitely want to go back to experience some of the other tasty morsels on the menu.
(4)
Laila C.
Generally I'm here much later on a weekend and it can get...how do I put it...douchey. But come on a weeknight after work and the environment is far more tolerable. The food is ok...nothing has ever stood out but the cocktails are pretty good. Priced very inline with the rest of River North. That means $25-$35 for food and depending on if you're a lush like me or a normal person, cocktails range from $13 to oops I forgot how many I've ordered and I don't want to check my bank account tomorrow.
(3)
Patty T.
This place is great for drinks (usually crowded for happy hour and on weekends) and the "library-esque" bar on the 2nd floor is a nice touch. Very lively 20/30 somethings scene. The food, however, is very underwhelming and overpriced. For example, the TINY tasteless flatbreads for $14. Or the pickled vegetables that hard/watery. Presentation of food is nice, but it really leaves something to be desired. Even their cake is a bit dry. Service I've experienced has also always been slow and inattentive. I recommend going for drinks here - fun atmosphere and good cocktails. But head somewhere else for dinner. Not only because the food is less than average, but typically downstairs it's too loud/crowded to even enjoy your underwhelming meal.
(2)
Jenna K.
If you like hair in your food, waiting 45 minutes to be seated after your reservation and crappy service: Hubbard Inn is the place for you! I had the worst experience here with my friends a couple weeks ago. None of us will ever come back and we will not be recommending this place either. If you have a reservation, expect to still wait. We had a reservation at 7PM on a Saturday and were not seated until 7:45 for a party of four. Ridiculous! We had made that reservation weeks in advance. Service was nothing special, as expected from other reviews. Seemed like we were bothering our waitress every time we had to flag her down for something. Maybe check back with your tables more often so we don't have to constantly keep asking you for things...? Started off with a greasy flatbread with a hair sitting on top, lovely. Steak was rare instead of medium well, undercooked fried chicken, come on guys I've had better food in a cafeteria. Will not return to this dump.
(1)
Krystle T.
Let's smoke some cigars, play a hand of poker, and down some whiskey on the rocks- that's the vibe I get from Hubbard Inn w/ the lights dimmed on a chill Friday night. Price: Not bad, it's your typical Chicago restaurant. You'll probably be looking to spend $15 - $20 for a dish. Parking: Not sure, we walked on ova. Service: The waitress was chill and attentive. We had a bartender help take our picture and she was good at that, haha. Much appreciated! Food & Drinks: I couldn't decide what I wanted especially since they're known for their flatbread which wasn't gluten free. I went with something different- a chickpea crepe. I asked the waitress how that one was and she simply said "I like it." I was sold! It was not bad, kind of dry, but that's what you'd expect from chickpeas. The side salad it came with was drenched in dressing which is not how I like my salad. I didn't know it came with a salad either though, so I guess it's a win win! The buds ordered flatbread & grilled cheese, and enjoyed it. You can't mess up grilled cheese. Notes: I appreciate the gluten free and etc. markings they have on their menu. I also spotted grey goose on tap which was interesting... idk how I feel about that. Overall: I actually enjoyed this place. I'd kick it here on a night after work if I wanted some drinks and something light to munch on. Deal me a hand!
(4)
Christopher B.
We came here on a Friday night and hung out upstairs just to have drinks. The place had a lot of energy and was slammed. The Moscow Mule I had was really good. We found an area to sit, which made it really nice to chat with friends. I think this is a good spot to stop in on a Friday night before heading onto something else.
(3)
Evan C.
I have been to Hubbard Inn multiple times and it really depends on the type of mood you are in. The decor is pretty cool and has an English style pub type feel to it. I have never been blown away by the food. I have had everything from a bison burger to flatbread to bacon wrapped dates. Everything on the menu is pretty expensive for the flavor although the presentation looks great. At night, this place gets super crowded. One of the best parts of this place is the fireplace lounges on the upper floors. If your company can book a happy hour or networking event here you will not be disappointed. Overall, alright place so I'm giving this 3 stars.
(3)
E W.
JFC, please fix the fucking front door; the constant barnyard slamming is so annoying if you are seated near the front. Also you may wish to dust the cobwebs in the foyer chandeliers. THAT aside, my meal here once I was seated was very delicious. We had the Groupon brunch, including pineapple mimosas and a nice selection of brunch options. Prices are moderate, but entrees are appropriately artisanal. The vibe is somewhat yupscale, which may be obnoxious later in the evening, but brunch was quiet and calm. I wouldn't go out of my way to return here, but it's probably nice to meet friends here and feel vaguely successful.
The place is nice and the service is great. The food is ok. I think you should go there at least once but I am not sure its worth going back for dinner. I have been here just for drinks and at night and that was fun for about one hour. It gets really crowded and its hard to order drinks. It's just not my type of place.
(3)
Marisa L.
Just so-so for brunch. Both the brunch burger and skirt steak were ordered cooked to Medium, however arrived very well-done. Burger had two thinner patties and was dry. Breakfast potato side was good. Brussels sprouts side was probably the best part of the meal. Bloody Mary only comes with a celery stick.
(2)
Mike W.
This review is for the weekly Raw Bar Happy Hour. What we ordered: Oysters - $1 oysters during their happy hour and they were pretty good. A few had a fair amount of sand in them, but other than that no complaints at $1 per. Shrimp Cocktail - $2 per shrimp. Not sure how much of a deal this for a medium sized shrimp, but taste wise this was easily the best item. King Crab Legs - $2 for half of a crab leg. Nothing special to report here, a little bland but hey that's crab. A little butter on the side might have been nice. With two beers the tab still came out at ~$45. Our server seemed pretty indifferent to us and didn't have much personality. It almost seemed like she was ticked that we only ordered a light meal from the raw bar. Given the glut of happy hour specials with $1 oysters in the area I'd probably choose a different place next time.
(3)
Derrick P.
The only reason I'm giving more than one star is that the food at the end was for free. Horrible service. Doesn't exist. Three waiters for Sunday brunch. It's a bad joke. 40.min to get seated even they were empty tables. After that - completely forgotten. I had to ask If we can expect any service. Got the drinks and forgotten again. No water refills. Even once. Overpriced bland food. 15$ flatbbread. Another bad joke. Flatbbread from freezer tastes better. Hard dough. Like reheated multiple times. Saggy, soft crab cakes... Eghhh. Bloody Marry... Weak. Bad food experience. Few pros: very good coffee and nice bartender, interior design. That's all about pros. Everything else I consider as Cons. I will definitely not come back.
(2)
Belle L.
Competitive pricing with less food portion in common ingredients and well seasoned balanced flavor. Small Plates are out of fashion. Loud. Madhouse. For one, it's easy to spend $47 for one drink and no brown bag. Tips for an affordable satisfying meal: SEARED HALIBUT ($19) -- perfectly seared with balanced flavor and good seasoning. Hats off to Sous Chef Garcia. The bigger portion of the small plates category. An explosion of contrasting flavor and texture. LE GRAND COURTAGE ROSE ($12) -- I am appreciative whenever Le Grand of whatever is available per glass. Thank you! Avoid, unworthy.... Side of Asparagus ($5) -- specks of cheese and few sticks of common asparagus is worth $3. Pineapple Cake ($8) -- serves 2. The buttery biscuit with topping of pineapple chunks in cinnamon caramel sauce. Good light flavor. For price, I expect a more complicated dessert preparation rather than flop a biscuit and pour topping. * * * SERVICE -- informative and knowledgeable. Prompt water refill. Quick cleanup. Polite. Beautiful Leah was encouraging on lunch menu. UPSTAIRS BARTENDERS -- Nick and Travis are charming and knowledgeable that is hampered by madhouse vibe that starts at 6:30p on Friday. It's amazing how attentive they are to crazed customers while uber busy. Great team! MENU -- something new and old every month to keep regulars from getting bored. FRIDAY DJ -- lounge type music with ugly mishmash beats that is annoyingly noisy. iTunes on random Shuffle.
(4)
T B.
One of the worst meals I've had in Chicago, unfortunately. We've had good food here in the past, but the short ribs this time were like old shoe leather.
(2)
Raul B.
Great good! Best lobster roll in Chicago. Very good sea food and also the porter steak with lobster sauce is to die for! Highly recommend both! Staff is very knowledgeable n professional
(5)
T G.
Went here for brunch and the food was excellent. The service was great! The waiter was wonderful and the manager helped his staff with the guests. It wasn't beneath him to clear the table or offer help to the server. I recommend! Best of all the drinks were really good!
(4)
Marjorie F.
It was a Friday night and the occasion was my friend's 40-something birthday. The atmosphere was festive with many wandering over after work for some happy hour cocktails. I had every intention of making it an early night, but alas, it would not be so. When I arrived, my friend and her co-workers were already one cocktail in. The drink of the table was some sassy sangria concoction. I'm not sure what was in it, but since that's what most of us were drinking they ordered a whole vat of the happy juice. Great. That's just what I needed. NOT! We also ordered a variety of dishes (tapas style). That was sign #2 that I would soon be inebriated. TIP: If you're going to drink, eat something SUBSTANTIAL. I should have had a burger to myself. Seriously. Anyway... Out of all the dishes, my favorite was the bacon-wrapped dates. The other items were good, but not as memorable. Service was great. Our server made sure we finished every last drop of the sangria. I will definitely be back, but hopefully, not indulging in more than a glass or two of any drink. Cheers!
(4)
Eowyn K.
We stopped by early on a Saturday night. While there was was a good hum of people, it was not yet too busy or crowded. The bar has two floors. The first floor was full of tables and booths while the second floor seemed more bar oriented. The decor is what sets Hubbard Inn apart. Round-bulbed hanging lights, chandeliers, interesting textured wallpaper and actual art work adore the walls. We found an empty couch area that gave us a good view of the room for people watching. The service was good, though we had some difficulty getting our credit cards back when we were ready to leave. We did not try any of the food, but based on the other reviews, I would come back to in the future.
(4)
Alex W.
Great food, fun chill vibe, good service always, not too pricy, good fun. Love this place and go here all the time.
(4)
Egle M.
Live nearby & stopped in on a Sunday around 5pm. No one sat us & took the waiter over 15 minutes to acknowledge us. A drink, flatbread & chicken app cost $50. Crazy! The flatbread wasn't flat & was tiny. No thank you. Soo glad we had discounts through Spring Rewards & Giftie. Might come back for drinks, but not for overprice blah food.
(3)
Brittany L.
Great place to grab drinks on a Friday night. (Or any night really). Recently stopped in during a recent trip to Chicago. The drinks and the bartenders are on point! Strong pours, friendly bartenders and a the ambience is rocking it. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Dante K.
Really good drinks. Bartender was awesome (and cute).
(5)
Natalia K.
I'm a huge fan of the decor in here and would love it more if it wasn't located on a trendy strip with the atmosphere and prices to go with it. But with a glance at the unique menu and groupon in hand, I was more than excited to come here for brunch. The service was really great and attentive and we received our mimosas right away. It's nice to be able to choose a different juice to go with your champagne than just orange and I enjoyed my grapefruit mixture. For our entrees, my friend chose the bison burger and enjoyed it despite the strange pickled raspberries, which she said she didn't love. Her sweet potato fries were enviable and I stole more than one during the course of our meal. My lobster omelet was ok- I wanted to like it, but I wasn't into the fishy egg pairing. Eating the egg and lobster separately helped, but I only made it through half. The breakfast potatoes and toast were good and filled me up nicely. I would definitely come back to try some other things off their menu- especially with another groupon.
(3)
Jenna R.
fabulous drinks on the first floor and fun dance/club on the 3rd floor! Bartenders really know how to make drinks and keep you wanting more--yummy!!! The food here is super great too and it changes seasonally. I had the lobster bisque and it was very well prepared. real lobster chunks then they pour the soup over the lobster in this big bowl and it was decedent to say the least. mmm mmm good!
(5)
Dylan M.
I really enjoyed this place. It's decor is beautiful with intricate woodwork, furniture and lighting throughout. They really put some time and money putting this establishment together. The service was very good from start to finish. I made a reservation that was confirmed by phone day of and seated on time. Granted I was here for and early after work dinner and can tell this place could be jammed later in the evening or a weekend. But for the dinner I experienced it was perfect. Food was very good. The ingredient were fresh, flavorful and inventive and a large variety to chose from (I highly recommend the chickpea crepe). The flow of the meal went very smoothly with the various courses arriving at a nice pace. Honestly I was close to giving Hubbard Inn 5 stars and next time I come back hopefully I will have a similar experience and give it that 5. When I return again... and I will... I am defiantly going to have to wander around more and explore the other levels/areas it has to offer.
(4)
Sofia J.
Oysters are the best part of the happy hour. The scallop crudo was mushy (not very fresh), lobster cocktail was just shredded up lobster (no sauces), shrimp cocktail was just 1 piece of shrimp (which was still good), king crab was ok (1 leg split open - you get half). Great service - really appreciated the attentiveness and promptness of our waiter during an incredibly busy time - also very much appreciated him letting us know there was only 1 shucker so the oysters would take some time. Food off the regular menu and drinks were delicious!
(4)
J W.
This was by far the best time I've ever had at a restaurant. The food was awesome and the service was amazing! Thanks to the Hubbard Inn team and Eileen for helping to make my brothers bachelor party a memorable one.
(5)
Andrew D.
Hats off to Hubbard Inn for refusing to follow their River North counterparts and turning into a douche factory past the 10 o'clock hour. While many of their neighbors turn up the music to obscene volumes, form dumb lines outside their establishments, and basically turn their bartenders into asshole mode, Hubbard Inn keeps it classy - still accepting OpenTable reservations well into the night. The cocktails are decent and they have a decent, respectable beer list. The food is good - not spectacular like some of the other restaurants nearby, but it doesn't try to fit into that "Contemporary" category. Their happy hour oyster/shrimp specials are the best around and you can tell, as they rarely have space available past 5:30 p.m. Nice default to take a date. One of the coolest looking bars in area, complete with Hemingway-esque decor.
(4)
John S.
This is the most picture-esque restaurant in the downtown area. This is a place straight out of a movie. Charming, elegant, beautiful, whimsical... I looked at the menu online and found a few options I was eager to try, but got there for dinner to find out a variety of things were only listed on the Lunch menu - understandable but unfortunate. Our table of 4 placed orders and there were a few issues (someone's 'well' burger came out looking medium rare at best). The restaurant was nearly empty but at times it seemed difficult to get our waiter's attention. Overall, a beautiful restaurant that I wish I could live in. The food was overall great (except my friend's $10 salad that looked like a side of coleslaw). I would come back but with reservations.
(3)
Kevin B.
Hubbard Inn's beer selection is nothing short of awesome. From craft to IPAs to your regular domestics, its a wide range you can choose from and ON TAP! They even have Grey Goose and Bacardi on tap. I've never seen a Grey Goose spout before. Everytime I've been here it's for after work drinks or a special event. Most recently they hosted an event which included an open bar and small bites. They had slider versions of both their bison burger and lamb burger and both were delicious. The feta and sauce that went with it complimented it perfectly. Everything they brought out was tremendous. Considering the area, it's reasonably priced as well. And Hubbard has 3 floors so it's plenty of room. Great for hosting events.
(4)
Stu K.
Best. Brunch. Ever. Incredibly sized portions with some of the most explosive flavors you'll try. I had the breakfast burger on my first visit then the pork belly French toast dish on my returning visit. Seriously, try both. Great restaurant and will def be back!
(5)
Margaret A.
Hubbard Inn is one of my go-to places for drinks and apps. I've never had a full meal there but their drink selection is great and their apps are wonderful. I've had their flatbread pizzas and LOVE them. Make sure to make a reservation because they can become quite crowded. Warning though, the wait staff is not very smart so orders and table selections can be lost on them.
(4)
Brandon B.
This is a review of my experience which, note, is very subjective, as a quiet person who doesn't really like loud places. I was invited to a friend's birthday party. The first confusion was figuring out how to get in, there were masses of people in different lines, including inexplicably scantily clad women in the middle of winter. There is not an easy way to figure out which door belongs to this place. My friend said just to come in but I was stopped by a bemused bouncer who demanded a $10 cover and gave a hand stamp. Inside there were tables but it was pretty chaotic with drunk people in clusters, blocking any straight line you could take and making it difficult to get to the bar. There was only a late night menu, the flatbreads were actually not too bad but very expensive, as were the mediocre drinks. And it was loud, loud loud, hard to hear yourself think, getting louder as the night went on. Trying to walk around you get bumped like a pinball by all the stumbling blonde girls drunk in heels and frat boys flailing their arms doing strange dance moves and bro talk. Some interesting window watching of crazy people darting across the street into traffic and near accidents. Officially grumpy old man review. If I make it back in the day I will update.
(2)
Lefai K.
Pretty fun place to get drinks and food. This place has multiple levels and they were all bumpin' when we got there at around 1AM. The atmosphere is OK, but at times it felt really crowded.
(4)
Lauren S.
Hubbard Inn has is usually a spot I stop by for drinks only. I enjoy the upstairs lounge. Recently we have been coming in for brunch and it's quite delish!!! The groupon deal is amazing. I have thus far stuck to getting the lobster roll which is wonderful and stuffed with lobster!!! Check it ou!!!
(5)
Elizabeth P.
This was our last meal during a great girls weekend of eating our way across Chicago. 12 of us girls went there for brunch - service was a bit tardy, even given that the restaurant wasn't that busy. I had the lox and bagel, which was fair but not the best I've ever had. Some of the girls ordered omelettes which they seemed to enjoy. It's a really cool space, in a nice area for strolling around. I would recommend it for large groups especially.
(4)
Faith C.
The first thing I have to say is the server was a total B! I will never return. The food however was really good. The server we had should be fired. We got drinks bloody mary not good and a coffee burnt. We asked for water it never came. We got our brunch I had eggs benedict my boyfriend had a burger. No complaint about either dish. I asked for hot sauce my boyfriend asked for ketchup neither were delivered. Instead of the traditional "is everything ok?" We got a thumbs up tilt of the head? from across the room. THERE WERE ONLY 2 OTHER PEOPLE EATING IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT! Oh and there was a food runner so I still tipped but my tip to you is she doesn't deserve a job in the service industry
(1)
Laura G.
Great atmosphere. Eclectic crowd and quite busy for a Tuesday night. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which were delicious. The buffalo burger was also a nice choice. Not impressed by the flat bread. Decent wine selection at the craft cocktail bar also. I'll be back!
(4)
Melanie S.
A group of us came here for lunch and it was rather abysmal. On its face, the $22 prix-fixe lunch seems like a good deal, but with mediocre food, it was hardly worth it. $22 gets you any starter/snack, followed by any burger or sandwich. I went for broke and ordered the lobster roll, and started with the chicken noodle soup. The soup had a weird flavor undertone, and it was served lukewarm. The lobster roll had entirely too much mayo, which was obviously covering up the far more sinister "lobster" meat (which had the consistency of cat food). It didn't taste fresh and I couldn't stomach more than a couple bites. Hey, at least the fries were good. No one else seemed to enjoy their food much either. Burgers suffered from being either too overcooked and/or dry. Not a single one of us ordered dessert. With a group of seven women, that's pretty telling. I guess no one wanted to risk splurging on something that likely wouldn't be worth the calories. Even my lemonade sucked. It was definitely from a can or fountain; it had that weird artificial taste. Service was friendly, but we had to ask for things like condiments or drink refills several times before we were accommodated. I liked the atmosphere, and the cocktail options all sounded good, so perhaps I'll pay a return visit after work one evening, but with so many better options for lunch in RN, I'm certain not to return for lunch ever again.
(2)
Alex M.
I was in Chicago for business and took our clients out for dinner here. The environment of the venue is great; good music, and a fun vibe. Let me first tell you that this place is waaaaay better when treated as a tapas style meal. here is what we ordered and ranked 1-5, 1 being something I wouldn't feed my imaginary dog and 5 being something i will have dreams about. -steak tartar : 5, its that good. - meatballs: 3, they are just ok - flatbreads: 3 just ok - tuna tartar: 5,really good - lobster roll: 5, probably the best dish i ordered here. Kind of wish i had one right now... All in all hubbard is an ok place...not sure i would go back for anything other than a soccer match, beer, and that lobster roll...
(4)
Casey A.
Classy, yet rustic, I have been reacquainted with Hubbard Inn, since about 2 yrs ago, and I think I love it more. Maybe its my getting a little older, but it's just as great for an after work/happy hour as it is for a Sat night out and a late night spot. I definitely recommend checking out (more than 1x), as its not exclusively a wine bar, brew pub, or cocktail lounge, but is successfully all 3.
(4)
Joseph L.
This place was decent. Good service, but not the most amazing food which I was not expecting. Cute atmosphere which is the main reason why we went, it looked like a fun place to eat/drink at. Unfortunately, there are TVs behind the bar which takes the place into a complete different direction. All in all, I'd just go to this place to drink... I wouldn't plan your special dinner here. Food: 2.8 Service: 3.5 Atmosphere: 3.0 Price: 2.5
Not good. It's a beautiful, well furnished venue, but seems to be in a bit of an identity crisis. Part eatery, part fancy pub, and part nightclub. Just like at many clubs, there's a high level of security/exclusionary practices/high pricing that you'll find here, at least on weekend nights. I came for a friend's private party, held in the third floor area. Several negatives pretty much summed up the experience here: First negative: It's not clear at all that you have to enter through a separate door outside for access to the third floor. No signs, nothing. Instead, you'll end up waiting in a mess of people by the first floor staircase, thinking that it's the way up to the third floor, while a bouncer holds back the crowd. Nope - gotta go back outside and potentially wait in another line. Luckily I arrived a bit late, so I didn't wait - but some of the folks in my party that arrived around 12 were held up outside for around 30 minutes trying to get up to the third floor. At many upscale clubs, such a wait would be expected in this situation, but this is just not the type of venue to justify 30 minute lines outside. Second negative: $20 cover for the third floor, $10 for the first. I'd say this concept (and the overall atmosphere here) is rather comparable to places like State and John Barleycorn (upscale bars with club elements and dining), both of which usually don't have covers altogether. Too expensive for a venue of this type. Third negative: $20 minimum on cards. Not even some of the clubs in Chicago have such a high minimum. Drink prices are in line with places like John Barleycorn, but the liquor selection seemed small - no Ciroc? Only positive was that the staff was professional. I don't plan on coming back here. If I'm going to go to a place with club prices and procedures, I'll go to an actual club.
(2)
Will D.
Great atmosphere and decor, Great menu and food choices, terrible execution. Ordered Brunch Burger medium rare and it was served well done. This place has so much potential, it's just not there though.
(2)
Sandra A.
Average. Bought a groupon for $20 for brunch for two which includes a mimosa or bloody mary for each person. You can choose from any option on the menu except two reasonable exceptions. I had the lobster roll with fries. It was ok but I've had better. Too much going on in it. Fries were ok. They offer sweet potato fries too. The bun was just ok, I left some on my plate which doesn't say much about it. I wouldn't go back for this dish. The mimosa was very good, a lot of champagne flavor, not too sweet like some. My partner had the skirt steak which she described as lacking in salt and flavor. They have a nice selection of cocktails and nice ambiance, especially outdoor tables. Our server was fine, our hostess Chelsea was friendly and helpful. The menu options seem very good. It was a good value with the groupon, $20 for about $50 worth of food and drink. Not sure if we'd bother to try it again.
(3)
Alex M.
Full bar. Pay to get in. I'm Here to PAY to have a drink at your place, but some bouncer at your door is charging guys that are bringing girls to walk in the doors. Either your bouncer are complete idiots or your management level is incompetent. Again, I came to the place to PAY for a drink. Unless you have a completely original, never done before, the first ever bar experience event or layout, no one should have have to pay to come in.
(2)
Tiffany R.
I really like the decor, it's a really cool space. I loved the tile and wood floor. Nice high ceilings. Hip place that just is without trying too hard. I appreciate that when you order a Moscow mule they serve it correctly and in a cooper cup like you are suppose to, yah! I ordered the asparagus flat bread and it was so super tasty. The bartender was nice. The bathrooms were very clean and stylish.
(5)
Magen R.
I've been here a few times over the past year and have really come to enjoy Hubbard Inn as a place to enjoy drinks with tasty food and a relaxing atmosphere. I dined in with a friend last night and we split the artichoke and mushroom flatbread, bacon wrapped dates, and brussels sprouts. All of the food was really delicious and one of my favorite things were the various sauces that complemented the dishes. I loved the horseradish vinaigrette on the pizza as well as the spicy sauce that accompanied the dates. These are the things that set their dishes apart for me. Also, worth nothing that their brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked, and in my opinion, totally to die for! The only things holding back Hubbard Inn from getting the elusive 5 stars is the service. I was not in love with our waiter or his demeanor. We also had a Gilt City deal and he refused to substitute small plates for sandwiches even if they were less money. Makes no sense to me but whatcha gonna do? Overall, Hubbard Inn's ambiance, quality cocktails, and great food make it a place I'll definitely be coming back to.
(4)
Amy S.
Saturday Nights - this place is always fun and usually the bouncers are very fair and nice (unlike the place across the street...ahem Mercer). I love the ambiance in this place; it's super cozy: walls lined up with books and candles, dim-lighting chandeliers throughout the space, and solid wooden tables and bar area. The beer selection here is fantastic! I've never tasted a Pumpkin Ale beer better than the one carried here. Unfortunately, it's only served within season. New Years Eve - Came here last night and I thought it was pretty good! NYE is pretty overrated as is, but this place made it really fun. It was open bar for 5 hours and there was an appetizer buffet on all three floors. The buffet consisted of different flatbreads, burgers (beef and veggie), glazed shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, vegetarian spring rolls, aaaand one or two more things that I did not get a chance to try. The food here is always really great, and NYE was no exception to that. The service was actually really great here, didn't have to wait longer than 3-4 minutes for a drink and it was a nice surprise to see them open up the third floor to everyone, as that usually seems to be rented out by a private party on the weekends. Dinner - I absolutely love every meal I've had here. The menu changes often, but whenever there is lamb in the dish, it is done amazingly well! Most bars lack in quality of food, but I think this place outshines all the surrounding bars when it comes to that.
(4)
Michael B.
Four stars for the great ambience and live environment. Friendly service and good food too. We just enjoyed casual items - bison burger (make sure to order MR so it is not dry), beet and goat cheese salad, and roasted Brussels.
(4)
Jaime G.
great place to hang out and drink some good beer and inventive cocktails. love the massive beer collection - try the off color honey wheat ale. atmoshere is cool and a pretty big place for big parties. service is also good - bar keep is esp good. food is ok. tried the 3 cheese flatbread, lobster roll, grilled cheese, and short ribs. ribs seemed to be the best but everything else was just ok. however, bacon wrapped dates and sweet potatoe fries where pretty good. would order that again. we came her on march madness and they broke out addl TV's for everyone to get a few of all games. which was cool. would come back for a beer and or cocktail for sure.
(3)
Kimberly J.
We love the monthly cocktails and cuisine dinners that are hosted by Pat Brickhouse, who is such a wonderful woman. Each four course dinner is paired with a cocktail using the featured spirit for the month. You also receive a welcome cocktail prior to dinner. We have gotten to experience several different liquors, such as tequila, Irish whiskey, rum, gin, and sparkling wines. All of the cocktails and courses are outstanding and we have gotten to know people that we look forward to seeing every month. It's definitely a great time!
(5)
Kevin M.
Hubbard Inn is pretty consistent. Nice staff, great location, cool vibe/decor. Food is above average for a bar.
(4)
Adrienne T.
Hubbard Inn is a great spot for after-work drinks and appetizers. I especially enjoy the wide array of craft cocktails offered. Not only are the drinks strong, but tasty, too. For you beer lovers out there, they have a great selection as well. Their downstairs area can get a bit crowded on Thursday through Saturday evening. If you find the downstairs area to be crowded, you can always head upstairs, where you will find additional lounge-style seating in a modern, chic setting.
(4)
Karen D.
Great place to grab some cocktails or even some local brews. It has the feel of a Mad Men- era bar with leather couches and a library in the back. I definitely feel far more sophisticated than I actually am in this bar. There's an awesome variety of local draft beers. If you're a fan of Gin drinks or that cucumber/lime taste, I highly recommend getting The Hepburn.
(4)
Lauren B.
A large group of us met up here for a friends birthday. We didn't have reservations and they were really accommodating. The first floor was packed so we went up to the second, which was equally nice. The staff were super friendly and attentive. It became very busy but it remained a cozy, upbeat atmosphere. I think every bar is too loud and this wasn't an exception :) but thats just me. In full disclosure we just got drinks but they were all great. Prices were actually really good, particularly for the area. I highly suggest this place to meet friends and bring people from out of town- the building itself is unique and they really paid attention to detail with their design.
(4)
Suz O.
Fabulous atmosphere. Cool rustic tables and library- fireplace feel balanced with funny monkey paintings and sports on TVs. Fabulous cocktails and what I think I can actually say are the best mussels in Chicago (sorry Hopleaf (my previous favorite)). Great service too! Brittaney rocks!
(5)
Nisha P.
Had a great Friday night here last weekend. I'm not a huge fan of Hubbard due to the 20-something sloppy drunk crowd - but Hubbard Inn was not too crowded and there was room to sit upstairs. I'm not sure how pricey drinks were as I didn't actually pay for mine, but the drink I received was a generous pour and quit strong, so I was happy.
(4)
Carlita R.
Three stars the place is beautiful with three different floors depending on what you want to do. The drinks are great and the bartenders are very friendly . The only thing I did not like unfortunately was the food. The display is pretty but the food fell short in the fast department. I would still go back but strictly for a hangout and drinks with friends
(3)
Courtney W.
We ate here for brunch yesterday, Sunday a little after Noon and it was excellent! It was a very busy day and they were short of service staff but that didn't keep them from being professional. We used our groupon voucher with no issues which is a plus! Even without the groupon the prices there are great for couples on a budget. We really appreciate the wait staff, hostess and cooks for an excellent experience. It really made our Sunday! I am now a raving fan!!
(4)
Heather K.
Holy shit this place is busy. So do not expect to get seated without a reservation! Even with one, my friends and I had to wait like a half hour to get seated. That was kind of off-putting. The decor inside is awesome....I love the dim lighting and the way they've set everything up. The drinks are great too. They make a very very nice martini and their list of cocktails is extensive and imaginative. I recommend doing a sharezies-tapas kind of thing. That's their menu style anyway, they're all kind of small-to-mid-size portions. My friends and I just ordered a shitload of things to share at our table and that worked out great. The food is very tasty and I can't complain about that at all. I definitely would get the crispy ahi and the seared scallops again, I can say that for sure. The seating kind of sucked, but that might just be due to the spot where we were put. It was near the bar and I think they were getting a little overzealous with trying to pack the max number of tables in that area because there was literally no space between my chair and that of the dude behind me. We kept bonking elbows. I hope he didn't have cooties. I don't think the prices were all that bad. In fact, compared with the Bay Area where I'm used to getting shaken upside-down for that last quarter, it was incredibly reasonable.
(4)
Ingrid H.
I haven't been here in a while, but I just had brunch at Hubbard Inn, and I was pleasantly surprised! The lobster omelet was fantastic, they take reservations for brunch, and our server Garit was excellent! Highly recommended.
(5)
Liam A.
Disappointing, really. We were already bummed to have missed their (newer) brunch serving so we opted to stay for lunch. We got the bison burgers, the lobster roll because it's been highly recommended by friends and yelpers alike, and the seared scallops. We marveled at the decor (a bit medieval-like and nice woodwork throughout the place) as we waited for our food. We were the only ones in the place which 1) seemed odd for the number of reviews this place has received and 2) made us think that it'd help our server become more attentive towards our party yet she only ever came by three times: refiled our drinks once, brought out the food, and gave us our check). The rest of the time she was with the other staff members talking towards the back (still within the front of the house) section of the restaurant. That's okay, we came for food anyways right? The food came out after a half hour wait (again, we were the only ones there...) and quite frankly it was nothing to write home about. The bison itself was cooked well. Meaty, flavorful, and more tender than what a ground beef patty would've been which is everything one can hope for from a bison. It also had pickled raspberries in it which added depth and unexpected flavor with every bite. The problem was that everything else that came with it seemed soggy and dead. The fries were limp and had no crunch (we had both regular fries and sweet potato fries) and the burger buns proved no match for the bison and ended up getting soggy as well. On top of that my friend's scallop ended up being too chewy so she just ate from our plates. Yikes. At least the lobster roll met expectations from all the reviews so definitely stick to that. Oh, and the cocktails weren't bad as well (we had the Acai Punch, Friends with Benefits, My Sweet Mistress, and the Aviation... all sweet drinks). I'm still giving this place 3-stars because of the decor and my willingness to come back if only for their brunch menu and nighttime atmosphere. It honestly just felt like a ho-hum place when I visited so I'd like to come back when it's more alive (hopefully with better food too). Worth giving a (second) try.
(3)
Annie M.
I came here for brunch today using a Groupon. Apparently there were plenty of other people who came with groupon deals, and they were cool enough to let us use it (despite it being father's day...there was a "no holiday" rule). The menu was awesome, the deal was awesome, but they just really didn't seemed to be staffed very well. It wasn't necessarily crowded, but the kitchen got my boyfriend's order wrong twice in a row. Long story short: He and another man both ordered the "make your own omelet" but the kitchen kept mixing the two up. The waitress was clearly stressed (understandably) but seemed to be doing everything she could to make the situation better. My boyfriend eventually just conceded and took the slightly incorrect omelet. Although the groupon included free mimosas, we also splurged on Moscow Mules...not quite as good as I was hoping, but not bad. I ordered the crab cake benedict as my entry. The poached eggs on top weren't really runny at all, but all-in-all, pretty good. The crab cake itself was very good. Overall: this place was just okay. Decent enough service, great food and drink menu, but not the greatest quality ever. I'd probably go back, if I had another groupon, but for the love of God, never order a make your own omelet hahah!
(3)
Darcy W.
Love the atmosphere here! Great place to grab a few drinks and a app after a long day. This place is always hopping! Cheers!
(4)
Eric R.
Poor Service, mediocre food. The good, came in on a Saturday with a date at about 7:30pm and was seated right away. So far pretty good. Ordered drinks after sitting around for about 10 minutes. The server seemed indifferent. Salads came after a reasonable wait. But it took about 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive. My girl's burger was ok, and my steak was about what you would get in business class on a middling good airline. It was cooked medium, but tough. The food was just not that good and the service was bad. So nice room, and I think a great place for drinks. I guess that is why we got a table so easily on a Saturday night. You live and you learn!
(2)
Anna G.
I recently lunched at Hubbard Inn after about a year's absence. They've definitely updated the menu since the last time I was there. There are definitely a lot more choices and they all sounded pretty good. Prices are still pretty reasonable (for the area). I had the chicken club and my friend ordered a the tuscan kale salad. We both enjoyed our dishes and there was plenty of food to make a second meal out of the leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. My friend was headed to O'Hare straight from lunch and they stored her luggage inside while we ate (we were seated at one of the sidewalk tables). There are just so many great options in the area, but next time I'll hopefully be back in less than a year!
(4)
Jon B.
Service was good, i ordered the bison burger which also was great. However i got food poisoning from something that was eaten there :-/ .
(3)
Todd T.
Lots of overpriced, overrated, and overcrowded places right in this area. (ie, Bottlefork). If you want a place with real food and excellent service that isn't busy reading their press clippings, try Hubbard Inn. It's a great, diverse menu and a welcoming staff. The most dependably pleasing restaurant in River North.
(5)
Emann B.
My best mate works most Saturdays in River North, closing shop at 5pm. Lately I've been meeting him then and trying out the area's offerings. As a long time Chicagoan, River North smacks of tourists and douchbaggery, which can easily turn what is otherwise a great spot into a night out with the rabble. But in early evening, you can experience great cocktails and service in a well appointed setting. And stylin' handsome bartenders to boot. Just be sure to move on before the 708ers show up.
(4)
Jacqueline L.
Great service and good vibes! Came here for my birthday dinner with a group of 6 and had an awesome time. Loved having a booth because it felt more intimate. Our waitress was friendly and fun! Everyone really enjoyed their food and I thoroughly enoyed the tuna tartare! The carrot cake was also probably the best carrot cake I have ever had and I can be a bit snobby with cake. Fun bar for a night out too! One of my favorite bars in Chicago.
(5)
Kelley S.
This is a nice short walk from the Brown line, even on a cold January day we made it comfortably. Not a huge lunch crowd, at least not the day we went. What a nice big location, great atmosphere, well decorated, huge bar, lots of seating. Menu is kind of small, but everything sounded amazing. Hard for me to decide, but I happened to be swayed by what the person behind me got... the Classic Cobb Salad, served with grilled chicken breast. I opted to have it served with the horseradish vinaigrette which was unique and delicious. That was in place of blue cheese it is served with, which I love! but wanted to cut down calories (who knows if i did...). The salad was big and all ingredients were fresh. presentation was excellent. Greens were tossed in dressing prior to serving so if you want it separate state that when ordering. We also ordered a flatbread - chorizo and goat cheese. This was also quite tasty. It was cooked well, the flatbread was firm and crunchy and the topping were plentiful. The staff were attentive, from the people at the door, to waitress to the guy adjusting lamps and refilling water. Prices were as expected and overall quite reasonable.
(4)
E H.
Was up in here a bunch of saturdays ago with the whole crew for A & M's going away party. I partied so hard that I couldn't even stand it. So many people came up to me and were like "you party so hard". Not a big fan of going to River North but I'll venture there for the occasional birthday and or going away party. Big fan of wicker chairs. Looking for some for a my deck. Possibly a set. Something "loungey".
(5)
Denrick B.
Came here for happy-hour seafood deal. The dishes were fresh and yummy, but the price is far from a happy hour price. The oysters were cheap, but that's about it. For 2 bucks, you get half a crab leg (not a full crab leg). Scallops were great, but again the portions were tiny. Epic next door has a better happy hour deal. Drinks were moderately priced.
(3)
Sandwich M.
One of the best contemporary american spots in Chi. AMAZING brussel sprouts and awesome cocktail menu. Their menu selection is always great and includes something for everyone. On top of it, ambience is perfect. Obsessed!
(5)
Lauren D.
Too few people know just how much bison meat can elevate a burger. Fortunately, my husband and I have discovered that fact, so we were thrilled to see the bison burger on Hubbard Inn's brunch menu. We came here with a Groupon and left feeling like we'd gotten a very good deal. The burger was juicy, the brioche bun toasted perfectly. The only slightly negative point I have is that the pickled raspberries that come on the burger don't seem to serve much of a purpose. They don't make the burger taste better and I ended up picking them off because they really distracted from the meat's goodness. My husband didn't like the roasted brussel sprouts but I loved them and ate both of our servings. The decor here is a little kitschy but not to an annoying point. Overall, a great go-to place that we're eager to try again.
(4)
Aaron Jae M.
This place has an amazing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. I was surprised that there was a 45 minute wait on a cold tuesday night, but it probably meant that it was worth the wait. We got drinks while we waited and they have a pretty nice beer selection and a bunch of classic cocktails to choose from. I did not end up getting food so I can't comment on it but I hope it's good since prices are not cheap and although it has a lot of flare and presentation, it's never a replacement for taste.
(4)
Hershel B.
There is a fantastic beer menu with excellent staff, but no shortage of hotties. I am in Pradeep lowe with this place, I wish I could come here every night.
(5)
Sloop S.
Came here with the groupon deal and we were very disappointed. 11 empty tables and the hostess would not seat us claiming their servers were overwhelmed. Keep taking care of your servers and not your customers. We will not be back.
(1)
Corey R.
Amazing looking place that has a wonderful feel to it. The drinks and food are a bit over priced but its River North so yeah. I spent $90 for myself but to be fair I had 3 drinks and three small plates. The biggest stand out wasn't the food or but our sever Elaine was a FREAKING rockstar!!!! We called her E-money by the end of the night. She was ontop of everything and went the extra mile finding out what was exactly in the food. @Hubbard inn all of the fried food is cooked in the same oil which means if your allergic to nuts ya might want to avoid fried food because they serve fried mixed nuts @ Hubbard Inn. Thats the only reason is why they only get 4 stars. Elaine was a damn expert about all the booze and made some great recommendations as well. The drinks here are pretty good.
(4)
Connie R.
The ladies behind the bar were in over their head. We ordered additional items from the Happy Hour menu and 30 minutes later, the bartender had no recollection of our order. My drink glass was broken by the bartender with glass and liquor shooting across the bar. Shortly after, another patron placed a beer glass on the bar that got shattered as well. Again, glass and liquor everywhere. The couple beside us at the bar were also in the line of fire. Nothing was comped, no offer to smooth the situation. Good vibe, nice crowd. Next time I will request seating away from the bar.
(2)
Grennan K.
Came here for brunch. I guess it's a recent thing! I find that most joints have the lobster roll. It was very good here, with the perfect bun, and the fries were so good. Makes me wonder how they prepared them to be not too soggy. Yum. Also we had the Turkey burger which was super moist with Brie (love cheese/ my bf doesn't) with perfectly seasoned cranberries. Only thing is that the turkey slice was way too thick making it a total mess to eat. Mimosas a perfect brunch drink with choices of pineapple, grapefruit, & orange! I'll definitely come back for more. I bet their dinner would be very satisfactory.
(4)
Melissa F.
Legit. I live in River North, so I kind of shrug and act embarrassed whenever anyone says, "Oh, it's so douche-y there." Yes, it is. What can you say? It's not? Of course it is. But it is still a lot of fun and provides some epic people watching. ;) Now, Hubbard street is effectively a microcosm of River North. So many douche-y bars with long lines, cover charges, bathroom attendants, overpriced food and drinks, and enough pretentiousness to confound any dinner party featured on Barefoot Contessa. Somehow, by 1am on a Saturday, this was true of many bars on Hubbard...but not Hubbard Inn. I was celebrating my birthday at a Korean karaoke place in Lincoln Square (as you do), and I headed back downtown to see my brother and his wife with my friend. I texted him, asking if there was a line. No. Wha??? Was there a cover? No. Wha??? My friend and I walked right in - no carding, even - and went to meet them on the 2nd floor. At this level, you enjoy a drink that is probably overpriced (mine was bought for me by the sister-in-law because she rules)...but ALSO a luxurious sense of schadenfreude upon seeing the huddled masses outside Mercer and Epic and such. Many of the bars on Hubbard are close-to-the-same, so why not go to a place that's a lot more accessible? Yes, still pretentious (bathroom attendants, whoopie!), but it hardly factors into the positive experience you're likely to have.
(4)
Krista N.
We were here for a rehearsal dinner. What a great spot. It was a block away from where we were staying and had plenty of room for a huge amount of family and friends. They had great italian food for dinner and all of it was really good. You know a place is good when they can mass produce food and it actually tastes good. I would love to go back here and just experience the bar and food outside of it being an event, but I can tell I will love it since we had such a good dinner with family and friends!
(4)
Erinne F.
Decided to stop by for lunch on the patio to enjoy one of the last nice days. Seated quickly, server was initially tentative. We asked for suggestions on menu and seemed knowledgable and good reasons as to why she recommended what she did. One of the suggestions was the Lobster roll. I, having had more than my fair share of east coast lobster rolls, was hesitant. I should have gone with my gut. For $17 this poor excuse of a lobster roll was BARELY filled with what looked like a seafood mix I get at the deli. There was maybe one hearty chunk in the entire roll, flavor was just okay. After food was brought out by the runner, the server didn't come back until we were completely done eating. Thus, not being asked if we received everything okay or how it was. I'll stick to Hubbard Inn for drinks!
(2)
Sangita A.
Organized my husband's post- dinner cocktails birthday party here last Saturday. It was almost a complete disaster only to be saved by agressive demands by my girlfriend and the manager trying his best to deliver what was promised us. Made reservations for an upper seating area for a group of 15. Got a day-of confirmation via phone. We get there, and they say they have to seat us downstairs where people are eating dinner. Um no. This is why we make reservations. An hour and a half later, the manager puts together a little seating area in the back of the second floor. I have to give him props for trying to help us make the best of the night with a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the hassle was not worth it and I would have rather planned his birthday elsewhere in the city. SERVICE The staff was very friendly once everything got sorted out, but I would avoid organizing birthdays here unless you had some sort of guarantee of space. AMBIENCE Loved the chill atmosphere and the music. The drinks were pretty good and they have a nice cocktail menu as well. -Hungry Hungry Pongy
(3)
Rhonda K.
We walked in on a Saturday around noontime to a half-empty restaurant. "Do you have a reservation?" asked the hostess briskly. "Um, no, but we'd like lunch for two." She clicked onto her computer screen. Scanned it. Looked up. Scanned again. Frowned. "The best I can do is the end of the communal table." Aisles on two sides, one leading to the restrooms, one facing her station. Despite our hesitation, we took the seats. And had a very nice lunch: lobster roll, brunch burger, fun cocktails (The Unpaid Piper, The Odd Craft), and some of the best sweet potato fries EVER, with a luscious spicy mayo to dip them in. Hubbard Inn is a trendy spot, with interesting art on the walls, all painted by the same talented artist. Nice food, an extensive craft cocktail list, not too pricey. But c'mon. Better to treat the guests that arrive at your doorstep to a nicer table than to punish them with crappy seats. And by the way, those 12:30 pm reservations she was holding all those tables for? Never showed.
(3)
S t.
If you like your turkey burger RARE, go here. If you like to be violently sick after eating here, go here. After sending my raw turkey burger back, my sweet potato fries finally came. Not with the sauce the waitress said was so delicious with them, they were out of that aioli with paprika. Isn't that just Mayo and paprika? Yep, out of it. My husband had chicken and biscuits. Came home and became extremely sick, probably due to food poisoning and improper food handling. The service sucks as well as the food. I will never go here again and tell all my friends to not bother either. I hate that I even have to give one star.
(1)
Sarah F.
Food is excellent, service not so much. Made a 7 pm reservation for a large party, and we didn't get our table until 7:45... never fun when you're trying to entertain clients. They gave us our first round of drinks on the house (after we asked about it) and a few free apps. Waitress was friendly, but never refilled water glasses. This place could be great if they were a bit more organized and attentive.
(3)
Margaret P.
Had my best friend's bachelorette party here. I worked with Stephanie to plan the evening, and she was wonderful in helping me organize the dinner. We did a 3 course prix-fixe meal, and what I liked about Hubbard was that there were so many different options that everyone in my party (about 15 people) would be able to pick something they liked. The starter and salad course was served family style, with three different starters and two different salads. The bacon wrapped dates were delicious! I don't even know what a date is, but it was sooo good. Everything was tasty, and there was way more than enough food to share. Each person was able to choose their own entree among 4 options. I tasted each of the entrees, and they were all great. From the moment our group arrived, we were treated with outstanding service. We had multiple waitresses who constantly came around and made sure our wine was flowing. I loved the ambiance of Hubbard Inn. We were seated on the 2nd floor, and all of the decor was so cool! I was not expecting this place when I heard it was in River North area. Besides the excellent food, decor, and friendly staff...the last thing that really impressed me (and my bride!) was that on the menu on our table, they listed our bachelorette's name. It was such a thoughtful touch, and made us feel special. Next time I come back to Chicago I will definitely stop by here again. I would recommend this place for anyone with a large group, as the prix-fixe dinner was amazing and reasonably priced.
(5)
Casey F.
I love Hubbard Inn. I've been countless times. Many to drink, only 1 to eat. After spending many a boozed up night here, I was skeptical to dine here. We had a girls night and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I thought it was delicious. I find that I'm always drawn here when I'm in River North. Even though I know I've been embarrassingly drunk here, I still come back and will continue to do so. The atmosphere is fab, the lighting makes it romantic, and there is always a great crowd. Love it. If I see you there, buy me a Jack and diet.
(4)
Kim S.
I stopped in with two friends for an early dinner on Memorial Day and was instantly impressed. Despite the odd dining hour, there were a handful of patrons inside and the patio was busy. The service was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly and I was especially impressed by the cocktail options. My friend and I both got The Hepburn and agreed we could have easily gulped more, although it was the perfect balance of booze and natural flavor. I ordered crab cakes. The portion was on the smaller side, but perfect for a light meal. I had to admit they are better than the recipe I swear by when making my own. My friends shared the turkey burger which was good and not at all dry or bland, like some ground turkey ends up. The burger was served with a cranberry concoction that added intensely good flavor. In addition to our server, two other staff including a manager came over just to chat with us and ensure we were enjoying our experience. Perhaps above all is the ambiance of this place. It has a very cool, authentic, old-school vibe. I look forward to going back for more of a full dinner experience and possibly some late-night fun. I understand they have three floors and good after hours options. We're not from the area and like to check out new places whenever we are there, but this is definitely a "return to" place.
(5)
Mike W.
I visited the Hubbard Inn for brunch after purchasing a Groupon. It was a beautiful day so my girlfriend and I decided to sit outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine. If my experience stopped with having a mimosa on the flower-lined outdoor area then I would have been much more satisfied with my brunch. However, as things played out we were getting food as well and that's when there were issues that came up. My GF ordered the crab cakes benedict and I went with the build-your-own-omlet option (Very nice that they don't charge by the item... pretty much earned them the second star). The Cc Benedict was adequate, but not much more. The breakfast potatoes they serve are pretty good though, just a tad on the bland side. The bigger issue came with my omelet, or to be more exact the fact I did not get the right omelet. When I cut into it I discovered that I did not have the correct meal. I was a little disappointed, but I know mistakes happen so it wasn't a problem to wave down our waitress who apologized and immediately went back into the kitchen to have them make me a new one. After waiting another 15 minutes or so they brought out another omelet and I thought all was going to be well.... until it wasn't. They had mixed up the plates again in the kitchen and I was given a spinich and tomato omelet... not the onion, ham, and bacon goodness I was hoping for. Upon overhearing me flag down the waitress for a second time, a gentleman behind me also spoke up that he had the wrong omelet. Fortunately he and I were able to discover that he had my meal... unfortunately for him though we have no idea where his was and I have no idea who was supposed to get the tomato and spinich omelet. After waiting all that time my GF was kind enough to order us a couple drinks from the bar, which were good, but not worth the $13 each they were charging. Our waitress was decent through the entire omelet ordeal, but was obviously very stressed out about having to manage the mistakes that were from the kitchen. Needless to say I do not think I will be visiting again. The omelet I finally got was decent, but there are a number of other places I can go for that without fear of a similar experience.
(2)
Yianni B.
Jackie is one of the nicest person here. Fast sweet and knows what she is doing. Can't wait to come back. Jackie you are the best.
(5)
Jerrine F.
Great service and friendly bartenders ...and a pretty decent moscow mule!! Holla!!!!
(4)
Susan F.
Updated review: Been here 3 times. Nothing bad about the cocktails, this review is strictly on food. We got 2 drinks, small mussel plate, small tartar, and large short ribs. With tip, it came to just under $100-- NOT worth it, I'll tell you why... Pros: 1. Great for reservations. Got in at 7:15 on a Friday 2. Short ribs. Smallish portion for a "big plate" but it was good. Too much at $20 for that small portion. Cons: 1. They sat us in the front by the window, facing the window. It was cold as eff. Wind coming in through their not-so-well insulated window panes. Uhg. 2. We ordered 2 small plates and 1 large plate to split between the 2 of us. 10 minutes after ordering, ALL of the food came out. So, we had to pick what we wanted to eat first because everything was going to get cold... What the heck. Also, 10 minutes is way too fast for food to come out. No other restaurant has every served these types of plates together unless you specifically ask for it. 3. Mussels were horrible. I have ordered about 30 different types of mussels in the past 3 years (no joke) and these were my least favorite. Sure, they had chorizo but the flavor had no depth and the mussels smelled like horse hay. I could only eat 6 or 7 of them before giving up. Also, another downside was that there were only about 15 mussels in there and for that price, we have gotten 24-30 other places in Chicago--- nice places too, I might add. Not impressed, I had to eat the bread to feel full. 4. Steak tartar. Nothing to write home about, small portion. Expected more. Really expected more from you, Hubbard Inn. Make your food as good as your drinks, please..
(2)
Ev A.
This place is always my go-to for everything and I've never been let down. When Hubbard Inn first opened, I had my birthday here and everyone was impressed by the ambiance and service. I've had first dates, company happy hours, girl's night dinner, happy hour on the patio... I mean every kind of occasion, I have counted on Hubbard Inn to deliver and have never been disappointed. For cocktails, I love the Moscow Mules and the South Siders. I always drink vodka-water so I'm glad I can change it up a bit when I come here. When dining, the Flatbread is delicious (Mushroom & Asparagus Flatbread is my fave), the Kale Salad is fresh and light, and this Chickpea Wrap is yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge "meat-eater"... I have tried their Lamb Lollipops and was impressed/interested and I always order the Bacon Wrapped Dates. I'm not sold on their Scallops though, a little too salty for my liking. If you're from out of town or live in the city, I always suggest and personally select Hubbard Inn.
(5)
B G.
The food is absolutely amazing! The bacon wrapped figs with goat cheese are DELICIOUS...we ended up ordering a second helping. I had the bagel crusted salmon, my friends ordered the scallops and the steak tartar...just great on the palette and fresh. We had some other places we wanted to try out before we headed back to NY but we thought about going for a second time during our short stay. Will definitely go back next time I'm in the Chi!
(5)
Linsey R.
First time dining here on Friday night with my bf. Without reservations we anticipated a lengthy wait for a table at this River North hotspot. The hostesses informed us 45 minutes (what we had expected) and suggested the lounge upstairs for cocktails while we wait. I'm not sure I would consider the upstairs a "lounge". More like a lounge/sports-bar/club hybrid. The decor was fab--intimate lighting, early century candle sticks, and hand lettered menus on the walls--but the blaring music, TVs playing espn, and jam packed bar with standing room only, was anything but. We literally had to yell to maintain conversation--not what I expect in a "lounge". Great craft and classic libations menu, and the bartenders were knowledgable fulfilling my request for a classic cocktail not listed on their menu, but $12 for a Last Word? That's just too pricey for standard classics. The beer list was also extensive, although I was concerned that they had listed "Southern Tier Pumking" as brewed in Belgium. Hopefully this was just a typo. Over an hour later we still hadn't been seated. I curiously went downstairs to ask about the status of our table only to be informed of another 30 min wait. Not cool. There was no way we could tolerate another half hour in the "lounge" and we were too restless to start over somewhere else. My partner decided to discuss this predicament with the hostesses and, to our relief, we were seated right away. Once seated we were still unable to hear ourselves over the deafening music, but were promptly greeted by 2 different servers who were very welcoming and attentive. We ordered the crepe and pork belly risotto with a side of Brussels sprouts. Although listed as "small plates" these were more like entree sized portions. The flavors of the crepe and risotto were outstanding and the pork belly was cooked to a perfect crisp! The Brussels, however, were served in a miniature cast iron skillet wading in a pool of oil. I literally had to tap each piece and let the oil flow off before consuming. With incredibly mixed feelings about the Hubbard Inn I certainly will not be back on a weekend, but might give it another try as a midweek date night.
(2)
James C.
Hmm where to begin. Let's start with the good. It's a great vibe and ambiance, which is a relief for many of the bars in RN. There is a cool library space in the back that really goes with the flow of the entire space. Also, the staff is extremely nice. They were attentive and top of everything all night. A+ to the staff. Now that bad. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was completely awful. The shrimp were undercooked and had a horrible finish. I was able to eat only one. The greasy piece of bread underneath was a mess, adding nothing to the plate. And the drinks? I had five - six Grey Goose and sodas. After drinking this many cocktails, you'd think I'd be stumbling out the door. Not at this place. After drinking my last cocktail, I noticed that I was not even buzzed. This is my number one pet peeve at a bar. They serve you ten dollar cocktails, but poor the weakest drinks on earth. Seriously, I think they poured O'Douls instead of Grey Goose. I have zero problem paying ten dollars for a cocktail, but it better be strong. I would let it slide if it happened with one drink, but this was all night. I ended up switching to beer. I get the reason bars are stingy with alcohol portions. Wait, I don't get it. If you charge ten dollars for a drink, it better be the strongest drink I have ever had. I better take a sip and rethink my life choices. I better say, "Hey, am I an alcoholic?" I don't want to be five drinks in and feel like I've been ripped off. Hubbard Inn saved money on alcohol that night, but lost a new customer and gained a bad review. Priorities, people.
(2)
Kyle F.
This is based purely on service. We were given a 10 minute wait time. We kept checking in with the hostess stand, and ended up waiting 2 hours. They finally seated us at 10 after 10PM. This would all have been fine; we were willing to deal with the wait. However, when the hostess seated us, she gave us an appetizer menu. We explained that we were looking for a dinner menu, and she told us they stopped serving dinner at 10. The hostesses knew that we came for dinner, and no-one bothered to tell us they were going to stop serving before we got a table. We ended up having to leave to get dinner down the street. Although the food here may be fabulous (I see a lot of great reviews) I would never return to this place. There wasn't even an apology. The bottom line: if you want to eat here, you better have a reservation. If you are just walking down the street and think you can walk in, wait, and eat, forget it. Not worth your time.
(1)
Jennifer S.
I came to HI last Saturday night for drinks with a bunch of friends. We got there pretty early (8ish) and were able to get a big booth just for drinking. We were pleasantly surprised since a lot of establishments don't seat people who aren't going to order food anywhere but the bar. The cocktail list is really extensive and unusual...and exactly what I like! Since there was several of us we all got to try different things. There was also a very extensive beer and wine list, which kept the boys happy who aren't very into cocktails. The only downside of our experience was our waitress who was pretty dumb. Then we started having two different waitresses who apparently didn't know the other was repeatedly stopping by our table. I don't think it's a new place so I'm not sure what the kinks were there but all I can say is the drinks were great, I'd love to go back to try the food.
(4)
Grace N.
Ok, so I admit that I am a naive, ex-River Norther turned suburbanite and thought that Hubbard Inn was actually....an inn. I arrived for an event and was pleasantly surprised that we weren't going to be schmoozing in a hotel lobby....rather, we were tete-a-teting in a charming "library." The upstairs room is a wonderful event space, and the bookshelves and fireplace really create a unique bar atmosphere. Not to mention, their food was really good. Flatbreads never wow me but theirs did, and the atmosophere was fun without being pretentious. All in all, not a bad place to study on a Friday night.
(4)
Jaclyn L.
I came here on a random Wednesday night for a drink with friends. The ambiance is cool, the cocktails were creative and delicious, however they were definitely overpriced since they were weak. If I am going to pay $13-14 for a drink, I would rather head over to Three Dots and a Dash for their stronger cocktails, even though it's a totally different (but equally nice) vibe than Hubbard Inn.
(3)
Jennifer P.
I made a reservation one month in advance for a party of 12 on Saturday, Feb. 2 9pm specifically for the second floor "library space". I received an email from Amy Nowasake confirming my time and the space. Again, one month in advance. I also received a confirmation phone call Friday (the day before) confirming my reservation. This was for a birthday party so, Evites were sent out. Our party arrived at Hubbard Inn promptly at 9pm. We were told that our spot had been "taken over" by another party and they were going to seat us downstairs at a communal table. This is unacceptable if you're at all familiar with Hubbard Inn. If you are not, the "library space" has couches and it's a comfortable area for 12 people to stand and move around. Highly different from a "communal table" downstairs. There was some back and forth talk for about 45 minutes with the host and hostess about what we were going to do about this issue. They wanted to put us (12 people) at two 4 top tables pushed together upstairs. That's unacceptable for 12 people. Needless to say, all 12 of us ended up leaving and going across the street to Mercer One Thirteen who accommodated us immediately, with NO reservation. I'm writing this review on Monday, Feb. 4. I held out to see if anyone at Hubbard Inn would reach out to me. I did this because not only did I have a confirmation email from Amy, I had a confirmation from Open Table that Hubbard Inn cancelled when we left. Obviously, they did not reach out. I have since learned that this same scenario happened to someone else the same night. Yes, they apologized. Yes, they tried to make other accommodations, even though unacceptable. I was humiliated as I had invited 12 people to a spot I had reserved and Hubbard Inn "gave it away". It should have NEVER happened in the first place. I would think twice before you book a reservation with Hubbard Inn.
(1)
Jessica N.
Held a private event here and had a great time. They have a diverse beer list. Cocktails were in the fancy mixology arena, my only complaint is that my Moscow mule was WAY to sweet. The ambience is great and cozy. The flatbreads were by far the best apps we tried. The mushroom, asparagus was a perfect way to welcome Spring! Bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates - how could that NOT be good. Plus the dates were a good size (not puny ones you get at tapas sometime). Service was great and friendly. I would definitely be back!
(4)
Bryan N.
Talk about awful service. We waited an hour last night for a table of two. During that time, we saw group after group sit down. The hostess said she would call us when our seat was open. During that hour, I never saw her pick up the phone. There were six completely open tables, so I asked her how long the wait would be. She said she was only 2/3s through her list, so it would be awhile, but that we should go to the bar and get sinks while we wait. Really? Seems like hey just want to get more money from us. We left and went to Bull and Bear right down the street. We were seated right away, and our hostess and waitress were so friendly. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Hubbard Inn.
(1)
Juliana R.
I can't believe how pretentious the people who go to this bar are. My friends and I were laughing and people were giving us the stink eye...I guess nothing's here? What a boring place to be. The beer selection is the only good thing, I guess.
(3)
Grace P.
I went to a birthday dinner for a girlfriend on sat. night. There were 14 of us. Really loved the food and drinks. Especially the bacon wrapped dates, spinach goat cheese salad and bagel crusted salmon! 5 STARS ON THE FOOD AND DRINKS! the 2 stars or low rating is for the ARTIC FREEZE you get when trying to dine! They really need to 'winterize' the door so that we don't get blasted with the cold air everytime people come through the front door! (the temporary door that some restaurants and bars put in so they don't freeze the patrons??) The place is just one big room - dining area and bar so everyone gets blasted! It was very uncomfortable to dine through this!! and it was much worse when the "club peeps" started coming in around 10. The doors were held open much longer....THEY SHOULD REALLY FIX THE ARTIC BLAST!!!!
(2)
Jaye E.
I planned a Bachelorette party here for around 20 people a couple of weeks ago. I live in NYC and found the manger who I spoke to, Zack, to be very helpful in booking the reservation. I called 3 times to confirm the time (once on our way there) and everyone I spoke to confirmed the amount of people and time. When we arrived at 9PM on a Saturday, it was EMPTY, yet they still kept us waiting and claimed that they had 2 reservations for us-- 1 at 9:30 and 1 at 10PM (neither of which were correct). Finally, we were seated in a smallish area, but at the time our party was small so I didn't think anything of it. When the place started getting crowded, we were informed that we need to squish into the little spot they had reserved for us because another party had arrived. I spoke to a different manager, Michael, about my disappointment in our area. We had a reservation for 20 people and our "table area" CLEARLY did not accommodate 20 people. As stated by other reviews, I was shocked at how terrible their customer service was. Michael said to me, " When you make a reservation for 20 people, it doesn't mean that 20 people will have seating, you NEED to calm down". First of all, I was calm and very polite when expressing my disappointment. Second, I live in NYC and have been to several bars and clubs-- I obviously know that a 20 person reservation won't seat 20 people. Twenty people could not even stand in the section we had. Finally, after about 20 minutes, they were able to give us some ottomans and expand our section a bit to make people a bit more comfortable. However, they were SO SHORT STAFFED. It seemed that our very lovely waitress was one of the ONLY people working and the drinks were HARD to come by. It took an average of 20-30 minutes to get even 1 round of drinks. We would have spent more money on drinks had the service been better. In the end, Michael did attempt to make it right and sent over 2 bottles of complimentary champagne as an apology for the evening. While I appreciate the gesture, his attitude and my overall experience at Hubbard Inn definitely put a damper on my night. My friend had a great time at her party, but I wish I could have enjoyed it a bit more-- and I also wish our guests would have had better service. I'm planning another bachelorette in Chicago this summer-- was hoping this place would be a go-to based on how lovely the booking process was--but after my experience, DEFINITELY not.
(2)
Tim S.
Pretty good "Goto" spot when people come visit. It's busy but not jam packed. During the week it's an easy business meeting spot. Good Moscow Mule and flat breads were tasty. It has a varied menu so something for everyone.
(4)
Mia K.
It's a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning and while all the brunch places in the neighborhood are packed this one was almost completely empty. This should've been a warning sign, but no, my friend and I still decided to go in. We were seated right away of course, since the place was empty. We ordered a couple of bloody marys and they were the most disgusting drink I've ever tasted. It felt like the bar tender just dumped a table spoon of pepper, salt and some other spices into the glasses. The spices were so heavy, it was impossible to drink so after a couple of sips we just put our drinks to the side. The waiter was ok, nothing special, he saw that we were not enjoying our drinks but didn't bother to ask why or to offer something else. I ordered the shrimp and fired green tomatoes, nothing special, lacked spices (probably ran out of spices after making that bloody mary), but the shrimps were very big. Overall, not the best brunch place, I will probably not come back.
(2)
Sheffia L.
Limited menu but the turkey burger and sweet potato fries were delicious!
(4)
May Y.
Best spinach and goat cheese salad I ever had in the States I was literally about to cry. The melting cheese reminded me of those I had back in Australia. I wish the noisy environment had not brought me back to reality. Great food, but super noisy and stuffy. Good to hang out with friends, but not for a date. Food: 5 Decor: 4 Service: 5
(4)
Holly W.
On Wednesday night, it is a really nice place. Great that they only have a one or two TVs. On Friday and Saturday, it just a scene that it is way beyond crowded.
(4)
Emily L.
We took my friend here for her 40th birthday. Lively bar scene, but all of our food and cocktails were high quality and delicious. We left with some neat ideas of how to better prepare food at home!
(5)
Charmin W.
Everyone deserves a second chance...While my first impression of this place was not so good, I am happy to say the second time around was much more favorable! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to receive a sincere follow up email from the manager, Zach, in response to my earlier Yelp review. I didn't write the review to get attention, but his response let me know that what happened was not something that is generally tolerated. So, I went back and I am happy to say Hubbard Inn and it's staff have redeemed themselves! The mussels and the flank steak with potato salad are must haves!
(4)
Jon F.
Went for late night drinks on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was good and lively. Downstairs was the relaxed half of the bar and the upstairs was the let loose, dim the lights, and make bad decisions side. The "VIP" lounges were weird too say the least. Library themed corners of a bar?? Too each his/her own.
(3)
Tony B.
Can't believe I never yet reviewed good old Hubbard Inn! Probably on our top 20 places on our dine out list. First of all the food never disappoints! the other day we sat outside for the first time and the cafe service and atmosphere was perfect! All other times we've been in for dinner and it's consistently great. The only reason not 5 stars is when busy sometimes service becomes harried and a bit of attitude, but I guess that's understandable really. A really professional run place with consistently good food!
(4)
Jose V.
I've been here 4 times and I do have to agree with many of the other reviews in that the servers could be a bit more attentive and/or leave the River North attitude at home. However, I'm going to give them 4 stars because of the ambiance and because of their menu, so far everything I've tried has been REALLY good. The organic turkey and organic bison burgers are a must. My best experience so far has been during lunch. It gets super packed Fridays/Saturday nights.
(4)
Justin B.
$16 for a burger that was half to two-thirds of the size of the Owen & Engine burger, with so-so taste and fries that were served as burn victims in a tin can? Welcome to River North! I have to say that while the space is fantastic and the drinks I had during a visit a few months ago were decent, the food is only okay, which was a minor surprise. The Bison Burger and the Lamb Burger were just average, and with a poor side order of fries and a server that seemed to be distracted until we placed our order, I wasn't really feeling this place. Also, the random music mix (Toto, then Gorillaz, then Hall & Oates???) was just weird, more "WTF?" than "Hey, cool stuff, man." Au Cheval, this was not!
(3)
Nish R.
Went there for an event recent;y. They had some delish appetizers st the upstairs bar. Bacon wrapped dates were my favorite, the pizzas were so so. Wings were juicy and delish and the sliders were pretty good too. They have pretty good cocktails and the staff is pretty nice. Decor is more classic, old school (in a good way) and creates a nice warm and cozy feel. Nice hang out on a cold winter night.
(3)
Nicole K.
I made reservations here for my sister's bachelorette party and I couldn't have made a better choice. We were looking for a bar that was really lively, but where we could still have a table and sit down when we wanted to. The great thing about Hubbard Inn is that you're able to reserve a table without having to deal with bottle service. We made a reservation for 10 people at midnight and were able to skip past the line to get in. I had originally requested a table upstairs, but when we checked in with the hostess, she said that it was totally booked. I think she could tell that I was disappointed, because after a few minutes of being seated at a table by the door downstairs, she tapped my shoulder and walked us upstairs to the area by the fireplace. The spot was perfect and my sister's friends all had a blast. I would highly recommend this place both for dinner or a night out.
(4)
Kate W.
Good drinks, cool atmosphere, nice for after work drink and app.
(4)
Stefani J.
Bad service and extremely bad attitude from server. Do not order bottle service from here. My 12 friends and I will not be back. Ordered bottle service for a friends surprise 30th birthday. Specifically asked for the 3rd floor. I received a call the day of the party saying the 3rd floor was closed and did not get a reason why. I said that yes we still wanted to get bottle service and were ok with it on the 2nd floor. Should have never agreed to that. We get there around 11pm and our party was already there (since it was a surprise) and a bottle was already ordered. Things were fine. Music was generic techno mixes of current hits. It was ok for a few songs, but every single song had the same remix so eventually it got boring. We ran out of limes, cranberry juice and tonic water. The bottle girl did not even notice and we had to ask for all of it - multiple times. It took forever. We ordered another bottle in the meantime and it came out and was just placed in the bin w/o ice. She did not bring the bottle out with sparklers - which normally I wouldn't care but it was for a birthday and we were trying to show her a special night. Plus every other table had their bottles brought out with sparklers - even the Tito's vodka has sparklers. I said something to the bottle girl and she said that they were going to bring out a cake with sparklers. No apology. A half hour later nothing. I had asked her again and she said that their computers were down. Not sure what that has to do with bringing out a cake with sparklers. Eventually she comes out with a cupcake and sparklers. It was embarrassing. We all laughed b/c it was literally ridiculous. Then the bill comes. We gave $160 cash and were having her split the rest w 2 credit cards. She added a 20% tip on already. She definitely knew that her service was bad so she had to cover herself. Also we were charged for the cupcake. We were waiting for the check to come back and I looked over and saw our bottle girl pointing and scowling at our table while she was talking to another patron. She comes back with a charge on my friends credit card for $600 - which is what the entire bill was. She said that she couldn't reverse it. After 3 people got involved she then changed her story and said that his credit card was declined - NOT TRUE. So we told her to charge our other friends card the entire total MINUS the $140 we paid cash. Overall this was the worst service I've ever experienced when buying bottle service. Music never changed up and it was hard to dance to. I can't believe this girl is serving people with a bad attitude like that.
(1)
Kelsey K.
I liked Hubbard Inn, don't get me wrong, but it belongs in the area where it is. The drinks are pricey and the same as you get anywhere and the staff is pretty douchey, as are the majority of the establishments within 3 blocks, but the food was really good. I have no complaints about the menu and the decor is really cool, but it truly is a product of its environment. I got the goat cheese ravioli which was delish and everything else at the table was met with great reviews. The weird thing was that I ordered some Effen Black Cherry cosmos and they just couldn't get them right. It was weird, it's just a cosmo, made with Effen Black Cherry... simple enough, no?? They tasted like they were made with gin or something and I had to send them back twice at the urging of my tablemates. Would I go back if invited? Sure, it was fine. Would I seek it out on my own? No.
(3)
Andrea R.
I met some of my girlfriends for dinner here at Hubbard Inn on a recent Monday night. The last time I stopped in for drinks it was completely packed so I was surprised to see we were one of the only tables in the restaurant. Then again...it was Monday. The menu here is meant for sharing. One of my dining companions was pregno and happens to also be a picky eater so she ordered her own meal. The other 4 gals (including yours truly) shared. The food came out all at once, which was a bit overwhelming. I usually prefer that it comes out slowly when you're sharing several dishes, but I guess they get props for fast service. The good: bacon wrapped dates, steak tartare, the burger (tough to share, but we managed), and the spinach and goat cheese salad I had heard the flatbreads (aka small pizzas) were good, but I was underwhelmed by them. Oh and I can't forget the bottle of refreshing sauvignon blanc we shared as well. A must to starting off the week right!
(4)
Esther Y.
I met some friends here for after work cocktails and some snacks. The bevvies were good and the apps were pretty good as well. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which-tbh, is hard to mess up, and a couple of flatbreads. The mushroom and asparagus flatbread was by far the best...so delicious. This is a great option for drinks and apps.
(3)
Zander H.
This place SUCKS!! I thought is would be a nice place because of the effort that went into the decor, but we got there at 8:30pm on a Saturday night, barley any tables filled and they made us wait. Our reservation was for 9:15, but even when we asked at that time if we could be seated, they refused to sit us, and there we're still 10+ tables available. We were finally seated at 9:30pm after we asked to be seated for a third time. When we were seated, the service was terrible. Slow and didn't care. We gave him a 5% tip it was that bad. The food was even worse!!!!!! If you are looking for good food, do not go here. The hot food was cold and the cold food tasted like arm pit. Yes, arm pit! BO!!! This place looks like it is out of a Restoration Hardware catalog, but everything else is terrible. I repeat: DO NOT GO HERE, WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!!!!!
(1)
Meredith K.
Came back again for a late lunch. Has something happened? The service is still very friendly. The bathrooms are the worst! There was no toilet paper! Seriously I found a roll on top of some empty rolls in one stall. That was it. I was so annoyed. Also the hand dryer was broken. I let our server know. Maybe I was being punked? I wasn't in the mood for cocktails. I tried a sparkler which was ok. My bf had a chardonnay which was just ok. We started w/ the mussels which didn't say sausage on the menu but on the blackboard over the bar it did. Ooops! I ate some of it anyway just tried to avoid the meat. It did give it a nice spice. And zero barnyard mussels in the whole pot! That has never happened! The bread they serve with it is good too. I got the lobster roll and fries again. Good! My by got a beef burger and loved it. They took the turkey burger off of the menu. We both loved the fries. So removing a star for the menu changes (esp the mussels) and the terrible bathroom. I don't think I'll get another deal for here. Its a nice place but I don't need a third lobster roll.
(3)
Lindsey A.
Hubbard Inn is an 8,000-square-foot, 250-seat "Hemingway inspired" restaurant. The owners spent more than $1.5 million on getting the space to look as beautiful as it does - but maybe they should have used some of that green to give its serving staff lessons in how to properly serve people. No? The money pot has cobwebs instead of Washingtons? Here, I'll give you some tips for free: First, it's all right if my water glass gets low but don't let it get empty multiple.times.during.the.night - especially when I'm drinking heavily. I need that H2O. I guess it's not 'that big of a deal' if it gets low, since I do have a tasty alcoholic beverage to abide in, but, wait - don't let that AND my water cup go dry.... because you did, Hubbard Inn, many times last night. And it started to piss me off. Third (cause that was second, right up there): Bring us silverware before our food comes out. Fourth: If you're not going to bring us silverware, at least be present so we can flag you down - not wait 10 minutes and strain our necks attempting to search for you. We were a party of seven who spent a lot of money and time at Hubbard Inn last night and while the atmosphere shines (seriously, it's awesome in there) and the food hits the spot (though mains should be served with sides), the service ... or lack thereof.... marred my experience.
(3)
Jelena Z.
Things I learned at Hubbard Inn: - They're known for their beer. Goose Island Sofie on draft? Get it. - The Facebook mobile chat application has gaping holes capable of ruining both established relationships and budding flirtations. If someone tells you they reached out via FB chat and you didn't get the message, odds are they aren't lying (Corey D and I ran multiple experiments on the premises). - Albert Pujols and Tommy Lasorda are evil, according to my colleague Johnny T. Know that his smack talk is null and void with me 'cause I'm from the StL. Anyway, Pujols doesn't lie about his age and surely doesn't engage in illicit steroid use. Gosh, Johnny, you're so mean. - Oh, the bar? Yeah, that. The space is all brooding and Hemingway-esque with its sprawling ode to a library replete with masculine wood trim and dark sofas. Le gorge. - Corey and I smelled the most delicious cologne. Where's the man wearing it? Aha, 'twas our server. A very female server! Turns out, Burberry Brit is very androgynous, and very sexy. I'm buying some tomorrow! - Said cologne will make you lose your head and forget your phone. But Tricia the sweet-smelling server chased us out to the next block to reconnect me with my Android. Good god girl, that perfume could turn a straight girl the other way! Though I will be using it to attract the less fair gender and I think Tricia does too. - Next time, I will pay more attention to Hubbard Inn. Forgive me?
(4)
Mahsa T.
In my initial excitement, I may have overrated this place. They have some service issues to work on. I came back for a second visit (early happy hour on a Friday) and the place was busy but not packed, yet it took a while for us to get seated even with a reservation and it took even longer for our waitress to come to our table. It seemed like the front desk and wait staff were a disorganized mess. My friend and I got creative with our beer selections (they do have some really good beer choices) and shared a flatbread (asparagus, mushroom, caramelized onion, ricotta) which was delicious! I'd still come back but be prepared for so-so service.
(4)
Matthew T.
It is with great displeasure that I have to give Hubbard Inn a one star rating. I am not that great at writing reviews but what I can tell you is that I have had much experience in restaurant operations and customer service. This is where Hubbard Inn has its down fall!!! The evening started out wonderful, we had a great dinner out for a friends 30th birthday followed by drinks at the Hubbard Inn. A section was reserved prior to us arriving at Hubbard Inn. We arrived shortly after our reservation where our section was still reserved (Plus). We started to order drinks the service was very slow. It seemed like it took forever for the server to get our 4 drinks. We asked for a pitcher of water and it seemed like the server had to go to the well down the street to fetch the water. Okay so while we were paying $12.00 for a drink another party showed up and started to complain about they needed a bigger section. It seemed as if the pretentious manager did not care about our several hundred dollars we had just spent but just wanted us to move on. So in good spirits our group decided to move to the upper level of the bar. We proceeded to have a seat where we got a few more drinks. A friend in the group asked our "bright" server if we could get some shots and well this is where the review turns for an alright night to a BAD night. The server came back to our table with my friends credit card in hand and in a very snooty attitude stated "We don't have that up here but you can go down stairs and order." I am sorry but if you are a full service bar and you are providing your clientele with a server are they not supposed to get serve you what you ordered? The server seemed to be very frantic and was very short with us. As I stated earlier I do have experience in restaurants and operations so I thought it would be a good idea to speak with the manager. This was a mistake he was just as helpless as our server. He seemed to have an excuse for why the server wasn't doing her job. "Oh I am sorry I can't imagine why she would do that I know her and she has pretty much been here since we opened." He stated he would try to find out what happened but he never came back to find me nor did he apologize for her being rude to our party. The server did come back and apologize but I think too little too late. I will never be going back to this establishment. They tried to smooth it over by send a complimentary birthday dessert for my friend. I guess that was nice but the servers actions as well as the managers actions are inappropriate. I guess unless you are spending thousands of dollars you do not matter at this establishment. Total money spent for horrible service about $400.00. Writing this review priceless.
(1)
Melanie K.
The cocktails stole my mind. The crowd stole my heart. The decor stole my eyes. Official opening is tomorrow night - 2/10/11. Friends and family was tonight and was an absolute success. Can't wait to write up a full review. But in the interim, Let's just say - order a Hemingway, some flatbreard, and pumpkin soup and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Max M.
I would recommend Hubbard Inn for after work drinks. They have a full menu but it gets very loud and does not feel like a sit down restaurant. The dates are supposed to be very good...I didn't try them. We ordered flat bread and seared tuna. Both were good for snacks but generally overpriced. Service was OK. Stick with just drinks and go somewhere else in River north for food. Lots of options within walking distance.
(3)
Joe A.
So first off I'm a server/bartender and I first came here for the mustache pub crawl. My first impression was under dressed but felt greeted as soon as shannon the bartender greeted us with a smile to kill. It is probably the first time in a while in downtown Chicago I felt actually welcomed. The next thing I noticed was the atmosphere, very calm still before a storm, but the next thing that caught my eye was that Shannon was also the person handling the servers tickets (ala service bar). Not only she was one an amazing job with her bar tables but man she was quick with some labor intensive drinks for service bar. Now I do live in the suburbs but the experience I had there would drive me to come back without hesitation. This was probably the best experience I've had in a bar in a while. I found out she was a part time manager and she deserves it. Keep up the good work hiring within and bring the people up that deserve it guys! You won a person in the industry over today
(5)
John B.
I don't know what happened to this place, but I don't foresee it being around for much longer. Slow service despite a pretty much empty bar is unacceptable on a Labor Day weekend.
(1)
Hayley N.
Loved the atmosphere here and the decor. The staff was friendly and attentive, but not overly pushy. The music was great and the food was delicious. I had the goat cheese spinach salad, which was as good as a goat cheese salad could get with a warmed fried goat cheese medallion, blackberries, bacon, and nuts. The mussels were very flavorful and perfectly done. This place was full, but we didn't have to wait for a table. It was filled with a variety of different people, but everyone looked like they were having a good time. I would definitely recommend this place for a date- the lighting was nicely dim and the tables weren't all crammed together like most date places in Chicago. Definitely impressed by this place and will be going back.
(5)
KC C.
Great place and experience. Highly recommended unless I want a table and its busy, LOL. I've been here several times now and really like the environment, food, service, and attention of the management-which in two instances manager intervention was clearly above and beyond, and this past Friday saved the day for me-thank you! The small plates approach is really nice for a date, and if you can get the window seats, combined with small plates, the fine wines (decent wine list), and the right person makes for good conversation and people watching on the street. There is one business right across the way that really enhances the people watching, LOL-but you will need to go there to find this out. LOL. Duck confit, scallops, short rib dishes are my favorites-the Amish chicken has been a companion favorite. I'm partial to reds and the selection I thought was good and included enough choices for most. Service has always been outstanding-and it is interesting to enjoy a place that is so close by, and has Chicago history and continuity. If you are looking for a date nite place, try Hubbard Inn window seats and small plates. Oh, and because of the small plates gym time equivalency table to portion size, food intake is very manageable. Off to the gym for me!
(5)
Ebs B.
Gothic? Maybe... Vampire Den? Could be... Sensual? You know it... Beautiful? More like lovely... Classy? In every way... Tasty? Words can't describe... I know you're confused as to whether this review is about me (and all of the above traits may/may not apply), but all of these qualities are what describe the almost open Hubbard Inn! I was fortunate enough to be able to dine here during a private event yesterday before it's official opening. At a "dry-run," there are always hits and misses, but last night proved to be filled with way more hits! Here's what you can look forward to: * Different types of tables to satisfy your need! (Some seats are from church pews where items can be stuffed into the seats... other tables are communal... tall tables make for a more relaxed feel) * Great atmosphere! (Look at the odd pictures on the walls or the real books on the bookshelves... Even the 5-stick candle holder with its tall ominous metal arms beckon to you) * Wonderful drinks! (My faves were the Sleight of Hand, River North Smash, Hemingway, and finally, the Devil's Flip which tasted like hints of Tiramasu) * Food is fabulous! (My faves were the bacon-wrapped-dates which were not greasy like most places and were served in a delectable sauce... the scallops were cooked perfectly and served over a delicious pumpkin puree... Da' Burger as it's called was the best standard burger I've ever had. The foie gras in it made it soooo tasty. Yes, I'm salivating as I think about it) I could easily type a book, but my best advice is to just go and try it once it opens. The exact open date is still unknown, but it will definitely be something I'll keep an eye out for. See you there! Maybe we can even sit together at one of the communal tables!
(5)
Meredith H.
Great spot in the rejuvenated section of downtown Chicago. Stephanie was extremely helpful with great food and drink recommendations.
(5)
Mandi P.
Different. We were at Hubbard Inn a couple of weeks ago for a couple of drinks while waiting on friends. The inside is quite pretty...kinda old school, but in a good way. The bar is long with many seats and lots of standing room. The bartenders are efficient and friendly. We didn't eat here, but the food smelled awesome. One thing I didn't like, however, was the lighting. It was way too well lit here. Unless I am in a cafeteria at lunch time, I don't want to see every blemish of a restaurant or every blemish of my friends. Nor, do I want to think about what blemishes my friends are noticing on me!!! Night time drinking and eating places should be dimly lit...it is a time for relaxation!!! I most likely will return to Hubbard Inn to try out the food, but I guess I will have to come earlier in the day so that I can eat peacefully!!!
(3)
William T.
Great food! Great atmosphere! And our waitress Eileen had a lot of great suggestions and was very kind and helpful. I recommend the bacon wrapped dates and the flatbreads. However, the beer menu was outdated. I was hoping for a Christmas ale and they had October beers still.
(4)
cindy f.
i had an expired gift certificate for $100 and the restaurant refused to honor it. The manager was extremely rude and told me that he manages to use all of his gift cards before they expire and I should have done the same. ...WTF!!! Sorry...bad business...can't recommend a restaurant with that kind of attitude!
(1)
Emily Z.
We could not stop talking all night about how much we loved the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn. It is hard to explain because every table or area seems to be a little different than the next but overall it is vary warm and homey like being in a friends dining room that is way nicer than anything you could ever afford. A plethora of eccentric artwork covers the high white brick walls and a sea of large globe lights hang from the ceiling. The seating arrangements are very varied from low four top tables with high back chairs, a large communal table in the center of the lower dining room with stool seating and even a few church pews; the over all seating theme is rustic wood. The only thing I am not sold on is the odd 'rear end shaped metal stools that are at some of the tables, not comfortable! After diner we went upstairs to the lounge area which houses many tall pub tables and a few nice seating areas surrounded by fireplaces and high shelves packed with books. There are large HD tv's built into the walls that are playing old black and white movies in the best quality I have ever seen, maybe it was the wine but it looked like Grace Kelly could have just leapt off the screen, who knew Blu-ray really is all its cracked up to be! The service was very good. Though often too good, yes I just paid $1.50 for that half of shrimp I am going to suck every last bit of sweet meat out of that tail, thanks! The server Caitlin took time to explain all the dishes as they appeared at our table and the bus boys kept our water glasses full. The servers and bar tenders are all dressed in prohibition area apparel, mens vest and ties. The bus boys on the other hand were wearing tuxedo shirts, so tacky! Between 6 girls we tried 4 of the signature cocktails and no one was impressed with the result though we all loved the complementary champagne we got! They offer you one complementary bottle of Evian water and once you suck that down be sure to let them know tap is fine, unless you feel the need be pretentious. We decided to all order a small plate and share so we could taste a variety of the dishes, the waitress warned us that it would not be enough as they recommenced 2-3 small plates per person, she was right. Here is my food review from my favorite on down; - Housemade ravioli, truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens ($12). Delicious, though with 3 ravioli they were $4 a piece, really!?! - Bacon wrapped medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce ($7) Very rich dish with warm earthy goat cheese and soft sweet dates the bacon flavor gets a little lost. Serving is 4 so we were saddened to have to split them since there were 6 of us. - Half dozen Pacific & Atlantic oysters on half shell, mignonette ($16) Great presentation and very fresh, I don't eat oysters haha, but everyone else loved them. - Grilled prawns, wild mushroom conserve, garlic potato puree, sundried tomato vinaigrette ($13). 4 large prawns with a delicious smokey flavor and delicious plump marinated mushrooms. - Steak tartare, quail egg, shallot, dijon, lemon, caper, olive oil crostini ($12) - Asparagus & mushroom ragout, caramelized onion, ricotta salata, gremolata ($10). Small portion that was almost impossible to split as the dough was so hard and crunchy. I would pass on this next time. - House potato chips with sour cream chive dip ($4) - crunchy kettle cooked chips with an extra thick dip reminiscent of the kind you buy at Jewel or Dominiks. Overall the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn is top notch and I will totally be back for drinks but honestly the food is over priced. I would say make reservations if possible, though it didn't start filling up until like 7:30.
(4)
Jim V.
Great River North location with a spectacular ambiance and atmosphere! The food and drinks were top notch. Perfect for happy hours and dinner/drinks with friends!
(5)
Tracy L.
THE INN Two levels of bars and dining areas. An intimate sofa corner in the back of the ground floor. Cozy, trendy yet almost old-fashioned and speakeasy-ish. If you shrink it and make it older, I see Gandalf and his hobbit gang hang out here. Love it. FUN DRINKS Cocktails came in tiny, precious amount, but amazing. English Daisy, Hepburn and Hemingway were all refreshing and...strong. Sip please. FAB FOOD Sausage flatbread was a fun little snack. Crispy tuna was delicioso (I'm missing it as I type...) A good place, yes? Yes.
(4)
Chris S.
I met a group of friends here for dinner on Saturday night. I read a lot of reviews before going, so I knew what to expect - primarily the slow service. The bar area is nice and large and has a good beer selection and a big board of their specialty cocktails. I had a beer while waiting for our table and the bartender was quick and helpful. Once at our table, I ordered the caprese salad, the bison burger (raspberries on a burger?), and a side of asparagus. I expected to get my food in about that order, but was brought a plate of asparagus during the appetizer/salad portion of the meal. While delicious, I would have preferred to have it as a side dish, as I had ordered it. The caprese salad arrived about 3 minutes before the main course, and it was only okay. The mozzarella was fresh, but they covered everything with pesto. I really like pesto, but this drowned everything else out and made the entire dish way too rich. The burger arrived and was perfectly cooked (one member of our party ordered one medium rare and it arrived well done - it was promptly replaced and removed from the bill which was nice). To my surprise, the sweet and sour raspberries went really well with the burger. The burger came with a side of fries, which I must have missed on the menu, hence the asparagus order. The fries were excellent. Several members of our table went the tapas-style route (also the more expensive route) and really enjoyed everything. Everything was reasonably priced given the location, ambiance, and food quality. The atmosphere in the restaurant is casual/trendy with a very dim lighting, a laptop DJ front and center and a bathroom attendant in a bathroom that was too small (he was sitting right behind me as I used the urinal). I'd give the food and bar 4.5 stars (other than the caprese salad), but the service and awkward bathroom attendant bring it down to 3 for me.
(3)
Shradha A.
I just hosted my birthday party at Hubbard Inn with about 50 guests and there was not one person who didn't comment on the coolness of the space. We had the area by the fireplace upstairs and the servers were super nice and helpful. The ventilation was a little poor and during a week where Chicago's average temperature was 100F, wish they had done something more to keep the place cool besides opening up their large windows. I also had the opportunity to try some of their food while vetting the place for my party and enjoyed the vegetarian-friendliness of the menu as well as the taste of the food and especially enjoyed the extensive beer list!
(4)
Donna L.
GREAT PLACE!! Especially for a big group- very comfy and upscale 'swanky' almost. Booths look sooo cozy, but we had a big group and took the long table. And even that was so nice, not too tight and not too far, still easy to talk to everyone. Drinks were great! Everybody got something they like, whether it was a special beer, or special cocktail- mine of course were cocktails: (names were weird but taste was awesome) The Hepburn (Effen Cucumber, my fave) and The Option Two. Appetizers were delicious! Bacon wrapped dates were fantastic! Flatbreads were delicious, and we also enjoyed the salt cod fritters (but I wouldn't get them again). Salads sound good, but dining with a bunch of guys, majority rules. Beautiful array of entrees to fit all tastes. Rabbit, Pork Belly and Tuna were on the list to try, but I had to go with the Duck (the salty and sweet mix of sweet potatoes and maple glaze were unforgettable). Scallops were also ordered and very tasty. More and more drinks were ordered so dessert was not ordered, but I can't wait to try them one night.
(5)
Ebony R.
After reading the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. My friend was hosting a birthday celebration and because of that, thankfully, I went anyway. Nick, our bartender/server, was a doll. He was extremely attentive and his effort went above and beyond as he made an earnest attempt to learn our names. (No small feat.) My goat cheese and spinach salad was really good and the sweet potato fries were amazing. When I return it will be to try the bison burger.
(4)
Michael H.
Great Cocktails/Great Space-Can't wait to try the food!
(4)
Andrea H.
I admit that I hadn't heard much about this place before I went but my dinner group was going there so I looked into it. Sounded pretty cool, great reviews about the decor, food, cocktails, etc. How could you go wrong? So I went. And it was overwhelmingly...ok. First of all, they have a great beer and cocktail list. I'm not 100% sure, however, that the bartenders know how to make them. My sazerac came on the rocks and heavy on the absinthe. Now I like absinthe and all but I really wanted to taste the rye. Maybe they're trying to make it their own, like American Idol style. I don't know. I had a couple of the other cocktails as well, the Dutch Daisy and the Devil's Flip. They were both ok but seemed a little off, not quite balanced. Maybe they're still working out the kinks. For dinner, I ordered the sweetbreads and the trout small plates. The sweetbreads were a good size but quite bland. The trout was fishy tasting and almost non existent. There were a good number of clams in the dish, however, that kind of salvaged it. Overall, I wasn't a big fan, except for the atmosphere. Maybe I should have ordered a burger. Those looked good. And a beer. Hmmm.
(3)
Eric H.
# Vegetarian Review # Fun, casual place for drinks and good food. I had the chickpea crepes, and I highly recommend them! So delicious, and anticipate leftovers! Bottle of Mumm Champagne always washes crepes down well, followed by amazing specialty cocktails, such as the Hemingway. Definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Jennifer Y.
I love Hubbard Inn! Perfect place for a date or intimate dinner, Hubbard Inn is dark and candle-lity with amazing cocktails and pretty great food. Cocktails are really interesting with unusual ingredients and well paired flavors. My personal fav is the Hepburn. Food is pretty good with some standouts: Bacon-wrapped dates are delicious. Lobster Club sounds like an unlikely choice but is sizable, DELICIOUS and comes accompanied by a small, mouth wateringly portion of shoe-string french fries. Flat breads are a bit over-baked. Overall, is a top pick of mine when I am looking for a lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails and great food. I caveat this by saying: avoid the Thursday Night Happy Hour scene.
(4)
Anand A.
Fantastic location and vibe which makes for a refreshing spot that contrasts with the formula that is currently used at the spots peppered on Hubbard. Food is a bit rich and it was clear they are still working out the kinks there. Known for small plates. Try the Ravioli.
(4)
Christina G.
I've been here twice recently and just as a warning, this place is loooouuuud. But it's fun too and the food is pretty good. Good wine selection. They have communal seating which I am personally a fan of but have yet to try. Maybe next time.
(3)
Naz A.
We went to Hubbard Inn last weekend for a birthday party. There was a line when we arrived. We went up to the gentleman at the door who was letting people in and told him we were part of a reservation for a birthday. He was very aloof, told us he would look into it and asked us to stand on the side. He then proceeded to let about 10-12 people in before us. 15 minutes later when we asked if he had checked about our request, he turned to ask for someone to help us. Basically, he had forgotten. A women came over and asked us for the name of the person who held the reservation. When we told her, she had the nerve to tell us "That was at 9 o'clock. You are very late". It's a bday party, not a dinner reservation. I'm not sure why she thought it was appropriate to say that or speak to us in that tone. The inside of the Inn is really nice. The drinks are great and I really like the set up with the bookshelves. Very cozy. It's really a cute spot. I would have loved to come back here with friends or had a party of my own here, but not after the treatment we received at the door.
(2)
Georgia W.
Super chill, but trendy enough to be interesting. And that's just the crowd. The food at Hubbard Inn is even more tempting, the drinks are tasty and the service - attentive. Dark wood, warm lights, chalkboard specials above the bar...it's cute! There are plenty of laid back taverns and worn in bars in Seattle. So I get excited when a place can combine creative small plates along with craft cocktails. And do it with style. Mission: local beers on tap and good apps. *Done and Done* Some reviews point out some random rants- heating/AC/loud music/ drunk dudes... seems a little harsh and off base. Hubbard Inn is a T*A*V*E*R*N. (?!?) Bacon wrapped dates were insanely good....might be the best EVER. Go. Chill. Drink. Enjoy. It's a good spot.
(4)
Kim D.
I went here for my bachelorette last Saturday night as I was in town visiting from San Francisco & had heard great things. It's definitely crowded & loud, but very fun. We managed to grab a table as another group was leaving, so were absolutely psyched. After waiting for about 15 min, we went up to the bar for a drink assuming there was no server. Shortly after, a short blonde came up and said that we "had to order drinks from her if we wanted to sit in her section". We tried to explain we had been waiting & were from out of town, but she was pretty rude. The next time we needed a round we waited almost 40 minutes. My friend was really ticked at the way we were treated so she left no tip during the 2nd round of drinks. Shortly after the rude blonde server comes back, throws the receipt at us and says "I'm not doing this for free". Wow. Last I knew, gratutity was for good service - not an expectation!! I called the manager over to talk to him about what was going on. He introduced himself as John and said he would take care of it right away. He was absolutely professional and did take care of us right away. Not only did he comp our last round of drinks, but he got us a new server & made sure we didn't have a problem getting a drink. Thanks John! You absolutely saved the review for me on this place.
(4)
Molly M.
great atmosphere buzz killed by $4 upcharge for an icecube in my basil hayden.
(2)
Matt M.
If you are looking for price point this is not your place. If you are looking for "fine dining" this is not your place. This place has a unique atmosphere and great service, but the food and experience fail to make this place standout. The fries in a cup thing is kind of cool, but the fries inside are kind of like soggy jays shoestrings. The lamb burger I had was nothing special either. The bun was dry and the meat was not seasoned at all. The ambiance is also unique but awkward. You can sit at a really long table that makes it look like a yuppie chow hall, or you sit at a tables that are jammed waaaaaayyy to close together with awkward seating. Not to mention, you will not be able to hear the person across the table from you at all. Its the perfect place if you are looking for a sports bar atmopshere, fine dining prices, and fast food flavor.
(2)
Ali O.
Sadly I have to give this place an overall bad review after 2yrs of coming here due to service. When it first opened I loved it; the bartenders were super nice and actually even wanted to know my name. Then I came here for a late afternoon/early evening meal...and man...the service was so slow. Then one time I came and the bartender was so rude to me and my friend I guess because he thought he was God's gift to women and we weren't flirting with him. Now the last straw was was charged 11.08 for a vodka sprite...keep in mind I usually only go to bars in the west loop and river north so I know the standard vodka soda is not 11 dollars considering they have signature cocktails at that price...to make matter worse he took forever to ring me while giving his attn to some other patrons. So I have to end this relationship. Train your service staff to actually respect your customers.
(1)
Bryan M.
The duck sausage was worse than low grade dog food. I could have cooked better sausage in a microwave. The short ribs and the scallops sucked too. The bacon wrapped dates were ehh. After living in Chicago for 7 years this is the worst meal I have had. I would seriously rather eat a dead raccoon than this garbage again. Suuuuuuuuuuuucked. If you are thinking about eating here, do yourself a favor and eat a bag of sand. It would be more enjoyable. Succcccccccccccked. And what's with every door downstairs leading to the bathrooms being for employees only. You literally have to walk past 10 doors all marked employees only before finding the bathroom in the back of their Buffalo Bill's basement. I got your dog mister and I am serving it to guests as an overpriced tasteless entree. Suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkked.
(1)
Amelia B.
I'm torn between 4 and 5. Food =5, everything else =4. Going with 4, so read on. I made a reservation for 7:30pm a few weeks ago and was really eager to try it out. Behind Ayn Rand & Dickens, Hemingway is my favorite author, so obviously I was drawn in to any place that would model the restaurant after him. We were seated promptly at 7:30pm, but at the table right next to the front door. At this point, I should have spoken up and asked to be placed elsewhere, especially because there were plenty of open tables and I made a reservation weeks ago (so I thought I should get some priority). Alas, I chickened out. And having been a server for a long time, I understand how patrons requesting to switch tables can put a server in the weeds. So I spent a lot of the dinner getting blasts of cold air in the face (despite the double door arrangement). Nevertheless, the cold is nothing that a few drinks can't cure. Started off with a perfect dirty, extra dry vodka martini with blue cheese olives. Delish--probably one of the best I've had in the River North area. We also started off the asparagus flatbread--absolutely DIVINE. So much flavor, I probably could have ate three of them. It's a pretty decent size as well. Moved on to the salmon and the scallops. I highly recommend both--the salmon was cooked perfectly, and the scallops just melted in the mouth. We also ordered a bottle of sangiovese, which, for the cheapest red on the menu (hey--I roll like that), was surprisingly smooth. It definitely drank like some more expensive wines I've had. Some random observations non-food & drink related: (1) Holy crap, this place is loud. I had to yell at my dinner companion even though we were only a foot away from each other. And this was at 7:30pm. Granted, we were sitting right near the bar and there was a large crowd there. (2) Holy cougars! Definitely a mixed crowd, which I appreciate. But I did get some great laughs out of a large party of older women making it a point to take pics with the young guys around the bar. No wedding rings in sight. (3) Is the complimentary Evian bottled water necessary? (though make sure you specify you want tap water after that, or they will charge you $3 for another). What's wrong with tap water? (4) I wish we had sat further back in the restaurant--might have been a better ambiance. (5) there is bathroom attendant--ladies carry money. I ran back up and grabbed a few bucks and then ran back down. So overall--food is definitely five-star, but a bit iffy on the rest. I'll be back, and hopefully in a different location in the restaurant.
(4)
Leang E.
I came here for a friend's birthday party, and it was a pretty cool spot. We were upstairs. I was disappointed that it was so warm in there though. Like with the temperatures we have been experiencing where was the air conditioning?! I felt like I was sweating through my dress, and I couldn't understand why the gas fireplace was on. I think it was real anyways and it seemed like heat was emanating from there. The drink prices were pretty comparable and it is a spacious area, but it gets packed. I liked that the crowd was maybe 30's ish and not too young and annoying, but more sophisticated and relaxed. There was a variety of different types of music. I want to come back and try the food. I heard it was good, so I will be back.
(3)
Jaime S.
I didn't know what the premise of Hubbard Inn was before I walked in, but based on the other reviews, It appears my impression of Hubbard Inn was spot on: It smells like a library, the lighting is such that you feel like you may be in an absinthe induced haze, and the Hemingway/expatriate vibe is VERY apparent. I came with 6 girls after some March Madness, mostly because my BFF was in town from Philly and i wanted to get her to every new place in River North so that she doesn't feel disconnected from Chicago. It was supremely crowded, but I imagine if you can get there in time to get a table, it would be a great spot. I don't stray from clear drinks, but the drink list looked impressive. 3 Stars for now, but I'm going to have to try this place again.
(3)
Maria B.
I love Hubbard Inn. From the interior decor to the staff...everything is perfect. The lighting is great, the crowd looks good and the atmosphere can't be beat. To be fair, I have only eaten here once, and it was good, but my favorite thing to do is come here and split a bottle of prosecco with my friends and watch the world go by outside. Great people watching. I have also come here many times for evening cocktails on the weekends and it is a great place to get the night started. The weekend crowd and upstairs bar have a vibrant energy and feel a bit more mature than other spots in the area-in a good way. Reminds me of Waverly Inn in NYC crowd and energy wise. Definitely recommend for dinner, cocktails to get the weekend night started or after-work happy hours.
(4)
Holly J.
Great atmosphere - although be warned, it can get a little loud. Definitely recommend for a couple drinks but would not go out of my way to have dinner. Food is ok, not great. For the prices, you could get a better meal at many other places in River North. Go for the social environment. Do not go if you are expecting to have a memorable meal.
(3)
Daniel C.
Love this place after work! Its the kind of place where I want to go and have a beer and great conversation with a friend or two. Great vibe and stylishly designed. Reminds me of a pub I visited in London. Good people watching and excellent when you're in the mood to see and be seen. Have had dinner there a couple of times and never had a bad dish. Check it out.
(4)
Ariana S.
Well done Hubbard Inn! Here's the thing. If you met me you would probably stereotype me as a 20-something, single urban professional who tends to gravitate toward the trendy "it" place only to snobbishly judge it myself and then tell the world my opinion as if it mattered. Well...you're stereotype would be spot on. Nice to meet you! I have been wanting to try Hubbard Inn for a while and I was so glad I did! I went for dinner so I can't yet speak to the weekend night scene but I'll come back to update. Atmosphere: LOVE! Looks kind of like an old smoking room with high wooden tables, wrought-iron castings and chalk on chalkboard menu items. We sat in "the library" in the back on chaise lounges next to the fire and busts of horse heads. (ok sounds weird but it was really cool). Drinks: I played it safe at first and ordered off the wine menu and was not disappointed but the cocktail list was beckoning me so I quickly downed the wine and ordered the "Hubbard Rose" and loved it! Whiskey with rose juice and mint. Yum! Food: I trusted my date on this one and I was not disappointed! [The food was good too. ;-) ] He ordered like a pro, not missing a beat as he sprouted off the Duck Rilette, Short Ribs, Scallops with pumpkin sage, and clam covered flatbread. Seriously this guy has mad skills. Everything was really tasty but I have to give a shoutout to the SCALLOPS. Melt in your mouth INCREDIBLE! The Short Ribs were also so insanely tender that they basically didn't need to be chewed and the Flatbread was a reall unique combo of flavors. Wasn't thrilled with the duck but still enjoyed it. Nice job Hubbard Inn! You made this 20-something a very happy yelper.
(4)
Lisa Z.
I love the decor at this place. As far as Hubbard Street spots, I've found that it's pretty classy/swanky, but not as douchey as some places. If you want to get dressed up for a night out, this is a great spot! It may be packed shoulder to shoulder, so you may want to arrive early-ish to stake out some space, but it's a fun spot and everyone is suspiciously good looking. I've been for lunch and dinner as well, and think the food is great for upscale bar. I definitely recommend any of the flatbreads! Will definitely be back. I believe they also offer space for rent -- a friend did her 30th birthday here, and we had a nice spot in the couch area upstairs with our own server. They were very helpful and we never had to wait for a drink. The bar is crowded on weekend nights, but I haven't had real problems waiting for drinks there anyway.
(4)
Justine M.
Like the decor of this place - dark, classy old western-ish feel. Went for lunch w/ co-workers. Food was presented nicely. I got the lobster roll sandwich. Nothing too great - very creamy...too much for my liking. They have an extensive drink list. I'd come back to drink here but that's about it.
(3)
Christina B.
The atmosphere has a good vibe, a trendier bar area on the first floor and a more intimate library themed area on the second floor. The drinks are great--they have a number of housemade creation staples and seasonal creations. The Strawberry Cooler is quite tasty. It did take a while to get our drinks at the first floor bar so only four stars.
(4)
Shayna R.
I had a private party for 18 people at Hubbard Inn. This was the most horrible private party experience I have EVER HAD. As someone who organizes private parties for clients and my own company, I have had experience with setting a menu and pricing dinners. I had to sign a contract with Hubbard Inn for this party, and put down a credit card to secure the spot. I arrived 15 minutes prior to the reserved time (8pm, Fri night). The table was NOT ready yet. For a party of 18, you would expect them to have it set up at least 15 minutes prior, so I could see how it would look, or make any changes that I wanted made. No such luck. I would have to wait till 8pm, and until HALF my party arrived to be seated. Then they brought us to a communal table. To my horror, they sat us at a table, 18 of my party, 4 people WHOM I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW, at the end of my table! They had 4 extra spaces and they were going to get good use of it! I told the manager this was unacceptable--true it was not stated in my contract that I would get a private table, but no where else did it say, nor did the events coordinator tell me, there was a possibility of being at a communal table. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOOKED A PRIVATE PARTY WITH A COMMUNAL TABLE. Who thinks expecting to sit at a private table with 18 guests is reasonable? I DO! By the time she worked out that she would throw in 4 bottles of wine and the dessert charge, my party had already ordered wine by the glass and beer. Bear in mind that I had to be away from my party for the first 15-20 minutes to RENEGOTIATE the contract due to their negligence. They even admitted that the party at the end of the table was not originally seated there, that they had been unhappy with their own table and were moved by a waiter. WELL AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, THAT WAS NOT MY PROBLEM. I after all, booked a PRIVATE PARTY! Well the end result was that after everyone had already ordered single pour wine, we only really ordered 2 additional bottles of wine. I just assumed she would remove the charges for the single pour wine since she waited till everyone was seated to rectify the situation. her mistake. No such luck. At the end of the party they only took off $40 off a $1100 bill and brought the GM and the events coordinator to ARGUE WITH ME, in front of my guests. They also had the nerve to tell me that despite spending $1k at their restaurant, "that's not a lot of money." I GUESS THEY DON'T NEED BUSINESS AT HUBBARD INN. At that point, I really had no choice but to threaten to take them to court over this issue and paid the bill. Unhappy. Very very disappointed with their ability to handle a discrepancy with a CONTRACTED DINNER. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.
(1)
Vanessa B.
So I'm one of those people who really likes to try new places constantly. Despite that, I can't stop myself from continuing to come back to Hubbard Inn! I've only been for lunch (it is really close to my office), but everything I've ever had has been delicious. During fall they had a pumpkin sage flatbread that was so fantastic. It was savory with just the right amount of sweet from the pumpkin and perfect crispy flatbread. I am also IN LOVE with the sheep's milk ricotta ravioli. The texture of the pasta is great - the perfect amount of thickness and just a little al dente. The sheep's milk filling is rich and creamy and has just a hint of citrus that I love. It also comes with a really great mushroom ragout, which I was shocked to find that I like as I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms in general. I confess I order the ravioli almost every time. I need to get there for dinner some time as I hear they have great cocktails too!
(4)
Kathleen C.
Yay Hubbard Inn! I visited Hubbard Inn around the holidays with one of my old roommates from college. I had to sit at the bar for a bit and wait for her (not super surprising...). I am knocking 1 star off of my review because of my bar experience. The bartender would.not.help.me ...seriously, wouldn't look at me, wouldn't acknowledge my presence...he helped the woman next to me and the guy on the other side. I'm not entirely sure if I gave him a stink eye or what, but he wouldn't help me. Thankfully, another bartender came over to take my order. She was super sweet (and that was even when she had to walk over to the other side of the bar from where she was working to help me). In any case, the rest of the visit was really fun! We had a reservation and even though both of us were not there at the same time, they held the table for us. The host and server even "saved" us when the guys at the bar kept coming over to try and loiter near our table (which was not actually at the bar). The server was super nice, really helpful with the menu and didn't rush us even though it was a busy evening. The food was really tasty and I liked that some of the menu items had a bit of a twist to them and were rather inventive. All in all, a great spot! Though, go early if you want a spot at the bar. Atmosphere - 5 Food - 5 Bathrooms - 4 Service - 3 Value - 4
(4)
Johnny T.
Now this is more like it! After a disappointing dining experience, my crew was in search of a proper way to end the evening. After a couple of clicks on our handy-dandy Yelp apps, we were led to Hubbard Inn and I am so pleased that we were. Being that we had zero appetite for food, we skipped the downstairs dining area and headed upstairs for some cocktails. Before I mention anything about the menu and service, I have to mention the decor. It's incredible. You feel as though you have stepped into Hemingway's Chicago home, complete with dramatic staircase, interesting tiles, comfy (yet, very manly) leather couches, books (!), bookcases, and dark woods (furniture and flooring). The Old Man surely would have given up on the Sea had a place like Hubbard Inn existed in the 1950s. Feeling appropriately masculine, I contemplated ordering a beer... but that's no fun, right? I looked over the house cocktails, determined to order something worthy of Ernest and that's when it hit me: when dealing with a classic, order a classic. And, it was at that time, that I ordered my first Moscow Mule. I know! Where have I been? Well, I waited for my first time to be a good one. The cocktail was expertly made and with every sip of lime, vodka, mint and ginger beer, I wondered why I hadn't been sipping on these lovelies for quite some time now. My libation reverie was made all the more better by attentive service from Tricia -- who even ran after our party when one of us forgot our phone. Managers of Hubbard Inn, hold on to her. She's an asset! Hubbard Inn is in an odd location. The night we went, the upstairs was rather empty and that's a shame. In another part of town (Lincoln Square/North Center), there would never be a moment where this place was anything but full. I suppose for the sake of my experience, I am grateful that it's not in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods. If it were, perhaps I would not have had the chance to live out my own book: The Old Man and the Drink.
(4)
Rachel S.
My decision to come here to eat was purely practical in nature. I was meeting BF's dad for dinner; he was staying at LaSalle and Hubbard, and I was coming from Fado (wicked close by) so the night before I decided to try to find a place for dinner that would involve as little transportation for both of us as possible. We went to Paris Club last time he was in town, so that was right out, but I wanted something similar-ish, small plates perhaps, good cocktails, etc. After browsing around Open Table for a while, I settled on the Hubbard Inn. Looked solid enough. When we arrived, I was pleased by the decor, very interesting, manly perhaps, somewhat rustic, with a definite European vibe to it. On to the consumables: For drinks, I started with the Hubbard Rose and ended with a Moscow Mule, both fine, for sure, but I've had better. For example, I was expecting the Hubbard Rose to be served neat in a coupe or something, not with crushed ice in a low-ball, but maybe that's just me. BF's dad had an aviation, which he liked, and a glass of red wine with dinner that he let the waitress pick. Meal: we started with the steak tartare (which was fine, the flavor was good, but the meat was a little gluey) and salads. I had the beet salad, and BF's dad had the pear salad. The pears from the pear salad were off the CHAIN so good, poached in saffron or some such, and were delicioius. My beet salad was unwieldy at best and downright ungraceful at worst. All the dressing was at the bottom (can't toss, son?) with a ginormous pile of frisee on top and a teensy sprinkling of cheese and walnuts with about 8 little beets around the edges. The beets were good, but the frisee was in hugemongous pieces so it was embarrassing and difficult to wrangle one of those hairy suckers into my mouth without getting the bright red (and extreeeeemely acidic) dressing all over my face. Overall, didn't really enjoy my salad, but BF's dad cleaned his plate, so there's that. Main event: I had the sweetbreads and BF's dad had the short ribs. I've never in my wee little life seen sweetbreads on a menu as a main dish, kinda weird, but I lurve those little glorious glands, so I gave it a whirl. Plus I love brussels sprouts. I was pretty much really disappointed by this dish. The menu (and the chef, presumably) claimed that the sweetbreads would be crispy. Crispy, they were not. Bland, they were, and egregiously overcooked, they definitely were. I cried little tears for mistreated offal and ate as much as I could muster to not appear rude to my companion. I tasted a bite of the shortribs and they were a bit ropey and dry. Sad sea lion. For dessert we went with what they called the apple crostini, which in truth was a small free-form tart, not crostini, but I'll let it slide, I guess. Despite the fact that I abhor apple pie and the like, I actually enjoyed this dessert, it was not too sweet, had something savory happening in there and the crust was delightfully flaky. Probably won't be back... There are always more fish in the River North Ocean of food.
(2)
Kristen D.
This place is really fun and great for socializing. The bar upstairs is large and has tons of seating. The bartenders are super friendly and they also have a great drink menu. I really enjoyed my night here and recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun and easy going bar in river north.
(4)
Rebecca E.
This place is ridiculous. They think they are something that they really arent and you can smell it a mile away. We had a 9pm reso, arrived on time and expected to have to wait a few minutes because the place was packed. Well, 25 minutes later and we are still waiting at the bar...approach the holier-than-tho hostess who says it will be another 5-10 min, they are all paying...10 min pass...go back up to said nose-in-the-air hostess who has a matching condescending smile and she says she is sorry but the tables are lingering and they will give us a drink on the house at the bar for our troubles. At this point, it is about 10pm. I want nothing to do with your restaurant or the crappy service i have seen a preview of here at the hostess stand. Thanks for the drink offer, but no thanks. We took our business elsewhere. I am from NYC, where it is nearly impossible to get a table in many restaurants. If I have a reservation, I am seated. If I have a reso and have to wait 10 minutes, that is a new record. Hubbard Inn needs to learn that service is key to success.
(1)
Sangeeta K.
I was here for my husband's office Christmas party last year. This place has great ambiance and their cocktails were very potent! The rich wooden decor is just fabulous. However the food we tried was rather mediocre. I might give this place another chance in the near future.
(4)
Jackie H.
Great decor, food and drinks!!! I'm not crazy about the customer service but it's not bad enough to keep me away from this place. I love that it's inspired by Hemmingway.
(4)
Joel W.
I loved HI's atmosphere. It's what I imagine Mr. Burns' or Bing Crosby's library looks(ed) like. The small library/sitting area is awesome. There's a bar on ground floor and upstairs. Both I'd feel classy sitting at, sipping midcentury cocktail concoctions. The ground floor also has a large table that can accommodate...maybe 20 maybe more? it's huge. Food was very good. Between my wife and me, I tried a few entrees and appetizers. All were great, however the HIGHLIGHT, for me, was the Chickpea Crepe. Oh man. I'm not a vegetarian, but I periodically like to try what restaurants are doing that are vegetarian or meatless. I felt lucky for picking it. I enjoyed the rabbit and scallops and burger and rhubarb salad...but that Crepe, hmmm, I still dream about it. I also had Steak Tartare, but I've learned that I just don't like tartare much. I can only assume that Hubbard Inn did a good job, so since I didn't like it, it probably means my trying-to-like-tartare days are over. When we arrived, our table was not ready. They invited us to grab a drink at the bar..but it was full. So we ordered between two people and stood and sipped our cocktails. 4 sips in and we get word the table was ready. We were escorted to the second floor where a few table were empty awaiting guests. I hope they didn't make us wait just so we'd buy a drinks ($23 for two). They wouldn't do that,...right? Hm. I think in total we spent about $125, so it's not cheap. Dress up and go.
(4)
Ashley M.
No thanks-- Walking in, the decor is nice. It has a modern vintage vibe which I adore. I got there a bit earlier than my date so I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely nice. And this is how they got two stars. I want to bump it down to one though. After sitting at the table, the waitress kept pressuring us to make a selection "oh well the kitchen closes at 10". Okay lady hold your horses. I ordered the ravioli and it was..okay. Let me put it like this, Olive Garden is better. The date ordered steak. He cleaned the plate so I'll assume that was good. I kid you not, every three minutes someone asked us were we done eating an could they take our plates. If my fork is in my hand the logical answer would be no right? Not here. Afterward the date and I thought it would be a good idea to take our drinks to the sofas and talk. I mean, they close at 2am so we had plenty of time right? No. Our waitress came over and told us they were closing that part of the restaurant (really?) and then dimmed the lights. I actually preferred the dimmed lights so the date and I kept talking and drinking. She came over AGAIN with a nasty attitude and we asked for the bill and she brought it over. I saw her speaking with a few of her coworkers who started to stare in our direction. We were the only two people over there. Then she turned the lights OFF in our section. Off. Completely off. Really?? Being defiant, the date and I stayed until she came to get the payment and she said "you guys can't be in here like this" and walked off. Really?? At least wait until we tip you to be rude Stacy or whatever your name is. Never again.
(2)
Myrna J.
The place looks incredible. We just wanted drinks so sat at the bar. The bartender had good hair. The drinks were good (according to the folks I was with).. all were good. I had a simple gin and tonic.. was fine too. I thought the bartender was pretty unfriendly. He wasn't busy either, just not communicative... nor did he smile. I probably wouldn't go back unless I couldn't find another bar nearby. Too many place in Chicago to settle for less than great!
(2)
Chirag P.
Good drinks and good draft beers, but the food was nothing special. Although most of the dishes we had were veggie, so I'm guessing that was the issue. The scallops were probably my favorite, definitely give those a shot, but skip any VEGGIE stuff. I know my wife will be pissed that I said that. Anyways, the place itself gets pretty packed on weekends, so try to go on a weekday if you're going for a meal. Fun place to hang out and nice decor.
(3)
B C.
I went here with friends for a beer and appetizers meal, and we were roundly disappointed. While the service was nice and trying 110%, the food was overpriced and worthy of a Jewel freezer section. Another thing this place had going for it was an interesting decor. An arrogant guy in the Alps would live in the Hubbard Inn. Unfortunately, tag-a-longs show up and that's what you have here, a bunch of obnoxious fellas talking in that way that's meant to be overheard.
(2)
Brandon J.
I've been to Hubbard Inn for happy hour a few times. The drinks are solid, beer selection thoughtful, and service is excellent. On weekend nights, the crowd picks up a lot and by 10pm, it's a borderline dance party.
(4)
Morgan M.
Slowly but surely there are places that we naturally gravitate to...why it's taken so long to get to Hubbard Inn, is just plain crazy. Forget winding down over a cup of tea--this lady needs a night out, and it involves stopping inside a packed house. There is so much happening inside of this hot spot that not one single thing can be denied. Not the beer Not the space Not the men..or the ladies Not even the bartenders I honestly had low expectations when my friends suggested we make a stop at Hubbard Inn for a drink. Thinking it would be like any other place along that strip, I was shushed and tsk'd all along the way. They knew what was to be expected. The minute we walked in, despite the sardine-effect...it was comfortable. This is a prime spot for an after work cocktail, a place to take a date later in the evening...or simply a place to just go. The crowd is ecclectic and mixed, and yet everyone is equally engaging. Something that can be hit or miss with similiar bars. Your eyes will not get bored either from the interior decor or the eye candy, there's a whole lot going on inside. We didn't have any food, but opted for cocktails as it was a very happening weeknight. Prices are no different than any other bar. One hour turns to two and you lose yourself in your groups and the five groups around you. Nobody is shy. Honestly, you can't go wrong if you're looking for someplace different that offers glamour, hipsters, happy hour folk and clubbers. It's a full range that brings everyone together for a sure-found successful night out.
(4)
Lindsey W.
I've been here twice now and I have to say, I'm still impressed. The first time I was with a group and we did small plates. Perfect portions to share- the salad with blue cheese was so good and filling, the dates melted in your mouth. Everything else was okay, but I remember those. They had a mix up with our reservations and sent us a bottle of champagne to make-good after we mentioned it to the manager. So the wait service is very nice, the hostesses not so much. The second time I've been we each did our own entrees and I had the chicken sandwich. It was delicious, the fries were addicting. My only complaint about this place is the price of drinks, but for River North that's to be expected.
(4)
brion d.
I only decided to write after I saw another Yelpers' experience (Ellen D). The night after I went there, I found multiple charges on my credit card that I didn't make. I called the restaurant and got no call back. Tried again, no call back. After the third try I called my credit card company and told them there was an unauthorized charge on the card. My credit card company took it from there, and the invalid charges were voided, but what a pain in the butt. And to see that someone else had the same experience with the management isn't good. Check your statement after you leave this place! Oh, everything else about this place is fine.
(2)
Dan H.
We've all had some bad waiters in our time. But it's those stellar servers who make the meal all the more memorable. Sometimes you just get lucky, depending upon the eatery. Other establishments strive to ensure each and every waiter and waitress shines. Hubbard Inn accomplished just that. My waitress, Eileen is an adorable brunette, very personable and very efficient. She was friendly, attentive yet not smothering, knowledgeable yet not a know-it-all, the wait staff at Hubbard Inn understand that high-quality service goes hand in hand with high-quality food. With an eye for detail and impeccable care for individual needs, Hubbard Inn's wait staff not only ensure that patrons' meals are perfect, but that their entire dining experience is equally unforgettable.
(5)
emily h.
Meh, meh, meh. My husband and I came here with a few other couples for dinner one night. When I walked in, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the decor. It has a very cozy yet chic feel to it. The food, drinks and service were NOT impressive. Our waitress acted really bothered by us the whole time. Any time I would order another drink, she acted like I was imposing. Overall, the food portions were very small and pricey. I think I got 3 raviolis for like $14 and they were not even that good. We all left annoyed and hungry and swore never to come back. Well, somehow, a few weeks later I came trotting back in with my girlfriends for a bachelorette party. The bride was wearing a crown (that perhaps had a male body part on it) and we were asked to leave. FINE WITH ME!
(1)
Tony G.
The bacon wrapped dates were a great starter. The pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked.
(3)
Nicole C.
I was at Hubbard Inn last night for a friend's birthday dinner. This is a perfect spot for a girls night out! Between the four of us, we shared the following small plates: ______________________ *Beet Salad* roasted red & yellow beets, watercress, billy blue cheese, candied walnuts, bean vinaigrette *Bacon Wrapped Dates* medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce *Pan Seared Scallops* pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter *Salmon* pan seared with creamy dill rice *The Burger* all natural angus, lettuce, tomato, onion, aged cheddar _____________________ All of the main courses are served in small cast iron casserole dishes meant for sharing. It feels very much like tapas. I'd recommend everything listed above, but my favorites were the bacon wrapped dates and the salmon. Add two bottles of wine and one specialty cocktail to the courses listed above and our total bill was about $170, or about $42 per person. Sure, these same dishes can be found at good restaurants all over Chicago, but I loved the atmosphere (very classy and old fashioned) and the food was amazing -- and I can appreciate a little Spanish flare to the ambiance and food. LOVE the Spanish tiles!!! In speaking with our server we learned that this place is owned by a man from Spain and a man from Mexico. They also own English, LaSalle Power Company, and several other well-known Chicago restaurants.
(4)
Christina M.
I stopped in for drinks/appetizers this past weekend with my boyfriend. I thought the fries were average and that the drinks were pretty good. I also liked the decor, it seemed like someone put a lot of thought into the decoration. I especially liked the downstairs area.
(3)
Stephen F.
Based on a Saturday night sojourn, Hubbard Inn is a regular stop on the Near North 30-something trend-o-matic conveyor belt. The women wear Blahniks and too much makeup, the men pre-distressed jeans and Ed Hardy or a full suit. It's a popular scene -- and totally not what I'm looking for in a night out. But Hubbard Inn did appear to be organized, running well without long waits at the bar or bathrooms. The beer menu gets a solid B -- and I don't grade on a curve. So if you like to be seen with pretty people, this is your stop on a night out.
(3)
Chloe C.
Probably my favorite bar on Hubbard. It's not quite as clubby/douchy as some of the surrounding bars but it's still fun and fancy. Fun for groups of friends or dates (if you can get one of the normal tables or sit at the bar instead of those long tables - that can be a little awkward on a date). I'm a fan. :)
(4)
Christy T.
Do you ever entertain friends from out-of-town? I don't mean friends from Schaumburg cuz they want to go to someplace like "Nine" (if that place is even around anymore). I'm talkin about that person you stood up for in their wedding, or that old frat guy you enjoy an occasional concert or swapmeet with...? Well, next time your long-lost friend comes into Chicago to visit their "know-it-all" Chicago friend (that's YOU!!!), make sure and start your evening of festivities at Hubbard Inn!!! Located on the N/W corner @ Hubbard/Clark (2 doors w. of Clark), you & your crew can indulge in cocktails and people-watching. We made a reservation for dinner and between the sausage flatbread (mini-pizza served on a wooden chopping block), the sea scallop dish, and short-rib entre, my FAVORITE DISH of those was the SAUSAGE FLATBREAD! I did order the flourless chocolate cake to go. It was OK- I'd go back to Hubbard Inn with a group of gal friends before going dancing or seeing a concert. Boomin-vibe!
(3)
K B.
Went here with a large group (17) for a birthday. Had a huge table reserved for us, but we had to get there at 5. Anyway, the restaurant just said they would come out deliciousness, and boy did they ever. Started with the mussels and bacon wrapped dates and they were killer. I would have been satisfied with just that, but oh no! They then brought the seared scallops, three cheese flatbread, and house made ravioli. All still wonderful (and I usually badmouth cheese "pizza"). And I think they brought out lamb shoulder at the end but my stomach was already spent. So, just to be clear, the food here is delicious. But damn expensive.
(4)
Shannon C.
I've been a few times before. Saturday night, girls party reserved table upstairs. I like the couches and the atmosphere is well managed so it isn't too crowded, good music. Champagne menu too expensive and not well selected. I met the owner and I was a little turned off by his dismissive attitude. Better for twenty-something mingling than thirty-something socialization (and obviously, the increased dispensible income between these decades is not necessarily valued bc they do pack a full house on the weekends).
(2)
Lindley E.
I remember one thing from our meal: the french fries. They were tasty. Actually, I should say, the french fries were pleasantly memorable. The aoili, it was fine. But I'll be damned if I can remember much else from our meal. It just wasn't executed...memorably. If anyone tells you this restaurant is gorgeous, they likely are male, like male activities like big game hunting and drag racing, chess and Xbox 360, heavy drinking and saunas. They like the idea of tuna fishing, but don't necessarily have the patience for it. They're also known women, many women. And sometimes they write about it, Tucker Max style. They usually only share this with anonymous friends on the internet. These men, these leather sofa-loving men who stock libraries full of classic editions of the great books - 'just for show' - also like to order classic cocktails and craft beer - 'just for show'. Which makes Hubbard Inn the perfect place for them. Unfortunately the sound level is really high, so they have to yell to tell their dirty sex stories, something they only do after three drinks (they make 'em strong here). I like dining in a restaurant where I can hear not only my thoughts, but my dining companion. Some seats in the joint allow this (hint: ask to be seated in the library). Specials are adorable on chalkboards, but only in a place that really do focus on fresh and seasonal. I didn't get the impression that that's Hubbard Inn's bag. You know. They're more about the leather.
(2)
Dana F.
"About morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after." It's true - even Ernest Hemingway himself would endorse my hedonistic urges. When I discovered that the Hemingway-inspired Hubbard Inn had recently opened, featuring small plates and an impressive liquor list, I had to check it out (and take my partner in crime, the lovely Dee Y., along). The atmosphere is fantastic and really transports you to Hemingway's library. To add to the sort of somber ambiance, sad songs by one of my favorite bands, The National, were in rotation. No detail is overlooked - photographs line the walls of the bathrooms and even the silverware has a very 1920s vibe to it. The beers on draft are fairly standard and include a few common Belgian beers, as well as quite a few Goose Island selections. I opted for a glass of Rioja wine, which was of surprisingly good quality for only $10. To start, we shared the poached prawn salad. The salad was a bit heavy on the dressing and the olive and roasted red pepper toppings were quite sparse. I'm not even sure if I saw any artichoke lurking in that huge bed of arugula! We also shared the seared scallops with pumpkin puree and brown butter. These were my favorite of the evening. The scallops were large and juicy and the sweetness of the pumpkin enhanced the natural sweetness of the scallops (that, and I love anything pumpkin). The Moroccan vegetables were good, albeit a bit ordinary. There was nothing unique or differentiating about them. That, and the carrots were very undercooked compared to the rest of the vegetables and protein (cauliflower, chickpeas, etc.). For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate cake, topped with strawberries and cream. What an odd cake; it had the consistency of a chewy brownie. Oh, and it was HUGE. I was expecting bitter chocolate for a flourless cake, but this chocolate was much sweeter than I had expected. Service is spot-on at Hubbard Inn. Whether the community manager is contacting you on Twitter or your waiter is suggesting some of his favorite small plates from the menu, I felt very much at home. The food, however, left something to be desired, but this seems like a great place to enjoy the atmosphere and have a drink or two at the bar.
(3)
Allison H.
We called the day before to make sure the dinner menu would be served at 3pm on Sunday. We were coming right after the Hawks game and didn't want brunch. They assured us that we would be able to order off the dinner menu. However, it was a different story when we arrived. They said we couldn't order until 4pm. This was dissapointing since we did call ahead. Then, they were out of the first two wines we ordered off the menu. Looks like they need some work on communication and ordering. We decided to leave at eat somewhere else.
(2)
Paul C.
The first thing you'll notice about Hubbard Inn is the huge communal tables. That's right. Yet another place going for the flavor of the month, pack-you-in-like-a-second-grader-so-we-can-Âsqueeze-in-a-few-extra-customers, vibe. This results in a very noisy spot, that's probably good for happy hour and little else. Don't come there with a date, someone you're trying to impress, or anyone you want to have a conversation with. I ended up hitting up Hubbard Inn for a company lunch, so the best thing about my meal was I didn't have to pay. Hubbard Inn is going for the gastro pub type fare with portion sizes that are all over the map. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was quite tasty and well prepared. The fries were totally bland and forgettable. Other people I was with had varying degrees of happiness depending on what they ordered. The salads were huge, but fish portions quite small. If you order the prawns you get three prawns--more of an appetizer than a main course. The flat breads which are billed as an appetizer are definitely big enough to be a stand-alone meal. Tried the cheesecake for desert and it was pretty good. I honestly didn't have any real complaints about the food. Service was ok, but nothing stellar. One of our dishes was forgotten so they were 11 for 12 on getting dishes out. From time to time our server also just disappeared, especially when it was time for the bill. Coming in a group of 12 did make the communal eating more tolerable, but it was basically impossible to hear anyone who wasn't sitting next to you or directly across from you. Given that the food was overall decent I'd put this place at a 2.5 stars but rounding down for communal tables and general loudness. Hubbard Inn is probably a nice spot for a happy hour, but I wouldn't want to buy my own meal there.
(2)
Annie N.
I met a friend here for lunch and although the location and decor were both on the positive side, but our experience was just ok. Our waitress was nice, but the food took a while to get out. It was really hot outside that day (this was a bit ago) and we were sitting outside, so the sun was killing us, and my water wasn't refilled fast enough. For lunch, this spot was pretty popular, and lots of people were coming in and out, even for the outdoor seating. The menu was pretty standard - salads, flat bread, sandwiches, and some other options. I honestly wasn't impressed with the selections, and since I wasn't eating meat at the time, nothing really stood out for me. I ended up getting the Mushroom & Asparagus flat bread and my friend got a Cobb Salad. Portion was fine, enough for lunch, and the food was average. I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'd remember the next day or talk to people about. My lunching companion said his salad was good, but again I didn't see anything outstanding about it. Prices were alright. Kinda on the pricier side for lunch - I think the bill came out between 40-50 for the 2 of us, but he had drinks. It wouldn't be bad if the food was a bit better. But I probably won't come back just for food. There are many other options around the corner.
(3)
Eric S.
Hubbard Inn is a interesting mix between upscale restaurant and bar. Their food menu has some great selections of both apps, small plates, and meals. I've had everything from the bacon wrapped dates (yum), to the scallops, to the lobster sandwich. Everything is always perfect. The bar has a great list of various selections too. The only complaint I would have is that their higher end alcohol selections rotate so not everything may be available at all times.
(5)
Filip F.
Since this place is fairly new, they might still be working out the kinks. I went here at 8:30pm on Friday night. It was obviously busy. Right away they asked me to take my hat off. Not a big deal. I rarely wear one anyways....But then I saw the staff wearing tuxedo t-shirts. This irritated me somewhat. If a bar takes itself seriously enough to enforce a no-hat policy, I want to see staff wearing something that was not bought at a douchebag store outside Wrigley field. Speaking of douchebags, they do frequent this place. Food was "ok". Portions were somewhat small. It tasted good. I had a burger. Our waiter was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He disappeared for long periods of time. Overall, decor was very cool and unique. It was loud. Could not hear anyone without leaning in within inches of their face. In summary, this sounds like a bad review. But place is new. And it was Friday night. This place is not bad, but not great either. If I was walking by it on accident, looking to get a drink, I would stop in. But I would not make this place a destination. Just A-OK
(3)
Don J.
A nice and friendly bar that was pretty busy on a Monday evening. A small group of my friends and I met up for drinks and it turned into a session. The break down on the drinks is: - the Guinness is terrible, worst pint of Guinness I have ever had. Its served in a crap 16oz glass and tasted stale. - the Manhattans were great and went down way too easily. - they have a great selection of Whiskeys and we tackled a good few of them After having a few drinks we decided to get some food. Hubbard Inn has nice, upscale food for what I always expected to be just glorified bar food. Their prices seem affordable however when you get the food you realize that their portions sizes are much smaller than other bars/restaurants in River North. We tried the following: - Pork Belly was nice but a very small portion for $15. I ordered a side of fries with it and I was still extremely hungry afterwards. - The Chicken club sandwich was described as being "ok" with my friend adding "its impossible to mess up a Chicken sandwich". - The Merguez was described as being good but not in any shape or form filling. Service was good throughout and the decor is obviously amazing. Our bartender was a friendly guy who helped us when asking questions about the Whiskeys. A nice bar and I will go back but not if I'm extremely hungry. I think its strange that 3 people spend $50 on food and they all walk out of the place still starved.
(3)
Camille P.
It's a well known fact that 3 of the most important factors of a successful restaurant are location, location and location. Hubbard Inn is a thriving example of this. Ok, so maybe they've got a couple of other things going for them: a cool interior and an on-trend 'old is new' cocktail list. But it's certainly not the food that has this place packed from the moment the loop breaks free from the work day. We snuck in just in time to grab a seat at one of the massive communal table. I've never understood why they seat a party of 2 four feet across from each other, when they could seat us directly next to each other, making a conversation actually viable. So we just had to yell to each other across the table, while I secretly wanted to chime in on the couple next to us. I know, it's bad, but I couldn't help it! Their conversation was way more clear than the one I was attempting to have with my date who I couldn't hear. Anyway, on to the food. First was the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad with apple, pumpkin, cranberries, walnuts and a sherry-bacon vinaigrette. A decidedly fall-like salad for a spring menu, huh? I guess I was expecting all of those ingredients to have somehow been united but in actuality, they weren't at all. It was raw, sliced apple, mushy, cooked pumpkin, and dried cranberries tossed with some greens that sat beneath an enormous hunk of goat cheese covered in un-toasted, stale walnut pieces. It was like someone found a bag of walnuts that had been knocked behind the basement refrigerator 7 years ago and thought, "Hey! We'd better use these walnuts before they go bad!" Yeah, not pretty. Next, we had an Octopus and Shrimp Salad with olives, capers and red bell peppers. It, too, left much to be desired. The shrimp was tasteless and the octopus didn't have the help of what often makes octopus delicious: char from a grill or a pan. It was simply boiled and not even until tender; it was still tough. The red bell peppers were straight from a can and there were enough capers on the plate to kill a person. Seriously. We had one more to go: Grilled Hanger Steak with blue cheese, confit tomatoes and chimichurri. This probably would have been ok minus the blue, but there was no getting around it. The steak was cooked nicely and the chimichurri (a South American herb sauce) wasn't bad either (beside its excessive oil). Apart from the fact that the flavor combination just didn't work for me, there was just too much aggressive, pungent, stingingly sharp cheese that the dish was even hard to eat. In fact, we didn't even come close to finishing it. Oh yeah, and there was nothing 'confit' about the tomatoes. I think it's safe to say that the food here is a bust. Cross it off the list. The space is visually cool, even if the acoustics are piss pour. When we went, it was packed with people in suits, rushing to get their cocktail on. Definitely a rockin' happy hour scene. And the service was friendly and adequet even if they did try to push us through by bringing our steak 5 minutes after our salads. The food runner could tell by my face that we weren't even close to ready for it and immediately offered to take it back to the kitchen. I'm glad I didn't have to tell him to do it, he just knew. Now, I pretty much expected them to bring back the same steak 20 minutes later, over cooked as hell from sitting under the heat lamp, but they didn't. A new steak was cooked and its temp was as we'd requested: med-rare. So that was a plus on their side. So... The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 4 Service: 7 Ambiance: 8 Overall impression: 6 Would I go back? Nah... I'll leave it for the 9 to 5-ers.
(2)
Kida T.
Ehhh.....went here for my birthday and it was ok. It was packed and I stupidly forgot to make reservations so my friend and I ended up at the bar. We ordered a couple of their signature cocktails and boy, were they awful. I can't recall what they were but my friend and I never finished them. Just really bad tasting. We ordered food off the menu as well snd I was disappointed that they were just small plates. I get that it's supposed to be fancy but we were expecting something more. The food was good though and our bartender Zach was very attentive,.although he should pay a bit more attention to how he's making dem drinks. I'd go back though.....
(3)
Nick H.
Though it is a little loud inside (seems to be a popular after work spot) the food was outstanding. I recommend the Steak Tartare
(4)
K K.
I want to like Hubbard Inn more than I do. It's beautiful. It's loud. The service is great. The food is good. I just haven't had a great meal here. Yet. I'll keep trying. I'm sure that me and Hubbard Inn will get in synch someday.
(3)
Seema A.
Great job on bringing a unique look to the city. This place stands out as the decor, service, food and overall ambiance is wonderful. Def. one of my weekend favs.
(5)
Dan M.
Always enjoy myself at this cozy, Ernest Hemingway-inspired gastropub! If possible, sit at the bar and indulge in their impressive draught beer selection. I recommend trying the Hennepin, Sofie, and/or Duvel Green.
(4)
Ryan L.
interesting place. I definitely have to be in a specific mood to go here. Namely, a yuppie/hipster mood (although I know the two may seem at odds with one another). Has pretty fantastic drinks, and the food goes well with it. I've not been here for dinner, but the flatbreads and some of the other dishes that I can't remember (read that as: post-inebriation) were quite good.
(4)
Audre L.
It feels like you're at your rich uncle's library/den. Great vibe, love it. Nice addition to the Hubbard Street bars. Only came out for drinks - Cooper's Sparkling Ale from Australia was on the boards. Pretty tasty
(4)
Lola K P.
Review for drinks only. 5 stars for the decor. The library upstairs is a thing of beauty. I want to live there. Not with the bar patrons. They would have to go. There's a more-than-acceptable percentage of douches on the premises, at least while we were there. It's painful watching a bunch of 20-somethings trying to pull off sophisticated pretentiousness while getting hammered. I'd like to try the place for dinner next time, given the wonderful decor - after the newness factor wears off and all the douches run to the newest "it" place.
(3)
Leslie P.
LOVE this place. I wasn't really expecting much, but we made a last minute decision to go there for dinner and share a bunch of stuff. Highlights were: Cobb Salad, Watermelon Salad, Ravioli, Scallops, Flatbread Pizzas, Lobster Club with Fries. Lowlights were:...there were none. Another gem - my friend clued me in on an excellent Cucumber Martini. If you are a fan of a good Cuke Martini, there is a bartender that works there that can whip up a good one. However, it's not on the menu, so make sure the right bartender is working (shame on me for forgetting his name!)
(4)
Meagan D.
This was my first try at a River North eating spot and I was pleasantly surprised. They recently changed their menu so you may be surprised by the offerings, I was sad to see the pumpkin seed salad disappear into the mist. If you want to try their best app. go for the bacon-wrapped dates.
(4)
Christina P.
Two words: Ob Sessed. I am digging on Hubbard Inn like no other. The scene: like an old library and very NYC-esque. I love the lights and the antiquey decor. And bravo for the t.v.'s playing old movies and not ESPN (even though I too love a good SportsCenter with Jesse Palmer). The people watching is worth a visit on its ow. The drink: Very extensive and thought out. Great specialty cocktails and huge wine list. The food: The bees knees, the cats pajamas. Whatever you are in the mood for Hubbard Inn has something for you. Salads, flatbreads, oysters (my current obsession), entrees and otherwise... it's kind of ridiculous just how good everything has been that i've tried. The overall review: get off your comptuer at get to Hubbard Inn.
(5)
Jeff K.
I think I would have given this three stars except for the fact that I was here when it first opened, was underwhelmed, and then went back last week and was generally pleased. The space can be a bit loud and crowd was a weird fratty businessman mix, but being able to look past all the shenanigans, we had a perfect table by the window and sampled a series of delicious small plates. The food was better than I remembered and I throughly enjoyed the flat bread and duck plates. I am not sure I am going to be rushing to come back, but would not say no if someone else wanted to come here for dinner some night.
(4)
Jason H.
The food was very good. Bacon wrapped dates are always good anytime and anywhere. Something about these tasted super awesome though. The fried goat cheese salad was also simple yet exceptional. The drinks were very unique and tasty. The Laphroaig Project was exceptionally good and interesting. The server was good and attentive although not a personal touch. The ambience was unique the room was very subdued and relaxed lighting, which helped mellow the loud and packed environment. There were interesting paintings on the walls and black and white phtos all over the walls downstairs. Overall, I would recommend this place for its food and unique feel, its just not the place for a quiet or romantic dinner. I also think its slightly overpriced for how many people they stuff in there.
(4)
Morgan S.
5 stars because my food was just that terrific. Had the poached pear salad and the mussels. Both were incredible. The manager introduced himself and bought me a glass of wine, which helps too. Atmosphere was good, but seemed like every other place in the neighborhood.
(5)
Francesca D.
Best lamb burger!!! Food and service was great. I will definitely will go back!!
(5)
donna y.
Hubbard Inn looks a bit dark and intimidating but it's quite cozy inside. The window seats are also great for people watching although one might find it awkward to sit next to vs. in front of his/her guest. Anyway.. on to the food - the three little pigs flatbread and scallops were good. My favorite was the mussels. It comes in a flavorful broth with a nice spice to it. It was the most memorable part of my meal. The cocktails are priced like the rest of the neighborhood but seemed much skimpier. Overall, good place to dine.
(4)
Mari Y.
WHAT? HUH? SAY THAT AGAIN? That was approximately 50% of my conversation with my friend when we had dinner at Hubbard Inn last Friday night. We were unfortunately seated at a four person high top table next to the bar area. With it being a busy night, there were several groups of loud talking, white dudes wearing tucked in light blue shirts standing behind us. Said dudes liked to put their empty glasses and discarded lemons/limes on our table while we were eating. I can barely remember what we ordered with the exception of the bacon wrapped dates because we were just trying to get out of there before I got an elbow to the head from one of the blue shirts making wild gesticulations. Perhaps a rope or built in separation would do the trick? But damn, those dates were tasty. It took me back to when my colleague would bring back several boxes of dates into the office from Dubai and we would demolish them in no more than three days. I had one as an appetizer and then saved one for dessert!
(2)
Ise B.
I attended a Yale function here tonight. The Yale crowd was nowhere in evidence at the beginning of the appointed time period of the event so I had some time to investigate the place for basic functionality, and as a former architecture student I was alert to matters of workability. The stairs between floors were not well marked and seemed to be a confusing combination of employee and guest use. There was one stair in plain view between the first and second floors but it didn't continue on up to the third floor or beyond. There was another, less evident, stair all the way up, but was it an employee stair or a guest stair? Hard to say. The staff was in large numbers and there were no flaws in performance. The waitress who took my credit card was right on key and made me confident of a pleasant evening. She was a steadfast monitor of my need for a certain flow of drinks, coming straight to me to ask my pleasure. I am not a frequenter of bars so I learn about standards of service as I go. Sitting waiting for my crowd to arrive there was a gentleman pair chatting nearby and I thought they were Yale folks, but one spoke to me cordially and introduced himself as an owner of the establishment. He asked me of my station, basically, in a friendly manner, and his courtesy lent a certain groundedness to my view of the business. He was a young chap, thirtyish. The decor of the room was sufficient to satisfy one's needs, artwork of a well educated bent, not invested in detail and so to a pleasing background sort of effect. There was one female nude that stated firmly a sense of visceral acknowledgement, not too lusty and not too prudish. All was in order, successful and memorable.
(4)
Amanda F.
I've been to Hubbard Inn a few times and always enjoyed the evening...whether its right after work, dinner, or late night. From the art, to the menu, to the themed cocktails, the "Hemingway-inspired" theme is fun to trace. The drinks are fantastic, but sometimes contain such hard-to-find ingredients that even Hubbard Inn doesn't have them in stock. Ideally, the Bartenders would mark which cocktails they are unable to concoct, but on more than one occasion I've had to play a guessing game that ended in "Well what can you make?!" Regardless, "The Aviator" is my new favorite drink and worth the $10 (when all the ingredients are in stock). While on the pricier side, the food is warm, well-portioned, and very tasty. There are also some menu items that are unique to Hubbard Inn. I had the Pear Salad, the Moroccan vegetables, and shared french fries. The vegetables were spicy, savory, and delicious. The portion was also massive. Everyone at my table loved their food were sufficiently liquored up to ignore the higher-than-average Tuesday night dinner bill. The crowd is pretty typical for River North, but there were a fair number of business travelers at 11Pm on a Friday night that clearly looked like they were past due back at their hotels post dinner. In general, it caters to the young, yuppie foodies who don't mind paying a little extra for drinks and enjoy "semi-dancing" (so as not to spill pricey cocktail). If you're a fan of the River North scene (new concept restaurant/bar, high ceilings, high-tops, gourmet-pub fare menus, and late evening noisiness), Hubbard Inn is your new favorite spot. .
(4)
Bo Y.
Loved it! The atmosphere was perfect: busy, energetic, trendy, dim, sexy, fun...the cocktails were delicious and deceivingly strong, plus they have great craft beers on tap. Didn't eat here, but certainly enjoyed the fashionable crowd and the decor.
(5)
Beth A.
as a rule i dont stand in line to get into places in a city where i can walk down a single block and find 8 other places to just walk in to...but last nite i waited and waited and waited on a nice weekend nite i expect bars to be busy but what i cant handle is when there are plenty of potential customers waiting while the stick up their ass doorguys are lettin in 40 other ppl off the streets...my money is worth the same as anyone elses tyvm after we were allowed in it was crazy loud and so crowded we couldnt even make our way to the bar ...maybe this place is worth it off hours during the week but i will never set foot near here again on a weekend
(1)
Maggie M.
I would gladly have those pan seared scallops daily. Great spot, cool vibe, trendy interior. Have been a couple of times with both large and small groups- worked well on all occasions. A littttttlleeee on the pricey side but for downtown dining it fits right in. Have never had something I didn't like- upstairs bar is also very cool to grab a drink in. I'll be back Hubbard Inn!!
(4)
TJ Y.
I went here on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was overall a great experience! However, there were still many negatives through the night... We had a reservation, but were not seated until 30-40 minutes after our reservation. This was a bit annoying since we did have after dinner comedy show tickets. The manager/gm did make it up to us by giving us a free bottle of champagne... this could've also been because it was a birthday celebration or maybe because of both the birthday and the wait. Who knows... As far as ambiance... it was very busy and VERY loud inside... we sat in a booth on the main floor and you had to shout for the person across the table to hear you. If you're looking for a place where you can hold a conversation with friends, this isn't the place. The food was SPECTACULAR. We got two flatbreads to share as an appetizer and the mushroom/asparagus one was great! For the main course, I had the braised rabbit over tagliatelle. The light sauce wasn't what I expected for a rabbit dish, but it was delicious!! My friends also ordered the scallops as their main course and they loved it. Portions are on the small side, but we left feeling satisfied. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert to split between the 6 f us and both were awesome. They were big pieces of cake and both were sooo good!! The service was ok. At some points, we couldn't locate our waiter and it took awhile to track him down to get our check. Overall, foodwise, it was great and I would definitely go back! Next time I may go on a weekday or earlier in the evening when it isn't so crowded and loud.
(4)
Desiree B.
Went here last night for a long-awaited girls night-great atmosphere, great drinks, great food. The reason I'm taking the time to write a review is to comment on the impeccable service and response we got from the manager, host, waitress, and bartender in response to an unfortunate situation we had with a Grade A Douchebag who clearly had never been let out of his little monkey cage. The way the Hubbard Inn staff handled it was first-class-and instead of letting our night and dinner get ruined by a low class reject, they totally salvaged with it with their attentiveness, great service, comic relief, new food, a fresh round of drinks and dessert shots for good measure. Girls night was saved and we will laugh about it for a long time. We all look forward to coming back and checking out the swank private dining space upstairs. Hubbard Inn 1, Pathetic Douchebags 0.
(5)
Niti B.
Finally made it out for a drink and a small bite to eat on a random wednesday night. I was looking to sip on a glass of wine and sit outside while I people watched and this place was right in the hot spot zone even for a weekday. I had the beet salad with goat cheese rather than blue cheese and the three cheese flatbread. Everything was delicious and the service was super nice. Although I felt like it was a friday night I loved the atmosphere both inside and outside this spot and might consider coming back since the wait wasn't very long for a table outside on a nice spring day!
(3)
Bruno C.
We stopped in after a white sox game and was blown away with the clubby, sophisticated space. Giant bar with every brand of liquor you can imagine. Beers galore. And, inspiring craft cocktails made seasonally. The room seems to have a Hemingway theme with original art. The food is mostly small plates, all well put together and tasty. Though the delicate flavor of the mussels I ordered was overpowered by chorizo. I should have known better because I love mussels but only like chorizo, sometimes. We also ordered a couple of the flatbreads, great with cocktails and done to perfection. Seared giant scallops. Terrific. Lobster roll, very tasty but a bit light on the lobster. Overall a great experience--atmosphere, cocktails and food all top notch. I went back at lunch 3 days later and had perfect, fresh oysters and a rich, tasty lobster bisque. And three more cocktails--try the Hemingway. The service on both days was friendly, welcoming and seemed genuine. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)
Katie W.
I've been here a few times now and my opinions still more or less reflect what they were on my first visit. I want to like this place so much more than I do - I think it has great potential and stands out a bit from the other places on Hubbard. My main gripe is with the service. I work in the area and every time I have gone for lunch it is so...slow...Like literally 10-15 minutes between sitting down, being approached by a server, getting a drink, taking the order, etc. If you are a downtown restaurant, most of your lunch clientele is likely working and does not have 2 hours to spare for their lunch break. Sheesh. The food *is* good and also different from the other fare at restaurants nearby, but they're kind of uppity when it comes to making any adjustments to your order. I'm not talking super high-maintenance "I want that salad but don't include xyz and please add this and dressing on the side" type requests. One of my coworkers wanted an egg added to his burger - which was an ingredient available on another sandwich, so we knew they had it. Our waitress was all "well I don't know if the chef can do that blahblahblah". Listen - this isn't Alinea. Just put the egg on the burger and call it a day. Another coworker made a request that they said they would honor but when she got her food, they hadn't. All things that seemed simple enough but that they acted very inflexible towards. Ok finally this is admittedly nitpicky but the bathroom is SO DARK. Like, I-ran-into-something-because-I-couldn't-see-s**t-Âand-stubbed-my-toe dark. Not sure what they're trying to accomplish with that but all of these things put together just lead to the overall feeling that they're trying way too hard. I think they have a good formula here but are just overthinking it a bit. I did go for drinks once and the bartenders were really nice and the cocktails were super. But when it comes to having an overall good meal experience, it's not a place I would recommend.
(2)
noel f.
Food is terrible and there's not much of it. I'm not big fan of raw potatoes and high priced tiny dishes! Drinks are good, good location, not a good place to eat.
(2)
Tanya M.
We had a great experience at Hubbard Inn. Our seat was a table half in and half outside. It was a beautiful night and fun people watching. The beer selection was great and we enjoyed the food as well. Small plates are the way to go because there are so many wonderful choices.
(4)
Ela G.
Hubbard street seems to be where all the cool kids hang out on Saturday nights, so naaaaturrrrally I found myself sitting at a table outside at Hubbard Inn, taking in all the noise and people-watching. We had a lovely view of the Adult book store across the street. Although service was a little hurried and slow, it seemed reasonable for a Saturday night. Our server was kind and friendly - my gripe is for the busboys who never filled up our water or seemed to help her out! The beer menu is very extensive. I had myself a moscow mule, my favorite because of the ginger beer. Our foursome decided to share everything. We ordered the mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, sausage flatbread, and beet salad for starters. Everything was delicious and came out promptly! Next we had the halibut, scallops, and short ribs. The halibut is to die for, with greens and balsamic sauce, cooked perfectly and tons of flavor. The scallops and short ribs were also good but next time I'm thinking the Steak would be tastier. Short ribs schmort ribs....kinda over it. For dessert, we had the key lime pie w/blueberry compote and "house-made" whipped cream (lol, it doesn't take much to make whipped cream in house, but ok, good for you!). Apart from being a bit too sweet, the graham cracker crust was delicious. Served alongside some Julius Meinl coffee and we were good to go!
(5)
Mary W.
I went here late at night for some appetizers and shared with friends. It was bustling a bustling and lively atmosphere in the restaurant around 11pm. I thought the food was amazing and I'm looking forward to going back. I had the bacon wrapped dates (hard to go wrong), Pulled pork (melts in your mouth) the lobster roll (need I say more), and cheese flatbread (hard to mess up, but good ingredients).
(4)
Michele G.
As I write this review, I am slowly losing my voice. A temporary laryngitis from three days worth of partying in Chicago for Labor Day weekend. Here is the anticipated Yelp review of Hubbard Inn: As the music resonates through the entire room like a revolving door, I yell at the top of my lungs, "I'll talk louder if you talk louder!" My friend follows it up with, "I'm sorry, what did you say? I couldn't hear you." Hubbard Inn is just that... expect to lose your voice having to talk over the loud music. There are certain songs you will have to compete with more than others; however, it's worth the loss of words. It's also ideal for a third date. If you decide to take your date there, please make sure you have a connection with that person - because in order for conversation to flow, you have to get extremely close - probably more closer than comfortable. *male population: zone in on this. Let me paint you a picture worth less than 1000 words: Order yourself a very tasty Chicago Solstice. It's toppled with mint leaves and bursting with flavor. The top notch decor is like a mix of Harvard meets Morocco. A strange duo but it definitely knows how to tango. It would make any hopeless romantic swoon. The rectangular mirror covered walls leading down those amazing wallpaper covered stairwells is a dream come true for even the most well groomed 'narcissist'. There's more eye candy generated in one evening that not even Willy Wonka could generate in a year. It's a who's who's scene of young professionals with the occasional creeper trying to throw you his business card in hope he gets a call. Don't let it frighten you! Hubbard Inn is a wonderful way to jump start the evening without the hassle of a who's who's list.
(4)
Roxy H.
Went to the HI last night. A friend on FB suggested we check it out for the food and people watching lol. We were looking for dinner and a nice atmos but didn't expect what we got. LADIES!! There is a chick in the bathroom with mints, lotions and crap so if you need any of it, bring money to the can! (I told the girl I would do a shout out) BTW, it's a bunch of doors downstairs that lead up to the ladies room. Kinda creepy because I had a drunken man grab me by the waist and told me that I looked like Beyonce. Really? LOL 1st we came into this UBER-crowded estab with a bouncer at the door. Wow. For a restuarant? I thought. Small wait at the door for us (like 2 minutes) We go to the hostess station and ask for a table thinking the wait would be ridculous judging from the crowd. Nope. We were seated right away. We did the tapas style side of the menu. Food was ok. Nothing extra about it but it was definitely good. The drinks took a while to come out but it was okay. I ordered a martini which was great in taste but the size of the glass was awful! It was the size of the little plastic glasses you get at a cheap wedding lol. Don't get the martinis if size matters. All in all, glad we went. Had fun. Nice crowd. Very crowded.
(4)
Jason H.
What's good about this place: the decor. The tasteful way the TVs are adorned in picture frames and display classic (usually black and white) films. (I didn't think TVs in restaurants could be done tastefully until I saw the Hubbard Inn.) What's not so good about this place: the food. Except for one dish (the tartare) it is just too rich. Yes truffle oil makes things taste delicious. But don't overdo it, please, thanks. The cocktails are pretty good.
(2)
Derek C.
we were here for drinks after dinner for a friend's birthday. they have a bunch of specialty drinks on a big blackboard behind the bar, so I decided to try a few of the drinks. they were actually pretty damn good. I had the two brothers (altho not a manly looking glass acompanied the drink) and also the Lincoln. both were pretty good drinks. friends had tried some of the other drinks and enjoyed them as well. our waitress was also very friendly and helpful on drink selection. they had run out of a beer my buddy had wanted and gave him a different beer on the house! on the first floor there are a bunch of long tables and along with the loud music and just the amount of people there it was somewhat difficult to have a conversation. the second floor had a bunch of couches and such around and a "library" on the wall gave it an interesting look. once I got the check, I was in for a surprise, drinks were $10 a pop! but I guess this is normal for any specialty drinks anywhere in the city. the crowd was pretty good there as well, so it was definitely a good atmosphere to people watch. all-in-all we had a good time there and I'd definitely want to go back
(4)
Vic M.
My friends and I are becoming regulars at Hubbard Inn, though we usually just grab drinks and a couple flatbreads. The merguez sausage flatbread is phenomenal, and they are able to make a good sazarec cocktail. Decor-wise, the place is spot on, and we usually wind up hanging out upstairs or in the back library section, where things feel a little less hectic than with the regular diners.
(4)
Mike M.
Awesome addition to Hubbard street. With so many new concepts moving into this neighborhood all the time, you have to do something special to stick out, and this place delivers. Our server was Ryan, and he was great. He even gave us a tour of the whole place. Apparently, the owners retraced Hemingway's every European step, picking up little artifacts along the way. Every trinket, piece of furniture or painting has some kind of story to it. The owners spend a lot of time mingling with the crowd, so I'm sure you could get them to dish on the background. The food was excellent. We went for lunch and got some flat bread and the lamb burger. Everything came out on a cutting board - nice! I ate every crumb, then cleaned up my date's plate (because I know how to treat a lady). Overall, very satisfied, and will be back with a larger group.
(5)
Daliah F.
I had the English Daisy which was excellent. That was the only good experience I had at Hubbard Inn (oh, and that we saw Alexi Giannoulias there.) The first time my boyfriend and I went there to meet friends before a concert and they wouldn't let us in because they don't allow 'jerseys'. We are white-bred yuppy-looking types. It was basically a rugby SHIRT with numbers on it. (Meanwhile, you can get in with shorts and trainers.) Last night they made us wait outside for 10 minutes - even though no one came out in the time that we stood out there. They did let a few people in ahead of us who were not there before we were - I guess those people are more important than we are. One guy in line asked why we were waiting and the guy at the door with his little ear piece indicated that it was a lounge and they didn't like to cram people in there. Again, no one came out of the bar between that time that we got there and were let in. Oh, and there were like 10 people waiting outside, not 200. I don't know about other people, but I generally prefer to go to a place without a line. I can't stand it when places TRY to be cool.
(2)
Jennifer S.
What a great place! There were so many details to explore and I love that! Great drink selection and prices, friendly service and a cozy, comfortable decor that makes you want to stay and hang out!
(5)
amanda y.
I'm not sure what I like more about this place....Is it the bartender with slicked back hair? Is it the azn hostess who kinda looks like Snookie... Either way, I absolutely love this Old World Inn full of glamorous people getting off work, ready to grab some amazing food. I've been here a few times and am always impressed by the small plates that they serve. It gets pretty busy here with the after work crowd, but I like to sit in solitude or with friends in the study/library area that they have in the back of this place. They play Breakfast at Tiffany's and other nostalgic (for your grandparents) movies. In fact, I've met a ton of old keesters in this area. It's cool, because there aren't any "real" creeps here. Just a bunch of people looking for some good food, away from Clark/Division area.
(5)
Dori S.
PHENOMENAL decor! HORRIBLE service. Give them a few months to figure it out. So....I ate here today to check it out for a luncheon for 8 people tomorrow, a small meeting/luncheon for 30 and another small meeting for 50. None of these will be booked at this place as I have learned... GOOD LUCK MAKING A RESERVATION I was told yesterday I could make a reservation today for a party of 8 at noon tomorrow. Today after lunch I went to speak to the hostess and...SURPRISE! They are booked tomorrow, no noon ressie available. Seems the person I was speaking to yesterday may have wanted to either warn me of this possibility or make a note of my call...ANYTHING except telling me it would be fine...which it wasn't. RESERVATIONS ARE MEANINGLESS Turns out a table would be available at 12:15 tomorrow. Cool, fine, no big deal. I asked the hostess if she was certain the table would be ready and was told all would be well. Thank goodness I didn't trust her so I threw this paradigm at her, "Let's say we come in here at 12:15 and our table is not ready. If that happens I'm going to throw a huge fit right here in your restaurant. Now, knowing that will happen, are you certain that our table will be ready?" Her response was "No we can't guarantee that your table will be ready, anything could happen, we have 150 seats, but as long as 8 are available, you'll be okay." Two problems with this: - Why do I have to threaten to throw a fit in a public place to get the hostess to give me an honest answer...that a reservation at this place is meaningless? - Are you kidding me? It's only an 8 top...during lunch...and you can't figure out how to ensure the table will be ready? Um, this screams...NOVICE! SERVICE CAN BE S L O O O O W Our (very nice) waitress was s l o o o o o o w. Slow like molasses, like a turtle, like a force of nature that could cause you to die from dehydration slow....I bet she'll get it together too tho. I worked in restaurants for 10 years so I know there are growing pains which can eventually be addressed. I hope that is what will happen with this place and I'll go back in a few months to check, but right now...it is just a hot mess!
(1)
Mike G.
Nice experience at a private function. Notable appetizers including the bacon wrapped dates and carpaccio. Had a sample of the new bourbon- Angels Envy-very nice. Great service made for nice time.
(4)
Jessica S.
We went to Hubbard Inn on a Wednesday night and adored it. The craft drinks were fantastic. I had the Blinker and it was delicious and really unique with asparagus liquor. For the small plates, the flatbread with roasted pepper and arugala was just large enough not to be overwhelming and the prawns were flavorful and sitting on a bed of eggplant which was really interesting. My boyfriend got the sweet breads, which I am not a fan of, but he enjoyed very much. The decor was fantastic, inspired by Ernest Hemmingway was dark, sexy, and inviting. I have been thinking about this place ever since I left!
(4)
Elyse C.
Meh. Hubbard Inn makes a great initial impression from the ambience but it wears out quickly. The communal table is awkwaaard, oh hey bros, enjoy your fancy pizza... Craft beer was lacking in diversity, but i guess it's more of a cocktail place. I just didnt like the food...salty undercooked scallops? oily steak tartare, and awkward ravioli. I dont know how else to describe it, ha. Not a memorable night, no thanks.
(2)
Emily B.
My review of Hubbard Inn is only 3 stars, but I think it has potential to knock it out of the park. There are just a lot of things about this place that screamed "we just opened", and I hope if I ever go back that they will have been worked out. First things first, I love love love the ambiance. It's definitely my kind of place--it's got the dimly lit, vintage, almost-speak easy feel, but it's spacious so you can go there with a big group and not feel claustrophobic. I will say that even though our group of 8 had an 8:30 reservation on a Thursday night that it still took nearly 30 minutes to get us seated, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, that meant spending 30 minutes hanging out by the bar, which I would not have minded if anyone knew how to make a drink. I see that another reviewer made the same comment, but seriously--none of these guys know what they're doing. I ordered a side car, which is not on the menu, but is a pretty run-of-the-mill cocktail. I've ordered this in many establishments, even ones not this classy, all over the country and never had the blank looks I got from the staff here. The first bartender I asked brought over 2 other guys who--I'm not joking--asked me to find a recipe--which I then Googled on my phone--and they made it from there. Seriously, guys? The other weird part is they did not seem at all embarrassed or apologetic that they didn't know the first thing about mixology. At a place of this caliber, that is LAME. Once we got seated, things were much better. We ordered lots of small plates and bottles of wine, all of which were delicious. It's been a few weeks and the standouts are escaping me, but I do remember being delightfully surprised at how low the overall bill was at the end. The only other thing I have to rag on (which I told the hostesses that night) is that even though this places pulls off an effortlessly cool vibe, all of the waiters wear tuxedo t-shirts. I am the queen of irreverent twists to take the pretense out of an environment, but this seems out of place here. I would almost like to see them in vests and funky bowties or something. The tuxedo shirt gets a big thumbs down from me. I think Hubbard Inn has potential, but they definitely need bar staff that knows what they're doing.
(3)
George K.
Saturday Night+Hubbard Inn +six friends= A Very Good Time We had early reservations, 7:30 and there was no wait for our front window table. By the time we left at 10 ish the place was packed. Great selection of local and import beers, some on tap and the rest in some very unique bottles. Great small plates, cheese and pate's, ravioli, burger, pizza, tenderlion, house fires, garlic prawns. All very good. Service was the minus one star. Our waitress just did not stop by often enough, If she had, she would have sold more drinks, more food and probably turned the table over sooner. The food runners and busboys were very good, we just could not get our orders in. We loved the atmosphere and met some very interesting people, We will be back !
(4)
Marco H.
The flatbreads were really really good. there is a little spicy kick to the 3 chesse flatbread. Merguez sausage flatbread is great too (Roasted pepper, not so much). Bacon wrapped date are delicious. for the main, try the grilled tuna (the lemon coriander aiola). i like this place, but it has to be one of the loudest restaurants ever. If you go with a group you'll find yourself screaming and straining to hear a conversation.
(4)
Gary C.
We were on our way to Hub 51 for lunch but after walking by Hubbard Inn and remembering it's a recent addition to the dining scene we took a detour. Our first impression was excellent, a warm greeting from the hostess, an inviting old time tavern atmosphere and efficient service from the waiter. The menu was interesting even though I am getting over the shared menu concept that's so popular and don't get me started on the communal tables that are a hit or miss for me. Sometimes it's like a flight from Chicago to LA, sitting next to a person that wants to share their life stories and IPhone pics with you. Luckily we were seated at a 4-top. We ordered the Ravioli with mushroom ragout, it was good but not something I'll be carving on my next visit. Next up the Mozzarella flat bread, this totally fell flat for us, and maybe it was the quality of the mozzarella or the burned leaves of fresh basil or the lack of flavor in the tomato sauce. The two stands out us - the burger with great aged cheddar and even better crispy fries, and from the chalk board, a very generous serving of fresh Mussels in a white wine sauce! We'll be back for another visit in the mean time a strong A-OK for this place.
(3)
Paul S.
I have been to Hubbard Inn three times now and I love it more each time! I have been for lunch twice and dinner once. Overall, I love this place, the food is spectacular and the service is impeccable: Food: For the times I have been for lunch I have ordered the Lobster Roll and the Halibut. I can't say enough amazing things about both dishes.So deliciously prepared. For dinner, I had the prawns but we were with a group of 10 that night so I had a chance to taste several different dishes.The prawns were excellent as was the hanger steak and the lamb burger (YUM!). The Executive Chef, Bob deserves a huge round of applause. Ambience: I am so impressed with how this place is decorated. Warm yet sophisticated with a hip, vintage look. They have little touches like lamps, books and vases that make it even more comforting yet chic. Service: By far, the best in Chicago. I mentioned we were most recently with a party of 10 and we had incredible service from Stacey. She was wonderfully kind, helpful, attentive, fun and professional. She represented everything I love about Hubbard Inn and made our experience the best. Superior food, superior setting and superior service!
(5)
Gamaliel E.
I came here for drinks after work and have to say I had a really good time. By the time i was able to get to the place, the downstairs bar was already crowded. I was able to score a stool at the upstairs bar...and received some great service from the bartender. She was able to recommend some of the signature drinks on the menu...in addition to a gin I have never had before. The decor reminds me of the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan avenue. The crowd was full of young professionals looking to grab a drink after work. Not very douchie which is a pleasant surprise. I'll be back.
(4)
Chris A.
My friend and I decided to check out Hubbard Inn last night. It was a Tuesday night at 7:30 and it was bustling. The decor of the place was old-style Chicago with exposed beams and 1920's era modern lighting. It's a large open space with private and communal tables. The menu was excellent, not overwhelmed with a ton of options. We chose the roasted beat and Frizee salad and warm Spinach and Goat cheese salad with bacon, apples and pumpkin. Both were spot-on...acid and sweet balance. For the entree course we chose the braised pork cheeks on a cheedar cake and seared scallops with English peas. The pork cheeks were perfectly tender and married very well with the cake and pork demi-glace. The scallops were seared to perfection and were a great pairing with the peas and cream. We also ordered their 3-cheese flatbread that was warm and gooey with great garlic and cheese flavors. The dessert seemed to be a bit of a throw-away, but still delicious. It was a flourless chocolate cake with a strawberry compote and whipped cream. Not the most creative dessert, but still excellently executed. Our server was warm, friendly, and attentive and explained all the dishes very well. Overall, it was a great experience and one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)
Haley B.
A girlfriend was in town for work and so I met her and another friend at Hubbard Inn to catch up over drinks and appetizers. I hadn't been yet and I had been anxious to try this new spot that I had heard so much about. +1 The interior is really cute and unique. It has a cozy vintage feel, yet it's done in a very chic way. I am reading from my fellow Yelpers that it is modeled after Hemingway's library. Cute. And well done. I heart Hemingway. -1 I had made a reservation for 3 and though there were open tables EVERYWHERE the snotty hostess wouldn't let me sit down until they arrived. While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, the hostess came up to me and asked if I'd been helped yet... I honestly thought she was joking. I didn't know how to respond so I just kind of stared at her. -1 When we finally were seated we took a look at the cocktails... $10-$12 each. Fine, it's a new hip place downtown... We ordered. When the drinks arrived I wondered if I'd made a mistake and reserved us a table at the American Girl Place. They were SO tiny, however, they were good so I didn't complain... too much. +1 We ordered the flatbread pizza and split it between the three of us. The waitress suggested it as her favorite pizza and it was really tasty. Will I be back to this place? Perhaps. I'd like to try it out for dinner as I hear the food is really good. But I'll stick to places with better value for their drinks. Or just hit up the American Girl Place next time if I'm trying to drink something overpriced and tiny.
(3)
Izzy C.
Loved the ambiance--old school pub/bar with a modern touch. Loved the simple fare! I had a classic cheeseburger and fries with a micro beer. It was heavenly. I am still dreaming of it two days later. Glad I don't live close by--I'll grow to be quite a dumpling if I did!
(4)
Diana D.
Stopped in at Hubbard Inn as our point place to meet up with friends. While I waited I grabbed an app & so glad I did!!!! Holy Heaven...bacon wrapped dates were mouth watering!! I was bummed because I had to share but this place had some yummy treats! The service was fast for a Friday evening but as we were leaving the crowd was building. Such a fun place!
(4)
Jenn S.
You may actually be surprised by the fact that I gave this place 3 stars after my experience. From the moment that we stepped foot in the door, everything went wrong. First, we didn't get seated until an hour after my reservation time. Yes, an hour. One of the managers was nice enough to buy us a round of drinks, but it was still a long wait. When we get our table, we're told that we will be sharing. Ok? At that point, we're three hungry women who just want to eat, so who cares. It turned out that sharing the table wasn't bad at all. I couldn't hear a word of what the other side was saying. After ordering our food, the plates trickle in two at a time. The ravioli was by far the best item that we had. The salmon was delicious as well as the prawns. The flat bread with asparagus was good, but nothing really special. And then there was the lamb burger... We literally waited over 30 minutes for this burger. The other half of our table, who had arrived after us (same amount of women nonetheless), was already figuring out their bill. We start talking with the other side only to find out that they never got drinks with their dinner. They had the first round but were never offered anything else. So you may be wondering, why on Earth they deserved even 3 stars. Oh believe me, usually, that would not have been the case. However, yet another manager (I'm assuming) came over and asked the other ladies about their problems and one of them said, "well it seems as though the whole table had issues tonight." The guy looked shocked and came over to talk to us. After telling him what happened, he assured us that the burger would be out soon...which it did. However, it came out rare. We ordered it medium. Now for those of you who just don't like rare lamb (or any rare meat), you understand why this may have just set us back even more. The waitress came over and we politely told her that this was not exactly what we were looking for, but the fries were at least good. Needless to say, this was the last draw and management handled it accordingly which I appreciated. Something that we also noticed while there was that there were quite a few people who were still there two after we had already been seated (and who when we arrived were finishing dinner). So we had a little more understanding for why our reservation was not honored accordingly. Everything else though had nothing to do with that, but I do appreciate the restaurant management for taking care of it. Will I go back? Honestly, that ravioli was so good. I mean REALLY good. I may bite the bullet and go back...but only if I get a reservation before the rush period (like 6pm) or later like 9:30pm.
(3)
Carly H.
The bar get pretty crowed on Fridays. It is simply full to the brim with people, the servers are pretty great. I went there 2 Fridays ago for my gfs birthday and but it was way too hot!! I don't know if the AC broke or if it's that is always the case in the summer- I wanted to faint!! 2 stars for AC 3 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)
Katie Q.
Love this place - wonderful decor, amazing food, great service. The Ernest Hemingway inspired space made for a cozy dinner and conceptual appreciation. My friend and I shared the salmon, deviled eggs, and the dates. Every dish was very good, particularly the Salmon. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
OldIrvingPoodle H.
Food was great, braised short ribs were the best. Small plates, so be prepared to share. Best piece of advice - do not get seated near the front of the restaurant. Every time the door opens you get slammed with wind. It made the food cold and sent a chill down our spines. Come 10pm, you will have people flooding the walkways in between tables (i.e. you will be sitting down at the table and have people's buttoxes in your face right next to you). Reserve a table in the back. Service could have been better - I dont think our waitress smiled - ever.
(4)
Rada I.
Awesome! The setting is almost dungeon-esque. Beautiful dim lighting, chunky wood tables. my salmon was perfectly cooked and the tartar was delicious. I'd come back.
(4)
Michelle W.
While in town for business a friend took me to Hubbard Inn. It's a nice, roomy restaurant with good, filling food. We had the dates to start (amazing) and a flat bread, which was also really good. I then had a burger and fries. The fries were a little too crispy for my taste, but the burger was good. I thought the prices were fair and the service was responsive and friendly. All in all, a great place to eat.
(4)
Denise W.
I was really looking forward to this place...but....Overall, overpriced. Food was undercooked. Also, the service wasn't all that great. For not having more than 4 tables at once, he forgot my drink twice and entered our order in wrong. The waiter compensated by comping part of our meal but still very much underwhelmed. Atmosphere was a cross between Paris Club and Girl and the Goat. Didn't live up to either.
(2)
Gregory C.
One of my favorite places to catch a drink on Hubbard. Always a good looking crowd. The staff is top notch. The drinks are fantastic. And the place just looks like a nice, warm, friendly place to relax and have a few cocktails. Still have never eaten here, but all my friends always rave about the food as well.
(4)
Eden O.
i LOVE the feel of this place. you get a cozy inviting feel from the library like decor. they have nice long tables that can fit large groups as they did for us. the food was just okay to me. and the service was lacking. i understand groups can be overwhelming, but he didnt handle it well at all. one of my friends and i were only able to order one drink the entire meal. hey buddy thats your loss. im in no rush to get back here.
(3)
Mike W.
food is good classic type stuff with a twist. I go here a lot for dinner with people from out of town
(4)
John K.
Very Nice Decor...Excellent Moscow Mule and Shandy! One thing that needs to be taken care of is the air-conditioning. I could not believe that I was sweating while I was sitting on the leather couch. Tip: There is a sweet spot in front of the bathrooms that is your air-conditioning heaven. Overall, not bad at all
(4)
Chris M.
I felt a little out of place here because it's not the typical place I eat at. The beer selection & bar service is great; but the food is very different, light, and pricey. I enjoyed the tomato basil flat bread and the other plates I don't even remember, it's small plates meant for sharing. The crowd is young and old with many coming after 10pm on a Saturday night. I spent $150 on dinner and drinks with my date. I won't come back here because it's just not my style. Lastly, one annoyance was the waiter kept coming back to our table and asking us how we're doing to get us to keep ordering those small plates.
(2)
Lily Z.
I came here for happy hour with friends on a Wednesday. I was lured by their seafood happy hour specials. I ordered some oysters (very small, lots of grit, there was a bug underneath one so they brought it back and the chef added one for free), while my friends ordered the shrimp cocktail and lobster cocktail. I was surprised because I thought it would be fancier than getting a cup of chopped lobster or a single shrimp. But I guess what can you do with one shrimp and a cup of sauce? I would go to Joe Fish for their oysters and wine. I do like their outdoor patio though.
(2)
Greg R.
Three of us checked out Hubbard Inn for brunch on 06/15. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so, since we arrived at 1:45, thought our timing was good for an enjoyable meal. Uh, not so much. Although the sidewalk seats were mostly taken, the inside was - at most - 10% full. Once seated, it took about 10 minutes for any wait staff to acknowledge us and when the waitress finally took our order, she, for some unknown reason, seemed very hurried. As mentioned before, the place was nearly empty. We ordered three simple items: kale salad with dressing on the side, chorizo and goat cheese flatbread, and lobster omelet with breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. When I ordered the omelet, the waitress politely apologized that they had run out of breakfast potatoes and French fries would be substituted. French fries with omelets??? That's a first for me. (How much do potatoes cost a restaurant, don't they keep for a long time and, if you do run out, couldn't a staffer be sent to Jewel?) The unimpressive kale salad arrived about ten minutes later, drenched in the dressing we requested to be on the side. Thinking the next two entrees were right behind, my wife waited for the remaining items. And waited. And waited. And waited. When we realized we had enough time to correct the wrong salad, we sent it back. (The waitress later claimed she thought we wanted the salad first, but she never asked. Since we had three entrees for three people, we figured all food would arrive together.) After another long wait, one more kale salad finally came to the table, this time with our flatbread and omelet. The salad indeed had the dressing on the side this time, but the flatbread was cold and hard and the omelet - complete with French fries - arrived without the wheat toast. By the time anyone asked how we were doing, I was done with the omelet so the toast was a moot point. We planned to just chalk this one up as a learned experience and be satisfied with the dozens of brunch choices within a mile of Hubbard Inn, but the manager, while whisking by our table, asked how everything was. Although we're not dining complainers, I couldn't resist to explain that the salad came out early, was soaked in dressing that we wanted on the side, the omelet came with French fries because they were out of breakfast potatoes, the flatbread was cold and hard and the wheat toast was still AWOL. To his credit, he picked up the tab for this experience. For that we'll be back... hopefully with a better review.
(2)
Alex J.
We sat in the bar, the new bartender Peter was excellent. Great apps and drinks, we really enjoyed our time at Hubbard.
(5)
Carolyn L.
I've come here a couple of times while out in River North. Once was for an event to celebrate a local nonprofit. The other was for a friend's birthday party. I don't remember much about the drinks or service. They seemed pretty standard. I really love the decor and feel of this place though. It's like drinking in a library. the only thing missing is a nice cigar (if I smoked cigars).
(3)
Lauren S.
Came here for brunch w/ a Gilt City. Brought some girlfriends I hadn't seen in awhile for some mimosas and eggs. The drinks, and food, were actually pretty good (Get the pork belly benny!). Decor was really cute. The service was maybe the WORST I have had in this city so far. The short recap: 5 tables were here for brunch (I counted). I saw maybe 5 staff members on the floor upstairs. Despite that, the service was awful, rude, and inaccurate. It will definitely stop me from coming back! Even the pork belly couldn't leave a good taste in my mouth after the awful attention from the staff :( The longer recap: I'll just give you all a quick running list. 1) Both drink orders and two food orders were incorrect. We gave them the benefit of the doubt on the drink orders, by the time the food came we were pretty bummed. 2) We also asked for some basic condiments and some water. Never came :( 3) Couldn't fix anything, because our waitress was MIA. Even asked a busser to nab her so we could try to fix the food situation. I saw him go up to her, tell her, and then she promptly ignored him and started moving tables for ten minutes. 4) Ok, fine, I'll go grab her (at this point, friends are eating the food they didn't order because they are starving). She rolls her eyes at me and makes a face at a co-worker (real mature) before coming over. 5) Second round of drinks never comes. Not sure why. 5 tables here, rest of the place is empty. We ask her to cancel them because we are ready to leave. She still brings them over, but the bartender comps us for taking so long (that's good at least!). 6) The bill was wrong.. THREE times. Yes, three times. This included weird things like just choosing a random amount of money to deduct for the Gilt City (it was supposed to include two entrees and two drinks), so I helped by circling the food we ordered, and they just tacked on ANOTHER random deduction. I just gave up and paid the difference. 7) Mind you, in dealing with the bill, I again had to go myself and find the waitress since she refused to actually come to our table. LISTEN, I was a waitress through college. I know how much it sucks, and how terrible people can be. But look, we were just looking for bare-minimum 'get us the food and drinks correctly' service. We're friendly! I don't think I was being demanding. If I had EVER done some of what this ombre-haired chicka pulled off, I would have been fired on the spot. Hope this group has a serious staff meeting sometime soon. I'm off to bigger and better ventures (as is my whole grumbly group).
(2)
Jami S.
I have just one thing to say to you Hubbard Inn... Bring the original Lobster Roll back!! Whatever impostor you have in its place is terrible!!!
(3)
Robert J.
These State Street bars feel much more upscale that Rush street (a word to the unknowing traveler). This is a 2-story bar with a good selection of craft & local beers. It can get super packed on the weekend (was here on a Saturday and barely had standing room upstairs). The music was great, the DJ did a nice job putting together some lively songs at a good volume. Overall, a nice bar, but I don't know if I would come back... there's really nothing special about it. It's classy and well put-together, but it can also get a bit too loud to talk to people.
(3)
German C.
First off, I am giving it two stars because Hubbard Inn is not my type of place to be. Drinks are good no lie. I ordered a vodka with red bull and it was pretty sweet. The service was also fast as well. However, I did not like the crowd. Too many hippies ( I call hipsters hippies)The music was pure edm (not my style) I did like that Hubbard inn provides plenty of seating area which is available to anyone. My visit here was not a terrible one but it wasn't quite me.
(2)
Emily T.
Came here for drinks this past Monday after work- and I love the vibe of this place! Sophisticated, spacious, and intimate. We had post-work drinks at the bar, and it was a slow Monday night, so I haven't seen this place in full swing, nor have I sampled anything but the house chardonnay, but I'll be back to spend a night out here soon. :)
(4)
Jesus C.
One of my favorite spots to dine or brunch in river north. Good food and great atmosphere!! Love the 2nd floor for lounging and having a drink with a group of friends.
(4)
AR H.
Awesome restaurant. Trendy spot and bartenders make a great old fashioned. Had the lamb burger and it was delicious. Would recommend going for happy hour as they have a great downstairs and upstairs lounge are to sit and hang out with friends.
(4)
Bo Y.
Recommend steak salad.
(4)
Stephanie L.
OMG, ended up here for a bday party on Sat night, not by choice, but its what you do for family. I really despise this place. We had a party of 11 at 6PM on Sat. We were literally the only table in there. We had two servers, both pretty incompetent. Spilled a drink down my Uncle's back, order was completely wrong, had no clue where the plates went, HORRIBLE service. Literally setting down plates in the middle of the table because they didnt know who ordered what. Didnt clear plates, absolutely a MESS. The food itself is totally A-OK, overpriced BS from RN. I brought in cupcakes and of course notified us of a $10 "cake cutting fee." When we asked if they were going to cut the cupcakes for us, they said no...? These girls were some of the worst servers I have ever encountered. Dont go here if you are looking for a good meal. This place has seen a better day and now going off fumes.
(1)
Missy C.
I'm Hubbard Inn's biggest fan. I work in River North, and my co-workers and I go to Hubbard Inn for lunch and happy hour often. Glen, one of the managers, is just the nicest person ever and so accommodating. I can't thank him enough for how welcoming he is every time I come in. Food is great! Be sure to try one of the flatbreads - they are all super delish but the mushroom and asparagus is my favorite. I hear they make the best Old Fashioned too.
(5)
Jennifer R.
My girlfriend and I had a 9pm reservation on a Friday night. We got there about a half an hour early and were fine having a drink at the bar until our table was ready. There were two empty tables near the bar and I went up to the hostess and asked if we could be seated there. I was flat out told 'no' and then was told to come back at 9pm when our reservation was to see what the status was. I looked at my phone. 8:58 p.m. Ok. I'll come back in two minutes. 15 minutes later (I gave them a grace period), I went back up to the hostess stand and asked the status of our table. I was told there was 'maybe' a table upstairs and when I said that we would prefer to sit downstairs, I was promptly told there would be an additional 30-45 minute wait. It was 9:15 p.m. by this point and my girlfriend (just as irritated as I was) made a 9:30 p.m. reservation at Paris Club down the street. I went back up to the hostess stand to tell them we were leaving for a reservation at Paris Club and was simply told, "Ok". No attempt to apologize or get us to stay. I've been a hostess before and these girls that were working that night as 'hostesses' were rude and flippant. There are a million bars and restaurants on Hubbard and when the competition is stiff, your first concern should be keeping your customers happy. Hubbard Inn failed. Sorry. The drinks were good (hence the two stars).
(2)
Shamik T.
Love this place. Last weekend, I had my second meal here, this time for lunch. A late lunch that was totally worth it. Granted, I think this place is slightly overpriced, but I found the service to be good, the drink list to be extensive, and the food to be very good. The beet salad was well dressed, and nicely seasoned. The Ethiopian/Moroccan style crepe however, was enormous. Very good, mind you, but simply enormous. Our server described the dishes as "medium-sized, tapas-style" dishes. This was like a burrito at a suburban Tex-Mex restaurant. Huge, albeit tasty. My girlfriend's lamb was disappointing, so she said. I think she had order envy. I don't blame her. Decor is a plus also, but this place gets loud.
(4)
Katelyn G.
I like eating here. I have been here a few times already and I must say, this is a great restaurant. The food is good and delicious. Price is just right and the atmosphere is noteworthy. The service is just average though, not great but not bad either. Just so-so. Even with that, this place still deserves a try and recommendation.
(4)
Riccardo S.
Wandered in here for a round of after-dinner drinks, and can't wait for the opportunity to come back. Great decor with a large space around the bar and high-top tables for those of us not up to standing around. All of it buttressed by an exemplary selection of beers, liquor, and most importantly - port. Best of all were the staff, completely nonplussed by the arrival of a 30-strong group and setting everyone up without one slip.
(4)
Lauren P.
Food was awesome! Went to Hubbard inn for restaurant week and not only was the food excellent, the service was even better! The waitress was very friendly and didn't keep us waiting long for any beverage refills. Highly recommend dining at Hubbard inn!
(5)
Nancy L.
A great place to meet and socialize. My inclination is to say this is more of a place for drinks than food but that was why I was there. They have great options for seating that facilitate conversation among groups - community tables, booths and areas with sofas surrounded by wooden bookcases that feel a bit like a library in an old estate. The atmosphere is more old world European feeling with a bit of whimsy. Lot's of clever artwork that make you take a second look and consider how many drinks you've had. An interesting touch that makes you smile and takes an edge off the stiffness of old world formal decor in the library areas.. A nice variety of mixed drinks to choose from - classics and classics with a modern twist. A lot of beers on tap too. The Audrey had a nice refreshing botanical flavor - cucumber with St. Germain was a hit. They also brought a round of shots to our table that also seemed to have a cucumber flavor. The shots weren't really strong - more flavor than burn. I didn't eat much there food but that wasn't the focus of my visit. Just recall the mussels and bacon wrapped dates were nice with my drink. Service was great - they were attentive and made great suggestions. The host told me they have a DJ on the top floor some evenings which I'm sure livens up things even more. There is a nice 'screened' off area on the second floor that would be great for a bigger group event. It's nice that it isn't a totally separate room so you don't feel like you are missing out from the energy of the whole place. Recommend for groups - after work for drinks and/or a bite to eat. Wouldn't be a place I'd go for a quiet date as the feeling is very bustling and energetic - feels like an upscale pub.
(4)
Kalyn H.
The two of us came here last night for a couple drinks before our 7pm dinner reservations down the street. It was pretty empty so we were immediately served and ordered two cocktails, so far so good. Their drink menu is awesome it's on a chalkboard behind the bar and we started to become extremely excited to try another drink ($12 each though, way overpriced). We only had about twenty more minutes before we had to leave and our drinks had been empty for awhile so we were becoming annoyed with service. All the bartenders were busy talking to other employees. The WEIRDEST thing happened to us in all our years of drinking/dining... the bartender brought us the same exact drinks to us without even asking if we wanted another round or what we wanted. Man was I bummed she assumed we wanted the same thing and that I couldn't try a different cocktail. It was so strange and we left disappointed!
(3)
Rebecca N.
Good thing the food was amazing because the overall experience was not! The goods: Every dish we got was honestly excellent! The bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and spinach salad, mushroom flatbread, scallops, crispy tuna were perfect. The steak tartare was good, but SO small!!! I would say the chickpea crepes was the least exciting. Our waitress was also really sweet! The bads: We had a reservation at 8 and did not get seated until 840! When I approached the waitress her reaction..."people have been waiting longer" um okay. When we finally were seated our waitress brought us shots and when we asked what they were she said she did not know. classy. We also sat next to the door. Half our party was freezing and people were surrounding us all throughout dinner. Oh... and it was SO loud!!! coming from someone who does not mind a loud venue that says a lot. It's too bad I enjoyed the food so much because I will not be coming baclk
(2)
Drea K.
Fair warning: This review is based purely on staff attitude which I found to be less than awesome. I've been here several times as a normal good-time Jane and think the decor is lovely, the drinks are tasty, and in general the food is a cut above normal gastro-pub food. But I, seriously, have a very hard time with lack of professionalism / manners, in general...especially from people in the service industry...whose general societal focus is ensuring that customers have an enjoyable time. As I was working to set up a charity event, I encountered a very serious "pulling teeth" scenario involving "we'd love to work with you again" and then s-lll-o-w-l-y evolving into "we've got new owners who need to approve everything" to "we have to decline" (2 weeks later!) but with no communication as to where the party-line switch was coming from / why a previous commitment made was changing. I've done enough charity work to know that sometimes venues cannot accommodate a nonprofit event, so believe me when I say I would not have been offended if the original reply had been "So sorry, we're under new management and we can't do a partially donated event right now" but the long gaps in communication with random changes and no explanation were a bit much. Final bad-taste-in-mouth straw: I sent a last note inquiring about the change to see if I could find out where the challenge was and received tumbleweeds as a response (ie. nothing). So, I will enjoy some Moscow Mules here but won't be planning any HubbInn parties anytime in the near future.
(2)
Jenni I.
From the street, this place seemed like a great pick. Outdoor seating ... music inside that you could hear from outside ... and a cool cocktail menu on a chalkboard above the bar. We asked the doorman about sitting outside and she told us to go inside to speak with the hostess. No hostess to be found. So, a server walked came up to us and told us to take a seat outside. We were seated at 11:40 and told the kitchen was closed. Okay, not a problem. We were bummed, but figured we'd get a drink anyway. Placed our order, then shortly after, we were told by four different employees that we needed to leave quickly. The fourth person, who seemed like the owner possibly, all but threw us out. This place has potential but the staff is rude. At 11:50, we were told by the doorman that we really needed to get going. We were waiting on our check. In the midst of that, I finished my $12 Moscow Mule (not worth it) and chatted up another guest who was rushed, as well. He told me that he has been visiting Hubbard Inn for months -- but that in the past week, it had changed management. He, a loyal patron, was unhappy with the service, as well, but seemed hopeful that they would iron out the issues and strike a better stride. Until that happens, I will not be back.
(1)
Coy W.
Damn this place has some seriously nice decor. It's a place that if lived in Chicago I could see myself hanging out at regularly. The crowd is really mixed but the music was awesome on a Friday night. Chicago brews some serious beer, the hostesses here are dynamite and the wait staff are friendly and helpful. I think I went through the whole local beer menu and enjoyed everything on it. There was a seasonal that really stood out but for the life of me, can't remember the name of it. I didn't try the food and I hate judging it by the way it looks but I would definitely give it a go the next time I'm in town. Did I mentioned the music is awesome and the hostesses are dynamite? OK good :)
(4)
John F.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriend and some friends for dinner and drinks. It was pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I suppose that's better than it being overly crowded. The decor of this place is pretty nice - big booths, long tables that you share which is different, you may or may not like that though. Overall it had a high end bar feel to it. For the food, well they try to push the whole tapas thing, saying ordering a whole bunch of small plates is the way to go. This is fine for a TAPAS place, but when I'm at a bar I would like to order my own meal. They do have entrees which range $20-$35. We decided to order a few small plates for appetizers - the bacon wrapped dates were awesome, flat bread was good, nothing special, and their homemade ravioli was not good at all and only 6 small sized raviolis were included. For the price I'd expect a few more or at least be the best raviolis I've ever tasted. After the small plates we each ordered an entree. I had the Wagyu burger which was $20 (yea, i know) and my girlfriend had the skirt steak which was also $20. The skirt steak was pretty good, but it's skirt steak... $20 seems pricey for just skirt steak. My burger was really good, but not $20 good. Burgers from Kuma's, Lockdown, Hophaus, and Burger Bar are better AND cheaper than the one I got at Hubbard Inn. So the food was mostly pretty good, but WAY overpriced. I almost forgot the drinks! I started off with a Manhattan - it was $12 which I expected, but it was pretty weak and I've had better Manhattans. I ordered a Hemingway next, which was refreshingly tasty, but again, pretty weak for $14. The drinks, just like the food, was good, but overpriced. They can at least make them strong if they're going to charge $12-14 per cocktail. Overall I found this place to be way overpriced. Yes the food and drinks are good, but not worth the price. If you have money to burn and are in the neighborhood, then sure, check it out. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere else or pay top dollar to a place that deserves it. I won't be back here.
(3)
Carol K.
Hubbard Inn? You answer when the question is where to go that is fun, has a wide range of menu items and where I am welcomed and remembered. So many restaurants . . .so little time . . .so it had been a few months since my last visit when I popped in with friends the other night. My friends wanted to experience the "Carol K' factor which is what my friends joke with me about when I pick a restaurant in town because I seem to always run into someone I know. We were promptly seated in the front and within minutes were sipping our drinks and checking out the menu to see what new things they had added since my last visit. Our server was great! Quick with suggestions of the new items (try the sliced sirloin and the crunchy tuna- perfect for sharing!) The food is always great and the drinks perfectly poured. And I always appreciate when David, one of the owners, remembers me and stops over to say hi! and on this stop, introduced me to his manager. And how nice was it that he bought our table a round of drinks! As one in our party said, "Now that's the Carol K factor!" Nah. More like the "David" factor. He's an owner who takes really good care of his regular customers!
(4)
Melissa P.
Great Drinks- specialty "speak easy" drinks. Food is also amazing but small portions. Get an app or flatbread as well. Cool crowd and ambiance. A ittle pricey but normal for River North.
(4)
Justyna S.
Rude staff, will not be coming back.
(1)
Brad J.
I have been here three times now and that will be it for me. I totally understand the good reviews based on atmosphere and decor, both are very nice. My issue is with the prices of the food/drink menu for what you get and the unfriendly and uninformed staff. One of my friends, who was a bartender, got a drink that was not made correctly, the staff argued with her and it went back and forth. We all tasted the drink and agreed with her. They handled the situation as bad as they could. The beer menu, which is quite solid, has everything marked up a dollar or two from most other place I've seen. I guess that's the decor surcharge. When I combine my experiences here with what I paid and how I was treated, I'm left to a whiff of snobbery and entitlement. I guess my issue isn't with the taste of the food as much as it was with the whole attitude of the place. I think in the long run the decor and atmosphere won't be able to make up for the feeling I left with, which was shared by my wife and the friends we were with. This wasn't just one experience either, it was three.
(2)
Sopla R.
I just soaked up the atmosphere and relished the vibe here. It's like the Anthropologie (well almost) of restaurants. I really appreciated the attention to the details. (decor that is.. we'll get to the other details later.. ) I had the fried green tomato/shrimp dish.The texture of the tomato was spot on the shrimp cooked perfectly, all in all a very tasty dish. We also tried the turkey burger. This was a nice flavor profile but not executed properly....The accompaniments were fine it was the texture of the turkey.. they over ground it. which happens quite a bit with turkey which causes it to taste mushy. Not the consistency you want especially if you are pairing it with a brie cheese and a cranberry relish/chutney. Also, tried the dark n stormy it was OK a bit heavy on the ginger but otherwise OK. As for the service, while friendly enough, she basically cut in front of me to deliver my husband's drink and he was sitting directly across from me, I had to move back abruptly. She didn't say oh sorry or anything, I don't even think it occurred to her how wrong this was and it wasn't like she couldn't go around either side of the table. I'm guessing she missed the serve from the left, remove from the right. or even if you really are a fine dining snob it's serve from the right and remove from the right "memo" which seems to be the norm these days in terms of service. I don't think it's OK to slack on these details when you are at this price point. I really hope the next time I go back I'll have the overall experience that I'm paying for.
(3)
Regina M.
The food was disgusting! It didn't have any flavor and when we told the waitress about it, she offered us Tabasco sauce. We had to leave early without having dessert because we really disliked the food and the service was terrible.
(1)
Jill G.
No good. Slow service. Cold food. Sorry but risotto is not made by cooking rice and adding cream. My friends I were with both ordered the skirt steak and had to send it back because it came out cold. There are so many places in Chicago to eat - don't waste your time coming here. Sorry :/
(1)
Shirley L.
Meat market. Douchebags. Many of them in packed crowd. Beautiful Hemingway theme and decor not as impressive in light of crowds. In all fairness: probably would have given this place 4 stars if I were a few years younger and had a few more drinks :) This is a good upscale, standing bar option, but if you're looking for a "lounge" experience I'd say pass -- it's too crowded.
(2)
Ellen D.
THE WORST. Came here for dinner for a friend's birthday. I got there early, so I grabbed a drink from the bar - total bill: $8.88 + tip. Not bad for a glass of prosecco. We were off to a good start. We sit down for dinner... I ordered the scallops with pumpkin puree - pretty delicious, but the meal was tiny and $17 - it didn't come with any sides or bread or anything, and I was left stealing fries from the girl next to me (which were pretty delicious I must say). They brought out a chocolate cake for my friend's birthday, and at first, the bus boy tried to drop it off without a candle or anything in it. Before he set it down, our waitress ran over and pulled it away from him, calling him an idiot. Poor guy. Despite her rudeness to her colleague, the cake was a nice gesture and it was insanely good. We had a group of about 10 girls and when the bill came, we asked the waitress (Meghan M.) if she could split it up on multiple cards. She gave a hesitant sigh and said that she could, but that it was "very difficult to do," would only take a max of 6 cards, and that she preferred we pay in cash. A few of the girls reluctantly got up and went to the ATM, so we gave her a bunch of cash and only 4 credit cards to split the rest on... BAD idea. First of all, it took the waitress about 15 minutes to return with our receipts to sign - total bill: $41.00 including tip, which isn't too terrible for dinner and drinks. However, woke up the next morning and checked my bank account... Had I somehow blacked out and spent a ridiculous amount of money last night? I checked the recent transactions and there were the two charges from Hubbard Inn for $8.88 and $41.00... oh, and a THIRD charge for $311.32. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. If my punctuation didn't get it across, I was FU#K!NG FURIOUS. Four days before Christmas and these people "accidentally" charge me an extra $311?! I had bills coming out and presents to buy, and was in no mood to wait the 3+ weeks the bank would take to go through the fraud process to get the money back in my account. I called that morning around 9:30 AM and spoke to someone who said he "didn't handle this sort of thing." He took down all my information and told me that he would pass it along to the manager (Alex) who would give me a call later on. Of course, by 5:30 PM, I still hadn't heard from anyone. Even more furious, I called the restaurant again at 6:00 PM (this is a Tuesday, mind you). After placing me on hold twice, the hostess finally let me explain why I was calling. Yelling over the noise, she told me that the manager (again Alex) was "too busy" to take my call because they had just started dinner service. Look, I get that you guys get busy and have a dinner rush, but isn't that the point of having a manager? So that (s)he can handle the business side of things while the waitstaff and bartenders handle the customers' food and drink orders? I gave the hostess all my information AGAIN and told her to tell Alex to call me as soon as he was "available" and I went about my night running errands and preparing for Christmas. Arrived home at 11:30 PM... still no call from this mysterious "Alex," who's existence I was beginning to doubt. Tired, frustrated, and damn-near broke, I walked my ass into the restaurant. Of course, the hostess had gone for the night, so I stood like an idiot by the bar for about 5 minutes before anyone spoke to me. A guy (dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks but slinging cocktails behind the bar) finally walked up asked what I needed. I told him that I needed a manager, which he said he was (he does exist!!). I explained my situation for a THIRD time to a THIRD person, and he said no one had given him this information - that he hadn't heard anything about it. I wanted to lose it on this place. I somehow managed to bite my tongue and I gave him all my information... again. He seemed apologetic and told me he would fix the problem first thing the next morning (9 AM) and would then immediately call me to let me know it had been resolved... finally, a silver lining in this sh!thole of an experience. Wednesday... 1:15 PM... still no call from this joke of an establishment. I called the restaurant, and was immediately placed on hold. Finally, a voice came back, introducing himself as Alex. I asked him if he remembered me and my situation from the night before and he said, "Yea I talked to the bank - they're handling it." I asked how long it would take for the money to go back in and he said by the end of the day (still to be determined...). I asked why he didn't call me after speaking with the bank and he told me that they "got too busy." Most UNPROFESSIONAL, INCOMPETENT, and UNRELIABLE restaurant and staff I have encountered in a long time. I will NEVER, EVER give them any business again. If you like not being screwed out of hundreds of dollars, I suggest not coming here. The food is good, but definitely not $352.32 good. UGH!
(1)
Claudia R.
We went here for work drinks and were impressed by the gorgeous decor! Our waiter was adorable and very attentive and the drinks were good. When we arrived we had a little trouble getting a proper table because there there was a reservation on it for 7:45 - 2 hours later! The hostess ended up obliging our request and we good service for the 2 hours that we spent there. Our guest of honor was seated in an oversized "Through-the-Looking-Glass"-like chair and our growing group was accommodated without question. We moved upstairs to make room for the reservation and it was a perfect change of scenery to the lounge-y library area. In Yelp-speak, "Yay! I'm a fan" and can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jessica H.
In one word, amazing. 6 of us girls went out for a bachelorette party. Our server, Chase was attentive, personable, funny, and polite. He made wonderful suggestions and had a lot of fun with us. Upon sitting down and telling Chase what the occasion was, their general manager Ernie Sandoval, sent us a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate! He also sent over perfect, creamy cheesecake at the end of our meal. The staff made us all feel like queens!! Us girls also ordered their drink, The Hepburn. Light, refreshing, and garnished with a cucumber, it was perfect with all the food. SPEAKING of the food, every plate was perfectly plated, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. For the appetizer we started with the cod fritters. Lightly battered with a delicious lemon aioli, and the mussels which had interesting flavors and were cooked great. Our entrees consisted of ahi tuna cooked to a perfect medium rare, sirloin with the most incredible grilled brussle sprouts, super tender and flavorful rabbit with a mix of fresh crisp steamed vegetables, and scallops that were tender but not chewy. We went back a couple of hours later to enjoy cocktails, and Ernie instantly remembered us and bought us a round of shots. I will be going here on dates, for birthdays, get togethers, plenty of more girls night, and reccomending this to everyone who wants one of the best dining experiences they'll ever have!!!
(5)
RYNE D.
Been frequenting this venue often lately. The food is terrific, Tuscan kale salad is a must and reasonably priced, the Brussels sprout side called for a second order. Also have to hand it to whoever decided to put Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc on the wine list by the glass, which is a rare find and my favorite producer in NZ. The Pumpkin seasonal beer they have right now is incredibly. The staff is effusive and Michael is an asset to their business. Hope this place keeps it up, and as long as it does I'll continue to patronize it.
(4)
C. K.
LOVED the feel of the place the minute I walked into the doorway. Great job to whoever did the decor there. I love that Moroccan/European feel. Staff was courteous and prompt. The background music was nice, too. Food was great. I met my friend out there for lunch on a Friday. We both tried the Lobster roll based on the waitress' recommendation. This roll is the best Lobster roll I have had outside of New England (where I have lived for three years!) The bun was perfectly toasted and buttery and the lobster mix, which can so easily be super bland or fishy, was well seasoned, had different layers of tastes...just perfect! I ordered a drink to accompany my meal and got the Hemingway. How refreshing and not too tart. Overall, a very nice experience!
(4)
Tracy T.
Okay, my husband and I were at Hubbard Inn at about 5:15 on a Saturday evening. No reservations, but the entire restaurant was empty. Hostesses were snotty - said they could seat us, but we'd need to be out by 6:30. Nice way to start an evening. We were seated at one of the dreaded high top tables, facing the street, which meant that every time our server or a busboy approached us, it felt like they were sneaking up behind. Not good to be shocked by your server. Of course, when you're doing small plates at tiny table - it gets cluttered pretty quickly. Food is good - some of the dishes are creative. Because of the "warm" welcome received, we didn't order dessert. You'll be relieved know that we did indeed vacate by 6:30 - strangely, the restaurant was still pretty empy - maybe four or five tables. Why not be welcoming to new guests, especially locals who might return??
(2)
Neil P.
This bar is absolutely miserable. I've never seen a "contemporary" bar with a worse layout than this place, particularly the upstairs section. It gets so crowded, you cannot move, the absolute worst flow of any place i've ever been to. Next, it took roughly a half hour to order a round of drinks. Between taking forever to get to the bar, then getting the bartenders attention (they take about 10 minutes to make a single order) it takes forever. Lastly, Hubbard Inn's DJ is the laughingstock of the nightlife industry. We were there for a large group birthday and made some requests because the music was so bad and his response was "I don't have that song but if you take care of me I might be able to find something like it." What a nightmare. I will never step foot in this establishment again. Horrible crowd, miserable music, zero flow, bad service, if this bar was in any other location it wouldve been out of business already. STAY AWAY!
(1)
Mihir P.
The perfect place if you are a 35+ female looking for a 50+ male - or vice versa. Decent drinks but it took me over 15 minutes to get one. Management needs to do a better job at staffing. The worse part was that the bartender was a dick. I gave him $4 for a $19 tab and he gave me a dirty look.
(2)
Kelly K.
Love love love this place. The decor is awesome, as is the food. Came here for lunch and was not disappointed. The steak tartar was some of the best I've had! Also came on a Saturday night and it was packed. Great vibe and I could actually have a conversation at a normal level.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I plan to give it another chance (going back this weekend, in fact) but I just did not come away with a strong impression my first visit. The space isn't as cozy or inviting as I expected; to my mind, an open space that leans more towards exposed and uncomfortable than inviting and warm, more of what I imagine a tavern-inspired place ought to be. The open and high communal tables are just not my thing, though there were other positives that made me want to give it another go. The drink I will remember most was the "Hemingway," which was a twist on an Aviation (happens to be my favorite). And I really appreciated the handwritten menus on chalkboards hanging behind the bar and the "Farewell to Arms" film that was playing throughout the evening. Also appreciated the service. The lamb burger and fries were good but kind of forgettable. Filled me up, but didn't do much else. Have a feeling I will return to try more of the drinks on the cocktail menu :)
(3)
Agnes F.
Had an absolutely good time at Hubbard Inn recently. The decor was comfortable and yet trendy, the service was attentive and the food was good as well. We shared a mozzarella flat bread, sweet breads (nice big chunky pieces), bone marrow (one of them did not have much marrow but when we mentioned that to the server, they took it off the bill which was nice of them), oysters rockafella, fries, bacon wrapped dates and steak tartare. Great beer and whiskey choices and everyone had a good time. A great addition to the River North dining scene!
(4)
Dennis C.
Love the gatropub renaissance that cities seem to be going through. In LA... here in Chicago. I only had drinks here, but really really really wanted to try the marrow, seafood... Great selection of local beers and pretty much anything else. Although not as many on tap. Crowd was hip, trendy, large, and gender equal (I mention this because you don't see 1:1 ratio here). Ladies were dressed to the 9s and the guys, a lot of them had suits! I felt a little inadequate in my jeans and sweatshirt. By 10, it was standing room only -- and i'm told that it's been open 2 weeks. Nice.
(4)
Kara E.
I was eager to try Hubbard Inn after hearing so much hype about this place. A small group of us ventured out to HI on a Friday night. The drink menu is extensive and a bit on the pricier side. The menu lends itself to sharing- think small plates. We started out with the bacon wrapped dates which were delicious- but there were only 4 dates. We then moved on to share the lamb burger, a flatbread w/ blue cheese and pear chutney, and the braised short rib. My favorite was by far the lamb burger which came w/ a side of garlic fries. The atmosphere is a little too sceney for me. I wasn't wowed by HI but all in all the food was tasty but a bit on the pricier side.
(3)
Lindsay D.
The only reason Im giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the communal tables. With how loud it is in there, I'd like my own table with my friends I'd like to hear and talk to :) But on to the good stuff...... I absolutely love how this space is decorated and layed out. The lighting gives everyone such a glow and I loved that I could look at specials on their bar wall chalkboard while perusing though their signature cocktail menu. It was very crowded, but it was easy to get a drink from their long bar running along the wall. Our reservation was at 7:45P, ok we were 10 minutes late, but it was the perfect timing for dinner. It wasnt too insane yet where people loiter about trying to find a spot to stand. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We started with the Merguez flat bread---truly incredible. pear chutney, spicy sausage (or so we thought), bleu cheese, herbs on a crunchy piece of thin toasted bread. This and the Moroccan vegetables were a toss-up for my favorite dish. Our other dishes consisted of the grilled chicken thighs (Id take a pass next time), the braised short ribs with parsnip puree and the lamb burger. I think we went too well done on the burger, but it was otherwise tasty. I really liked the short ribs bc I could really taste the meat and natural juices. Sometimes I think short ribs are too smothered in sauce and the natural juice doesnt shine through. Overall, I really like this place. Its quite the place to be! I was with someone who doesnt eat anything that swims, so I'd like to go back and try the scallops, mussels, salmon, and trout, and I CANT FORGET THE MERGUEZ flatbread! It truly is not to be missed.
(4)
xoxo j.
Ooh, I'm a fan. I stopped in on a Tuesday night and was pleased to find the space full but not packed. There was a short wait for tables, but we opted for the bar and found seats immediately. Love the space + decor. The communal tables, dark wood, chalkboard walls, bathtub style sinks in the ladies room... everything is well done. The place is GInormous with multi-levels and restrooms that requires a breadcrumb trail to find your way back. You can't help but think, "what cheesy club used to be in this space?" simply b/c it's oddly large and in charge in terms of sq footage. Regardless, this place is a great stop for eats + drinks. We had the anchovy flatbread {mmMm... anchovies... seriously, it was good}, spinach salad {don't waste your time on this... I could have made this at home with a bag of spinach leaves} and the mussels. The portions are actually quite big, so ask your server if you're ordering too much or too little. I really wanted to add the steak tartare or scallops, but our bartender told us flat out that we were being too ambitious. Or maybe he just didn't know how much two small Asians can really throw down when it comes to grubbing. The only negative thing about our first stay at Hubbard Inn was that our bartender was really slow... and sometimes invisible... often conducting disappearing acts {where did he go again??}... and then sometimes believing WE were invisible {hi, do you see us? hi, we're right in front of you. kinda thirsty. kinda hungry. look at us. i know you can tell we're staring at you...}. It was odd... but the bar, like the rest of Hubbard Inn, is HUGE. There were two bartenders, but the service was snail-paced. He was pleasant, don't get me wrong. And thank God for that accent, b/c goodness knows British men can do know wrong in my eyes. I'll be back, and now that they're on Open Table, I'll make resos to avoid the slow poke bar service.
(4)
Alexis M.
I love this lavendar drink on their specials list. Otherwise food is ok. Nice date spot.
(4)
Yaw N.
I went here with my girlfriend for lunch last Saturday and absolutely fell in love with this place. They have an excellent menu that blends a lot of traditional dishes with the flair of new American cuisine. The only menus I have seen thus far with dishes blending bone marrow or quail eggs in this way are Gilt bar and Longman and Eagle. We had the Asparagus and Mushroom flatbread and it is out of this world! I can't wait to go back to try more. Onto the next important part of any restaurant.. The libations here are phenomenal. They appear to have a decent cocktail consultant and offer a great list of traditional cocktails with a few of their own signature cocktails. Equally impressive is their beer list which includes a solid choice of craft and microbrew beers. Lastly, the decor of this restaurant is exceptional. Hubbard street is littered with the all too familiar 'swank' restaurant/bar. This Inn with it's immense character boasts different sections that are cozy and fun. And apparently you can reserve which section you want to be seated in when you make your reservation online.. I recommend the library. Overall, this is refreshing addition to the city and a place we plan to visit frequently.
(5)
Erica W.
The drinks here are definitely the draw; even though they're pricey they are both delicious and potent. I've eaten here twice and was less than impressed...I can't recall any dishes that stood out in particular because they were all just OK. The whole small plate thing works when it's done right, but this place is a lot more about the scene than the food. Go here for drinks before or after you eat somewhere else, especially if you're single and into the typical River North crowd.
(3)
John C.
Hammer show: If you wanna get drunk and flirt at the bar with a youngish crowd that imagines itself as hip, this is your place. If you wanna sit at a table in a really noisy, crowded spot and still have fun with your friends while having the oppty to exchange drunken compliments with other groups, this restaurant will please you. If you like being able to choose between 12 million microbrews whose descriptions are spat out like a machine gun by your server, it's not a bad choice. However, if you wanna eat good food and relax, this is definitely not your spot. The food, like the way waitstaff attends to diners, is pretentious, loaded with superfluous flourishes, and lacking in basic things like taste, warmth, substance and common sense. Salads are OK but only OK in spite of big deal made about ingredients. The hanger steak emerges cold into the large, kinda nicely done/fairly industrial chic space. The sides are bleccch! The burgers are strangely akin to White Castle fare, albeit not square (with same effect on your insides, however). So my recommendation is to go have a good meal before you get there. Then drink your head off while there. Maybe even meet some people at the way-crowded bar. Then get White Castle on your way home if nothing else happens better that night.
(2)
elissa w.
I would give Hubbard Inn 3.5 stars. Really cool ambiance + super strong drinks is always a great way to start the evening. The River North Smash gave me a buzz after finishing half the glass. Came for a bday dinner on a Wednesday night. The mergueza flat bread was awesome. I also really liked the scallops and carpaccio. We ordered two burgers to share, the greek burger was much better than the cheese burger. Finished up with the chocolate torte which was super decadent and huge - we easily shared it across five ladies. Towards the middle of our meal - around 8:30 the restaurant got super busy and the service really slacked. The waitress was MIA and we had to harass the hostess for our bill since the bday girl was in a rush to go to a bar - hence the three stars.
(3)
Girlinthebluedress C.
I recently purchased a nye ticket from this place thinking that it would be cool, hip and totally (well not totally, but mostly) worth the $130, including tax. The food was pretentious (lamb chop with green goo on it) and the quality of drinks left much to be desired. Not only were the drinks weak and syrupy but the bartender had a difficult time understanding the difference between soda and tonic. Even after telling him that what my friend was drinking was, in fact, soda and NOT tonic he made her another gin and tonic USING SODA! He made it seem like a privilege to be getting anything from him at all and that we were obviously too wasted to know the difference. The best part of the night, i.e. leaving the rude service and pretentious environment that Hubbard Inn provides (I don't even know why I keep respecting the establishment by capitalizing hubbard inn), turned into the worst part of the night because the coat check (included in the price of my nye ticket) was above and beyond RIDICULOUS. Imagine about 30-40 people crammed into a hallway about 5'x15' with some douche bag bouncer creepily rubbing against all the girls that were around him and rude staff taking your numbers and then slowly returning only to say that your coat had been LOST. Unfortunately I waited in vain hoping that I could convince them to find my and my boyfriend's coat even without a coat check number (turns out my boyfriend had given the number to the swanky douche bag bouncer early in the night but he didn't return with our coats). When I got to the front of the line the staff was rude, careless and unsympathetic. I ended the night, sober, coatless and feeling completely robbed by the DBHI ("douche bag hubbard inn"). If you visit this glamorous hole in the wall, be prepared to spend tons of money and be treated like shit. This is BY FAR the WORST BAR in the city of Chicago. And I am including the Hangge Uppe.
(1)
Shannon B.
Wow this place our company paid a fortune to throw 30 person dinner party here. Ambiance check, service mediocre. (Slowwwww), entrees not good. I ordered the seafood boulabaise, it was cold with fishy seafood, the only redeeming about the price of this place is the playlist whoevers doing that should keep their job the chef should cut his loses here....
(1)
Mike J.
Was in Chicago on vacation for a weekend. This was the BEST bar i had been to in the entire city. Its a GEM. The signature drinks are timeless and unique. The ambiance and music was incredible, and so trendy and hip. THE MOSCOW MULE IS UNREAL. This place is as good as it gets, definitely a must see. It was recommended to me a local who lives over near Hubbard street. If you're in the area this is definite must see.
(5)
Elana L.
I really wanted to love this place. I had heard so much about it and how great it is. Yes the cocktails and most of the bartenders are incredible. They are a talented crew. My complaint is about the food. Te chef has absolutely no idea how to properly season food. I am a chef myself and I know what food is supposed to taste like. I order a flat bread with Mergaz lamb and some other ingredients I could not taste any of the flavors until I added my own sea salt. Plus I had a couple of other items that were completely unmemorable. Is anyone doing any tasting in the kitchen. What a shame this place has potential. Next time I go I will be sure to eat somewhere else.
(2)
Ryan R.
This should really be like 2.5 stars. Lets do a little pro's and con's Pro's Food is excellent the bacon wrapped dates are our of this world Wine is reasonably priced with good selection Cocktails are creative and reasonable The space is large, open and inviting Cons We ate on a Thursday night and it was unreasonably loud Service was a bit slow both times I have been Now here is the real rub for me. We went on a Thursday for cocktails and didn't have a reservation, we asked if we needed to make one and they said no just take a table in the bar area. At 7:30pm they gave us the news that we had to leave, not relocate, not move to a dinner table or the bar, leave. They said that they had reservations to fill, this was the same person that told us that we didn't need a reservation. When I related this story to a coworker she said she was there on Monday for her birthday and as they were finishing their cocktails after dinner the manager told them the same thing. I need this table so please relocate to the bar. I know Hubbard inn is popular and for good reason with good food and drink but with so many other options in Chicago and specifically River North I don't ever need to go back and be told to leave. It was quite frankly classless.
(3)
Steven R.
I am only writing on the decor alone. This place is sick. The vibe and decor is great and an atmosphere that was missing from the Chicago scene. Also, the bartender was hot. Overall, much cooler place than Public House and I would much rather drink here than there.
(4)
Barri S.
Good food and ambiance. Nothing special but a great place to meet for a drink and bite to eat.
(3)
Alex K.
I had dinner here on a busy Friday night. While waiting for friends I sat at the bar and had an amazing Old Fashioned that I highly recommend if you like that sort of libation. The bar area was energetic, loud, and delightful. The staff was prompt and the scene was young and vibrant. Dinner was upstairs, which was a bit quieter and more intimate. A DJ was spinning beats (well, through a MacBoo Pro) at the top of the stairs, which was awesome. Even though the menu was small plates everyone at our table ordered their own meals and it worked out fine. The only glitch was a wrong entree order that was quickly remedied and taken off the bill without even requesting it. This is a sign of a restaurant that cares about the experience of its guests. The decor was traditional but the overall experience was youthful and fresh. I could just as easily go here just for drinks at the bar and seating areas as I would for dinner. This is a place best enjoyed in a group, in my opinion. Get off Michigan Avenue and walk a block or two to this place, you won't be disappointed at all.
(4)
Sarah B.
I made reservations for our group for 6pm and we were promptly seated at our table. The place wasn't too crowded at this point (it was Friday) and you could tell most of the people were there for drinks. No one in our group had been there before so the waitress explained these were smaller plates, made for sharing and recommended 2-3 items per person. Because we all heard the word small, we ordered 3 each. Definitely to much food and next time I would only order 2 per person. That would have been perfect. They also gave us a complimentary dish which added to our overindulgence. The food was good, though nothing stood out as being fabulous. I think what I like the most was the ability to have a conversation with my friends. Would I go back? Definitely. Location is great for me and the service and food were good.
(4)
Templeton M.
This place has a gorgeous decor with exposed wooden beams and utility overhead allowing the room to open. The sounds carry but it's the kind of atmosphere when loud ppl talking shouldn't matter. If I wanted a quiet dinner I'd stay at home. The set up was nice with a combination of bar, tall tables, tall communal tables (brilliant), and other low tables to the right and in the back. Even being put in the back was nice and cozy and didn't feel like a 'bad table'. The food was superb. The bacon wrapped dates were perfect alongside the beet salad. We ordered multiple dishes that served us well. The halibut was tasty in a light broth, the short ribs were soft and well braised, the steak was awesome with a light blue cheese rub with spices (so good), and lastly the flatbread. We took the waitresses recommendation on the flatbread which was the mushroom and asparagus and it was great. Every dish had it's own characteristic to it as well as flavor and appearance. The beer selection was good. The only bad part was the dessert. These basic desserts were flourless chocolate, cheesecake, and a strawberry strudel thing. All three looked like they were purchased in a box, kept cold and served to order. There was really nothing special about them and you would typically see these boring three at a steakhouse. Hubbard Inn has a uniqueness but the desserts are not. Were they tasty? Sure. But they could do better and stay away from boring staples that tons of places offer. Lastly, the service was spot on. She was kind and attentive. She seemed new at this and pushed the spiel out but it wasn't anything to frown about. She was great and had perfect recommendations. I will be back and strongly recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Darrin D.
I like the scene here and would definitely go back to eat again if only I could get a table before 10pm. Definitely try the lamb burger.
(4)
R V.
New to scene and worth a visit and the wait. A very very cool vibe, communal tables, lighting gave the food and the people a fabulous glow, and decor is very eclectic with neat touches like the front doors being solid wood, chalkboard by the bar with specials, etc. The food is unpretentious but delicious- fries were amazing and the BLT sandwich was my favorite in Chicago yet. Presentation is understated, casual but elegant and the food was non-fussy but definitely made with care and attention. Cocktails were served in old-fashioned glassware that added to the eclectic touches of the place. Service was slightly scattered but it is pretty loud and crowded so I give the servers a pass on that.
(3)
Eric E.
Fantastic food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Everything on our Saturday evening first-time visit was delicious! The pork loin with cherry jus is NOT TO BE MISSED! And the veggie chick pea crepe was a creative flavor combo and an excellent appetizer to share. Our waitress, Jill, was one of the most attentive, patient servers I've had in a LONG time. I can't believe it took me so long to go here for the first time.....will definitely be going back soon.
(5)
Hannah P.
Hubbard Inn, finally a cool place with out the pretentiousness of Epic or Paris Club. First the design is amazing, which I'm not surprised knowing this is also the same owners as Lasalle Power Co. and English. Think upscale British pub, beautiful terracotta tile surround the bar and walls at chair-rail height in a rich dark teal and cream. The exposed brick above painted the perfect shade of cream to match the tile and help set off the old "looking" artwork that's hung randomly. Tin ceiling tiles or what look like them were used to cover columns in a coordinating shade of olive green. Lastly the almost Parisian style pendants that hang have a cream glass globe with a rustic iron belt around it provide the perfect glow to make any woman look beautiful. A friend and I went there last night for a little bite and a few drinks. Being a veggie myself, I find going to traditional places can be hard for me to find good food but Hubbard Inn doesn't disappoint! I had the Arugula and peppers flatbread. It's almost like a crusty pizza from Italy! Caramelized onions, perfectly roasted peppers topped with super fresh and tangy arugula not to mention the light and crumbly ricotta that smoothed out the flavors! Definitely one of my favourites at Hubbard Inn My friend had the lamb burger which was delicately topped with a mint cucumber tzatziki compote. She said it was delish! I'm actually looking forward to the cooler weather of fall so I can try the house-made ravioli, they had me at mushroom ragout! Ohh and perfect service from Stephanie, just the right amount of interaction. Checked on drinks and food(2 bite/2minute rule), but left us alone to chat and didn't rush us to pay or turn the table, I love that!!
(4)
Nick W.
Went for lunch around 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Was immediately impressed w the friendly greeting and un pretentious vibe. Quickly attended to by friendly server who was eager to provide info on the beers and food selection. I had the lobster club...lobster salad w lettuce and bacon. Very good and unique...nice large chunks of lobster. Love the wood plate it was served on and the tin can the fries were served in. Overall cool vibe...Great beer selection....unique decor. Nice relaxing Saturday afternoon.
(5)
phil h.
This is my goto spot to start off bar hopping at Rivernorth. I enjoy the decor and the bookshelves and the drinks. The drinks are a bit pricey, but standard fair for the area. I've never eaten here, but I'd assume it's solid. I see people eat here all the time, but then again, people eat Panda Express all the time so that tells me nothing. At any rate, the drinks, service and the people are the pull here. There's a blonde girl that works downstairs that's kind of a B, but it's probably her job to be one. I'll add more if I ever eat here.
(4)
CoolMc M.
I love this place. Great food, drinks, decor, ect. I would highly recommend to anyone. I like the low key vibe and the dates! Such a great spot!
(5)
Jim K.
Good food, poor service. We had dinner here last night and I have to agree with other reviewers...it looks like a great pick from the outside -- the place looks good, lively atmosphere, etc., but poor execution keeps this from being a place we'd return to often. We had booked a table, but it wasn't ready when we arrived so we sat at the bar for a drink. Nothing unusual there, many restaurants don't honor your reservation time and make you wait to pump up their bar service. After a while, the hostess came over and offered us an outdoor table. Since it was a nice night, we decided to take it. The waitress took a drink order and came back quickly enough with them. We ordered our meal (shared starters, and lobster rolls). The starters came in good time, but it was soon after that that service really got frustrating. Our waitress noticed we were almost out of water so she asked if we wanted more. "Yes, please" was our answer. We finished our starters and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, another server came out with our sandwiches while the plates from our starters were still on the table. He seemed completely perplexed about what to do since we were seated at a small table. We tried to make room for him to set down the plates as best we could and fortunately our waitress appeared, saw the dilemma and quickly grabbed the empty plates. Once again we asked for water, and we ordered another round of drinks. The drinks arrived, but the water didn't. So we asked again for water. It never came. We finished our lobster rolls and waited. And waited. And waited. When our waitress finally appeared to clear our plates and ask if we wanted anything else, we asked for the check and told her we never got any water. Now the most shocking part -- she proceeds to grab a bottle of water off of a nearby table to pour us some. I say, "No, thanks. It's too late." The look of horror on her face was priceless. I'm sure she saw her tip going up in flames at that point (it didn't, we were more generous than she deserved). She brought the bill and we paid cash since we didn't want to test how long it might take to run a credit card. Food: The merguez sausage flatbread was rich and delicious. The summer vegetable salad was straight-forward and fresh, nicely done, but not memorable. The lobster rolls were good, but hurt by the use of very strong onions. We like onions, but the ones used in the rolls were too overpowering for the sweetness of the lobster and bread. Suggestion for Yelpers -- if you just want a casual meal for two, sit at the bar. That way your server is never out of eyesight. This is probably what we'd do if we return. Suggestion for the Hubbard Inn -- if you're going to have outdoor tables, make sure you staff them properly.
(2)
Brent W.
loved it. every part of it. decor, ambiance, food and drink. [x] Get Inn
(4)
Liz L.
Had such a GREAT time at Hubbard Inn for my friends bach party. I have thrown a few bach parties and I have to say that the service here was impeccable. Ashley the events manager was really nice and prompt about returning my emails. When we arrived around 10:15 are table was not ready yet. It was pretty crowded so one of the managers moved us over to an open spot, got us a round of shots on the house and then right away went over and got our table ready for us. I wish I remembered his name but I thanked him and he was so happy to help. Even the door girl and guy were nice! I hate clubs and this was such a great compromise between a bar and club. Not pretentious like Paris Club who would not even email me back after I tried negotiating on the price for bottle service. Regardless SO glad we ended up at Hubbard in, SO MUCH FUN!
(5)
Carrie L.
I was there for a work-related dinner, and the experience in the restaurant was good. The food was fantastic (get the bacon-wrapped dates and the scallops), and the drinks were top notch. It is loud, so if you are with a bigger group, it's difficult to talk to more than those seated right next to you/across from you. That said, the atmosphere was lively and fun. What makes me not want to come back here is the situation I had with my parking. I used the valet to park. I had to circle several times before any staff were there to park, and then he left my car right where I parked it. That's not a huge deal, and after it happened I didn't think twice about it. However, I just received a parking ticket in the mail from that night. Clearly the valet removed the ticket and threw it out or something. I called Hubbard Inn and they just referred me to the valet company, who won't return my calls. So, despite the good food, the whole experience left a really bad taste and I won't be going back again.
(2)
K W.
We got lucky and got a reservation on a Saturday due to a cancellation. We had an early dinner and It was great! The decor is beautiful and the artwork is cool. And...the food is quite good as well. We had the flat bread, spinach salad, and lobster sandwich which were all good! The service was great. We came early and did not have to sit in the communal seating. It didn't seem bad. By 9:30 it's packed so come early. The drinks are the old old school drinks like the Aviation...which here was not good. I stuck with a vodka based drink and it was great. Good beer list as well. Again, after nine a total scene which is wonderful for some. Worth trying! We enjoyed it.
(4)
Michael H.
I really enjoyed myself here. Very classy with a great atmosphere. Despite the crowd, the bartender and waitress always made sure I had a drink in my hand. After soaking up the main level, we adjourned to the comfy upstairs which had plenty of room for lounging about.
(4)
Cindy D.
Came here for drinks, very hip place. Expensive drinks but very cool scene.
(4)
Andrea G.
Don't believe the hype! This is just another trendy loud restaurant for aging glitterati in River North's developing Viagra Triangle with theme decor, the dreaded communal table(s), average food, and subpar service (although, in defense of the servers, I would hate to have to work in this noisy, crowded environment). For $40.00 on a Friday night plus the cost of valet parking though, I'm glad I tried it (I do like to be "in the know") but I wouldn't rush to return and I wouldn't put it on my list of recommended restaurants in Chicago. And I'm confident Hemingway wouldn't either...at least not until they stop playing music by Duran Duran. Seriously.
(2)
Amanda C.
I loved Hubbard Inn. It's cozy and inviting but still reminds me of a creepy old movie at the same time. I went here for dinner on a Saturday (make your reservations more than a few days in advance, or you'll have to eat early) and ordered the hamburger which was very good. We had a flatbread for an appetizer (just ok) and my friends ordered other sandwiches. I think a lot of people go here to split dishes tapas-style. We drank wine, but their signature cocktail list looks awesome and super unique. The servers were very friendly- I'd go back many more times.
(5)
Kathryn S.
I feel like Hubbard Inn is a waste of a good location and good decor. I've been a number of times for lunch, most recently today, and it's always just meh. I had the panini today which was basically just really oiled bread with no discernible grill marks where the cheese had been sitting on it so long the bottom bread from the sandwich was very wet. Our meal took an hour and 1/2 in spite of the fact that we arrived before noon and were the second table seated. This place needs to get it together.
(3)
Kendal M.
I was at the Hubbard inn last night and it was great. I received great service and everyone was so friendly and nice. I had a lot of fun! It is a great place for a date and I can also bring all my friends and we can have a great time too.
(5)
Lindsey M.
I went last night for their soft opening for small plate appetizers and drinks, and while there were minor bumps it was really good and I would definitely come back for small plates and drinks. I have to give major shout outs to Emily who was our waitress and was super friendly, Benjamin who amazingly rescued my vegetarian friend by making sure the non-meat appetizers got sent our way, and Matt who was just fantastic and kept stopping by for quick chats and to see how we liked everything. The food was really amazing, and after peeking at the menu is reasonably priced for both for what you get and being in river north. They don't have an online menu up yet but you should absolutely try the steak with bone marrow, mushroom and asparagus flat-bread, and smoked arugula with cheese they were so good! The only things that made me go...that was good, not awesome but good were the scallop on crostini and shrimp skewer. Drinks were fresh and crisp by round 2. We had the River North Smash, Hemingway, and something I can't remember the name of; but the first ones we were brought were good, but a tad heavy on the simple syrup. However the bartenders clearly found their groove because rounds 2-6 (yes yes i know...lush; whatever...they need practice...right?) were completely on point. I really hope they keep the music down to where it was last night, cause I loved that I was able to talk to the people I went with and still had a voice at the end of the night.
(4)
Irina M.
Hubbard Inn is a great new place with fantastic drinks, delicious food, and most important of all, great service. In a time when places similar to Hubbard Inn are opening almost weekly, it is important to stand out, and Hubbard Inn certainly does. The lamb burger is a must!
(5)
Erik J.
Great for brunch! Sat at a sunny table by the French doors, which were open to the street. Nice way to start a Saturday. Server was very friendly and helpful. Food was great (I had a scramble, my friend had a burger). Restaurant had a good crowd, but wasn't too packed. We will be back!
(4)
Catherine W.
I very much enjoyed the decor and atmosphere of this place, and had two particularly standout dishes, but am subtracting one star due to slow waitress service. We got there for an earlier dinner on a Saturday night and shared a variety of dishes, including octopus salad, mussels, braised short ribs, sweetbreads, and one of the flatbreads. All dishes are small plates and meant to be shared. 5 dishes among 3 people were about right.The standouts were definitely the mussels and the braised short ribs - both were just delicious. The others were okay, with the octopus salad falling a bit flat for me. Unfortunately, the service seemed very slow. Food came out quickly once ordered, plates cleared, drinks were refreshed regularly, but it took a long time for the waitress to take our entree order, drop off our bill when requested, run our credit card, etc. - probably added at least 25-30 minutes to the whole experience. We didn't mind too much because we weren't in a rush but it was noticeably slow. The decor of the place is absolutely charming though, with romantic, dark, wood paneling, reminiscent of an old-fashioned library and/or upscale saloon. We checked out upstairs, which looks like an excellent lounge place to enjoy drinks and conversation with friends. I saw a lot of "girls' night" dinners here which was very fitting.
(3)
Hillarie R.
I've had my fair share of drinks at their bar, both upstairs and downstairs, and have never had anything but positive experiences with their bartenders. The pleasantries, however, end there due to my most recent experience on Thursday 04/12/2012. My friend and I were looking to grab a quick dinner and were greeted by the security personnel. They asked us to wait while they got a host for us. 10 minutes later a gentleman comes up to us and asks us if we have been helped. We told him we were waiting for the host, to which he retorts "Umm, I'm not the hostess". Sir, I can obviously tell that you are male and judging by the air of arrogance that you carry, were probably some sort of management. Ok, pass. He asks us to wait a little longer and he leaves. When he returns with what I hope I can assume was the hostess, he waves us off and tells us to go upstairs. The lounge was rather empty and I asked the bartender (the only personnel up there at the time) if it would be alright to order our dinner with him at the (half empty) bar. The exaggerated eye roll that ensued was the last straw. Listen, I'm a server, I get it, it sucks sometimes, people have rough days but there is absolutely no reason why I should walk into a place, expecting to drop a significant amount of $$ down for drinks and dinner and be treated like a nuisance right off the bat. Staff, your pretentious attitudes and lacking customer service skills are doing a disservice to what would otherwise be an outstanding destination in Chicago. We walked to Paris Club and had a great dinner there.
(2)
Chris P.
This place is great. Menu refreshes regularly, but staples like the bacon wrapped dates, the ravioli and the lobster roll keep me coming back. Service is usually very good, though I have one unbelievably bad waiter. Thus four instead of five stars. Evening crowd in the summer is a bit clubby, otherwise overall casual is fine. Prices are fair. Portions of the small plates are small so plan on sharing a flatbread or something.
(4)
Garrett P.
small plates, stiff drinks and a cool atmosphere. Can't ask for much more.
(5)
Swati B.
So I have gone to Hubbard Inn on 2 different occasions...on one a Sat night for a friends birthday and one on a thursday night for dinner... LOVE the decor btw! Sat night for a friends birthday...we were told if we didnt arrive on time we would lose the reservation, we literally (mind you a party of 15) walked in about 2 minutes late and the guy at the front door was giving us such a hard time! Well..not me..or my lady friends..the guys that were a part of the group...kinda strange..once we got in ..we had a fantastic time...great crowd..older (think upper 20s, 30s)...trendy crowd...Drinks were easy to get as well....dont really remember there being great music though..and theres definitely no dancing here..this is your sit/stand talking crowd. Thursday night for dinner however was a different story. I was surprised when I didn't see the same menu that they have online, mind you this place JUST opened how could you have removed something already...so of course the ONE thing I wanted was the eggplant parm sandwich..yeah no longer exists...thankfully Ryan our server informed me that the Farm Egg Sandwich could be done without the bacon...and yes it was pretty damn good.... We had reservations at 7:15..we didnt get seated til 7:40... The bar area was really crowded with a great mix of what seemed like a happy hour crowd...it is quite loud in this joint..and the seating well its even weirder...we sat at a LONG table where multiple different parties were seated..and i wound up sitting next to my friend instead of across the table which actually worked out since it was so loud you we would have wound up screaming at each other the entire time... The reason I knocked stars off was that our server...seemed really irked that a) we bought drinks at the bar first...sorry but what did u expect us to do while we were waiting and b) had a really small order...and therefore had a really small tab..towards the end he was getting pissier and pissier with us...he got lucky we tipped him the full 20%! And i swear every 5 minutes someone would come by and ask if we were done yet..after the 8th time I felt obliged to say yes im done with my fries sheesh..even though i could have eaten some more... The portion sizes are pretty decent (the sandwich definitely filled me up..and my friend ordered the flat bread and finished it easily and was full...the small plates seemed to be the same price and not exactly super small either... The food was good..it was the service overall that was a bit disappointing..I think I may come back for a drink in the future but thats about it..definitely do not recommend it for a date...way too loud! Unless of course you plan on screaming at your date all night...oh but boys..take note..there are LOTS of beautiful women that hang out here!.
(3)
Jon C.
has the feel of a gastropub mixed with an english library. the drinks list was great with a lot of variety. we got the bacon wrapped dates as a starter and it was very well prepared. the dates melted in your mouth while the bacon induced the taste of fatty goodness. the pickled vegetables were also great but the portion was so small that it can be consumed by a small child. i got the toro burger and it was made just to my liking (medium). the house fries were great and the figs to go along with the burger gave it a great sweet taste.
(4)
Gregory L.
An Ernest Hemingway inspired throwback gastropub. Decor dressed with antique furniture, old books, fine art pieces and portraits hugging the mahogony trimmed walls. Dining tables, communal for the most part throughout the main level placed to make sure you are always a part of the crowd, unless seated in the more secluded tables in the back. So now combine that image with the River North scene and you have Hubbard Inn. I heard this place was to soon open near my apt, so I decided to follow them on twitter. Hubbard Inn had now been open for a couple weeks, but I just hadn't ventured over there yet. Until last night. All these tantalizing tweets could no longer be ignored. I hopped in and put my name on the list for 4. Then continued to the bar upstairs where Bridget promptly crafted my Sazerac on point with my specifics. For a guy waiting around solo, the only thing to do is start making conversation and not pretend to be interested in the televisions featuring black and white classical film clips or of course tuck away into your iphone promptly awaiting your guests for arrival. Now to the fare of degustation. These dishes are all recommended for sharing. That being said, ordering 4-5 between 2 to 3 people should suffice. Our selections: Seared Scallops over a pumpkin puree coated in a sage hazlenut brown butter. Braised Short Ribs with a parsnip puree, wine jus and little radish salad Fried sweet breads with apple, fennel, walnuts and a vanilla maple syrup Steak Tartare Charcuterie: Coppa, Prosciutto, Chorizo, chicken liver pate a Bleu Goat and firm sheep/cow cheese accoutrements of onion jam, pickled cauliflower and stoneground mustard. Their wisely selected range of craft brews should also be considered with your meal choices. Our pairings- Hop Czar, La Chouffe, Goose Island La Fleur All the dishes were prepared to fulfill my higher expectations. You can forget about their soft buttery delicate and supple scallops, but there is no amount of liquor to make me forget how well the pumpkin and hazelnut complimented each other. It is unusually addicting. The long braising process taken upon the short ribs resulted in effortless fork cutting beefy goodness. After the scallops though, I wanted something else to confuse my taste buds. Up next, the sweet breads. A lot of thought went into the production of these ever so challenging offal morsels. It's very difficult to cook these properly. Chefs often go through a few different processes just to get them ready to be cooked. Deep frying is the usual easier way out. However, these weren't squishy, chewy or dense. Their texture was up to par. I would have liked some sort of acidity brought to this dish. Thank you La Chouffe! The steak tartar was, well steak tartar. It's only as good as the quality of ingredients and the toast it's served with. No complaints here I'm pretty particular when it comes to charcuterie, so here we go. All the noted accouterments were splendid. The acidity of the pickled cauliflower and I believe it was a turnip did their job. It's always great to see some homemade pickling done by the chef. The pate was smooth and creamy. Not to thick, and went well with the cheeses and toast. Wasn't a fan of the chorizo I must say. The smokiness took away from some of the natural porky flavor which should be prevalent in salumi. The Coppa was, eh ok. It could've been fermented just a little longer, just to bring out a little bit more of the Coppa funk. Prosciutto was shaved nicely, and had a great aroma to it. All and all, the GI La Fleur was a stellar choice to enjoy with this plate. Prompt and friendly service with a complimentary first bottle of mineral water is always a warm gesture which will never go ignored. I must say, I do enjoy the crowd and feel of Hubbard Inn. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself here on a regular basis. Welcome to the neighborhood *Advice 1- Eventhough Opentable says there are no available reservations, show up and put your name in. Before you realize it, you'll be seated and continuing your night out. *Advice 2- Make sure the staff knows what you are wearing when you check-in. This way they can note it when they come to grab you to be seated. *Advice 3- The main floor bar can be crowded. Head upstairs and lounge around. The wait for a drink was minimal. Most of the crowds are in conversation and not waiting for a drink.
(4)
Berlin G.
I came on a Tuesday night and it was pretty crowded. The interior was nice the hostess was great. But my issue was, we made a reservation for 8 people. We waited over 20 minutes to be seated......wait, we might've waited 30 minutes.....and that's with a reservation. We get seated and waitress is courteous and nice. We order drinks, reasonable priced. Then we see the menu. Kind of expensive.....but okay, that's fine. As long as the quality and quantity is up to par. (I'm a person that feast with my eyes first then with my stomach....anyway) We decided we wanted to share so we ordered the mini plates. Man, were they mini. For our group size that food definitely wasn't enough. I left hungry and we ordered a lot but with 8 hunger people around and odd number of food in the bowl, it didn't work out so well. Now, the food itself (when I was able to taste it) was okay. I tried the dates wrapped in bacon. Good for the first bite but then it just become way to sweet. The Bone Marrow was actually pretty good with you had the bread to put it on. The flatbread was blah. The shrimp with mushrooms was....good, I was only able to eat the mushrooms and they were delicious. hahaha. So the big question: "Would you go back?" I say not of free-will. Sounds harsh but I really wouldn't go back unless my friends were having a birthday party there or they really wanted to get drinks there. But I would never suggest it. I gave it the second star because it wasn't crap but it wasn't "WOW! Hot-Freakin-Damn-That's-Good!". And I expected that, I guess it's my fault.
(2)
Allie B.
I very much love Hubbard Inn. Great drinks, friendly staff, BEAUTIMOUS decor/vibe. When I get my drinky drink on, I like to do it in a place where I can relax and feel chic. Hubbard Inn is most def that place. Try it out!
(4)
Aly R.
I thought Hubbard Inn was wonderful. The Steak and Eggs dish was something DEFINITELY worth going back for! The grilled prawns and beet salad were great too. We loved the decor and our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. They have an extensive wine and beer list, and a great variety of interesting menu items. Its great to go with a few friends to share a bunch of different items. I wouldn't waste my money on the deviled eggs, but I would definitely get the bacon wrapped dates again!! The flatbreads looked really good but we didnt try them. Overall for a fun experience with family or friends Hubbard Inn was great place to go!
(5)
Jorge H.
This was stop #5 on a long bar/lounge hop night. Good ambiance, drinks were decently priced and the bathroom attendant was pleasant. Other than that, nothing too outstanding.
(3)
Rich P.
We went for drinks only. We sat at the upstairs bar, this place has amazing decor and lots of pretty people both staff and patrons. Good music selections being played, but not too loud, we were able to sit at the bar and talk without having to shout to be heard. Bar tender was friendly and whipped us up some "special" cocktails becuase we were unsure of what we had a taste for and they were amazing. We will go back for sure and we are gonna try to get dinner on our next visit to the Hubbard Inn. I will be sure to add a dining review when we do.
(4)
Lindsay M.
I had high hopes for this place--the decor and ambiance seemed perfect for a catch-up dinner with a friend when I was in town on business. The server was patient with our indecision and inability to focus solely on ordering (it's always hard to put ordering first when you're catching up with a friend you haven't seen in2 years). We ordered a salad to split--watermelon arugula--and individual entrees--cheese ravioli and hanger steak--and our server complimented us on choosing really great dishes. A lot of time had passed and our salad still hadn't come, but neither of us really thought much about it. After our entrees showed up and our server asked us why we hadn't received our salad yet, the response was underwhelming at best. Ten minutes into enjoying our entrees, a food runner showed up at our table with our salad. But who wants a watermelon salad when they're already digging into the entrees? We thanked him but sent it back. The salad mixup still wasn't enough to turn me sour on the place, though. What did was the next two courses of food. My hanger steak was the toughest, chewiest steak I've ever struggled to enjoy. Once I finally got it into bite-sized pieces, it was hard to chew The flavors were good, however, and the vegetables that came with it complimented each other, and the steak flavor, well. Then we thought about dessert. We figured since we had missed out on the salad that we deserved dessert. The server recommended what she called a blueberry-peach tart--she went on and on about how delicious the blueberry tart was--so we went with that. Turns out she got her fruits mixed up, because when a rhubarb tart landed on our table, we were confused. Even if that was what we had meant to order, the tart itself was so-so. There was too much crust and not enough fruit. It was something I would've been happy with had I made it myself in my own kitchen, but not worth the fanfare and price of a restaurant. I was disappointed that the Hubbard Inn didn't deliver the solid meal I was hoping for. If I lived here, I would be willing to give the food one more try. However, I might just have to stick with drinks from the bar if I find myself there again when I'm back in town.
(2)
jess k.
Dj Jesse was great. Cucumber martini was memorable. Perfect for cocktails with the gals, but if you want to talk, go before 10.
(5)
Darlene L.
This is a bustling spot for the after work crowd on weekdays. Had a taste for a good burger, and they did not disappoint. Burger was bursting with flavor and cooked just right. Cute serving of fries in a spiral container was also a nice touch, and they were delicious. It is a bit pricey, but so is the River North corridor.
(4)
Trevor S.
lets see... with a reservation for a birthday dinner, we still had to wait for 45 minutes for our table. then they 'lost' our table... so we waited 25 more minutes. when we got our table, and ordered cocktails, mine was spilled all over my neighbor as our server was setting it down. great. the whole place is Douche City with lots of Ed Hardy-type guys and gals. the decor is 'faux-library', which is lame. beware of the big jerk outside who barks out: "you gotta a reservation?" as you approach the front door. we DID have one and he still acted like we weren't going to get close to being let in. what an awful experience the whole night became. one good thing: the french fries taste EXACTLY like McDonald's fries. (which really isn't that great of a thing i guess. oh well.)
(2)
Noopur L.
I went to Hubbard Inn for the second time Friday night, and I absolutely loved it! It's such a casual scene and it hasn't been tainted by d-bags yet. I decided that with two successful experiences in a row, I had to Yelp it. My friend and I had a reservation for 6 pm, and we were hungry. That didn't last for long because our waitress Emily showed up, we placed our order, and food started arriving in no time. Everything we got was heavenly... We started with the Merguez Sausage Flatbread (almonds, herbs, bleu cheese, sumac, pear chutney). I'm a huge fan of lamb (since I don't eat beef/pork), and this was so tasty! They didn't skimp on the the amount of sausage and paired with the pear chutney, it was awesome. Next were the House Made Ravioli (truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens) and Pan Seared Scallops (pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter). If we could lick the dish clean, we would have! I love anything with truffle in it, and I was impressed by the ravioli because the truffle didn't overpower the mushroom ragout. I'm a sucker for scallops and brown butter sage, so I'm convinced they made that dish with me in mind! Finally, we split the Lamb Burger (pinn-oak farm lamb, mint, cucumber, red onion, feta, tzatziki sauce), which came with a side of fries. Thankfully we split this too because I was fairly full at this point. But of course the fat kid in me could not stop eating, because it was just. that. good. I love restaurants that have fun cocktail lists. I ordered two English Daisies (patron reposado, lime juice, english lavender elixir), which I absolutely adored. This is the only drink I'm going to order when I come back. I wanted to try a different concoction and opted for the Don Pedro (patron reposado and berry elixir). It came looking viscous and the color of cherry cough syrup. I took a sip and wanted to hurl. Fortunately Emily came by to check in on us and when I asked her to take it back, she said she knew I wouldn't like it. I loved that she didn't make me feel bad about it! I opted for the Moscow Mule (absolut vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint) instead, and all was good in the world. Service was great, the mood is cool without trying too hard and the restaurant is spacious and warm. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Jonathan W.
I came for a friend's 40th birthday party on the second floor and I was impressed. The food was great and the service was great too. The look and concept are a little played out (Edison light bulbs, craft cocktails, fusion-y food). Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Gabriela R.
Great place for drinks and meeting up with friends. Haven't eaten there but I just love the environment-- bit chic
(4)
Brian S.
Love the continued transformation of lower River North scene from crappy old meat&potato fest to a sophisticated and evolving evening scene, and Hubbard Inn feels like one more shining star in our glowing constellation. Asked Chef Bob to just send out whatever was clever and ended up with some outstanding shrimp, scallops, and med vegetables. Small plates, delicious, great service. Upstairs at the bar Willow (sp?) poured 7 different sample beers for me from an awesome selection before I settled on a favorite. Tremendous service even though the bar was crowded and the hoops games were on. This place has an awesome, sexy, feel. Want to be a regular already.
(5)
Nichole F.
This is my second time going here. The first time was right around when they first opened. First time there was really great. So I've been recommending it to clients and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be recommending it anymore. The hostesses they have now act like they are far superior to anyone that comes in there. I watched as one of them sat an older group of people (60+ in age) and as she walked away from their table, rolled her eyes and you could tell the hamster wheel in her head was just spinning with judgement. Our server was lack luster. When asked about an ingredient in the entree I received (It wasn't anywhere to be found), he didn't have an answer and didn't bother to find out. Mind you, it was a $13 plate that consisted of 4 small ravioli smothered in cream sauce. Husbands lamb entree had no flavor so he was pretty disappointed in that as well. The Salt Cod Fritters were not good - too doughy and sweet. Unfortunately the place has become too pretentious for me and the food is not anywhere as good as it used to be.
(2)
Lauren T.
Hubbard Inn just has the beautiful rustic look from the outside and inside; it's so welcoming. Whether the widows are opened to the street or there is seating outside, you know there is a good time to be had here. I adore the upstairs with the walls of book shelves, exotic paintings and of course, the comfortable lounge. The first few visits here it was purely for after dinner drinks. In the summer, the patio is relaxing and the service outside is spectacular. Even when ordering multiple glasses of delicious cabernet sauvignon, you are not forgotten out there. A few weeks ago a group of friends and I decided to have dinner here. The Saturday night crowd was in full effect making it a little difficult to get a drink at the main bar before our table was ready. We had gotten there about ten minutes early before our reservation but ended up waiting about 15 minutes afterwards before getting sat upstairs. Our table started off with the bacon wrapped dates, an appetizer that I was able to sample at the Taste of River North in the summer. They were fantastic and the red pepper sauce really makes the flavor pop. I highly suggest giving these a try. For dinner I had the lamb burger which was out of this world. It was perfectly cooked, a healthy size and had the best little hint of mint. The vegetables were very refreshing and added a great crunch to the overall burger. As an after dinner drink, I opted for the Two Brothers house cocktail which was very good. It came in an old-timey shallow cocktail glass which was adorable but also did not hold as much alcohol as one would wish. Our waitress was sweet and tried her best to duck through the many people standing in walkways but it did take a long time for her to take our order, bring additional drinks and to bring the check. Yet upon signing the check, she was back within 2 minutes. We greatly enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back but maybe on a weekday night.
(4)
Jake D.
Went for Drinks. Girls everywhere. Awesome drinks. Interior of an antique inn suits perfectly. Great cocktails. Michael Jackson played at least 3times while I was there. Can you say go there tonight!
(4)
Sonia A.
I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we had a great time. We ordered food to go along with our drinks, then let everyone at the table sample each others drinks and dishes. We were all pretty happy with everything that was ordered. The bacon-wrapped-dates and the braised rabbit were my absolute favorites! I'm going back for some more of that rabbit as soon as I possibly can. It's very tender and savory, and the little veggies that came with it were also cooked to perfection. I also really liked the bloody mary my friend ordered (nice and tomatoey, very refreshing), though my own red sangria was also quite nice. I also tried the steak tartare here, but since it was my first taste of steak tartare ever, I don't think I can give a truly informed opinion on it. I liked it though. The atmosphere here is nice and relaxed, despite the loud music. We shouted in each other's ears for a while before giving up and just eating. I was too full and happily buzzed to care about making conversation anyway, so I just saved that for the walk home. In the meantime, I enjoyed the dim lighting and finished off my friend's English Daisy or whatever it was called. Yum yum.
(5)
Emily H.
Okay, this place just opened which is what is keeping me from a 1-star review. A key to a successful bar: getting customers their drinks quickly. The upstairs bar was severely understaffed. After waiting at the bar for 15 minutes to get a bartender's attention, I was kept waiting an additional 15 minutes to receive the two drinks I ordered. Getting the bill for said drinks was quite the ordeal as well - a waiter promised to get it from the bar, passed by several times over 20 minutes without bringing it to us. The bartender himself, clearly unsure how to keep tabs at the bar, physically brought the card to the table to verify that it was, in fact, my credit card. I confirmed it was and that we wanted to close out. 30 minutes later I went to the bar, still having not received the bill, and the same bartender smiled and said "sorry, I got busy." The others in my party ordered from a waiter at the table, waiting 20-30 minutes for each round. There were countless men walking around the bar clearing empty glasses but is that really important unless I have a full glass to replace it? A little less clearing, a little more serving. As a plus, the decor was nice and the music was low enough (until about 10 or 11) to hear one another talk, which is rare in River North. That said, I sincerely hope they get their staff on track, otherwise there's no chance I will visit this place more than twice.
(2)
Anne C.
Went here for a work lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and tasty and for a new trendier place I was surprised by how large the portions were and how reasonable the prices were. We all had sandwiches or salads and everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. The service was great and the server went out of his way to accommodate some of my coworkers with food allergies. I'm looking forward to coming back for dinner and checking out the bar scene!
(4)
Suzanne B.
Everything was great. The service, the food, drinks, atmosphere... Can't wait to go back
(5)
Sarah D.
Food was OK but had terrible service. Had to ask the busboy for salt & pepper and spoons because our waiter was nowhere to be seen. It was Sunday brunch but they weren't busy enough to have to wait for sweetener for my coffee for 30 minutes.
(2)
Liza F.
We had a reservation and waited over 20 minutes to be seated. It then took an additional 10-15 minutes for our waiter to even approach the table. Food was good, however we did not receive all of the items we ordered. Very unimpressed with the service from the beginning. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone based on our experience.
(1)
Venice Beach Dad K.
The service is good, but too dependent on your waitress (I've been here a couple of times) Good DJ The food is so-so. Don't come here for the menu. ...it's just good enough [if you're a foodie] but nothing that you should recommend to your friends/co-workers from out of town. I had the oddest mussels tonight. They put some weird, cheese wiz-like stuff on the bread, and there was ground meat heavily sprinkled throughout the pot. WTH?! Creative? Yes. Did it make my taste buds grin? Nope Probably fine for drinks...
(2)
Jen K.
The only time I've gone to Hubbard Inn, it's been Sunday for brunch. The place is always empty but somehow service is always so slow. Aside from that, drinks are plentiful and food is usually good. The pricing is reasonable and they can always accommodate large groups. I want to go at another time of the day to see what it's like
(3)
Monica B.
I haven't eaten here since it first opened, and I remember the food being good. I frequent this place on the weekends when I'm out and about on Hubbard. Crowd is mixed 20s and 30s, music is fun and atmosphere is great. Dim lighting and dark woods. There's often a line out the door after 11, but it moves pretty fast.
(4)
Melinda W.
Wow. So, let me preface this with, I absolutely have enjoyed this place before at nighttime. Great cocktails, awesome ambience. But maybe I should have left it that way. Went for brunch this past weekend and it was a colossal disaster. Minus the hostess, she was very sweet. First of all, we had purchased the Groupon for brunch for 4 and made a reservation as required by the Groupon. Let me just say, if I hadn't had a GREAT deal with that Groupon I would have been furious I had to pay for my food. Let me try to sum up the series of occurrences that have led me to this review... -Sat at our table for at least 20 minutes before a server ever came by. Had to ask the hostess if we even had a server. -Took our drink orders, drinks took another 25 minutes to actually show up. And, when the drinks were delivered, the order was wrong and the server acted like he didn't believe us. Big difference between a bloody mary and a mimosa. -Had to ask a different waitress for water. Was never even offered by our server. Never got refills...which wouldn't have been a big deal if it hadn't taken an hour for our drink orders to show up. -Asked a bus boy for ketchup because our server didn't come by until at least 30 minutes after our food was served. Busboy brought salt and pepper, no ketchup. -The missing drink showed up towards the end of the meal. It was a mimosa, oj + champagne, so I can't even give allowances for it to be a difficult drink to make. -Server showed up with bill without us asking for it. (Fine by me!) Think at that point he wanted us to be there less than we did. He had to have known he completely ignored us. We still left a 20% tip on account of having the groupon, i'd never stiff someone that much. Food wasn't anything to write home about, especially paired with the bad experience.
(2)
Jessica R.
Had reservations for a party of 6 last night and the appetizers were good but service was slow and rushed. They forgot to bring my dinner along with the rest of the group, explaining they were out of what I had ordered. I said to just forget my meal, I'll just piece off the other plates as everyone else had already begun eating. The server brought an alternate flatbread over for me after the other plates had already been cleared. I was unable to eat more than 2 bites before my party had to leave. The worst part is the server did not take my flatbread off the bill, charged us for 2 drinks we never got and was clearly over extended because he barely even apologized that I didn't get to eat.
(2)
Merril I.
My friends and I decided to check this place out just for one drink before meeting others elsewhere. We were given the option to stand at the bar (it was busy with the after-work crowd) or have a booth for an hour. We chose the booth. The decor and atmosphere at this place is awesome. Definitely upscale and trendy but also didn't seem too pretentious either -aka I didn't feel out of place haha For our drinks, I tried the naughty toddy, my friends tried the Prosecco and the Moscow Mule. All were delicious. For myself, the Naughty Toddy was made really well (strong but not overpowering) and not too hot -made me feel cozy :) The server was very attentive and we were in and out within the hour. Definitely will be back again, will have to try the later hours!
(4)
Ermelinda C.
Great place. We went here for brunch this past weekend and it was a very enjoyable experience. The drinks, the food, the service were wonderful from start to end. They even allow dogs outside so, our dear dog was treated to a nice bowl of water and a fun atmosphere :-)
(4)
April C.
Nice Restaurant, very clean. service okay. Loved the outdoor eatery! I felt like April in Paris!! I suggest Hubbard Inn for a relaxing lunch or dinner! Chic ! Cinco De Mayo Cantina Crawl!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Dante K.
Really good drinks. Bartender was awesome (and cute).
(5)Peter C.
Not good. It's a beautiful, well furnished venue, but seems to be in a bit of an identity crisis. Part eatery, part fancy pub, and part nightclub. Just like at many clubs, there's a high level of security/exclusionary practices/high pricing that you'll find here, at least on weekend nights. I came for a friend's private party, held in the third floor area. Several negatives pretty much summed up the experience here: First negative: It's not clear at all that you have to enter through a separate door outside for access to the third floor. No signs, nothing. Instead, you'll end up waiting in a mess of people by the first floor staircase, thinking that it's the way up to the third floor, while a bouncer holds back the crowd. Nope - gotta go back outside and potentially wait in another line. Luckily I arrived a bit late, so I didn't wait - but some of the folks in my party that arrived around 12 were held up outside for around 30 minutes trying to get up to the third floor. At many upscale clubs, such a wait would be expected in this situation, but this is just not the type of venue to justify 30 minute lines outside. Second negative: $20 cover for the third floor, $10 for the first. I'd say this concept (and the overall atmosphere here) is rather comparable to places like State and John Barleycorn (upscale bars with club elements and dining), both of which usually don't have covers altogether. Too expensive for a venue of this type. Third negative: $20 minimum on cards. Not even some of the clubs in Chicago have such a high minimum. Drink prices are in line with places like John Barleycorn, but the liquor selection seemed small - no Ciroc? Only positive was that the staff was professional. I don't plan on coming back here. If I'm going to go to a place with club prices and procedures, I'll go to an actual club.
(2)Will D.
Great atmosphere and decor, Great menu and food choices, terrible execution. Ordered Brunch Burger medium rare and it was served well done. This place has so much potential, it's just not there though.
(2)Sandra A.
Average. Bought a groupon for $20 for brunch for two which includes a mimosa or bloody mary for each person. You can choose from any option on the menu except two reasonable exceptions. I had the lobster roll with fries. It was ok but I've had better. Too much going on in it. Fries were ok. They offer sweet potato fries too. The bun was just ok, I left some on my plate which doesn't say much about it. I wouldn't go back for this dish. The mimosa was very good, a lot of champagne flavor, not too sweet like some. My partner had the skirt steak which she described as lacking in salt and flavor. They have a nice selection of cocktails and nice ambiance, especially outdoor tables. Our server was fine, our hostess Chelsea was friendly and helpful. The menu options seem very good. It was a good value with the groupon, $20 for about $50 worth of food and drink. Not sure if we'd bother to try it again.
(3)Alex M.
Full bar. Pay to get in. I'm Here to PAY to have a drink at your place, but some bouncer at your door is charging guys that are bringing girls to walk in the doors. Either your bouncer are complete idiots or your management level is incompetent. Again, I came to the place to PAY for a drink. Unless you have a completely original, never done before, the first ever bar experience event or layout, no one should have have to pay to come in.
(2)Liza F.
We had a reservation and waited over 20 minutes to be seated. It then took an additional 10-15 minutes for our waiter to even approach the table. Food was good, however we did not receive all of the items we ordered. Very unimpressed with the service from the beginning. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone based on our experience.
(1)Venice Beach Dad K.
The service is good, but too dependent on your waitress (I've been here a couple of times) Good DJ The food is so-so. Don't come here for the menu. ...it's just good enough [if you're a foodie] but nothing that you should recommend to your friends/co-workers from out of town. I had the oddest mussels tonight. They put some weird, cheese wiz-like stuff on the bread, and there was ground meat heavily sprinkled throughout the pot. WTH?! Creative? Yes. Did it make my taste buds grin? Nope Probably fine for drinks...
(2)Jen K.
The only time I've gone to Hubbard Inn, it's been Sunday for brunch. The place is always empty but somehow service is always so slow. Aside from that, drinks are plentiful and food is usually good. The pricing is reasonable and they can always accommodate large groups. I want to go at another time of the day to see what it's like
(3)Monica B.
I haven't eaten here since it first opened, and I remember the food being good. I frequent this place on the weekends when I'm out and about on Hubbard. Crowd is mixed 20s and 30s, music is fun and atmosphere is great. Dim lighting and dark woods. There's often a line out the door after 11, but it moves pretty fast.
(4)Melinda W.
Wow. So, let me preface this with, I absolutely have enjoyed this place before at nighttime. Great cocktails, awesome ambience. But maybe I should have left it that way. Went for brunch this past weekend and it was a colossal disaster. Minus the hostess, she was very sweet. First of all, we had purchased the Groupon for brunch for 4 and made a reservation as required by the Groupon. Let me just say, if I hadn't had a GREAT deal with that Groupon I would have been furious I had to pay for my food. Let me try to sum up the series of occurrences that have led me to this review... -Sat at our table for at least 20 minutes before a server ever came by. Had to ask the hostess if we even had a server. -Took our drink orders, drinks took another 25 minutes to actually show up. And, when the drinks were delivered, the order was wrong and the server acted like he didn't believe us. Big difference between a bloody mary and a mimosa. -Had to ask a different waitress for water. Was never even offered by our server. Never got refills...which wouldn't have been a big deal if it hadn't taken an hour for our drink orders to show up. -Asked a bus boy for ketchup because our server didn't come by until at least 30 minutes after our food was served. Busboy brought salt and pepper, no ketchup. -The missing drink showed up towards the end of the meal. It was a mimosa, oj + champagne, so I can't even give allowances for it to be a difficult drink to make. -Server showed up with bill without us asking for it. (Fine by me!) Think at that point he wanted us to be there less than we did. He had to have known he completely ignored us. We still left a 20% tip on account of having the groupon, i'd never stiff someone that much. Food wasn't anything to write home about, especially paired with the bad experience.
(2)Jessica R.
Had reservations for a party of 6 last night and the appetizers were good but service was slow and rushed. They forgot to bring my dinner along with the rest of the group, explaining they were out of what I had ordered. I said to just forget my meal, I'll just piece off the other plates as everyone else had already begun eating. The server brought an alternate flatbread over for me after the other plates had already been cleared. I was unable to eat more than 2 bites before my party had to leave. The worst part is the server did not take my flatbread off the bill, charged us for 2 drinks we never got and was clearly over extended because he barely even apologized that I didn't get to eat.
(2)Merril I.
My friends and I decided to check this place out just for one drink before meeting others elsewhere. We were given the option to stand at the bar (it was busy with the after-work crowd) or have a booth for an hour. We chose the booth. The decor and atmosphere at this place is awesome. Definitely upscale and trendy but also didn't seem too pretentious either -aka I didn't feel out of place haha For our drinks, I tried the naughty toddy, my friends tried the Prosecco and the Moscow Mule. All were delicious. For myself, the Naughty Toddy was made really well (strong but not overpowering) and not too hot -made me feel cozy :) The server was very attentive and we were in and out within the hour. Definitely will be back again, will have to try the later hours!
(4)Ermelinda C.
Great place. We went here for brunch this past weekend and it was a very enjoyable experience. The drinks, the food, the service were wonderful from start to end. They even allow dogs outside so, our dear dog was treated to a nice bowl of water and a fun atmosphere :-)
(4)April C.
Nice Restaurant, very clean. service okay. Loved the outdoor eatery! I felt like April in Paris!! I suggest Hubbard Inn for a relaxing lunch or dinner! Chic ! Cinco De Mayo Cantina Crawl!!
(3)Laura G.
Great atmosphere. Eclectic crowd and quite busy for a Tuesday night. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which were delicious. The buffalo burger was also a nice choice. Not impressed by the flat bread. Decent wine selection at the craft cocktail bar also. I'll be back!
(4)Tiffany R.
I really like the decor, it's a really cool space. I loved the tile and wood floor. Nice high ceilings. Hip place that just is without trying too hard. I appreciate that when you order a Moscow mule they serve it correctly and in a cooper cup like you are suppose to, yah! I ordered the asparagus flat bread and it was so super tasty. The bartender was nice. The bathrooms were very clean and stylish.
(5)Magen R.
I've been here a few times over the past year and have really come to enjoy Hubbard Inn as a place to enjoy drinks with tasty food and a relaxing atmosphere. I dined in with a friend last night and we split the artichoke and mushroom flatbread, bacon wrapped dates, and brussels sprouts. All of the food was really delicious and one of my favorite things were the various sauces that complemented the dishes. I loved the horseradish vinaigrette on the pizza as well as the spicy sauce that accompanied the dates. These are the things that set their dishes apart for me. Also, worth nothing that their brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked, and in my opinion, totally to die for! The only things holding back Hubbard Inn from getting the elusive 5 stars is the service. I was not in love with our waiter or his demeanor. We also had a Gilt City deal and he refused to substitute small plates for sandwiches even if they were less money. Makes no sense to me but whatcha gonna do? Overall, Hubbard Inn's ambiance, quality cocktails, and great food make it a place I'll definitely be coming back to.
(4)Amy S.
Saturday Nights - this place is always fun and usually the bouncers are very fair and nice (unlike the place across the street...ahem Mercer). I love the ambiance in this place; it's super cozy: walls lined up with books and candles, dim-lighting chandeliers throughout the space, and solid wooden tables and bar area. The beer selection here is fantastic! I've never tasted a Pumpkin Ale beer better than the one carried here. Unfortunately, it's only served within season. New Years Eve - Came here last night and I thought it was pretty good! NYE is pretty overrated as is, but this place made it really fun. It was open bar for 5 hours and there was an appetizer buffet on all three floors. The buffet consisted of different flatbreads, burgers (beef and veggie), glazed shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, vegetarian spring rolls, aaaand one or two more things that I did not get a chance to try. The food here is always really great, and NYE was no exception to that. The service was actually really great here, didn't have to wait longer than 3-4 minutes for a drink and it was a nice surprise to see them open up the third floor to everyone, as that usually seems to be rented out by a private party on the weekends. Dinner - I absolutely love every meal I've had here. The menu changes often, but whenever there is lamb in the dish, it is done amazingly well! Most bars lack in quality of food, but I think this place outshines all the surrounding bars when it comes to that.
(4)Michael B.
Four stars for the great ambience and live environment. Friendly service and good food too. We just enjoyed casual items - bison burger (make sure to order MR so it is not dry), beet and goat cheese salad, and roasted Brussels.
(4)Jaime G.
great place to hang out and drink some good beer and inventive cocktails. love the massive beer collection - try the off color honey wheat ale. atmoshere is cool and a pretty big place for big parties. service is also good - bar keep is esp good. food is ok. tried the 3 cheese flatbread, lobster roll, grilled cheese, and short ribs. ribs seemed to be the best but everything else was just ok. however, bacon wrapped dates and sweet potatoe fries where pretty good. would order that again. we came her on march madness and they broke out addl TV's for everyone to get a few of all games. which was cool. would come back for a beer and or cocktail for sure.
(3)Kimberly J.
We love the monthly cocktails and cuisine dinners that are hosted by Pat Brickhouse, who is such a wonderful woman. Each four course dinner is paired with a cocktail using the featured spirit for the month. You also receive a welcome cocktail prior to dinner. We have gotten to experience several different liquors, such as tequila, Irish whiskey, rum, gin, and sparkling wines. All of the cocktails and courses are outstanding and we have gotten to know people that we look forward to seeing every month. It's definitely a great time!
(5)Kevin M.
Hubbard Inn is pretty consistent. Nice staff, great location, cool vibe/decor. Food is above average for a bar.
(4)Adrienne T.
Hubbard Inn is a great spot for after-work drinks and appetizers. I especially enjoy the wide array of craft cocktails offered. Not only are the drinks strong, but tasty, too. For you beer lovers out there, they have a great selection as well. Their downstairs area can get a bit crowded on Thursday through Saturday evening. If you find the downstairs area to be crowded, you can always head upstairs, where you will find additional lounge-style seating in a modern, chic setting.
(4)Karen D.
Great place to grab some cocktails or even some local brews. It has the feel of a Mad Men- era bar with leather couches and a library in the back. I definitely feel far more sophisticated than I actually am in this bar. There's an awesome variety of local draft beers. If you're a fan of Gin drinks or that cucumber/lime taste, I highly recommend getting The Hepburn.
(4)Lauren B.
A large group of us met up here for a friends birthday. We didn't have reservations and they were really accommodating. The first floor was packed so we went up to the second, which was equally nice. The staff were super friendly and attentive. It became very busy but it remained a cozy, upbeat atmosphere. I think every bar is too loud and this wasn't an exception :) but thats just me. In full disclosure we just got drinks but they were all great. Prices were actually really good, particularly for the area. I highly suggest this place to meet friends and bring people from out of town- the building itself is unique and they really paid attention to detail with their design.
(4)Suz O.
Fabulous atmosphere. Cool rustic tables and library- fireplace feel balanced with funny monkey paintings and sports on TVs. Fabulous cocktails and what I think I can actually say are the best mussels in Chicago (sorry Hopleaf (my previous favorite)). Great service too! Brittaney rocks!
(5)Nisha P.
Had a great Friday night here last weekend. I'm not a huge fan of Hubbard due to the 20-something sloppy drunk crowd - but Hubbard Inn was not too crowded and there was room to sit upstairs. I'm not sure how pricey drinks were as I didn't actually pay for mine, but the drink I received was a generous pour and quit strong, so I was happy.
(4)Carlita R.
Three stars the place is beautiful with three different floors depending on what you want to do. The drinks are great and the bartenders are very friendly . The only thing I did not like unfortunately was the food. The display is pretty but the food fell short in the fast department. I would still go back but strictly for a hangout and drinks with friends
(3)Courtney W.
We ate here for brunch yesterday, Sunday a little after Noon and it was excellent! It was a very busy day and they were short of service staff but that didn't keep them from being professional. We used our groupon voucher with no issues which is a plus! Even without the groupon the prices there are great for couples on a budget. We really appreciate the wait staff, hostess and cooks for an excellent experience. It really made our Sunday! I am now a raving fan!!
(4)Heather K.
Holy shit this place is busy. So do not expect to get seated without a reservation! Even with one, my friends and I had to wait like a half hour to get seated. That was kind of off-putting. The decor inside is awesome....I love the dim lighting and the way they've set everything up. The drinks are great too. They make a very very nice martini and their list of cocktails is extensive and imaginative. I recommend doing a sharezies-tapas kind of thing. That's their menu style anyway, they're all kind of small-to-mid-size portions. My friends and I just ordered a shitload of things to share at our table and that worked out great. The food is very tasty and I can't complain about that at all. I definitely would get the crispy ahi and the seared scallops again, I can say that for sure. The seating kind of sucked, but that might just be due to the spot where we were put. It was near the bar and I think they were getting a little overzealous with trying to pack the max number of tables in that area because there was literally no space between my chair and that of the dude behind me. We kept bonking elbows. I hope he didn't have cooties. I don't think the prices were all that bad. In fact, compared with the Bay Area where I'm used to getting shaken upside-down for that last quarter, it was incredibly reasonable.
(4)Ingrid H.
I haven't been here in a while, but I just had brunch at Hubbard Inn, and I was pleasantly surprised! The lobster omelet was fantastic, they take reservations for brunch, and our server Garit was excellent! Highly recommended.
(5)Eric R.
Poor Service, mediocre food. The good, came in on a Saturday with a date at about 7:30pm and was seated right away. So far pretty good. Ordered drinks after sitting around for about 10 minutes. The server seemed indifferent. Salads came after a reasonable wait. But it took about 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive. My girl's burger was ok, and my steak was about what you would get in business class on a middling good airline. It was cooked medium, but tough. The food was just not that good and the service was bad. So nice room, and I think a great place for drinks. I guess that is why we got a table so easily on a Saturday night. You live and you learn!
(2)Liam A.
Disappointing, really. We were already bummed to have missed their (newer) brunch serving so we opted to stay for lunch. We got the bison burgers, the lobster roll because it's been highly recommended by friends and yelpers alike, and the seared scallops. We marveled at the decor (a bit medieval-like and nice woodwork throughout the place) as we waited for our food. We were the only ones in the place which 1) seemed odd for the number of reviews this place has received and 2) made us think that it'd help our server become more attentive towards our party yet she only ever came by three times: refiled our drinks once, brought out the food, and gave us our check). The rest of the time she was with the other staff members talking towards the back (still within the front of the house) section of the restaurant. That's okay, we came for food anyways right? The food came out after a half hour wait (again, we were the only ones there...) and quite frankly it was nothing to write home about. The bison itself was cooked well. Meaty, flavorful, and more tender than what a ground beef patty would've been which is everything one can hope for from a bison. It also had pickled raspberries in it which added depth and unexpected flavor with every bite. The problem was that everything else that came with it seemed soggy and dead. The fries were limp and had no crunch (we had both regular fries and sweet potato fries) and the burger buns proved no match for the bison and ended up getting soggy as well. On top of that my friend's scallop ended up being too chewy so she just ate from our plates. Yikes. At least the lobster roll met expectations from all the reviews so definitely stick to that. Oh, and the cocktails weren't bad as well (we had the Acai Punch, Friends with Benefits, My Sweet Mistress, and the Aviation... all sweet drinks). I'm still giving this place 3-stars because of the decor and my willingness to come back if only for their brunch menu and nighttime atmosphere. It honestly just felt like a ho-hum place when I visited so I'd like to come back when it's more alive (hopefully with better food too). Worth giving a (second) try.
(3)Annie M.
I came here for brunch today using a Groupon. Apparently there were plenty of other people who came with groupon deals, and they were cool enough to let us use it (despite it being father's day...there was a "no holiday" rule). The menu was awesome, the deal was awesome, but they just really didn't seemed to be staffed very well. It wasn't necessarily crowded, but the kitchen got my boyfriend's order wrong twice in a row. Long story short: He and another man both ordered the "make your own omelet" but the kitchen kept mixing the two up. The waitress was clearly stressed (understandably) but seemed to be doing everything she could to make the situation better. My boyfriend eventually just conceded and took the slightly incorrect omelet. Although the groupon included free mimosas, we also splurged on Moscow Mules...not quite as good as I was hoping, but not bad. I ordered the crab cake benedict as my entry. The poached eggs on top weren't really runny at all, but all-in-all, pretty good. The crab cake itself was very good. Overall: this place was just okay. Decent enough service, great food and drink menu, but not the greatest quality ever. I'd probably go back, if I had another groupon, but for the love of God, never order a make your own omelet hahah!
(3)Darcy W.
Love the atmosphere here! Great place to grab a few drinks and a app after a long day. This place is always hopping! Cheers!
(4)Anna G.
I recently lunched at Hubbard Inn after about a year's absence. They've definitely updated the menu since the last time I was there. There are definitely a lot more choices and they all sounded pretty good. Prices are still pretty reasonable (for the area). I had the chicken club and my friend ordered a the tuscan kale salad. We both enjoyed our dishes and there was plenty of food to make a second meal out of the leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. My friend was headed to O'Hare straight from lunch and they stored her luggage inside while we ate (we were seated at one of the sidewalk tables). There are just so many great options in the area, but next time I'll hopefully be back in less than a year!
(4)Jon B.
Service was good, i ordered the bison burger which also was great. However i got food poisoning from something that was eaten there :-/ .
(3)Todd T.
Lots of overpriced, overrated, and overcrowded places right in this area. (ie, Bottlefork). If you want a place with real food and excellent service that isn't busy reading their press clippings, try Hubbard Inn. It's a great, diverse menu and a welcoming staff. The most dependably pleasing restaurant in River North.
(5)Emann B.
My best mate works most Saturdays in River North, closing shop at 5pm. Lately I've been meeting him then and trying out the area's offerings. As a long time Chicagoan, River North smacks of tourists and douchbaggery, which can easily turn what is otherwise a great spot into a night out with the rabble. But in early evening, you can experience great cocktails and service in a well appointed setting. And stylin' handsome bartenders to boot. Just be sure to move on before the 708ers show up.
(4)Jacqueline L.
Great service and good vibes! Came here for my birthday dinner with a group of 6 and had an awesome time. Loved having a booth because it felt more intimate. Our waitress was friendly and fun! Everyone really enjoyed their food and I thoroughly enoyed the tuna tartare! The carrot cake was also probably the best carrot cake I have ever had and I can be a bit snobby with cake. Fun bar for a night out too! One of my favorite bars in Chicago.
(5)Aaron Jae M.
This place has an amazing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. I was surprised that there was a 45 minute wait on a cold tuesday night, but it probably meant that it was worth the wait. We got drinks while we waited and they have a pretty nice beer selection and a bunch of classic cocktails to choose from. I did not end up getting food so I can't comment on it but I hope it's good since prices are not cheap and although it has a lot of flare and presentation, it's never a replacement for taste.
(4)Hershel B.
There is a fantastic beer menu with excellent staff, but no shortage of hotties. I am in Pradeep lowe with this place, I wish I could come here every night.
(5)Sloop S.
Came here with the groupon deal and we were very disappointed. 11 empty tables and the hostess would not seat us claiming their servers were overwhelmed. Keep taking care of your servers and not your customers. We will not be back.
(1)Kelley S.
This is a nice short walk from the Brown line, even on a cold January day we made it comfortably. Not a huge lunch crowd, at least not the day we went. What a nice big location, great atmosphere, well decorated, huge bar, lots of seating. Menu is kind of small, but everything sounded amazing. Hard for me to decide, but I happened to be swayed by what the person behind me got... the Classic Cobb Salad, served with grilled chicken breast. I opted to have it served with the horseradish vinaigrette which was unique and delicious. That was in place of blue cheese it is served with, which I love! but wanted to cut down calories (who knows if i did...). The salad was big and all ingredients were fresh. presentation was excellent. Greens were tossed in dressing prior to serving so if you want it separate state that when ordering. We also ordered a flatbread - chorizo and goat cheese. This was also quite tasty. It was cooked well, the flatbread was firm and crunchy and the topping were plentiful. The staff were attentive, from the people at the door, to waitress to the guy adjusting lamps and refilling water. Prices were as expected and overall quite reasonable.
(4)E H.
Was up in here a bunch of saturdays ago with the whole crew for A & M's going away party. I partied so hard that I couldn't even stand it. So many people came up to me and were like "you party so hard". Not a big fan of going to River North but I'll venture there for the occasional birthday and or going away party. Big fan of wicker chairs. Looking for some for a my deck. Possibly a set. Something "loungey".
(5)Denrick B.
Came here for happy-hour seafood deal. The dishes were fresh and yummy, but the price is far from a happy hour price. The oysters were cheap, but that's about it. For 2 bucks, you get half a crab leg (not a full crab leg). Scallops were great, but again the portions were tiny. Epic next door has a better happy hour deal. Drinks were moderately priced.
(3)Sandwich M.
One of the best contemporary american spots in Chi. AMAZING brussel sprouts and awesome cocktail menu. Their menu selection is always great and includes something for everyone. On top of it, ambience is perfect. Obsessed!
(5)Lauren D.
Too few people know just how much bison meat can elevate a burger. Fortunately, my husband and I have discovered that fact, so we were thrilled to see the bison burger on Hubbard Inn's brunch menu. We came here with a Groupon and left feeling like we'd gotten a very good deal. The burger was juicy, the brioche bun toasted perfectly. The only slightly negative point I have is that the pickled raspberries that come on the burger don't seem to serve much of a purpose. They don't make the burger taste better and I ended up picking them off because they really distracted from the meat's goodness. My husband didn't like the roasted brussel sprouts but I loved them and ate both of our servings. The decor here is a little kitschy but not to an annoying point. Overall, a great go-to place that we're eager to try again.
(4)Corey R.
Amazing looking place that has a wonderful feel to it. The drinks and food are a bit over priced but its River North so yeah. I spent $90 for myself but to be fair I had 3 drinks and three small plates. The biggest stand out wasn't the food or but our sever Elaine was a FREAKING rockstar!!!! We called her E-money by the end of the night. She was ontop of everything and went the extra mile finding out what was exactly in the food. @Hubbard inn all of the fried food is cooked in the same oil which means if your allergic to nuts ya might want to avoid fried food because they serve fried mixed nuts @ Hubbard Inn. Thats the only reason is why they only get 4 stars. Elaine was a damn expert about all the booze and made some great recommendations as well. The drinks here are pretty good.
(4)Connie R.
The ladies behind the bar were in over their head. We ordered additional items from the Happy Hour menu and 30 minutes later, the bartender had no recollection of our order. My drink glass was broken by the bartender with glass and liquor shooting across the bar. Shortly after, another patron placed a beer glass on the bar that got shattered as well. Again, glass and liquor everywhere. The couple beside us at the bar were also in the line of fire. Nothing was comped, no offer to smooth the situation. Good vibe, nice crowd. Next time I will request seating away from the bar.
(2)Grennan K.
Came here for brunch. I guess it's a recent thing! I find that most joints have the lobster roll. It was very good here, with the perfect bun, and the fries were so good. Makes me wonder how they prepared them to be not too soggy. Yum. Also we had the Turkey burger which was super moist with Brie (love cheese/ my bf doesn't) with perfectly seasoned cranberries. Only thing is that the turkey slice was way too thick making it a total mess to eat. Mimosas a perfect brunch drink with choices of pineapple, grapefruit, & orange! I'll definitely come back for more. I bet their dinner would be very satisfactory.
(4)Melissa F.
Legit. I live in River North, so I kind of shrug and act embarrassed whenever anyone says, "Oh, it's so douche-y there." Yes, it is. What can you say? It's not? Of course it is. But it is still a lot of fun and provides some epic people watching. ;) Now, Hubbard street is effectively a microcosm of River North. So many douche-y bars with long lines, cover charges, bathroom attendants, overpriced food and drinks, and enough pretentiousness to confound any dinner party featured on Barefoot Contessa. Somehow, by 1am on a Saturday, this was true of many bars on Hubbard...but not Hubbard Inn. I was celebrating my birthday at a Korean karaoke place in Lincoln Square (as you do), and I headed back downtown to see my brother and his wife with my friend. I texted him, asking if there was a line. No. Wha??? Was there a cover? No. Wha??? My friend and I walked right in - no carding, even - and went to meet them on the 2nd floor. At this level, you enjoy a drink that is probably overpriced (mine was bought for me by the sister-in-law because she rules)...but ALSO a luxurious sense of schadenfreude upon seeing the huddled masses outside Mercer and Epic and such. Many of the bars on Hubbard are close-to-the-same, so why not go to a place that's a lot more accessible? Yes, still pretentious (bathroom attendants, whoopie!), but it hardly factors into the positive experience you're likely to have.
(4)Krista N.
We were here for a rehearsal dinner. What a great spot. It was a block away from where we were staying and had plenty of room for a huge amount of family and friends. They had great italian food for dinner and all of it was really good. You know a place is good when they can mass produce food and it actually tastes good. I would love to go back here and just experience the bar and food outside of it being an event, but I can tell I will love it since we had such a good dinner with family and friends!
(4)Erinne F.
Decided to stop by for lunch on the patio to enjoy one of the last nice days. Seated quickly, server was initially tentative. We asked for suggestions on menu and seemed knowledgable and good reasons as to why she recommended what she did. One of the suggestions was the Lobster roll. I, having had more than my fair share of east coast lobster rolls, was hesitant. I should have gone with my gut. For $17 this poor excuse of a lobster roll was BARELY filled with what looked like a seafood mix I get at the deli. There was maybe one hearty chunk in the entire roll, flavor was just okay. After food was brought out by the runner, the server didn't come back until we were completely done eating. Thus, not being asked if we received everything okay or how it was. I'll stick to Hubbard Inn for drinks!
(2)Sangita A.
Organized my husband's post- dinner cocktails birthday party here last Saturday. It was almost a complete disaster only to be saved by agressive demands by my girlfriend and the manager trying his best to deliver what was promised us. Made reservations for an upper seating area for a group of 15. Got a day-of confirmation via phone. We get there, and they say they have to seat us downstairs where people are eating dinner. Um no. This is why we make reservations. An hour and a half later, the manager puts together a little seating area in the back of the second floor. I have to give him props for trying to help us make the best of the night with a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the hassle was not worth it and I would have rather planned his birthday elsewhere in the city. SERVICE The staff was very friendly once everything got sorted out, but I would avoid organizing birthdays here unless you had some sort of guarantee of space. AMBIENCE Loved the chill atmosphere and the music. The drinks were pretty good and they have a nice cocktail menu as well. -Hungry Hungry Pongy
(3)Rhonda K.
We walked in on a Saturday around noontime to a half-empty restaurant. "Do you have a reservation?" asked the hostess briskly. "Um, no, but we'd like lunch for two." She clicked onto her computer screen. Scanned it. Looked up. Scanned again. Frowned. "The best I can do is the end of the communal table." Aisles on two sides, one leading to the restrooms, one facing her station. Despite our hesitation, we took the seats. And had a very nice lunch: lobster roll, brunch burger, fun cocktails (The Unpaid Piper, The Odd Craft), and some of the best sweet potato fries EVER, with a luscious spicy mayo to dip them in. Hubbard Inn is a trendy spot, with interesting art on the walls, all painted by the same talented artist. Nice food, an extensive craft cocktail list, not too pricey. But c'mon. Better to treat the guests that arrive at your doorstep to a nicer table than to punish them with crappy seats. And by the way, those 12:30 pm reservations she was holding all those tables for? Never showed.
(3)S t.
If you like your turkey burger RARE, go here. If you like to be violently sick after eating here, go here. After sending my raw turkey burger back, my sweet potato fries finally came. Not with the sauce the waitress said was so delicious with them, they were out of that aioli with paprika. Isn't that just Mayo and paprika? Yep, out of it. My husband had chicken and biscuits. Came home and became extremely sick, probably due to food poisoning and improper food handling. The service sucks as well as the food. I will never go here again and tell all my friends to not bother either. I hate that I even have to give one star.
(1)Margaret P.
Had my best friend's bachelorette party here. I worked with Stephanie to plan the evening, and she was wonderful in helping me organize the dinner. We did a 3 course prix-fixe meal, and what I liked about Hubbard was that there were so many different options that everyone in my party (about 15 people) would be able to pick something they liked. The starter and salad course was served family style, with three different starters and two different salads. The bacon wrapped dates were delicious! I don't even know what a date is, but it was sooo good. Everything was tasty, and there was way more than enough food to share. Each person was able to choose their own entree among 4 options. I tasted each of the entrees, and they were all great. From the moment our group arrived, we were treated with outstanding service. We had multiple waitresses who constantly came around and made sure our wine was flowing. I loved the ambiance of Hubbard Inn. We were seated on the 2nd floor, and all of the decor was so cool! I was not expecting this place when I heard it was in River North area. Besides the excellent food, decor, and friendly staff...the last thing that really impressed me (and my bride!) was that on the menu on our table, they listed our bachelorette's name. It was such a thoughtful touch, and made us feel special. Next time I come back to Chicago I will definitely stop by here again. I would recommend this place for anyone with a large group, as the prix-fixe dinner was amazing and reasonably priced.
(5)Casey F.
I love Hubbard Inn. I've been countless times. Many to drink, only 1 to eat. After spending many a boozed up night here, I was skeptical to dine here. We had a girls night and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I thought it was delicious. I find that I'm always drawn here when I'm in River North. Even though I know I've been embarrassingly drunk here, I still come back and will continue to do so. The atmosphere is fab, the lighting makes it romantic, and there is always a great crowd. Love it. If I see you there, buy me a Jack and diet.
(4)Charmin W.
Everyone deserves a second chance...While my first impression of this place was not so good, I am happy to say the second time around was much more favorable! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to receive a sincere follow up email from the manager, Zach, in response to my earlier Yelp review. I didn't write the review to get attention, but his response let me know that what happened was not something that is generally tolerated. So, I went back and I am happy to say Hubbard Inn and it's staff have redeemed themselves! The mussels and the flank steak with potato salad are must haves!
(4)Kim S.
I stopped in with two friends for an early dinner on Memorial Day and was instantly impressed. Despite the odd dining hour, there were a handful of patrons inside and the patio was busy. The service was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly and I was especially impressed by the cocktail options. My friend and I both got The Hepburn and agreed we could have easily gulped more, although it was the perfect balance of booze and natural flavor. I ordered crab cakes. The portion was on the smaller side, but perfect for a light meal. I had to admit they are better than the recipe I swear by when making my own. My friends shared the turkey burger which was good and not at all dry or bland, like some ground turkey ends up. The burger was served with a cranberry concoction that added intensely good flavor. In addition to our server, two other staff including a manager came over just to chat with us and ensure we were enjoying our experience. Perhaps above all is the ambiance of this place. It has a very cool, authentic, old-school vibe. I look forward to going back for more of a full dinner experience and possibly some late-night fun. I understand they have three floors and good after hours options. We're not from the area and like to check out new places whenever we are there, but this is definitely a "return to" place.
(5)Sarah F.
Food is excellent, service not so much. Made a 7 pm reservation for a large party, and we didn't get our table until 7:45... never fun when you're trying to entertain clients. They gave us our first round of drinks on the house (after we asked about it) and a few free apps. Waitress was friendly, but never refilled water glasses. This place could be great if they were a bit more organized and attentive.
(3)Jon F.
Went for late night drinks on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was good and lively. Downstairs was the relaxed half of the bar and the upstairs was the let loose, dim the lights, and make bad decisions side. The "VIP" lounges were weird too say the least. Library themed corners of a bar?? Too each his/her own.
(3)Tony B.
Can't believe I never yet reviewed good old Hubbard Inn! Probably on our top 20 places on our dine out list. First of all the food never disappoints! the other day we sat outside for the first time and the cafe service and atmosphere was perfect! All other times we've been in for dinner and it's consistently great. The only reason not 5 stars is when busy sometimes service becomes harried and a bit of attitude, but I guess that's understandable really. A really professional run place with consistently good food!
(4)Jose V.
I've been here 4 times and I do have to agree with many of the other reviews in that the servers could be a bit more attentive and/or leave the River North attitude at home. However, I'm going to give them 4 stars because of the ambiance and because of their menu, so far everything I've tried has been REALLY good. The organic turkey and organic bison burgers are a must. My best experience so far has been during lunch. It gets super packed Fridays/Saturday nights.
(4)Mike W.
I visited the Hubbard Inn for brunch after purchasing a Groupon. It was a beautiful day so my girlfriend and I decided to sit outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine. If my experience stopped with having a mimosa on the flower-lined outdoor area then I would have been much more satisfied with my brunch. However, as things played out we were getting food as well and that's when there were issues that came up. My GF ordered the crab cakes benedict and I went with the build-your-own-omlet option (Very nice that they don't charge by the item... pretty much earned them the second star). The Cc Benedict was adequate, but not much more. The breakfast potatoes they serve are pretty good though, just a tad on the bland side. The bigger issue came with my omelet, or to be more exact the fact I did not get the right omelet. When I cut into it I discovered that I did not have the correct meal. I was a little disappointed, but I know mistakes happen so it wasn't a problem to wave down our waitress who apologized and immediately went back into the kitchen to have them make me a new one. After waiting another 15 minutes or so they brought out another omelet and I thought all was going to be well.... until it wasn't. They had mixed up the plates again in the kitchen and I was given a spinich and tomato omelet... not the onion, ham, and bacon goodness I was hoping for. Upon overhearing me flag down the waitress for a second time, a gentleman behind me also spoke up that he had the wrong omelet. Fortunately he and I were able to discover that he had my meal... unfortunately for him though we have no idea where his was and I have no idea who was supposed to get the tomato and spinich omelet. After waiting all that time my GF was kind enough to order us a couple drinks from the bar, which were good, but not worth the $13 each they were charging. Our waitress was decent through the entire omelet ordeal, but was obviously very stressed out about having to manage the mistakes that were from the kitchen. Needless to say I do not think I will be visiting again. The omelet I finally got was decent, but there are a number of other places I can go for that without fear of a similar experience.
(2)Yianni B.
Jackie is one of the nicest person here. Fast sweet and knows what she is doing. Can't wait to come back. Jackie you are the best.
(5)Sheffia L.
Limited menu but the turkey burger and sweet potato fries were delicious!
(4)May Y.
Best spinach and goat cheese salad I ever had in the States I was literally about to cry. The melting cheese reminded me of those I had back in Australia. I wish the noisy environment had not brought me back to reality. Great food, but super noisy and stuffy. Good to hang out with friends, but not for a date. Food: 5 Decor: 4 Service: 5
(4)Holly W.
On Wednesday night, it is a really nice place. Great that they only have a one or two TVs. On Friday and Saturday, it just a scene that it is way beyond crowded.
(4)Emily L.
We took my friend here for her 40th birthday. Lively bar scene, but all of our food and cocktails were high quality and delicious. We left with some neat ideas of how to better prepare food at home!
(5)Justin B.
$16 for a burger that was half to two-thirds of the size of the Owen & Engine burger, with so-so taste and fries that were served as burn victims in a tin can? Welcome to River North! I have to say that while the space is fantastic and the drinks I had during a visit a few months ago were decent, the food is only okay, which was a minor surprise. The Bison Burger and the Lamb Burger were just average, and with a poor side order of fries and a server that seemed to be distracted until we placed our order, I wasn't really feeling this place. Also, the random music mix (Toto, then Gorillaz, then Hall & Oates???) was just weird, more "WTF?" than "Hey, cool stuff, man." Au Cheval, this was not!
(3)Stefani J.
Bad service and extremely bad attitude from server. Do not order bottle service from here. My 12 friends and I will not be back. Ordered bottle service for a friends surprise 30th birthday. Specifically asked for the 3rd floor. I received a call the day of the party saying the 3rd floor was closed and did not get a reason why. I said that yes we still wanted to get bottle service and were ok with it on the 2nd floor. Should have never agreed to that. We get there around 11pm and our party was already there (since it was a surprise) and a bottle was already ordered. Things were fine. Music was generic techno mixes of current hits. It was ok for a few songs, but every single song had the same remix so eventually it got boring. We ran out of limes, cranberry juice and tonic water. The bottle girl did not even notice and we had to ask for all of it - multiple times. It took forever. We ordered another bottle in the meantime and it came out and was just placed in the bin w/o ice. She did not bring the bottle out with sparklers - which normally I wouldn't care but it was for a birthday and we were trying to show her a special night. Plus every other table had their bottles brought out with sparklers - even the Tito's vodka has sparklers. I said something to the bottle girl and she said that they were going to bring out a cake with sparklers. No apology. A half hour later nothing. I had asked her again and she said that their computers were down. Not sure what that has to do with bringing out a cake with sparklers. Eventually she comes out with a cupcake and sparklers. It was embarrassing. We all laughed b/c it was literally ridiculous. Then the bill comes. We gave $160 cash and were having her split the rest w 2 credit cards. She added a 20% tip on already. She definitely knew that her service was bad so she had to cover herself. Also we were charged for the cupcake. We were waiting for the check to come back and I looked over and saw our bottle girl pointing and scowling at our table while she was talking to another patron. She comes back with a charge on my friends credit card for $600 - which is what the entire bill was. She said that she couldn't reverse it. After 3 people got involved she then changed her story and said that his credit card was declined - NOT TRUE. So we told her to charge our other friends card the entire total MINUS the $140 we paid cash. Overall this was the worst service I've ever experienced when buying bottle service. Music never changed up and it was hard to dance to. I can't believe this girl is serving people with a bad attitude like that.
(1)Jerrine F.
Great service and friendly bartenders ...and a pretty decent moscow mule!! Holla!!!!
(4)Greg R.
Three of us checked out Hubbard Inn for brunch on 06/15. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so, since we arrived at 1:45, thought our timing was good for an enjoyable meal. Uh, not so much. Although the sidewalk seats were mostly taken, the inside was - at most - 10% full. Once seated, it took about 10 minutes for any wait staff to acknowledge us and when the waitress finally took our order, she, for some unknown reason, seemed very hurried. As mentioned before, the place was nearly empty. We ordered three simple items: kale salad with dressing on the side, chorizo and goat cheese flatbread, and lobster omelet with breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. When I ordered the omelet, the waitress politely apologized that they had run out of breakfast potatoes and French fries would be substituted. French fries with omelets??? That's a first for me. (How much do potatoes cost a restaurant, don't they keep for a long time and, if you do run out, couldn't a staffer be sent to Jewel?) The unimpressive kale salad arrived about ten minutes later, drenched in the dressing we requested to be on the side. Thinking the next two entrees were right behind, my wife waited for the remaining items. And waited. And waited. And waited. When we realized we had enough time to correct the wrong salad, we sent it back. (The waitress later claimed she thought we wanted the salad first, but she never asked. Since we had three entrees for three people, we figured all food would arrive together.) After another long wait, one more kale salad finally came to the table, this time with our flatbread and omelet. The salad indeed had the dressing on the side this time, but the flatbread was cold and hard and the omelet - complete with French fries - arrived without the wheat toast. By the time anyone asked how we were doing, I was done with the omelet so the toast was a moot point. We planned to just chalk this one up as a learned experience and be satisfied with the dozens of brunch choices within a mile of Hubbard Inn, but the manager, while whisking by our table, asked how everything was. Although we're not dining complainers, I couldn't resist to explain that the salad came out early, was soaked in dressing that we wanted on the side, the omelet came with French fries because they were out of breakfast potatoes, the flatbread was cold and hard and the wheat toast was still AWOL. To his credit, he picked up the tab for this experience. For that we'll be back... hopefully with a better review.
(2)Alex J.
We sat in the bar, the new bartender Peter was excellent. Great apps and drinks, we really enjoyed our time at Hubbard.
(5)Carolyn L.
I've come here a couple of times while out in River North. Once was for an event to celebrate a local nonprofit. The other was for a friend's birthday party. I don't remember much about the drinks or service. They seemed pretty standard. I really love the decor and feel of this place though. It's like drinking in a library. the only thing missing is a nice cigar (if I smoked cigars).
(3)Lauren S.
Came here for brunch w/ a Gilt City. Brought some girlfriends I hadn't seen in awhile for some mimosas and eggs. The drinks, and food, were actually pretty good (Get the pork belly benny!). Decor was really cute. The service was maybe the WORST I have had in this city so far. The short recap: 5 tables were here for brunch (I counted). I saw maybe 5 staff members on the floor upstairs. Despite that, the service was awful, rude, and inaccurate. It will definitely stop me from coming back! Even the pork belly couldn't leave a good taste in my mouth after the awful attention from the staff :( The longer recap: I'll just give you all a quick running list. 1) Both drink orders and two food orders were incorrect. We gave them the benefit of the doubt on the drink orders, by the time the food came we were pretty bummed. 2) We also asked for some basic condiments and some water. Never came :( 3) Couldn't fix anything, because our waitress was MIA. Even asked a busser to nab her so we could try to fix the food situation. I saw him go up to her, tell her, and then she promptly ignored him and started moving tables for ten minutes. 4) Ok, fine, I'll go grab her (at this point, friends are eating the food they didn't order because they are starving). She rolls her eyes at me and makes a face at a co-worker (real mature) before coming over. 5) Second round of drinks never comes. Not sure why. 5 tables here, rest of the place is empty. We ask her to cancel them because we are ready to leave. She still brings them over, but the bartender comps us for taking so long (that's good at least!). 6) The bill was wrong.. THREE times. Yes, three times. This included weird things like just choosing a random amount of money to deduct for the Gilt City (it was supposed to include two entrees and two drinks), so I helped by circling the food we ordered, and they just tacked on ANOTHER random deduction. I just gave up and paid the difference. 7) Mind you, in dealing with the bill, I again had to go myself and find the waitress since she refused to actually come to our table. LISTEN, I was a waitress through college. I know how much it sucks, and how terrible people can be. But look, we were just looking for bare-minimum 'get us the food and drinks correctly' service. We're friendly! I don't think I was being demanding. If I had EVER done some of what this ombre-haired chicka pulled off, I would have been fired on the spot. Hope this group has a serious staff meeting sometime soon. I'm off to bigger and better ventures (as is my whole grumbly group).
(2)Jami S.
I have just one thing to say to you Hubbard Inn... Bring the original Lobster Roll back!! Whatever impostor you have in its place is terrible!!!
(3)Robert J.
These State Street bars feel much more upscale that Rush street (a word to the unknowing traveler). This is a 2-story bar with a good selection of craft & local beers. It can get super packed on the weekend (was here on a Saturday and barely had standing room upstairs). The music was great, the DJ did a nice job putting together some lively songs at a good volume. Overall, a nice bar, but I don't know if I would come back... there's really nothing special about it. It's classy and well put-together, but it can also get a bit too loud to talk to people.
(3)German C.
First off, I am giving it two stars because Hubbard Inn is not my type of place to be. Drinks are good no lie. I ordered a vodka with red bull and it was pretty sweet. The service was also fast as well. However, I did not like the crowd. Too many hippies ( I call hipsters hippies)The music was pure edm (not my style) I did like that Hubbard inn provides plenty of seating area which is available to anyone. My visit here was not a terrible one but it wasn't quite me.
(2)Emily T.
Came here for drinks this past Monday after work- and I love the vibe of this place! Sophisticated, spacious, and intimate. We had post-work drinks at the bar, and it was a slow Monday night, so I haven't seen this place in full swing, nor have I sampled anything but the house chardonnay, but I'll be back to spend a night out here soon. :)
(4)Jesus C.
One of my favorite spots to dine or brunch in river north. Good food and great atmosphere!! Love the 2nd floor for lounging and having a drink with a group of friends.
(4)AR H.
Awesome restaurant. Trendy spot and bartenders make a great old fashioned. Had the lamb burger and it was delicious. Would recommend going for happy hour as they have a great downstairs and upstairs lounge are to sit and hang out with friends.
(4)Bo Y.
Recommend steak salad.
(4)Stephanie L.
OMG, ended up here for a bday party on Sat night, not by choice, but its what you do for family. I really despise this place. We had a party of 11 at 6PM on Sat. We were literally the only table in there. We had two servers, both pretty incompetent. Spilled a drink down my Uncle's back, order was completely wrong, had no clue where the plates went, HORRIBLE service. Literally setting down plates in the middle of the table because they didnt know who ordered what. Didnt clear plates, absolutely a MESS. The food itself is totally A-OK, overpriced BS from RN. I brought in cupcakes and of course notified us of a $10 "cake cutting fee." When we asked if they were going to cut the cupcakes for us, they said no...? These girls were some of the worst servers I have ever encountered. Dont go here if you are looking for a good meal. This place has seen a better day and now going off fumes.
(1)Missy C.
I'm Hubbard Inn's biggest fan. I work in River North, and my co-workers and I go to Hubbard Inn for lunch and happy hour often. Glen, one of the managers, is just the nicest person ever and so accommodating. I can't thank him enough for how welcoming he is every time I come in. Food is great! Be sure to try one of the flatbreads - they are all super delish but the mushroom and asparagus is my favorite. I hear they make the best Old Fashioned too.
(5)Jennifer R.
My girlfriend and I had a 9pm reservation on a Friday night. We got there about a half an hour early and were fine having a drink at the bar until our table was ready. There were two empty tables near the bar and I went up to the hostess and asked if we could be seated there. I was flat out told 'no' and then was told to come back at 9pm when our reservation was to see what the status was. I looked at my phone. 8:58 p.m. Ok. I'll come back in two minutes. 15 minutes later (I gave them a grace period), I went back up to the hostess stand and asked the status of our table. I was told there was 'maybe' a table upstairs and when I said that we would prefer to sit downstairs, I was promptly told there would be an additional 30-45 minute wait. It was 9:15 p.m. by this point and my girlfriend (just as irritated as I was) made a 9:30 p.m. reservation at Paris Club down the street. I went back up to the hostess stand to tell them we were leaving for a reservation at Paris Club and was simply told, "Ok". No attempt to apologize or get us to stay. I've been a hostess before and these girls that were working that night as 'hostesses' were rude and flippant. There are a million bars and restaurants on Hubbard and when the competition is stiff, your first concern should be keeping your customers happy. Hubbard Inn failed. Sorry. The drinks were good (hence the two stars).
(2)Shamik T.
Love this place. Last weekend, I had my second meal here, this time for lunch. A late lunch that was totally worth it. Granted, I think this place is slightly overpriced, but I found the service to be good, the drink list to be extensive, and the food to be very good. The beet salad was well dressed, and nicely seasoned. The Ethiopian/Moroccan style crepe however, was enormous. Very good, mind you, but simply enormous. Our server described the dishes as "medium-sized, tapas-style" dishes. This was like a burrito at a suburban Tex-Mex restaurant. Huge, albeit tasty. My girlfriend's lamb was disappointing, so she said. I think she had order envy. I don't blame her. Decor is a plus also, but this place gets loud.
(4)Katelyn G.
I like eating here. I have been here a few times already and I must say, this is a great restaurant. The food is good and delicious. Price is just right and the atmosphere is noteworthy. The service is just average though, not great but not bad either. Just so-so. Even with that, this place still deserves a try and recommendation.
(4)Riccardo S.
Wandered in here for a round of after-dinner drinks, and can't wait for the opportunity to come back. Great decor with a large space around the bar and high-top tables for those of us not up to standing around. All of it buttressed by an exemplary selection of beers, liquor, and most importantly - port. Best of all were the staff, completely nonplussed by the arrival of a 30-strong group and setting everyone up without one slip.
(4)Lauren P.
Food was awesome! Went to Hubbard inn for restaurant week and not only was the food excellent, the service was even better! The waitress was very friendly and didn't keep us waiting long for any beverage refills. Highly recommend dining at Hubbard inn!
(5)Nancy L.
A great place to meet and socialize. My inclination is to say this is more of a place for drinks than food but that was why I was there. They have great options for seating that facilitate conversation among groups - community tables, booths and areas with sofas surrounded by wooden bookcases that feel a bit like a library in an old estate. The atmosphere is more old world European feeling with a bit of whimsy. Lot's of clever artwork that make you take a second look and consider how many drinks you've had. An interesting touch that makes you smile and takes an edge off the stiffness of old world formal decor in the library areas.. A nice variety of mixed drinks to choose from - classics and classics with a modern twist. A lot of beers on tap too. The Audrey had a nice refreshing botanical flavor - cucumber with St. Germain was a hit. They also brought a round of shots to our table that also seemed to have a cucumber flavor. The shots weren't really strong - more flavor than burn. I didn't eat much there food but that wasn't the focus of my visit. Just recall the mussels and bacon wrapped dates were nice with my drink. Service was great - they were attentive and made great suggestions. The host told me they have a DJ on the top floor some evenings which I'm sure livens up things even more. There is a nice 'screened' off area on the second floor that would be great for a bigger group event. It's nice that it isn't a totally separate room so you don't feel like you are missing out from the energy of the whole place. Recommend for groups - after work for drinks and/or a bite to eat. Wouldn't be a place I'd go for a quiet date as the feeling is very bustling and energetic - feels like an upscale pub.
(4)Kalyn H.
The two of us came here last night for a couple drinks before our 7pm dinner reservations down the street. It was pretty empty so we were immediately served and ordered two cocktails, so far so good. Their drink menu is awesome it's on a chalkboard behind the bar and we started to become extremely excited to try another drink ($12 each though, way overpriced). We only had about twenty more minutes before we had to leave and our drinks had been empty for awhile so we were becoming annoyed with service. All the bartenders were busy talking to other employees. The WEIRDEST thing happened to us in all our years of drinking/dining... the bartender brought us the same exact drinks to us without even asking if we wanted another round or what we wanted. Man was I bummed she assumed we wanted the same thing and that I couldn't try a different cocktail. It was so strange and we left disappointed!
(3)Rebecca N.
Good thing the food was amazing because the overall experience was not! The goods: Every dish we got was honestly excellent! The bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and spinach salad, mushroom flatbread, scallops, crispy tuna were perfect. The steak tartare was good, but SO small!!! I would say the chickpea crepes was the least exciting. Our waitress was also really sweet! The bads: We had a reservation at 8 and did not get seated until 840! When I approached the waitress her reaction..."people have been waiting longer" um okay. When we finally were seated our waitress brought us shots and when we asked what they were she said she did not know. classy. We also sat next to the door. Half our party was freezing and people were surrounding us all throughout dinner. Oh... and it was SO loud!!! coming from someone who does not mind a loud venue that says a lot. It's too bad I enjoyed the food so much because I will not be coming baclk
(2)Drea K.
Fair warning: This review is based purely on staff attitude which I found to be less than awesome. I've been here several times as a normal good-time Jane and think the decor is lovely, the drinks are tasty, and in general the food is a cut above normal gastro-pub food. But I, seriously, have a very hard time with lack of professionalism / manners, in general...especially from people in the service industry...whose general societal focus is ensuring that customers have an enjoyable time. As I was working to set up a charity event, I encountered a very serious "pulling teeth" scenario involving "we'd love to work with you again" and then s-lll-o-w-l-y evolving into "we've got new owners who need to approve everything" to "we have to decline" (2 weeks later!) but with no communication as to where the party-line switch was coming from / why a previous commitment made was changing. I've done enough charity work to know that sometimes venues cannot accommodate a nonprofit event, so believe me when I say I would not have been offended if the original reply had been "So sorry, we're under new management and we can't do a partially donated event right now" but the long gaps in communication with random changes and no explanation were a bit much. Final bad-taste-in-mouth straw: I sent a last note inquiring about the change to see if I could find out where the challenge was and received tumbleweeds as a response (ie. nothing). So, I will enjoy some Moscow Mules here but won't be planning any HubbInn parties anytime in the near future.
(2)Jenni I.
From the street, this place seemed like a great pick. Outdoor seating ... music inside that you could hear from outside ... and a cool cocktail menu on a chalkboard above the bar. We asked the doorman about sitting outside and she told us to go inside to speak with the hostess. No hostess to be found. So, a server walked came up to us and told us to take a seat outside. We were seated at 11:40 and told the kitchen was closed. Okay, not a problem. We were bummed, but figured we'd get a drink anyway. Placed our order, then shortly after, we were told by four different employees that we needed to leave quickly. The fourth person, who seemed like the owner possibly, all but threw us out. This place has potential but the staff is rude. At 11:50, we were told by the doorman that we really needed to get going. We were waiting on our check. In the midst of that, I finished my $12 Moscow Mule (not worth it) and chatted up another guest who was rushed, as well. He told me that he has been visiting Hubbard Inn for months -- but that in the past week, it had changed management. He, a loyal patron, was unhappy with the service, as well, but seemed hopeful that they would iron out the issues and strike a better stride. Until that happens, I will not be back.
(1)Coy W.
Damn this place has some seriously nice decor. It's a place that if lived in Chicago I could see myself hanging out at regularly. The crowd is really mixed but the music was awesome on a Friday night. Chicago brews some serious beer, the hostesses here are dynamite and the wait staff are friendly and helpful. I think I went through the whole local beer menu and enjoyed everything on it. There was a seasonal that really stood out but for the life of me, can't remember the name of it. I didn't try the food and I hate judging it by the way it looks but I would definitely give it a go the next time I'm in town. Did I mentioned the music is awesome and the hostesses are dynamite? OK good :)
(4)John F.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriend and some friends for dinner and drinks. It was pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I suppose that's better than it being overly crowded. The decor of this place is pretty nice - big booths, long tables that you share which is different, you may or may not like that though. Overall it had a high end bar feel to it. For the food, well they try to push the whole tapas thing, saying ordering a whole bunch of small plates is the way to go. This is fine for a TAPAS place, but when I'm at a bar I would like to order my own meal. They do have entrees which range $20-$35. We decided to order a few small plates for appetizers - the bacon wrapped dates were awesome, flat bread was good, nothing special, and their homemade ravioli was not good at all and only 6 small sized raviolis were included. For the price I'd expect a few more or at least be the best raviolis I've ever tasted. After the small plates we each ordered an entree. I had the Wagyu burger which was $20 (yea, i know) and my girlfriend had the skirt steak which was also $20. The skirt steak was pretty good, but it's skirt steak... $20 seems pricey for just skirt steak. My burger was really good, but not $20 good. Burgers from Kuma's, Lockdown, Hophaus, and Burger Bar are better AND cheaper than the one I got at Hubbard Inn. So the food was mostly pretty good, but WAY overpriced. I almost forgot the drinks! I started off with a Manhattan - it was $12 which I expected, but it was pretty weak and I've had better Manhattans. I ordered a Hemingway next, which was refreshingly tasty, but again, pretty weak for $14. The drinks, just like the food, was good, but overpriced. They can at least make them strong if they're going to charge $12-14 per cocktail. Overall I found this place to be way overpriced. Yes the food and drinks are good, but not worth the price. If you have money to burn and are in the neighborhood, then sure, check it out. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere else or pay top dollar to a place that deserves it. I won't be back here.
(3)Carol K.
Hubbard Inn? You answer when the question is where to go that is fun, has a wide range of menu items and where I am welcomed and remembered. So many restaurants . . .so little time . . .so it had been a few months since my last visit when I popped in with friends the other night. My friends wanted to experience the "Carol K' factor which is what my friends joke with me about when I pick a restaurant in town because I seem to always run into someone I know. We were promptly seated in the front and within minutes were sipping our drinks and checking out the menu to see what new things they had added since my last visit. Our server was great! Quick with suggestions of the new items (try the sliced sirloin and the crunchy tuna- perfect for sharing!) The food is always great and the drinks perfectly poured. And I always appreciate when David, one of the owners, remembers me and stops over to say hi! and on this stop, introduced me to his manager. And how nice was it that he bought our table a round of drinks! As one in our party said, "Now that's the Carol K factor!" Nah. More like the "David" factor. He's an owner who takes really good care of his regular customers!
(4)Melissa P.
Great Drinks- specialty "speak easy" drinks. Food is also amazing but small portions. Get an app or flatbread as well. Cool crowd and ambiance. A ittle pricey but normal for River North.
(4)Justyna S.
Rude staff, will not be coming back.
(1)Brad J.
I have been here three times now and that will be it for me. I totally understand the good reviews based on atmosphere and decor, both are very nice. My issue is with the prices of the food/drink menu for what you get and the unfriendly and uninformed staff. One of my friends, who was a bartender, got a drink that was not made correctly, the staff argued with her and it went back and forth. We all tasted the drink and agreed with her. They handled the situation as bad as they could. The beer menu, which is quite solid, has everything marked up a dollar or two from most other place I've seen. I guess that's the decor surcharge. When I combine my experiences here with what I paid and how I was treated, I'm left to a whiff of snobbery and entitlement. I guess my issue isn't with the taste of the food as much as it was with the whole attitude of the place. I think in the long run the decor and atmosphere won't be able to make up for the feeling I left with, which was shared by my wife and the friends we were with. This wasn't just one experience either, it was three.
(2)Sopla R.
I just soaked up the atmosphere and relished the vibe here. It's like the Anthropologie (well almost) of restaurants. I really appreciated the attention to the details. (decor that is.. we'll get to the other details later.. ) I had the fried green tomato/shrimp dish.The texture of the tomato was spot on the shrimp cooked perfectly, all in all a very tasty dish. We also tried the turkey burger. This was a nice flavor profile but not executed properly....The accompaniments were fine it was the texture of the turkey.. they over ground it. which happens quite a bit with turkey which causes it to taste mushy. Not the consistency you want especially if you are pairing it with a brie cheese and a cranberry relish/chutney. Also, tried the dark n stormy it was OK a bit heavy on the ginger but otherwise OK. As for the service, while friendly enough, she basically cut in front of me to deliver my husband's drink and he was sitting directly across from me, I had to move back abruptly. She didn't say oh sorry or anything, I don't even think it occurred to her how wrong this was and it wasn't like she couldn't go around either side of the table. I'm guessing she missed the serve from the left, remove from the right. or even if you really are a fine dining snob it's serve from the right and remove from the right "memo" which seems to be the norm these days in terms of service. I don't think it's OK to slack on these details when you are at this price point. I really hope the next time I go back I'll have the overall experience that I'm paying for.
(3)B G.
The food is absolutely amazing! The bacon wrapped figs with goat cheese are DELICIOUS...we ended up ordering a second helping. I had the bagel crusted salmon, my friends ordered the scallops and the steak tartar...just great on the palette and fresh. We had some other places we wanted to try out before we headed back to NY but we thought about going for a second time during our short stay. Will definitely go back next time I'm in the Chi!
(5)Susan F.
Updated review: Been here 3 times. Nothing bad about the cocktails, this review is strictly on food. We got 2 drinks, small mussel plate, small tartar, and large short ribs. With tip, it came to just under $100-- NOT worth it, I'll tell you why... Pros: 1. Great for reservations. Got in at 7:15 on a Friday 2. Short ribs. Smallish portion for a "big plate" but it was good. Too much at $20 for that small portion. Cons: 1. They sat us in the front by the window, facing the window. It was cold as eff. Wind coming in through their not-so-well insulated window panes. Uhg. 2. We ordered 2 small plates and 1 large plate to split between the 2 of us. 10 minutes after ordering, ALL of the food came out. So, we had to pick what we wanted to eat first because everything was going to get cold... What the heck. Also, 10 minutes is way too fast for food to come out. No other restaurant has every served these types of plates together unless you specifically ask for it. 3. Mussels were horrible. I have ordered about 30 different types of mussels in the past 3 years (no joke) and these were my least favorite. Sure, they had chorizo but the flavor had no depth and the mussels smelled like horse hay. I could only eat 6 or 7 of them before giving up. Also, another downside was that there were only about 15 mussels in there and for that price, we have gotten 24-30 other places in Chicago--- nice places too, I might add. Not impressed, I had to eat the bread to feel full. 4. Steak tartar. Nothing to write home about, small portion. Expected more. Really expected more from you, Hubbard Inn. Make your food as good as your drinks, please..
(2)Ev A.
This place is always my go-to for everything and I've never been let down. When Hubbard Inn first opened, I had my birthday here and everyone was impressed by the ambiance and service. I've had first dates, company happy hours, girl's night dinner, happy hour on the patio... I mean every kind of occasion, I have counted on Hubbard Inn to deliver and have never been disappointed. For cocktails, I love the Moscow Mules and the South Siders. I always drink vodka-water so I'm glad I can change it up a bit when I come here. When dining, the Flatbread is delicious (Mushroom & Asparagus Flatbread is my fave), the Kale Salad is fresh and light, and this Chickpea Wrap is yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge "meat-eater"... I have tried their Lamb Lollipops and was impressed/interested and I always order the Bacon Wrapped Dates. I'm not sold on their Scallops though, a little too salty for my liking. If you're from out of town or live in the city, I always suggest and personally select Hubbard Inn.
(5)Jaclyn L.
I came here on a random Wednesday night for a drink with friends. The ambiance is cool, the cocktails were creative and delicious, however they were definitely overpriced since they were weak. If I am going to pay $13-14 for a drink, I would rather head over to Three Dots and a Dash for their stronger cocktails, even though it's a totally different (but equally nice) vibe than Hubbard Inn.
(3)Linsey R.
First time dining here on Friday night with my bf. Without reservations we anticipated a lengthy wait for a table at this River North hotspot. The hostesses informed us 45 minutes (what we had expected) and suggested the lounge upstairs for cocktails while we wait. I'm not sure I would consider the upstairs a "lounge". More like a lounge/sports-bar/club hybrid. The decor was fab--intimate lighting, early century candle sticks, and hand lettered menus on the walls--but the blaring music, TVs playing espn, and jam packed bar with standing room only, was anything but. We literally had to yell to maintain conversation--not what I expect in a "lounge". Great craft and classic libations menu, and the bartenders were knowledgable fulfilling my request for a classic cocktail not listed on their menu, but $12 for a Last Word? That's just too pricey for standard classics. The beer list was also extensive, although I was concerned that they had listed "Southern Tier Pumking" as brewed in Belgium. Hopefully this was just a typo. Over an hour later we still hadn't been seated. I curiously went downstairs to ask about the status of our table only to be informed of another 30 min wait. Not cool. There was no way we could tolerate another half hour in the "lounge" and we were too restless to start over somewhere else. My partner decided to discuss this predicament with the hostesses and, to our relief, we were seated right away. Once seated we were still unable to hear ourselves over the deafening music, but were promptly greeted by 2 different servers who were very welcoming and attentive. We ordered the crepe and pork belly risotto with a side of Brussels sprouts. Although listed as "small plates" these were more like entree sized portions. The flavors of the crepe and risotto were outstanding and the pork belly was cooked to a perfect crisp! The Brussels, however, were served in a miniature cast iron skillet wading in a pool of oil. I literally had to tap each piece and let the oil flow off before consuming. With incredibly mixed feelings about the Hubbard Inn I certainly will not be back on a weekend, but might give it another try as a midweek date night.
(2)James C.
Hmm where to begin. Let's start with the good. It's a great vibe and ambiance, which is a relief for many of the bars in RN. There is a cool library space in the back that really goes with the flow of the entire space. Also, the staff is extremely nice. They were attentive and top of everything all night. A+ to the staff. Now that bad. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was completely awful. The shrimp were undercooked and had a horrible finish. I was able to eat only one. The greasy piece of bread underneath was a mess, adding nothing to the plate. And the drinks? I had five - six Grey Goose and sodas. After drinking this many cocktails, you'd think I'd be stumbling out the door. Not at this place. After drinking my last cocktail, I noticed that I was not even buzzed. This is my number one pet peeve at a bar. They serve you ten dollar cocktails, but poor the weakest drinks on earth. Seriously, I think they poured O'Douls instead of Grey Goose. I have zero problem paying ten dollars for a cocktail, but it better be strong. I would let it slide if it happened with one drink, but this was all night. I ended up switching to beer. I get the reason bars are stingy with alcohol portions. Wait, I don't get it. If you charge ten dollars for a drink, it better be the strongest drink I have ever had. I better take a sip and rethink my life choices. I better say, "Hey, am I an alcoholic?" I don't want to be five drinks in and feel like I've been ripped off. Hubbard Inn saved money on alcohol that night, but lost a new customer and gained a bad review. Priorities, people.
(2)Kyle F.
This is based purely on service. We were given a 10 minute wait time. We kept checking in with the hostess stand, and ended up waiting 2 hours. They finally seated us at 10 after 10PM. This would all have been fine; we were willing to deal with the wait. However, when the hostess seated us, she gave us an appetizer menu. We explained that we were looking for a dinner menu, and she told us they stopped serving dinner at 10. The hostesses knew that we came for dinner, and no-one bothered to tell us they were going to stop serving before we got a table. We ended up having to leave to get dinner down the street. Although the food here may be fabulous (I see a lot of great reviews) I would never return to this place. There wasn't even an apology. The bottom line: if you want to eat here, you better have a reservation. If you are just walking down the street and think you can walk in, wait, and eat, forget it. Not worth your time.
(1)Jennifer S.
I came to HI last Saturday night for drinks with a bunch of friends. We got there pretty early (8ish) and were able to get a big booth just for drinking. We were pleasantly surprised since a lot of establishments don't seat people who aren't going to order food anywhere but the bar. The cocktail list is really extensive and unusual...and exactly what I like! Since there was several of us we all got to try different things. There was also a very extensive beer and wine list, which kept the boys happy who aren't very into cocktails. The only downside of our experience was our waitress who was pretty dumb. Then we started having two different waitresses who apparently didn't know the other was repeatedly stopping by our table. I don't think it's a new place so I'm not sure what the kinks were there but all I can say is the drinks were great, I'd love to go back to try the food.
(4)Regina M.
The food was disgusting! It didn't have any flavor and when we told the waitress about it, she offered us Tabasco sauce. We had to leave early without having dessert because we really disliked the food and the service was terrible.
(1)Jill G.
No good. Slow service. Cold food. Sorry but risotto is not made by cooking rice and adding cream. My friends I were with both ordered the skirt steak and had to send it back because it came out cold. There are so many places in Chicago to eat - don't waste your time coming here. Sorry :/
(1)Grace N.
Ok, so I admit that I am a naive, ex-River Norther turned suburbanite and thought that Hubbard Inn was actually....an inn. I arrived for an event and was pleasantly surprised that we weren't going to be schmoozing in a hotel lobby....rather, we were tete-a-teting in a charming "library." The upstairs room is a wonderful event space, and the bookshelves and fireplace really create a unique bar atmosphere. Not to mention, their food was really good. Flatbreads never wow me but theirs did, and the atmosophere was fun without being pretentious. All in all, not a bad place to study on a Friday night.
(4)Jennifer P.
I made a reservation one month in advance for a party of 12 on Saturday, Feb. 2 9pm specifically for the second floor "library space". I received an email from Amy Nowasake confirming my time and the space. Again, one month in advance. I also received a confirmation phone call Friday (the day before) confirming my reservation. This was for a birthday party so, Evites were sent out. Our party arrived at Hubbard Inn promptly at 9pm. We were told that our spot had been "taken over" by another party and they were going to seat us downstairs at a communal table. This is unacceptable if you're at all familiar with Hubbard Inn. If you are not, the "library space" has couches and it's a comfortable area for 12 people to stand and move around. Highly different from a "communal table" downstairs. There was some back and forth talk for about 45 minutes with the host and hostess about what we were going to do about this issue. They wanted to put us (12 people) at two 4 top tables pushed together upstairs. That's unacceptable for 12 people. Needless to say, all 12 of us ended up leaving and going across the street to Mercer One Thirteen who accommodated us immediately, with NO reservation. I'm writing this review on Monday, Feb. 4. I held out to see if anyone at Hubbard Inn would reach out to me. I did this because not only did I have a confirmation email from Amy, I had a confirmation from Open Table that Hubbard Inn cancelled when we left. Obviously, they did not reach out. I have since learned that this same scenario happened to someone else the same night. Yes, they apologized. Yes, they tried to make other accommodations, even though unacceptable. I was humiliated as I had invited 12 people to a spot I had reserved and Hubbard Inn "gave it away". It should have NEVER happened in the first place. I would think twice before you book a reservation with Hubbard Inn.
(1)Jessica N.
Held a private event here and had a great time. They have a diverse beer list. Cocktails were in the fancy mixology arena, my only complaint is that my Moscow mule was WAY to sweet. The ambience is great and cozy. The flatbreads were by far the best apps we tried. The mushroom, asparagus was a perfect way to welcome Spring! Bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates - how could that NOT be good. Plus the dates were a good size (not puny ones you get at tapas sometime). Service was great and friendly. I would definitely be back!
(4)Bryan N.
Talk about awful service. We waited an hour last night for a table of two. During that time, we saw group after group sit down. The hostess said she would call us when our seat was open. During that hour, I never saw her pick up the phone. There were six completely open tables, so I asked her how long the wait would be. She said she was only 2/3s through her list, so it would be awhile, but that we should go to the bar and get sinks while we wait. Really? Seems like hey just want to get more money from us. We left and went to Bull and Bear right down the street. We were seated right away, and our hostess and waitress were so friendly. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Hubbard Inn.
(1)Juliana R.
I can't believe how pretentious the people who go to this bar are. My friends and I were laughing and people were giving us the stink eye...I guess nothing's here? What a boring place to be. The beer selection is the only good thing, I guess.
(3)Grace P.
I went to a birthday dinner for a girlfriend on sat. night. There were 14 of us. Really loved the food and drinks. Especially the bacon wrapped dates, spinach goat cheese salad and bagel crusted salmon! 5 STARS ON THE FOOD AND DRINKS! the 2 stars or low rating is for the ARTIC FREEZE you get when trying to dine! They really need to 'winterize' the door so that we don't get blasted with the cold air everytime people come through the front door! (the temporary door that some restaurants and bars put in so they don't freeze the patrons??) The place is just one big room - dining area and bar so everyone gets blasted! It was very uncomfortable to dine through this!! and it was much worse when the "club peeps" started coming in around 10. The doors were held open much longer....THEY SHOULD REALLY FIX THE ARTIC BLAST!!!!
(2)Jaye E.
I planned a Bachelorette party here for around 20 people a couple of weeks ago. I live in NYC and found the manger who I spoke to, Zack, to be very helpful in booking the reservation. I called 3 times to confirm the time (once on our way there) and everyone I spoke to confirmed the amount of people and time. When we arrived at 9PM on a Saturday, it was EMPTY, yet they still kept us waiting and claimed that they had 2 reservations for us-- 1 at 9:30 and 1 at 10PM (neither of which were correct). Finally, we were seated in a smallish area, but at the time our party was small so I didn't think anything of it. When the place started getting crowded, we were informed that we need to squish into the little spot they had reserved for us because another party had arrived. I spoke to a different manager, Michael, about my disappointment in our area. We had a reservation for 20 people and our "table area" CLEARLY did not accommodate 20 people. As stated by other reviews, I was shocked at how terrible their customer service was. Michael said to me, " When you make a reservation for 20 people, it doesn't mean that 20 people will have seating, you NEED to calm down". First of all, I was calm and very polite when expressing my disappointment. Second, I live in NYC and have been to several bars and clubs-- I obviously know that a 20 person reservation won't seat 20 people. Twenty people could not even stand in the section we had. Finally, after about 20 minutes, they were able to give us some ottomans and expand our section a bit to make people a bit more comfortable. However, they were SO SHORT STAFFED. It seemed that our very lovely waitress was one of the ONLY people working and the drinks were HARD to come by. It took an average of 20-30 minutes to get even 1 round of drinks. We would have spent more money on drinks had the service been better. In the end, Michael did attempt to make it right and sent over 2 bottles of complimentary champagne as an apology for the evening. While I appreciate the gesture, his attitude and my overall experience at Hubbard Inn definitely put a damper on my night. My friend had a great time at her party, but I wish I could have enjoyed it a bit more-- and I also wish our guests would have had better service. I'm planning another bachelorette in Chicago this summer-- was hoping this place would be a go-to based on how lovely the booking process was--but after my experience, DEFINITELY not.
(2)Tim S.
Pretty good "Goto" spot when people come visit. It's busy but not jam packed. During the week it's an easy business meeting spot. Good Moscow Mule and flat breads were tasty. It has a varied menu so something for everyone.
(4)Mia K.
It's a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning and while all the brunch places in the neighborhood are packed this one was almost completely empty. This should've been a warning sign, but no, my friend and I still decided to go in. We were seated right away of course, since the place was empty. We ordered a couple of bloody marys and they were the most disgusting drink I've ever tasted. It felt like the bar tender just dumped a table spoon of pepper, salt and some other spices into the glasses. The spices were so heavy, it was impossible to drink so after a couple of sips we just put our drinks to the side. The waiter was ok, nothing special, he saw that we were not enjoying our drinks but didn't bother to ask why or to offer something else. I ordered the shrimp and fired green tomatoes, nothing special, lacked spices (probably ran out of spices after making that bloody mary), but the shrimps were very big. Overall, not the best brunch place, I will probably not come back.
(2)Vanessa B.
So I'm one of those people who really likes to try new places constantly. Despite that, I can't stop myself from continuing to come back to Hubbard Inn! I've only been for lunch (it is really close to my office), but everything I've ever had has been delicious. During fall they had a pumpkin sage flatbread that was so fantastic. It was savory with just the right amount of sweet from the pumpkin and perfect crispy flatbread. I am also IN LOVE with the sheep's milk ricotta ravioli. The texture of the pasta is great - the perfect amount of thickness and just a little al dente. The sheep's milk filling is rich and creamy and has just a hint of citrus that I love. It also comes with a really great mushroom ragout, which I was shocked to find that I like as I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms in general. I confess I order the ravioli almost every time. I need to get there for dinner some time as I hear they have great cocktails too!
(4)Lisa Z.
I love the decor at this place. As far as Hubbard Street spots, I've found that it's pretty classy/swanky, but not as douchey as some places. If you want to get dressed up for a night out, this is a great spot! It may be packed shoulder to shoulder, so you may want to arrive early-ish to stake out some space, but it's a fun spot and everyone is suspiciously good looking. I've been for lunch and dinner as well, and think the food is great for upscale bar. I definitely recommend any of the flatbreads! Will definitely be back. I believe they also offer space for rent -- a friend did her 30th birthday here, and we had a nice spot in the couch area upstairs with our own server. They were very helpful and we never had to wait for a drink. The bar is crowded on weekend nights, but I haven't had real problems waiting for drinks there anyway.
(4)Justine M.
Like the decor of this place - dark, classy old western-ish feel. Went for lunch w/ co-workers. Food was presented nicely. I got the lobster roll sandwich. Nothing too great - very creamy...too much for my liking. They have an extensive drink list. I'd come back to drink here but that's about it.
(3)Kathleen C.
Yay Hubbard Inn! I visited Hubbard Inn around the holidays with one of my old roommates from college. I had to sit at the bar for a bit and wait for her (not super surprising...). I am knocking 1 star off of my review because of my bar experience. The bartender would.not.help.me ...seriously, wouldn't look at me, wouldn't acknowledge my presence...he helped the woman next to me and the guy on the other side. I'm not entirely sure if I gave him a stink eye or what, but he wouldn't help me. Thankfully, another bartender came over to take my order. She was super sweet (and that was even when she had to walk over to the other side of the bar from where she was working to help me). In any case, the rest of the visit was really fun! We had a reservation and even though both of us were not there at the same time, they held the table for us. The host and server even "saved" us when the guys at the bar kept coming over to try and loiter near our table (which was not actually at the bar). The server was super nice, really helpful with the menu and didn't rush us even though it was a busy evening. The food was really tasty and I liked that some of the menu items had a bit of a twist to them and were rather inventive. All in all, a great spot! Though, go early if you want a spot at the bar. Atmosphere - 5 Food - 5 Bathrooms - 4 Service - 3 Value - 4
(4)Johnny T.
Now this is more like it! After a disappointing dining experience, my crew was in search of a proper way to end the evening. After a couple of clicks on our handy-dandy Yelp apps, we were led to Hubbard Inn and I am so pleased that we were. Being that we had zero appetite for food, we skipped the downstairs dining area and headed upstairs for some cocktails. Before I mention anything about the menu and service, I have to mention the decor. It's incredible. You feel as though you have stepped into Hemingway's Chicago home, complete with dramatic staircase, interesting tiles, comfy (yet, very manly) leather couches, books (!), bookcases, and dark woods (furniture and flooring). The Old Man surely would have given up on the Sea had a place like Hubbard Inn existed in the 1950s. Feeling appropriately masculine, I contemplated ordering a beer... but that's no fun, right? I looked over the house cocktails, determined to order something worthy of Ernest and that's when it hit me: when dealing with a classic, order a classic. And, it was at that time, that I ordered my first Moscow Mule. I know! Where have I been? Well, I waited for my first time to be a good one. The cocktail was expertly made and with every sip of lime, vodka, mint and ginger beer, I wondered why I hadn't been sipping on these lovelies for quite some time now. My libation reverie was made all the more better by attentive service from Tricia -- who even ran after our party when one of us forgot our phone. Managers of Hubbard Inn, hold on to her. She's an asset! Hubbard Inn is in an odd location. The night we went, the upstairs was rather empty and that's a shame. In another part of town (Lincoln Square/North Center), there would never be a moment where this place was anything but full. I suppose for the sake of my experience, I am grateful that it's not in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods. If it were, perhaps I would not have had the chance to live out my own book: The Old Man and the Drink.
(4)Christina B.
The atmosphere has a good vibe, a trendier bar area on the first floor and a more intimate library themed area on the second floor. The drinks are great--they have a number of housemade creation staples and seasonal creations. The Strawberry Cooler is quite tasty. It did take a while to get our drinks at the first floor bar so only four stars.
(4)Rachel S.
My decision to come here to eat was purely practical in nature. I was meeting BF's dad for dinner; he was staying at LaSalle and Hubbard, and I was coming from Fado (wicked close by) so the night before I decided to try to find a place for dinner that would involve as little transportation for both of us as possible. We went to Paris Club last time he was in town, so that was right out, but I wanted something similar-ish, small plates perhaps, good cocktails, etc. After browsing around Open Table for a while, I settled on the Hubbard Inn. Looked solid enough. When we arrived, I was pleased by the decor, very interesting, manly perhaps, somewhat rustic, with a definite European vibe to it. On to the consumables: For drinks, I started with the Hubbard Rose and ended with a Moscow Mule, both fine, for sure, but I've had better. For example, I was expecting the Hubbard Rose to be served neat in a coupe or something, not with crushed ice in a low-ball, but maybe that's just me. BF's dad had an aviation, which he liked, and a glass of red wine with dinner that he let the waitress pick. Meal: we started with the steak tartare (which was fine, the flavor was good, but the meat was a little gluey) and salads. I had the beet salad, and BF's dad had the pear salad. The pears from the pear salad were off the CHAIN so good, poached in saffron or some such, and were delicioius. My beet salad was unwieldy at best and downright ungraceful at worst. All the dressing was at the bottom (can't toss, son?) with a ginormous pile of frisee on top and a teensy sprinkling of cheese and walnuts with about 8 little beets around the edges. The beets were good, but the frisee was in hugemongous pieces so it was embarrassing and difficult to wrangle one of those hairy suckers into my mouth without getting the bright red (and extreeeeemely acidic) dressing all over my face. Overall, didn't really enjoy my salad, but BF's dad cleaned his plate, so there's that. Main event: I had the sweetbreads and BF's dad had the short ribs. I've never in my wee little life seen sweetbreads on a menu as a main dish, kinda weird, but I lurve those little glorious glands, so I gave it a whirl. Plus I love brussels sprouts. I was pretty much really disappointed by this dish. The menu (and the chef, presumably) claimed that the sweetbreads would be crispy. Crispy, they were not. Bland, they were, and egregiously overcooked, they definitely were. I cried little tears for mistreated offal and ate as much as I could muster to not appear rude to my companion. I tasted a bite of the shortribs and they were a bit ropey and dry. Sad sea lion. For dessert we went with what they called the apple crostini, which in truth was a small free-form tart, not crostini, but I'll let it slide, I guess. Despite the fact that I abhor apple pie and the like, I actually enjoyed this dessert, it was not too sweet, had something savory happening in there and the crust was delightfully flaky. Probably won't be back... There are always more fish in the River North Ocean of food.
(2)Rebecca E.
This place is ridiculous. They think they are something that they really arent and you can smell it a mile away. We had a 9pm reso, arrived on time and expected to have to wait a few minutes because the place was packed. Well, 25 minutes later and we are still waiting at the bar...approach the holier-than-tho hostess who says it will be another 5-10 min, they are all paying...10 min pass...go back up to said nose-in-the-air hostess who has a matching condescending smile and she says she is sorry but the tables are lingering and they will give us a drink on the house at the bar for our troubles. At this point, it is about 10pm. I want nothing to do with your restaurant or the crappy service i have seen a preview of here at the hostess stand. Thanks for the drink offer, but no thanks. We took our business elsewhere. I am from NYC, where it is nearly impossible to get a table in many restaurants. If I have a reservation, I am seated. If I have a reso and have to wait 10 minutes, that is a new record. Hubbard Inn needs to learn that service is key to success.
(1)Sangeeta K.
I was here for my husband's office Christmas party last year. This place has great ambiance and their cocktails were very potent! The rich wooden decor is just fabulous. However the food we tried was rather mediocre. I might give this place another chance in the near future.
(4)Jackie H.
Great decor, food and drinks!!! I'm not crazy about the customer service but it's not bad enough to keep me away from this place. I love that it's inspired by Hemmingway.
(4)Kelsey K.
I liked Hubbard Inn, don't get me wrong, but it belongs in the area where it is. The drinks are pricey and the same as you get anywhere and the staff is pretty douchey, as are the majority of the establishments within 3 blocks, but the food was really good. I have no complaints about the menu and the decor is really cool, but it truly is a product of its environment. I got the goat cheese ravioli which was delish and everything else at the table was met with great reviews. The weird thing was that I ordered some Effen Black Cherry cosmos and they just couldn't get them right. It was weird, it's just a cosmo, made with Effen Black Cherry... simple enough, no?? They tasted like they were made with gin or something and I had to send them back twice at the urging of my tablemates. Would I go back if invited? Sure, it was fine. Would I seek it out on my own? No.
(3)Nish R.
Went there for an event recent;y. They had some delish appetizers st the upstairs bar. Bacon wrapped dates were my favorite, the pizzas were so so. Wings were juicy and delish and the sliders were pretty good too. They have pretty good cocktails and the staff is pretty nice. Decor is more classic, old school (in a good way) and creates a nice warm and cozy feel. Nice hang out on a cold winter night.
(3)Nicole K.
I made reservations here for my sister's bachelorette party and I couldn't have made a better choice. We were looking for a bar that was really lively, but where we could still have a table and sit down when we wanted to. The great thing about Hubbard Inn is that you're able to reserve a table without having to deal with bottle service. We made a reservation for 10 people at midnight and were able to skip past the line to get in. I had originally requested a table upstairs, but when we checked in with the hostess, she said that it was totally booked. I think she could tell that I was disappointed, because after a few minutes of being seated at a table by the door downstairs, she tapped my shoulder and walked us upstairs to the area by the fireplace. The spot was perfect and my sister's friends all had a blast. I would highly recommend this place both for dinner or a night out.
(4)Kate W.
Good drinks, cool atmosphere, nice for after work drink and app.
(4)Andrea R.
I met some of my girlfriends for dinner here at Hubbard Inn on a recent Monday night. The last time I stopped in for drinks it was completely packed so I was surprised to see we were one of the only tables in the restaurant. Then again...it was Monday. The menu here is meant for sharing. One of my dining companions was pregno and happens to also be a picky eater so she ordered her own meal. The other 4 gals (including yours truly) shared. The food came out all at once, which was a bit overwhelming. I usually prefer that it comes out slowly when you're sharing several dishes, but I guess they get props for fast service. The good: bacon wrapped dates, steak tartare, the burger (tough to share, but we managed), and the spinach and goat cheese salad I had heard the flatbreads (aka small pizzas) were good, but I was underwhelmed by them. Oh and I can't forget the bottle of refreshing sauvignon blanc we shared as well. A must to starting off the week right!
(4)Esther Y.
I met some friends here for after work cocktails and some snacks. The bevvies were good and the apps were pretty good as well. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which-tbh, is hard to mess up, and a couple of flatbreads. The mushroom and asparagus flatbread was by far the best...so delicious. This is a great option for drinks and apps.
(3)Zander H.
This place SUCKS!! I thought is would be a nice place because of the effort that went into the decor, but we got there at 8:30pm on a Saturday night, barley any tables filled and they made us wait. Our reservation was for 9:15, but even when we asked at that time if we could be seated, they refused to sit us, and there we're still 10+ tables available. We were finally seated at 9:30pm after we asked to be seated for a third time. When we were seated, the service was terrible. Slow and didn't care. We gave him a 5% tip it was that bad. The food was even worse!!!!!! If you are looking for good food, do not go here. The hot food was cold and the cold food tasted like arm pit. Yes, arm pit! BO!!! This place looks like it is out of a Restoration Hardware catalog, but everything else is terrible. I repeat: DO NOT GO HERE, WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!!!!!
(1)Meredith K.
Came back again for a late lunch. Has something happened? The service is still very friendly. The bathrooms are the worst! There was no toilet paper! Seriously I found a roll on top of some empty rolls in one stall. That was it. I was so annoyed. Also the hand dryer was broken. I let our server know. Maybe I was being punked? I wasn't in the mood for cocktails. I tried a sparkler which was ok. My bf had a chardonnay which was just ok. We started w/ the mussels which didn't say sausage on the menu but on the blackboard over the bar it did. Ooops! I ate some of it anyway just tried to avoid the meat. It did give it a nice spice. And zero barnyard mussels in the whole pot! That has never happened! The bread they serve with it is good too. I got the lobster roll and fries again. Good! My by got a beef burger and loved it. They took the turkey burger off of the menu. We both loved the fries. So removing a star for the menu changes (esp the mussels) and the terrible bathroom. I don't think I'll get another deal for here. Its a nice place but I don't need a third lobster roll.
(3)Lindsey A.
Hubbard Inn is an 8,000-square-foot, 250-seat "Hemingway inspired" restaurant. The owners spent more than $1.5 million on getting the space to look as beautiful as it does - but maybe they should have used some of that green to give its serving staff lessons in how to properly serve people. No? The money pot has cobwebs instead of Washingtons? Here, I'll give you some tips for free: First, it's all right if my water glass gets low but don't let it get empty multiple.times.during.the.night - especially when I'm drinking heavily. I need that H2O. I guess it's not 'that big of a deal' if it gets low, since I do have a tasty alcoholic beverage to abide in, but, wait - don't let that AND my water cup go dry.... because you did, Hubbard Inn, many times last night. And it started to piss me off. Third (cause that was second, right up there): Bring us silverware before our food comes out. Fourth: If you're not going to bring us silverware, at least be present so we can flag you down - not wait 10 minutes and strain our necks attempting to search for you. We were a party of seven who spent a lot of money and time at Hubbard Inn last night and while the atmosphere shines (seriously, it's awesome in there) and the food hits the spot (though mains should be served with sides), the service ... or lack thereof.... marred my experience.
(3)Jim V.
Great River North location with a spectacular ambiance and atmosphere! The food and drinks were top notch. Perfect for happy hours and dinner/drinks with friends!
(5)Tracy L.
THE INN Two levels of bars and dining areas. An intimate sofa corner in the back of the ground floor. Cozy, trendy yet almost old-fashioned and speakeasy-ish. If you shrink it and make it older, I see Gandalf and his hobbit gang hang out here. Love it. FUN DRINKS Cocktails came in tiny, precious amount, but amazing. English Daisy, Hepburn and Hemingway were all refreshing and...strong. Sip please. FAB FOOD Sausage flatbread was a fun little snack. Crispy tuna was delicioso (I'm missing it as I type...) A good place, yes? Yes.
(4)Matthew T.
It is with great displeasure that I have to give Hubbard Inn a one star rating. I am not that great at writing reviews but what I can tell you is that I have had much experience in restaurant operations and customer service. This is where Hubbard Inn has its down fall!!! The evening started out wonderful, we had a great dinner out for a friends 30th birthday followed by drinks at the Hubbard Inn. A section was reserved prior to us arriving at Hubbard Inn. We arrived shortly after our reservation where our section was still reserved (Plus). We started to order drinks the service was very slow. It seemed like it took forever for the server to get our 4 drinks. We asked for a pitcher of water and it seemed like the server had to go to the well down the street to fetch the water. Okay so while we were paying $12.00 for a drink another party showed up and started to complain about they needed a bigger section. It seemed as if the pretentious manager did not care about our several hundred dollars we had just spent but just wanted us to move on. So in good spirits our group decided to move to the upper level of the bar. We proceeded to have a seat where we got a few more drinks. A friend in the group asked our "bright" server if we could get some shots and well this is where the review turns for an alright night to a BAD night. The server came back to our table with my friends credit card in hand and in a very snooty attitude stated "We don't have that up here but you can go down stairs and order." I am sorry but if you are a full service bar and you are providing your clientele with a server are they not supposed to get serve you what you ordered? The server seemed to be very frantic and was very short with us. As I stated earlier I do have experience in restaurants and operations so I thought it would be a good idea to speak with the manager. This was a mistake he was just as helpless as our server. He seemed to have an excuse for why the server wasn't doing her job. "Oh I am sorry I can't imagine why she would do that I know her and she has pretty much been here since we opened." He stated he would try to find out what happened but he never came back to find me nor did he apologize for her being rude to our party. The server did come back and apologize but I think too little too late. I will never be going back to this establishment. They tried to smooth it over by send a complimentary birthday dessert for my friend. I guess that was nice but the servers actions as well as the managers actions are inappropriate. I guess unless you are spending thousands of dollars you do not matter at this establishment. Total money spent for horrible service about $400.00. Writing this review priceless.
(1)Ebony R.
After reading the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. My friend was hosting a birthday celebration and because of that, thankfully, I went anyway. Nick, our bartender/server, was a doll. He was extremely attentive and his effort went above and beyond as he made an earnest attempt to learn our names. (No small feat.) My goat cheese and spinach salad was really good and the sweet potato fries were amazing. When I return it will be to try the bison burger.
(4)Michael H.
Great Cocktails/Great Space-Can't wait to try the food!
(4)Jelena Z.
Things I learned at Hubbard Inn: - They're known for their beer. Goose Island Sofie on draft? Get it. - The Facebook mobile chat application has gaping holes capable of ruining both established relationships and budding flirtations. If someone tells you they reached out via FB chat and you didn't get the message, odds are they aren't lying (Corey D and I ran multiple experiments on the premises). - Albert Pujols and Tommy Lasorda are evil, according to my colleague Johnny T. Know that his smack talk is null and void with me 'cause I'm from the StL. Anyway, Pujols doesn't lie about his age and surely doesn't engage in illicit steroid use. Gosh, Johnny, you're so mean. - Oh, the bar? Yeah, that. The space is all brooding and Hemingway-esque with its sprawling ode to a library replete with masculine wood trim and dark sofas. Le gorge. - Corey and I smelled the most delicious cologne. Where's the man wearing it? Aha, 'twas our server. A very female server! Turns out, Burberry Brit is very androgynous, and very sexy. I'm buying some tomorrow! - Said cologne will make you lose your head and forget your phone. But Tricia the sweet-smelling server chased us out to the next block to reconnect me with my Android. Good god girl, that perfume could turn a straight girl the other way! Though I will be using it to attract the less fair gender and I think Tricia does too. - Next time, I will pay more attention to Hubbard Inn. Forgive me?
(4)Joe A.
So first off I'm a server/bartender and I first came here for the mustache pub crawl. My first impression was under dressed but felt greeted as soon as shannon the bartender greeted us with a smile to kill. It is probably the first time in a while in downtown Chicago I felt actually welcomed. The next thing I noticed was the atmosphere, very calm still before a storm, but the next thing that caught my eye was that Shannon was also the person handling the servers tickets (ala service bar). Not only she was one an amazing job with her bar tables but man she was quick with some labor intensive drinks for service bar. Now I do live in the suburbs but the experience I had there would drive me to come back without hesitation. This was probably the best experience I've had in a bar in a while. I found out she was a part time manager and she deserves it. Keep up the good work hiring within and bring the people up that deserve it guys! You won a person in the industry over today
(5)John B.
I don't know what happened to this place, but I don't foresee it being around for much longer. Slow service despite a pretty much empty bar is unacceptable on a Labor Day weekend.
(1)Hayley N.
Loved the atmosphere here and the decor. The staff was friendly and attentive, but not overly pushy. The music was great and the food was delicious. I had the goat cheese spinach salad, which was as good as a goat cheese salad could get with a warmed fried goat cheese medallion, blackberries, bacon, and nuts. The mussels were very flavorful and perfectly done. This place was full, but we didn't have to wait for a table. It was filled with a variety of different people, but everyone looked like they were having a good time. I would definitely recommend this place for a date- the lighting was nicely dim and the tables weren't all crammed together like most date places in Chicago. Definitely impressed by this place and will be going back.
(5)Shambavi K.
This is a great brunch option for locals and visitors. It has an attractive décor and I enjoyed studying the ingredients in the cocktails listed across the blackboard. This made me want to come back for drinks one day. We ordered the lobster omelet, steak and eggs, and a side of cucumber red onion salad. Lobster omelet was loaded with thick cuts of mushrooms and bits of lobster. Though I am supposed to be watching the carbs, I was childishly amazed by with multi-colored breakfast potatoes (purple, sweet, yellow). The steak and eggs was the low carb option as it came with slaw and not toast (yaay!). The cucumber red onion salad was refreshing and it was dressed with some oil, vinegar and parmesan cheese. We also enjoyed our bloody mary's too. Looking forward to coming back sometime.
(4)Joulie S.
The go go to spot for summer nights or even a bite to eat. The ambiance was set up to attract all types of personalities. I never been here during the day, but they serve food as far as I know. I came after after 10 pm...so as you walk in, it might seem loud, but your on the Main Bar floor. They also have a private fireplace lounge area in the back. You will see stairs going up to the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor is more loungy, a great place to chill with friends and enjoy some soft music in the background. The only thing you need to watch out for is that it gets super crowded, especially by the bar, me being short, I get lost in the crowd easily. I love the bar area by the window, decorated beautifully with melted candles! As you continue, you can either take the elevator or the stairs to go up to the 3rd floor (mind you, there is a 4th floor in the elevator but its private residential floor so it's locked) The third floor is less crowded because this is the club area, the music is loud and fast, the floor is occupied mostly by VIP tables(basically you can't sit there without a bottle service) you can still stand and enjoy the music around the bar area. I never tried their food here, my next review will be all about the food!!!
(5)TR M.
We attended a private event here and everything seemed fine. The room was very casual, but clean. The passed appetizers were good. The staff was just okay. Not overly friendly, not overly helpful but competent.
(3)Far K.
Came here with the Groupon deal, and was very disappointed. I didn't have high hopes to begin with but this was just below par for me. The interiors and decor is very nice and rustic contemporary. We had the mimosas, which was awful, crab cake Benedict, and flat bread pizza. The crab cake Benedict was very smelly; it had a very strong ocean crab smell, it wasn't fully cooked, and the hollandaise sauce had too much pepper. The flat bread pizza was plain with cheese, literarily tasted like someone put cheese and tomato sauce on some bread. The customer service was terribly slow, and there were long periods of waiting for the attention of our server. I would not be coming back to this place, and the only reason I gave it a 2 star was because the server offered us free strawberry ice-cream, which wasn't good at all. Over all, extremely disappointed, and also questioning most of the restaurant deals on groupon.
(2)Josh M.
This place is a huge winner for us. I love that is is spacious. Love the beer and bourbon selections. Also, had some nice looking wine options, both bottle and glass. The food was really great. Recommend the scallops for sure. The brussel sprouts were on point too. I think this is a great place for groups also dates. Huge space but I think you could find a nook or cranny to chat in a date setting. Recommend you check it out yourself. Tasty and delicious.
(4)A C.
Great for brunch! The corn beef hash with Brussel sprouts and a poached egg was one of the best I've ever had.
(5)Neal E.
We came in for some late night drinks. Started off with a local craft beer - the Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV (Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL). Pretty decent Pale Ale - not as hoppy as I would have liked, but still pretty good. Afterward, I switched over to wine and tried a glass of an Argentinian Malbec. The bartender, gave me a taste of the two Malbecs they carry, and then let me select based on that. Lot of folks hanging out on a Wednesday evening drinking. Bartender was awesome! If I lived in the area, I'd probably be a semi-regular of a joint such as this!
(4)Kate U.
Went to Hubbard Inn last night on a date and the food was & service was a little disappointing. We sat down around 7:30pm, but it took at least 15 min until a server came over to take our drink order. Once the drinks were put in our server was nowhere to be found until another 15 min went by and we finally put in the food order. The food itself was pretty good, I'd say 4 stars if I wasn't including the service. Started with the 4-cheese flatbread which was tasty, but kind of bland. I probably wouldn't have ordered this myself, but that's what the person I went with wanted. It's simple. I really wanted to get the lamb burger since I LOVE lamb and had heard great things about it, unfortunately they had taken it off of their dinner menu :( sad. Ended up getting the Bison burger instead which was loaded with stuff; raspberries, avocado, bacon, etc and was perfectly cooked however it wasn't juicy at all and even with all of that stuff added on, the meat had barely any flavor. I really wanted to like this place, but just didn't have a great experience for the money. Will have to come back again during lunch to try the lamb burger.
(3)Frank O.
Feeling healthy so i got the Turkey burger with the side salad. Since the bison burger was a bit dry I decided to get the turkey burger with extra cranberry mostarda. Excellent decision, the mostarda definitely added a lot of flavor to a burger which wouldn't have much otherwise (because turkey, brie, spinach). The side salad came with the house balsamic vinaigrette and it was large and tasty. I'd definitely recommend it over the other sides. Although I usually get sweet potato fries, I've had the ones at Hubbard Inn twice and they are below average. The crab cake benedict had a nice presentation, but was a bit bland flavor wise. The mimosa was pretty good. So food was better the second time around, mostly due to different choice of entree. Service was also more prompt on weekend brunch than for weekend dinner.
(4)Karen W.
The food was very hit or miss. The chicken rice soup - very good. The lamb burger was good as well. The Nicoise salad was requested with the tuna charred on the outside, raw inside but it came out looking like a skinny, overdone pork chop. Similarly, the steak salad was ordered medium rare and came out well done. While the servers were attentive, they seemed to choose whom they wanted to serve. One of our group was offered a drink refill, two others chimed in with a refill request also and were ignored. Overall, we were not impressed. The atmosphere was cool, but that's about it.
(2)James C.
Resembled a Las Vegas pool party atmosphere. The drinks were non stop with the bottle service being a plus. We spent most of the early day here at an day party event. There were beer soaked floors and champagne soaked walls.
(3)Joanna T.
A solid 3.5 stars. I love going to new places with a group because you get to try more things! Everything we tried was good! We had 2 different flat breads, both flavorful, the lamb meatballs which were very good, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, asparagus and the Cobb to share, and a grilled cheese. As others have mentioned, and I agree, it's got an old British Pub, well appointed library air about it. It's a comfortable, mellow place where you forget what time it is and instead order another round. I would recommend and come back.
(3)Kirk K.
Atmosphere is top notch from the decor to the music. However service from my experience was average - took around 10 mins to get drinks ordered. Per the menu, stay with the shareables/apps. Ordered the bison burger which was over cooked and was not overly impressive. However the bar and drinks were the highlight, and there are multiple levels to explore
(4)Assel U.
Awesome place! Beautifully decorated, attentive servers, delicious bison burger. For the quality of food, this little gem is unbeatable. Will be definitely back.
(5)Pablo D.
Blueberry pancakes and Brunch Burger. Very neat and crisp interior with comfortable decor and seating. The food has a high quality American flavor with signature blueberry pancakes and made from scratch breakfast potatoes that where a highlight for the burger dish. The burger is served with bacon and an over easy egg and toast, a definite must if you're feeling hungry! The bloody Mary's while not the best I've had and mimosa were very good.
(4)Tracy H.
Happy Hour review: Loved the ambiance. Came here on a Friday afternoon. Great drink list. My fiance and I got some happy hour items ($1 oysters/$2 king crab legs). The oysters were good, but the crab legs were excellent! Service started off strong but our waiter totally went AWOL at the end and we ended up waiting and waiting to close out, which is aggravating. Good, but in no rush to return.
(3)Courtney H.
I came in last night with 3 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were able to be seated right away. The restaurant was pretty much empty. Our waitress was nice enough. We started with the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and they were delicious! However, they come with a weird red sauce that took away from the flavoring. For my entrée I ordered the Pear and Endive salad and a side of Brussels Sprouts. The sprouts were pretty good, just very oily. The salad was VERY small. My friends were all joking about it. I didn't love the salad and I wouldn't get it again. 1 friend ordered the Lobster roll and I tried a bite and it was really good. Our other 2 friends got the Bison burgers and seemed to like it. 1 friend ordered it well and it came out VERY pink and she hadn't received her fries either. The waitress seemed pretty taken aback when my friend asked it be cooked longer, but she did apologize when she brought it back out with her fries. Overall, my bill was $29 plus $14 for valet. The valet is literally like 2 blocks away around a corner and the attendant actually waits across the street in a lot so I was sort of just waiting there for someone to come out. I wouldn't go back again unless someone else requested it.
(3)Katy S.
Visited Hubbard Inn last night, 8/14, a Thursday night. The crowd was poppin' with beautiful, classy people. The decor is gorgeous. I have a slight obsession with cool chandeliers and lamps at different spots around town. Hubbard Inn has some cool ceiling lamps :) see my pic. The bartenders were fast, attentive, and made suggestions accordingly. The most important question though is, "why is this four star worthy?" The freaking Sangria people, the freaking Sangria! It's made with several different liquors and you get an option. My friend ordered hers with the rum option. Dee-lish!! I ordered the champagne drink, not really impressed. All I wanted was my friend's sangria, LoL. Disclaimer: we were already REALLY tipsied by the time we got here, so I hope the sangria is as good as I remember. I will have to go back at the beginning of the night to give it the sober Katy test but for now, I went to sleep dreaming about this quite impressive cocktail. We didn't order food but for drinks, two thumbs up from this girl! SYS, H.I. ;)
(4)Angelica P.
I went to Hubbard Inn for brunch and was not disappointed. I had the lobster omelet and it was amazing!!! There were huge chunks of lobster in it. Their house potatoes were really good as well.
(4)Violet P.
Had an 11:00 reservation for brunch on Saturday before Easter. By 11:30 the place was packed. What a cute place and let me tell you, the food was absolutely yummy. The decor was very old time and I really thought it was very homey. Started with a bloody. Nothing too fancy and no chaser. I had to remember that no one does a bloody like Milwaukee does a bloody so I gave them a pass on this one. But props for the delicious pickled asparagus and nicely sized piece of shrimp. The service was excellent. Bus "boys" we're very attentive. Kept the bottle of waters at the table full and dirty dishes off the table. Hostess came around at a point to ask if everything was ok as well. I ordered the lobster omelet with spinach and mushrooms. $15 but worth it. They didn't skimp on the ingredients. My better half ordered the chicken biscuits with gravy. Of course I tried that as well and couldn't complain about a thing!!!! Will definitely come back on the next trip to Chi Town!!!
(5)Sonika ..
Loved the food, service and ambience. We ordered mimosas - strong and good. I had a lobster roll which came with a side, of course I went for sweet potato fries, the bread roll had a good amount of chunks of lobster with celery mixed in it and lobster sauce on the side. Hubby ordered crab cake eggs Benedict which came with a rainbow of sautéed purple, red and golden. The portions are pretty good, I couldn't finish all of the bread roll. Our server Michael was quick and very nice to suggest some items on the menu .
(5)Claire B.
Great experience here. Was so annoyed when a girl ran into me and spilled my $15 drink on me. Ran into an employee in the elevator who offered to buy not only me, but all of my friends another drink because of the accident. Totally felt like this bar valued their customers and made for a great experience
(5)Lauren D.
If you go here for brunch, be sure to get the brunch burger!!!!! A big, juicy burger with an egg, bacon, and red-eye gravy on top. It's so good!
(5)Sam N.
What a place. This is a great to go do some hard core after work socializing in mixed company if you know what I mean :) Elegant, classy, not over the top but a place just like the way you want it. You can hang with your old friends, with your new friends, with the friends you just met and even your family without them taking you aside and like " we think you have been partying too much" ( not that this has ever happened to me). The place has three floors. The 2nd floor is a awesome lounge to hang out in. On Friday and Saturday nights if you are in this hood after 10 PM check out their third floor lounge. They have a dj and some art in the lounge . The DJ starts to play either at 10 or ten thirty. I have a group from a social networking web site and we have used the third floor space to have some social events on e the weekend. I worked with their manager Zach who was very helpful in working out some things for this to have occured. I am very thankful to him and the Staff at Hubbard Inn for going all out and making the three events there a success. I could go into detail on how I like the food so much but I will do that at another time
(5)Robert O.
Always pretty happy with this place on Friday, Saturday nights. Went for happy hour today and ordered a Yamazaki 18 that was shown as $20 dollars on the menu (I didn't see the fine print that said 3 dollars for up charge or 2oz shot). When I ordered the bartender never asked me how big I wanted my pour. I received my bill and it was for $28 dollars. Asked why I got charged the additional 8, Bartender said it was a mistake but she will still charge me the additional $3 dollar up charge. Earlier on she gave me water with a long hair in it. I'm not a high maintenance person or cheap, and I always take care of my service people...ex bartender/manager for nightclubs in San Francisco....just asked bartender to notify her customers in the future or ask for size of pour in the future and she had a pretty apathetic response.
(2)Ela G.
Hubbard street seems to be where all the cool kids hang out on Saturday nights, so naaaaturrrrally I found myself sitting at a table outside at Hubbard Inn, taking in all the noise and people-watching. We had a lovely view of the Adult book store across the street. Although service was a little hurried and slow, it seemed reasonable for a Saturday night. Our server was kind and friendly - my gripe is for the busboys who never filled up our water or seemed to help her out! The beer menu is very extensive. I had myself a moscow mule, my favorite because of the ginger beer. Our foursome decided to share everything. We ordered the mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, sausage flatbread, and beet salad for starters. Everything was delicious and came out promptly! Next we had the halibut, scallops, and short ribs. The halibut is to die for, with greens and balsamic sauce, cooked perfectly and tons of flavor. The scallops and short ribs were also good but next time I'm thinking the Steak would be tastier. Short ribs schmort ribs....kinda over it. For dessert, we had the key lime pie w/blueberry compote and "house-made" whipped cream (lol, it doesn't take much to make whipped cream in house, but ok, good for you!). Apart from being a bit too sweet, the graham cracker crust was delicious. Served alongside some Julius Meinl coffee and we were good to go!
(5)Mary W.
I went here late at night for some appetizers and shared with friends. It was bustling a bustling and lively atmosphere in the restaurant around 11pm. I thought the food was amazing and I'm looking forward to going back. I had the bacon wrapped dates (hard to go wrong), Pulled pork (melts in your mouth) the lobster roll (need I say more), and cheese flatbread (hard to mess up, but good ingredients).
(4)Michele G.
As I write this review, I am slowly losing my voice. A temporary laryngitis from three days worth of partying in Chicago for Labor Day weekend. Here is the anticipated Yelp review of Hubbard Inn: As the music resonates through the entire room like a revolving door, I yell at the top of my lungs, "I'll talk louder if you talk louder!" My friend follows it up with, "I'm sorry, what did you say? I couldn't hear you." Hubbard Inn is just that... expect to lose your voice having to talk over the loud music. There are certain songs you will have to compete with more than others; however, it's worth the loss of words. It's also ideal for a third date. If you decide to take your date there, please make sure you have a connection with that person - because in order for conversation to flow, you have to get extremely close - probably more closer than comfortable. *male population: zone in on this. Let me paint you a picture worth less than 1000 words: Order yourself a very tasty Chicago Solstice. It's toppled with mint leaves and bursting with flavor. The top notch decor is like a mix of Harvard meets Morocco. A strange duo but it definitely knows how to tango. It would make any hopeless romantic swoon. The rectangular mirror covered walls leading down those amazing wallpaper covered stairwells is a dream come true for even the most well groomed 'narcissist'. There's more eye candy generated in one evening that not even Willy Wonka could generate in a year. It's a who's who's scene of young professionals with the occasional creeper trying to throw you his business card in hope he gets a call. Don't let it frighten you! Hubbard Inn is a wonderful way to jump start the evening without the hassle of a who's who's list.
(4)Roxy H.
Went to the HI last night. A friend on FB suggested we check it out for the food and people watching lol. We were looking for dinner and a nice atmos but didn't expect what we got. LADIES!! There is a chick in the bathroom with mints, lotions and crap so if you need any of it, bring money to the can! (I told the girl I would do a shout out) BTW, it's a bunch of doors downstairs that lead up to the ladies room. Kinda creepy because I had a drunken man grab me by the waist and told me that I looked like Beyonce. Really? LOL 1st we came into this UBER-crowded estab with a bouncer at the door. Wow. For a restuarant? I thought. Small wait at the door for us (like 2 minutes) We go to the hostess station and ask for a table thinking the wait would be ridculous judging from the crowd. Nope. We were seated right away. We did the tapas style side of the menu. Food was ok. Nothing extra about it but it was definitely good. The drinks took a while to come out but it was okay. I ordered a martini which was great in taste but the size of the glass was awful! It was the size of the little plastic glasses you get at a cheap wedding lol. Don't get the martinis if size matters. All in all, glad we went. Had fun. Nice crowd. Very crowded.
(4)Jason H.
What's good about this place: the decor. The tasteful way the TVs are adorned in picture frames and display classic (usually black and white) films. (I didn't think TVs in restaurants could be done tastefully until I saw the Hubbard Inn.) What's not so good about this place: the food. Except for one dish (the tartare) it is just too rich. Yes truffle oil makes things taste delicious. But don't overdo it, please, thanks. The cocktails are pretty good.
(2)Derek C.
we were here for drinks after dinner for a friend's birthday. they have a bunch of specialty drinks on a big blackboard behind the bar, so I decided to try a few of the drinks. they were actually pretty damn good. I had the two brothers (altho not a manly looking glass acompanied the drink) and also the Lincoln. both were pretty good drinks. friends had tried some of the other drinks and enjoyed them as well. our waitress was also very friendly and helpful on drink selection. they had run out of a beer my buddy had wanted and gave him a different beer on the house! on the first floor there are a bunch of long tables and along with the loud music and just the amount of people there it was somewhat difficult to have a conversation. the second floor had a bunch of couches and such around and a "library" on the wall gave it an interesting look. once I got the check, I was in for a surprise, drinks were $10 a pop! but I guess this is normal for any specialty drinks anywhere in the city. the crowd was pretty good there as well, so it was definitely a good atmosphere to people watch. all-in-all we had a good time there and I'd definitely want to go back
(4)Vic M.
My friends and I are becoming regulars at Hubbard Inn, though we usually just grab drinks and a couple flatbreads. The merguez sausage flatbread is phenomenal, and they are able to make a good sazarec cocktail. Decor-wise, the place is spot on, and we usually wind up hanging out upstairs or in the back library section, where things feel a little less hectic than with the regular diners.
(4)Mike M.
Awesome addition to Hubbard street. With so many new concepts moving into this neighborhood all the time, you have to do something special to stick out, and this place delivers. Our server was Ryan, and he was great. He even gave us a tour of the whole place. Apparently, the owners retraced Hemingway's every European step, picking up little artifacts along the way. Every trinket, piece of furniture or painting has some kind of story to it. The owners spend a lot of time mingling with the crowd, so I'm sure you could get them to dish on the background. The food was excellent. We went for lunch and got some flat bread and the lamb burger. Everything came out on a cutting board - nice! I ate every crumb, then cleaned up my date's plate (because I know how to treat a lady). Overall, very satisfied, and will be back with a larger group.
(5)Daliah F.
I had the English Daisy which was excellent. That was the only good experience I had at Hubbard Inn (oh, and that we saw Alexi Giannoulias there.) The first time my boyfriend and I went there to meet friends before a concert and they wouldn't let us in because they don't allow 'jerseys'. We are white-bred yuppy-looking types. It was basically a rugby SHIRT with numbers on it. (Meanwhile, you can get in with shorts and trainers.) Last night they made us wait outside for 10 minutes - even though no one came out in the time that we stood out there. They did let a few people in ahead of us who were not there before we were - I guess those people are more important than we are. One guy in line asked why we were waiting and the guy at the door with his little ear piece indicated that it was a lounge and they didn't like to cram people in there. Again, no one came out of the bar between that time that we got there and were let in. Oh, and there were like 10 people waiting outside, not 200. I don't know about other people, but I generally prefer to go to a place without a line. I can't stand it when places TRY to be cool.
(2)Jennifer S.
What a great place! There were so many details to explore and I love that! Great drink selection and prices, friendly service and a cozy, comfortable decor that makes you want to stay and hang out!
(5)amanda y.
I'm not sure what I like more about this place....Is it the bartender with slicked back hair? Is it the azn hostess who kinda looks like Snookie... Either way, I absolutely love this Old World Inn full of glamorous people getting off work, ready to grab some amazing food. I've been here a few times and am always impressed by the small plates that they serve. It gets pretty busy here with the after work crowd, but I like to sit in solitude or with friends in the study/library area that they have in the back of this place. They play Breakfast at Tiffany's and other nostalgic (for your grandparents) movies. In fact, I've met a ton of old keesters in this area. It's cool, because there aren't any "real" creeps here. Just a bunch of people looking for some good food, away from Clark/Division area.
(5)Dori S.
PHENOMENAL decor! HORRIBLE service. Give them a few months to figure it out. So....I ate here today to check it out for a luncheon for 8 people tomorrow, a small meeting/luncheon for 30 and another small meeting for 50. None of these will be booked at this place as I have learned... GOOD LUCK MAKING A RESERVATION I was told yesterday I could make a reservation today for a party of 8 at noon tomorrow. Today after lunch I went to speak to the hostess and...SURPRISE! They are booked tomorrow, no noon ressie available. Seems the person I was speaking to yesterday may have wanted to either warn me of this possibility or make a note of my call...ANYTHING except telling me it would be fine...which it wasn't. RESERVATIONS ARE MEANINGLESS Turns out a table would be available at 12:15 tomorrow. Cool, fine, no big deal. I asked the hostess if she was certain the table would be ready and was told all would be well. Thank goodness I didn't trust her so I threw this paradigm at her, "Let's say we come in here at 12:15 and our table is not ready. If that happens I'm going to throw a huge fit right here in your restaurant. Now, knowing that will happen, are you certain that our table will be ready?" Her response was "No we can't guarantee that your table will be ready, anything could happen, we have 150 seats, but as long as 8 are available, you'll be okay." Two problems with this: - Why do I have to threaten to throw a fit in a public place to get the hostess to give me an honest answer...that a reservation at this place is meaningless? - Are you kidding me? It's only an 8 top...during lunch...and you can't figure out how to ensure the table will be ready? Um, this screams...NOVICE! SERVICE CAN BE S L O O O O W Our (very nice) waitress was s l o o o o o o w. Slow like molasses, like a turtle, like a force of nature that could cause you to die from dehydration slow....I bet she'll get it together too tho. I worked in restaurants for 10 years so I know there are growing pains which can eventually be addressed. I hope that is what will happen with this place and I'll go back in a few months to check, but right now...it is just a hot mess!
(1)Mike G.
Nice experience at a private function. Notable appetizers including the bacon wrapped dates and carpaccio. Had a sample of the new bourbon- Angels Envy-very nice. Great service made for nice time.
(4)Jessica S.
We went to Hubbard Inn on a Wednesday night and adored it. The craft drinks were fantastic. I had the Blinker and it was delicious and really unique with asparagus liquor. For the small plates, the flatbread with roasted pepper and arugala was just large enough not to be overwhelming and the prawns were flavorful and sitting on a bed of eggplant which was really interesting. My boyfriend got the sweet breads, which I am not a fan of, but he enjoyed very much. The decor was fantastic, inspired by Ernest Hemmingway was dark, sexy, and inviting. I have been thinking about this place ever since I left!
(4)Elyse C.
Meh. Hubbard Inn makes a great initial impression from the ambience but it wears out quickly. The communal table is awkwaaard, oh hey bros, enjoy your fancy pizza... Craft beer was lacking in diversity, but i guess it's more of a cocktail place. I just didnt like the food...salty undercooked scallops? oily steak tartare, and awkward ravioli. I dont know how else to describe it, ha. Not a memorable night, no thanks.
(2)Emily B.
My review of Hubbard Inn is only 3 stars, but I think it has potential to knock it out of the park. There are just a lot of things about this place that screamed "we just opened", and I hope if I ever go back that they will have been worked out. First things first, I love love love the ambiance. It's definitely my kind of place--it's got the dimly lit, vintage, almost-speak easy feel, but it's spacious so you can go there with a big group and not feel claustrophobic. I will say that even though our group of 8 had an 8:30 reservation on a Thursday night that it still took nearly 30 minutes to get us seated, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, that meant spending 30 minutes hanging out by the bar, which I would not have minded if anyone knew how to make a drink. I see that another reviewer made the same comment, but seriously--none of these guys know what they're doing. I ordered a side car, which is not on the menu, but is a pretty run-of-the-mill cocktail. I've ordered this in many establishments, even ones not this classy, all over the country and never had the blank looks I got from the staff here. The first bartender I asked brought over 2 other guys who--I'm not joking--asked me to find a recipe--which I then Googled on my phone--and they made it from there. Seriously, guys? The other weird part is they did not seem at all embarrassed or apologetic that they didn't know the first thing about mixology. At a place of this caliber, that is LAME. Once we got seated, things were much better. We ordered lots of small plates and bottles of wine, all of which were delicious. It's been a few weeks and the standouts are escaping me, but I do remember being delightfully surprised at how low the overall bill was at the end. The only other thing I have to rag on (which I told the hostesses that night) is that even though this places pulls off an effortlessly cool vibe, all of the waiters wear tuxedo t-shirts. I am the queen of irreverent twists to take the pretense out of an environment, but this seems out of place here. I would almost like to see them in vests and funky bowties or something. The tuxedo shirt gets a big thumbs down from me. I think Hubbard Inn has potential, but they definitely need bar staff that knows what they're doing.
(3)George K.
Saturday Night+Hubbard Inn +six friends= A Very Good Time We had early reservations, 7:30 and there was no wait for our front window table. By the time we left at 10 ish the place was packed. Great selection of local and import beers, some on tap and the rest in some very unique bottles. Great small plates, cheese and pate's, ravioli, burger, pizza, tenderlion, house fires, garlic prawns. All very good. Service was the minus one star. Our waitress just did not stop by often enough, If she had, she would have sold more drinks, more food and probably turned the table over sooner. The food runners and busboys were very good, we just could not get our orders in. We loved the atmosphere and met some very interesting people, We will be back !
(4)Marco H.
The flatbreads were really really good. there is a little spicy kick to the 3 chesse flatbread. Merguez sausage flatbread is great too (Roasted pepper, not so much). Bacon wrapped date are delicious. for the main, try the grilled tuna (the lemon coriander aiola). i like this place, but it has to be one of the loudest restaurants ever. If you go with a group you'll find yourself screaming and straining to hear a conversation.
(4)Gary C.
We were on our way to Hub 51 for lunch but after walking by Hubbard Inn and remembering it's a recent addition to the dining scene we took a detour. Our first impression was excellent, a warm greeting from the hostess, an inviting old time tavern atmosphere and efficient service from the waiter. The menu was interesting even though I am getting over the shared menu concept that's so popular and don't get me started on the communal tables that are a hit or miss for me. Sometimes it's like a flight from Chicago to LA, sitting next to a person that wants to share their life stories and IPhone pics with you. Luckily we were seated at a 4-top. We ordered the Ravioli with mushroom ragout, it was good but not something I'll be carving on my next visit. Next up the Mozzarella flat bread, this totally fell flat for us, and maybe it was the quality of the mozzarella or the burned leaves of fresh basil or the lack of flavor in the tomato sauce. The two stands out us - the burger with great aged cheddar and even better crispy fries, and from the chalk board, a very generous serving of fresh Mussels in a white wine sauce! We'll be back for another visit in the mean time a strong A-OK for this place.
(3)Paul S.
I have been to Hubbard Inn three times now and I love it more each time! I have been for lunch twice and dinner once. Overall, I love this place, the food is spectacular and the service is impeccable: Food: For the times I have been for lunch I have ordered the Lobster Roll and the Halibut. I can't say enough amazing things about both dishes.So deliciously prepared. For dinner, I had the prawns but we were with a group of 10 that night so I had a chance to taste several different dishes.The prawns were excellent as was the hanger steak and the lamb burger (YUM!). The Executive Chef, Bob deserves a huge round of applause. Ambience: I am so impressed with how this place is decorated. Warm yet sophisticated with a hip, vintage look. They have little touches like lamps, books and vases that make it even more comforting yet chic. Service: By far, the best in Chicago. I mentioned we were most recently with a party of 10 and we had incredible service from Stacey. She was wonderfully kind, helpful, attentive, fun and professional. She represented everything I love about Hubbard Inn and made our experience the best. Superior food, superior setting and superior service!
(5)Gamaliel E.
I came here for drinks after work and have to say I had a really good time. By the time i was able to get to the place, the downstairs bar was already crowded. I was able to score a stool at the upstairs bar...and received some great service from the bartender. She was able to recommend some of the signature drinks on the menu...in addition to a gin I have never had before. The decor reminds me of the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan avenue. The crowd was full of young professionals looking to grab a drink after work. Not very douchie which is a pleasant surprise. I'll be back.
(4)Chris A.
My friend and I decided to check out Hubbard Inn last night. It was a Tuesday night at 7:30 and it was bustling. The decor of the place was old-style Chicago with exposed beams and 1920's era modern lighting. It's a large open space with private and communal tables. The menu was excellent, not overwhelmed with a ton of options. We chose the roasted beat and Frizee salad and warm Spinach and Goat cheese salad with bacon, apples and pumpkin. Both were spot-on...acid and sweet balance. For the entree course we chose the braised pork cheeks on a cheedar cake and seared scallops with English peas. The pork cheeks were perfectly tender and married very well with the cake and pork demi-glace. The scallops were seared to perfection and were a great pairing with the peas and cream. We also ordered their 3-cheese flatbread that was warm and gooey with great garlic and cheese flavors. The dessert seemed to be a bit of a throw-away, but still delicious. It was a flourless chocolate cake with a strawberry compote and whipped cream. Not the most creative dessert, but still excellently executed. Our server was warm, friendly, and attentive and explained all the dishes very well. Overall, it was a great experience and one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)Maggie M.
I would gladly have those pan seared scallops daily. Great spot, cool vibe, trendy interior. Have been a couple of times with both large and small groups- worked well on all occasions. A littttttlleeee on the pricey side but for downtown dining it fits right in. Have never had something I didn't like- upstairs bar is also very cool to grab a drink in. I'll be back Hubbard Inn!!
(4)Haley B.
A girlfriend was in town for work and so I met her and another friend at Hubbard Inn to catch up over drinks and appetizers. I hadn't been yet and I had been anxious to try this new spot that I had heard so much about. +1 The interior is really cute and unique. It has a cozy vintage feel, yet it's done in a very chic way. I am reading from my fellow Yelpers that it is modeled after Hemingway's library. Cute. And well done. I heart Hemingway. -1 I had made a reservation for 3 and though there were open tables EVERYWHERE the snotty hostess wouldn't let me sit down until they arrived. While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, the hostess came up to me and asked if I'd been helped yet... I honestly thought she was joking. I didn't know how to respond so I just kind of stared at her. -1 When we finally were seated we took a look at the cocktails... $10-$12 each. Fine, it's a new hip place downtown... We ordered. When the drinks arrived I wondered if I'd made a mistake and reserved us a table at the American Girl Place. They were SO tiny, however, they were good so I didn't complain... too much. +1 We ordered the flatbread pizza and split it between the three of us. The waitress suggested it as her favorite pizza and it was really tasty. Will I be back to this place? Perhaps. I'd like to try it out for dinner as I hear the food is really good. But I'll stick to places with better value for their drinks. Or just hit up the American Girl Place next time if I'm trying to drink something overpriced and tiny.
(3)Izzy C.
Loved the ambiance--old school pub/bar with a modern touch. Loved the simple fare! I had a classic cheeseburger and fries with a micro beer. It was heavenly. I am still dreaming of it two days later. Glad I don't live close by--I'll grow to be quite a dumpling if I did!
(4)Jenn S.
You may actually be surprised by the fact that I gave this place 3 stars after my experience. From the moment that we stepped foot in the door, everything went wrong. First, we didn't get seated until an hour after my reservation time. Yes, an hour. One of the managers was nice enough to buy us a round of drinks, but it was still a long wait. When we get our table, we're told that we will be sharing. Ok? At that point, we're three hungry women who just want to eat, so who cares. It turned out that sharing the table wasn't bad at all. I couldn't hear a word of what the other side was saying. After ordering our food, the plates trickle in two at a time. The ravioli was by far the best item that we had. The salmon was delicious as well as the prawns. The flat bread with asparagus was good, but nothing really special. And then there was the lamb burger... We literally waited over 30 minutes for this burger. The other half of our table, who had arrived after us (same amount of women nonetheless), was already figuring out their bill. We start talking with the other side only to find out that they never got drinks with their dinner. They had the first round but were never offered anything else. So you may be wondering, why on Earth they deserved even 3 stars. Oh believe me, usually, that would not have been the case. However, yet another manager (I'm assuming) came over and asked the other ladies about their problems and one of them said, "well it seems as though the whole table had issues tonight." The guy looked shocked and came over to talk to us. After telling him what happened, he assured us that the burger would be out soon...which it did. However, it came out rare. We ordered it medium. Now for those of you who just don't like rare lamb (or any rare meat), you understand why this may have just set us back even more. The waitress came over and we politely told her that this was not exactly what we were looking for, but the fries were at least good. Needless to say, this was the last draw and management handled it accordingly which I appreciated. Something that we also noticed while there was that there were quite a few people who were still there two after we had already been seated (and who when we arrived were finishing dinner). So we had a little more understanding for why our reservation was not honored accordingly. Everything else though had nothing to do with that, but I do appreciate the restaurant management for taking care of it. Will I go back? Honestly, that ravioli was so good. I mean REALLY good. I may bite the bullet and go back...but only if I get a reservation before the rush period (like 6pm) or later like 9:30pm.
(3)Carly H.
The bar get pretty crowed on Fridays. It is simply full to the brim with people, the servers are pretty great. I went there 2 Fridays ago for my gfs birthday and but it was way too hot!! I don't know if the AC broke or if it's that is always the case in the summer- I wanted to faint!! 2 stars for AC 3 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)Katie Q.
Love this place - wonderful decor, amazing food, great service. The Ernest Hemingway inspired space made for a cozy dinner and conceptual appreciation. My friend and I shared the salmon, deviled eggs, and the dates. Every dish was very good, particularly the Salmon. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Diana D.
Stopped in at Hubbard Inn as our point place to meet up with friends. While I waited I grabbed an app & so glad I did!!!! Holy Heaven...bacon wrapped dates were mouth watering!! I was bummed because I had to share but this place had some yummy treats! The service was fast for a Friday evening but as we were leaving the crowd was building. Such a fun place!
(4)OldIrvingPoodle H.
Food was great, braised short ribs were the best. Small plates, so be prepared to share. Best piece of advice - do not get seated near the front of the restaurant. Every time the door opens you get slammed with wind. It made the food cold and sent a chill down our spines. Come 10pm, you will have people flooding the walkways in between tables (i.e. you will be sitting down at the table and have people's buttoxes in your face right next to you). Reserve a table in the back. Service could have been better - I dont think our waitress smiled - ever.
(4)Rada I.
Awesome! The setting is almost dungeon-esque. Beautiful dim lighting, chunky wood tables. my salmon was perfectly cooked and the tartar was delicious. I'd come back.
(4)Michelle W.
While in town for business a friend took me to Hubbard Inn. It's a nice, roomy restaurant with good, filling food. We had the dates to start (amazing) and a flat bread, which was also really good. I then had a burger and fries. The fries were a little too crispy for my taste, but the burger was good. I thought the prices were fair and the service was responsive and friendly. All in all, a great place to eat.
(4)Denise W.
I was really looking forward to this place...but....Overall, overpriced. Food was undercooked. Also, the service wasn't all that great. For not having more than 4 tables at once, he forgot my drink twice and entered our order in wrong. The waiter compensated by comping part of our meal but still very much underwhelmed. Atmosphere was a cross between Paris Club and Girl and the Goat. Didn't live up to either.
(2)Gregory C.
One of my favorite places to catch a drink on Hubbard. Always a good looking crowd. The staff is top notch. The drinks are fantastic. And the place just looks like a nice, warm, friendly place to relax and have a few cocktails. Still have never eaten here, but all my friends always rave about the food as well.
(4)Eden O.
i LOVE the feel of this place. you get a cozy inviting feel from the library like decor. they have nice long tables that can fit large groups as they did for us. the food was just okay to me. and the service was lacking. i understand groups can be overwhelming, but he didnt handle it well at all. one of my friends and i were only able to order one drink the entire meal. hey buddy thats your loss. im in no rush to get back here.
(3)Mike W.
food is good classic type stuff with a twist. I go here a lot for dinner with people from out of town
(4)John K.
Very Nice Decor...Excellent Moscow Mule and Shandy! One thing that needs to be taken care of is the air-conditioning. I could not believe that I was sweating while I was sitting on the leather couch. Tip: There is a sweet spot in front of the bathrooms that is your air-conditioning heaven. Overall, not bad at all
(4)Chris M.
I felt a little out of place here because it's not the typical place I eat at. The beer selection & bar service is great; but the food is very different, light, and pricey. I enjoyed the tomato basil flat bread and the other plates I don't even remember, it's small plates meant for sharing. The crowd is young and old with many coming after 10pm on a Saturday night. I spent $150 on dinner and drinks with my date. I won't come back here because it's just not my style. Lastly, one annoyance was the waiter kept coming back to our table and asking us how we're doing to get us to keep ordering those small plates.
(2)Shirley L.
Meat market. Douchebags. Many of them in packed crowd. Beautiful Hemingway theme and decor not as impressive in light of crowds. In all fairness: probably would have given this place 4 stars if I were a few years younger and had a few more drinks :) This is a good upscale, standing bar option, but if you're looking for a "lounge" experience I'd say pass -- it's too crowded.
(2)Ellen D.
THE WORST. Came here for dinner for a friend's birthday. I got there early, so I grabbed a drink from the bar - total bill: $8.88 + tip. Not bad for a glass of prosecco. We were off to a good start. We sit down for dinner... I ordered the scallops with pumpkin puree - pretty delicious, but the meal was tiny and $17 - it didn't come with any sides or bread or anything, and I was left stealing fries from the girl next to me (which were pretty delicious I must say). They brought out a chocolate cake for my friend's birthday, and at first, the bus boy tried to drop it off without a candle or anything in it. Before he set it down, our waitress ran over and pulled it away from him, calling him an idiot. Poor guy. Despite her rudeness to her colleague, the cake was a nice gesture and it was insanely good. We had a group of about 10 girls and when the bill came, we asked the waitress (Meghan M.) if she could split it up on multiple cards. She gave a hesitant sigh and said that she could, but that it was "very difficult to do," would only take a max of 6 cards, and that she preferred we pay in cash. A few of the girls reluctantly got up and went to the ATM, so we gave her a bunch of cash and only 4 credit cards to split the rest on... BAD idea. First of all, it took the waitress about 15 minutes to return with our receipts to sign - total bill: $41.00 including tip, which isn't too terrible for dinner and drinks. However, woke up the next morning and checked my bank account... Had I somehow blacked out and spent a ridiculous amount of money last night? I checked the recent transactions and there were the two charges from Hubbard Inn for $8.88 and $41.00... oh, and a THIRD charge for $311.32. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. If my punctuation didn't get it across, I was FU#K!NG FURIOUS. Four days before Christmas and these people "accidentally" charge me an extra $311?! I had bills coming out and presents to buy, and was in no mood to wait the 3+ weeks the bank would take to go through the fraud process to get the money back in my account. I called that morning around 9:30 AM and spoke to someone who said he "didn't handle this sort of thing." He took down all my information and told me that he would pass it along to the manager (Alex) who would give me a call later on. Of course, by 5:30 PM, I still hadn't heard from anyone. Even more furious, I called the restaurant again at 6:00 PM (this is a Tuesday, mind you). After placing me on hold twice, the hostess finally let me explain why I was calling. Yelling over the noise, she told me that the manager (again Alex) was "too busy" to take my call because they had just started dinner service. Look, I get that you guys get busy and have a dinner rush, but isn't that the point of having a manager? So that (s)he can handle the business side of things while the waitstaff and bartenders handle the customers' food and drink orders? I gave the hostess all my information AGAIN and told her to tell Alex to call me as soon as he was "available" and I went about my night running errands and preparing for Christmas. Arrived home at 11:30 PM... still no call from this mysterious "Alex," who's existence I was beginning to doubt. Tired, frustrated, and damn-near broke, I walked my ass into the restaurant. Of course, the hostess had gone for the night, so I stood like an idiot by the bar for about 5 minutes before anyone spoke to me. A guy (dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks but slinging cocktails behind the bar) finally walked up asked what I needed. I told him that I needed a manager, which he said he was (he does exist!!). I explained my situation for a THIRD time to a THIRD person, and he said no one had given him this information - that he hadn't heard anything about it. I wanted to lose it on this place. I somehow managed to bite my tongue and I gave him all my information... again. He seemed apologetic and told me he would fix the problem first thing the next morning (9 AM) and would then immediately call me to let me know it had been resolved... finally, a silver lining in this sh!thole of an experience. Wednesday... 1:15 PM... still no call from this joke of an establishment. I called the restaurant, and was immediately placed on hold. Finally, a voice came back, introducing himself as Alex. I asked him if he remembered me and my situation from the night before and he said, "Yea I talked to the bank - they're handling it." I asked how long it would take for the money to go back in and he said by the end of the day (still to be determined...). I asked why he didn't call me after speaking with the bank and he told me that they "got too busy." Most UNPROFESSIONAL, INCOMPETENT, and UNRELIABLE restaurant and staff I have encountered in a long time. I will NEVER, EVER give them any business again. If you like not being screwed out of hundreds of dollars, I suggest not coming here. The food is good, but definitely not $352.32 good. UGH!
(1)Claudia R.
We went here for work drinks and were impressed by the gorgeous decor! Our waiter was adorable and very attentive and the drinks were good. When we arrived we had a little trouble getting a proper table because there there was a reservation on it for 7:45 - 2 hours later! The hostess ended up obliging our request and we good service for the 2 hours that we spent there. Our guest of honor was seated in an oversized "Through-the-Looking-Glass"-like chair and our growing group was accommodated without question. We moved upstairs to make room for the reservation and it was a perfect change of scenery to the lounge-y library area. In Yelp-speak, "Yay! I'm a fan" and can't wait to go back!
(4)Dennis C.
Love the gatropub renaissance that cities seem to be going through. In LA... here in Chicago. I only had drinks here, but really really really wanted to try the marrow, seafood... Great selection of local beers and pretty much anything else. Although not as many on tap. Crowd was hip, trendy, large, and gender equal (I mention this because you don't see 1:1 ratio here). Ladies were dressed to the 9s and the guys, a lot of them had suits! I felt a little inadequate in my jeans and sweatshirt. By 10, it was standing room only -- and i'm told that it's been open 2 weeks. Nice.
(4)Jessica H.
In one word, amazing. 6 of us girls went out for a bachelorette party. Our server, Chase was attentive, personable, funny, and polite. He made wonderful suggestions and had a lot of fun with us. Upon sitting down and telling Chase what the occasion was, their general manager Ernie Sandoval, sent us a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate! He also sent over perfect, creamy cheesecake at the end of our meal. The staff made us all feel like queens!! Us girls also ordered their drink, The Hepburn. Light, refreshing, and garnished with a cucumber, it was perfect with all the food. SPEAKING of the food, every plate was perfectly plated, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. For the appetizer we started with the cod fritters. Lightly battered with a delicious lemon aioli, and the mussels which had interesting flavors and were cooked great. Our entrees consisted of ahi tuna cooked to a perfect medium rare, sirloin with the most incredible grilled brussle sprouts, super tender and flavorful rabbit with a mix of fresh crisp steamed vegetables, and scallops that were tender but not chewy. We went back a couple of hours later to enjoy cocktails, and Ernie instantly remembered us and bought us a round of shots. I will be going here on dates, for birthdays, get togethers, plenty of more girls night, and reccomending this to everyone who wants one of the best dining experiences they'll ever have!!!
(5)RYNE D.
Been frequenting this venue often lately. The food is terrific, Tuscan kale salad is a must and reasonably priced, the Brussels sprout side called for a second order. Also have to hand it to whoever decided to put Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc on the wine list by the glass, which is a rare find and my favorite producer in NZ. The Pumpkin seasonal beer they have right now is incredibly. The staff is effusive and Michael is an asset to their business. Hope this place keeps it up, and as long as it does I'll continue to patronize it.
(4)C. K.
LOVED the feel of the place the minute I walked into the doorway. Great job to whoever did the decor there. I love that Moroccan/European feel. Staff was courteous and prompt. The background music was nice, too. Food was great. I met my friend out there for lunch on a Friday. We both tried the Lobster roll based on the waitress' recommendation. This roll is the best Lobster roll I have had outside of New England (where I have lived for three years!) The bun was perfectly toasted and buttery and the lobster mix, which can so easily be super bland or fishy, was well seasoned, had different layers of tastes...just perfect! I ordered a drink to accompany my meal and got the Hemingway. How refreshing and not too tart. Overall, a very nice experience!
(4)Tracy T.
Okay, my husband and I were at Hubbard Inn at about 5:15 on a Saturday evening. No reservations, but the entire restaurant was empty. Hostesses were snotty - said they could seat us, but we'd need to be out by 6:30. Nice way to start an evening. We were seated at one of the dreaded high top tables, facing the street, which meant that every time our server or a busboy approached us, it felt like they were sneaking up behind. Not good to be shocked by your server. Of course, when you're doing small plates at tiny table - it gets cluttered pretty quickly. Food is good - some of the dishes are creative. Because of the "warm" welcome received, we didn't order dessert. You'll be relieved know that we did indeed vacate by 6:30 - strangely, the restaurant was still pretty empy - maybe four or five tables. Why not be welcoming to new guests, especially locals who might return??
(2)Neil P.
This bar is absolutely miserable. I've never seen a "contemporary" bar with a worse layout than this place, particularly the upstairs section. It gets so crowded, you cannot move, the absolute worst flow of any place i've ever been to. Next, it took roughly a half hour to order a round of drinks. Between taking forever to get to the bar, then getting the bartenders attention (they take about 10 minutes to make a single order) it takes forever. Lastly, Hubbard Inn's DJ is the laughingstock of the nightlife industry. We were there for a large group birthday and made some requests because the music was so bad and his response was "I don't have that song but if you take care of me I might be able to find something like it." What a nightmare. I will never step foot in this establishment again. Horrible crowd, miserable music, zero flow, bad service, if this bar was in any other location it wouldve been out of business already. STAY AWAY!
(1)Mihir P.
The perfect place if you are a 35+ female looking for a 50+ male - or vice versa. Decent drinks but it took me over 15 minutes to get one. Management needs to do a better job at staffing. The worse part was that the bartender was a dick. I gave him $4 for a $19 tab and he gave me a dirty look.
(2)Kelly K.
Love love love this place. The decor is awesome, as is the food. Came here for lunch and was not disappointed. The steak tartar was some of the best I've had! Also came on a Saturday night and it was packed. Great vibe and I could actually have a conversation at a normal level.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I plan to give it another chance (going back this weekend, in fact) but I just did not come away with a strong impression my first visit. The space isn't as cozy or inviting as I expected; to my mind, an open space that leans more towards exposed and uncomfortable than inviting and warm, more of what I imagine a tavern-inspired place ought to be. The open and high communal tables are just not my thing, though there were other positives that made me want to give it another go. The drink I will remember most was the "Hemingway," which was a twist on an Aviation (happens to be my favorite). And I really appreciated the handwritten menus on chalkboards hanging behind the bar and the "Farewell to Arms" film that was playing throughout the evening. Also appreciated the service. The lamb burger and fries were good but kind of forgettable. Filled me up, but didn't do much else. Have a feeling I will return to try more of the drinks on the cocktail menu :)
(3)Agnes F.
Had an absolutely good time at Hubbard Inn recently. The decor was comfortable and yet trendy, the service was attentive and the food was good as well. We shared a mozzarella flat bread, sweet breads (nice big chunky pieces), bone marrow (one of them did not have much marrow but when we mentioned that to the server, they took it off the bill which was nice of them), oysters rockafella, fries, bacon wrapped dates and steak tartare. Great beer and whiskey choices and everyone had a good time. A great addition to the River North dining scene!
(4)Lindsay D.
The only reason Im giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the communal tables. With how loud it is in there, I'd like my own table with my friends I'd like to hear and talk to :) But on to the good stuff...... I absolutely love how this space is decorated and layed out. The lighting gives everyone such a glow and I loved that I could look at specials on their bar wall chalkboard while perusing though their signature cocktail menu. It was very crowded, but it was easy to get a drink from their long bar running along the wall. Our reservation was at 7:45P, ok we were 10 minutes late, but it was the perfect timing for dinner. It wasnt too insane yet where people loiter about trying to find a spot to stand. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We started with the Merguez flat bread---truly incredible. pear chutney, spicy sausage (or so we thought), bleu cheese, herbs on a crunchy piece of thin toasted bread. This and the Moroccan vegetables were a toss-up for my favorite dish. Our other dishes consisted of the grilled chicken thighs (Id take a pass next time), the braised short ribs with parsnip puree and the lamb burger. I think we went too well done on the burger, but it was otherwise tasty. I really liked the short ribs bc I could really taste the meat and natural juices. Sometimes I think short ribs are too smothered in sauce and the natural juice doesnt shine through. Overall, I really like this place. Its quite the place to be! I was with someone who doesnt eat anything that swims, so I'd like to go back and try the scallops, mussels, salmon, and trout, and I CANT FORGET THE MERGUEZ flatbread! It truly is not to be missed.
(4)xoxo j.
Ooh, I'm a fan. I stopped in on a Tuesday night and was pleased to find the space full but not packed. There was a short wait for tables, but we opted for the bar and found seats immediately. Love the space + decor. The communal tables, dark wood, chalkboard walls, bathtub style sinks in the ladies room... everything is well done. The place is GInormous with multi-levels and restrooms that requires a breadcrumb trail to find your way back. You can't help but think, "what cheesy club used to be in this space?" simply b/c it's oddly large and in charge in terms of sq footage. Regardless, this place is a great stop for eats + drinks. We had the anchovy flatbread {mmMm... anchovies... seriously, it was good}, spinach salad {don't waste your time on this... I could have made this at home with a bag of spinach leaves} and the mussels. The portions are actually quite big, so ask your server if you're ordering too much or too little. I really wanted to add the steak tartare or scallops, but our bartender told us flat out that we were being too ambitious. Or maybe he just didn't know how much two small Asians can really throw down when it comes to grubbing. The only negative thing about our first stay at Hubbard Inn was that our bartender was really slow... and sometimes invisible... often conducting disappearing acts {where did he go again??}... and then sometimes believing WE were invisible {hi, do you see us? hi, we're right in front of you. kinda thirsty. kinda hungry. look at us. i know you can tell we're staring at you...}. It was odd... but the bar, like the rest of Hubbard Inn, is HUGE. There were two bartenders, but the service was snail-paced. He was pleasant, don't get me wrong. And thank God for that accent, b/c goodness knows British men can do know wrong in my eyes. I'll be back, and now that they're on Open Table, I'll make resos to avoid the slow poke bar service.
(4)Kara E.
I was eager to try Hubbard Inn after hearing so much hype about this place. A small group of us ventured out to HI on a Friday night. The drink menu is extensive and a bit on the pricier side. The menu lends itself to sharing- think small plates. We started out with the bacon wrapped dates which were delicious- but there were only 4 dates. We then moved on to share the lamb burger, a flatbread w/ blue cheese and pear chutney, and the braised short rib. My favorite was by far the lamb burger which came w/ a side of garlic fries. The atmosphere is a little too sceney for me. I wasn't wowed by HI but all in all the food was tasty but a bit on the pricier side.
(3)Yaw N.
I went here with my girlfriend for lunch last Saturday and absolutely fell in love with this place. They have an excellent menu that blends a lot of traditional dishes with the flair of new American cuisine. The only menus I have seen thus far with dishes blending bone marrow or quail eggs in this way are Gilt bar and Longman and Eagle. We had the Asparagus and Mushroom flatbread and it is out of this world! I can't wait to go back to try more. Onto the next important part of any restaurant.. The libations here are phenomenal. They appear to have a decent cocktail consultant and offer a great list of traditional cocktails with a few of their own signature cocktails. Equally impressive is their beer list which includes a solid choice of craft and microbrew beers. Lastly, the decor of this restaurant is exceptional. Hubbard street is littered with the all too familiar 'swank' restaurant/bar. This Inn with it's immense character boasts different sections that are cozy and fun. And apparently you can reserve which section you want to be seated in when you make your reservation online.. I recommend the library. Overall, this is refreshing addition to the city and a place we plan to visit frequently.
(5)Erica W.
The drinks here are definitely the draw; even though they're pricey they are both delicious and potent. I've eaten here twice and was less than impressed...I can't recall any dishes that stood out in particular because they were all just OK. The whole small plate thing works when it's done right, but this place is a lot more about the scene than the food. Go here for drinks before or after you eat somewhere else, especially if you're single and into the typical River North crowd.
(3)Erik J.
Great for brunch! Sat at a sunny table by the French doors, which were open to the street. Nice way to start a Saturday. Server was very friendly and helpful. Food was great (I had a scramble, my friend had a burger). Restaurant had a good crowd, but wasn't too packed. We will be back!
(4)Aly R.
I thought Hubbard Inn was wonderful. The Steak and Eggs dish was something DEFINITELY worth going back for! The grilled prawns and beet salad were great too. We loved the decor and our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. They have an extensive wine and beer list, and a great variety of interesting menu items. Its great to go with a few friends to share a bunch of different items. I wouldn't waste my money on the deviled eggs, but I would definitely get the bacon wrapped dates again!! The flatbreads looked really good but we didnt try them. Overall for a fun experience with family or friends Hubbard Inn was great place to go!
(5)John C.
Hammer show: If you wanna get drunk and flirt at the bar with a youngish crowd that imagines itself as hip, this is your place. If you wanna sit at a table in a really noisy, crowded spot and still have fun with your friends while having the oppty to exchange drunken compliments with other groups, this restaurant will please you. If you like being able to choose between 12 million microbrews whose descriptions are spat out like a machine gun by your server, it's not a bad choice. However, if you wanna eat good food and relax, this is definitely not your spot. The food, like the way waitstaff attends to diners, is pretentious, loaded with superfluous flourishes, and lacking in basic things like taste, warmth, substance and common sense. Salads are OK but only OK in spite of big deal made about ingredients. The hanger steak emerges cold into the large, kinda nicely done/fairly industrial chic space. The sides are bleccch! The burgers are strangely akin to White Castle fare, albeit not square (with same effect on your insides, however). So my recommendation is to go have a good meal before you get there. Then drink your head off while there. Maybe even meet some people at the way-crowded bar. Then get White Castle on your way home if nothing else happens better that night.
(2)elissa w.
I would give Hubbard Inn 3.5 stars. Really cool ambiance + super strong drinks is always a great way to start the evening. The River North Smash gave me a buzz after finishing half the glass. Came for a bday dinner on a Wednesday night. The mergueza flat bread was awesome. I also really liked the scallops and carpaccio. We ordered two burgers to share, the greek burger was much better than the cheese burger. Finished up with the chocolate torte which was super decadent and huge - we easily shared it across five ladies. Towards the middle of our meal - around 8:30 the restaurant got super busy and the service really slacked. The waitress was MIA and we had to harass the hostess for our bill since the bday girl was in a rush to go to a bar - hence the three stars.
(3)Elana L.
I really wanted to love this place. I had heard so much about it and how great it is. Yes the cocktails and most of the bartenders are incredible. They are a talented crew. My complaint is about the food. Te chef has absolutely no idea how to properly season food. I am a chef myself and I know what food is supposed to taste like. I order a flat bread with Mergaz lamb and some other ingredients I could not taste any of the flavors until I added my own sea salt. Plus I had a couple of other items that were completely unmemorable. Is anyone doing any tasting in the kitchen. What a shame this place has potential. Next time I go I will be sure to eat somewhere else.
(2)Eric E.
Fantastic food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Everything on our Saturday evening first-time visit was delicious! The pork loin with cherry jus is NOT TO BE MISSED! And the veggie chick pea crepe was a creative flavor combo and an excellent appetizer to share. Our waitress, Jill, was one of the most attentive, patient servers I've had in a LONG time. I can't believe it took me so long to go here for the first time.....will definitely be going back soon.
(5)Girlinthebluedress C.
I recently purchased a nye ticket from this place thinking that it would be cool, hip and totally (well not totally, but mostly) worth the $130, including tax. The food was pretentious (lamb chop with green goo on it) and the quality of drinks left much to be desired. Not only were the drinks weak and syrupy but the bartender had a difficult time understanding the difference between soda and tonic. Even after telling him that what my friend was drinking was, in fact, soda and NOT tonic he made her another gin and tonic USING SODA! He made it seem like a privilege to be getting anything from him at all and that we were obviously too wasted to know the difference. The best part of the night, i.e. leaving the rude service and pretentious environment that Hubbard Inn provides (I don't even know why I keep respecting the establishment by capitalizing hubbard inn), turned into the worst part of the night because the coat check (included in the price of my nye ticket) was above and beyond RIDICULOUS. Imagine about 30-40 people crammed into a hallway about 5'x15' with some douche bag bouncer creepily rubbing against all the girls that were around him and rude staff taking your numbers and then slowly returning only to say that your coat had been LOST. Unfortunately I waited in vain hoping that I could convince them to find my and my boyfriend's coat even without a coat check number (turns out my boyfriend had given the number to the swanky douche bag bouncer early in the night but he didn't return with our coats). When I got to the front of the line the staff was rude, careless and unsympathetic. I ended the night, sober, coatless and feeling completely robbed by the DBHI ("douche bag hubbard inn"). If you visit this glamorous hole in the wall, be prepared to spend tons of money and be treated like shit. This is BY FAR the WORST BAR in the city of Chicago. And I am including the Hangge Uppe.
(1)Shannon B.
Wow this place our company paid a fortune to throw 30 person dinner party here. Ambiance check, service mediocre. (Slowwwww), entrees not good. I ordered the seafood boulabaise, it was cold with fishy seafood, the only redeeming about the price of this place is the playlist whoevers doing that should keep their job the chef should cut his loses here....
(1)Mike J.
Was in Chicago on vacation for a weekend. This was the BEST bar i had been to in the entire city. Its a GEM. The signature drinks are timeless and unique. The ambiance and music was incredible, and so trendy and hip. THE MOSCOW MULE IS UNREAL. This place is as good as it gets, definitely a must see. It was recommended to me a local who lives over near Hubbard street. If you're in the area this is definite must see.
(5)Alexis M.
I love this lavendar drink on their specials list. Otherwise food is ok. Nice date spot.
(4)Ken M.
Try the Lamb Burger, excellent!
(5)Ryan R.
This should really be like 2.5 stars. Lets do a little pro's and con's Pro's Food is excellent the bacon wrapped dates are our of this world Wine is reasonably priced with good selection Cocktails are creative and reasonable The space is large, open and inviting Cons We ate on a Thursday night and it was unreasonably loud Service was a bit slow both times I have been Now here is the real rub for me. We went on a Thursday for cocktails and didn't have a reservation, we asked if we needed to make one and they said no just take a table in the bar area. At 7:30pm they gave us the news that we had to leave, not relocate, not move to a dinner table or the bar, leave. They said that they had reservations to fill, this was the same person that told us that we didn't need a reservation. When I related this story to a coworker she said she was there on Monday for her birthday and as they were finishing their cocktails after dinner the manager told them the same thing. I need this table so please relocate to the bar. I know Hubbard inn is popular and for good reason with good food and drink but with so many other options in Chicago and specifically River North I don't ever need to go back and be told to leave. It was quite frankly classless.
(3)Steven R.
I am only writing on the decor alone. This place is sick. The vibe and decor is great and an atmosphere that was missing from the Chicago scene. Also, the bartender was hot. Overall, much cooler place than Public House and I would much rather drink here than there.
(4)Barri S.
Good food and ambiance. Nothing special but a great place to meet for a drink and bite to eat.
(3)Alex K.
I had dinner here on a busy Friday night. While waiting for friends I sat at the bar and had an amazing Old Fashioned that I highly recommend if you like that sort of libation. The bar area was energetic, loud, and delightful. The staff was prompt and the scene was young and vibrant. Dinner was upstairs, which was a bit quieter and more intimate. A DJ was spinning beats (well, through a MacBoo Pro) at the top of the stairs, which was awesome. Even though the menu was small plates everyone at our table ordered their own meals and it worked out fine. The only glitch was a wrong entree order that was quickly remedied and taken off the bill without even requesting it. This is a sign of a restaurant that cares about the experience of its guests. The decor was traditional but the overall experience was youthful and fresh. I could just as easily go here just for drinks at the bar and seating areas as I would for dinner. This is a place best enjoyed in a group, in my opinion. Get off Michigan Avenue and walk a block or two to this place, you won't be disappointed at all.
(4)Kendal M.
I was at the Hubbard inn last night and it was great. I received great service and everyone was so friendly and nice. I had a lot of fun! It is a great place for a date and I can also bring all my friends and we can have a great time too.
(5)Sarah B.
I made reservations for our group for 6pm and we were promptly seated at our table. The place wasn't too crowded at this point (it was Friday) and you could tell most of the people were there for drinks. No one in our group had been there before so the waitress explained these were smaller plates, made for sharing and recommended 2-3 items per person. Because we all heard the word small, we ordered 3 each. Definitely to much food and next time I would only order 2 per person. That would have been perfect. They also gave us a complimentary dish which added to our overindulgence. The food was good, though nothing stood out as being fabulous. I think what I like the most was the ability to have a conversation with my friends. Would I go back? Definitely. Location is great for me and the service and food were good.
(4)Templeton M.
This place has a gorgeous decor with exposed wooden beams and utility overhead allowing the room to open. The sounds carry but it's the kind of atmosphere when loud ppl talking shouldn't matter. If I wanted a quiet dinner I'd stay at home. The set up was nice with a combination of bar, tall tables, tall communal tables (brilliant), and other low tables to the right and in the back. Even being put in the back was nice and cozy and didn't feel like a 'bad table'. The food was superb. The bacon wrapped dates were perfect alongside the beet salad. We ordered multiple dishes that served us well. The halibut was tasty in a light broth, the short ribs were soft and well braised, the steak was awesome with a light blue cheese rub with spices (so good), and lastly the flatbread. We took the waitresses recommendation on the flatbread which was the mushroom and asparagus and it was great. Every dish had it's own characteristic to it as well as flavor and appearance. The beer selection was good. The only bad part was the dessert. These basic desserts were flourless chocolate, cheesecake, and a strawberry strudel thing. All three looked like they were purchased in a box, kept cold and served to order. There was really nothing special about them and you would typically see these boring three at a steakhouse. Hubbard Inn has a uniqueness but the desserts are not. Were they tasty? Sure. But they could do better and stay away from boring staples that tons of places offer. Lastly, the service was spot on. She was kind and attentive. She seemed new at this and pushed the spiel out but it wasn't anything to frown about. She was great and had perfect recommendations. I will be back and strongly recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Darrin D.
I like the scene here and would definitely go back to eat again if only I could get a table before 10pm. Definitely try the lamb burger.
(4)R V.
New to scene and worth a visit and the wait. A very very cool vibe, communal tables, lighting gave the food and the people a fabulous glow, and decor is very eclectic with neat touches like the front doors being solid wood, chalkboard by the bar with specials, etc. The food is unpretentious but delicious- fries were amazing and the BLT sandwich was my favorite in Chicago yet. Presentation is understated, casual but elegant and the food was non-fussy but definitely made with care and attention. Cocktails were served in old-fashioned glassware that added to the eclectic touches of the place. Service was slightly scattered but it is pretty loud and crowded so I give the servers a pass on that.
(3)Hannah P.
Hubbard Inn, finally a cool place with out the pretentiousness of Epic or Paris Club. First the design is amazing, which I'm not surprised knowing this is also the same owners as Lasalle Power Co. and English. Think upscale British pub, beautiful terracotta tile surround the bar and walls at chair-rail height in a rich dark teal and cream. The exposed brick above painted the perfect shade of cream to match the tile and help set off the old "looking" artwork that's hung randomly. Tin ceiling tiles or what look like them were used to cover columns in a coordinating shade of olive green. Lastly the almost Parisian style pendants that hang have a cream glass globe with a rustic iron belt around it provide the perfect glow to make any woman look beautiful. A friend and I went there last night for a little bite and a few drinks. Being a veggie myself, I find going to traditional places can be hard for me to find good food but Hubbard Inn doesn't disappoint! I had the Arugula and peppers flatbread. It's almost like a crusty pizza from Italy! Caramelized onions, perfectly roasted peppers topped with super fresh and tangy arugula not to mention the light and crumbly ricotta that smoothed out the flavors! Definitely one of my favourites at Hubbard Inn My friend had the lamb burger which was delicately topped with a mint cucumber tzatziki compote. She said it was delish! I'm actually looking forward to the cooler weather of fall so I can try the house-made ravioli, they had me at mushroom ragout! Ohh and perfect service from Stephanie, just the right amount of interaction. Checked on drinks and food(2 bite/2minute rule), but left us alone to chat and didn't rush us to pay or turn the table, I love that!!
(4)Nick W.
Went for lunch around 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Was immediately impressed w the friendly greeting and un pretentious vibe. Quickly attended to by friendly server who was eager to provide info on the beers and food selection. I had the lobster club...lobster salad w lettuce and bacon. Very good and unique...nice large chunks of lobster. Love the wood plate it was served on and the tin can the fries were served in. Overall cool vibe...Great beer selection....unique decor. Nice relaxing Saturday afternoon.
(5)Gfiddy F.
Great cocktails and treats, cute decor.
(5)Taz M.
Amazing food in a very cool space. This is a great spot for a nice dinner - it's the perfect blend of casual and dressy. I came here for a holiday party and tried a few of their offerings: lamp chops, sliders, lobster roll, etc - everything was AWESOME! I would have given the Hubbard Inn four or even five stars, but my husband suffered food poisoning as a result of eating something here...hey, it happens!
(3)Darlene L.
This is a bustling spot for the after work crowd on weekdays. Had a taste for a good burger, and they did not disappoint. Burger was bursting with flavor and cooked just right. Cute serving of fries in a spiral container was also a nice touch, and they were delicious. It is a bit pricey, but so is the River North corridor.
(4)Jim K.
Good food, poor service. We had dinner here last night and I have to agree with other reviewers...it looks like a great pick from the outside -- the place looks good, lively atmosphere, etc., but poor execution keeps this from being a place we'd return to often. We had booked a table, but it wasn't ready when we arrived so we sat at the bar for a drink. Nothing unusual there, many restaurants don't honor your reservation time and make you wait to pump up their bar service. After a while, the hostess came over and offered us an outdoor table. Since it was a nice night, we decided to take it. The waitress took a drink order and came back quickly enough with them. We ordered our meal (shared starters, and lobster rolls). The starters came in good time, but it was soon after that that service really got frustrating. Our waitress noticed we were almost out of water so she asked if we wanted more. "Yes, please" was our answer. We finished our starters and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, another server came out with our sandwiches while the plates from our starters were still on the table. He seemed completely perplexed about what to do since we were seated at a small table. We tried to make room for him to set down the plates as best we could and fortunately our waitress appeared, saw the dilemma and quickly grabbed the empty plates. Once again we asked for water, and we ordered another round of drinks. The drinks arrived, but the water didn't. So we asked again for water. It never came. We finished our lobster rolls and waited. And waited. And waited. When our waitress finally appeared to clear our plates and ask if we wanted anything else, we asked for the check and told her we never got any water. Now the most shocking part -- she proceeds to grab a bottle of water off of a nearby table to pour us some. I say, "No, thanks. It's too late." The look of horror on her face was priceless. I'm sure she saw her tip going up in flames at that point (it didn't, we were more generous than she deserved). She brought the bill and we paid cash since we didn't want to test how long it might take to run a credit card. Food: The merguez sausage flatbread was rich and delicious. The summer vegetable salad was straight-forward and fresh, nicely done, but not memorable. The lobster rolls were good, but hurt by the use of very strong onions. We like onions, but the ones used in the rolls were too overpowering for the sweetness of the lobster and bread. Suggestion for Yelpers -- if you just want a casual meal for two, sit at the bar. That way your server is never out of eyesight. This is probably what we'd do if we return. Suggestion for the Hubbard Inn -- if you're going to have outdoor tables, make sure you staff them properly.
(2)Brent W.
loved it. every part of it. decor, ambiance, food and drink. [x] Get Inn
(4)Liz L.
Had such a GREAT time at Hubbard Inn for my friends bach party. I have thrown a few bach parties and I have to say that the service here was impeccable. Ashley the events manager was really nice and prompt about returning my emails. When we arrived around 10:15 are table was not ready yet. It was pretty crowded so one of the managers moved us over to an open spot, got us a round of shots on the house and then right away went over and got our table ready for us. I wish I remembered his name but I thanked him and he was so happy to help. Even the door girl and guy were nice! I hate clubs and this was such a great compromise between a bar and club. Not pretentious like Paris Club who would not even email me back after I tried negotiating on the price for bottle service. Regardless SO glad we ended up at Hubbard in, SO MUCH FUN!
(5)Carrie L.
I was there for a work-related dinner, and the experience in the restaurant was good. The food was fantastic (get the bacon-wrapped dates and the scallops), and the drinks were top notch. It is loud, so if you are with a bigger group, it's difficult to talk to more than those seated right next to you/across from you. That said, the atmosphere was lively and fun. What makes me not want to come back here is the situation I had with my parking. I used the valet to park. I had to circle several times before any staff were there to park, and then he left my car right where I parked it. That's not a huge deal, and after it happened I didn't think twice about it. However, I just received a parking ticket in the mail from that night. Clearly the valet removed the ticket and threw it out or something. I called Hubbard Inn and they just referred me to the valet company, who won't return my calls. So, despite the good food, the whole experience left a really bad taste and I won't be going back again.
(2)K W.
We got lucky and got a reservation on a Saturday due to a cancellation. We had an early dinner and It was great! The decor is beautiful and the artwork is cool. And...the food is quite good as well. We had the flat bread, spinach salad, and lobster sandwich which were all good! The service was great. We came early and did not have to sit in the communal seating. It didn't seem bad. By 9:30 it's packed so come early. The drinks are the old old school drinks like the Aviation...which here was not good. I stuck with a vodka based drink and it was great. Good beer list as well. Again, after nine a total scene which is wonderful for some. Worth trying! We enjoyed it.
(4)Sonia A.
I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we had a great time. We ordered food to go along with our drinks, then let everyone at the table sample each others drinks and dishes. We were all pretty happy with everything that was ordered. The bacon-wrapped-dates and the braised rabbit were my absolute favorites! I'm going back for some more of that rabbit as soon as I possibly can. It's very tender and savory, and the little veggies that came with it were also cooked to perfection. I also really liked the bloody mary my friend ordered (nice and tomatoey, very refreshing), though my own red sangria was also quite nice. I also tried the steak tartare here, but since it was my first taste of steak tartare ever, I don't think I can give a truly informed opinion on it. I liked it though. The atmosphere here is nice and relaxed, despite the loud music. We shouted in each other's ears for a while before giving up and just eating. I was too full and happily buzzed to care about making conversation anyway, so I just saved that for the walk home. In the meantime, I enjoyed the dim lighting and finished off my friend's English Daisy or whatever it was called. Yum yum.
(5)Kathryn S.
I feel like Hubbard Inn is a waste of a good location and good decor. I've been a number of times for lunch, most recently today, and it's always just meh. I had the panini today which was basically just really oiled bread with no discernible grill marks where the cheese had been sitting on it so long the bottom bread from the sandwich was very wet. Our meal took an hour and 1/2 in spite of the fact that we arrived before noon and were the second table seated. This place needs to get it together.
(3)Emily H.
Okay, this place just opened which is what is keeping me from a 1-star review. A key to a successful bar: getting customers their drinks quickly. The upstairs bar was severely understaffed. After waiting at the bar for 15 minutes to get a bartender's attention, I was kept waiting an additional 15 minutes to receive the two drinks I ordered. Getting the bill for said drinks was quite the ordeal as well - a waiter promised to get it from the bar, passed by several times over 20 minutes without bringing it to us. The bartender himself, clearly unsure how to keep tabs at the bar, physically brought the card to the table to verify that it was, in fact, my credit card. I confirmed it was and that we wanted to close out. 30 minutes later I went to the bar, still having not received the bill, and the same bartender smiled and said "sorry, I got busy." The others in my party ordered from a waiter at the table, waiting 20-30 minutes for each round. There were countless men walking around the bar clearing empty glasses but is that really important unless I have a full glass to replace it? A little less clearing, a little more serving. As a plus, the decor was nice and the music was low enough (until about 10 or 11) to hear one another talk, which is rare in River North. That said, I sincerely hope they get their staff on track, otherwise there's no chance I will visit this place more than twice.
(2)Anne C.
Went here for a work lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and tasty and for a new trendier place I was surprised by how large the portions were and how reasonable the prices were. We all had sandwiches or salads and everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. The service was great and the server went out of his way to accommodate some of my coworkers with food allergies. I'm looking forward to coming back for dinner and checking out the bar scene!
(4)Suzanne B.
Everything was great. The service, the food, drinks, atmosphere... Can't wait to go back
(5)Brian S.
Love the continued transformation of lower River North scene from crappy old meat&potato fest to a sophisticated and evolving evening scene, and Hubbard Inn feels like one more shining star in our glowing constellation. Asked Chef Bob to just send out whatever was clever and ended up with some outstanding shrimp, scallops, and med vegetables. Small plates, delicious, great service. Upstairs at the bar Willow (sp?) poured 7 different sample beers for me from an awesome selection before I settled on a favorite. Tremendous service even though the bar was crowded and the hoops games were on. This place has an awesome, sexy, feel. Want to be a regular already.
(5)Chris P.
This place is great. Menu refreshes regularly, but staples like the bacon wrapped dates, the ravioli and the lobster roll keep me coming back. Service is usually very good, though I have one unbelievably bad waiter. Thus four instead of five stars. Evening crowd in the summer is a bit clubby, otherwise overall casual is fine. Prices are fair. Portions of the small plates are small so plan on sharing a flatbread or something.
(4)Garrett P.
small plates, stiff drinks and a cool atmosphere. Can't ask for much more.
(5)jess k.
Dj Jesse was great. Cucumber martini was memorable. Perfect for cocktails with the gals, but if you want to talk, go before 10.
(5)Trevor S.
lets see... with a reservation for a birthday dinner, we still had to wait for 45 minutes for our table. then they 'lost' our table... so we waited 25 more minutes. when we got our table, and ordered cocktails, mine was spilled all over my neighbor as our server was setting it down. great. the whole place is Douche City with lots of Ed Hardy-type guys and gals. the decor is 'faux-library', which is lame. beware of the big jerk outside who barks out: "you gotta a reservation?" as you approach the front door. we DID have one and he still acted like we weren't going to get close to being let in. what an awful experience the whole night became. one good thing: the french fries taste EXACTLY like McDonald's fries. (which really isn't that great of a thing i guess. oh well.)
(2)Michael H.
I really enjoyed myself here. Very classy with a great atmosphere. Despite the crowd, the bartender and waitress always made sure I had a drink in my hand. After soaking up the main level, we adjourned to the comfy upstairs which had plenty of room for lounging about.
(4)Cindy D.
Came here for drinks, very hip place. Expensive drinks but very cool scene.
(4)Andrea G.
Don't believe the hype! This is just another trendy loud restaurant for aging glitterati in River North's developing Viagra Triangle with theme decor, the dreaded communal table(s), average food, and subpar service (although, in defense of the servers, I would hate to have to work in this noisy, crowded environment). For $40.00 on a Friday night plus the cost of valet parking though, I'm glad I tried it (I do like to be "in the know") but I wouldn't rush to return and I wouldn't put it on my list of recommended restaurants in Chicago. And I'm confident Hemingway wouldn't either...at least not until they stop playing music by Duran Duran. Seriously.
(2)Amanda C.
I loved Hubbard Inn. It's cozy and inviting but still reminds me of a creepy old movie at the same time. I went here for dinner on a Saturday (make your reservations more than a few days in advance, or you'll have to eat early) and ordered the hamburger which was very good. We had a flatbread for an appetizer (just ok) and my friends ordered other sandwiches. I think a lot of people go here to split dishes tapas-style. We drank wine, but their signature cocktail list looks awesome and super unique. The servers were very friendly- I'd go back many more times.
(5)phil h.
This is my goto spot to start off bar hopping at Rivernorth. I enjoy the decor and the bookshelves and the drinks. The drinks are a bit pricey, but standard fair for the area. I've never eaten here, but I'd assume it's solid. I see people eat here all the time, but then again, people eat Panda Express all the time so that tells me nothing. At any rate, the drinks, service and the people are the pull here. There's a blonde girl that works downstairs that's kind of a B, but it's probably her job to be one. I'll add more if I ever eat here.
(4)CoolMc M.
I love this place. Great food, drinks, decor, ect. I would highly recommend to anyone. I like the low key vibe and the dates! Such a great spot!
(5)Lindsey M.
I went last night for their soft opening for small plate appetizers and drinks, and while there were minor bumps it was really good and I would definitely come back for small plates and drinks. I have to give major shout outs to Emily who was our waitress and was super friendly, Benjamin who amazingly rescued my vegetarian friend by making sure the non-meat appetizers got sent our way, and Matt who was just fantastic and kept stopping by for quick chats and to see how we liked everything. The food was really amazing, and after peeking at the menu is reasonably priced for both for what you get and being in river north. They don't have an online menu up yet but you should absolutely try the steak with bone marrow, mushroom and asparagus flat-bread, and smoked arugula with cheese they were so good! The only things that made me go...that was good, not awesome but good were the scallop on crostini and shrimp skewer. Drinks were fresh and crisp by round 2. We had the River North Smash, Hemingway, and something I can't remember the name of; but the first ones we were brought were good, but a tad heavy on the simple syrup. However the bartenders clearly found their groove because rounds 2-6 (yes yes i know...lush; whatever...they need practice...right?) were completely on point. I really hope they keep the music down to where it was last night, cause I loved that I was able to talk to the people I went with and still had a voice at the end of the night.
(4)Irina M.
Hubbard Inn is a great new place with fantastic drinks, delicious food, and most important of all, great service. In a time when places similar to Hubbard Inn are opening almost weekly, it is important to stand out, and Hubbard Inn certainly does. The lamb burger is a must!
(5)Catherine W.
I very much enjoyed the decor and atmosphere of this place, and had two particularly standout dishes, but am subtracting one star due to slow waitress service. We got there for an earlier dinner on a Saturday night and shared a variety of dishes, including octopus salad, mussels, braised short ribs, sweetbreads, and one of the flatbreads. All dishes are small plates and meant to be shared. 5 dishes among 3 people were about right.The standouts were definitely the mussels and the braised short ribs - both were just delicious. The others were okay, with the octopus salad falling a bit flat for me. Unfortunately, the service seemed very slow. Food came out quickly once ordered, plates cleared, drinks were refreshed regularly, but it took a long time for the waitress to take our entree order, drop off our bill when requested, run our credit card, etc. - probably added at least 25-30 minutes to the whole experience. We didn't mind too much because we weren't in a rush but it was noticeably slow. The decor of the place is absolutely charming though, with romantic, dark, wood paneling, reminiscent of an old-fashioned library and/or upscale saloon. We checked out upstairs, which looks like an excellent lounge place to enjoy drinks and conversation with friends. I saw a lot of "girls' night" dinners here which was very fitting.
(3)Swati B.
So I have gone to Hubbard Inn on 2 different occasions...on one a Sat night for a friends birthday and one on a thursday night for dinner... LOVE the decor btw! Sat night for a friends birthday...we were told if we didnt arrive on time we would lose the reservation, we literally (mind you a party of 15) walked in about 2 minutes late and the guy at the front door was giving us such a hard time! Well..not me..or my lady friends..the guys that were a part of the group...kinda strange..once we got in ..we had a fantastic time...great crowd..older (think upper 20s, 30s)...trendy crowd...Drinks were easy to get as well....dont really remember there being great music though..and theres definitely no dancing here..this is your sit/stand talking crowd. Thursday night for dinner however was a different story. I was surprised when I didn't see the same menu that they have online, mind you this place JUST opened how could you have removed something already...so of course the ONE thing I wanted was the eggplant parm sandwich..yeah no longer exists...thankfully Ryan our server informed me that the Farm Egg Sandwich could be done without the bacon...and yes it was pretty damn good.... We had reservations at 7:15..we didnt get seated til 7:40... The bar area was really crowded with a great mix of what seemed like a happy hour crowd...it is quite loud in this joint..and the seating well its even weirder...we sat at a LONG table where multiple different parties were seated..and i wound up sitting next to my friend instead of across the table which actually worked out since it was so loud you we would have wound up screaming at each other the entire time... The reason I knocked stars off was that our server...seemed really irked that a) we bought drinks at the bar first...sorry but what did u expect us to do while we were waiting and b) had a really small order...and therefore had a really small tab..towards the end he was getting pissier and pissier with us...he got lucky we tipped him the full 20%! And i swear every 5 minutes someone would come by and ask if we were done yet..after the 8th time I felt obliged to say yes im done with my fries sheesh..even though i could have eaten some more... The portion sizes are pretty decent (the sandwich definitely filled me up..and my friend ordered the flat bread and finished it easily and was full...the small plates seemed to be the same price and not exactly super small either... The food was good..it was the service overall that was a bit disappointing..I think I may come back for a drink in the future but thats about it..definitely do not recommend it for a date...way too loud! Unless of course you plan on screaming at your date all night...oh but boys..take note..there are LOTS of beautiful women that hang out here!.
(3)Jon C.
has the feel of a gastropub mixed with an english library. the drinks list was great with a lot of variety. we got the bacon wrapped dates as a starter and it was very well prepared. the dates melted in your mouth while the bacon induced the taste of fatty goodness. the pickled vegetables were also great but the portion was so small that it can be consumed by a small child. i got the toro burger and it was made just to my liking (medium). the house fries were great and the figs to go along with the burger gave it a great sweet taste.
(4)Gregory L.
An Ernest Hemingway inspired throwback gastropub. Decor dressed with antique furniture, old books, fine art pieces and portraits hugging the mahogony trimmed walls. Dining tables, communal for the most part throughout the main level placed to make sure you are always a part of the crowd, unless seated in the more secluded tables in the back. So now combine that image with the River North scene and you have Hubbard Inn. I heard this place was to soon open near my apt, so I decided to follow them on twitter. Hubbard Inn had now been open for a couple weeks, but I just hadn't ventured over there yet. Until last night. All these tantalizing tweets could no longer be ignored. I hopped in and put my name on the list for 4. Then continued to the bar upstairs where Bridget promptly crafted my Sazerac on point with my specifics. For a guy waiting around solo, the only thing to do is start making conversation and not pretend to be interested in the televisions featuring black and white classical film clips or of course tuck away into your iphone promptly awaiting your guests for arrival. Now to the fare of degustation. These dishes are all recommended for sharing. That being said, ordering 4-5 between 2 to 3 people should suffice. Our selections: Seared Scallops over a pumpkin puree coated in a sage hazlenut brown butter. Braised Short Ribs with a parsnip puree, wine jus and little radish salad Fried sweet breads with apple, fennel, walnuts and a vanilla maple syrup Steak Tartare Charcuterie: Coppa, Prosciutto, Chorizo, chicken liver pate a Bleu Goat and firm sheep/cow cheese accoutrements of onion jam, pickled cauliflower and stoneground mustard. Their wisely selected range of craft brews should also be considered with your meal choices. Our pairings- Hop Czar, La Chouffe, Goose Island La Fleur All the dishes were prepared to fulfill my higher expectations. You can forget about their soft buttery delicate and supple scallops, but there is no amount of liquor to make me forget how well the pumpkin and hazelnut complimented each other. It is unusually addicting. The long braising process taken upon the short ribs resulted in effortless fork cutting beefy goodness. After the scallops though, I wanted something else to confuse my taste buds. Up next, the sweet breads. A lot of thought went into the production of these ever so challenging offal morsels. It's very difficult to cook these properly. Chefs often go through a few different processes just to get them ready to be cooked. Deep frying is the usual easier way out. However, these weren't squishy, chewy or dense. Their texture was up to par. I would have liked some sort of acidity brought to this dish. Thank you La Chouffe! The steak tartar was, well steak tartar. It's only as good as the quality of ingredients and the toast it's served with. No complaints here I'm pretty particular when it comes to charcuterie, so here we go. All the noted accouterments were splendid. The acidity of the pickled cauliflower and I believe it was a turnip did their job. It's always great to see some homemade pickling done by the chef. The pate was smooth and creamy. Not to thick, and went well with the cheeses and toast. Wasn't a fan of the chorizo I must say. The smokiness took away from some of the natural porky flavor which should be prevalent in salumi. The Coppa was, eh ok. It could've been fermented just a little longer, just to bring out a little bit more of the Coppa funk. Prosciutto was shaved nicely, and had a great aroma to it. All and all, the GI La Fleur was a stellar choice to enjoy with this plate. Prompt and friendly service with a complimentary first bottle of mineral water is always a warm gesture which will never go ignored. I must say, I do enjoy the crowd and feel of Hubbard Inn. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself here on a regular basis. Welcome to the neighborhood *Advice 1- Eventhough Opentable says there are no available reservations, show up and put your name in. Before you realize it, you'll be seated and continuing your night out. *Advice 2- Make sure the staff knows what you are wearing when you check-in. This way they can note it when they come to grab you to be seated. *Advice 3- The main floor bar can be crowded. Head upstairs and lounge around. The wait for a drink was minimal. Most of the crowds are in conversation and not waiting for a drink.
(4)Hillarie R.
I've had my fair share of drinks at their bar, both upstairs and downstairs, and have never had anything but positive experiences with their bartenders. The pleasantries, however, end there due to my most recent experience on Thursday 04/12/2012. My friend and I were looking to grab a quick dinner and were greeted by the security personnel. They asked us to wait while they got a host for us. 10 minutes later a gentleman comes up to us and asks us if we have been helped. We told him we were waiting for the host, to which he retorts "Umm, I'm not the hostess". Sir, I can obviously tell that you are male and judging by the air of arrogance that you carry, were probably some sort of management. Ok, pass. He asks us to wait a little longer and he leaves. When he returns with what I hope I can assume was the hostess, he waves us off and tells us to go upstairs. The lounge was rather empty and I asked the bartender (the only personnel up there at the time) if it would be alright to order our dinner with him at the (half empty) bar. The exaggerated eye roll that ensued was the last straw. Listen, I'm a server, I get it, it sucks sometimes, people have rough days but there is absolutely no reason why I should walk into a place, expecting to drop a significant amount of $$ down for drinks and dinner and be treated like a nuisance right off the bat. Staff, your pretentious attitudes and lacking customer service skills are doing a disservice to what would otherwise be an outstanding destination in Chicago. We walked to Paris Club and had a great dinner there.
(2)Berlin G.
I came on a Tuesday night and it was pretty crowded. The interior was nice the hostess was great. But my issue was, we made a reservation for 8 people. We waited over 20 minutes to be seated......wait, we might've waited 30 minutes.....and that's with a reservation. We get seated and waitress is courteous and nice. We order drinks, reasonable priced. Then we see the menu. Kind of expensive.....but okay, that's fine. As long as the quality and quantity is up to par. (I'm a person that feast with my eyes first then with my stomach....anyway) We decided we wanted to share so we ordered the mini plates. Man, were they mini. For our group size that food definitely wasn't enough. I left hungry and we ordered a lot but with 8 hunger people around and odd number of food in the bowl, it didn't work out so well. Now, the food itself (when I was able to taste it) was okay. I tried the dates wrapped in bacon. Good for the first bite but then it just become way to sweet. The Bone Marrow was actually pretty good with you had the bread to put it on. The flatbread was blah. The shrimp with mushrooms was....good, I was only able to eat the mushrooms and they were delicious. hahaha. So the big question: "Would you go back?" I say not of free-will. Sounds harsh but I really wouldn't go back unless my friends were having a birthday party there or they really wanted to get drinks there. But I would never suggest it. I gave it the second star because it wasn't crap but it wasn't "WOW! Hot-Freakin-Damn-That's-Good!". And I expected that, I guess it's my fault.
(2)Allie B.
I very much love Hubbard Inn. Great drinks, friendly staff, BEAUTIMOUS decor/vibe. When I get my drinky drink on, I like to do it in a place where I can relax and feel chic. Hubbard Inn is most def that place. Try it out!
(4)Jorge H.
This was stop #5 on a long bar/lounge hop night. Good ambiance, drinks were decently priced and the bathroom attendant was pleasant. Other than that, nothing too outstanding.
(3)Rich P.
We went for drinks only. We sat at the upstairs bar, this place has amazing decor and lots of pretty people both staff and patrons. Good music selections being played, but not too loud, we were able to sit at the bar and talk without having to shout to be heard. Bar tender was friendly and whipped us up some "special" cocktails becuase we were unsure of what we had a taste for and they were amazing. We will go back for sure and we are gonna try to get dinner on our next visit to the Hubbard Inn. I will be sure to add a dining review when we do.
(4)Lindsay M.
I had high hopes for this place--the decor and ambiance seemed perfect for a catch-up dinner with a friend when I was in town on business. The server was patient with our indecision and inability to focus solely on ordering (it's always hard to put ordering first when you're catching up with a friend you haven't seen in2 years). We ordered a salad to split--watermelon arugula--and individual entrees--cheese ravioli and hanger steak--and our server complimented us on choosing really great dishes. A lot of time had passed and our salad still hadn't come, but neither of us really thought much about it. After our entrees showed up and our server asked us why we hadn't received our salad yet, the response was underwhelming at best. Ten minutes into enjoying our entrees, a food runner showed up at our table with our salad. But who wants a watermelon salad when they're already digging into the entrees? We thanked him but sent it back. The salad mixup still wasn't enough to turn me sour on the place, though. What did was the next two courses of food. My hanger steak was the toughest, chewiest steak I've ever struggled to enjoy. Once I finally got it into bite-sized pieces, it was hard to chew The flavors were good, however, and the vegetables that came with it complimented each other, and the steak flavor, well. Then we thought about dessert. We figured since we had missed out on the salad that we deserved dessert. The server recommended what she called a blueberry-peach tart--she went on and on about how delicious the blueberry tart was--so we went with that. Turns out she got her fruits mixed up, because when a rhubarb tart landed on our table, we were confused. Even if that was what we had meant to order, the tart itself was so-so. There was too much crust and not enough fruit. It was something I would've been happy with had I made it myself in my own kitchen, but not worth the fanfare and price of a restaurant. I was disappointed that the Hubbard Inn didn't deliver the solid meal I was hoping for. If I lived here, I would be willing to give the food one more try. However, I might just have to stick with drinks from the bar if I find myself there again when I'm back in town.
(2)Noopur L.
I went to Hubbard Inn for the second time Friday night, and I absolutely loved it! It's such a casual scene and it hasn't been tainted by d-bags yet. I decided that with two successful experiences in a row, I had to Yelp it. My friend and I had a reservation for 6 pm, and we were hungry. That didn't last for long because our waitress Emily showed up, we placed our order, and food started arriving in no time. Everything we got was heavenly... We started with the Merguez Sausage Flatbread (almonds, herbs, bleu cheese, sumac, pear chutney). I'm a huge fan of lamb (since I don't eat beef/pork), and this was so tasty! They didn't skimp on the the amount of sausage and paired with the pear chutney, it was awesome. Next were the House Made Ravioli (truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens) and Pan Seared Scallops (pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter). If we could lick the dish clean, we would have! I love anything with truffle in it, and I was impressed by the ravioli because the truffle didn't overpower the mushroom ragout. I'm a sucker for scallops and brown butter sage, so I'm convinced they made that dish with me in mind! Finally, we split the Lamb Burger (pinn-oak farm lamb, mint, cucumber, red onion, feta, tzatziki sauce), which came with a side of fries. Thankfully we split this too because I was fairly full at this point. But of course the fat kid in me could not stop eating, because it was just. that. good. I love restaurants that have fun cocktail lists. I ordered two English Daisies (patron reposado, lime juice, english lavender elixir), which I absolutely adored. This is the only drink I'm going to order when I come back. I wanted to try a different concoction and opted for the Don Pedro (patron reposado and berry elixir). It came looking viscous and the color of cherry cough syrup. I took a sip and wanted to hurl. Fortunately Emily came by to check in on us and when I asked her to take it back, she said she knew I wouldn't like it. I loved that she didn't make me feel bad about it! I opted for the Moscow Mule (absolut vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint) instead, and all was good in the world. Service was great, the mood is cool without trying too hard and the restaurant is spacious and warm. I highly recommend it!
(5)Jonathan W.
I came for a friend's 40th birthday party on the second floor and I was impressed. The food was great and the service was great too. The look and concept are a little played out (Edison light bulbs, craft cocktails, fusion-y food). Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)Gabriela R.
Great place for drinks and meeting up with friends. Haven't eaten there but I just love the environment-- bit chic
(4)Nichole F.
This is my second time going here. The first time was right around when they first opened. First time there was really great. So I've been recommending it to clients and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be recommending it anymore. The hostesses they have now act like they are far superior to anyone that comes in there. I watched as one of them sat an older group of people (60+ in age) and as she walked away from their table, rolled her eyes and you could tell the hamster wheel in her head was just spinning with judgement. Our server was lack luster. When asked about an ingredient in the entree I received (It wasn't anywhere to be found), he didn't have an answer and didn't bother to find out. Mind you, it was a $13 plate that consisted of 4 small ravioli smothered in cream sauce. Husbands lamb entree had no flavor so he was pretty disappointed in that as well. The Salt Cod Fritters were not good - too doughy and sweet. Unfortunately the place has become too pretentious for me and the food is not anywhere as good as it used to be.
(2)Lauren T.
Hubbard Inn just has the beautiful rustic look from the outside and inside; it's so welcoming. Whether the widows are opened to the street or there is seating outside, you know there is a good time to be had here. I adore the upstairs with the walls of book shelves, exotic paintings and of course, the comfortable lounge. The first few visits here it was purely for after dinner drinks. In the summer, the patio is relaxing and the service outside is spectacular. Even when ordering multiple glasses of delicious cabernet sauvignon, you are not forgotten out there. A few weeks ago a group of friends and I decided to have dinner here. The Saturday night crowd was in full effect making it a little difficult to get a drink at the main bar before our table was ready. We had gotten there about ten minutes early before our reservation but ended up waiting about 15 minutes afterwards before getting sat upstairs. Our table started off with the bacon wrapped dates, an appetizer that I was able to sample at the Taste of River North in the summer. They were fantastic and the red pepper sauce really makes the flavor pop. I highly suggest giving these a try. For dinner I had the lamb burger which was out of this world. It was perfectly cooked, a healthy size and had the best little hint of mint. The vegetables were very refreshing and added a great crunch to the overall burger. As an after dinner drink, I opted for the Two Brothers house cocktail which was very good. It came in an old-timey shallow cocktail glass which was adorable but also did not hold as much alcohol as one would wish. Our waitress was sweet and tried her best to duck through the many people standing in walkways but it did take a long time for her to take our order, bring additional drinks and to bring the check. Yet upon signing the check, she was back within 2 minutes. We greatly enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back but maybe on a weekday night.
(4)Jake D.
Went for Drinks. Girls everywhere. Awesome drinks. Interior of an antique inn suits perfectly. Great cocktails. Michael Jackson played at least 3times while I was there. Can you say go there tonight!
(4)KC C.
Great place and experience. Highly recommended unless I want a table and its busy, LOL. I've been here several times now and really like the environment, food, service, and attention of the management-which in two instances manager intervention was clearly above and beyond, and this past Friday saved the day for me-thank you! The small plates approach is really nice for a date, and if you can get the window seats, combined with small plates, the fine wines (decent wine list), and the right person makes for good conversation and people watching on the street. There is one business right across the way that really enhances the people watching, LOL-but you will need to go there to find this out. LOL. Duck confit, scallops, short rib dishes are my favorites-the Amish chicken has been a companion favorite. I'm partial to reds and the selection I thought was good and included enough choices for most. Service has always been outstanding-and it is interesting to enjoy a place that is so close by, and has Chicago history and continuity. If you are looking for a date nite place, try Hubbard Inn window seats and small plates. Oh, and because of the small plates gym time equivalency table to portion size, food intake is very manageable. Off to the gym for me!
(5)Mahsa T.
In my initial excitement, I may have overrated this place. They have some service issues to work on. I came back for a second visit (early happy hour on a Friday) and the place was busy but not packed, yet it took a while for us to get seated even with a reservation and it took even longer for our waitress to come to our table. It seemed like the front desk and wait staff were a disorganized mess. My friend and I got creative with our beer selections (they do have some really good beer choices) and shared a flatbread (asparagus, mushroom, caramelized onion, ricotta) which was delicious! I'd still come back but be prepared for so-so service.
(4)Melanie K.
The cocktails stole my mind. The crowd stole my heart. The decor stole my eyes. Official opening is tomorrow night - 2/10/11. Friends and family was tonight and was an absolute success. Can't wait to write up a full review. But in the interim, Let's just say - order a Hemingway, some flatbreard, and pumpkin soup and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Max M.
I would recommend Hubbard Inn for after work drinks. They have a full menu but it gets very loud and does not feel like a sit down restaurant. The dates are supposed to be very good...I didn't try them. We ordered flat bread and seared tuna. Both were good for snacks but generally overpriced. Service was OK. Stick with just drinks and go somewhere else in River north for food. Lots of options within walking distance.
(3)Daniel C.
Love this place after work! Its the kind of place where I want to go and have a beer and great conversation with a friend or two. Great vibe and stylishly designed. Reminds me of a pub I visited in London. Good people watching and excellent when you're in the mood to see and be seen. Have had dinner there a couple of times and never had a bad dish. Check it out.
(4)Ebs B.
Gothic? Maybe... Vampire Den? Could be... Sensual? You know it... Beautiful? More like lovely... Classy? In every way... Tasty? Words can't describe... I know you're confused as to whether this review is about me (and all of the above traits may/may not apply), but all of these qualities are what describe the almost open Hubbard Inn! I was fortunate enough to be able to dine here during a private event yesterday before it's official opening. At a "dry-run," there are always hits and misses, but last night proved to be filled with way more hits! Here's what you can look forward to: * Different types of tables to satisfy your need! (Some seats are from church pews where items can be stuffed into the seats... other tables are communal... tall tables make for a more relaxed feel) * Great atmosphere! (Look at the odd pictures on the walls or the real books on the bookshelves... Even the 5-stick candle holder with its tall ominous metal arms beckon to you) * Wonderful drinks! (My faves were the Sleight of Hand, River North Smash, Hemingway, and finally, the Devil's Flip which tasted like hints of Tiramasu) * Food is fabulous! (My faves were the bacon-wrapped-dates which were not greasy like most places and were served in a delectable sauce... the scallops were cooked perfectly and served over a delicious pumpkin puree... Da' Burger as it's called was the best standard burger I've ever had. The foie gras in it made it soooo tasty. Yes, I'm salivating as I think about it) I could easily type a book, but my best advice is to just go and try it once it opens. The exact open date is still unknown, but it will definitely be something I'll keep an eye out for. See you there! Maybe we can even sit together at one of the communal tables!
(5)Meredith H.
Great spot in the rejuvenated section of downtown Chicago. Stephanie was extremely helpful with great food and drink recommendations.
(5)Mandi P.
Different. We were at Hubbard Inn a couple of weeks ago for a couple of drinks while waiting on friends. The inside is quite pretty...kinda old school, but in a good way. The bar is long with many seats and lots of standing room. The bartenders are efficient and friendly. We didn't eat here, but the food smelled awesome. One thing I didn't like, however, was the lighting. It was way too well lit here. Unless I am in a cafeteria at lunch time, I don't want to see every blemish of a restaurant or every blemish of my friends. Nor, do I want to think about what blemishes my friends are noticing on me!!! Night time drinking and eating places should be dimly lit...it is a time for relaxation!!! I most likely will return to Hubbard Inn to try out the food, but I guess I will have to come earlier in the day so that I can eat peacefully!!!
(3)William T.
Great food! Great atmosphere! And our waitress Eileen had a lot of great suggestions and was very kind and helpful. I recommend the bacon wrapped dates and the flatbreads. However, the beer menu was outdated. I was hoping for a Christmas ale and they had October beers still.
(4)cindy f.
i had an expired gift certificate for $100 and the restaurant refused to honor it. The manager was extremely rude and told me that he manages to use all of his gift cards before they expire and I should have done the same. ...WTF!!! Sorry...bad business...can't recommend a restaurant with that kind of attitude!
(1)Emily Z.
We could not stop talking all night about how much we loved the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn. It is hard to explain because every table or area seems to be a little different than the next but overall it is vary warm and homey like being in a friends dining room that is way nicer than anything you could ever afford. A plethora of eccentric artwork covers the high white brick walls and a sea of large globe lights hang from the ceiling. The seating arrangements are very varied from low four top tables with high back chairs, a large communal table in the center of the lower dining room with stool seating and even a few church pews; the over all seating theme is rustic wood. The only thing I am not sold on is the odd 'rear end shaped metal stools that are at some of the tables, not comfortable! After diner we went upstairs to the lounge area which houses many tall pub tables and a few nice seating areas surrounded by fireplaces and high shelves packed with books. There are large HD tv's built into the walls that are playing old black and white movies in the best quality I have ever seen, maybe it was the wine but it looked like Grace Kelly could have just leapt off the screen, who knew Blu-ray really is all its cracked up to be! The service was very good. Though often too good, yes I just paid $1.50 for that half of shrimp I am going to suck every last bit of sweet meat out of that tail, thanks! The server Caitlin took time to explain all the dishes as they appeared at our table and the bus boys kept our water glasses full. The servers and bar tenders are all dressed in prohibition area apparel, mens vest and ties. The bus boys on the other hand were wearing tuxedo shirts, so tacky! Between 6 girls we tried 4 of the signature cocktails and no one was impressed with the result though we all loved the complementary champagne we got! They offer you one complementary bottle of Evian water and once you suck that down be sure to let them know tap is fine, unless you feel the need be pretentious. We decided to all order a small plate and share so we could taste a variety of the dishes, the waitress warned us that it would not be enough as they recommenced 2-3 small plates per person, she was right. Here is my food review from my favorite on down; - Housemade ravioli, truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens ($12). Delicious, though with 3 ravioli they were $4 a piece, really!?! - Bacon wrapped medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce ($7) Very rich dish with warm earthy goat cheese and soft sweet dates the bacon flavor gets a little lost. Serving is 4 so we were saddened to have to split them since there were 6 of us. - Half dozen Pacific & Atlantic oysters on half shell, mignonette ($16) Great presentation and very fresh, I don't eat oysters haha, but everyone else loved them. - Grilled prawns, wild mushroom conserve, garlic potato puree, sundried tomato vinaigrette ($13). 4 large prawns with a delicious smokey flavor and delicious plump marinated mushrooms. - Steak tartare, quail egg, shallot, dijon, lemon, caper, olive oil crostini ($12) - Asparagus & mushroom ragout, caramelized onion, ricotta salata, gremolata ($10). Small portion that was almost impossible to split as the dough was so hard and crunchy. I would pass on this next time. - House potato chips with sour cream chive dip ($4) - crunchy kettle cooked chips with an extra thick dip reminiscent of the kind you buy at Jewel or Dominiks. Overall the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn is top notch and I will totally be back for drinks but honestly the food is over priced. I would say make reservations if possible, though it didn't start filling up until like 7:30.
(4)Chris S.
I met a group of friends here for dinner on Saturday night. I read a lot of reviews before going, so I knew what to expect - primarily the slow service. The bar area is nice and large and has a good beer selection and a big board of their specialty cocktails. I had a beer while waiting for our table and the bartender was quick and helpful. Once at our table, I ordered the caprese salad, the bison burger (raspberries on a burger?), and a side of asparagus. I expected to get my food in about that order, but was brought a plate of asparagus during the appetizer/salad portion of the meal. While delicious, I would have preferred to have it as a side dish, as I had ordered it. The caprese salad arrived about 3 minutes before the main course, and it was only okay. The mozzarella was fresh, but they covered everything with pesto. I really like pesto, but this drowned everything else out and made the entire dish way too rich. The burger arrived and was perfectly cooked (one member of our party ordered one medium rare and it arrived well done - it was promptly replaced and removed from the bill which was nice). To my surprise, the sweet and sour raspberries went really well with the burger. The burger came with a side of fries, which I must have missed on the menu, hence the asparagus order. The fries were excellent. Several members of our table went the tapas-style route (also the more expensive route) and really enjoyed everything. Everything was reasonably priced given the location, ambiance, and food quality. The atmosphere in the restaurant is casual/trendy with a very dim lighting, a laptop DJ front and center and a bathroom attendant in a bathroom that was too small (he was sitting right behind me as I used the urinal). I'd give the food and bar 4.5 stars (other than the caprese salad), but the service and awkward bathroom attendant bring it down to 3 for me.
(3)Shradha A.
I just hosted my birthday party at Hubbard Inn with about 50 guests and there was not one person who didn't comment on the coolness of the space. We had the area by the fireplace upstairs and the servers were super nice and helpful. The ventilation was a little poor and during a week where Chicago's average temperature was 100F, wish they had done something more to keep the place cool besides opening up their large windows. I also had the opportunity to try some of their food while vetting the place for my party and enjoyed the vegetarian-friendliness of the menu as well as the taste of the food and especially enjoyed the extensive beer list!
(4)Donna L.
GREAT PLACE!! Especially for a big group- very comfy and upscale 'swanky' almost. Booths look sooo cozy, but we had a big group and took the long table. And even that was so nice, not too tight and not too far, still easy to talk to everyone. Drinks were great! Everybody got something they like, whether it was a special beer, or special cocktail- mine of course were cocktails: (names were weird but taste was awesome) The Hepburn (Effen Cucumber, my fave) and The Option Two. Appetizers were delicious! Bacon wrapped dates were fantastic! Flatbreads were delicious, and we also enjoyed the salt cod fritters (but I wouldn't get them again). Salads sound good, but dining with a bunch of guys, majority rules. Beautiful array of entrees to fit all tastes. Rabbit, Pork Belly and Tuna were on the list to try, but I had to go with the Duck (the salty and sweet mix of sweet potatoes and maple glaze were unforgettable). Scallops were also ordered and very tasty. More and more drinks were ordered so dessert was not ordered, but I can't wait to try them one night.
(5)Andrea H.
I admit that I hadn't heard much about this place before I went but my dinner group was going there so I looked into it. Sounded pretty cool, great reviews about the decor, food, cocktails, etc. How could you go wrong? So I went. And it was overwhelmingly...ok. First of all, they have a great beer and cocktail list. I'm not 100% sure, however, that the bartenders know how to make them. My sazerac came on the rocks and heavy on the absinthe. Now I like absinthe and all but I really wanted to taste the rye. Maybe they're trying to make it their own, like American Idol style. I don't know. I had a couple of the other cocktails as well, the Dutch Daisy and the Devil's Flip. They were both ok but seemed a little off, not quite balanced. Maybe they're still working out the kinks. For dinner, I ordered the sweetbreads and the trout small plates. The sweetbreads were a good size but quite bland. The trout was fishy tasting and almost non existent. There were a good number of clams in the dish, however, that kind of salvaged it. Overall, I wasn't a big fan, except for the atmosphere. Maybe I should have ordered a burger. Those looked good. And a beer. Hmmm.
(3)Eric H.
# Vegetarian Review # Fun, casual place for drinks and good food. I had the chickpea crepes, and I highly recommend them! So delicious, and anticipate leftovers! Bottle of Mumm Champagne always washes crepes down well, followed by amazing specialty cocktails, such as the Hemingway. Definitely recommend this place!
(4)Jennifer Y.
I love Hubbard Inn! Perfect place for a date or intimate dinner, Hubbard Inn is dark and candle-lity with amazing cocktails and pretty great food. Cocktails are really interesting with unusual ingredients and well paired flavors. My personal fav is the Hepburn. Food is pretty good with some standouts: Bacon-wrapped dates are delicious. Lobster Club sounds like an unlikely choice but is sizable, DELICIOUS and comes accompanied by a small, mouth wateringly portion of shoe-string french fries. Flat breads are a bit over-baked. Overall, is a top pick of mine when I am looking for a lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails and great food. I caveat this by saying: avoid the Thursday Night Happy Hour scene.
(4)Anand A.
Fantastic location and vibe which makes for a refreshing spot that contrasts with the formula that is currently used at the spots peppered on Hubbard. Food is a bit rich and it was clear they are still working out the kinks there. Known for small plates. Try the Ravioli.
(4)Christina G.
I've been here twice recently and just as a warning, this place is loooouuuud. But it's fun too and the food is pretty good. Good wine selection. They have communal seating which I am personally a fan of but have yet to try. Maybe next time.
(3)Naz A.
We went to Hubbard Inn last weekend for a birthday party. There was a line when we arrived. We went up to the gentleman at the door who was letting people in and told him we were part of a reservation for a birthday. He was very aloof, told us he would look into it and asked us to stand on the side. He then proceeded to let about 10-12 people in before us. 15 minutes later when we asked if he had checked about our request, he turned to ask for someone to help us. Basically, he had forgotten. A women came over and asked us for the name of the person who held the reservation. When we told her, she had the nerve to tell us "That was at 9 o'clock. You are very late". It's a bday party, not a dinner reservation. I'm not sure why she thought it was appropriate to say that or speak to us in that tone. The inside of the Inn is really nice. The drinks are great and I really like the set up with the bookshelves. Very cozy. It's really a cute spot. I would have loved to come back here with friends or had a party of my own here, but not after the treatment we received at the door.
(2)Georgia W.
Super chill, but trendy enough to be interesting. And that's just the crowd. The food at Hubbard Inn is even more tempting, the drinks are tasty and the service - attentive. Dark wood, warm lights, chalkboard specials above the bar...it's cute! There are plenty of laid back taverns and worn in bars in Seattle. So I get excited when a place can combine creative small plates along with craft cocktails. And do it with style. Mission: local beers on tap and good apps. *Done and Done* Some reviews point out some random rants- heating/AC/loud music/ drunk dudes... seems a little harsh and off base. Hubbard Inn is a T*A*V*E*R*N. (?!?) Bacon wrapped dates were insanely good....might be the best EVER. Go. Chill. Drink. Enjoy. It's a good spot.
(4)Kim D.
I went here for my bachelorette last Saturday night as I was in town visiting from San Francisco & had heard great things. It's definitely crowded & loud, but very fun. We managed to grab a table as another group was leaving, so were absolutely psyched. After waiting for about 15 min, we went up to the bar for a drink assuming there was no server. Shortly after, a short blonde came up and said that we "had to order drinks from her if we wanted to sit in her section". We tried to explain we had been waiting & were from out of town, but she was pretty rude. The next time we needed a round we waited almost 40 minutes. My friend was really ticked at the way we were treated so she left no tip during the 2nd round of drinks. Shortly after the rude blonde server comes back, throws the receipt at us and says "I'm not doing this for free". Wow. Last I knew, gratutity was for good service - not an expectation!! I called the manager over to talk to him about what was going on. He introduced himself as John and said he would take care of it right away. He was absolutely professional and did take care of us right away. Not only did he comp our last round of drinks, but he got us a new server & made sure we didn't have a problem getting a drink. Thanks John! You absolutely saved the review for me on this place.
(4)Molly M.
great atmosphere buzz killed by $4 upcharge for an icecube in my basil hayden.
(2)Matt M.
If you are looking for price point this is not your place. If you are looking for "fine dining" this is not your place. This place has a unique atmosphere and great service, but the food and experience fail to make this place standout. The fries in a cup thing is kind of cool, but the fries inside are kind of like soggy jays shoestrings. The lamb burger I had was nothing special either. The bun was dry and the meat was not seasoned at all. The ambiance is also unique but awkward. You can sit at a really long table that makes it look like a yuppie chow hall, or you sit at a tables that are jammed waaaaaayyy to close together with awkward seating. Not to mention, you will not be able to hear the person across the table from you at all. Its the perfect place if you are looking for a sports bar atmopshere, fine dining prices, and fast food flavor.
(2)Ali O.
Sadly I have to give this place an overall bad review after 2yrs of coming here due to service. When it first opened I loved it; the bartenders were super nice and actually even wanted to know my name. Then I came here for a late afternoon/early evening meal...and man...the service was so slow. Then one time I came and the bartender was so rude to me and my friend I guess because he thought he was God's gift to women and we weren't flirting with him. Now the last straw was was charged 11.08 for a vodka sprite...keep in mind I usually only go to bars in the west loop and river north so I know the standard vodka soda is not 11 dollars considering they have signature cocktails at that price...to make matter worse he took forever to ring me while giving his attn to some other patrons. So I have to end this relationship. Train your service staff to actually respect your customers.
(1)Bryan M.
The duck sausage was worse than low grade dog food. I could have cooked better sausage in a microwave. The short ribs and the scallops sucked too. The bacon wrapped dates were ehh. After living in Chicago for 7 years this is the worst meal I have had. I would seriously rather eat a dead raccoon than this garbage again. Suuuuuuuuuuuucked. If you are thinking about eating here, do yourself a favor and eat a bag of sand. It would be more enjoyable. Succcccccccccccked. And what's with every door downstairs leading to the bathrooms being for employees only. You literally have to walk past 10 doors all marked employees only before finding the bathroom in the back of their Buffalo Bill's basement. I got your dog mister and I am serving it to guests as an overpriced tasteless entree. Suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkked.
(1)Chirag P.
Good drinks and good draft beers, but the food was nothing special. Although most of the dishes we had were veggie, so I'm guessing that was the issue. The scallops were probably my favorite, definitely give those a shot, but skip any VEGGIE stuff. I know my wife will be pissed that I said that. Anyways, the place itself gets pretty packed on weekends, so try to go on a weekday if you're going for a meal. Fun place to hang out and nice decor.
(3)B C.
I went here with friends for a beer and appetizers meal, and we were roundly disappointed. While the service was nice and trying 110%, the food was overpriced and worthy of a Jewel freezer section. Another thing this place had going for it was an interesting decor. An arrogant guy in the Alps would live in the Hubbard Inn. Unfortunately, tag-a-longs show up and that's what you have here, a bunch of obnoxious fellas talking in that way that's meant to be overheard.
(2)Amelia B.
I'm torn between 4 and 5. Food =5, everything else =4. Going with 4, so read on. I made a reservation for 7:30pm a few weeks ago and was really eager to try it out. Behind Ayn Rand & Dickens, Hemingway is my favorite author, so obviously I was drawn in to any place that would model the restaurant after him. We were seated promptly at 7:30pm, but at the table right next to the front door. At this point, I should have spoken up and asked to be placed elsewhere, especially because there were plenty of open tables and I made a reservation weeks ago (so I thought I should get some priority). Alas, I chickened out. And having been a server for a long time, I understand how patrons requesting to switch tables can put a server in the weeds. So I spent a lot of the dinner getting blasts of cold air in the face (despite the double door arrangement). Nevertheless, the cold is nothing that a few drinks can't cure. Started off with a perfect dirty, extra dry vodka martini with blue cheese olives. Delish--probably one of the best I've had in the River North area. We also started off the asparagus flatbread--absolutely DIVINE. So much flavor, I probably could have ate three of them. It's a pretty decent size as well. Moved on to the salmon and the scallops. I highly recommend both--the salmon was cooked perfectly, and the scallops just melted in the mouth. We also ordered a bottle of sangiovese, which, for the cheapest red on the menu (hey--I roll like that), was surprisingly smooth. It definitely drank like some more expensive wines I've had. Some random observations non-food & drink related: (1) Holy crap, this place is loud. I had to yell at my dinner companion even though we were only a foot away from each other. And this was at 7:30pm. Granted, we were sitting right near the bar and there was a large crowd there. (2) Holy cougars! Definitely a mixed crowd, which I appreciate. But I did get some great laughs out of a large party of older women making it a point to take pics with the young guys around the bar. No wedding rings in sight. (3) Is the complimentary Evian bottled water necessary? (though make sure you specify you want tap water after that, or they will charge you $3 for another). What's wrong with tap water? (4) I wish we had sat further back in the restaurant--might have been a better ambiance. (5) there is bathroom attendant--ladies carry money. I ran back up and grabbed a few bucks and then ran back down. So overall--food is definitely five-star, but a bit iffy on the rest. I'll be back, and hopefully in a different location in the restaurant.
(4)Leang E.
I came here for a friend's birthday party, and it was a pretty cool spot. We were upstairs. I was disappointed that it was so warm in there though. Like with the temperatures we have been experiencing where was the air conditioning?! I felt like I was sweating through my dress, and I couldn't understand why the gas fireplace was on. I think it was real anyways and it seemed like heat was emanating from there. The drink prices were pretty comparable and it is a spacious area, but it gets packed. I liked that the crowd was maybe 30's ish and not too young and annoying, but more sophisticated and relaxed. There was a variety of different types of music. I want to come back and try the food. I heard it was good, so I will be back.
(3)Jaime S.
I didn't know what the premise of Hubbard Inn was before I walked in, but based on the other reviews, It appears my impression of Hubbard Inn was spot on: It smells like a library, the lighting is such that you feel like you may be in an absinthe induced haze, and the Hemingway/expatriate vibe is VERY apparent. I came with 6 girls after some March Madness, mostly because my BFF was in town from Philly and i wanted to get her to every new place in River North so that she doesn't feel disconnected from Chicago. It was supremely crowded, but I imagine if you can get there in time to get a table, it would be a great spot. I don't stray from clear drinks, but the drink list looked impressive. 3 Stars for now, but I'm going to have to try this place again.
(3)Maria B.
I love Hubbard Inn. From the interior decor to the staff...everything is perfect. The lighting is great, the crowd looks good and the atmosphere can't be beat. To be fair, I have only eaten here once, and it was good, but my favorite thing to do is come here and split a bottle of prosecco with my friends and watch the world go by outside. Great people watching. I have also come here many times for evening cocktails on the weekends and it is a great place to get the night started. The weekend crowd and upstairs bar have a vibrant energy and feel a bit more mature than other spots in the area-in a good way. Reminds me of Waverly Inn in NYC crowd and energy wise. Definitely recommend for dinner, cocktails to get the weekend night started or after-work happy hours.
(4)Holly J.
Great atmosphere - although be warned, it can get a little loud. Definitely recommend for a couple drinks but would not go out of my way to have dinner. Food is ok, not great. For the prices, you could get a better meal at many other places in River North. Go for the social environment. Do not go if you are expecting to have a memorable meal.
(3)Ariana S.
Well done Hubbard Inn! Here's the thing. If you met me you would probably stereotype me as a 20-something, single urban professional who tends to gravitate toward the trendy "it" place only to snobbishly judge it myself and then tell the world my opinion as if it mattered. Well...you're stereotype would be spot on. Nice to meet you! I have been wanting to try Hubbard Inn for a while and I was so glad I did! I went for dinner so I can't yet speak to the weekend night scene but I'll come back to update. Atmosphere: LOVE! Looks kind of like an old smoking room with high wooden tables, wrought-iron castings and chalk on chalkboard menu items. We sat in "the library" in the back on chaise lounges next to the fire and busts of horse heads. (ok sounds weird but it was really cool). Drinks: I played it safe at first and ordered off the wine menu and was not disappointed but the cocktail list was beckoning me so I quickly downed the wine and ordered the "Hubbard Rose" and loved it! Whiskey with rose juice and mint. Yum! Food: I trusted my date on this one and I was not disappointed! [The food was good too. ;-) ] He ordered like a pro, not missing a beat as he sprouted off the Duck Rilette, Short Ribs, Scallops with pumpkin sage, and clam covered flatbread. Seriously this guy has mad skills. Everything was really tasty but I have to give a shoutout to the SCALLOPS. Melt in your mouth INCREDIBLE! The Short Ribs were also so insanely tender that they basically didn't need to be chewed and the Flatbread was a reall unique combo of flavors. Wasn't thrilled with the duck but still enjoyed it. Nice job Hubbard Inn! You made this 20-something a very happy yelper.
(4)Shayna R.
I had a private party for 18 people at Hubbard Inn. This was the most horrible private party experience I have EVER HAD. As someone who organizes private parties for clients and my own company, I have had experience with setting a menu and pricing dinners. I had to sign a contract with Hubbard Inn for this party, and put down a credit card to secure the spot. I arrived 15 minutes prior to the reserved time (8pm, Fri night). The table was NOT ready yet. For a party of 18, you would expect them to have it set up at least 15 minutes prior, so I could see how it would look, or make any changes that I wanted made. No such luck. I would have to wait till 8pm, and until HALF my party arrived to be seated. Then they brought us to a communal table. To my horror, they sat us at a table, 18 of my party, 4 people WHOM I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW, at the end of my table! They had 4 extra spaces and they were going to get good use of it! I told the manager this was unacceptable--true it was not stated in my contract that I would get a private table, but no where else did it say, nor did the events coordinator tell me, there was a possibility of being at a communal table. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOOKED A PRIVATE PARTY WITH A COMMUNAL TABLE. Who thinks expecting to sit at a private table with 18 guests is reasonable? I DO! By the time she worked out that she would throw in 4 bottles of wine and the dessert charge, my party had already ordered wine by the glass and beer. Bear in mind that I had to be away from my party for the first 15-20 minutes to RENEGOTIATE the contract due to their negligence. They even admitted that the party at the end of the table was not originally seated there, that they had been unhappy with their own table and were moved by a waiter. WELL AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, THAT WAS NOT MY PROBLEM. I after all, booked a PRIVATE PARTY! Well the end result was that after everyone had already ordered single pour wine, we only really ordered 2 additional bottles of wine. I just assumed she would remove the charges for the single pour wine since she waited till everyone was seated to rectify the situation. her mistake. No such luck. At the end of the party they only took off $40 off a $1100 bill and brought the GM and the events coordinator to ARGUE WITH ME, in front of my guests. They also had the nerve to tell me that despite spending $1k at their restaurant, "that's not a lot of money." I GUESS THEY DON'T NEED BUSINESS AT HUBBARD INN. At that point, I really had no choice but to threaten to take them to court over this issue and paid the bill. Unhappy. Very very disappointed with their ability to handle a discrepancy with a CONTRACTED DINNER. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.
(1)Stephen F.
Based on a Saturday night sojourn, Hubbard Inn is a regular stop on the Near North 30-something trend-o-matic conveyor belt. The women wear Blahniks and too much makeup, the men pre-distressed jeans and Ed Hardy or a full suit. It's a popular scene -- and totally not what I'm looking for in a night out. But Hubbard Inn did appear to be organized, running well without long waits at the bar or bathrooms. The beer menu gets a solid B -- and I don't grade on a curve. So if you like to be seen with pretty people, this is your stop on a night out.
(3)Chloe C.
Probably my favorite bar on Hubbard. It's not quite as clubby/douchy as some of the surrounding bars but it's still fun and fancy. Fun for groups of friends or dates (if you can get one of the normal tables or sit at the bar instead of those long tables - that can be a little awkward on a date). I'm a fan. :)
(4)Amanda F.
I've been to Hubbard Inn a few times and always enjoyed the evening...whether its right after work, dinner, or late night. From the art, to the menu, to the themed cocktails, the "Hemingway-inspired" theme is fun to trace. The drinks are fantastic, but sometimes contain such hard-to-find ingredients that even Hubbard Inn doesn't have them in stock. Ideally, the Bartenders would mark which cocktails they are unable to concoct, but on more than one occasion I've had to play a guessing game that ended in "Well what can you make?!" Regardless, "The Aviator" is my new favorite drink and worth the $10 (when all the ingredients are in stock). While on the pricier side, the food is warm, well-portioned, and very tasty. There are also some menu items that are unique to Hubbard Inn. I had the Pear Salad, the Moroccan vegetables, and shared french fries. The vegetables were spicy, savory, and delicious. The portion was also massive. Everyone at my table loved their food were sufficiently liquored up to ignore the higher-than-average Tuesday night dinner bill. The crowd is pretty typical for River North, but there were a fair number of business travelers at 11Pm on a Friday night that clearly looked like they were past due back at their hotels post dinner. In general, it caters to the young, yuppie foodies who don't mind paying a little extra for drinks and enjoy "semi-dancing" (so as not to spill pricey cocktail). If you're a fan of the River North scene (new concept restaurant/bar, high ceilings, high-tops, gourmet-pub fare menus, and late evening noisiness), Hubbard Inn is your new favorite spot. .
(4)Bo Y.
Loved it! The atmosphere was perfect: busy, energetic, trendy, dim, sexy, fun...the cocktails were delicious and deceivingly strong, plus they have great craft beers on tap. Didn't eat here, but certainly enjoyed the fashionable crowd and the decor.
(5)Beth A.
as a rule i dont stand in line to get into places in a city where i can walk down a single block and find 8 other places to just walk in to...but last nite i waited and waited and waited on a nice weekend nite i expect bars to be busy but what i cant handle is when there are plenty of potential customers waiting while the stick up their ass doorguys are lettin in 40 other ppl off the streets...my money is worth the same as anyone elses tyvm after we were allowed in it was crazy loud and so crowded we couldnt even make our way to the bar ...maybe this place is worth it off hours during the week but i will never set foot near here again on a weekend
(1)Brandon J.
I've been to Hubbard Inn for happy hour a few times. The drinks are solid, beer selection thoughtful, and service is excellent. On weekend nights, the crowd picks up a lot and by 10pm, it's a borderline dance party.
(4)Kristen D.
This place is really fun and great for socializing. The bar upstairs is large and has tons of seating. The bartenders are super friendly and they also have a great drink menu. I really enjoyed my night here and recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun and easy going bar in river north.
(4)TJ Y.
I went here on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was overall a great experience! However, there were still many negatives through the night... We had a reservation, but were not seated until 30-40 minutes after our reservation. This was a bit annoying since we did have after dinner comedy show tickets. The manager/gm did make it up to us by giving us a free bottle of champagne... this could've also been because it was a birthday celebration or maybe because of both the birthday and the wait. Who knows... As far as ambiance... it was very busy and VERY loud inside... we sat in a booth on the main floor and you had to shout for the person across the table to hear you. If you're looking for a place where you can hold a conversation with friends, this isn't the place. The food was SPECTACULAR. We got two flatbreads to share as an appetizer and the mushroom/asparagus one was great! For the main course, I had the braised rabbit over tagliatelle. The light sauce wasn't what I expected for a rabbit dish, but it was delicious!! My friends also ordered the scallops as their main course and they loved it. Portions are on the small side, but we left feeling satisfied. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert to split between the 6 f us and both were awesome. They were big pieces of cake and both were sooo good!! The service was ok. At some points, we couldn't locate our waiter and it took awhile to track him down to get our check. Overall, foodwise, it was great and I would definitely go back! Next time I may go on a weekday or earlier in the evening when it isn't so crowded and loud.
(4)Desiree B.
Went here last night for a long-awaited girls night-great atmosphere, great drinks, great food. The reason I'm taking the time to write a review is to comment on the impeccable service and response we got from the manager, host, waitress, and bartender in response to an unfortunate situation we had with a Grade A Douchebag who clearly had never been let out of his little monkey cage. The way the Hubbard Inn staff handled it was first-class-and instead of letting our night and dinner get ruined by a low class reject, they totally salvaged with it with their attentiveness, great service, comic relief, new food, a fresh round of drinks and dessert shots for good measure. Girls night was saved and we will laugh about it for a long time. We all look forward to coming back and checking out the swank private dining space upstairs. Hubbard Inn 1, Pathetic Douchebags 0.
(5)Niti B.
Finally made it out for a drink and a small bite to eat on a random wednesday night. I was looking to sip on a glass of wine and sit outside while I people watched and this place was right in the hot spot zone even for a weekday. I had the beet salad with goat cheese rather than blue cheese and the three cheese flatbread. Everything was delicious and the service was super nice. Although I felt like it was a friday night I loved the atmosphere both inside and outside this spot and might consider coming back since the wait wasn't very long for a table outside on a nice spring day!
(3)Bruno C.
We stopped in after a white sox game and was blown away with the clubby, sophisticated space. Giant bar with every brand of liquor you can imagine. Beers galore. And, inspiring craft cocktails made seasonally. The room seems to have a Hemingway theme with original art. The food is mostly small plates, all well put together and tasty. Though the delicate flavor of the mussels I ordered was overpowered by chorizo. I should have known better because I love mussels but only like chorizo, sometimes. We also ordered a couple of the flatbreads, great with cocktails and done to perfection. Seared giant scallops. Terrific. Lobster roll, very tasty but a bit light on the lobster. Overall a great experience--atmosphere, cocktails and food all top notch. I went back at lunch 3 days later and had perfect, fresh oysters and a rich, tasty lobster bisque. And three more cocktails--try the Hemingway. The service on both days was friendly, welcoming and seemed genuine. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Katie W.
I've been here a few times now and my opinions still more or less reflect what they were on my first visit. I want to like this place so much more than I do - I think it has great potential and stands out a bit from the other places on Hubbard. My main gripe is with the service. I work in the area and every time I have gone for lunch it is so...slow...Like literally 10-15 minutes between sitting down, being approached by a server, getting a drink, taking the order, etc. If you are a downtown restaurant, most of your lunch clientele is likely working and does not have 2 hours to spare for their lunch break. Sheesh. The food *is* good and also different from the other fare at restaurants nearby, but they're kind of uppity when it comes to making any adjustments to your order. I'm not talking super high-maintenance "I want that salad but don't include xyz and please add this and dressing on the side" type requests. One of my coworkers wanted an egg added to his burger - which was an ingredient available on another sandwich, so we knew they had it. Our waitress was all "well I don't know if the chef can do that blahblahblah". Listen - this isn't Alinea. Just put the egg on the burger and call it a day. Another coworker made a request that they said they would honor but when she got her food, they hadn't. All things that seemed simple enough but that they acted very inflexible towards. Ok finally this is admittedly nitpicky but the bathroom is SO DARK. Like, I-ran-into-something-because-I-couldn't-see-s**t-Âand-stubbed-my-toe dark. Not sure what they're trying to accomplish with that but all of these things put together just lead to the overall feeling that they're trying way too hard. I think they have a good formula here but are just overthinking it a bit. I did go for drinks once and the bartenders were really nice and the cocktails were super. But when it comes to having an overall good meal experience, it's not a place I would recommend.
(2)noel f.
Food is terrible and there's not much of it. I'm not big fan of raw potatoes and high priced tiny dishes! Drinks are good, good location, not a good place to eat.
(2)Tanya M.
We had a great experience at Hubbard Inn. Our seat was a table half in and half outside. It was a beautiful night and fun people watching. The beer selection was great and we enjoyed the food as well. Small plates are the way to go because there are so many wonderful choices.
(4)Joel W.
I loved HI's atmosphere. It's what I imagine Mr. Burns' or Bing Crosby's library looks(ed) like. The small library/sitting area is awesome. There's a bar on ground floor and upstairs. Both I'd feel classy sitting at, sipping midcentury cocktail concoctions. The ground floor also has a large table that can accommodate...maybe 20 maybe more? it's huge. Food was very good. Between my wife and me, I tried a few entrees and appetizers. All were great, however the HIGHLIGHT, for me, was the Chickpea Crepe. Oh man. I'm not a vegetarian, but I periodically like to try what restaurants are doing that are vegetarian or meatless. I felt lucky for picking it. I enjoyed the rabbit and scallops and burger and rhubarb salad...but that Crepe, hmmm, I still dream about it. I also had Steak Tartare, but I've learned that I just don't like tartare much. I can only assume that Hubbard Inn did a good job, so since I didn't like it, it probably means my trying-to-like-tartare days are over. When we arrived, our table was not ready. They invited us to grab a drink at the bar..but it was full. So we ordered between two people and stood and sipped our cocktails. 4 sips in and we get word the table was ready. We were escorted to the second floor where a few table were empty awaiting guests. I hope they didn't make us wait just so we'd buy a drinks ($23 for two). They wouldn't do that,...right? Hm. I think in total we spent about $125, so it's not cheap. Dress up and go.
(4)Ashley M.
No thanks-- Walking in, the decor is nice. It has a modern vintage vibe which I adore. I got there a bit earlier than my date so I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely nice. And this is how they got two stars. I want to bump it down to one though. After sitting at the table, the waitress kept pressuring us to make a selection "oh well the kitchen closes at 10". Okay lady hold your horses. I ordered the ravioli and it was..okay. Let me put it like this, Olive Garden is better. The date ordered steak. He cleaned the plate so I'll assume that was good. I kid you not, every three minutes someone asked us were we done eating an could they take our plates. If my fork is in my hand the logical answer would be no right? Not here. Afterward the date and I thought it would be a good idea to take our drinks to the sofas and talk. I mean, they close at 2am so we had plenty of time right? No. Our waitress came over and told us they were closing that part of the restaurant (really?) and then dimmed the lights. I actually preferred the dimmed lights so the date and I kept talking and drinking. She came over AGAIN with a nasty attitude and we asked for the bill and she brought it over. I saw her speaking with a few of her coworkers who started to stare in our direction. We were the only two people over there. Then she turned the lights OFF in our section. Off. Completely off. Really?? Being defiant, the date and I stayed until she came to get the payment and she said "you guys can't be in here like this" and walked off. Really?? At least wait until we tip you to be rude Stacy or whatever your name is. Never again.
(2)Myrna J.
The place looks incredible. We just wanted drinks so sat at the bar. The bartender had good hair. The drinks were good (according to the folks I was with).. all were good. I had a simple gin and tonic.. was fine too. I thought the bartender was pretty unfriendly. He wasn't busy either, just not communicative... nor did he smile. I probably wouldn't go back unless I couldn't find another bar nearby. Too many place in Chicago to settle for less than great!
(2)Morgan M.
Slowly but surely there are places that we naturally gravitate to...why it's taken so long to get to Hubbard Inn, is just plain crazy. Forget winding down over a cup of tea--this lady needs a night out, and it involves stopping inside a packed house. There is so much happening inside of this hot spot that not one single thing can be denied. Not the beer Not the space Not the men..or the ladies Not even the bartenders I honestly had low expectations when my friends suggested we make a stop at Hubbard Inn for a drink. Thinking it would be like any other place along that strip, I was shushed and tsk'd all along the way. They knew what was to be expected. The minute we walked in, despite the sardine-effect...it was comfortable. This is a prime spot for an after work cocktail, a place to take a date later in the evening...or simply a place to just go. The crowd is ecclectic and mixed, and yet everyone is equally engaging. Something that can be hit or miss with similiar bars. Your eyes will not get bored either from the interior decor or the eye candy, there's a whole lot going on inside. We didn't have any food, but opted for cocktails as it was a very happening weeknight. Prices are no different than any other bar. One hour turns to two and you lose yourself in your groups and the five groups around you. Nobody is shy. Honestly, you can't go wrong if you're looking for someplace different that offers glamour, hipsters, happy hour folk and clubbers. It's a full range that brings everyone together for a sure-found successful night out.
(4)Lindsey W.
I've been here twice now and I have to say, I'm still impressed. The first time I was with a group and we did small plates. Perfect portions to share- the salad with blue cheese was so good and filling, the dates melted in your mouth. Everything else was okay, but I remember those. They had a mix up with our reservations and sent us a bottle of champagne to make-good after we mentioned it to the manager. So the wait service is very nice, the hostesses not so much. The second time I've been we each did our own entrees and I had the chicken sandwich. It was delicious, the fries were addicting. My only complaint about this place is the price of drinks, but for River North that's to be expected.
(4)brion d.
I only decided to write after I saw another Yelpers' experience (Ellen D). The night after I went there, I found multiple charges on my credit card that I didn't make. I called the restaurant and got no call back. Tried again, no call back. After the third try I called my credit card company and told them there was an unauthorized charge on the card. My credit card company took it from there, and the invalid charges were voided, but what a pain in the butt. And to see that someone else had the same experience with the management isn't good. Check your statement after you leave this place! Oh, everything else about this place is fine.
(2)Dan H.
We've all had some bad waiters in our time. But it's those stellar servers who make the meal all the more memorable. Sometimes you just get lucky, depending upon the eatery. Other establishments strive to ensure each and every waiter and waitress shines. Hubbard Inn accomplished just that. My waitress, Eileen is an adorable brunette, very personable and very efficient. She was friendly, attentive yet not smothering, knowledgeable yet not a know-it-all, the wait staff at Hubbard Inn understand that high-quality service goes hand in hand with high-quality food. With an eye for detail and impeccable care for individual needs, Hubbard Inn's wait staff not only ensure that patrons' meals are perfect, but that their entire dining experience is equally unforgettable.
(5)emily h.
Meh, meh, meh. My husband and I came here with a few other couples for dinner one night. When I walked in, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the decor. It has a very cozy yet chic feel to it. The food, drinks and service were NOT impressive. Our waitress acted really bothered by us the whole time. Any time I would order another drink, she acted like I was imposing. Overall, the food portions were very small and pricey. I think I got 3 raviolis for like $14 and they were not even that good. We all left annoyed and hungry and swore never to come back. Well, somehow, a few weeks later I came trotting back in with my girlfriends for a bachelorette party. The bride was wearing a crown (that perhaps had a male body part on it) and we were asked to leave. FINE WITH ME!
(1)Tony G.
The bacon wrapped dates were a great starter. The pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked.
(3)Nicole C.
I was at Hubbard Inn last night for a friend's birthday dinner. This is a perfect spot for a girls night out! Between the four of us, we shared the following small plates: ______________________ *Beet Salad* roasted red & yellow beets, watercress, billy blue cheese, candied walnuts, bean vinaigrette *Bacon Wrapped Dates* medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce *Pan Seared Scallops* pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter *Salmon* pan seared with creamy dill rice *The Burger* all natural angus, lettuce, tomato, onion, aged cheddar _____________________ All of the main courses are served in small cast iron casserole dishes meant for sharing. It feels very much like tapas. I'd recommend everything listed above, but my favorites were the bacon wrapped dates and the salmon. Add two bottles of wine and one specialty cocktail to the courses listed above and our total bill was about $170, or about $42 per person. Sure, these same dishes can be found at good restaurants all over Chicago, but I loved the atmosphere (very classy and old fashioned) and the food was amazing -- and I can appreciate a little Spanish flare to the ambiance and food. LOVE the Spanish tiles!!! In speaking with our server we learned that this place is owned by a man from Spain and a man from Mexico. They also own English, LaSalle Power Company, and several other well-known Chicago restaurants.
(4)Christina M.
I stopped in for drinks/appetizers this past weekend with my boyfriend. I thought the fries were average and that the drinks were pretty good. I also liked the decor, it seemed like someone put a lot of thought into the decoration. I especially liked the downstairs area.
(3)Christy T.
Do you ever entertain friends from out-of-town? I don't mean friends from Schaumburg cuz they want to go to someplace like "Nine" (if that place is even around anymore). I'm talkin about that person you stood up for in their wedding, or that old frat guy you enjoy an occasional concert or swapmeet with...? Well, next time your long-lost friend comes into Chicago to visit their "know-it-all" Chicago friend (that's YOU!!!), make sure and start your evening of festivities at Hubbard Inn!!! Located on the N/W corner @ Hubbard/Clark (2 doors w. of Clark), you & your crew can indulge in cocktails and people-watching. We made a reservation for dinner and between the sausage flatbread (mini-pizza served on a wooden chopping block), the sea scallop dish, and short-rib entre, my FAVORITE DISH of those was the SAUSAGE FLATBREAD! I did order the flourless chocolate cake to go. It was OK- I'd go back to Hubbard Inn with a group of gal friends before going dancing or seeing a concert. Boomin-vibe!
(3)K B.
Went here with a large group (17) for a birthday. Had a huge table reserved for us, but we had to get there at 5. Anyway, the restaurant just said they would come out deliciousness, and boy did they ever. Started with the mussels and bacon wrapped dates and they were killer. I would have been satisfied with just that, but oh no! They then brought the seared scallops, three cheese flatbread, and house made ravioli. All still wonderful (and I usually badmouth cheese "pizza"). And I think they brought out lamb shoulder at the end but my stomach was already spent. So, just to be clear, the food here is delicious. But damn expensive.
(4)Shannon C.
I've been a few times before. Saturday night, girls party reserved table upstairs. I like the couches and the atmosphere is well managed so it isn't too crowded, good music. Champagne menu too expensive and not well selected. I met the owner and I was a little turned off by his dismissive attitude. Better for twenty-something mingling than thirty-something socialization (and obviously, the increased dispensible income between these decades is not necessarily valued bc they do pack a full house on the weekends).
(2)Allison H.
We called the day before to make sure the dinner menu would be served at 3pm on Sunday. We were coming right after the Hawks game and didn't want brunch. They assured us that we would be able to order off the dinner menu. However, it was a different story when we arrived. They said we couldn't order until 4pm. This was dissapointing since we did call ahead. Then, they were out of the first two wines we ordered off the menu. Looks like they need some work on communication and ordering. We decided to leave at eat somewhere else.
(2)Kida T.
Ehhh.....went here for my birthday and it was ok. It was packed and I stupidly forgot to make reservations so my friend and I ended up at the bar. We ordered a couple of their signature cocktails and boy, were they awful. I can't recall what they were but my friend and I never finished them. Just really bad tasting. We ordered food off the menu as well snd I was disappointed that they were just small plates. I get that it's supposed to be fancy but we were expecting something more. The food was good though and our bartender Zach was very attentive,.although he should pay a bit more attention to how he's making dem drinks. I'd go back though.....
(3)Lindley E.
I remember one thing from our meal: the french fries. They were tasty. Actually, I should say, the french fries were pleasantly memorable. The aoili, it was fine. But I'll be damned if I can remember much else from our meal. It just wasn't executed...memorably. If anyone tells you this restaurant is gorgeous, they likely are male, like male activities like big game hunting and drag racing, chess and Xbox 360, heavy drinking and saunas. They like the idea of tuna fishing, but don't necessarily have the patience for it. They're also known women, many women. And sometimes they write about it, Tucker Max style. They usually only share this with anonymous friends on the internet. These men, these leather sofa-loving men who stock libraries full of classic editions of the great books - 'just for show' - also like to order classic cocktails and craft beer - 'just for show'. Which makes Hubbard Inn the perfect place for them. Unfortunately the sound level is really high, so they have to yell to tell their dirty sex stories, something they only do after three drinks (they make 'em strong here). I like dining in a restaurant where I can hear not only my thoughts, but my dining companion. Some seats in the joint allow this (hint: ask to be seated in the library). Specials are adorable on chalkboards, but only in a place that really do focus on fresh and seasonal. I didn't get the impression that that's Hubbard Inn's bag. You know. They're more about the leather.
(2)Dana F.
"About morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after." It's true - even Ernest Hemingway himself would endorse my hedonistic urges. When I discovered that the Hemingway-inspired Hubbard Inn had recently opened, featuring small plates and an impressive liquor list, I had to check it out (and take my partner in crime, the lovely Dee Y., along). The atmosphere is fantastic and really transports you to Hemingway's library. To add to the sort of somber ambiance, sad songs by one of my favorite bands, The National, were in rotation. No detail is overlooked - photographs line the walls of the bathrooms and even the silverware has a very 1920s vibe to it. The beers on draft are fairly standard and include a few common Belgian beers, as well as quite a few Goose Island selections. I opted for a glass of Rioja wine, which was of surprisingly good quality for only $10. To start, we shared the poached prawn salad. The salad was a bit heavy on the dressing and the olive and roasted red pepper toppings were quite sparse. I'm not even sure if I saw any artichoke lurking in that huge bed of arugula! We also shared the seared scallops with pumpkin puree and brown butter. These were my favorite of the evening. The scallops were large and juicy and the sweetness of the pumpkin enhanced the natural sweetness of the scallops (that, and I love anything pumpkin). The Moroccan vegetables were good, albeit a bit ordinary. There was nothing unique or differentiating about them. That, and the carrots were very undercooked compared to the rest of the vegetables and protein (cauliflower, chickpeas, etc.). For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate cake, topped with strawberries and cream. What an odd cake; it had the consistency of a chewy brownie. Oh, and it was HUGE. I was expecting bitter chocolate for a flourless cake, but this chocolate was much sweeter than I had expected. Service is spot-on at Hubbard Inn. Whether the community manager is contacting you on Twitter or your waiter is suggesting some of his favorite small plates from the menu, I felt very much at home. The food, however, left something to be desired, but this seems like a great place to enjoy the atmosphere and have a drink or two at the bar.
(3)Paul C.
The first thing you'll notice about Hubbard Inn is the huge communal tables. That's right. Yet another place going for the flavor of the month, pack-you-in-like-a-second-grader-so-we-can-Âsqueeze-in-a-few-extra-customers, vibe. This results in a very noisy spot, that's probably good for happy hour and little else. Don't come there with a date, someone you're trying to impress, or anyone you want to have a conversation with. I ended up hitting up Hubbard Inn for a company lunch, so the best thing about my meal was I didn't have to pay. Hubbard Inn is going for the gastro pub type fare with portion sizes that are all over the map. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was quite tasty and well prepared. The fries were totally bland and forgettable. Other people I was with had varying degrees of happiness depending on what they ordered. The salads were huge, but fish portions quite small. If you order the prawns you get three prawns--more of an appetizer than a main course. The flat breads which are billed as an appetizer are definitely big enough to be a stand-alone meal. Tried the cheesecake for desert and it was pretty good. I honestly didn't have any real complaints about the food. Service was ok, but nothing stellar. One of our dishes was forgotten so they were 11 for 12 on getting dishes out. From time to time our server also just disappeared, especially when it was time for the bill. Coming in a group of 12 did make the communal eating more tolerable, but it was basically impossible to hear anyone who wasn't sitting next to you or directly across from you. Given that the food was overall decent I'd put this place at a 2.5 stars but rounding down for communal tables and general loudness. Hubbard Inn is probably a nice spot for a happy hour, but I wouldn't want to buy my own meal there.
(2)Annie N.
I met a friend here for lunch and although the location and decor were both on the positive side, but our experience was just ok. Our waitress was nice, but the food took a while to get out. It was really hot outside that day (this was a bit ago) and we were sitting outside, so the sun was killing us, and my water wasn't refilled fast enough. For lunch, this spot was pretty popular, and lots of people were coming in and out, even for the outdoor seating. The menu was pretty standard - salads, flat bread, sandwiches, and some other options. I honestly wasn't impressed with the selections, and since I wasn't eating meat at the time, nothing really stood out for me. I ended up getting the Mushroom & Asparagus flat bread and my friend got a Cobb Salad. Portion was fine, enough for lunch, and the food was average. I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'd remember the next day or talk to people about. My lunching companion said his salad was good, but again I didn't see anything outstanding about it. Prices were alright. Kinda on the pricier side for lunch - I think the bill came out between 40-50 for the 2 of us, but he had drinks. It wouldn't be bad if the food was a bit better. But I probably won't come back just for food. There are many other options around the corner.
(3)Eric S.
Hubbard Inn is a interesting mix between upscale restaurant and bar. Their food menu has some great selections of both apps, small plates, and meals. I've had everything from the bacon wrapped dates (yum), to the scallops, to the lobster sandwich. Everything is always perfect. The bar has a great list of various selections too. The only complaint I would have is that their higher end alcohol selections rotate so not everything may be available at all times.
(5)Filip F.
Since this place is fairly new, they might still be working out the kinks. I went here at 8:30pm on Friday night. It was obviously busy. Right away they asked me to take my hat off. Not a big deal. I rarely wear one anyways....But then I saw the staff wearing tuxedo t-shirts. This irritated me somewhat. If a bar takes itself seriously enough to enforce a no-hat policy, I want to see staff wearing something that was not bought at a douchebag store outside Wrigley field. Speaking of douchebags, they do frequent this place. Food was "ok". Portions were somewhat small. It tasted good. I had a burger. Our waiter was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He disappeared for long periods of time. Overall, decor was very cool and unique. It was loud. Could not hear anyone without leaning in within inches of their face. In summary, this sounds like a bad review. But place is new. And it was Friday night. This place is not bad, but not great either. If I was walking by it on accident, looking to get a drink, I would stop in. But I would not make this place a destination. Just A-OK
(3)Don J.
A nice and friendly bar that was pretty busy on a Monday evening. A small group of my friends and I met up for drinks and it turned into a session. The break down on the drinks is: - the Guinness is terrible, worst pint of Guinness I have ever had. Its served in a crap 16oz glass and tasted stale. - the Manhattans were great and went down way too easily. - they have a great selection of Whiskeys and we tackled a good few of them After having a few drinks we decided to get some food. Hubbard Inn has nice, upscale food for what I always expected to be just glorified bar food. Their prices seem affordable however when you get the food you realize that their portions sizes are much smaller than other bars/restaurants in River North. We tried the following: - Pork Belly was nice but a very small portion for $15. I ordered a side of fries with it and I was still extremely hungry afterwards. - The Chicken club sandwich was described as being "ok" with my friend adding "its impossible to mess up a Chicken sandwich". - The Merguez was described as being good but not in any shape or form filling. Service was good throughout and the decor is obviously amazing. Our bartender was a friendly guy who helped us when asking questions about the Whiskeys. A nice bar and I will go back but not if I'm extremely hungry. I think its strange that 3 people spend $50 on food and they all walk out of the place still starved.
(3)Nick H.
Though it is a little loud inside (seems to be a popular after work spot) the food was outstanding. I recommend the Steak Tartare
(4)K K.
I want to like Hubbard Inn more than I do. It's beautiful. It's loud. The service is great. The food is good. I just haven't had a great meal here. Yet. I'll keep trying. I'm sure that me and Hubbard Inn will get in synch someday.
(3)Seema A.
Great job on bringing a unique look to the city. This place stands out as the decor, service, food and overall ambiance is wonderful. Def. one of my weekend favs.
(5)Dan M.
Always enjoy myself at this cozy, Ernest Hemingway-inspired gastropub! If possible, sit at the bar and indulge in their impressive draught beer selection. I recommend trying the Hennepin, Sofie, and/or Duvel Green.
(4)Camille P.
It's a well known fact that 3 of the most important factors of a successful restaurant are location, location and location. Hubbard Inn is a thriving example of this. Ok, so maybe they've got a couple of other things going for them: a cool interior and an on-trend 'old is new' cocktail list. But it's certainly not the food that has this place packed from the moment the loop breaks free from the work day. We snuck in just in time to grab a seat at one of the massive communal table. I've never understood why they seat a party of 2 four feet across from each other, when they could seat us directly next to each other, making a conversation actually viable. So we just had to yell to each other across the table, while I secretly wanted to chime in on the couple next to us. I know, it's bad, but I couldn't help it! Their conversation was way more clear than the one I was attempting to have with my date who I couldn't hear. Anyway, on to the food. First was the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad with apple, pumpkin, cranberries, walnuts and a sherry-bacon vinaigrette. A decidedly fall-like salad for a spring menu, huh? I guess I was expecting all of those ingredients to have somehow been united but in actuality, they weren't at all. It was raw, sliced apple, mushy, cooked pumpkin, and dried cranberries tossed with some greens that sat beneath an enormous hunk of goat cheese covered in un-toasted, stale walnut pieces. It was like someone found a bag of walnuts that had been knocked behind the basement refrigerator 7 years ago and thought, "Hey! We'd better use these walnuts before they go bad!" Yeah, not pretty. Next, we had an Octopus and Shrimp Salad with olives, capers and red bell peppers. It, too, left much to be desired. The shrimp was tasteless and the octopus didn't have the help of what often makes octopus delicious: char from a grill or a pan. It was simply boiled and not even until tender; it was still tough. The red bell peppers were straight from a can and there were enough capers on the plate to kill a person. Seriously. We had one more to go: Grilled Hanger Steak with blue cheese, confit tomatoes and chimichurri. This probably would have been ok minus the blue, but there was no getting around it. The steak was cooked nicely and the chimichurri (a South American herb sauce) wasn't bad either (beside its excessive oil). Apart from the fact that the flavor combination just didn't work for me, there was just too much aggressive, pungent, stingingly sharp cheese that the dish was even hard to eat. In fact, we didn't even come close to finishing it. Oh yeah, and there was nothing 'confit' about the tomatoes. I think it's safe to say that the food here is a bust. Cross it off the list. The space is visually cool, even if the acoustics are piss pour. When we went, it was packed with people in suits, rushing to get their cocktail on. Definitely a rockin' happy hour scene. And the service was friendly and adequet even if they did try to push us through by bringing our steak 5 minutes after our salads. The food runner could tell by my face that we weren't even close to ready for it and immediately offered to take it back to the kitchen. I'm glad I didn't have to tell him to do it, he just knew. Now, I pretty much expected them to bring back the same steak 20 minutes later, over cooked as hell from sitting under the heat lamp, but they didn't. A new steak was cooked and its temp was as we'd requested: med-rare. So that was a plus on their side. So... The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 4 Service: 7 Ambiance: 8 Overall impression: 6 Would I go back? Nah... I'll leave it for the 9 to 5-ers.
(2)Ryan L.
interesting place. I definitely have to be in a specific mood to go here. Namely, a yuppie/hipster mood (although I know the two may seem at odds with one another). Has pretty fantastic drinks, and the food goes well with it. I've not been here for dinner, but the flatbreads and some of the other dishes that I can't remember (read that as: post-inebriation) were quite good.
(4)Audre L.
It feels like you're at your rich uncle's library/den. Great vibe, love it. Nice addition to the Hubbard Street bars. Only came out for drinks - Cooper's Sparkling Ale from Australia was on the boards. Pretty tasty
(4)Lola K P.
Review for drinks only. 5 stars for the decor. The library upstairs is a thing of beauty. I want to live there. Not with the bar patrons. They would have to go. There's a more-than-acceptable percentage of douches on the premises, at least while we were there. It's painful watching a bunch of 20-somethings trying to pull off sophisticated pretentiousness while getting hammered. I'd like to try the place for dinner next time, given the wonderful decor - after the newness factor wears off and all the douches run to the newest "it" place.
(3)Leslie P.
LOVE this place. I wasn't really expecting much, but we made a last minute decision to go there for dinner and share a bunch of stuff. Highlights were: Cobb Salad, Watermelon Salad, Ravioli, Scallops, Flatbread Pizzas, Lobster Club with Fries. Lowlights were:...there were none. Another gem - my friend clued me in on an excellent Cucumber Martini. If you are a fan of a good Cuke Martini, there is a bartender that works there that can whip up a good one. However, it's not on the menu, so make sure the right bartender is working (shame on me for forgetting his name!)
(4)Meagan D.
This was my first try at a River North eating spot and I was pleasantly surprised. They recently changed their menu so you may be surprised by the offerings, I was sad to see the pumpkin seed salad disappear into the mist. If you want to try their best app. go for the bacon-wrapped dates.
(4)Christina P.
Two words: Ob Sessed. I am digging on Hubbard Inn like no other. The scene: like an old library and very NYC-esque. I love the lights and the antiquey decor. And bravo for the t.v.'s playing old movies and not ESPN (even though I too love a good SportsCenter with Jesse Palmer). The people watching is worth a visit on its ow. The drink: Very extensive and thought out. Great specialty cocktails and huge wine list. The food: The bees knees, the cats pajamas. Whatever you are in the mood for Hubbard Inn has something for you. Salads, flatbreads, oysters (my current obsession), entrees and otherwise... it's kind of ridiculous just how good everything has been that i've tried. The overall review: get off your comptuer at get to Hubbard Inn.
(5)Jeff K.
I think I would have given this three stars except for the fact that I was here when it first opened, was underwhelmed, and then went back last week and was generally pleased. The space can be a bit loud and crowd was a weird fratty businessman mix, but being able to look past all the shenanigans, we had a perfect table by the window and sampled a series of delicious small plates. The food was better than I remembered and I throughly enjoyed the flat bread and duck plates. I am not sure I am going to be rushing to come back, but would not say no if someone else wanted to come here for dinner some night.
(4)Jason H.
The food was very good. Bacon wrapped dates are always good anytime and anywhere. Something about these tasted super awesome though. The fried goat cheese salad was also simple yet exceptional. The drinks were very unique and tasty. The Laphroaig Project was exceptionally good and interesting. The server was good and attentive although not a personal touch. The ambience was unique the room was very subdued and relaxed lighting, which helped mellow the loud and packed environment. There were interesting paintings on the walls and black and white phtos all over the walls downstairs. Overall, I would recommend this place for its food and unique feel, its just not the place for a quiet or romantic dinner. I also think its slightly overpriced for how many people they stuff in there.
(4)Morgan S.
5 stars because my food was just that terrific. Had the poached pear salad and the mussels. Both were incredible. The manager introduced himself and bought me a glass of wine, which helps too. Atmosphere was good, but seemed like every other place in the neighborhood.
(5)Francesca D.
Best lamb burger!!! Food and service was great. I will definitely will go back!!
(5)donna y.
Hubbard Inn looks a bit dark and intimidating but it's quite cozy inside. The window seats are also great for people watching although one might find it awkward to sit next to vs. in front of his/her guest. Anyway.. on to the food - the three little pigs flatbread and scallops were good. My favorite was the mussels. It comes in a flavorful broth with a nice spice to it. It was the most memorable part of my meal. The cocktails are priced like the rest of the neighborhood but seemed much skimpier. Overall, good place to dine.
(4)Mari Y.
WHAT? HUH? SAY THAT AGAIN? That was approximately 50% of my conversation with my friend when we had dinner at Hubbard Inn last Friday night. We were unfortunately seated at a four person high top table next to the bar area. With it being a busy night, there were several groups of loud talking, white dudes wearing tucked in light blue shirts standing behind us. Said dudes liked to put their empty glasses and discarded lemons/limes on our table while we were eating. I can barely remember what we ordered with the exception of the bacon wrapped dates because we were just trying to get out of there before I got an elbow to the head from one of the blue shirts making wild gesticulations. Perhaps a rope or built in separation would do the trick? But damn, those dates were tasty. It took me back to when my colleague would bring back several boxes of dates into the office from Dubai and we would demolish them in no more than three days. I had one as an appetizer and then saved one for dessert!
(2)Ise B.
I attended a Yale function here tonight. The Yale crowd was nowhere in evidence at the beginning of the appointed time period of the event so I had some time to investigate the place for basic functionality, and as a former architecture student I was alert to matters of workability. The stairs between floors were not well marked and seemed to be a confusing combination of employee and guest use. There was one stair in plain view between the first and second floors but it didn't continue on up to the third floor or beyond. There was another, less evident, stair all the way up, but was it an employee stair or a guest stair? Hard to say. The staff was in large numbers and there were no flaws in performance. The waitress who took my credit card was right on key and made me confident of a pleasant evening. She was a steadfast monitor of my need for a certain flow of drinks, coming straight to me to ask my pleasure. I am not a frequenter of bars so I learn about standards of service as I go. Sitting waiting for my crowd to arrive there was a gentleman pair chatting nearby and I thought they were Yale folks, but one spoke to me cordially and introduced himself as an owner of the establishment. He asked me of my station, basically, in a friendly manner, and his courtesy lent a certain groundedness to my view of the business. He was a young chap, thirtyish. The decor of the room was sufficient to satisfy one's needs, artwork of a well educated bent, not invested in detail and so to a pleasing background sort of effect. There was one female nude that stated firmly a sense of visceral acknowledgement, not too lusty and not too prudish. All was in order, successful and memorable.
(4)Julie B.
Let me just start by saying that I'm sooo over the whole long wait for weekend brunch thing that is going on all over Chicago. We sure do love our brunch here! Enter: Hubbard Inn...and Open Table :) I'm a fan of any place that takes reservations for brunch so when we grabbed an 11:30 one a few weekends ago I was already stoked. AND we had a Groupon!! I mean...it hardly mattered if the food or service were good, I was already loving it! But fortunately, the food and service were great too. Our server explained our options with the Groupon, helped my indecisive self decide between sweet or savory -- The Struggle!! -- and was attentive and friendly :) Food-wise, we covered our bases. The Monte Cristo was delish, but very rich and sweet so sharing as an app -- yes, brunch apps are a thing! -- may be better. One person got the brunch burger and I was SO jealous as I ate my omelette which was great but...a burger with egg yolk running down it is better! haha Someone else got the biscuits and gravy and said they were delicious as well. And the coffee! My first French press experience -- it was Awesome! I would go back for just the coffee even :) Reservations. Groupon deals. A cool atmosphere aaaand delish coffee. Can it be the weekend yet?! Brunch is calling my naaaame!
(5)Phil G.
I would definitely come back here. We stopped in looking for after dinner drinks and to catch some sports on tv. It is not really a sports bar but it does have tells. It has cool Victorian style furnishings and little rooms off to the side where groups can hang and mingle. The drinks were very well done and properly sized. Did not eat here.
(4)Angie K.
Brunch alert. This place serves pretty damn good brunch. Upon arrival, we were seated asap as it wasn't packed and had a nice little sidewalk view of Hubbard St. Our adorable server told us about their french pressed coffee and being a litle coffee junkie, I gave it a shot. He accidentally brought us the larger size coffee but comped it because he was just fab. He showed me how to press it and the little sand timer to know when it's ready. The coffee was phenom. I need to get on that elite coffee status and get me a french press pronto. I believe we also split a mimosa because what's brunch without an alcoholic beverage? Idk.. We then had our food. I had the crab cake benedict and hubby the grilled steak with poached eggs. The benedict came with a mix of purple, sweet and yellow potatoes. YUM! Also, I had just finished spending 6 weeks in baltimore (6 weeks too many) and the crab cake was on par with the fish right out of the Chesapeake bay. It was really really freaking good. Hubby said his steak was a little over charred for his liking but he gobbled it right up. Again, our server was on top of everything and helped us from beginning to end. I will definitely return to try lunch and dinner and anything else going on at HI.
(4)Asma M.
Came here on a Thursday to take advantage of the oyster happy hour special. I was the first customer in there and yet it took 15 minutes to get a water, and even then I had to flag down a busser. Our waitress was very nice but pretty absent. I had to flag her down anytime we needed anything. The venue itself is very nice. Big open space with high ceilings and great woodwork. As for the special we got a ton of oysters, they were small (which is my preference) and very fresh. We also got the shrimp and lobster which were just ok. I plan to go back before summer is over and give it another try.
(3)Teal R.
Great atmosphere on a Thursday evening. The interior has an art deco feel to it with lots of character everywhere you look. Group of coworkers and I stopped in for drinks and bites. We tried a wide array of items on the menu. I really liked the beef jerky, bacon wrapped dates and the tomato salad. Drinks were on point as well.
(4)Adelisa L.
The brunch was amazing!! I ordered the pork belly Benedict. It was a beautiful restaurant with interesting decor. Our server was sweet. This is a great place to bring the family, but definitely make reservations in advance on the weekend.
(5)Lily Z.
I came here for happy hour with friends on a Wednesday. I was lured by their seafood happy hour specials. I ordered some oysters (very small, lots of grit, there was a bug underneath one so they brought it back and the chef added one for free), while my friends ordered the shrimp cocktail and lobster cocktail. I was surprised because I thought it would be fancier than getting a cup of chopped lobster or a single shrimp. But I guess what can you do with one shrimp and a cup of sauce? I would go to Joe Fish for their oysters and wine. I do like their outdoor patio though.
(2)Jenna R.
fabulous drinks on the first floor and fun dance/club on the 3rd floor! Bartenders really know how to make drinks and keep you wanting more--yummy!!! The food here is super great too and it changes seasonally. I had the lobster bisque and it was very well prepared. real lobster chunks then they pour the soup over the lobster in this big bowl and it was decedent to say the least. mmm mmm good!
(5)Dylan M.
I really enjoyed this place. It's decor is beautiful with intricate woodwork, furniture and lighting throughout. They really put some time and money putting this establishment together. The service was very good from start to finish. I made a reservation that was confirmed by phone day of and seated on time. Granted I was here for and early after work dinner and can tell this place could be jammed later in the evening or a weekend. But for the dinner I experienced it was perfect. Food was very good. The ingredient were fresh, flavorful and inventive and a large variety to chose from (I highly recommend the chickpea crepe). The flow of the meal went very smoothly with the various courses arriving at a nice pace. Honestly I was close to giving Hubbard Inn 5 stars and next time I come back hopefully I will have a similar experience and give it that 5. When I return again... and I will... I am defiantly going to have to wander around more and explore the other levels/areas it has to offer.
(4)Sofia J.
Oysters are the best part of the happy hour. The scallop crudo was mushy (not very fresh), lobster cocktail was just shredded up lobster (no sauces), shrimp cocktail was just 1 piece of shrimp (which was still good), king crab was ok (1 leg split open - you get half). Great service - really appreciated the attentiveness and promptness of our waiter during an incredibly busy time - also very much appreciated him letting us know there was only 1 shucker so the oysters would take some time. Food off the regular menu and drinks were delicious!
(4)J W.
This was by far the best time I've ever had at a restaurant. The food was awesome and the service was amazing! Thanks to the Hubbard Inn team and Eileen for helping to make my brothers bachelor party a memorable one.
(5)Andrew D.
Hats off to Hubbard Inn for refusing to follow their River North counterparts and turning into a douche factory past the 10 o'clock hour. While many of their neighbors turn up the music to obscene volumes, form dumb lines outside their establishments, and basically turn their bartenders into asshole mode, Hubbard Inn keeps it classy - still accepting OpenTable reservations well into the night. The cocktails are decent and they have a decent, respectable beer list. The food is good - not spectacular like some of the other restaurants nearby, but it doesn't try to fit into that "Contemporary" category. Their happy hour oyster/shrimp specials are the best around and you can tell, as they rarely have space available past 5:30 p.m. Nice default to take a date. One of the coolest looking bars in area, complete with Hemingway-esque decor.
(4)John S.
This is the most picture-esque restaurant in the downtown area. This is a place straight out of a movie. Charming, elegant, beautiful, whimsical... I looked at the menu online and found a few options I was eager to try, but got there for dinner to find out a variety of things were only listed on the Lunch menu - understandable but unfortunate. Our table of 4 placed orders and there were a few issues (someone's 'well' burger came out looking medium rare at best). The restaurant was nearly empty but at times it seemed difficult to get our waiter's attention. Overall, a beautiful restaurant that I wish I could live in. The food was overall great (except my friend's $10 salad that looked like a side of coleslaw). I would come back but with reservations.
(3)Kevin B.
Hubbard Inn's beer selection is nothing short of awesome. From craft to IPAs to your regular domestics, its a wide range you can choose from and ON TAP! They even have Grey Goose and Bacardi on tap. I've never seen a Grey Goose spout before. Everytime I've been here it's for after work drinks or a special event. Most recently they hosted an event which included an open bar and small bites. They had slider versions of both their bison burger and lamb burger and both were delicious. The feta and sauce that went with it complimented it perfectly. Everything they brought out was tremendous. Considering the area, it's reasonably priced as well. And Hubbard has 3 floors so it's plenty of room. Great for hosting events.
(4)Stu K.
Best. Brunch. Ever. Incredibly sized portions with some of the most explosive flavors you'll try. I had the breakfast burger on my first visit then the pork belly French toast dish on my returning visit. Seriously, try both. Great restaurant and will def be back!
(5)Margaret A.
Hubbard Inn is one of my go-to places for drinks and apps. I've never had a full meal there but their drink selection is great and their apps are wonderful. I've had their flatbread pizzas and LOVE them. Make sure to make a reservation because they can become quite crowded. Warning though, the wait staff is not very smart so orders and table selections can be lost on them.
(4)Brandon B.
This is a review of my experience which, note, is very subjective, as a quiet person who doesn't really like loud places. I was invited to a friend's birthday party. The first confusion was figuring out how to get in, there were masses of people in different lines, including inexplicably scantily clad women in the middle of winter. There is not an easy way to figure out which door belongs to this place. My friend said just to come in but I was stopped by a bemused bouncer who demanded a $10 cover and gave a hand stamp. Inside there were tables but it was pretty chaotic with drunk people in clusters, blocking any straight line you could take and making it difficult to get to the bar. There was only a late night menu, the flatbreads were actually not too bad but very expensive, as were the mediocre drinks. And it was loud, loud loud, hard to hear yourself think, getting louder as the night went on. Trying to walk around you get bumped like a pinball by all the stumbling blonde girls drunk in heels and frat boys flailing their arms doing strange dance moves and bro talk. Some interesting window watching of crazy people darting across the street into traffic and near accidents. Officially grumpy old man review. If I make it back in the day I will update.
(2)Lefai K.
Pretty fun place to get drinks and food. This place has multiple levels and they were all bumpin' when we got there at around 1AM. The atmosphere is OK, but at times it felt really crowded.
(4)Lauren S.
Hubbard Inn has is usually a spot I stop by for drinks only. I enjoy the upstairs lounge. Recently we have been coming in for brunch and it's quite delish!!! The groupon deal is amazing. I have thus far stuck to getting the lobster roll which is wonderful and stuffed with lobster!!! Check it ou!!!
(5)Elizabeth P.
This was our last meal during a great girls weekend of eating our way across Chicago. 12 of us girls went there for brunch - service was a bit tardy, even given that the restaurant wasn't that busy. I had the lox and bagel, which was fair but not the best I've ever had. Some of the girls ordered omelettes which they seemed to enjoy. It's a really cool space, in a nice area for strolling around. I would recommend it for large groups especially.
(4)Faith C.
The first thing I have to say is the server was a total B! I will never return. The food however was really good. The server we had should be fired. We got drinks bloody mary not good and a coffee burnt. We asked for water it never came. We got our brunch I had eggs benedict my boyfriend had a burger. No complaint about either dish. I asked for hot sauce my boyfriend asked for ketchup neither were delivered. Instead of the traditional "is everything ok?" We got a thumbs up tilt of the head? from across the room. THERE WERE ONLY 2 OTHER PEOPLE EATING IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT! Oh and there was a food runner so I still tipped but my tip to you is she doesn't deserve a job in the service industry
(1)Sarah D.
Food was OK but had terrible service. Had to ask the busboy for salt & pepper and spoons because our waiter was nowhere to be seen. It was Sunday brunch but they weren't busy enough to have to wait for sweetener for my coffee for 30 minutes.
(2)Melanie S.
A group of us came here for lunch and it was rather abysmal. On its face, the $22 prix-fixe lunch seems like a good deal, but with mediocre food, it was hardly worth it. $22 gets you any starter/snack, followed by any burger or sandwich. I went for broke and ordered the lobster roll, and started with the chicken noodle soup. The soup had a weird flavor undertone, and it was served lukewarm. The lobster roll had entirely too much mayo, which was obviously covering up the far more sinister "lobster" meat (which had the consistency of cat food). It didn't taste fresh and I couldn't stomach more than a couple bites. Hey, at least the fries were good. No one else seemed to enjoy their food much either. Burgers suffered from being either too overcooked and/or dry. Not a single one of us ordered dessert. With a group of seven women, that's pretty telling. I guess no one wanted to risk splurging on something that likely wouldn't be worth the calories. Even my lemonade sucked. It was definitely from a can or fountain; it had that weird artificial taste. Service was friendly, but we had to ask for things like condiments or drink refills several times before we were accommodated. I liked the atmosphere, and the cocktail options all sounded good, so perhaps I'll pay a return visit after work one evening, but with so many better options for lunch in RN, I'm certain not to return for lunch ever again.
(2)Alex M.
I was in Chicago for business and took our clients out for dinner here. The environment of the venue is great; good music, and a fun vibe. Let me first tell you that this place is waaaaay better when treated as a tapas style meal. here is what we ordered and ranked 1-5, 1 being something I wouldn't feed my imaginary dog and 5 being something i will have dreams about. -steak tartar : 5, its that good. - meatballs: 3, they are just ok - flatbreads: 3 just ok - tuna tartar: 5,really good - lobster roll: 5, probably the best dish i ordered here. Kind of wish i had one right now... All in all hubbard is an ok place...not sure i would go back for anything other than a soccer match, beer, and that lobster roll...
(4)Casey A.
Classy, yet rustic, I have been reacquainted with Hubbard Inn, since about 2 yrs ago, and I think I love it more. Maybe its my getting a little older, but it's just as great for an after work/happy hour as it is for a Sat night out and a late night spot. I definitely recommend checking out (more than 1x), as its not exclusively a wine bar, brew pub, or cocktail lounge, but is successfully all 3.
(4)Joseph L.
This place was decent. Good service, but not the most amazing food which I was not expecting. Cute atmosphere which is the main reason why we went, it looked like a fun place to eat/drink at. Unfortunately, there are TVs behind the bar which takes the place into a complete different direction. All in all, I'd just go to this place to drink... I wouldn't plan your special dinner here. Food: 2.8 Service: 3.5 Atmosphere: 3.0 Price: 2.5
(3)Pearl T.
This was a really nice brunch. Came in on a Groupon brunch for two deal so my friend and I each got an entrée and a drink... mimosa and lobster roll for me, and Bloody Mary and lamb burger for her. Both drinks were enjoyable and both entrees were really flavorful. Our server, Mikey, was awesome! There weren't a lot of people when we went (Sunday at 11am) but that was nice for us (no wait and quick service).
(4)Lexie C.
Typically I normally post pictures of my food but while I was waiting on my server, who took FOREVER to bring us water and take our order, I had time to take in the ambience & decor of the restaurant. I was very intrigued by the paintings that were on the walls. I'm not an artist and maybe, just maybe I'm missing the message behind the selection of Black Monkey's plastered on the wall next to other white human paintings. The monkeys were very well dressed (sarcasm)! All the other pictures in the restaurant were white paintings with actual faces, no animalistic theme whatever so ever; yet all things black were portrayed as monkeys. Unless the manager and/or owner can open my eyes as to why they chose those pictures or the meaning behind it, they won't be getting more of my money. It's clear to me that they are degrading blacks. They'll allow the "good blacks" that's look to par tho! (More sarcasm!) In other news, the turkey burger was delicious, hence 2 stars. However, I still won't be back. Blatant racism at its finest... I can't AND won't support this business ever again.
(2)Mon P.
The place is nice and the service is great. The food is ok. I think you should go there at least once but I am not sure its worth going back for dinner. I have been here just for drinks and at night and that was fun for about one hour. It gets really crowded and its hard to order drinks. It's just not my type of place.
(3)Michael N.
Atmosphere: A Food: B+ Service: B* Frankly, this restaurant deserves three+ stars, perhaps even four. However, based on a failure of service I cannot do that. The decor is very enjoyable, from the exposes ceiling, to the paintings, the floor tiles, the bar, the lighting, the variety of seating, I could go on but then I gave the Atmosphere an "A" so that likely speaks for itself. The food was very good, we did not have an opportunity to sample the entire menu (e.g., entrees), but those looked quite appealing as we passed other tables. A strong drink selection from tap is always a plus, as is the controlled menu, which was a very good balance of complementary and supplementary offerings. The service was prompt, relatively attentive and partially helpful. This is where the asterisk comes in; one of our party had some type of discount that was not honored for the lunch/dinner menu. I think that this is a mistake. The manager should come over, explained the situation, either providing an exception or make some other gesture of good will. Instead the server was required to do that and did not really do a very good job. Even when giving a patron "bad news" it can be an opportunity for excellent service; this is my recommendation to the Hubbard Inn.
(2)Cynthia R.
Didn't even know this place was here. Awesome old Chicago feel with awesome high ceilings and brick. Really cool spot. We went here for Brunch one Saturday afternoon. Just looking around at other people's food, I found myself getting super excited because everything looked amazing. When we got our food, they did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious. I had the lobster omelet. It was sensational! Even the potatoes that accompanied were fabulous. My hubby got another omelet...I think it was veggie. Fantastic! We definitely want to go back to experience some of the other tasty morsels on the menu.
(4)Laila C.
Generally I'm here much later on a weekend and it can get...how do I put it...douchey. But come on a weeknight after work and the environment is far more tolerable. The food is ok...nothing has ever stood out but the cocktails are pretty good. Priced very inline with the rest of River North. That means $25-$35 for food and depending on if you're a lush like me or a normal person, cocktails range from $13 to oops I forgot how many I've ordered and I don't want to check my bank account tomorrow.
(3)Patty T.
This place is great for drinks (usually crowded for happy hour and on weekends) and the "library-esque" bar on the 2nd floor is a nice touch. Very lively 20/30 somethings scene. The food, however, is very underwhelming and overpriced. For example, the TINY tasteless flatbreads for $14. Or the pickled vegetables that hard/watery. Presentation of food is nice, but it really leaves something to be desired. Even their cake is a bit dry. Service I've experienced has also always been slow and inattentive. I recommend going for drinks here - fun atmosphere and good cocktails. But head somewhere else for dinner. Not only because the food is less than average, but typically downstairs it's too loud/crowded to even enjoy your underwhelming meal.
(2)Jenna K.
If you like hair in your food, waiting 45 minutes to be seated after your reservation and crappy service: Hubbard Inn is the place for you! I had the worst experience here with my friends a couple weeks ago. None of us will ever come back and we will not be recommending this place either. If you have a reservation, expect to still wait. We had a reservation at 7PM on a Saturday and were not seated until 7:45 for a party of four. Ridiculous! We had made that reservation weeks in advance. Service was nothing special, as expected from other reviews. Seemed like we were bothering our waitress every time we had to flag her down for something. Maybe check back with your tables more often so we don't have to constantly keep asking you for things...? Started off with a greasy flatbread with a hair sitting on top, lovely. Steak was rare instead of medium well, undercooked fried chicken, come on guys I've had better food in a cafeteria. Will not return to this dump.
(1)Krystle T.
Let's smoke some cigars, play a hand of poker, and down some whiskey on the rocks- that's the vibe I get from Hubbard Inn w/ the lights dimmed on a chill Friday night. Price: Not bad, it's your typical Chicago restaurant. You'll probably be looking to spend $15 - $20 for a dish. Parking: Not sure, we walked on ova. Service: The waitress was chill and attentive. We had a bartender help take our picture and she was good at that, haha. Much appreciated! Food & Drinks: I couldn't decide what I wanted especially since they're known for their flatbread which wasn't gluten free. I went with something different- a chickpea crepe. I asked the waitress how that one was and she simply said "I like it." I was sold! It was not bad, kind of dry, but that's what you'd expect from chickpeas. The side salad it came with was drenched in dressing which is not how I like my salad. I didn't know it came with a salad either though, so I guess it's a win win! The buds ordered flatbread & grilled cheese, and enjoyed it. You can't mess up grilled cheese. Notes: I appreciate the gluten free and etc. markings they have on their menu. I also spotted grey goose on tap which was interesting... idk how I feel about that. Overall: I actually enjoyed this place. I'd kick it here on a night after work if I wanted some drinks and something light to munch on. Deal me a hand!
(4)Christopher B.
We came here on a Friday night and hung out upstairs just to have drinks. The place had a lot of energy and was slammed. The Moscow Mule I had was really good. We found an area to sit, which made it really nice to chat with friends. I think this is a good spot to stop in on a Friday night before heading onto something else.
(3)Jeff M.
Wonderful food. Enjoyed the meat board, bison burger and the beef short rib! I hear they have a club upstairs :)
(4)Dannie C.
Came here for lunch with a coworker today. Ordered the bacon wrapped dates, chorizo & goat cheese flatbread and chickpea crepe to share. That's the order of amazing-ness too. I think bacon wrapped dates are a brilliant invention in general, and Hubbard Inn tops it in a red pepper sauce that really complements. The dates were creamy and the goat cheese within went really well together. The flatbread was decent, although I think the restaurant could think of another way to fit the veggies in with the chorizo and goat cheese coz right now they just sit on top of everything else. I thought the crepe was decent (the portion is huge), but the filling and the crepe (which felt a little dry) didn't go that well together. Overall, a good meal at a decent price. It's a "don't mind dining here" kinda place.
(3)Evan C.
I have been to Hubbard Inn multiple times and it really depends on the type of mood you are in. The decor is pretty cool and has an English style pub type feel to it. I have never been blown away by the food. I have had everything from a bison burger to flatbread to bacon wrapped dates. Everything on the menu is pretty expensive for the flavor although the presentation looks great. At night, this place gets super crowded. One of the best parts of this place is the fireplace lounges on the upper floors. If your company can book a happy hour or networking event here you will not be disappointed. Overall, alright place so I'm giving this 3 stars.
(3)E W.
JFC, please fix the fucking front door; the constant barnyard slamming is so annoying if you are seated near the front. Also you may wish to dust the cobwebs in the foyer chandeliers. THAT aside, my meal here once I was seated was very delicious. We had the Groupon brunch, including pineapple mimosas and a nice selection of brunch options. Prices are moderate, but entrees are appropriately artisanal. The vibe is somewhat yupscale, which may be obnoxious later in the evening, but brunch was quiet and calm. I wouldn't go out of my way to return here, but it's probably nice to meet friends here and feel vaguely successful.
(3)Timothy C.
My fiancé and I had scheduled our engagement party at Hubbard Inn. Long story short, somehow someone neglected to send in the signed contract needed to secure the space for the 40-50 people we had attending. We discovered this roughly 20 minutes prior to these 40-50 people attending. I know you're thinking right now, "So, why are you writing a Hubbard Inn review, you jackass? Because you had to stand at the Hubbard Inn for 4 hours directing people somewhere else where you had to redirect your party?" Nope. Zach and associates at Hubbard Inn were able to quickly and nimbly respond to accommodate our group that evening. Sure, they may have drawn the ire of others, but I would rate "others getting upset" much lower than my fiancé being extremely pleased to avoid any unpleasant detours to our original engagement party plan, and especially to avoid having any egg on her face due to neglecting to send the signed contract. (I mean, you didn't hear that..."someone" forgot to send it) Everything about the evening went off without a hitch; our group received excellent service and I am ecstatic that we are going to be hosting our actual wedding reception at the Hubbard Inn 3rd floor space in August (we did verify that the date is actually booked :) In short, I highly recommend actually booking your space in advance, but no matter what, Zach and Co. will work to take care of you and your group, no matter how impossible the situation may seem.
(5)Marisa L.
Just so-so for brunch. Both the brunch burger and skirt steak were ordered cooked to Medium, however arrived very well-done. Burger had two thinner patties and was dry. Breakfast potato side was good. Brussels sprouts side was probably the best part of the meal. Bloody Mary only comes with a celery stick.
(2)Mike W.
This review is for the weekly Raw Bar Happy Hour. What we ordered: Oysters - $1 oysters during their happy hour and they were pretty good. A few had a fair amount of sand in them, but other than that no complaints at $1 per. Shrimp Cocktail - $2 per shrimp. Not sure how much of a deal this for a medium sized shrimp, but taste wise this was easily the best item. King Crab Legs - $2 for half of a crab leg. Nothing special to report here, a little bland but hey that's crab. A little butter on the side might have been nice. With two beers the tab still came out at ~$45. Our server seemed pretty indifferent to us and didn't have much personality. It almost seemed like she was ticked that we only ordered a light meal from the raw bar. Given the glut of happy hour specials with $1 oysters in the area I'd probably choose a different place next time.
(3)Derrick P.
The only reason I'm giving more than one star is that the food at the end was for free. Horrible service. Doesn't exist. Three waiters for Sunday brunch. It's a bad joke. 40.min to get seated even they were empty tables. After that - completely forgotten. I had to ask If we can expect any service. Got the drinks and forgotten again. No water refills. Even once. Overpriced bland food. 15$ flatbbread. Another bad joke. Flatbbread from freezer tastes better. Hard dough. Like reheated multiple times. Saggy, soft crab cakes... Eghhh. Bloody Marry... Weak. Bad food experience. Few pros: very good coffee and nice bartender, interior design. That's all about pros. Everything else I consider as Cons. I will definitely not come back.
(2)Belle L.
Competitive pricing with less food portion in common ingredients and well seasoned balanced flavor. Small Plates are out of fashion. Loud. Madhouse. For one, it's easy to spend $47 for one drink and no brown bag. Tips for an affordable satisfying meal: SEARED HALIBUT ($19) -- perfectly seared with balanced flavor and good seasoning. Hats off to Sous Chef Garcia. The bigger portion of the small plates category. An explosion of contrasting flavor and texture. LE GRAND COURTAGE ROSE ($12) -- I am appreciative whenever Le Grand of whatever is available per glass. Thank you! Avoid, unworthy.... Side of Asparagus ($5) -- specks of cheese and few sticks of common asparagus is worth $3. Pineapple Cake ($8) -- serves 2. The buttery biscuit with topping of pineapple chunks in cinnamon caramel sauce. Good light flavor. For price, I expect a more complicated dessert preparation rather than flop a biscuit and pour topping. * * * SERVICE -- informative and knowledgeable. Prompt water refill. Quick cleanup. Polite. Beautiful Leah was encouraging on lunch menu. UPSTAIRS BARTENDERS -- Nick and Travis are charming and knowledgeable that is hampered by madhouse vibe that starts at 6:30p on Friday. It's amazing how attentive they are to crazed customers while uber busy. Great team! MENU -- something new and old every month to keep regulars from getting bored. FRIDAY DJ -- lounge type music with ugly mishmash beats that is annoyingly noisy. iTunes on random Shuffle.
(4)T B.
One of the worst meals I've had in Chicago, unfortunately. We've had good food here in the past, but the short ribs this time were like old shoe leather.
(2)Raul B.
Great good! Best lobster roll in Chicago. Very good sea food and also the porter steak with lobster sauce is to die for! Highly recommend both! Staff is very knowledgeable n professional
(5)T G.
Went here for brunch and the food was excellent. The service was great! The waiter was wonderful and the manager helped his staff with the guests. It wasn't beneath him to clear the table or offer help to the server. I recommend! Best of all the drinks were really good!
(4)Marjorie F.
It was a Friday night and the occasion was my friend's 40-something birthday. The atmosphere was festive with many wandering over after work for some happy hour cocktails. I had every intention of making it an early night, but alas, it would not be so. When I arrived, my friend and her co-workers were already one cocktail in. The drink of the table was some sassy sangria concoction. I'm not sure what was in it, but since that's what most of us were drinking they ordered a whole vat of the happy juice. Great. That's just what I needed. NOT! We also ordered a variety of dishes (tapas style). That was sign #2 that I would soon be inebriated. TIP: If you're going to drink, eat something SUBSTANTIAL. I should have had a burger to myself. Seriously. Anyway... Out of all the dishes, my favorite was the bacon-wrapped dates. The other items were good, but not as memorable. Service was great. Our server made sure we finished every last drop of the sangria. I will definitely be back, but hopefully, not indulging in more than a glass or two of any drink. Cheers!
(4)Eowyn K.
We stopped by early on a Saturday night. While there was was a good hum of people, it was not yet too busy or crowded. The bar has two floors. The first floor was full of tables and booths while the second floor seemed more bar oriented. The decor is what sets Hubbard Inn apart. Round-bulbed hanging lights, chandeliers, interesting textured wallpaper and actual art work adore the walls. We found an empty couch area that gave us a good view of the room for people watching. The service was good, though we had some difficulty getting our credit cards back when we were ready to leave. We did not try any of the food, but based on the other reviews, I would come back to in the future.
(4)Alex W.
Great food, fun chill vibe, good service always, not too pricy, good fun. Love this place and go here all the time.
(4)Egle M.
Live nearby & stopped in on a Sunday around 5pm. No one sat us & took the waiter over 15 minutes to acknowledge us. A drink, flatbread & chicken app cost $50. Crazy! The flatbread wasn't flat & was tiny. No thank you. Soo glad we had discounts through Spring Rewards & Giftie. Might come back for drinks, but not for overprice blah food.
(3)Brittany L.
Great place to grab drinks on a Friday night. (Or any night really). Recently stopped in during a recent trip to Chicago. The drinks and the bartenders are on point! Strong pours, friendly bartenders and a the ambience is rocking it. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Natalia K.
I'm a huge fan of the decor in here and would love it more if it wasn't located on a trendy strip with the atmosphere and prices to go with it. But with a glance at the unique menu and groupon in hand, I was more than excited to come here for brunch. The service was really great and attentive and we received our mimosas right away. It's nice to be able to choose a different juice to go with your champagne than just orange and I enjoyed my grapefruit mixture. For our entrees, my friend chose the bison burger and enjoyed it despite the strange pickled raspberries, which she said she didn't love. Her sweet potato fries were enviable and I stole more than one during the course of our meal. My lobster omelet was ok- I wanted to like it, but I wasn't into the fishy egg pairing. Eating the egg and lobster separately helped, but I only made it through half. The breakfast potatoes and toast were good and filled me up nicely. I would definitely come back to try some other things off their menu- especially with another groupon.
(3)Ken M.
Try the Lamb Burger, excellent!
(5)Gfiddy F.
Great cocktails and treats, cute decor.
(5)Taz M.
Amazing food in a very cool space. This is a great spot for a nice dinner - it's the perfect blend of casual and dressy. I came here for a holiday party and tried a few of their offerings: lamp chops, sliders, lobster roll, etc - everything was AWESOME! I would have given the Hubbard Inn four or even five stars, but my husband suffered food poisoning as a result of eating something here...hey, it happens!
(3)Karen W.
The food was very hit or miss. The chicken rice soup - very good. The lamb burger was good as well. The Nicoise salad was requested with the tuna charred on the outside, raw inside but it came out looking like a skinny, overdone pork chop. Similarly, the steak salad was ordered medium rare and came out well done. While the servers were attentive, they seemed to choose whom they wanted to serve. One of our group was offered a drink refill, two others chimed in with a refill request also and were ignored. Overall, we were not impressed. The atmosphere was cool, but that's about it.
(2)James C.
Resembled a Las Vegas pool party atmosphere. The drinks were non stop with the bottle service being a plus. We spent most of the early day here at an day party event. There were beer soaked floors and champagne soaked walls.
(3)Teal R.
Great atmosphere on a Thursday evening. The interior has an art deco feel to it with lots of character everywhere you look. Group of coworkers and I stopped in for drinks and bites. We tried a wide array of items on the menu. I really liked the beef jerky, bacon wrapped dates and the tomato salad. Drinks were on point as well.
(4)Adelisa L.
The brunch was amazing!! I ordered the pork belly Benedict. It was a beautiful restaurant with interesting decor. Our server was sweet. This is a great place to bring the family, but definitely make reservations in advance on the weekend.
(5)Julie B.
Let me just start by saying that I'm sooo over the whole long wait for weekend brunch thing that is going on all over Chicago. We sure do love our brunch here! Enter: Hubbard Inn...and Open Table :) I'm a fan of any place that takes reservations for brunch so when we grabbed an 11:30 one a few weekends ago I was already stoked. AND we had a Groupon!! I mean...it hardly mattered if the food or service were good, I was already loving it! But fortunately, the food and service were great too. Our server explained our options with the Groupon, helped my indecisive self decide between sweet or savory -- The Struggle!! -- and was attentive and friendly :) Food-wise, we covered our bases. The Monte Cristo was delish, but very rich and sweet so sharing as an app -- yes, brunch apps are a thing! -- may be better. One person got the brunch burger and I was SO jealous as I ate my omelette which was great but...a burger with egg yolk running down it is better! haha Someone else got the biscuits and gravy and said they were delicious as well. And the coffee! My first French press experience -- it was Awesome! I would go back for just the coffee even :) Reservations. Groupon deals. A cool atmosphere aaaand delish coffee. Can it be the weekend yet?! Brunch is calling my naaaame!
(5)Phil G.
I would definitely come back here. We stopped in looking for after dinner drinks and to catch some sports on tv. It is not really a sports bar but it does have tells. It has cool Victorian style furnishings and little rooms off to the side where groups can hang and mingle. The drinks were very well done and properly sized. Did not eat here.
(4)Angie K.
Brunch alert. This place serves pretty damn good brunch. Upon arrival, we were seated asap as it wasn't packed and had a nice little sidewalk view of Hubbard St. Our adorable server told us about their french pressed coffee and being a litle coffee junkie, I gave it a shot. He accidentally brought us the larger size coffee but comped it because he was just fab. He showed me how to press it and the little sand timer to know when it's ready. The coffee was phenom. I need to get on that elite coffee status and get me a french press pronto. I believe we also split a mimosa because what's brunch without an alcoholic beverage? Idk.. We then had our food. I had the crab cake benedict and hubby the grilled steak with poached eggs. The benedict came with a mix of purple, sweet and yellow potatoes. YUM! Also, I had just finished spending 6 weeks in baltimore (6 weeks too many) and the crab cake was on par with the fish right out of the Chesapeake bay. It was really really freaking good. Hubby said his steak was a little over charred for his liking but he gobbled it right up. Again, our server was on top of everything and helped us from beginning to end. I will definitely return to try lunch and dinner and anything else going on at HI.
(4)Asma M.
Came here on a Thursday to take advantage of the oyster happy hour special. I was the first customer in there and yet it took 15 minutes to get a water, and even then I had to flag down a busser. Our waitress was very nice but pretty absent. I had to flag her down anytime we needed anything. The venue itself is very nice. Big open space with high ceilings and great woodwork. As for the special we got a ton of oysters, they were small (which is my preference) and very fresh. We also got the shrimp and lobster which were just ok. I plan to go back before summer is over and give it another try.
(3)Shambavi K.
This is a great brunch option for locals and visitors. It has an attractive décor and I enjoyed studying the ingredients in the cocktails listed across the blackboard. This made me want to come back for drinks one day. We ordered the lobster omelet, steak and eggs, and a side of cucumber red onion salad. Lobster omelet was loaded with thick cuts of mushrooms and bits of lobster. Though I am supposed to be watching the carbs, I was childishly amazed by with multi-colored breakfast potatoes (purple, sweet, yellow). The steak and eggs was the low carb option as it came with slaw and not toast (yaay!). The cucumber red onion salad was refreshing and it was dressed with some oil, vinegar and parmesan cheese. We also enjoyed our bloody mary's too. Looking forward to coming back sometime.
(4)Joulie S.
The go go to spot for summer nights or even a bite to eat. The ambiance was set up to attract all types of personalities. I never been here during the day, but they serve food as far as I know. I came after after 10 pm...so as you walk in, it might seem loud, but your on the Main Bar floor. They also have a private fireplace lounge area in the back. You will see stairs going up to the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor is more loungy, a great place to chill with friends and enjoy some soft music in the background. The only thing you need to watch out for is that it gets super crowded, especially by the bar, me being short, I get lost in the crowd easily. I love the bar area by the window, decorated beautifully with melted candles! As you continue, you can either take the elevator or the stairs to go up to the 3rd floor (mind you, there is a 4th floor in the elevator but its private residential floor so it's locked) The third floor is less crowded because this is the club area, the music is loud and fast, the floor is occupied mostly by VIP tables(basically you can't sit there without a bottle service) you can still stand and enjoy the music around the bar area. I never tried their food here, my next review will be all about the food!!!
(5)TR M.
We attended a private event here and everything seemed fine. The room was very casual, but clean. The passed appetizers were good. The staff was just okay. Not overly friendly, not overly helpful but competent.
(3)Far K.
Came here with the Groupon deal, and was very disappointed. I didn't have high hopes to begin with but this was just below par for me. The interiors and decor is very nice and rustic contemporary. We had the mimosas, which was awful, crab cake Benedict, and flat bread pizza. The crab cake Benedict was very smelly; it had a very strong ocean crab smell, it wasn't fully cooked, and the hollandaise sauce had too much pepper. The flat bread pizza was plain with cheese, literarily tasted like someone put cheese and tomato sauce on some bread. The customer service was terribly slow, and there were long periods of waiting for the attention of our server. I would not be coming back to this place, and the only reason I gave it a 2 star was because the server offered us free strawberry ice-cream, which wasn't good at all. Over all, extremely disappointed, and also questioning most of the restaurant deals on groupon.
(2)Josh M.
This place is a huge winner for us. I love that is is spacious. Love the beer and bourbon selections. Also, had some nice looking wine options, both bottle and glass. The food was really great. Recommend the scallops for sure. The brussel sprouts were on point too. I think this is a great place for groups also dates. Huge space but I think you could find a nook or cranny to chat in a date setting. Recommend you check it out yourself. Tasty and delicious.
(4)A C.
Great for brunch! The corn beef hash with Brussel sprouts and a poached egg was one of the best I've ever had.
(5)Neal E.
We came in for some late night drinks. Started off with a local craft beer - the Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale, 5.4% ABV (Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL). Pretty decent Pale Ale - not as hoppy as I would have liked, but still pretty good. Afterward, I switched over to wine and tried a glass of an Argentinian Malbec. The bartender, gave me a taste of the two Malbecs they carry, and then let me select based on that. Lot of folks hanging out on a Wednesday evening drinking. Bartender was awesome! If I lived in the area, I'd probably be a semi-regular of a joint such as this!
(4)Kate U.
Went to Hubbard Inn last night on a date and the food was & service was a little disappointing. We sat down around 7:30pm, but it took at least 15 min until a server came over to take our drink order. Once the drinks were put in our server was nowhere to be found until another 15 min went by and we finally put in the food order. The food itself was pretty good, I'd say 4 stars if I wasn't including the service. Started with the 4-cheese flatbread which was tasty, but kind of bland. I probably wouldn't have ordered this myself, but that's what the person I went with wanted. It's simple. I really wanted to get the lamb burger since I LOVE lamb and had heard great things about it, unfortunately they had taken it off of their dinner menu :( sad. Ended up getting the Bison burger instead which was loaded with stuff; raspberries, avocado, bacon, etc and was perfectly cooked however it wasn't juicy at all and even with all of that stuff added on, the meat had barely any flavor. I really wanted to like this place, but just didn't have a great experience for the money. Will have to come back again during lunch to try the lamb burger.
(3)Frank O.
Feeling healthy so i got the Turkey burger with the side salad. Since the bison burger was a bit dry I decided to get the turkey burger with extra cranberry mostarda. Excellent decision, the mostarda definitely added a lot of flavor to a burger which wouldn't have much otherwise (because turkey, brie, spinach). The side salad came with the house balsamic vinaigrette and it was large and tasty. I'd definitely recommend it over the other sides. Although I usually get sweet potato fries, I've had the ones at Hubbard Inn twice and they are below average. The crab cake benedict had a nice presentation, but was a bit bland flavor wise. The mimosa was pretty good. So food was better the second time around, mostly due to different choice of entree. Service was also more prompt on weekend brunch than for weekend dinner.
(4)Joanna T.
A solid 3.5 stars. I love going to new places with a group because you get to try more things! Everything we tried was good! We had 2 different flat breads, both flavorful, the lamb meatballs which were very good, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, asparagus and the Cobb to share, and a grilled cheese. As others have mentioned, and I agree, it's got an old British Pub, well appointed library air about it. It's a comfortable, mellow place where you forget what time it is and instead order another round. I would recommend and come back.
(3)Kirk K.
Atmosphere is top notch from the decor to the music. However service from my experience was average - took around 10 mins to get drinks ordered. Per the menu, stay with the shareables/apps. Ordered the bison burger which was over cooked and was not overly impressive. However the bar and drinks were the highlight, and there are multiple levels to explore
(4)Assel U.
Awesome place! Beautifully decorated, attentive servers, delicious bison burger. For the quality of food, this little gem is unbeatable. Will be definitely back.
(5)Pablo D.
Blueberry pancakes and Brunch Burger. Very neat and crisp interior with comfortable decor and seating. The food has a high quality American flavor with signature blueberry pancakes and made from scratch breakfast potatoes that where a highlight for the burger dish. The burger is served with bacon and an over easy egg and toast, a definite must if you're feeling hungry! The bloody Mary's while not the best I've had and mimosa were very good.
(4)Courtney H.
I came in last night with 3 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were able to be seated right away. The restaurant was pretty much empty. Our waitress was nice enough. We started with the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and they were delicious! However, they come with a weird red sauce that took away from the flavoring. For my entrée I ordered the Pear and Endive salad and a side of Brussels Sprouts. The sprouts were pretty good, just very oily. The salad was VERY small. My friends were all joking about it. I didn't love the salad and I wouldn't get it again. 1 friend ordered the Lobster roll and I tried a bite and it was really good. Our other 2 friends got the Bison burgers and seemed to like it. 1 friend ordered it well and it came out VERY pink and she hadn't received her fries either. The waitress seemed pretty taken aback when my friend asked it be cooked longer, but she did apologize when she brought it back out with her fries. Overall, my bill was $29 plus $14 for valet. The valet is literally like 2 blocks away around a corner and the attendant actually waits across the street in a lot so I was sort of just waiting there for someone to come out. I wouldn't go back again unless someone else requested it.
(3)Katy S.
Visited Hubbard Inn last night, 8/14, a Thursday night. The crowd was poppin' with beautiful, classy people. The decor is gorgeous. I have a slight obsession with cool chandeliers and lamps at different spots around town. Hubbard Inn has some cool ceiling lamps :) see my pic. The bartenders were fast, attentive, and made suggestions accordingly. The most important question though is, "why is this four star worthy?" The freaking Sangria people, the freaking Sangria! It's made with several different liquors and you get an option. My friend ordered hers with the rum option. Dee-lish!! I ordered the champagne drink, not really impressed. All I wanted was my friend's sangria, LoL. Disclaimer: we were already REALLY tipsied by the time we got here, so I hope the sangria is as good as I remember. I will have to go back at the beginning of the night to give it the sober Katy test but for now, I went to sleep dreaming about this quite impressive cocktail. We didn't order food but for drinks, two thumbs up from this girl! SYS, H.I. ;)
(4)Angelica P.
I went to Hubbard Inn for brunch and was not disappointed. I had the lobster omelet and it was amazing!!! There were huge chunks of lobster in it. Their house potatoes were really good as well.
(4)Violet P.
Had an 11:00 reservation for brunch on Saturday before Easter. By 11:30 the place was packed. What a cute place and let me tell you, the food was absolutely yummy. The decor was very old time and I really thought it was very homey. Started with a bloody. Nothing too fancy and no chaser. I had to remember that no one does a bloody like Milwaukee does a bloody so I gave them a pass on this one. But props for the delicious pickled asparagus and nicely sized piece of shrimp. The service was excellent. Bus "boys" we're very attentive. Kept the bottle of waters at the table full and dirty dishes off the table. Hostess came around at a point to ask if everything was ok as well. I ordered the lobster omelet with spinach and mushrooms. $15 but worth it. They didn't skimp on the ingredients. My better half ordered the chicken biscuits with gravy. Of course I tried that as well and couldn't complain about a thing!!!! Will definitely come back on the next trip to Chi Town!!!
(5)Tracy H.
Happy Hour review: Loved the ambiance. Came here on a Friday afternoon. Great drink list. My fiance and I got some happy hour items ($1 oysters/$2 king crab legs). The oysters were good, but the crab legs were excellent! Service started off strong but our waiter totally went AWOL at the end and we ended up waiting and waiting to close out, which is aggravating. Good, but in no rush to return.
(3)Sonika ..
Loved the food, service and ambience. We ordered mimosas - strong and good. I had a lobster roll which came with a side, of course I went for sweet potato fries, the bread roll had a good amount of chunks of lobster with celery mixed in it and lobster sauce on the side. Hubby ordered crab cake eggs Benedict which came with a rainbow of sautéed purple, red and golden. The portions are pretty good, I couldn't finish all of the bread roll. Our server Michael was quick and very nice to suggest some items on the menu .
(5)Claire B.
Great experience here. Was so annoyed when a girl ran into me and spilled my $15 drink on me. Ran into an employee in the elevator who offered to buy not only me, but all of my friends another drink because of the accident. Totally felt like this bar valued their customers and made for a great experience
(5)Lauren D.
If you go here for brunch, be sure to get the brunch burger!!!!! A big, juicy burger with an egg, bacon, and red-eye gravy on top. It's so good!
(5)Sam N.
What a place. This is a great to go do some hard core after work socializing in mixed company if you know what I mean :) Elegant, classy, not over the top but a place just like the way you want it. You can hang with your old friends, with your new friends, with the friends you just met and even your family without them taking you aside and like " we think you have been partying too much" ( not that this has ever happened to me). The place has three floors. The 2nd floor is a awesome lounge to hang out in. On Friday and Saturday nights if you are in this hood after 10 PM check out their third floor lounge. They have a dj and some art in the lounge . The DJ starts to play either at 10 or ten thirty. I have a group from a social networking web site and we have used the third floor space to have some social events on e the weekend. I worked with their manager Zach who was very helpful in working out some things for this to have occured. I am very thankful to him and the Staff at Hubbard Inn for going all out and making the three events there a success. I could go into detail on how I like the food so much but I will do that at another time
(5)Robert O.
Always pretty happy with this place on Friday, Saturday nights. Went for happy hour today and ordered a Yamazaki 18 that was shown as $20 dollars on the menu (I didn't see the fine print that said 3 dollars for up charge or 2oz shot). When I ordered the bartender never asked me how big I wanted my pour. I received my bill and it was for $28 dollars. Asked why I got charged the additional 8, Bartender said it was a mistake but she will still charge me the additional $3 dollar up charge. Earlier on she gave me water with a long hair in it. I'm not a high maintenance person or cheap, and I always take care of my service people...ex bartender/manager for nightclubs in San Francisco....just asked bartender to notify her customers in the future or ask for size of pour in the future and she had a pretty apathetic response.
(2)Jeff M.
Wonderful food. Enjoyed the meat board, bison burger and the beef short rib! I hear they have a club upstairs :)
(4)Dannie C.
Came here for lunch with a coworker today. Ordered the bacon wrapped dates, chorizo & goat cheese flatbread and chickpea crepe to share. That's the order of amazing-ness too. I think bacon wrapped dates are a brilliant invention in general, and Hubbard Inn tops it in a red pepper sauce that really complements. The dates were creamy and the goat cheese within went really well together. The flatbread was decent, although I think the restaurant could think of another way to fit the veggies in with the chorizo and goat cheese coz right now they just sit on top of everything else. I thought the crepe was decent (the portion is huge), but the filling and the crepe (which felt a little dry) didn't go that well together. Overall, a good meal at a decent price. It's a "don't mind dining here" kinda place.
(3)Lexie C.
Typically I normally post pictures of my food but while I was waiting on my server, who took FOREVER to bring us water and take our order, I had time to take in the ambience & decor of the restaurant. I was very intrigued by the paintings that were on the walls. I'm not an artist and maybe, just maybe I'm missing the message behind the selection of Black Monkey's plastered on the wall next to other white human paintings. The monkeys were very well dressed (sarcasm)! All the other pictures in the restaurant were white paintings with actual faces, no animalistic theme whatever so ever; yet all things black were portrayed as monkeys. Unless the manager and/or owner can open my eyes as to why they chose those pictures or the meaning behind it, they won't be getting more of my money. It's clear to me that they are degrading blacks. They'll allow the "good blacks" that's look to par tho! (More sarcasm!) In other news, the turkey burger was delicious, hence 2 stars. However, I still won't be back. Blatant racism at its finest... I can't AND won't support this business ever again.
(2)Michael N.
Atmosphere: A Food: B+ Service: B* Frankly, this restaurant deserves three+ stars, perhaps even four. However, based on a failure of service I cannot do that. The decor is very enjoyable, from the exposes ceiling, to the paintings, the floor tiles, the bar, the lighting, the variety of seating, I could go on but then I gave the Atmosphere an "A" so that likely speaks for itself. The food was very good, we did not have an opportunity to sample the entire menu (e.g., entrees), but those looked quite appealing as we passed other tables. A strong drink selection from tap is always a plus, as is the controlled menu, which was a very good balance of complementary and supplementary offerings. The service was prompt, relatively attentive and partially helpful. This is where the asterisk comes in; one of our party had some type of discount that was not honored for the lunch/dinner menu. I think that this is a mistake. The manager should come over, explained the situation, either providing an exception or make some other gesture of good will. Instead the server was required to do that and did not really do a very good job. Even when giving a patron "bad news" it can be an opportunity for excellent service; this is my recommendation to the Hubbard Inn.
(2)Cynthia R.
Didn't even know this place was here. Awesome old Chicago feel with awesome high ceilings and brick. Really cool spot. We went here for Brunch one Saturday afternoon. Just looking around at other people's food, I found myself getting super excited because everything looked amazing. When we got our food, they did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious. I had the lobster omelet. It was sensational! Even the potatoes that accompanied were fabulous. My hubby got another omelet...I think it was veggie. Fantastic! We definitely want to go back to experience some of the other tasty morsels on the menu.
(4)Laila C.
Generally I'm here much later on a weekend and it can get...how do I put it...douchey. But come on a weeknight after work and the environment is far more tolerable. The food is ok...nothing has ever stood out but the cocktails are pretty good. Priced very inline with the rest of River North. That means $25-$35 for food and depending on if you're a lush like me or a normal person, cocktails range from $13 to oops I forgot how many I've ordered and I don't want to check my bank account tomorrow.
(3)Patty T.
This place is great for drinks (usually crowded for happy hour and on weekends) and the "library-esque" bar on the 2nd floor is a nice touch. Very lively 20/30 somethings scene. The food, however, is very underwhelming and overpriced. For example, the TINY tasteless flatbreads for $14. Or the pickled vegetables that hard/watery. Presentation of food is nice, but it really leaves something to be desired. Even their cake is a bit dry. Service I've experienced has also always been slow and inattentive. I recommend going for drinks here - fun atmosphere and good cocktails. But head somewhere else for dinner. Not only because the food is less than average, but typically downstairs it's too loud/crowded to even enjoy your underwhelming meal.
(2)Jenna K.
If you like hair in your food, waiting 45 minutes to be seated after your reservation and crappy service: Hubbard Inn is the place for you! I had the worst experience here with my friends a couple weeks ago. None of us will ever come back and we will not be recommending this place either. If you have a reservation, expect to still wait. We had a reservation at 7PM on a Saturday and were not seated until 7:45 for a party of four. Ridiculous! We had made that reservation weeks in advance. Service was nothing special, as expected from other reviews. Seemed like we were bothering our waitress every time we had to flag her down for something. Maybe check back with your tables more often so we don't have to constantly keep asking you for things...? Started off with a greasy flatbread with a hair sitting on top, lovely. Steak was rare instead of medium well, undercooked fried chicken, come on guys I've had better food in a cafeteria. Will not return to this dump.
(1)Krystle T.
Let's smoke some cigars, play a hand of poker, and down some whiskey on the rocks- that's the vibe I get from Hubbard Inn w/ the lights dimmed on a chill Friday night. Price: Not bad, it's your typical Chicago restaurant. You'll probably be looking to spend $15 - $20 for a dish. Parking: Not sure, we walked on ova. Service: The waitress was chill and attentive. We had a bartender help take our picture and she was good at that, haha. Much appreciated! Food & Drinks: I couldn't decide what I wanted especially since they're known for their flatbread which wasn't gluten free. I went with something different- a chickpea crepe. I asked the waitress how that one was and she simply said "I like it." I was sold! It was not bad, kind of dry, but that's what you'd expect from chickpeas. The side salad it came with was drenched in dressing which is not how I like my salad. I didn't know it came with a salad either though, so I guess it's a win win! The buds ordered flatbread & grilled cheese, and enjoyed it. You can't mess up grilled cheese. Notes: I appreciate the gluten free and etc. markings they have on their menu. I also spotted grey goose on tap which was interesting... idk how I feel about that. Overall: I actually enjoyed this place. I'd kick it here on a night after work if I wanted some drinks and something light to munch on. Deal me a hand!
(4)Christopher B.
We came here on a Friday night and hung out upstairs just to have drinks. The place had a lot of energy and was slammed. The Moscow Mule I had was really good. We found an area to sit, which made it really nice to chat with friends. I think this is a good spot to stop in on a Friday night before heading onto something else.
(3)Evan C.
I have been to Hubbard Inn multiple times and it really depends on the type of mood you are in. The decor is pretty cool and has an English style pub type feel to it. I have never been blown away by the food. I have had everything from a bison burger to flatbread to bacon wrapped dates. Everything on the menu is pretty expensive for the flavor although the presentation looks great. At night, this place gets super crowded. One of the best parts of this place is the fireplace lounges on the upper floors. If your company can book a happy hour or networking event here you will not be disappointed. Overall, alright place so I'm giving this 3 stars.
(3)E W.
JFC, please fix the fucking front door; the constant barnyard slamming is so annoying if you are seated near the front. Also you may wish to dust the cobwebs in the foyer chandeliers. THAT aside, my meal here once I was seated was very delicious. We had the Groupon brunch, including pineapple mimosas and a nice selection of brunch options. Prices are moderate, but entrees are appropriately artisanal. The vibe is somewhat yupscale, which may be obnoxious later in the evening, but brunch was quiet and calm. I wouldn't go out of my way to return here, but it's probably nice to meet friends here and feel vaguely successful.
(3)Timothy C.
My fiancé and I had scheduled our engagement party at Hubbard Inn. Long story short, somehow someone neglected to send in the signed contract needed to secure the space for the 40-50 people we had attending. We discovered this roughly 20 minutes prior to these 40-50 people attending. I know you're thinking right now, "So, why are you writing a Hubbard Inn review, you jackass? Because you had to stand at the Hubbard Inn for 4 hours directing people somewhere else where you had to redirect your party?" Nope. Zach and associates at Hubbard Inn were able to quickly and nimbly respond to accommodate our group that evening. Sure, they may have drawn the ire of others, but I would rate "others getting upset" much lower than my fiancé being extremely pleased to avoid any unpleasant detours to our original engagement party plan, and especially to avoid having any egg on her face due to neglecting to send the signed contract. (I mean, you didn't hear that..."someone" forgot to send it) Everything about the evening went off without a hitch; our group received excellent service and I am ecstatic that we are going to be hosting our actual wedding reception at the Hubbard Inn 3rd floor space in August (we did verify that the date is actually booked :) In short, I highly recommend actually booking your space in advance, but no matter what, Zach and Co. will work to take care of you and your group, no matter how impossible the situation may seem.
(5)Mon P.
The place is nice and the service is great. The food is ok. I think you should go there at least once but I am not sure its worth going back for dinner. I have been here just for drinks and at night and that was fun for about one hour. It gets really crowded and its hard to order drinks. It's just not my type of place.
(3)Marisa L.
Just so-so for brunch. Both the brunch burger and skirt steak were ordered cooked to Medium, however arrived very well-done. Burger had two thinner patties and was dry. Breakfast potato side was good. Brussels sprouts side was probably the best part of the meal. Bloody Mary only comes with a celery stick.
(2)Mike W.
This review is for the weekly Raw Bar Happy Hour. What we ordered: Oysters - $1 oysters during their happy hour and they were pretty good. A few had a fair amount of sand in them, but other than that no complaints at $1 per. Shrimp Cocktail - $2 per shrimp. Not sure how much of a deal this for a medium sized shrimp, but taste wise this was easily the best item. King Crab Legs - $2 for half of a crab leg. Nothing special to report here, a little bland but hey that's crab. A little butter on the side might have been nice. With two beers the tab still came out at ~$45. Our server seemed pretty indifferent to us and didn't have much personality. It almost seemed like she was ticked that we only ordered a light meal from the raw bar. Given the glut of happy hour specials with $1 oysters in the area I'd probably choose a different place next time.
(3)Derrick P.
The only reason I'm giving more than one star is that the food at the end was for free. Horrible service. Doesn't exist. Three waiters for Sunday brunch. It's a bad joke. 40.min to get seated even they were empty tables. After that - completely forgotten. I had to ask If we can expect any service. Got the drinks and forgotten again. No water refills. Even once. Overpriced bland food. 15$ flatbbread. Another bad joke. Flatbbread from freezer tastes better. Hard dough. Like reheated multiple times. Saggy, soft crab cakes... Eghhh. Bloody Marry... Weak. Bad food experience. Few pros: very good coffee and nice bartender, interior design. That's all about pros. Everything else I consider as Cons. I will definitely not come back.
(2)Belle L.
Competitive pricing with less food portion in common ingredients and well seasoned balanced flavor. Small Plates are out of fashion. Loud. Madhouse. For one, it's easy to spend $47 for one drink and no brown bag. Tips for an affordable satisfying meal: SEARED HALIBUT ($19) -- perfectly seared with balanced flavor and good seasoning. Hats off to Sous Chef Garcia. The bigger portion of the small plates category. An explosion of contrasting flavor and texture. LE GRAND COURTAGE ROSE ($12) -- I am appreciative whenever Le Grand of whatever is available per glass. Thank you! Avoid, unworthy.... Side of Asparagus ($5) -- specks of cheese and few sticks of common asparagus is worth $3. Pineapple Cake ($8) -- serves 2. The buttery biscuit with topping of pineapple chunks in cinnamon caramel sauce. Good light flavor. For price, I expect a more complicated dessert preparation rather than flop a biscuit and pour topping. * * * SERVICE -- informative and knowledgeable. Prompt water refill. Quick cleanup. Polite. Beautiful Leah was encouraging on lunch menu. UPSTAIRS BARTENDERS -- Nick and Travis are charming and knowledgeable that is hampered by madhouse vibe that starts at 6:30p on Friday. It's amazing how attentive they are to crazed customers while uber busy. Great team! MENU -- something new and old every month to keep regulars from getting bored. FRIDAY DJ -- lounge type music with ugly mishmash beats that is annoyingly noisy. iTunes on random Shuffle.
(4)T B.
One of the worst meals I've had in Chicago, unfortunately. We've had good food here in the past, but the short ribs this time were like old shoe leather.
(2)Raul B.
Great good! Best lobster roll in Chicago. Very good sea food and also the porter steak with lobster sauce is to die for! Highly recommend both! Staff is very knowledgeable n professional
(5)T G.
Went here for brunch and the food was excellent. The service was great! The waiter was wonderful and the manager helped his staff with the guests. It wasn't beneath him to clear the table or offer help to the server. I recommend! Best of all the drinks were really good!
(4)Marjorie F.
It was a Friday night and the occasion was my friend's 40-something birthday. The atmosphere was festive with many wandering over after work for some happy hour cocktails. I had every intention of making it an early night, but alas, it would not be so. When I arrived, my friend and her co-workers were already one cocktail in. The drink of the table was some sassy sangria concoction. I'm not sure what was in it, but since that's what most of us were drinking they ordered a whole vat of the happy juice. Great. That's just what I needed. NOT! We also ordered a variety of dishes (tapas style). That was sign #2 that I would soon be inebriated. TIP: If you're going to drink, eat something SUBSTANTIAL. I should have had a burger to myself. Seriously. Anyway... Out of all the dishes, my favorite was the bacon-wrapped dates. The other items were good, but not as memorable. Service was great. Our server made sure we finished every last drop of the sangria. I will definitely be back, but hopefully, not indulging in more than a glass or two of any drink. Cheers!
(4)Eowyn K.
We stopped by early on a Saturday night. While there was was a good hum of people, it was not yet too busy or crowded. The bar has two floors. The first floor was full of tables and booths while the second floor seemed more bar oriented. The decor is what sets Hubbard Inn apart. Round-bulbed hanging lights, chandeliers, interesting textured wallpaper and actual art work adore the walls. We found an empty couch area that gave us a good view of the room for people watching. The service was good, though we had some difficulty getting our credit cards back when we were ready to leave. We did not try any of the food, but based on the other reviews, I would come back to in the future.
(4)Alex W.
Great food, fun chill vibe, good service always, not too pricy, good fun. Love this place and go here all the time.
(4)Egle M.
Live nearby & stopped in on a Sunday around 5pm. No one sat us & took the waiter over 15 minutes to acknowledge us. A drink, flatbread & chicken app cost $50. Crazy! The flatbread wasn't flat & was tiny. No thank you. Soo glad we had discounts through Spring Rewards & Giftie. Might come back for drinks, but not for overprice blah food.
(3)Brittany L.
Great place to grab drinks on a Friday night. (Or any night really). Recently stopped in during a recent trip to Chicago. The drinks and the bartenders are on point! Strong pours, friendly bartenders and a the ambience is rocking it. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Dante K.
Really good drinks. Bartender was awesome (and cute).
(5)Natalia K.
I'm a huge fan of the decor in here and would love it more if it wasn't located on a trendy strip with the atmosphere and prices to go with it. But with a glance at the unique menu and groupon in hand, I was more than excited to come here for brunch. The service was really great and attentive and we received our mimosas right away. It's nice to be able to choose a different juice to go with your champagne than just orange and I enjoyed my grapefruit mixture. For our entrees, my friend chose the bison burger and enjoyed it despite the strange pickled raspberries, which she said she didn't love. Her sweet potato fries were enviable and I stole more than one during the course of our meal. My lobster omelet was ok- I wanted to like it, but I wasn't into the fishy egg pairing. Eating the egg and lobster separately helped, but I only made it through half. The breakfast potatoes and toast were good and filled me up nicely. I would definitely come back to try some other things off their menu- especially with another groupon.
(3)Jenna R.
fabulous drinks on the first floor and fun dance/club on the 3rd floor! Bartenders really know how to make drinks and keep you wanting more--yummy!!! The food here is super great too and it changes seasonally. I had the lobster bisque and it was very well prepared. real lobster chunks then they pour the soup over the lobster in this big bowl and it was decedent to say the least. mmm mmm good!
(5)Dylan M.
I really enjoyed this place. It's decor is beautiful with intricate woodwork, furniture and lighting throughout. They really put some time and money putting this establishment together. The service was very good from start to finish. I made a reservation that was confirmed by phone day of and seated on time. Granted I was here for and early after work dinner and can tell this place could be jammed later in the evening or a weekend. But for the dinner I experienced it was perfect. Food was very good. The ingredient were fresh, flavorful and inventive and a large variety to chose from (I highly recommend the chickpea crepe). The flow of the meal went very smoothly with the various courses arriving at a nice pace. Honestly I was close to giving Hubbard Inn 5 stars and next time I come back hopefully I will have a similar experience and give it that 5. When I return again... and I will... I am defiantly going to have to wander around more and explore the other levels/areas it has to offer.
(4)Sofia J.
Oysters are the best part of the happy hour. The scallop crudo was mushy (not very fresh), lobster cocktail was just shredded up lobster (no sauces), shrimp cocktail was just 1 piece of shrimp (which was still good), king crab was ok (1 leg split open - you get half). Great service - really appreciated the attentiveness and promptness of our waiter during an incredibly busy time - also very much appreciated him letting us know there was only 1 shucker so the oysters would take some time. Food off the regular menu and drinks were delicious!
(4)J W.
This was by far the best time I've ever had at a restaurant. The food was awesome and the service was amazing! Thanks to the Hubbard Inn team and Eileen for helping to make my brothers bachelor party a memorable one.
(5)Andrew D.
Hats off to Hubbard Inn for refusing to follow their River North counterparts and turning into a douche factory past the 10 o'clock hour. While many of their neighbors turn up the music to obscene volumes, form dumb lines outside their establishments, and basically turn their bartenders into asshole mode, Hubbard Inn keeps it classy - still accepting OpenTable reservations well into the night. The cocktails are decent and they have a decent, respectable beer list. The food is good - not spectacular like some of the other restaurants nearby, but it doesn't try to fit into that "Contemporary" category. Their happy hour oyster/shrimp specials are the best around and you can tell, as they rarely have space available past 5:30 p.m. Nice default to take a date. One of the coolest looking bars in area, complete with Hemingway-esque decor.
(4)John S.
This is the most picture-esque restaurant in the downtown area. This is a place straight out of a movie. Charming, elegant, beautiful, whimsical... I looked at the menu online and found a few options I was eager to try, but got there for dinner to find out a variety of things were only listed on the Lunch menu - understandable but unfortunate. Our table of 4 placed orders and there were a few issues (someone's 'well' burger came out looking medium rare at best). The restaurant was nearly empty but at times it seemed difficult to get our waiter's attention. Overall, a beautiful restaurant that I wish I could live in. The food was overall great (except my friend's $10 salad that looked like a side of coleslaw). I would come back but with reservations.
(3)Kevin B.
Hubbard Inn's beer selection is nothing short of awesome. From craft to IPAs to your regular domestics, its a wide range you can choose from and ON TAP! They even have Grey Goose and Bacardi on tap. I've never seen a Grey Goose spout before. Everytime I've been here it's for after work drinks or a special event. Most recently they hosted an event which included an open bar and small bites. They had slider versions of both their bison burger and lamb burger and both were delicious. The feta and sauce that went with it complimented it perfectly. Everything they brought out was tremendous. Considering the area, it's reasonably priced as well. And Hubbard has 3 floors so it's plenty of room. Great for hosting events.
(4)Stu K.
Best. Brunch. Ever. Incredibly sized portions with some of the most explosive flavors you'll try. I had the breakfast burger on my first visit then the pork belly French toast dish on my returning visit. Seriously, try both. Great restaurant and will def be back!
(5)Margaret A.
Hubbard Inn is one of my go-to places for drinks and apps. I've never had a full meal there but their drink selection is great and their apps are wonderful. I've had their flatbread pizzas and LOVE them. Make sure to make a reservation because they can become quite crowded. Warning though, the wait staff is not very smart so orders and table selections can be lost on them.
(4)Brandon B.
This is a review of my experience which, note, is very subjective, as a quiet person who doesn't really like loud places. I was invited to a friend's birthday party. The first confusion was figuring out how to get in, there were masses of people in different lines, including inexplicably scantily clad women in the middle of winter. There is not an easy way to figure out which door belongs to this place. My friend said just to come in but I was stopped by a bemused bouncer who demanded a $10 cover and gave a hand stamp. Inside there were tables but it was pretty chaotic with drunk people in clusters, blocking any straight line you could take and making it difficult to get to the bar. There was only a late night menu, the flatbreads were actually not too bad but very expensive, as were the mediocre drinks. And it was loud, loud loud, hard to hear yourself think, getting louder as the night went on. Trying to walk around you get bumped like a pinball by all the stumbling blonde girls drunk in heels and frat boys flailing their arms doing strange dance moves and bro talk. Some interesting window watching of crazy people darting across the street into traffic and near accidents. Officially grumpy old man review. If I make it back in the day I will update.
(2)Lefai K.
Pretty fun place to get drinks and food. This place has multiple levels and they were all bumpin' when we got there at around 1AM. The atmosphere is OK, but at times it felt really crowded.
(4)Lauren S.
Hubbard Inn has is usually a spot I stop by for drinks only. I enjoy the upstairs lounge. Recently we have been coming in for brunch and it's quite delish!!! The groupon deal is amazing. I have thus far stuck to getting the lobster roll which is wonderful and stuffed with lobster!!! Check it ou!!!
(5)Elizabeth P.
This was our last meal during a great girls weekend of eating our way across Chicago. 12 of us girls went there for brunch - service was a bit tardy, even given that the restaurant wasn't that busy. I had the lox and bagel, which was fair but not the best I've ever had. Some of the girls ordered omelettes which they seemed to enjoy. It's a really cool space, in a nice area for strolling around. I would recommend it for large groups especially.
(4)Faith C.
The first thing I have to say is the server was a total B! I will never return. The food however was really good. The server we had should be fired. We got drinks bloody mary not good and a coffee burnt. We asked for water it never came. We got our brunch I had eggs benedict my boyfriend had a burger. No complaint about either dish. I asked for hot sauce my boyfriend asked for ketchup neither were delivered. Instead of the traditional "is everything ok?" We got a thumbs up tilt of the head? from across the room. THERE WERE ONLY 2 OTHER PEOPLE EATING IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT! Oh and there was a food runner so I still tipped but my tip to you is she doesn't deserve a job in the service industry
(1)Laura G.
Great atmosphere. Eclectic crowd and quite busy for a Tuesday night. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which were delicious. The buffalo burger was also a nice choice. Not impressed by the flat bread. Decent wine selection at the craft cocktail bar also. I'll be back!
(4)Melanie S.
A group of us came here for lunch and it was rather abysmal. On its face, the $22 prix-fixe lunch seems like a good deal, but with mediocre food, it was hardly worth it. $22 gets you any starter/snack, followed by any burger or sandwich. I went for broke and ordered the lobster roll, and started with the chicken noodle soup. The soup had a weird flavor undertone, and it was served lukewarm. The lobster roll had entirely too much mayo, which was obviously covering up the far more sinister "lobster" meat (which had the consistency of cat food). It didn't taste fresh and I couldn't stomach more than a couple bites. Hey, at least the fries were good. No one else seemed to enjoy their food much either. Burgers suffered from being either too overcooked and/or dry. Not a single one of us ordered dessert. With a group of seven women, that's pretty telling. I guess no one wanted to risk splurging on something that likely wouldn't be worth the calories. Even my lemonade sucked. It was definitely from a can or fountain; it had that weird artificial taste. Service was friendly, but we had to ask for things like condiments or drink refills several times before we were accommodated. I liked the atmosphere, and the cocktail options all sounded good, so perhaps I'll pay a return visit after work one evening, but with so many better options for lunch in RN, I'm certain not to return for lunch ever again.
(2)Alex M.
I was in Chicago for business and took our clients out for dinner here. The environment of the venue is great; good music, and a fun vibe. Let me first tell you that this place is waaaaay better when treated as a tapas style meal. here is what we ordered and ranked 1-5, 1 being something I wouldn't feed my imaginary dog and 5 being something i will have dreams about. -steak tartar : 5, its that good. - meatballs: 3, they are just ok - flatbreads: 3 just ok - tuna tartar: 5,really good - lobster roll: 5, probably the best dish i ordered here. Kind of wish i had one right now... All in all hubbard is an ok place...not sure i would go back for anything other than a soccer match, beer, and that lobster roll...
(4)Casey A.
Classy, yet rustic, I have been reacquainted with Hubbard Inn, since about 2 yrs ago, and I think I love it more. Maybe its my getting a little older, but it's just as great for an after work/happy hour as it is for a Sat night out and a late night spot. I definitely recommend checking out (more than 1x), as its not exclusively a wine bar, brew pub, or cocktail lounge, but is successfully all 3.
(4)Joseph L.
This place was decent. Good service, but not the most amazing food which I was not expecting. Cute atmosphere which is the main reason why we went, it looked like a fun place to eat/drink at. Unfortunately, there are TVs behind the bar which takes the place into a complete different direction. All in all, I'd just go to this place to drink... I wouldn't plan your special dinner here. Food: 2.8 Service: 3.5 Atmosphere: 3.0 Price: 2.5
(3)Pearl T.
This was a really nice brunch. Came in on a Groupon brunch for two deal so my friend and I each got an entrée and a drink... mimosa and lobster roll for me, and Bloody Mary and lamb burger for her. Both drinks were enjoyable and both entrees were really flavorful. Our server, Mikey, was awesome! There weren't a lot of people when we went (Sunday at 11am) but that was nice for us (no wait and quick service).
(4)Peter C.
Not good. It's a beautiful, well furnished venue, but seems to be in a bit of an identity crisis. Part eatery, part fancy pub, and part nightclub. Just like at many clubs, there's a high level of security/exclusionary practices/high pricing that you'll find here, at least on weekend nights. I came for a friend's private party, held in the third floor area. Several negatives pretty much summed up the experience here: First negative: It's not clear at all that you have to enter through a separate door outside for access to the third floor. No signs, nothing. Instead, you'll end up waiting in a mess of people by the first floor staircase, thinking that it's the way up to the third floor, while a bouncer holds back the crowd. Nope - gotta go back outside and potentially wait in another line. Luckily I arrived a bit late, so I didn't wait - but some of the folks in my party that arrived around 12 were held up outside for around 30 minutes trying to get up to the third floor. At many upscale clubs, such a wait would be expected in this situation, but this is just not the type of venue to justify 30 minute lines outside. Second negative: $20 cover for the third floor, $10 for the first. I'd say this concept (and the overall atmosphere here) is rather comparable to places like State and John Barleycorn (upscale bars with club elements and dining), both of which usually don't have covers altogether. Too expensive for a venue of this type. Third negative: $20 minimum on cards. Not even some of the clubs in Chicago have such a high minimum. Drink prices are in line with places like John Barleycorn, but the liquor selection seemed small - no Ciroc? Only positive was that the staff was professional. I don't plan on coming back here. If I'm going to go to a place with club prices and procedures, I'll go to an actual club.
(2)Will D.
Great atmosphere and decor, Great menu and food choices, terrible execution. Ordered Brunch Burger medium rare and it was served well done. This place has so much potential, it's just not there though.
(2)Sandra A.
Average. Bought a groupon for $20 for brunch for two which includes a mimosa or bloody mary for each person. You can choose from any option on the menu except two reasonable exceptions. I had the lobster roll with fries. It was ok but I've had better. Too much going on in it. Fries were ok. They offer sweet potato fries too. The bun was just ok, I left some on my plate which doesn't say much about it. I wouldn't go back for this dish. The mimosa was very good, a lot of champagne flavor, not too sweet like some. My partner had the skirt steak which she described as lacking in salt and flavor. They have a nice selection of cocktails and nice ambiance, especially outdoor tables. Our server was fine, our hostess Chelsea was friendly and helpful. The menu options seem very good. It was a good value with the groupon, $20 for about $50 worth of food and drink. Not sure if we'd bother to try it again.
(3)Alex M.
Full bar. Pay to get in. I'm Here to PAY to have a drink at your place, but some bouncer at your door is charging guys that are bringing girls to walk in the doors. Either your bouncer are complete idiots or your management level is incompetent. Again, I came to the place to PAY for a drink. Unless you have a completely original, never done before, the first ever bar experience event or layout, no one should have have to pay to come in.
(2)Tiffany R.
I really like the decor, it's a really cool space. I loved the tile and wood floor. Nice high ceilings. Hip place that just is without trying too hard. I appreciate that when you order a Moscow mule they serve it correctly and in a cooper cup like you are suppose to, yah! I ordered the asparagus flat bread and it was so super tasty. The bartender was nice. The bathrooms were very clean and stylish.
(5)Magen R.
I've been here a few times over the past year and have really come to enjoy Hubbard Inn as a place to enjoy drinks with tasty food and a relaxing atmosphere. I dined in with a friend last night and we split the artichoke and mushroom flatbread, bacon wrapped dates, and brussels sprouts. All of the food was really delicious and one of my favorite things were the various sauces that complemented the dishes. I loved the horseradish vinaigrette on the pizza as well as the spicy sauce that accompanied the dates. These are the things that set their dishes apart for me. Also, worth nothing that their brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked, and in my opinion, totally to die for! The only things holding back Hubbard Inn from getting the elusive 5 stars is the service. I was not in love with our waiter or his demeanor. We also had a Gilt City deal and he refused to substitute small plates for sandwiches even if they were less money. Makes no sense to me but whatcha gonna do? Overall, Hubbard Inn's ambiance, quality cocktails, and great food make it a place I'll definitely be coming back to.
(4)Amy S.
Saturday Nights - this place is always fun and usually the bouncers are very fair and nice (unlike the place across the street...ahem Mercer). I love the ambiance in this place; it's super cozy: walls lined up with books and candles, dim-lighting chandeliers throughout the space, and solid wooden tables and bar area. The beer selection here is fantastic! I've never tasted a Pumpkin Ale beer better than the one carried here. Unfortunately, it's only served within season. New Years Eve - Came here last night and I thought it was pretty good! NYE is pretty overrated as is, but this place made it really fun. It was open bar for 5 hours and there was an appetizer buffet on all three floors. The buffet consisted of different flatbreads, burgers (beef and veggie), glazed shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, vegetarian spring rolls, aaaand one or two more things that I did not get a chance to try. The food here is always really great, and NYE was no exception to that. The service was actually really great here, didn't have to wait longer than 3-4 minutes for a drink and it was a nice surprise to see them open up the third floor to everyone, as that usually seems to be rented out by a private party on the weekends. Dinner - I absolutely love every meal I've had here. The menu changes often, but whenever there is lamb in the dish, it is done amazingly well! Most bars lack in quality of food, but I think this place outshines all the surrounding bars when it comes to that.
(4)Michael B.
Four stars for the great ambience and live environment. Friendly service and good food too. We just enjoyed casual items - bison burger (make sure to order MR so it is not dry), beet and goat cheese salad, and roasted Brussels.
(4)Jaime G.
great place to hang out and drink some good beer and inventive cocktails. love the massive beer collection - try the off color honey wheat ale. atmoshere is cool and a pretty big place for big parties. service is also good - bar keep is esp good. food is ok. tried the 3 cheese flatbread, lobster roll, grilled cheese, and short ribs. ribs seemed to be the best but everything else was just ok. however, bacon wrapped dates and sweet potatoe fries where pretty good. would order that again. we came her on march madness and they broke out addl TV's for everyone to get a few of all games. which was cool. would come back for a beer and or cocktail for sure.
(3)Kimberly J.
We love the monthly cocktails and cuisine dinners that are hosted by Pat Brickhouse, who is such a wonderful woman. Each four course dinner is paired with a cocktail using the featured spirit for the month. You also receive a welcome cocktail prior to dinner. We have gotten to experience several different liquors, such as tequila, Irish whiskey, rum, gin, and sparkling wines. All of the cocktails and courses are outstanding and we have gotten to know people that we look forward to seeing every month. It's definitely a great time!
(5)Kevin M.
Hubbard Inn is pretty consistent. Nice staff, great location, cool vibe/decor. Food is above average for a bar.
(4)Adrienne T.
Hubbard Inn is a great spot for after-work drinks and appetizers. I especially enjoy the wide array of craft cocktails offered. Not only are the drinks strong, but tasty, too. For you beer lovers out there, they have a great selection as well. Their downstairs area can get a bit crowded on Thursday through Saturday evening. If you find the downstairs area to be crowded, you can always head upstairs, where you will find additional lounge-style seating in a modern, chic setting.
(4)Karen D.
Great place to grab some cocktails or even some local brews. It has the feel of a Mad Men- era bar with leather couches and a library in the back. I definitely feel far more sophisticated than I actually am in this bar. There's an awesome variety of local draft beers. If you're a fan of Gin drinks or that cucumber/lime taste, I highly recommend getting The Hepburn.
(4)Lauren B.
A large group of us met up here for a friends birthday. We didn't have reservations and they were really accommodating. The first floor was packed so we went up to the second, which was equally nice. The staff were super friendly and attentive. It became very busy but it remained a cozy, upbeat atmosphere. I think every bar is too loud and this wasn't an exception :) but thats just me. In full disclosure we just got drinks but they were all great. Prices were actually really good, particularly for the area. I highly suggest this place to meet friends and bring people from out of town- the building itself is unique and they really paid attention to detail with their design.
(4)Suz O.
Fabulous atmosphere. Cool rustic tables and library- fireplace feel balanced with funny monkey paintings and sports on TVs. Fabulous cocktails and what I think I can actually say are the best mussels in Chicago (sorry Hopleaf (my previous favorite)). Great service too! Brittaney rocks!
(5)Nisha P.
Had a great Friday night here last weekend. I'm not a huge fan of Hubbard due to the 20-something sloppy drunk crowd - but Hubbard Inn was not too crowded and there was room to sit upstairs. I'm not sure how pricey drinks were as I didn't actually pay for mine, but the drink I received was a generous pour and quit strong, so I was happy.
(4)Carlita R.
Three stars the place is beautiful with three different floors depending on what you want to do. The drinks are great and the bartenders are very friendly . The only thing I did not like unfortunately was the food. The display is pretty but the food fell short in the fast department. I would still go back but strictly for a hangout and drinks with friends
(3)Courtney W.
We ate here for brunch yesterday, Sunday a little after Noon and it was excellent! It was a very busy day and they were short of service staff but that didn't keep them from being professional. We used our groupon voucher with no issues which is a plus! Even without the groupon the prices there are great for couples on a budget. We really appreciate the wait staff, hostess and cooks for an excellent experience. It really made our Sunday! I am now a raving fan!!
(4)Heather K.
Holy shit this place is busy. So do not expect to get seated without a reservation! Even with one, my friends and I had to wait like a half hour to get seated. That was kind of off-putting. The decor inside is awesome....I love the dim lighting and the way they've set everything up. The drinks are great too. They make a very very nice martini and their list of cocktails is extensive and imaginative. I recommend doing a sharezies-tapas kind of thing. That's their menu style anyway, they're all kind of small-to-mid-size portions. My friends and I just ordered a shitload of things to share at our table and that worked out great. The food is very tasty and I can't complain about that at all. I definitely would get the crispy ahi and the seared scallops again, I can say that for sure. The seating kind of sucked, but that might just be due to the spot where we were put. It was near the bar and I think they were getting a little overzealous with trying to pack the max number of tables in that area because there was literally no space between my chair and that of the dude behind me. We kept bonking elbows. I hope he didn't have cooties. I don't think the prices were all that bad. In fact, compared with the Bay Area where I'm used to getting shaken upside-down for that last quarter, it was incredibly reasonable.
(4)Ingrid H.
I haven't been here in a while, but I just had brunch at Hubbard Inn, and I was pleasantly surprised! The lobster omelet was fantastic, they take reservations for brunch, and our server Garit was excellent! Highly recommended.
(5)Liam A.
Disappointing, really. We were already bummed to have missed their (newer) brunch serving so we opted to stay for lunch. We got the bison burgers, the lobster roll because it's been highly recommended by friends and yelpers alike, and the seared scallops. We marveled at the decor (a bit medieval-like and nice woodwork throughout the place) as we waited for our food. We were the only ones in the place which 1) seemed odd for the number of reviews this place has received and 2) made us think that it'd help our server become more attentive towards our party yet she only ever came by three times: refiled our drinks once, brought out the food, and gave us our check). The rest of the time she was with the other staff members talking towards the back (still within the front of the house) section of the restaurant. That's okay, we came for food anyways right? The food came out after a half hour wait (again, we were the only ones there...) and quite frankly it was nothing to write home about. The bison itself was cooked well. Meaty, flavorful, and more tender than what a ground beef patty would've been which is everything one can hope for from a bison. It also had pickled raspberries in it which added depth and unexpected flavor with every bite. The problem was that everything else that came with it seemed soggy and dead. The fries were limp and had no crunch (we had both regular fries and sweet potato fries) and the burger buns proved no match for the bison and ended up getting soggy as well. On top of that my friend's scallop ended up being too chewy so she just ate from our plates. Yikes. At least the lobster roll met expectations from all the reviews so definitely stick to that. Oh, and the cocktails weren't bad as well (we had the Acai Punch, Friends with Benefits, My Sweet Mistress, and the Aviation... all sweet drinks). I'm still giving this place 3-stars because of the decor and my willingness to come back if only for their brunch menu and nighttime atmosphere. It honestly just felt like a ho-hum place when I visited so I'd like to come back when it's more alive (hopefully with better food too). Worth giving a (second) try.
(3)Annie M.
I came here for brunch today using a Groupon. Apparently there were plenty of other people who came with groupon deals, and they were cool enough to let us use it (despite it being father's day...there was a "no holiday" rule). The menu was awesome, the deal was awesome, but they just really didn't seemed to be staffed very well. It wasn't necessarily crowded, but the kitchen got my boyfriend's order wrong twice in a row. Long story short: He and another man both ordered the "make your own omelet" but the kitchen kept mixing the two up. The waitress was clearly stressed (understandably) but seemed to be doing everything she could to make the situation better. My boyfriend eventually just conceded and took the slightly incorrect omelet. Although the groupon included free mimosas, we also splurged on Moscow Mules...not quite as good as I was hoping, but not bad. I ordered the crab cake benedict as my entry. The poached eggs on top weren't really runny at all, but all-in-all, pretty good. The crab cake itself was very good. Overall: this place was just okay. Decent enough service, great food and drink menu, but not the greatest quality ever. I'd probably go back, if I had another groupon, but for the love of God, never order a make your own omelet hahah!
(3)Darcy W.
Love the atmosphere here! Great place to grab a few drinks and a app after a long day. This place is always hopping! Cheers!
(4)Eric R.
Poor Service, mediocre food. The good, came in on a Saturday with a date at about 7:30pm and was seated right away. So far pretty good. Ordered drinks after sitting around for about 10 minutes. The server seemed indifferent. Salads came after a reasonable wait. But it took about 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive. My girl's burger was ok, and my steak was about what you would get in business class on a middling good airline. It was cooked medium, but tough. The food was just not that good and the service was bad. So nice room, and I think a great place for drinks. I guess that is why we got a table so easily on a Saturday night. You live and you learn!
(2)Anna G.
I recently lunched at Hubbard Inn after about a year's absence. They've definitely updated the menu since the last time I was there. There are definitely a lot more choices and they all sounded pretty good. Prices are still pretty reasonable (for the area). I had the chicken club and my friend ordered a the tuscan kale salad. We both enjoyed our dishes and there was plenty of food to make a second meal out of the leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. My friend was headed to O'Hare straight from lunch and they stored her luggage inside while we ate (we were seated at one of the sidewalk tables). There are just so many great options in the area, but next time I'll hopefully be back in less than a year!
(4)Jon B.
Service was good, i ordered the bison burger which also was great. However i got food poisoning from something that was eaten there :-/ .
(3)Todd T.
Lots of overpriced, overrated, and overcrowded places right in this area. (ie, Bottlefork). If you want a place with real food and excellent service that isn't busy reading their press clippings, try Hubbard Inn. It's a great, diverse menu and a welcoming staff. The most dependably pleasing restaurant in River North.
(5)Emann B.
My best mate works most Saturdays in River North, closing shop at 5pm. Lately I've been meeting him then and trying out the area's offerings. As a long time Chicagoan, River North smacks of tourists and douchbaggery, which can easily turn what is otherwise a great spot into a night out with the rabble. But in early evening, you can experience great cocktails and service in a well appointed setting. And stylin' handsome bartenders to boot. Just be sure to move on before the 708ers show up.
(4)Jacqueline L.
Great service and good vibes! Came here for my birthday dinner with a group of 6 and had an awesome time. Loved having a booth because it felt more intimate. Our waitress was friendly and fun! Everyone really enjoyed their food and I thoroughly enoyed the tuna tartare! The carrot cake was also probably the best carrot cake I have ever had and I can be a bit snobby with cake. Fun bar for a night out too! One of my favorite bars in Chicago.
(5)Kelley S.
This is a nice short walk from the Brown line, even on a cold January day we made it comfortably. Not a huge lunch crowd, at least not the day we went. What a nice big location, great atmosphere, well decorated, huge bar, lots of seating. Menu is kind of small, but everything sounded amazing. Hard for me to decide, but I happened to be swayed by what the person behind me got... the Classic Cobb Salad, served with grilled chicken breast. I opted to have it served with the horseradish vinaigrette which was unique and delicious. That was in place of blue cheese it is served with, which I love! but wanted to cut down calories (who knows if i did...). The salad was big and all ingredients were fresh. presentation was excellent. Greens were tossed in dressing prior to serving so if you want it separate state that when ordering. We also ordered a flatbread - chorizo and goat cheese. This was also quite tasty. It was cooked well, the flatbread was firm and crunchy and the topping were plentiful. The staff were attentive, from the people at the door, to waitress to the guy adjusting lamps and refilling water. Prices were as expected and overall quite reasonable.
(4)E H.
Was up in here a bunch of saturdays ago with the whole crew for A & M's going away party. I partied so hard that I couldn't even stand it. So many people came up to me and were like "you party so hard". Not a big fan of going to River North but I'll venture there for the occasional birthday and or going away party. Big fan of wicker chairs. Looking for some for a my deck. Possibly a set. Something "loungey".
(5)Denrick B.
Came here for happy-hour seafood deal. The dishes were fresh and yummy, but the price is far from a happy hour price. The oysters were cheap, but that's about it. For 2 bucks, you get half a crab leg (not a full crab leg). Scallops were great, but again the portions were tiny. Epic next door has a better happy hour deal. Drinks were moderately priced.
(3)Sandwich M.
One of the best contemporary american spots in Chi. AMAZING brussel sprouts and awesome cocktail menu. Their menu selection is always great and includes something for everyone. On top of it, ambience is perfect. Obsessed!
(5)Lauren D.
Too few people know just how much bison meat can elevate a burger. Fortunately, my husband and I have discovered that fact, so we were thrilled to see the bison burger on Hubbard Inn's brunch menu. We came here with a Groupon and left feeling like we'd gotten a very good deal. The burger was juicy, the brioche bun toasted perfectly. The only slightly negative point I have is that the pickled raspberries that come on the burger don't seem to serve much of a purpose. They don't make the burger taste better and I ended up picking them off because they really distracted from the meat's goodness. My husband didn't like the roasted brussel sprouts but I loved them and ate both of our servings. The decor here is a little kitschy but not to an annoying point. Overall, a great go-to place that we're eager to try again.
(4)Aaron Jae M.
This place has an amazing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. I was surprised that there was a 45 minute wait on a cold tuesday night, but it probably meant that it was worth the wait. We got drinks while we waited and they have a pretty nice beer selection and a bunch of classic cocktails to choose from. I did not end up getting food so I can't comment on it but I hope it's good since prices are not cheap and although it has a lot of flare and presentation, it's never a replacement for taste.
(4)Hershel B.
There is a fantastic beer menu with excellent staff, but no shortage of hotties. I am in Pradeep lowe with this place, I wish I could come here every night.
(5)Sloop S.
Came here with the groupon deal and we were very disappointed. 11 empty tables and the hostess would not seat us claiming their servers were overwhelmed. Keep taking care of your servers and not your customers. We will not be back.
(1)Corey R.
Amazing looking place that has a wonderful feel to it. The drinks and food are a bit over priced but its River North so yeah. I spent $90 for myself but to be fair I had 3 drinks and three small plates. The biggest stand out wasn't the food or but our sever Elaine was a FREAKING rockstar!!!! We called her E-money by the end of the night. She was ontop of everything and went the extra mile finding out what was exactly in the food. @Hubbard inn all of the fried food is cooked in the same oil which means if your allergic to nuts ya might want to avoid fried food because they serve fried mixed nuts @ Hubbard Inn. Thats the only reason is why they only get 4 stars. Elaine was a damn expert about all the booze and made some great recommendations as well. The drinks here are pretty good.
(4)Connie R.
The ladies behind the bar were in over their head. We ordered additional items from the Happy Hour menu and 30 minutes later, the bartender had no recollection of our order. My drink glass was broken by the bartender with glass and liquor shooting across the bar. Shortly after, another patron placed a beer glass on the bar that got shattered as well. Again, glass and liquor everywhere. The couple beside us at the bar were also in the line of fire. Nothing was comped, no offer to smooth the situation. Good vibe, nice crowd. Next time I will request seating away from the bar.
(2)Grennan K.
Came here for brunch. I guess it's a recent thing! I find that most joints have the lobster roll. It was very good here, with the perfect bun, and the fries were so good. Makes me wonder how they prepared them to be not too soggy. Yum. Also we had the Turkey burger which was super moist with Brie (love cheese/ my bf doesn't) with perfectly seasoned cranberries. Only thing is that the turkey slice was way too thick making it a total mess to eat. Mimosas a perfect brunch drink with choices of pineapple, grapefruit, & orange! I'll definitely come back for more. I bet their dinner would be very satisfactory.
(4)Melissa F.
Legit. I live in River North, so I kind of shrug and act embarrassed whenever anyone says, "Oh, it's so douche-y there." Yes, it is. What can you say? It's not? Of course it is. But it is still a lot of fun and provides some epic people watching. ;) Now, Hubbard street is effectively a microcosm of River North. So many douche-y bars with long lines, cover charges, bathroom attendants, overpriced food and drinks, and enough pretentiousness to confound any dinner party featured on Barefoot Contessa. Somehow, by 1am on a Saturday, this was true of many bars on Hubbard...but not Hubbard Inn. I was celebrating my birthday at a Korean karaoke place in Lincoln Square (as you do), and I headed back downtown to see my brother and his wife with my friend. I texted him, asking if there was a line. No. Wha??? Was there a cover? No. Wha??? My friend and I walked right in - no carding, even - and went to meet them on the 2nd floor. At this level, you enjoy a drink that is probably overpriced (mine was bought for me by the sister-in-law because she rules)...but ALSO a luxurious sense of schadenfreude upon seeing the huddled masses outside Mercer and Epic and such. Many of the bars on Hubbard are close-to-the-same, so why not go to a place that's a lot more accessible? Yes, still pretentious (bathroom attendants, whoopie!), but it hardly factors into the positive experience you're likely to have.
(4)Krista N.
We were here for a rehearsal dinner. What a great spot. It was a block away from where we were staying and had plenty of room for a huge amount of family and friends. They had great italian food for dinner and all of it was really good. You know a place is good when they can mass produce food and it actually tastes good. I would love to go back here and just experience the bar and food outside of it being an event, but I can tell I will love it since we had such a good dinner with family and friends!
(4)Erinne F.
Decided to stop by for lunch on the patio to enjoy one of the last nice days. Seated quickly, server was initially tentative. We asked for suggestions on menu and seemed knowledgable and good reasons as to why she recommended what she did. One of the suggestions was the Lobster roll. I, having had more than my fair share of east coast lobster rolls, was hesitant. I should have gone with my gut. For $17 this poor excuse of a lobster roll was BARELY filled with what looked like a seafood mix I get at the deli. There was maybe one hearty chunk in the entire roll, flavor was just okay. After food was brought out by the runner, the server didn't come back until we were completely done eating. Thus, not being asked if we received everything okay or how it was. I'll stick to Hubbard Inn for drinks!
(2)Sangita A.
Organized my husband's post- dinner cocktails birthday party here last Saturday. It was almost a complete disaster only to be saved by agressive demands by my girlfriend and the manager trying his best to deliver what was promised us. Made reservations for an upper seating area for a group of 15. Got a day-of confirmation via phone. We get there, and they say they have to seat us downstairs where people are eating dinner. Um no. This is why we make reservations. An hour and a half later, the manager puts together a little seating area in the back of the second floor. I have to give him props for trying to help us make the best of the night with a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the hassle was not worth it and I would have rather planned his birthday elsewhere in the city. SERVICE The staff was very friendly once everything got sorted out, but I would avoid organizing birthdays here unless you had some sort of guarantee of space. AMBIENCE Loved the chill atmosphere and the music. The drinks were pretty good and they have a nice cocktail menu as well. -Hungry Hungry Pongy
(3)Rhonda K.
We walked in on a Saturday around noontime to a half-empty restaurant. "Do you have a reservation?" asked the hostess briskly. "Um, no, but we'd like lunch for two." She clicked onto her computer screen. Scanned it. Looked up. Scanned again. Frowned. "The best I can do is the end of the communal table." Aisles on two sides, one leading to the restrooms, one facing her station. Despite our hesitation, we took the seats. And had a very nice lunch: lobster roll, brunch burger, fun cocktails (The Unpaid Piper, The Odd Craft), and some of the best sweet potato fries EVER, with a luscious spicy mayo to dip them in. Hubbard Inn is a trendy spot, with interesting art on the walls, all painted by the same talented artist. Nice food, an extensive craft cocktail list, not too pricey. But c'mon. Better to treat the guests that arrive at your doorstep to a nicer table than to punish them with crappy seats. And by the way, those 12:30 pm reservations she was holding all those tables for? Never showed.
(3)S t.
If you like your turkey burger RARE, go here. If you like to be violently sick after eating here, go here. After sending my raw turkey burger back, my sweet potato fries finally came. Not with the sauce the waitress said was so delicious with them, they were out of that aioli with paprika. Isn't that just Mayo and paprika? Yep, out of it. My husband had chicken and biscuits. Came home and became extremely sick, probably due to food poisoning and improper food handling. The service sucks as well as the food. I will never go here again and tell all my friends to not bother either. I hate that I even have to give one star.
(1)Sarah F.
Food is excellent, service not so much. Made a 7 pm reservation for a large party, and we didn't get our table until 7:45... never fun when you're trying to entertain clients. They gave us our first round of drinks on the house (after we asked about it) and a few free apps. Waitress was friendly, but never refilled water glasses. This place could be great if they were a bit more organized and attentive.
(3)Margaret P.
Had my best friend's bachelorette party here. I worked with Stephanie to plan the evening, and she was wonderful in helping me organize the dinner. We did a 3 course prix-fixe meal, and what I liked about Hubbard was that there were so many different options that everyone in my party (about 15 people) would be able to pick something they liked. The starter and salad course was served family style, with three different starters and two different salads. The bacon wrapped dates were delicious! I don't even know what a date is, but it was sooo good. Everything was tasty, and there was way more than enough food to share. Each person was able to choose their own entree among 4 options. I tasted each of the entrees, and they were all great. From the moment our group arrived, we were treated with outstanding service. We had multiple waitresses who constantly came around and made sure our wine was flowing. I loved the ambiance of Hubbard Inn. We were seated on the 2nd floor, and all of the decor was so cool! I was not expecting this place when I heard it was in River North area. Besides the excellent food, decor, and friendly staff...the last thing that really impressed me (and my bride!) was that on the menu on our table, they listed our bachelorette's name. It was such a thoughtful touch, and made us feel special. Next time I come back to Chicago I will definitely stop by here again. I would recommend this place for anyone with a large group, as the prix-fixe dinner was amazing and reasonably priced.
(5)Casey F.
I love Hubbard Inn. I've been countless times. Many to drink, only 1 to eat. After spending many a boozed up night here, I was skeptical to dine here. We had a girls night and I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I thought it was delicious. I find that I'm always drawn here when I'm in River North. Even though I know I've been embarrassingly drunk here, I still come back and will continue to do so. The atmosphere is fab, the lighting makes it romantic, and there is always a great crowd. Love it. If I see you there, buy me a Jack and diet.
(4)Kim S.
I stopped in with two friends for an early dinner on Memorial Day and was instantly impressed. Despite the odd dining hour, there were a handful of patrons inside and the patio was busy. The service was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly and I was especially impressed by the cocktail options. My friend and I both got The Hepburn and agreed we could have easily gulped more, although it was the perfect balance of booze and natural flavor. I ordered crab cakes. The portion was on the smaller side, but perfect for a light meal. I had to admit they are better than the recipe I swear by when making my own. My friends shared the turkey burger which was good and not at all dry or bland, like some ground turkey ends up. The burger was served with a cranberry concoction that added intensely good flavor. In addition to our server, two other staff including a manager came over just to chat with us and ensure we were enjoying our experience. Perhaps above all is the ambiance of this place. It has a very cool, authentic, old-school vibe. I look forward to going back for more of a full dinner experience and possibly some late-night fun. I understand they have three floors and good after hours options. We're not from the area and like to check out new places whenever we are there, but this is definitely a "return to" place.
(5)Mike W.
I visited the Hubbard Inn for brunch after purchasing a Groupon. It was a beautiful day so my girlfriend and I decided to sit outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine. If my experience stopped with having a mimosa on the flower-lined outdoor area then I would have been much more satisfied with my brunch. However, as things played out we were getting food as well and that's when there were issues that came up. My GF ordered the crab cakes benedict and I went with the build-your-own-omlet option (Very nice that they don't charge by the item... pretty much earned them the second star). The Cc Benedict was adequate, but not much more. The breakfast potatoes they serve are pretty good though, just a tad on the bland side. The bigger issue came with my omelet, or to be more exact the fact I did not get the right omelet. When I cut into it I discovered that I did not have the correct meal. I was a little disappointed, but I know mistakes happen so it wasn't a problem to wave down our waitress who apologized and immediately went back into the kitchen to have them make me a new one. After waiting another 15 minutes or so they brought out another omelet and I thought all was going to be well.... until it wasn't. They had mixed up the plates again in the kitchen and I was given a spinich and tomato omelet... not the onion, ham, and bacon goodness I was hoping for. Upon overhearing me flag down the waitress for a second time, a gentleman behind me also spoke up that he had the wrong omelet. Fortunately he and I were able to discover that he had my meal... unfortunately for him though we have no idea where his was and I have no idea who was supposed to get the tomato and spinich omelet. After waiting all that time my GF was kind enough to order us a couple drinks from the bar, which were good, but not worth the $13 each they were charging. Our waitress was decent through the entire omelet ordeal, but was obviously very stressed out about having to manage the mistakes that were from the kitchen. Needless to say I do not think I will be visiting again. The omelet I finally got was decent, but there are a number of other places I can go for that without fear of a similar experience.
(2)Yianni B.
Jackie is one of the nicest person here. Fast sweet and knows what she is doing. Can't wait to come back. Jackie you are the best.
(5)Jerrine F.
Great service and friendly bartenders ...and a pretty decent moscow mule!! Holla!!!!
(4)Susan F.
Updated review: Been here 3 times. Nothing bad about the cocktails, this review is strictly on food. We got 2 drinks, small mussel plate, small tartar, and large short ribs. With tip, it came to just under $100-- NOT worth it, I'll tell you why... Pros: 1. Great for reservations. Got in at 7:15 on a Friday 2. Short ribs. Smallish portion for a "big plate" but it was good. Too much at $20 for that small portion. Cons: 1. They sat us in the front by the window, facing the window. It was cold as eff. Wind coming in through their not-so-well insulated window panes. Uhg. 2. We ordered 2 small plates and 1 large plate to split between the 2 of us. 10 minutes after ordering, ALL of the food came out. So, we had to pick what we wanted to eat first because everything was going to get cold... What the heck. Also, 10 minutes is way too fast for food to come out. No other restaurant has every served these types of plates together unless you specifically ask for it. 3. Mussels were horrible. I have ordered about 30 different types of mussels in the past 3 years (no joke) and these were my least favorite. Sure, they had chorizo but the flavor had no depth and the mussels smelled like horse hay. I could only eat 6 or 7 of them before giving up. Also, another downside was that there were only about 15 mussels in there and for that price, we have gotten 24-30 other places in Chicago--- nice places too, I might add. Not impressed, I had to eat the bread to feel full. 4. Steak tartar. Nothing to write home about, small portion. Expected more. Really expected more from you, Hubbard Inn. Make your food as good as your drinks, please..
(2)Ev A.
This place is always my go-to for everything and I've never been let down. When Hubbard Inn first opened, I had my birthday here and everyone was impressed by the ambiance and service. I've had first dates, company happy hours, girl's night dinner, happy hour on the patio... I mean every kind of occasion, I have counted on Hubbard Inn to deliver and have never been disappointed. For cocktails, I love the Moscow Mules and the South Siders. I always drink vodka-water so I'm glad I can change it up a bit when I come here. When dining, the Flatbread is delicious (Mushroom & Asparagus Flatbread is my fave), the Kale Salad is fresh and light, and this Chickpea Wrap is yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge "meat-eater"... I have tried their Lamb Lollipops and was impressed/interested and I always order the Bacon Wrapped Dates. I'm not sold on their Scallops though, a little too salty for my liking. If you're from out of town or live in the city, I always suggest and personally select Hubbard Inn.
(5)B G.
The food is absolutely amazing! The bacon wrapped figs with goat cheese are DELICIOUS...we ended up ordering a second helping. I had the bagel crusted salmon, my friends ordered the scallops and the steak tartar...just great on the palette and fresh. We had some other places we wanted to try out before we headed back to NY but we thought about going for a second time during our short stay. Will definitely go back next time I'm in the Chi!
(5)Linsey R.
First time dining here on Friday night with my bf. Without reservations we anticipated a lengthy wait for a table at this River North hotspot. The hostesses informed us 45 minutes (what we had expected) and suggested the lounge upstairs for cocktails while we wait. I'm not sure I would consider the upstairs a "lounge". More like a lounge/sports-bar/club hybrid. The decor was fab--intimate lighting, early century candle sticks, and hand lettered menus on the walls--but the blaring music, TVs playing espn, and jam packed bar with standing room only, was anything but. We literally had to yell to maintain conversation--not what I expect in a "lounge". Great craft and classic libations menu, and the bartenders were knowledgable fulfilling my request for a classic cocktail not listed on their menu, but $12 for a Last Word? That's just too pricey for standard classics. The beer list was also extensive, although I was concerned that they had listed "Southern Tier Pumking" as brewed in Belgium. Hopefully this was just a typo. Over an hour later we still hadn't been seated. I curiously went downstairs to ask about the status of our table only to be informed of another 30 min wait. Not cool. There was no way we could tolerate another half hour in the "lounge" and we were too restless to start over somewhere else. My partner decided to discuss this predicament with the hostesses and, to our relief, we were seated right away. Once seated we were still unable to hear ourselves over the deafening music, but were promptly greeted by 2 different servers who were very welcoming and attentive. We ordered the crepe and pork belly risotto with a side of Brussels sprouts. Although listed as "small plates" these were more like entree sized portions. The flavors of the crepe and risotto were outstanding and the pork belly was cooked to a perfect crisp! The Brussels, however, were served in a miniature cast iron skillet wading in a pool of oil. I literally had to tap each piece and let the oil flow off before consuming. With incredibly mixed feelings about the Hubbard Inn I certainly will not be back on a weekend, but might give it another try as a midweek date night.
(2)James C.
Hmm where to begin. Let's start with the good. It's a great vibe and ambiance, which is a relief for many of the bars in RN. There is a cool library space in the back that really goes with the flow of the entire space. Also, the staff is extremely nice. They were attentive and top of everything all night. A+ to the staff. Now that bad. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was completely awful. The shrimp were undercooked and had a horrible finish. I was able to eat only one. The greasy piece of bread underneath was a mess, adding nothing to the plate. And the drinks? I had five - six Grey Goose and sodas. After drinking this many cocktails, you'd think I'd be stumbling out the door. Not at this place. After drinking my last cocktail, I noticed that I was not even buzzed. This is my number one pet peeve at a bar. They serve you ten dollar cocktails, but poor the weakest drinks on earth. Seriously, I think they poured O'Douls instead of Grey Goose. I have zero problem paying ten dollars for a cocktail, but it better be strong. I would let it slide if it happened with one drink, but this was all night. I ended up switching to beer. I get the reason bars are stingy with alcohol portions. Wait, I don't get it. If you charge ten dollars for a drink, it better be the strongest drink I have ever had. I better take a sip and rethink my life choices. I better say, "Hey, am I an alcoholic?" I don't want to be five drinks in and feel like I've been ripped off. Hubbard Inn saved money on alcohol that night, but lost a new customer and gained a bad review. Priorities, people.
(2)Kyle F.
This is based purely on service. We were given a 10 minute wait time. We kept checking in with the hostess stand, and ended up waiting 2 hours. They finally seated us at 10 after 10PM. This would all have been fine; we were willing to deal with the wait. However, when the hostess seated us, she gave us an appetizer menu. We explained that we were looking for a dinner menu, and she told us they stopped serving dinner at 10. The hostesses knew that we came for dinner, and no-one bothered to tell us they were going to stop serving before we got a table. We ended up having to leave to get dinner down the street. Although the food here may be fabulous (I see a lot of great reviews) I would never return to this place. There wasn't even an apology. The bottom line: if you want to eat here, you better have a reservation. If you are just walking down the street and think you can walk in, wait, and eat, forget it. Not worth your time.
(1)Jennifer S.
I came to HI last Saturday night for drinks with a bunch of friends. We got there pretty early (8ish) and were able to get a big booth just for drinking. We were pleasantly surprised since a lot of establishments don't seat people who aren't going to order food anywhere but the bar. The cocktail list is really extensive and unusual...and exactly what I like! Since there was several of us we all got to try different things. There was also a very extensive beer and wine list, which kept the boys happy who aren't very into cocktails. The only downside of our experience was our waitress who was pretty dumb. Then we started having two different waitresses who apparently didn't know the other was repeatedly stopping by our table. I don't think it's a new place so I'm not sure what the kinks were there but all I can say is the drinks were great, I'd love to go back to try the food.
(4)Grace N.
Ok, so I admit that I am a naive, ex-River Norther turned suburbanite and thought that Hubbard Inn was actually....an inn. I arrived for an event and was pleasantly surprised that we weren't going to be schmoozing in a hotel lobby....rather, we were tete-a-teting in a charming "library." The upstairs room is a wonderful event space, and the bookshelves and fireplace really create a unique bar atmosphere. Not to mention, their food was really good. Flatbreads never wow me but theirs did, and the atmosophere was fun without being pretentious. All in all, not a bad place to study on a Friday night.
(4)Jaclyn L.
I came here on a random Wednesday night for a drink with friends. The ambiance is cool, the cocktails were creative and delicious, however they were definitely overpriced since they were weak. If I am going to pay $13-14 for a drink, I would rather head over to Three Dots and a Dash for their stronger cocktails, even though it's a totally different (but equally nice) vibe than Hubbard Inn.
(3)Jennifer P.
I made a reservation one month in advance for a party of 12 on Saturday, Feb. 2 9pm specifically for the second floor "library space". I received an email from Amy Nowasake confirming my time and the space. Again, one month in advance. I also received a confirmation phone call Friday (the day before) confirming my reservation. This was for a birthday party so, Evites were sent out. Our party arrived at Hubbard Inn promptly at 9pm. We were told that our spot had been "taken over" by another party and they were going to seat us downstairs at a communal table. This is unacceptable if you're at all familiar with Hubbard Inn. If you are not, the "library space" has couches and it's a comfortable area for 12 people to stand and move around. Highly different from a "communal table" downstairs. There was some back and forth talk for about 45 minutes with the host and hostess about what we were going to do about this issue. They wanted to put us (12 people) at two 4 top tables pushed together upstairs. That's unacceptable for 12 people. Needless to say, all 12 of us ended up leaving and going across the street to Mercer One Thirteen who accommodated us immediately, with NO reservation. I'm writing this review on Monday, Feb. 4. I held out to see if anyone at Hubbard Inn would reach out to me. I did this because not only did I have a confirmation email from Amy, I had a confirmation from Open Table that Hubbard Inn cancelled when we left. Obviously, they did not reach out. I have since learned that this same scenario happened to someone else the same night. Yes, they apologized. Yes, they tried to make other accommodations, even though unacceptable. I was humiliated as I had invited 12 people to a spot I had reserved and Hubbard Inn "gave it away". It should have NEVER happened in the first place. I would think twice before you book a reservation with Hubbard Inn.
(1)Jessica N.
Held a private event here and had a great time. They have a diverse beer list. Cocktails were in the fancy mixology arena, my only complaint is that my Moscow mule was WAY to sweet. The ambience is great and cozy. The flatbreads were by far the best apps we tried. The mushroom, asparagus was a perfect way to welcome Spring! Bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates - how could that NOT be good. Plus the dates were a good size (not puny ones you get at tapas sometime). Service was great and friendly. I would definitely be back!
(4)Bryan N.
Talk about awful service. We waited an hour last night for a table of two. During that time, we saw group after group sit down. The hostess said she would call us when our seat was open. During that hour, I never saw her pick up the phone. There were six completely open tables, so I asked her how long the wait would be. She said she was only 2/3s through her list, so it would be awhile, but that we should go to the bar and get sinks while we wait. Really? Seems like hey just want to get more money from us. We left and went to Bull and Bear right down the street. We were seated right away, and our hostess and waitress were so friendly. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Hubbard Inn.
(1)Juliana R.
I can't believe how pretentious the people who go to this bar are. My friends and I were laughing and people were giving us the stink eye...I guess nothing's here? What a boring place to be. The beer selection is the only good thing, I guess.
(3)Grace P.
I went to a birthday dinner for a girlfriend on sat. night. There were 14 of us. Really loved the food and drinks. Especially the bacon wrapped dates, spinach goat cheese salad and bagel crusted salmon! 5 STARS ON THE FOOD AND DRINKS! the 2 stars or low rating is for the ARTIC FREEZE you get when trying to dine! They really need to 'winterize' the door so that we don't get blasted with the cold air everytime people come through the front door! (the temporary door that some restaurants and bars put in so they don't freeze the patrons??) The place is just one big room - dining area and bar so everyone gets blasted! It was very uncomfortable to dine through this!! and it was much worse when the "club peeps" started coming in around 10. The doors were held open much longer....THEY SHOULD REALLY FIX THE ARTIC BLAST!!!!
(2)Jaye E.
I planned a Bachelorette party here for around 20 people a couple of weeks ago. I live in NYC and found the manger who I spoke to, Zack, to be very helpful in booking the reservation. I called 3 times to confirm the time (once on our way there) and everyone I spoke to confirmed the amount of people and time. When we arrived at 9PM on a Saturday, it was EMPTY, yet they still kept us waiting and claimed that they had 2 reservations for us-- 1 at 9:30 and 1 at 10PM (neither of which were correct). Finally, we were seated in a smallish area, but at the time our party was small so I didn't think anything of it. When the place started getting crowded, we were informed that we need to squish into the little spot they had reserved for us because another party had arrived. I spoke to a different manager, Michael, about my disappointment in our area. We had a reservation for 20 people and our "table area" CLEARLY did not accommodate 20 people. As stated by other reviews, I was shocked at how terrible their customer service was. Michael said to me, " When you make a reservation for 20 people, it doesn't mean that 20 people will have seating, you NEED to calm down". First of all, I was calm and very polite when expressing my disappointment. Second, I live in NYC and have been to several bars and clubs-- I obviously know that a 20 person reservation won't seat 20 people. Twenty people could not even stand in the section we had. Finally, after about 20 minutes, they were able to give us some ottomans and expand our section a bit to make people a bit more comfortable. However, they were SO SHORT STAFFED. It seemed that our very lovely waitress was one of the ONLY people working and the drinks were HARD to come by. It took an average of 20-30 minutes to get even 1 round of drinks. We would have spent more money on drinks had the service been better. In the end, Michael did attempt to make it right and sent over 2 bottles of complimentary champagne as an apology for the evening. While I appreciate the gesture, his attitude and my overall experience at Hubbard Inn definitely put a damper on my night. My friend had a great time at her party, but I wish I could have enjoyed it a bit more-- and I also wish our guests would have had better service. I'm planning another bachelorette in Chicago this summer-- was hoping this place would be a go-to based on how lovely the booking process was--but after my experience, DEFINITELY not.
(2)Tim S.
Pretty good "Goto" spot when people come visit. It's busy but not jam packed. During the week it's an easy business meeting spot. Good Moscow Mule and flat breads were tasty. It has a varied menu so something for everyone.
(4)Mia K.
It's a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning and while all the brunch places in the neighborhood are packed this one was almost completely empty. This should've been a warning sign, but no, my friend and I still decided to go in. We were seated right away of course, since the place was empty. We ordered a couple of bloody marys and they were the most disgusting drink I've ever tasted. It felt like the bar tender just dumped a table spoon of pepper, salt and some other spices into the glasses. The spices were so heavy, it was impossible to drink so after a couple of sips we just put our drinks to the side. The waiter was ok, nothing special, he saw that we were not enjoying our drinks but didn't bother to ask why or to offer something else. I ordered the shrimp and fired green tomatoes, nothing special, lacked spices (probably ran out of spices after making that bloody mary), but the shrimps were very big. Overall, not the best brunch place, I will probably not come back.
(2)Sheffia L.
Limited menu but the turkey burger and sweet potato fries were delicious!
(4)May Y.
Best spinach and goat cheese salad I ever had in the States I was literally about to cry. The melting cheese reminded me of those I had back in Australia. I wish the noisy environment had not brought me back to reality. Great food, but super noisy and stuffy. Good to hang out with friends, but not for a date. Food: 5 Decor: 4 Service: 5
(4)Holly W.
On Wednesday night, it is a really nice place. Great that they only have a one or two TVs. On Friday and Saturday, it just a scene that it is way beyond crowded.
(4)Emily L.
We took my friend here for her 40th birthday. Lively bar scene, but all of our food and cocktails were high quality and delicious. We left with some neat ideas of how to better prepare food at home!
(5)Charmin W.
Everyone deserves a second chance...While my first impression of this place was not so good, I am happy to say the second time around was much more favorable! I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to receive a sincere follow up email from the manager, Zach, in response to my earlier Yelp review. I didn't write the review to get attention, but his response let me know that what happened was not something that is generally tolerated. So, I went back and I am happy to say Hubbard Inn and it's staff have redeemed themselves! The mussels and the flank steak with potato salad are must haves!
(4)Jon F.
Went for late night drinks on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was good and lively. Downstairs was the relaxed half of the bar and the upstairs was the let loose, dim the lights, and make bad decisions side. The "VIP" lounges were weird too say the least. Library themed corners of a bar?? Too each his/her own.
(3)Tony B.
Can't believe I never yet reviewed good old Hubbard Inn! Probably on our top 20 places on our dine out list. First of all the food never disappoints! the other day we sat outside for the first time and the cafe service and atmosphere was perfect! All other times we've been in for dinner and it's consistently great. The only reason not 5 stars is when busy sometimes service becomes harried and a bit of attitude, but I guess that's understandable really. A really professional run place with consistently good food!
(4)Jose V.
I've been here 4 times and I do have to agree with many of the other reviews in that the servers could be a bit more attentive and/or leave the River North attitude at home. However, I'm going to give them 4 stars because of the ambiance and because of their menu, so far everything I've tried has been REALLY good. The organic turkey and organic bison burgers are a must. My best experience so far has been during lunch. It gets super packed Fridays/Saturday nights.
(4)Justin B.
$16 for a burger that was half to two-thirds of the size of the Owen & Engine burger, with so-so taste and fries that were served as burn victims in a tin can? Welcome to River North! I have to say that while the space is fantastic and the drinks I had during a visit a few months ago were decent, the food is only okay, which was a minor surprise. The Bison Burger and the Lamb Burger were just average, and with a poor side order of fries and a server that seemed to be distracted until we placed our order, I wasn't really feeling this place. Also, the random music mix (Toto, then Gorillaz, then Hall & Oates???) was just weird, more "WTF?" than "Hey, cool stuff, man." Au Cheval, this was not!
(3)Nish R.
Went there for an event recent;y. They had some delish appetizers st the upstairs bar. Bacon wrapped dates were my favorite, the pizzas were so so. Wings were juicy and delish and the sliders were pretty good too. They have pretty good cocktails and the staff is pretty nice. Decor is more classic, old school (in a good way) and creates a nice warm and cozy feel. Nice hang out on a cold winter night.
(3)Nicole K.
I made reservations here for my sister's bachelorette party and I couldn't have made a better choice. We were looking for a bar that was really lively, but where we could still have a table and sit down when we wanted to. The great thing about Hubbard Inn is that you're able to reserve a table without having to deal with bottle service. We made a reservation for 10 people at midnight and were able to skip past the line to get in. I had originally requested a table upstairs, but when we checked in with the hostess, she said that it was totally booked. I think she could tell that I was disappointed, because after a few minutes of being seated at a table by the door downstairs, she tapped my shoulder and walked us upstairs to the area by the fireplace. The spot was perfect and my sister's friends all had a blast. I would highly recommend this place both for dinner or a night out.
(4)Kate W.
Good drinks, cool atmosphere, nice for after work drink and app.
(4)Stefani J.
Bad service and extremely bad attitude from server. Do not order bottle service from here. My 12 friends and I will not be back. Ordered bottle service for a friends surprise 30th birthday. Specifically asked for the 3rd floor. I received a call the day of the party saying the 3rd floor was closed and did not get a reason why. I said that yes we still wanted to get bottle service and were ok with it on the 2nd floor. Should have never agreed to that. We get there around 11pm and our party was already there (since it was a surprise) and a bottle was already ordered. Things were fine. Music was generic techno mixes of current hits. It was ok for a few songs, but every single song had the same remix so eventually it got boring. We ran out of limes, cranberry juice and tonic water. The bottle girl did not even notice and we had to ask for all of it - multiple times. It took forever. We ordered another bottle in the meantime and it came out and was just placed in the bin w/o ice. She did not bring the bottle out with sparklers - which normally I wouldn't care but it was for a birthday and we were trying to show her a special night. Plus every other table had their bottles brought out with sparklers - even the Tito's vodka has sparklers. I said something to the bottle girl and she said that they were going to bring out a cake with sparklers. No apology. A half hour later nothing. I had asked her again and she said that their computers were down. Not sure what that has to do with bringing out a cake with sparklers. Eventually she comes out with a cupcake and sparklers. It was embarrassing. We all laughed b/c it was literally ridiculous. Then the bill comes. We gave $160 cash and were having her split the rest w 2 credit cards. She added a 20% tip on already. She definitely knew that her service was bad so she had to cover herself. Also we were charged for the cupcake. We were waiting for the check to come back and I looked over and saw our bottle girl pointing and scowling at our table while she was talking to another patron. She comes back with a charge on my friends credit card for $600 - which is what the entire bill was. She said that she couldn't reverse it. After 3 people got involved she then changed her story and said that his credit card was declined - NOT TRUE. So we told her to charge our other friends card the entire total MINUS the $140 we paid cash. Overall this was the worst service I've ever experienced when buying bottle service. Music never changed up and it was hard to dance to. I can't believe this girl is serving people with a bad attitude like that.
(1)Kelsey K.
I liked Hubbard Inn, don't get me wrong, but it belongs in the area where it is. The drinks are pricey and the same as you get anywhere and the staff is pretty douchey, as are the majority of the establishments within 3 blocks, but the food was really good. I have no complaints about the menu and the decor is really cool, but it truly is a product of its environment. I got the goat cheese ravioli which was delish and everything else at the table was met with great reviews. The weird thing was that I ordered some Effen Black Cherry cosmos and they just couldn't get them right. It was weird, it's just a cosmo, made with Effen Black Cherry... simple enough, no?? They tasted like they were made with gin or something and I had to send them back twice at the urging of my tablemates. Would I go back if invited? Sure, it was fine. Would I seek it out on my own? No.
(3)Andrea R.
I met some of my girlfriends for dinner here at Hubbard Inn on a recent Monday night. The last time I stopped in for drinks it was completely packed so I was surprised to see we were one of the only tables in the restaurant. Then again...it was Monday. The menu here is meant for sharing. One of my dining companions was pregno and happens to also be a picky eater so she ordered her own meal. The other 4 gals (including yours truly) shared. The food came out all at once, which was a bit overwhelming. I usually prefer that it comes out slowly when you're sharing several dishes, but I guess they get props for fast service. The good: bacon wrapped dates, steak tartare, the burger (tough to share, but we managed), and the spinach and goat cheese salad I had heard the flatbreads (aka small pizzas) were good, but I was underwhelmed by them. Oh and I can't forget the bottle of refreshing sauvignon blanc we shared as well. A must to starting off the week right!
(4)Esther Y.
I met some friends here for after work cocktails and some snacks. The bevvies were good and the apps were pretty good as well. We had the bacon wrapped dates, which-tbh, is hard to mess up, and a couple of flatbreads. The mushroom and asparagus flatbread was by far the best...so delicious. This is a great option for drinks and apps.
(3)Zander H.
This place SUCKS!! I thought is would be a nice place because of the effort that went into the decor, but we got there at 8:30pm on a Saturday night, barley any tables filled and they made us wait. Our reservation was for 9:15, but even when we asked at that time if we could be seated, they refused to sit us, and there we're still 10+ tables available. We were finally seated at 9:30pm after we asked to be seated for a third time. When we were seated, the service was terrible. Slow and didn't care. We gave him a 5% tip it was that bad. The food was even worse!!!!!! If you are looking for good food, do not go here. The hot food was cold and the cold food tasted like arm pit. Yes, arm pit! BO!!! This place looks like it is out of a Restoration Hardware catalog, but everything else is terrible. I repeat: DO NOT GO HERE, WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!!!!!
(1)Meredith K.
Came back again for a late lunch. Has something happened? The service is still very friendly. The bathrooms are the worst! There was no toilet paper! Seriously I found a roll on top of some empty rolls in one stall. That was it. I was so annoyed. Also the hand dryer was broken. I let our server know. Maybe I was being punked? I wasn't in the mood for cocktails. I tried a sparkler which was ok. My bf had a chardonnay which was just ok. We started w/ the mussels which didn't say sausage on the menu but on the blackboard over the bar it did. Ooops! I ate some of it anyway just tried to avoid the meat. It did give it a nice spice. And zero barnyard mussels in the whole pot! That has never happened! The bread they serve with it is good too. I got the lobster roll and fries again. Good! My by got a beef burger and loved it. They took the turkey burger off of the menu. We both loved the fries. So removing a star for the menu changes (esp the mussels) and the terrible bathroom. I don't think I'll get another deal for here. Its a nice place but I don't need a third lobster roll.
(3)Lindsey A.
Hubbard Inn is an 8,000-square-foot, 250-seat "Hemingway inspired" restaurant. The owners spent more than $1.5 million on getting the space to look as beautiful as it does - but maybe they should have used some of that green to give its serving staff lessons in how to properly serve people. No? The money pot has cobwebs instead of Washingtons? Here, I'll give you some tips for free: First, it's all right if my water glass gets low but don't let it get empty multiple.times.during.the.night - especially when I'm drinking heavily. I need that H2O. I guess it's not 'that big of a deal' if it gets low, since I do have a tasty alcoholic beverage to abide in, but, wait - don't let that AND my water cup go dry.... because you did, Hubbard Inn, many times last night. And it started to piss me off. Third (cause that was second, right up there): Bring us silverware before our food comes out. Fourth: If you're not going to bring us silverware, at least be present so we can flag you down - not wait 10 minutes and strain our necks attempting to search for you. We were a party of seven who spent a lot of money and time at Hubbard Inn last night and while the atmosphere shines (seriously, it's awesome in there) and the food hits the spot (though mains should be served with sides), the service ... or lack thereof.... marred my experience.
(3)Jelena Z.
Things I learned at Hubbard Inn: - They're known for their beer. Goose Island Sofie on draft? Get it. - The Facebook mobile chat application has gaping holes capable of ruining both established relationships and budding flirtations. If someone tells you they reached out via FB chat and you didn't get the message, odds are they aren't lying (Corey D and I ran multiple experiments on the premises). - Albert Pujols and Tommy Lasorda are evil, according to my colleague Johnny T. Know that his smack talk is null and void with me 'cause I'm from the StL. Anyway, Pujols doesn't lie about his age and surely doesn't engage in illicit steroid use. Gosh, Johnny, you're so mean. - Oh, the bar? Yeah, that. The space is all brooding and Hemingway-esque with its sprawling ode to a library replete with masculine wood trim and dark sofas. Le gorge. - Corey and I smelled the most delicious cologne. Where's the man wearing it? Aha, 'twas our server. A very female server! Turns out, Burberry Brit is very androgynous, and very sexy. I'm buying some tomorrow! - Said cologne will make you lose your head and forget your phone. But Tricia the sweet-smelling server chased us out to the next block to reconnect me with my Android. Good god girl, that perfume could turn a straight girl the other way! Though I will be using it to attract the less fair gender and I think Tricia does too. - Next time, I will pay more attention to Hubbard Inn. Forgive me?
(4)Mahsa T.
In my initial excitement, I may have overrated this place. They have some service issues to work on. I came back for a second visit (early happy hour on a Friday) and the place was busy but not packed, yet it took a while for us to get seated even with a reservation and it took even longer for our waitress to come to our table. It seemed like the front desk and wait staff were a disorganized mess. My friend and I got creative with our beer selections (they do have some really good beer choices) and shared a flatbread (asparagus, mushroom, caramelized onion, ricotta) which was delicious! I'd still come back but be prepared for so-so service.
(4)Matthew T.
It is with great displeasure that I have to give Hubbard Inn a one star rating. I am not that great at writing reviews but what I can tell you is that I have had much experience in restaurant operations and customer service. This is where Hubbard Inn has its down fall!!! The evening started out wonderful, we had a great dinner out for a friends 30th birthday followed by drinks at the Hubbard Inn. A section was reserved prior to us arriving at Hubbard Inn. We arrived shortly after our reservation where our section was still reserved (Plus). We started to order drinks the service was very slow. It seemed like it took forever for the server to get our 4 drinks. We asked for a pitcher of water and it seemed like the server had to go to the well down the street to fetch the water. Okay so while we were paying $12.00 for a drink another party showed up and started to complain about they needed a bigger section. It seemed as if the pretentious manager did not care about our several hundred dollars we had just spent but just wanted us to move on. So in good spirits our group decided to move to the upper level of the bar. We proceeded to have a seat where we got a few more drinks. A friend in the group asked our "bright" server if we could get some shots and well this is where the review turns for an alright night to a BAD night. The server came back to our table with my friends credit card in hand and in a very snooty attitude stated "We don't have that up here but you can go down stairs and order." I am sorry but if you are a full service bar and you are providing your clientele with a server are they not supposed to get serve you what you ordered? The server seemed to be very frantic and was very short with us. As I stated earlier I do have experience in restaurants and operations so I thought it would be a good idea to speak with the manager. This was a mistake he was just as helpless as our server. He seemed to have an excuse for why the server wasn't doing her job. "Oh I am sorry I can't imagine why she would do that I know her and she has pretty much been here since we opened." He stated he would try to find out what happened but he never came back to find me nor did he apologize for her being rude to our party. The server did come back and apologize but I think too little too late. I will never be going back to this establishment. They tried to smooth it over by send a complimentary birthday dessert for my friend. I guess that was nice but the servers actions as well as the managers actions are inappropriate. I guess unless you are spending thousands of dollars you do not matter at this establishment. Total money spent for horrible service about $400.00. Writing this review priceless.
(1)Melanie K.
The cocktails stole my mind. The crowd stole my heart. The decor stole my eyes. Official opening is tomorrow night - 2/10/11. Friends and family was tonight and was an absolute success. Can't wait to write up a full review. But in the interim, Let's just say - order a Hemingway, some flatbreard, and pumpkin soup and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Max M.
I would recommend Hubbard Inn for after work drinks. They have a full menu but it gets very loud and does not feel like a sit down restaurant. The dates are supposed to be very good...I didn't try them. We ordered flat bread and seared tuna. Both were good for snacks but generally overpriced. Service was OK. Stick with just drinks and go somewhere else in River north for food. Lots of options within walking distance.
(3)Joe A.
So first off I'm a server/bartender and I first came here for the mustache pub crawl. My first impression was under dressed but felt greeted as soon as shannon the bartender greeted us with a smile to kill. It is probably the first time in a while in downtown Chicago I felt actually welcomed. The next thing I noticed was the atmosphere, very calm still before a storm, but the next thing that caught my eye was that Shannon was also the person handling the servers tickets (ala service bar). Not only she was one an amazing job with her bar tables but man she was quick with some labor intensive drinks for service bar. Now I do live in the suburbs but the experience I had there would drive me to come back without hesitation. This was probably the best experience I've had in a bar in a while. I found out she was a part time manager and she deserves it. Keep up the good work hiring within and bring the people up that deserve it guys! You won a person in the industry over today
(5)John B.
I don't know what happened to this place, but I don't foresee it being around for much longer. Slow service despite a pretty much empty bar is unacceptable on a Labor Day weekend.
(1)Hayley N.
Loved the atmosphere here and the decor. The staff was friendly and attentive, but not overly pushy. The music was great and the food was delicious. I had the goat cheese spinach salad, which was as good as a goat cheese salad could get with a warmed fried goat cheese medallion, blackberries, bacon, and nuts. The mussels were very flavorful and perfectly done. This place was full, but we didn't have to wait for a table. It was filled with a variety of different people, but everyone looked like they were having a good time. I would definitely recommend this place for a date- the lighting was nicely dim and the tables weren't all crammed together like most date places in Chicago. Definitely impressed by this place and will be going back.
(5)KC C.
Great place and experience. Highly recommended unless I want a table and its busy, LOL. I've been here several times now and really like the environment, food, service, and attention of the management-which in two instances manager intervention was clearly above and beyond, and this past Friday saved the day for me-thank you! The small plates approach is really nice for a date, and if you can get the window seats, combined with small plates, the fine wines (decent wine list), and the right person makes for good conversation and people watching on the street. There is one business right across the way that really enhances the people watching, LOL-but you will need to go there to find this out. LOL. Duck confit, scallops, short rib dishes are my favorites-the Amish chicken has been a companion favorite. I'm partial to reds and the selection I thought was good and included enough choices for most. Service has always been outstanding-and it is interesting to enjoy a place that is so close by, and has Chicago history and continuity. If you are looking for a date nite place, try Hubbard Inn window seats and small plates. Oh, and because of the small plates gym time equivalency table to portion size, food intake is very manageable. Off to the gym for me!
(5)Ebs B.
Gothic? Maybe... Vampire Den? Could be... Sensual? You know it... Beautiful? More like lovely... Classy? In every way... Tasty? Words can't describe... I know you're confused as to whether this review is about me (and all of the above traits may/may not apply), but all of these qualities are what describe the almost open Hubbard Inn! I was fortunate enough to be able to dine here during a private event yesterday before it's official opening. At a "dry-run," there are always hits and misses, but last night proved to be filled with way more hits! Here's what you can look forward to: * Different types of tables to satisfy your need! (Some seats are from church pews where items can be stuffed into the seats... other tables are communal... tall tables make for a more relaxed feel) * Great atmosphere! (Look at the odd pictures on the walls or the real books on the bookshelves... Even the 5-stick candle holder with its tall ominous metal arms beckon to you) * Wonderful drinks! (My faves were the Sleight of Hand, River North Smash, Hemingway, and finally, the Devil's Flip which tasted like hints of Tiramasu) * Food is fabulous! (My faves were the bacon-wrapped-dates which were not greasy like most places and were served in a delectable sauce... the scallops were cooked perfectly and served over a delicious pumpkin puree... Da' Burger as it's called was the best standard burger I've ever had. The foie gras in it made it soooo tasty. Yes, I'm salivating as I think about it) I could easily type a book, but my best advice is to just go and try it once it opens. The exact open date is still unknown, but it will definitely be something I'll keep an eye out for. See you there! Maybe we can even sit together at one of the communal tables!
(5)Meredith H.
Great spot in the rejuvenated section of downtown Chicago. Stephanie was extremely helpful with great food and drink recommendations.
(5)Mandi P.
Different. We were at Hubbard Inn a couple of weeks ago for a couple of drinks while waiting on friends. The inside is quite pretty...kinda old school, but in a good way. The bar is long with many seats and lots of standing room. The bartenders are efficient and friendly. We didn't eat here, but the food smelled awesome. One thing I didn't like, however, was the lighting. It was way too well lit here. Unless I am in a cafeteria at lunch time, I don't want to see every blemish of a restaurant or every blemish of my friends. Nor, do I want to think about what blemishes my friends are noticing on me!!! Night time drinking and eating places should be dimly lit...it is a time for relaxation!!! I most likely will return to Hubbard Inn to try out the food, but I guess I will have to come earlier in the day so that I can eat peacefully!!!
(3)William T.
Great food! Great atmosphere! And our waitress Eileen had a lot of great suggestions and was very kind and helpful. I recommend the bacon wrapped dates and the flatbreads. However, the beer menu was outdated. I was hoping for a Christmas ale and they had October beers still.
(4)cindy f.
i had an expired gift certificate for $100 and the restaurant refused to honor it. The manager was extremely rude and told me that he manages to use all of his gift cards before they expire and I should have done the same. ...WTF!!! Sorry...bad business...can't recommend a restaurant with that kind of attitude!
(1)Emily Z.
We could not stop talking all night about how much we loved the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn. It is hard to explain because every table or area seems to be a little different than the next but overall it is vary warm and homey like being in a friends dining room that is way nicer than anything you could ever afford. A plethora of eccentric artwork covers the high white brick walls and a sea of large globe lights hang from the ceiling. The seating arrangements are very varied from low four top tables with high back chairs, a large communal table in the center of the lower dining room with stool seating and even a few church pews; the over all seating theme is rustic wood. The only thing I am not sold on is the odd 'rear end shaped metal stools that are at some of the tables, not comfortable! After diner we went upstairs to the lounge area which houses many tall pub tables and a few nice seating areas surrounded by fireplaces and high shelves packed with books. There are large HD tv's built into the walls that are playing old black and white movies in the best quality I have ever seen, maybe it was the wine but it looked like Grace Kelly could have just leapt off the screen, who knew Blu-ray really is all its cracked up to be! The service was very good. Though often too good, yes I just paid $1.50 for that half of shrimp I am going to suck every last bit of sweet meat out of that tail, thanks! The server Caitlin took time to explain all the dishes as they appeared at our table and the bus boys kept our water glasses full. The servers and bar tenders are all dressed in prohibition area apparel, mens vest and ties. The bus boys on the other hand were wearing tuxedo shirts, so tacky! Between 6 girls we tried 4 of the signature cocktails and no one was impressed with the result though we all loved the complementary champagne we got! They offer you one complementary bottle of Evian water and once you suck that down be sure to let them know tap is fine, unless you feel the need be pretentious. We decided to all order a small plate and share so we could taste a variety of the dishes, the waitress warned us that it would not be enough as they recommenced 2-3 small plates per person, she was right. Here is my food review from my favorite on down; - Housemade ravioli, truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens ($12). Delicious, though with 3 ravioli they were $4 a piece, really!?! - Bacon wrapped medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce ($7) Very rich dish with warm earthy goat cheese and soft sweet dates the bacon flavor gets a little lost. Serving is 4 so we were saddened to have to split them since there were 6 of us. - Half dozen Pacific & Atlantic oysters on half shell, mignonette ($16) Great presentation and very fresh, I don't eat oysters haha, but everyone else loved them. - Grilled prawns, wild mushroom conserve, garlic potato puree, sundried tomato vinaigrette ($13). 4 large prawns with a delicious smokey flavor and delicious plump marinated mushrooms. - Steak tartare, quail egg, shallot, dijon, lemon, caper, olive oil crostini ($12) - Asparagus & mushroom ragout, caramelized onion, ricotta salata, gremolata ($10). Small portion that was almost impossible to split as the dough was so hard and crunchy. I would pass on this next time. - House potato chips with sour cream chive dip ($4) - crunchy kettle cooked chips with an extra thick dip reminiscent of the kind you buy at Jewel or Dominiks. Overall the atmosphere of Hubbard Inn is top notch and I will totally be back for drinks but honestly the food is over priced. I would say make reservations if possible, though it didn't start filling up until like 7:30.
(4)Jim V.
Great River North location with a spectacular ambiance and atmosphere! The food and drinks were top notch. Perfect for happy hours and dinner/drinks with friends!
(5)Tracy L.
THE INN Two levels of bars and dining areas. An intimate sofa corner in the back of the ground floor. Cozy, trendy yet almost old-fashioned and speakeasy-ish. If you shrink it and make it older, I see Gandalf and his hobbit gang hang out here. Love it. FUN DRINKS Cocktails came in tiny, precious amount, but amazing. English Daisy, Hepburn and Hemingway were all refreshing and...strong. Sip please. FAB FOOD Sausage flatbread was a fun little snack. Crispy tuna was delicioso (I'm missing it as I type...) A good place, yes? Yes.
(4)Chris S.
I met a group of friends here for dinner on Saturday night. I read a lot of reviews before going, so I knew what to expect - primarily the slow service. The bar area is nice and large and has a good beer selection and a big board of their specialty cocktails. I had a beer while waiting for our table and the bartender was quick and helpful. Once at our table, I ordered the caprese salad, the bison burger (raspberries on a burger?), and a side of asparagus. I expected to get my food in about that order, but was brought a plate of asparagus during the appetizer/salad portion of the meal. While delicious, I would have preferred to have it as a side dish, as I had ordered it. The caprese salad arrived about 3 minutes before the main course, and it was only okay. The mozzarella was fresh, but they covered everything with pesto. I really like pesto, but this drowned everything else out and made the entire dish way too rich. The burger arrived and was perfectly cooked (one member of our party ordered one medium rare and it arrived well done - it was promptly replaced and removed from the bill which was nice). To my surprise, the sweet and sour raspberries went really well with the burger. The burger came with a side of fries, which I must have missed on the menu, hence the asparagus order. The fries were excellent. Several members of our table went the tapas-style route (also the more expensive route) and really enjoyed everything. Everything was reasonably priced given the location, ambiance, and food quality. The atmosphere in the restaurant is casual/trendy with a very dim lighting, a laptop DJ front and center and a bathroom attendant in a bathroom that was too small (he was sitting right behind me as I used the urinal). I'd give the food and bar 4.5 stars (other than the caprese salad), but the service and awkward bathroom attendant bring it down to 3 for me.
(3)Shradha A.
I just hosted my birthday party at Hubbard Inn with about 50 guests and there was not one person who didn't comment on the coolness of the space. We had the area by the fireplace upstairs and the servers were super nice and helpful. The ventilation was a little poor and during a week where Chicago's average temperature was 100F, wish they had done something more to keep the place cool besides opening up their large windows. I also had the opportunity to try some of their food while vetting the place for my party and enjoyed the vegetarian-friendliness of the menu as well as the taste of the food and especially enjoyed the extensive beer list!
(4)Donna L.
GREAT PLACE!! Especially for a big group- very comfy and upscale 'swanky' almost. Booths look sooo cozy, but we had a big group and took the long table. And even that was so nice, not too tight and not too far, still easy to talk to everyone. Drinks were great! Everybody got something they like, whether it was a special beer, or special cocktail- mine of course were cocktails: (names were weird but taste was awesome) The Hepburn (Effen Cucumber, my fave) and The Option Two. Appetizers were delicious! Bacon wrapped dates were fantastic! Flatbreads were delicious, and we also enjoyed the salt cod fritters (but I wouldn't get them again). Salads sound good, but dining with a bunch of guys, majority rules. Beautiful array of entrees to fit all tastes. Rabbit, Pork Belly and Tuna were on the list to try, but I had to go with the Duck (the salty and sweet mix of sweet potatoes and maple glaze were unforgettable). Scallops were also ordered and very tasty. More and more drinks were ordered so dessert was not ordered, but I can't wait to try them one night.
(5)Ebony R.
After reading the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. My friend was hosting a birthday celebration and because of that, thankfully, I went anyway. Nick, our bartender/server, was a doll. He was extremely attentive and his effort went above and beyond as he made an earnest attempt to learn our names. (No small feat.) My goat cheese and spinach salad was really good and the sweet potato fries were amazing. When I return it will be to try the bison burger.
(4)Michael H.
Great Cocktails/Great Space-Can't wait to try the food!
(4)Andrea H.
I admit that I hadn't heard much about this place before I went but my dinner group was going there so I looked into it. Sounded pretty cool, great reviews about the decor, food, cocktails, etc. How could you go wrong? So I went. And it was overwhelmingly...ok. First of all, they have a great beer and cocktail list. I'm not 100% sure, however, that the bartenders know how to make them. My sazerac came on the rocks and heavy on the absinthe. Now I like absinthe and all but I really wanted to taste the rye. Maybe they're trying to make it their own, like American Idol style. I don't know. I had a couple of the other cocktails as well, the Dutch Daisy and the Devil's Flip. They were both ok but seemed a little off, not quite balanced. Maybe they're still working out the kinks. For dinner, I ordered the sweetbreads and the trout small plates. The sweetbreads were a good size but quite bland. The trout was fishy tasting and almost non existent. There were a good number of clams in the dish, however, that kind of salvaged it. Overall, I wasn't a big fan, except for the atmosphere. Maybe I should have ordered a burger. Those looked good. And a beer. Hmmm.
(3)Eric H.
# Vegetarian Review # Fun, casual place for drinks and good food. I had the chickpea crepes, and I highly recommend them! So delicious, and anticipate leftovers! Bottle of Mumm Champagne always washes crepes down well, followed by amazing specialty cocktails, such as the Hemingway. Definitely recommend this place!
(4)Jennifer Y.
I love Hubbard Inn! Perfect place for a date or intimate dinner, Hubbard Inn is dark and candle-lity with amazing cocktails and pretty great food. Cocktails are really interesting with unusual ingredients and well paired flavors. My personal fav is the Hepburn. Food is pretty good with some standouts: Bacon-wrapped dates are delicious. Lobster Club sounds like an unlikely choice but is sizable, DELICIOUS and comes accompanied by a small, mouth wateringly portion of shoe-string french fries. Flat breads are a bit over-baked. Overall, is a top pick of mine when I am looking for a lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails and great food. I caveat this by saying: avoid the Thursday Night Happy Hour scene.
(4)Anand A.
Fantastic location and vibe which makes for a refreshing spot that contrasts with the formula that is currently used at the spots peppered on Hubbard. Food is a bit rich and it was clear they are still working out the kinks there. Known for small plates. Try the Ravioli.
(4)Christina G.
I've been here twice recently and just as a warning, this place is loooouuuud. But it's fun too and the food is pretty good. Good wine selection. They have communal seating which I am personally a fan of but have yet to try. Maybe next time.
(3)Naz A.
We went to Hubbard Inn last weekend for a birthday party. There was a line when we arrived. We went up to the gentleman at the door who was letting people in and told him we were part of a reservation for a birthday. He was very aloof, told us he would look into it and asked us to stand on the side. He then proceeded to let about 10-12 people in before us. 15 minutes later when we asked if he had checked about our request, he turned to ask for someone to help us. Basically, he had forgotten. A women came over and asked us for the name of the person who held the reservation. When we told her, she had the nerve to tell us "That was at 9 o'clock. You are very late". It's a bday party, not a dinner reservation. I'm not sure why she thought it was appropriate to say that or speak to us in that tone. The inside of the Inn is really nice. The drinks are great and I really like the set up with the bookshelves. Very cozy. It's really a cute spot. I would have loved to come back here with friends or had a party of my own here, but not after the treatment we received at the door.
(2)Georgia W.
Super chill, but trendy enough to be interesting. And that's just the crowd. The food at Hubbard Inn is even more tempting, the drinks are tasty and the service - attentive. Dark wood, warm lights, chalkboard specials above the bar...it's cute! There are plenty of laid back taverns and worn in bars in Seattle. So I get excited when a place can combine creative small plates along with craft cocktails. And do it with style. Mission: local beers on tap and good apps. *Done and Done* Some reviews point out some random rants- heating/AC/loud music/ drunk dudes... seems a little harsh and off base. Hubbard Inn is a T*A*V*E*R*N. (?!?) Bacon wrapped dates were insanely good....might be the best EVER. Go. Chill. Drink. Enjoy. It's a good spot.
(4)Kim D.
I went here for my bachelorette last Saturday night as I was in town visiting from San Francisco & had heard great things. It's definitely crowded & loud, but very fun. We managed to grab a table as another group was leaving, so were absolutely psyched. After waiting for about 15 min, we went up to the bar for a drink assuming there was no server. Shortly after, a short blonde came up and said that we "had to order drinks from her if we wanted to sit in her section". We tried to explain we had been waiting & were from out of town, but she was pretty rude. The next time we needed a round we waited almost 40 minutes. My friend was really ticked at the way we were treated so she left no tip during the 2nd round of drinks. Shortly after the rude blonde server comes back, throws the receipt at us and says "I'm not doing this for free". Wow. Last I knew, gratutity was for good service - not an expectation!! I called the manager over to talk to him about what was going on. He introduced himself as John and said he would take care of it right away. He was absolutely professional and did take care of us right away. Not only did he comp our last round of drinks, but he got us a new server & made sure we didn't have a problem getting a drink. Thanks John! You absolutely saved the review for me on this place.
(4)Molly M.
great atmosphere buzz killed by $4 upcharge for an icecube in my basil hayden.
(2)Matt M.
If you are looking for price point this is not your place. If you are looking for "fine dining" this is not your place. This place has a unique atmosphere and great service, but the food and experience fail to make this place standout. The fries in a cup thing is kind of cool, but the fries inside are kind of like soggy jays shoestrings. The lamb burger I had was nothing special either. The bun was dry and the meat was not seasoned at all. The ambiance is also unique but awkward. You can sit at a really long table that makes it look like a yuppie chow hall, or you sit at a tables that are jammed waaaaaayyy to close together with awkward seating. Not to mention, you will not be able to hear the person across the table from you at all. Its the perfect place if you are looking for a sports bar atmopshere, fine dining prices, and fast food flavor.
(2)Ali O.
Sadly I have to give this place an overall bad review after 2yrs of coming here due to service. When it first opened I loved it; the bartenders were super nice and actually even wanted to know my name. Then I came here for a late afternoon/early evening meal...and man...the service was so slow. Then one time I came and the bartender was so rude to me and my friend I guess because he thought he was God's gift to women and we weren't flirting with him. Now the last straw was was charged 11.08 for a vodka sprite...keep in mind I usually only go to bars in the west loop and river north so I know the standard vodka soda is not 11 dollars considering they have signature cocktails at that price...to make matter worse he took forever to ring me while giving his attn to some other patrons. So I have to end this relationship. Train your service staff to actually respect your customers.
(1)Bryan M.
The duck sausage was worse than low grade dog food. I could have cooked better sausage in a microwave. The short ribs and the scallops sucked too. The bacon wrapped dates were ehh. After living in Chicago for 7 years this is the worst meal I have had. I would seriously rather eat a dead raccoon than this garbage again. Suuuuuuuuuuuucked. If you are thinking about eating here, do yourself a favor and eat a bag of sand. It would be more enjoyable. Succcccccccccccked. And what's with every door downstairs leading to the bathrooms being for employees only. You literally have to walk past 10 doors all marked employees only before finding the bathroom in the back of their Buffalo Bill's basement. I got your dog mister and I am serving it to guests as an overpriced tasteless entree. Suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkked.
(1)Amelia B.
I'm torn between 4 and 5. Food =5, everything else =4. Going with 4, so read on. I made a reservation for 7:30pm a few weeks ago and was really eager to try it out. Behind Ayn Rand & Dickens, Hemingway is my favorite author, so obviously I was drawn in to any place that would model the restaurant after him. We were seated promptly at 7:30pm, but at the table right next to the front door. At this point, I should have spoken up and asked to be placed elsewhere, especially because there were plenty of open tables and I made a reservation weeks ago (so I thought I should get some priority). Alas, I chickened out. And having been a server for a long time, I understand how patrons requesting to switch tables can put a server in the weeds. So I spent a lot of the dinner getting blasts of cold air in the face (despite the double door arrangement). Nevertheless, the cold is nothing that a few drinks can't cure. Started off with a perfect dirty, extra dry vodka martini with blue cheese olives. Delish--probably one of the best I've had in the River North area. We also started off the asparagus flatbread--absolutely DIVINE. So much flavor, I probably could have ate three of them. It's a pretty decent size as well. Moved on to the salmon and the scallops. I highly recommend both--the salmon was cooked perfectly, and the scallops just melted in the mouth. We also ordered a bottle of sangiovese, which, for the cheapest red on the menu (hey--I roll like that), was surprisingly smooth. It definitely drank like some more expensive wines I've had. Some random observations non-food & drink related: (1) Holy crap, this place is loud. I had to yell at my dinner companion even though we were only a foot away from each other. And this was at 7:30pm. Granted, we were sitting right near the bar and there was a large crowd there. (2) Holy cougars! Definitely a mixed crowd, which I appreciate. But I did get some great laughs out of a large party of older women making it a point to take pics with the young guys around the bar. No wedding rings in sight. (3) Is the complimentary Evian bottled water necessary? (though make sure you specify you want tap water after that, or they will charge you $3 for another). What's wrong with tap water? (4) I wish we had sat further back in the restaurant--might have been a better ambiance. (5) there is bathroom attendant--ladies carry money. I ran back up and grabbed a few bucks and then ran back down. So overall--food is definitely five-star, but a bit iffy on the rest. I'll be back, and hopefully in a different location in the restaurant.
(4)Leang E.
I came here for a friend's birthday party, and it was a pretty cool spot. We were upstairs. I was disappointed that it was so warm in there though. Like with the temperatures we have been experiencing where was the air conditioning?! I felt like I was sweating through my dress, and I couldn't understand why the gas fireplace was on. I think it was real anyways and it seemed like heat was emanating from there. The drink prices were pretty comparable and it is a spacious area, but it gets packed. I liked that the crowd was maybe 30's ish and not too young and annoying, but more sophisticated and relaxed. There was a variety of different types of music. I want to come back and try the food. I heard it was good, so I will be back.
(3)Jaime S.
I didn't know what the premise of Hubbard Inn was before I walked in, but based on the other reviews, It appears my impression of Hubbard Inn was spot on: It smells like a library, the lighting is such that you feel like you may be in an absinthe induced haze, and the Hemingway/expatriate vibe is VERY apparent. I came with 6 girls after some March Madness, mostly because my BFF was in town from Philly and i wanted to get her to every new place in River North so that she doesn't feel disconnected from Chicago. It was supremely crowded, but I imagine if you can get there in time to get a table, it would be a great spot. I don't stray from clear drinks, but the drink list looked impressive. 3 Stars for now, but I'm going to have to try this place again.
(3)Maria B.
I love Hubbard Inn. From the interior decor to the staff...everything is perfect. The lighting is great, the crowd looks good and the atmosphere can't be beat. To be fair, I have only eaten here once, and it was good, but my favorite thing to do is come here and split a bottle of prosecco with my friends and watch the world go by outside. Great people watching. I have also come here many times for evening cocktails on the weekends and it is a great place to get the night started. The weekend crowd and upstairs bar have a vibrant energy and feel a bit more mature than other spots in the area-in a good way. Reminds me of Waverly Inn in NYC crowd and energy wise. Definitely recommend for dinner, cocktails to get the weekend night started or after-work happy hours.
(4)Holly J.
Great atmosphere - although be warned, it can get a little loud. Definitely recommend for a couple drinks but would not go out of my way to have dinner. Food is ok, not great. For the prices, you could get a better meal at many other places in River North. Go for the social environment. Do not go if you are expecting to have a memorable meal.
(3)Daniel C.
Love this place after work! Its the kind of place where I want to go and have a beer and great conversation with a friend or two. Great vibe and stylishly designed. Reminds me of a pub I visited in London. Good people watching and excellent when you're in the mood to see and be seen. Have had dinner there a couple of times and never had a bad dish. Check it out.
(4)Ariana S.
Well done Hubbard Inn! Here's the thing. If you met me you would probably stereotype me as a 20-something, single urban professional who tends to gravitate toward the trendy "it" place only to snobbishly judge it myself and then tell the world my opinion as if it mattered. Well...you're stereotype would be spot on. Nice to meet you! I have been wanting to try Hubbard Inn for a while and I was so glad I did! I went for dinner so I can't yet speak to the weekend night scene but I'll come back to update. Atmosphere: LOVE! Looks kind of like an old smoking room with high wooden tables, wrought-iron castings and chalk on chalkboard menu items. We sat in "the library" in the back on chaise lounges next to the fire and busts of horse heads. (ok sounds weird but it was really cool). Drinks: I played it safe at first and ordered off the wine menu and was not disappointed but the cocktail list was beckoning me so I quickly downed the wine and ordered the "Hubbard Rose" and loved it! Whiskey with rose juice and mint. Yum! Food: I trusted my date on this one and I was not disappointed! [The food was good too. ;-) ] He ordered like a pro, not missing a beat as he sprouted off the Duck Rilette, Short Ribs, Scallops with pumpkin sage, and clam covered flatbread. Seriously this guy has mad skills. Everything was really tasty but I have to give a shoutout to the SCALLOPS. Melt in your mouth INCREDIBLE! The Short Ribs were also so insanely tender that they basically didn't need to be chewed and the Flatbread was a reall unique combo of flavors. Wasn't thrilled with the duck but still enjoyed it. Nice job Hubbard Inn! You made this 20-something a very happy yelper.
(4)Lisa Z.
I love the decor at this place. As far as Hubbard Street spots, I've found that it's pretty classy/swanky, but not as douchey as some places. If you want to get dressed up for a night out, this is a great spot! It may be packed shoulder to shoulder, so you may want to arrive early-ish to stake out some space, but it's a fun spot and everyone is suspiciously good looking. I've been for lunch and dinner as well, and think the food is great for upscale bar. I definitely recommend any of the flatbreads! Will definitely be back. I believe they also offer space for rent -- a friend did her 30th birthday here, and we had a nice spot in the couch area upstairs with our own server. They were very helpful and we never had to wait for a drink. The bar is crowded on weekend nights, but I haven't had real problems waiting for drinks there anyway.
(4)Justine M.
Like the decor of this place - dark, classy old western-ish feel. Went for lunch w/ co-workers. Food was presented nicely. I got the lobster roll sandwich. Nothing too great - very creamy...too much for my liking. They have an extensive drink list. I'd come back to drink here but that's about it.
(3)Christina B.
The atmosphere has a good vibe, a trendier bar area on the first floor and a more intimate library themed area on the second floor. The drinks are great--they have a number of housemade creation staples and seasonal creations. The Strawberry Cooler is quite tasty. It did take a while to get our drinks at the first floor bar so only four stars.
(4)Shayna R.
I had a private party for 18 people at Hubbard Inn. This was the most horrible private party experience I have EVER HAD. As someone who organizes private parties for clients and my own company, I have had experience with setting a menu and pricing dinners. I had to sign a contract with Hubbard Inn for this party, and put down a credit card to secure the spot. I arrived 15 minutes prior to the reserved time (8pm, Fri night). The table was NOT ready yet. For a party of 18, you would expect them to have it set up at least 15 minutes prior, so I could see how it would look, or make any changes that I wanted made. No such luck. I would have to wait till 8pm, and until HALF my party arrived to be seated. Then they brought us to a communal table. To my horror, they sat us at a table, 18 of my party, 4 people WHOM I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW, at the end of my table! They had 4 extra spaces and they were going to get good use of it! I told the manager this was unacceptable--true it was not stated in my contract that I would get a private table, but no where else did it say, nor did the events coordinator tell me, there was a possibility of being at a communal table. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOOKED A PRIVATE PARTY WITH A COMMUNAL TABLE. Who thinks expecting to sit at a private table with 18 guests is reasonable? I DO! By the time she worked out that she would throw in 4 bottles of wine and the dessert charge, my party had already ordered wine by the glass and beer. Bear in mind that I had to be away from my party for the first 15-20 minutes to RENEGOTIATE the contract due to their negligence. They even admitted that the party at the end of the table was not originally seated there, that they had been unhappy with their own table and were moved by a waiter. WELL AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, THAT WAS NOT MY PROBLEM. I after all, booked a PRIVATE PARTY! Well the end result was that after everyone had already ordered single pour wine, we only really ordered 2 additional bottles of wine. I just assumed she would remove the charges for the single pour wine since she waited till everyone was seated to rectify the situation. her mistake. No such luck. At the end of the party they only took off $40 off a $1100 bill and brought the GM and the events coordinator to ARGUE WITH ME, in front of my guests. They also had the nerve to tell me that despite spending $1k at their restaurant, "that's not a lot of money." I GUESS THEY DON'T NEED BUSINESS AT HUBBARD INN. At that point, I really had no choice but to threaten to take them to court over this issue and paid the bill. Unhappy. Very very disappointed with their ability to handle a discrepancy with a CONTRACTED DINNER. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.
(1)Vanessa B.
So I'm one of those people who really likes to try new places constantly. Despite that, I can't stop myself from continuing to come back to Hubbard Inn! I've only been for lunch (it is really close to my office), but everything I've ever had has been delicious. During fall they had a pumpkin sage flatbread that was so fantastic. It was savory with just the right amount of sweet from the pumpkin and perfect crispy flatbread. I am also IN LOVE with the sheep's milk ricotta ravioli. The texture of the pasta is great - the perfect amount of thickness and just a little al dente. The sheep's milk filling is rich and creamy and has just a hint of citrus that I love. It also comes with a really great mushroom ragout, which I was shocked to find that I like as I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms in general. I confess I order the ravioli almost every time. I need to get there for dinner some time as I hear they have great cocktails too!
(4)Kathleen C.
Yay Hubbard Inn! I visited Hubbard Inn around the holidays with one of my old roommates from college. I had to sit at the bar for a bit and wait for her (not super surprising...). I am knocking 1 star off of my review because of my bar experience. The bartender would.not.help.me ...seriously, wouldn't look at me, wouldn't acknowledge my presence...he helped the woman next to me and the guy on the other side. I'm not entirely sure if I gave him a stink eye or what, but he wouldn't help me. Thankfully, another bartender came over to take my order. She was super sweet (and that was even when she had to walk over to the other side of the bar from where she was working to help me). In any case, the rest of the visit was really fun! We had a reservation and even though both of us were not there at the same time, they held the table for us. The host and server even "saved" us when the guys at the bar kept coming over to try and loiter near our table (which was not actually at the bar). The server was super nice, really helpful with the menu and didn't rush us even though it was a busy evening. The food was really tasty and I liked that some of the menu items had a bit of a twist to them and were rather inventive. All in all, a great spot! Though, go early if you want a spot at the bar. Atmosphere - 5 Food - 5 Bathrooms - 4 Service - 3 Value - 4
(4)Johnny T.
Now this is more like it! After a disappointing dining experience, my crew was in search of a proper way to end the evening. After a couple of clicks on our handy-dandy Yelp apps, we were led to Hubbard Inn and I am so pleased that we were. Being that we had zero appetite for food, we skipped the downstairs dining area and headed upstairs for some cocktails. Before I mention anything about the menu and service, I have to mention the decor. It's incredible. You feel as though you have stepped into Hemingway's Chicago home, complete with dramatic staircase, interesting tiles, comfy (yet, very manly) leather couches, books (!), bookcases, and dark woods (furniture and flooring). The Old Man surely would have given up on the Sea had a place like Hubbard Inn existed in the 1950s. Feeling appropriately masculine, I contemplated ordering a beer... but that's no fun, right? I looked over the house cocktails, determined to order something worthy of Ernest and that's when it hit me: when dealing with a classic, order a classic. And, it was at that time, that I ordered my first Moscow Mule. I know! Where have I been? Well, I waited for my first time to be a good one. The cocktail was expertly made and with every sip of lime, vodka, mint and ginger beer, I wondered why I hadn't been sipping on these lovelies for quite some time now. My libation reverie was made all the more better by attentive service from Tricia -- who even ran after our party when one of us forgot our phone. Managers of Hubbard Inn, hold on to her. She's an asset! Hubbard Inn is in an odd location. The night we went, the upstairs was rather empty and that's a shame. In another part of town (Lincoln Square/North Center), there would never be a moment where this place was anything but full. I suppose for the sake of my experience, I am grateful that it's not in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods. If it were, perhaps I would not have had the chance to live out my own book: The Old Man and the Drink.
(4)Rachel S.
My decision to come here to eat was purely practical in nature. I was meeting BF's dad for dinner; he was staying at LaSalle and Hubbard, and I was coming from Fado (wicked close by) so the night before I decided to try to find a place for dinner that would involve as little transportation for both of us as possible. We went to Paris Club last time he was in town, so that was right out, but I wanted something similar-ish, small plates perhaps, good cocktails, etc. After browsing around Open Table for a while, I settled on the Hubbard Inn. Looked solid enough. When we arrived, I was pleased by the decor, very interesting, manly perhaps, somewhat rustic, with a definite European vibe to it. On to the consumables: For drinks, I started with the Hubbard Rose and ended with a Moscow Mule, both fine, for sure, but I've had better. For example, I was expecting the Hubbard Rose to be served neat in a coupe or something, not with crushed ice in a low-ball, but maybe that's just me. BF's dad had an aviation, which he liked, and a glass of red wine with dinner that he let the waitress pick. Meal: we started with the steak tartare (which was fine, the flavor was good, but the meat was a little gluey) and salads. I had the beet salad, and BF's dad had the pear salad. The pears from the pear salad were off the CHAIN so good, poached in saffron or some such, and were delicioius. My beet salad was unwieldy at best and downright ungraceful at worst. All the dressing was at the bottom (can't toss, son?) with a ginormous pile of frisee on top and a teensy sprinkling of cheese and walnuts with about 8 little beets around the edges. The beets were good, but the frisee was in hugemongous pieces so it was embarrassing and difficult to wrangle one of those hairy suckers into my mouth without getting the bright red (and extreeeeemely acidic) dressing all over my face. Overall, didn't really enjoy my salad, but BF's dad cleaned his plate, so there's that. Main event: I had the sweetbreads and BF's dad had the short ribs. I've never in my wee little life seen sweetbreads on a menu as a main dish, kinda weird, but I lurve those little glorious glands, so I gave it a whirl. Plus I love brussels sprouts. I was pretty much really disappointed by this dish. The menu (and the chef, presumably) claimed that the sweetbreads would be crispy. Crispy, they were not. Bland, they were, and egregiously overcooked, they definitely were. I cried little tears for mistreated offal and ate as much as I could muster to not appear rude to my companion. I tasted a bite of the shortribs and they were a bit ropey and dry. Sad sea lion. For dessert we went with what they called the apple crostini, which in truth was a small free-form tart, not crostini, but I'll let it slide, I guess. Despite the fact that I abhor apple pie and the like, I actually enjoyed this dessert, it was not too sweet, had something savory happening in there and the crust was delightfully flaky. Probably won't be back... There are always more fish in the River North Ocean of food.
(2)Kristen D.
This place is really fun and great for socializing. The bar upstairs is large and has tons of seating. The bartenders are super friendly and they also have a great drink menu. I really enjoyed my night here and recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun and easy going bar in river north.
(4)Rebecca E.
This place is ridiculous. They think they are something that they really arent and you can smell it a mile away. We had a 9pm reso, arrived on time and expected to have to wait a few minutes because the place was packed. Well, 25 minutes later and we are still waiting at the bar...approach the holier-than-tho hostess who says it will be another 5-10 min, they are all paying...10 min pass...go back up to said nose-in-the-air hostess who has a matching condescending smile and she says she is sorry but the tables are lingering and they will give us a drink on the house at the bar for our troubles. At this point, it is about 10pm. I want nothing to do with your restaurant or the crappy service i have seen a preview of here at the hostess stand. Thanks for the drink offer, but no thanks. We took our business elsewhere. I am from NYC, where it is nearly impossible to get a table in many restaurants. If I have a reservation, I am seated. If I have a reso and have to wait 10 minutes, that is a new record. Hubbard Inn needs to learn that service is key to success.
(1)Sangeeta K.
I was here for my husband's office Christmas party last year. This place has great ambiance and their cocktails were very potent! The rich wooden decor is just fabulous. However the food we tried was rather mediocre. I might give this place another chance in the near future.
(4)Jackie H.
Great decor, food and drinks!!! I'm not crazy about the customer service but it's not bad enough to keep me away from this place. I love that it's inspired by Hemmingway.
(4)Joel W.
I loved HI's atmosphere. It's what I imagine Mr. Burns' or Bing Crosby's library looks(ed) like. The small library/sitting area is awesome. There's a bar on ground floor and upstairs. Both I'd feel classy sitting at, sipping midcentury cocktail concoctions. The ground floor also has a large table that can accommodate...maybe 20 maybe more? it's huge. Food was very good. Between my wife and me, I tried a few entrees and appetizers. All were great, however the HIGHLIGHT, for me, was the Chickpea Crepe. Oh man. I'm not a vegetarian, but I periodically like to try what restaurants are doing that are vegetarian or meatless. I felt lucky for picking it. I enjoyed the rabbit and scallops and burger and rhubarb salad...but that Crepe, hmmm, I still dream about it. I also had Steak Tartare, but I've learned that I just don't like tartare much. I can only assume that Hubbard Inn did a good job, so since I didn't like it, it probably means my trying-to-like-tartare days are over. When we arrived, our table was not ready. They invited us to grab a drink at the bar..but it was full. So we ordered between two people and stood and sipped our cocktails. 4 sips in and we get word the table was ready. We were escorted to the second floor where a few table were empty awaiting guests. I hope they didn't make us wait just so we'd buy a drinks ($23 for two). They wouldn't do that,...right? Hm. I think in total we spent about $125, so it's not cheap. Dress up and go.
(4)Ashley M.
No thanks-- Walking in, the decor is nice. It has a modern vintage vibe which I adore. I got there a bit earlier than my date so I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely nice. And this is how they got two stars. I want to bump it down to one though. After sitting at the table, the waitress kept pressuring us to make a selection "oh well the kitchen closes at 10". Okay lady hold your horses. I ordered the ravioli and it was..okay. Let me put it like this, Olive Garden is better. The date ordered steak. He cleaned the plate so I'll assume that was good. I kid you not, every three minutes someone asked us were we done eating an could they take our plates. If my fork is in my hand the logical answer would be no right? Not here. Afterward the date and I thought it would be a good idea to take our drinks to the sofas and talk. I mean, they close at 2am so we had plenty of time right? No. Our waitress came over and told us they were closing that part of the restaurant (really?) and then dimmed the lights. I actually preferred the dimmed lights so the date and I kept talking and drinking. She came over AGAIN with a nasty attitude and we asked for the bill and she brought it over. I saw her speaking with a few of her coworkers who started to stare in our direction. We were the only two people over there. Then she turned the lights OFF in our section. Off. Completely off. Really?? Being defiant, the date and I stayed until she came to get the payment and she said "you guys can't be in here like this" and walked off. Really?? At least wait until we tip you to be rude Stacy or whatever your name is. Never again.
(2)Myrna J.
The place looks incredible. We just wanted drinks so sat at the bar. The bartender had good hair. The drinks were good (according to the folks I was with).. all were good. I had a simple gin and tonic.. was fine too. I thought the bartender was pretty unfriendly. He wasn't busy either, just not communicative... nor did he smile. I probably wouldn't go back unless I couldn't find another bar nearby. Too many place in Chicago to settle for less than great!
(2)Chirag P.
Good drinks and good draft beers, but the food was nothing special. Although most of the dishes we had were veggie, so I'm guessing that was the issue. The scallops were probably my favorite, definitely give those a shot, but skip any VEGGIE stuff. I know my wife will be pissed that I said that. Anyways, the place itself gets pretty packed on weekends, so try to go on a weekday if you're going for a meal. Fun place to hang out and nice decor.
(3)B C.
I went here with friends for a beer and appetizers meal, and we were roundly disappointed. While the service was nice and trying 110%, the food was overpriced and worthy of a Jewel freezer section. Another thing this place had going for it was an interesting decor. An arrogant guy in the Alps would live in the Hubbard Inn. Unfortunately, tag-a-longs show up and that's what you have here, a bunch of obnoxious fellas talking in that way that's meant to be overheard.
(2)Brandon J.
I've been to Hubbard Inn for happy hour a few times. The drinks are solid, beer selection thoughtful, and service is excellent. On weekend nights, the crowd picks up a lot and by 10pm, it's a borderline dance party.
(4)Morgan M.
Slowly but surely there are places that we naturally gravitate to...why it's taken so long to get to Hubbard Inn, is just plain crazy. Forget winding down over a cup of tea--this lady needs a night out, and it involves stopping inside a packed house. There is so much happening inside of this hot spot that not one single thing can be denied. Not the beer Not the space Not the men..or the ladies Not even the bartenders I honestly had low expectations when my friends suggested we make a stop at Hubbard Inn for a drink. Thinking it would be like any other place along that strip, I was shushed and tsk'd all along the way. They knew what was to be expected. The minute we walked in, despite the sardine-effect...it was comfortable. This is a prime spot for an after work cocktail, a place to take a date later in the evening...or simply a place to just go. The crowd is ecclectic and mixed, and yet everyone is equally engaging. Something that can be hit or miss with similiar bars. Your eyes will not get bored either from the interior decor or the eye candy, there's a whole lot going on inside. We didn't have any food, but opted for cocktails as it was a very happening weeknight. Prices are no different than any other bar. One hour turns to two and you lose yourself in your groups and the five groups around you. Nobody is shy. Honestly, you can't go wrong if you're looking for someplace different that offers glamour, hipsters, happy hour folk and clubbers. It's a full range that brings everyone together for a sure-found successful night out.
(4)Lindsey W.
I've been here twice now and I have to say, I'm still impressed. The first time I was with a group and we did small plates. Perfect portions to share- the salad with blue cheese was so good and filling, the dates melted in your mouth. Everything else was okay, but I remember those. They had a mix up with our reservations and sent us a bottle of champagne to make-good after we mentioned it to the manager. So the wait service is very nice, the hostesses not so much. The second time I've been we each did our own entrees and I had the chicken sandwich. It was delicious, the fries were addicting. My only complaint about this place is the price of drinks, but for River North that's to be expected.
(4)brion d.
I only decided to write after I saw another Yelpers' experience (Ellen D). The night after I went there, I found multiple charges on my credit card that I didn't make. I called the restaurant and got no call back. Tried again, no call back. After the third try I called my credit card company and told them there was an unauthorized charge on the card. My credit card company took it from there, and the invalid charges were voided, but what a pain in the butt. And to see that someone else had the same experience with the management isn't good. Check your statement after you leave this place! Oh, everything else about this place is fine.
(2)Dan H.
We've all had some bad waiters in our time. But it's those stellar servers who make the meal all the more memorable. Sometimes you just get lucky, depending upon the eatery. Other establishments strive to ensure each and every waiter and waitress shines. Hubbard Inn accomplished just that. My waitress, Eileen is an adorable brunette, very personable and very efficient. She was friendly, attentive yet not smothering, knowledgeable yet not a know-it-all, the wait staff at Hubbard Inn understand that high-quality service goes hand in hand with high-quality food. With an eye for detail and impeccable care for individual needs, Hubbard Inn's wait staff not only ensure that patrons' meals are perfect, but that their entire dining experience is equally unforgettable.
(5)emily h.
Meh, meh, meh. My husband and I came here with a few other couples for dinner one night. When I walked in, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the decor. It has a very cozy yet chic feel to it. The food, drinks and service were NOT impressive. Our waitress acted really bothered by us the whole time. Any time I would order another drink, she acted like I was imposing. Overall, the food portions were very small and pricey. I think I got 3 raviolis for like $14 and they were not even that good. We all left annoyed and hungry and swore never to come back. Well, somehow, a few weeks later I came trotting back in with my girlfriends for a bachelorette party. The bride was wearing a crown (that perhaps had a male body part on it) and we were asked to leave. FINE WITH ME!
(1)Tony G.
The bacon wrapped dates were a great starter. The pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked.
(3)Nicole C.
I was at Hubbard Inn last night for a friend's birthday dinner. This is a perfect spot for a girls night out! Between the four of us, we shared the following small plates: ______________________ *Beet Salad* roasted red & yellow beets, watercress, billy blue cheese, candied walnuts, bean vinaigrette *Bacon Wrapped Dates* medjool dates, goat cheese, red pepper sauce *Pan Seared Scallops* pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter *Salmon* pan seared with creamy dill rice *The Burger* all natural angus, lettuce, tomato, onion, aged cheddar _____________________ All of the main courses are served in small cast iron casserole dishes meant for sharing. It feels very much like tapas. I'd recommend everything listed above, but my favorites were the bacon wrapped dates and the salmon. Add two bottles of wine and one specialty cocktail to the courses listed above and our total bill was about $170, or about $42 per person. Sure, these same dishes can be found at good restaurants all over Chicago, but I loved the atmosphere (very classy and old fashioned) and the food was amazing -- and I can appreciate a little Spanish flare to the ambiance and food. LOVE the Spanish tiles!!! In speaking with our server we learned that this place is owned by a man from Spain and a man from Mexico. They also own English, LaSalle Power Company, and several other well-known Chicago restaurants.
(4)Christina M.
I stopped in for drinks/appetizers this past weekend with my boyfriend. I thought the fries were average and that the drinks were pretty good. I also liked the decor, it seemed like someone put a lot of thought into the decoration. I especially liked the downstairs area.
(3)Stephen F.
Based on a Saturday night sojourn, Hubbard Inn is a regular stop on the Near North 30-something trend-o-matic conveyor belt. The women wear Blahniks and too much makeup, the men pre-distressed jeans and Ed Hardy or a full suit. It's a popular scene -- and totally not what I'm looking for in a night out. But Hubbard Inn did appear to be organized, running well without long waits at the bar or bathrooms. The beer menu gets a solid B -- and I don't grade on a curve. So if you like to be seen with pretty people, this is your stop on a night out.
(3)Chloe C.
Probably my favorite bar on Hubbard. It's not quite as clubby/douchy as some of the surrounding bars but it's still fun and fancy. Fun for groups of friends or dates (if you can get one of the normal tables or sit at the bar instead of those long tables - that can be a little awkward on a date). I'm a fan. :)
(4)Christy T.
Do you ever entertain friends from out-of-town? I don't mean friends from Schaumburg cuz they want to go to someplace like "Nine" (if that place is even around anymore). I'm talkin about that person you stood up for in their wedding, or that old frat guy you enjoy an occasional concert or swapmeet with...? Well, next time your long-lost friend comes into Chicago to visit their "know-it-all" Chicago friend (that's YOU!!!), make sure and start your evening of festivities at Hubbard Inn!!! Located on the N/W corner @ Hubbard/Clark (2 doors w. of Clark), you & your crew can indulge in cocktails and people-watching. We made a reservation for dinner and between the sausage flatbread (mini-pizza served on a wooden chopping block), the sea scallop dish, and short-rib entre, my FAVORITE DISH of those was the SAUSAGE FLATBREAD! I did order the flourless chocolate cake to go. It was OK- I'd go back to Hubbard Inn with a group of gal friends before going dancing or seeing a concert. Boomin-vibe!
(3)K B.
Went here with a large group (17) for a birthday. Had a huge table reserved for us, but we had to get there at 5. Anyway, the restaurant just said they would come out deliciousness, and boy did they ever. Started with the mussels and bacon wrapped dates and they were killer. I would have been satisfied with just that, but oh no! They then brought the seared scallops, three cheese flatbread, and house made ravioli. All still wonderful (and I usually badmouth cheese "pizza"). And I think they brought out lamb shoulder at the end but my stomach was already spent. So, just to be clear, the food here is delicious. But damn expensive.
(4)Shannon C.
I've been a few times before. Saturday night, girls party reserved table upstairs. I like the couches and the atmosphere is well managed so it isn't too crowded, good music. Champagne menu too expensive and not well selected. I met the owner and I was a little turned off by his dismissive attitude. Better for twenty-something mingling than thirty-something socialization (and obviously, the increased dispensible income between these decades is not necessarily valued bc they do pack a full house on the weekends).
(2)Lindley E.
I remember one thing from our meal: the french fries. They were tasty. Actually, I should say, the french fries were pleasantly memorable. The aoili, it was fine. But I'll be damned if I can remember much else from our meal. It just wasn't executed...memorably. If anyone tells you this restaurant is gorgeous, they likely are male, like male activities like big game hunting and drag racing, chess and Xbox 360, heavy drinking and saunas. They like the idea of tuna fishing, but don't necessarily have the patience for it. They're also known women, many women. And sometimes they write about it, Tucker Max style. They usually only share this with anonymous friends on the internet. These men, these leather sofa-loving men who stock libraries full of classic editions of the great books - 'just for show' - also like to order classic cocktails and craft beer - 'just for show'. Which makes Hubbard Inn the perfect place for them. Unfortunately the sound level is really high, so they have to yell to tell their dirty sex stories, something they only do after three drinks (they make 'em strong here). I like dining in a restaurant where I can hear not only my thoughts, but my dining companion. Some seats in the joint allow this (hint: ask to be seated in the library). Specials are adorable on chalkboards, but only in a place that really do focus on fresh and seasonal. I didn't get the impression that that's Hubbard Inn's bag. You know. They're more about the leather.
(2)Dana F.
"About morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after." It's true - even Ernest Hemingway himself would endorse my hedonistic urges. When I discovered that the Hemingway-inspired Hubbard Inn had recently opened, featuring small plates and an impressive liquor list, I had to check it out (and take my partner in crime, the lovely Dee Y., along). The atmosphere is fantastic and really transports you to Hemingway's library. To add to the sort of somber ambiance, sad songs by one of my favorite bands, The National, were in rotation. No detail is overlooked - photographs line the walls of the bathrooms and even the silverware has a very 1920s vibe to it. The beers on draft are fairly standard and include a few common Belgian beers, as well as quite a few Goose Island selections. I opted for a glass of Rioja wine, which was of surprisingly good quality for only $10. To start, we shared the poached prawn salad. The salad was a bit heavy on the dressing and the olive and roasted red pepper toppings were quite sparse. I'm not even sure if I saw any artichoke lurking in that huge bed of arugula! We also shared the seared scallops with pumpkin puree and brown butter. These were my favorite of the evening. The scallops were large and juicy and the sweetness of the pumpkin enhanced the natural sweetness of the scallops (that, and I love anything pumpkin). The Moroccan vegetables were good, albeit a bit ordinary. There was nothing unique or differentiating about them. That, and the carrots were very undercooked compared to the rest of the vegetables and protein (cauliflower, chickpeas, etc.). For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate cake, topped with strawberries and cream. What an odd cake; it had the consistency of a chewy brownie. Oh, and it was HUGE. I was expecting bitter chocolate for a flourless cake, but this chocolate was much sweeter than I had expected. Service is spot-on at Hubbard Inn. Whether the community manager is contacting you on Twitter or your waiter is suggesting some of his favorite small plates from the menu, I felt very much at home. The food, however, left something to be desired, but this seems like a great place to enjoy the atmosphere and have a drink or two at the bar.
(3)Allison H.
We called the day before to make sure the dinner menu would be served at 3pm on Sunday. We were coming right after the Hawks game and didn't want brunch. They assured us that we would be able to order off the dinner menu. However, it was a different story when we arrived. They said we couldn't order until 4pm. This was dissapointing since we did call ahead. Then, they were out of the first two wines we ordered off the menu. Looks like they need some work on communication and ordering. We decided to leave at eat somewhere else.
(2)Paul C.
The first thing you'll notice about Hubbard Inn is the huge communal tables. That's right. Yet another place going for the flavor of the month, pack-you-in-like-a-second-grader-so-we-can-Âsqueeze-in-a-few-extra-customers, vibe. This results in a very noisy spot, that's probably good for happy hour and little else. Don't come there with a date, someone you're trying to impress, or anyone you want to have a conversation with. I ended up hitting up Hubbard Inn for a company lunch, so the best thing about my meal was I didn't have to pay. Hubbard Inn is going for the gastro pub type fare with portion sizes that are all over the map. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was quite tasty and well prepared. The fries were totally bland and forgettable. Other people I was with had varying degrees of happiness depending on what they ordered. The salads were huge, but fish portions quite small. If you order the prawns you get three prawns--more of an appetizer than a main course. The flat breads which are billed as an appetizer are definitely big enough to be a stand-alone meal. Tried the cheesecake for desert and it was pretty good. I honestly didn't have any real complaints about the food. Service was ok, but nothing stellar. One of our dishes was forgotten so they were 11 for 12 on getting dishes out. From time to time our server also just disappeared, especially when it was time for the bill. Coming in a group of 12 did make the communal eating more tolerable, but it was basically impossible to hear anyone who wasn't sitting next to you or directly across from you. Given that the food was overall decent I'd put this place at a 2.5 stars but rounding down for communal tables and general loudness. Hubbard Inn is probably a nice spot for a happy hour, but I wouldn't want to buy my own meal there.
(2)Annie N.
I met a friend here for lunch and although the location and decor were both on the positive side, but our experience was just ok. Our waitress was nice, but the food took a while to get out. It was really hot outside that day (this was a bit ago) and we were sitting outside, so the sun was killing us, and my water wasn't refilled fast enough. For lunch, this spot was pretty popular, and lots of people were coming in and out, even for the outdoor seating. The menu was pretty standard - salads, flat bread, sandwiches, and some other options. I honestly wasn't impressed with the selections, and since I wasn't eating meat at the time, nothing really stood out for me. I ended up getting the Mushroom & Asparagus flat bread and my friend got a Cobb Salad. Portion was fine, enough for lunch, and the food was average. I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'd remember the next day or talk to people about. My lunching companion said his salad was good, but again I didn't see anything outstanding about it. Prices were alright. Kinda on the pricier side for lunch - I think the bill came out between 40-50 for the 2 of us, but he had drinks. It wouldn't be bad if the food was a bit better. But I probably won't come back just for food. There are many other options around the corner.
(3)Eric S.
Hubbard Inn is a interesting mix between upscale restaurant and bar. Their food menu has some great selections of both apps, small plates, and meals. I've had everything from the bacon wrapped dates (yum), to the scallops, to the lobster sandwich. Everything is always perfect. The bar has a great list of various selections too. The only complaint I would have is that their higher end alcohol selections rotate so not everything may be available at all times.
(5)Filip F.
Since this place is fairly new, they might still be working out the kinks. I went here at 8:30pm on Friday night. It was obviously busy. Right away they asked me to take my hat off. Not a big deal. I rarely wear one anyways....But then I saw the staff wearing tuxedo t-shirts. This irritated me somewhat. If a bar takes itself seriously enough to enforce a no-hat policy, I want to see staff wearing something that was not bought at a douchebag store outside Wrigley field. Speaking of douchebags, they do frequent this place. Food was "ok". Portions were somewhat small. It tasted good. I had a burger. Our waiter was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He disappeared for long periods of time. Overall, decor was very cool and unique. It was loud. Could not hear anyone without leaning in within inches of their face. In summary, this sounds like a bad review. But place is new. And it was Friday night. This place is not bad, but not great either. If I was walking by it on accident, looking to get a drink, I would stop in. But I would not make this place a destination. Just A-OK
(3)Don J.
A nice and friendly bar that was pretty busy on a Monday evening. A small group of my friends and I met up for drinks and it turned into a session. The break down on the drinks is: - the Guinness is terrible, worst pint of Guinness I have ever had. Its served in a crap 16oz glass and tasted stale. - the Manhattans were great and went down way too easily. - they have a great selection of Whiskeys and we tackled a good few of them After having a few drinks we decided to get some food. Hubbard Inn has nice, upscale food for what I always expected to be just glorified bar food. Their prices seem affordable however when you get the food you realize that their portions sizes are much smaller than other bars/restaurants in River North. We tried the following: - Pork Belly was nice but a very small portion for $15. I ordered a side of fries with it and I was still extremely hungry afterwards. - The Chicken club sandwich was described as being "ok" with my friend adding "its impossible to mess up a Chicken sandwich". - The Merguez was described as being good but not in any shape or form filling. Service was good throughout and the decor is obviously amazing. Our bartender was a friendly guy who helped us when asking questions about the Whiskeys. A nice bar and I will go back but not if I'm extremely hungry. I think its strange that 3 people spend $50 on food and they all walk out of the place still starved.
(3)Camille P.
It's a well known fact that 3 of the most important factors of a successful restaurant are location, location and location. Hubbard Inn is a thriving example of this. Ok, so maybe they've got a couple of other things going for them: a cool interior and an on-trend 'old is new' cocktail list. But it's certainly not the food that has this place packed from the moment the loop breaks free from the work day. We snuck in just in time to grab a seat at one of the massive communal table. I've never understood why they seat a party of 2 four feet across from each other, when they could seat us directly next to each other, making a conversation actually viable. So we just had to yell to each other across the table, while I secretly wanted to chime in on the couple next to us. I know, it's bad, but I couldn't help it! Their conversation was way more clear than the one I was attempting to have with my date who I couldn't hear. Anyway, on to the food. First was the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad with apple, pumpkin, cranberries, walnuts and a sherry-bacon vinaigrette. A decidedly fall-like salad for a spring menu, huh? I guess I was expecting all of those ingredients to have somehow been united but in actuality, they weren't at all. It was raw, sliced apple, mushy, cooked pumpkin, and dried cranberries tossed with some greens that sat beneath an enormous hunk of goat cheese covered in un-toasted, stale walnut pieces. It was like someone found a bag of walnuts that had been knocked behind the basement refrigerator 7 years ago and thought, "Hey! We'd better use these walnuts before they go bad!" Yeah, not pretty. Next, we had an Octopus and Shrimp Salad with olives, capers and red bell peppers. It, too, left much to be desired. The shrimp was tasteless and the octopus didn't have the help of what often makes octopus delicious: char from a grill or a pan. It was simply boiled and not even until tender; it was still tough. The red bell peppers were straight from a can and there were enough capers on the plate to kill a person. Seriously. We had one more to go: Grilled Hanger Steak with blue cheese, confit tomatoes and chimichurri. This probably would have been ok minus the blue, but there was no getting around it. The steak was cooked nicely and the chimichurri (a South American herb sauce) wasn't bad either (beside its excessive oil). Apart from the fact that the flavor combination just didn't work for me, there was just too much aggressive, pungent, stingingly sharp cheese that the dish was even hard to eat. In fact, we didn't even come close to finishing it. Oh yeah, and there was nothing 'confit' about the tomatoes. I think it's safe to say that the food here is a bust. Cross it off the list. The space is visually cool, even if the acoustics are piss pour. When we went, it was packed with people in suits, rushing to get their cocktail on. Definitely a rockin' happy hour scene. And the service was friendly and adequet even if they did try to push us through by bringing our steak 5 minutes after our salads. The food runner could tell by my face that we weren't even close to ready for it and immediately offered to take it back to the kitchen. I'm glad I didn't have to tell him to do it, he just knew. Now, I pretty much expected them to bring back the same steak 20 minutes later, over cooked as hell from sitting under the heat lamp, but they didn't. A new steak was cooked and its temp was as we'd requested: med-rare. So that was a plus on their side. So... The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 4 Service: 7 Ambiance: 8 Overall impression: 6 Would I go back? Nah... I'll leave it for the 9 to 5-ers.
(2)Kida T.
Ehhh.....went here for my birthday and it was ok. It was packed and I stupidly forgot to make reservations so my friend and I ended up at the bar. We ordered a couple of their signature cocktails and boy, were they awful. I can't recall what they were but my friend and I never finished them. Just really bad tasting. We ordered food off the menu as well snd I was disappointed that they were just small plates. I get that it's supposed to be fancy but we were expecting something more. The food was good though and our bartender Zach was very attentive,.although he should pay a bit more attention to how he's making dem drinks. I'd go back though.....
(3)Nick H.
Though it is a little loud inside (seems to be a popular after work spot) the food was outstanding. I recommend the Steak Tartare
(4)K K.
I want to like Hubbard Inn more than I do. It's beautiful. It's loud. The service is great. The food is good. I just haven't had a great meal here. Yet. I'll keep trying. I'm sure that me and Hubbard Inn will get in synch someday.
(3)Seema A.
Great job on bringing a unique look to the city. This place stands out as the decor, service, food and overall ambiance is wonderful. Def. one of my weekend favs.
(5)Dan M.
Always enjoy myself at this cozy, Ernest Hemingway-inspired gastropub! If possible, sit at the bar and indulge in their impressive draught beer selection. I recommend trying the Hennepin, Sofie, and/or Duvel Green.
(4)Ryan L.
interesting place. I definitely have to be in a specific mood to go here. Namely, a yuppie/hipster mood (although I know the two may seem at odds with one another). Has pretty fantastic drinks, and the food goes well with it. I've not been here for dinner, but the flatbreads and some of the other dishes that I can't remember (read that as: post-inebriation) were quite good.
(4)Audre L.
It feels like you're at your rich uncle's library/den. Great vibe, love it. Nice addition to the Hubbard Street bars. Only came out for drinks - Cooper's Sparkling Ale from Australia was on the boards. Pretty tasty
(4)Lola K P.
Review for drinks only. 5 stars for the decor. The library upstairs is a thing of beauty. I want to live there. Not with the bar patrons. They would have to go. There's a more-than-acceptable percentage of douches on the premises, at least while we were there. It's painful watching a bunch of 20-somethings trying to pull off sophisticated pretentiousness while getting hammered. I'd like to try the place for dinner next time, given the wonderful decor - after the newness factor wears off and all the douches run to the newest "it" place.
(3)Leslie P.
LOVE this place. I wasn't really expecting much, but we made a last minute decision to go there for dinner and share a bunch of stuff. Highlights were: Cobb Salad, Watermelon Salad, Ravioli, Scallops, Flatbread Pizzas, Lobster Club with Fries. Lowlights were:...there were none. Another gem - my friend clued me in on an excellent Cucumber Martini. If you are a fan of a good Cuke Martini, there is a bartender that works there that can whip up a good one. However, it's not on the menu, so make sure the right bartender is working (shame on me for forgetting his name!)
(4)Meagan D.
This was my first try at a River North eating spot and I was pleasantly surprised. They recently changed their menu so you may be surprised by the offerings, I was sad to see the pumpkin seed salad disappear into the mist. If you want to try their best app. go for the bacon-wrapped dates.
(4)Christina P.
Two words: Ob Sessed. I am digging on Hubbard Inn like no other. The scene: like an old library and very NYC-esque. I love the lights and the antiquey decor. And bravo for the t.v.'s playing old movies and not ESPN (even though I too love a good SportsCenter with Jesse Palmer). The people watching is worth a visit on its ow. The drink: Very extensive and thought out. Great specialty cocktails and huge wine list. The food: The bees knees, the cats pajamas. Whatever you are in the mood for Hubbard Inn has something for you. Salads, flatbreads, oysters (my current obsession), entrees and otherwise... it's kind of ridiculous just how good everything has been that i've tried. The overall review: get off your comptuer at get to Hubbard Inn.
(5)Jeff K.
I think I would have given this three stars except for the fact that I was here when it first opened, was underwhelmed, and then went back last week and was generally pleased. The space can be a bit loud and crowd was a weird fratty businessman mix, but being able to look past all the shenanigans, we had a perfect table by the window and sampled a series of delicious small plates. The food was better than I remembered and I throughly enjoyed the flat bread and duck plates. I am not sure I am going to be rushing to come back, but would not say no if someone else wanted to come here for dinner some night.
(4)Jason H.
The food was very good. Bacon wrapped dates are always good anytime and anywhere. Something about these tasted super awesome though. The fried goat cheese salad was also simple yet exceptional. The drinks were very unique and tasty. The Laphroaig Project was exceptionally good and interesting. The server was good and attentive although not a personal touch. The ambience was unique the room was very subdued and relaxed lighting, which helped mellow the loud and packed environment. There were interesting paintings on the walls and black and white phtos all over the walls downstairs. Overall, I would recommend this place for its food and unique feel, its just not the place for a quiet or romantic dinner. I also think its slightly overpriced for how many people they stuff in there.
(4)Morgan S.
5 stars because my food was just that terrific. Had the poached pear salad and the mussels. Both were incredible. The manager introduced himself and bought me a glass of wine, which helps too. Atmosphere was good, but seemed like every other place in the neighborhood.
(5)Francesca D.
Best lamb burger!!! Food and service was great. I will definitely will go back!!
(5)donna y.
Hubbard Inn looks a bit dark and intimidating but it's quite cozy inside. The window seats are also great for people watching although one might find it awkward to sit next to vs. in front of his/her guest. Anyway.. on to the food - the three little pigs flatbread and scallops were good. My favorite was the mussels. It comes in a flavorful broth with a nice spice to it. It was the most memorable part of my meal. The cocktails are priced like the rest of the neighborhood but seemed much skimpier. Overall, good place to dine.
(4)Mari Y.
WHAT? HUH? SAY THAT AGAIN? That was approximately 50% of my conversation with my friend when we had dinner at Hubbard Inn last Friday night. We were unfortunately seated at a four person high top table next to the bar area. With it being a busy night, there were several groups of loud talking, white dudes wearing tucked in light blue shirts standing behind us. Said dudes liked to put their empty glasses and discarded lemons/limes on our table while we were eating. I can barely remember what we ordered with the exception of the bacon wrapped dates because we were just trying to get out of there before I got an elbow to the head from one of the blue shirts making wild gesticulations. Perhaps a rope or built in separation would do the trick? But damn, those dates were tasty. It took me back to when my colleague would bring back several boxes of dates into the office from Dubai and we would demolish them in no more than three days. I had one as an appetizer and then saved one for dessert!
(2)Ise B.
I attended a Yale function here tonight. The Yale crowd was nowhere in evidence at the beginning of the appointed time period of the event so I had some time to investigate the place for basic functionality, and as a former architecture student I was alert to matters of workability. The stairs between floors were not well marked and seemed to be a confusing combination of employee and guest use. There was one stair in plain view between the first and second floors but it didn't continue on up to the third floor or beyond. There was another, less evident, stair all the way up, but was it an employee stair or a guest stair? Hard to say. The staff was in large numbers and there were no flaws in performance. The waitress who took my credit card was right on key and made me confident of a pleasant evening. She was a steadfast monitor of my need for a certain flow of drinks, coming straight to me to ask my pleasure. I am not a frequenter of bars so I learn about standards of service as I go. Sitting waiting for my crowd to arrive there was a gentleman pair chatting nearby and I thought they were Yale folks, but one spoke to me cordially and introduced himself as an owner of the establishment. He asked me of my station, basically, in a friendly manner, and his courtesy lent a certain groundedness to my view of the business. He was a young chap, thirtyish. The decor of the room was sufficient to satisfy one's needs, artwork of a well educated bent, not invested in detail and so to a pleasing background sort of effect. There was one female nude that stated firmly a sense of visceral acknowledgement, not too lusty and not too prudish. All was in order, successful and memorable.
(4)Amanda F.
I've been to Hubbard Inn a few times and always enjoyed the evening...whether its right after work, dinner, or late night. From the art, to the menu, to the themed cocktails, the "Hemingway-inspired" theme is fun to trace. The drinks are fantastic, but sometimes contain such hard-to-find ingredients that even Hubbard Inn doesn't have them in stock. Ideally, the Bartenders would mark which cocktails they are unable to concoct, but on more than one occasion I've had to play a guessing game that ended in "Well what can you make?!" Regardless, "The Aviator" is my new favorite drink and worth the $10 (when all the ingredients are in stock). While on the pricier side, the food is warm, well-portioned, and very tasty. There are also some menu items that are unique to Hubbard Inn. I had the Pear Salad, the Moroccan vegetables, and shared french fries. The vegetables were spicy, savory, and delicious. The portion was also massive. Everyone at my table loved their food were sufficiently liquored up to ignore the higher-than-average Tuesday night dinner bill. The crowd is pretty typical for River North, but there were a fair number of business travelers at 11Pm on a Friday night that clearly looked like they were past due back at their hotels post dinner. In general, it caters to the young, yuppie foodies who don't mind paying a little extra for drinks and enjoy "semi-dancing" (so as not to spill pricey cocktail). If you're a fan of the River North scene (new concept restaurant/bar, high ceilings, high-tops, gourmet-pub fare menus, and late evening noisiness), Hubbard Inn is your new favorite spot. .
(4)Bo Y.
Loved it! The atmosphere was perfect: busy, energetic, trendy, dim, sexy, fun...the cocktails were delicious and deceivingly strong, plus they have great craft beers on tap. Didn't eat here, but certainly enjoyed the fashionable crowd and the decor.
(5)Beth A.
as a rule i dont stand in line to get into places in a city where i can walk down a single block and find 8 other places to just walk in to...but last nite i waited and waited and waited on a nice weekend nite i expect bars to be busy but what i cant handle is when there are plenty of potential customers waiting while the stick up their ass doorguys are lettin in 40 other ppl off the streets...my money is worth the same as anyone elses tyvm after we were allowed in it was crazy loud and so crowded we couldnt even make our way to the bar ...maybe this place is worth it off hours during the week but i will never set foot near here again on a weekend
(1)Maggie M.
I would gladly have those pan seared scallops daily. Great spot, cool vibe, trendy interior. Have been a couple of times with both large and small groups- worked well on all occasions. A littttttlleeee on the pricey side but for downtown dining it fits right in. Have never had something I didn't like- upstairs bar is also very cool to grab a drink in. I'll be back Hubbard Inn!!
(4)TJ Y.
I went here on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was overall a great experience! However, there were still many negatives through the night... We had a reservation, but were not seated until 30-40 minutes after our reservation. This was a bit annoying since we did have after dinner comedy show tickets. The manager/gm did make it up to us by giving us a free bottle of champagne... this could've also been because it was a birthday celebration or maybe because of both the birthday and the wait. Who knows... As far as ambiance... it was very busy and VERY loud inside... we sat in a booth on the main floor and you had to shout for the person across the table to hear you. If you're looking for a place where you can hold a conversation with friends, this isn't the place. The food was SPECTACULAR. We got two flatbreads to share as an appetizer and the mushroom/asparagus one was great! For the main course, I had the braised rabbit over tagliatelle. The light sauce wasn't what I expected for a rabbit dish, but it was delicious!! My friends also ordered the scallops as their main course and they loved it. Portions are on the small side, but we left feeling satisfied. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake for dessert to split between the 6 f us and both were awesome. They were big pieces of cake and both were sooo good!! The service was ok. At some points, we couldn't locate our waiter and it took awhile to track him down to get our check. Overall, foodwise, it was great and I would definitely go back! Next time I may go on a weekday or earlier in the evening when it isn't so crowded and loud.
(4)Desiree B.
Went here last night for a long-awaited girls night-great atmosphere, great drinks, great food. The reason I'm taking the time to write a review is to comment on the impeccable service and response we got from the manager, host, waitress, and bartender in response to an unfortunate situation we had with a Grade A Douchebag who clearly had never been let out of his little monkey cage. The way the Hubbard Inn staff handled it was first-class-and instead of letting our night and dinner get ruined by a low class reject, they totally salvaged with it with their attentiveness, great service, comic relief, new food, a fresh round of drinks and dessert shots for good measure. Girls night was saved and we will laugh about it for a long time. We all look forward to coming back and checking out the swank private dining space upstairs. Hubbard Inn 1, Pathetic Douchebags 0.
(5)Niti B.
Finally made it out for a drink and a small bite to eat on a random wednesday night. I was looking to sip on a glass of wine and sit outside while I people watched and this place was right in the hot spot zone even for a weekday. I had the beet salad with goat cheese rather than blue cheese and the three cheese flatbread. Everything was delicious and the service was super nice. Although I felt like it was a friday night I loved the atmosphere both inside and outside this spot and might consider coming back since the wait wasn't very long for a table outside on a nice spring day!
(3)Bruno C.
We stopped in after a white sox game and was blown away with the clubby, sophisticated space. Giant bar with every brand of liquor you can imagine. Beers galore. And, inspiring craft cocktails made seasonally. The room seems to have a Hemingway theme with original art. The food is mostly small plates, all well put together and tasty. Though the delicate flavor of the mussels I ordered was overpowered by chorizo. I should have known better because I love mussels but only like chorizo, sometimes. We also ordered a couple of the flatbreads, great with cocktails and done to perfection. Seared giant scallops. Terrific. Lobster roll, very tasty but a bit light on the lobster. Overall a great experience--atmosphere, cocktails and food all top notch. I went back at lunch 3 days later and had perfect, fresh oysters and a rich, tasty lobster bisque. And three more cocktails--try the Hemingway. The service on both days was friendly, welcoming and seemed genuine. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Katie W.
I've been here a few times now and my opinions still more or less reflect what they were on my first visit. I want to like this place so much more than I do - I think it has great potential and stands out a bit from the other places on Hubbard. My main gripe is with the service. I work in the area and every time I have gone for lunch it is so...slow...Like literally 10-15 minutes between sitting down, being approached by a server, getting a drink, taking the order, etc. If you are a downtown restaurant, most of your lunch clientele is likely working and does not have 2 hours to spare for their lunch break. Sheesh. The food *is* good and also different from the other fare at restaurants nearby, but they're kind of uppity when it comes to making any adjustments to your order. I'm not talking super high-maintenance "I want that salad but don't include xyz and please add this and dressing on the side" type requests. One of my coworkers wanted an egg added to his burger - which was an ingredient available on another sandwich, so we knew they had it. Our waitress was all "well I don't know if the chef can do that blahblahblah". Listen - this isn't Alinea. Just put the egg on the burger and call it a day. Another coworker made a request that they said they would honor but when she got her food, they hadn't. All things that seemed simple enough but that they acted very inflexible towards. Ok finally this is admittedly nitpicky but the bathroom is SO DARK. Like, I-ran-into-something-because-I-couldn't-see-s**t-Âand-stubbed-my-toe dark. Not sure what they're trying to accomplish with that but all of these things put together just lead to the overall feeling that they're trying way too hard. I think they have a good formula here but are just overthinking it a bit. I did go for drinks once and the bartenders were really nice and the cocktails were super. But when it comes to having an overall good meal experience, it's not a place I would recommend.
(2)noel f.
Food is terrible and there's not much of it. I'm not big fan of raw potatoes and high priced tiny dishes! Drinks are good, good location, not a good place to eat.
(2)Tanya M.
We had a great experience at Hubbard Inn. Our seat was a table half in and half outside. It was a beautiful night and fun people watching. The beer selection was great and we enjoyed the food as well. Small plates are the way to go because there are so many wonderful choices.
(4)Ela G.
Hubbard street seems to be where all the cool kids hang out on Saturday nights, so naaaaturrrrally I found myself sitting at a table outside at Hubbard Inn, taking in all the noise and people-watching. We had a lovely view of the Adult book store across the street. Although service was a little hurried and slow, it seemed reasonable for a Saturday night. Our server was kind and friendly - my gripe is for the busboys who never filled up our water or seemed to help her out! The beer menu is very extensive. I had myself a moscow mule, my favorite because of the ginger beer. Our foursome decided to share everything. We ordered the mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, sausage flatbread, and beet salad for starters. Everything was delicious and came out promptly! Next we had the halibut, scallops, and short ribs. The halibut is to die for, with greens and balsamic sauce, cooked perfectly and tons of flavor. The scallops and short ribs were also good but next time I'm thinking the Steak would be tastier. Short ribs schmort ribs....kinda over it. For dessert, we had the key lime pie w/blueberry compote and "house-made" whipped cream (lol, it doesn't take much to make whipped cream in house, but ok, good for you!). Apart from being a bit too sweet, the graham cracker crust was delicious. Served alongside some Julius Meinl coffee and we were good to go!
(5)Mary W.
I went here late at night for some appetizers and shared with friends. It was bustling a bustling and lively atmosphere in the restaurant around 11pm. I thought the food was amazing and I'm looking forward to going back. I had the bacon wrapped dates (hard to go wrong), Pulled pork (melts in your mouth) the lobster roll (need I say more), and cheese flatbread (hard to mess up, but good ingredients).
(4)Michele G.
As I write this review, I am slowly losing my voice. A temporary laryngitis from three days worth of partying in Chicago for Labor Day weekend. Here is the anticipated Yelp review of Hubbard Inn: As the music resonates through the entire room like a revolving door, I yell at the top of my lungs, "I'll talk louder if you talk louder!" My friend follows it up with, "I'm sorry, what did you say? I couldn't hear you." Hubbard Inn is just that... expect to lose your voice having to talk over the loud music. There are certain songs you will have to compete with more than others; however, it's worth the loss of words. It's also ideal for a third date. If you decide to take your date there, please make sure you have a connection with that person - because in order for conversation to flow, you have to get extremely close - probably more closer than comfortable. *male population: zone in on this. Let me paint you a picture worth less than 1000 words: Order yourself a very tasty Chicago Solstice. It's toppled with mint leaves and bursting with flavor. The top notch decor is like a mix of Harvard meets Morocco. A strange duo but it definitely knows how to tango. It would make any hopeless romantic swoon. The rectangular mirror covered walls leading down those amazing wallpaper covered stairwells is a dream come true for even the most well groomed 'narcissist'. There's more eye candy generated in one evening that not even Willy Wonka could generate in a year. It's a who's who's scene of young professionals with the occasional creeper trying to throw you his business card in hope he gets a call. Don't let it frighten you! Hubbard Inn is a wonderful way to jump start the evening without the hassle of a who's who's list.
(4)Roxy H.
Went to the HI last night. A friend on FB suggested we check it out for the food and people watching lol. We were looking for dinner and a nice atmos but didn't expect what we got. LADIES!! There is a chick in the bathroom with mints, lotions and crap so if you need any of it, bring money to the can! (I told the girl I would do a shout out) BTW, it's a bunch of doors downstairs that lead up to the ladies room. Kinda creepy because I had a drunken man grab me by the waist and told me that I looked like Beyonce. Really? LOL 1st we came into this UBER-crowded estab with a bouncer at the door. Wow. For a restuarant? I thought. Small wait at the door for us (like 2 minutes) We go to the hostess station and ask for a table thinking the wait would be ridculous judging from the crowd. Nope. We were seated right away. We did the tapas style side of the menu. Food was ok. Nothing extra about it but it was definitely good. The drinks took a while to come out but it was okay. I ordered a martini which was great in taste but the size of the glass was awful! It was the size of the little plastic glasses you get at a cheap wedding lol. Don't get the martinis if size matters. All in all, glad we went. Had fun. Nice crowd. Very crowded.
(4)Jason H.
What's good about this place: the decor. The tasteful way the TVs are adorned in picture frames and display classic (usually black and white) films. (I didn't think TVs in restaurants could be done tastefully until I saw the Hubbard Inn.) What's not so good about this place: the food. Except for one dish (the tartare) it is just too rich. Yes truffle oil makes things taste delicious. But don't overdo it, please, thanks. The cocktails are pretty good.
(2)Derek C.
we were here for drinks after dinner for a friend's birthday. they have a bunch of specialty drinks on a big blackboard behind the bar, so I decided to try a few of the drinks. they were actually pretty damn good. I had the two brothers (altho not a manly looking glass acompanied the drink) and also the Lincoln. both were pretty good drinks. friends had tried some of the other drinks and enjoyed them as well. our waitress was also very friendly and helpful on drink selection. they had run out of a beer my buddy had wanted and gave him a different beer on the house! on the first floor there are a bunch of long tables and along with the loud music and just the amount of people there it was somewhat difficult to have a conversation. the second floor had a bunch of couches and such around and a "library" on the wall gave it an interesting look. once I got the check, I was in for a surprise, drinks were $10 a pop! but I guess this is normal for any specialty drinks anywhere in the city. the crowd was pretty good there as well, so it was definitely a good atmosphere to people watch. all-in-all we had a good time there and I'd definitely want to go back
(4)Vic M.
My friends and I are becoming regulars at Hubbard Inn, though we usually just grab drinks and a couple flatbreads. The merguez sausage flatbread is phenomenal, and they are able to make a good sazarec cocktail. Decor-wise, the place is spot on, and we usually wind up hanging out upstairs or in the back library section, where things feel a little less hectic than with the regular diners.
(4)Mike M.
Awesome addition to Hubbard street. With so many new concepts moving into this neighborhood all the time, you have to do something special to stick out, and this place delivers. Our server was Ryan, and he was great. He even gave us a tour of the whole place. Apparently, the owners retraced Hemingway's every European step, picking up little artifacts along the way. Every trinket, piece of furniture or painting has some kind of story to it. The owners spend a lot of time mingling with the crowd, so I'm sure you could get them to dish on the background. The food was excellent. We went for lunch and got some flat bread and the lamb burger. Everything came out on a cutting board - nice! I ate every crumb, then cleaned up my date's plate (because I know how to treat a lady). Overall, very satisfied, and will be back with a larger group.
(5)Daliah F.
I had the English Daisy which was excellent. That was the only good experience I had at Hubbard Inn (oh, and that we saw Alexi Giannoulias there.) The first time my boyfriend and I went there to meet friends before a concert and they wouldn't let us in because they don't allow 'jerseys'. We are white-bred yuppy-looking types. It was basically a rugby SHIRT with numbers on it. (Meanwhile, you can get in with shorts and trainers.) Last night they made us wait outside for 10 minutes - even though no one came out in the time that we stood out there. They did let a few people in ahead of us who were not there before we were - I guess those people are more important than we are. One guy in line asked why we were waiting and the guy at the door with his little ear piece indicated that it was a lounge and they didn't like to cram people in there. Again, no one came out of the bar between that time that we got there and were let in. Oh, and there were like 10 people waiting outside, not 200. I don't know about other people, but I generally prefer to go to a place without a line. I can't stand it when places TRY to be cool.
(2)Jennifer S.
What a great place! There were so many details to explore and I love that! Great drink selection and prices, friendly service and a cozy, comfortable decor that makes you want to stay and hang out!
(5)amanda y.
I'm not sure what I like more about this place....Is it the bartender with slicked back hair? Is it the azn hostess who kinda looks like Snookie... Either way, I absolutely love this Old World Inn full of glamorous people getting off work, ready to grab some amazing food. I've been here a few times and am always impressed by the small plates that they serve. It gets pretty busy here with the after work crowd, but I like to sit in solitude or with friends in the study/library area that they have in the back of this place. They play Breakfast at Tiffany's and other nostalgic (for your grandparents) movies. In fact, I've met a ton of old keesters in this area. It's cool, because there aren't any "real" creeps here. Just a bunch of people looking for some good food, away from Clark/Division area.
(5)Dori S.
PHENOMENAL decor! HORRIBLE service. Give them a few months to figure it out. So....I ate here today to check it out for a luncheon for 8 people tomorrow, a small meeting/luncheon for 30 and another small meeting for 50. None of these will be booked at this place as I have learned... GOOD LUCK MAKING A RESERVATION I was told yesterday I could make a reservation today for a party of 8 at noon tomorrow. Today after lunch I went to speak to the hostess and...SURPRISE! They are booked tomorrow, no noon ressie available. Seems the person I was speaking to yesterday may have wanted to either warn me of this possibility or make a note of my call...ANYTHING except telling me it would be fine...which it wasn't. RESERVATIONS ARE MEANINGLESS Turns out a table would be available at 12:15 tomorrow. Cool, fine, no big deal. I asked the hostess if she was certain the table would be ready and was told all would be well. Thank goodness I didn't trust her so I threw this paradigm at her, "Let's say we come in here at 12:15 and our table is not ready. If that happens I'm going to throw a huge fit right here in your restaurant. Now, knowing that will happen, are you certain that our table will be ready?" Her response was "No we can't guarantee that your table will be ready, anything could happen, we have 150 seats, but as long as 8 are available, you'll be okay." Two problems with this: - Why do I have to threaten to throw a fit in a public place to get the hostess to give me an honest answer...that a reservation at this place is meaningless? - Are you kidding me? It's only an 8 top...during lunch...and you can't figure out how to ensure the table will be ready? Um, this screams...NOVICE! SERVICE CAN BE S L O O O O W Our (very nice) waitress was s l o o o o o o w. Slow like molasses, like a turtle, like a force of nature that could cause you to die from dehydration slow....I bet she'll get it together too tho. I worked in restaurants for 10 years so I know there are growing pains which can eventually be addressed. I hope that is what will happen with this place and I'll go back in a few months to check, but right now...it is just a hot mess!
(1)Mike G.
Nice experience at a private function. Notable appetizers including the bacon wrapped dates and carpaccio. Had a sample of the new bourbon- Angels Envy-very nice. Great service made for nice time.
(4)Jessica S.
We went to Hubbard Inn on a Wednesday night and adored it. The craft drinks were fantastic. I had the Blinker and it was delicious and really unique with asparagus liquor. For the small plates, the flatbread with roasted pepper and arugala was just large enough not to be overwhelming and the prawns were flavorful and sitting on a bed of eggplant which was really interesting. My boyfriend got the sweet breads, which I am not a fan of, but he enjoyed very much. The decor was fantastic, inspired by Ernest Hemmingway was dark, sexy, and inviting. I have been thinking about this place ever since I left!
(4)Elyse C.
Meh. Hubbard Inn makes a great initial impression from the ambience but it wears out quickly. The communal table is awkwaaard, oh hey bros, enjoy your fancy pizza... Craft beer was lacking in diversity, but i guess it's more of a cocktail place. I just didnt like the food...salty undercooked scallops? oily steak tartare, and awkward ravioli. I dont know how else to describe it, ha. Not a memorable night, no thanks.
(2)Emily B.
My review of Hubbard Inn is only 3 stars, but I think it has potential to knock it out of the park. There are just a lot of things about this place that screamed "we just opened", and I hope if I ever go back that they will have been worked out. First things first, I love love love the ambiance. It's definitely my kind of place--it's got the dimly lit, vintage, almost-speak easy feel, but it's spacious so you can go there with a big group and not feel claustrophobic. I will say that even though our group of 8 had an 8:30 reservation on a Thursday night that it still took nearly 30 minutes to get us seated, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, that meant spending 30 minutes hanging out by the bar, which I would not have minded if anyone knew how to make a drink. I see that another reviewer made the same comment, but seriously--none of these guys know what they're doing. I ordered a side car, which is not on the menu, but is a pretty run-of-the-mill cocktail. I've ordered this in many establishments, even ones not this classy, all over the country and never had the blank looks I got from the staff here. The first bartender I asked brought over 2 other guys who--I'm not joking--asked me to find a recipe--which I then Googled on my phone--and they made it from there. Seriously, guys? The other weird part is they did not seem at all embarrassed or apologetic that they didn't know the first thing about mixology. At a place of this caliber, that is LAME. Once we got seated, things were much better. We ordered lots of small plates and bottles of wine, all of which were delicious. It's been a few weeks and the standouts are escaping me, but I do remember being delightfully surprised at how low the overall bill was at the end. The only other thing I have to rag on (which I told the hostesses that night) is that even though this places pulls off an effortlessly cool vibe, all of the waiters wear tuxedo t-shirts. I am the queen of irreverent twists to take the pretense out of an environment, but this seems out of place here. I would almost like to see them in vests and funky bowties or something. The tuxedo shirt gets a big thumbs down from me. I think Hubbard Inn has potential, but they definitely need bar staff that knows what they're doing.
(3)George K.
Saturday Night+Hubbard Inn +six friends= A Very Good Time We had early reservations, 7:30 and there was no wait for our front window table. By the time we left at 10 ish the place was packed. Great selection of local and import beers, some on tap and the rest in some very unique bottles. Great small plates, cheese and pate's, ravioli, burger, pizza, tenderlion, house fires, garlic prawns. All very good. Service was the minus one star. Our waitress just did not stop by often enough, If she had, she would have sold more drinks, more food and probably turned the table over sooner. The food runners and busboys were very good, we just could not get our orders in. We loved the atmosphere and met some very interesting people, We will be back !
(4)Marco H.
The flatbreads were really really good. there is a little spicy kick to the 3 chesse flatbread. Merguez sausage flatbread is great too (Roasted pepper, not so much). Bacon wrapped date are delicious. for the main, try the grilled tuna (the lemon coriander aiola). i like this place, but it has to be one of the loudest restaurants ever. If you go with a group you'll find yourself screaming and straining to hear a conversation.
(4)Gary C.
We were on our way to Hub 51 for lunch but after walking by Hubbard Inn and remembering it's a recent addition to the dining scene we took a detour. Our first impression was excellent, a warm greeting from the hostess, an inviting old time tavern atmosphere and efficient service from the waiter. The menu was interesting even though I am getting over the shared menu concept that's so popular and don't get me started on the communal tables that are a hit or miss for me. Sometimes it's like a flight from Chicago to LA, sitting next to a person that wants to share their life stories and IPhone pics with you. Luckily we were seated at a 4-top. We ordered the Ravioli with mushroom ragout, it was good but not something I'll be carving on my next visit. Next up the Mozzarella flat bread, this totally fell flat for us, and maybe it was the quality of the mozzarella or the burned leaves of fresh basil or the lack of flavor in the tomato sauce. The two stands out us - the burger with great aged cheddar and even better crispy fries, and from the chalk board, a very generous serving of fresh Mussels in a white wine sauce! We'll be back for another visit in the mean time a strong A-OK for this place.
(3)Paul S.
I have been to Hubbard Inn three times now and I love it more each time! I have been for lunch twice and dinner once. Overall, I love this place, the food is spectacular and the service is impeccable: Food: For the times I have been for lunch I have ordered the Lobster Roll and the Halibut. I can't say enough amazing things about both dishes.So deliciously prepared. For dinner, I had the prawns but we were with a group of 10 that night so I had a chance to taste several different dishes.The prawns were excellent as was the hanger steak and the lamb burger (YUM!). The Executive Chef, Bob deserves a huge round of applause. Ambience: I am so impressed with how this place is decorated. Warm yet sophisticated with a hip, vintage look. They have little touches like lamps, books and vases that make it even more comforting yet chic. Service: By far, the best in Chicago. I mentioned we were most recently with a party of 10 and we had incredible service from Stacey. She was wonderfully kind, helpful, attentive, fun and professional. She represented everything I love about Hubbard Inn and made our experience the best. Superior food, superior setting and superior service!
(5)Gamaliel E.
I came here for drinks after work and have to say I had a really good time. By the time i was able to get to the place, the downstairs bar was already crowded. I was able to score a stool at the upstairs bar...and received some great service from the bartender. She was able to recommend some of the signature drinks on the menu...in addition to a gin I have never had before. The decor reminds me of the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan avenue. The crowd was full of young professionals looking to grab a drink after work. Not very douchie which is a pleasant surprise. I'll be back.
(4)Chris A.
My friend and I decided to check out Hubbard Inn last night. It was a Tuesday night at 7:30 and it was bustling. The decor of the place was old-style Chicago with exposed beams and 1920's era modern lighting. It's a large open space with private and communal tables. The menu was excellent, not overwhelmed with a ton of options. We chose the roasted beat and Frizee salad and warm Spinach and Goat cheese salad with bacon, apples and pumpkin. Both were spot-on...acid and sweet balance. For the entree course we chose the braised pork cheeks on a cheedar cake and seared scallops with English peas. The pork cheeks were perfectly tender and married very well with the cake and pork demi-glace. The scallops were seared to perfection and were a great pairing with the peas and cream. We also ordered their 3-cheese flatbread that was warm and gooey with great garlic and cheese flavors. The dessert seemed to be a bit of a throw-away, but still delicious. It was a flourless chocolate cake with a strawberry compote and whipped cream. Not the most creative dessert, but still excellently executed. Our server was warm, friendly, and attentive and explained all the dishes very well. Overall, it was a great experience and one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)Haley B.
A girlfriend was in town for work and so I met her and another friend at Hubbard Inn to catch up over drinks and appetizers. I hadn't been yet and I had been anxious to try this new spot that I had heard so much about. +1 The interior is really cute and unique. It has a cozy vintage feel, yet it's done in a very chic way. I am reading from my fellow Yelpers that it is modeled after Hemingway's library. Cute. And well done. I heart Hemingway. -1 I had made a reservation for 3 and though there were open tables EVERYWHERE the snotty hostess wouldn't let me sit down until they arrived. While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, the hostess came up to me and asked if I'd been helped yet... I honestly thought she was joking. I didn't know how to respond so I just kind of stared at her. -1 When we finally were seated we took a look at the cocktails... $10-$12 each. Fine, it's a new hip place downtown... We ordered. When the drinks arrived I wondered if I'd made a mistake and reserved us a table at the American Girl Place. They were SO tiny, however, they were good so I didn't complain... too much. +1 We ordered the flatbread pizza and split it between the three of us. The waitress suggested it as her favorite pizza and it was really tasty. Will I be back to this place? Perhaps. I'd like to try it out for dinner as I hear the food is really good. But I'll stick to places with better value for their drinks. Or just hit up the American Girl Place next time if I'm trying to drink something overpriced and tiny.
(3)Izzy C.
Loved the ambiance--old school pub/bar with a modern touch. Loved the simple fare! I had a classic cheeseburger and fries with a micro beer. It was heavenly. I am still dreaming of it two days later. Glad I don't live close by--I'll grow to be quite a dumpling if I did!
(4)Diana D.
Stopped in at Hubbard Inn as our point place to meet up with friends. While I waited I grabbed an app & so glad I did!!!! Holy Heaven...bacon wrapped dates were mouth watering!! I was bummed because I had to share but this place had some yummy treats! The service was fast for a Friday evening but as we were leaving the crowd was building. Such a fun place!
(4)Jenn S.
You may actually be surprised by the fact that I gave this place 3 stars after my experience. From the moment that we stepped foot in the door, everything went wrong. First, we didn't get seated until an hour after my reservation time. Yes, an hour. One of the managers was nice enough to buy us a round of drinks, but it was still a long wait. When we get our table, we're told that we will be sharing. Ok? At that point, we're three hungry women who just want to eat, so who cares. It turned out that sharing the table wasn't bad at all. I couldn't hear a word of what the other side was saying. After ordering our food, the plates trickle in two at a time. The ravioli was by far the best item that we had. The salmon was delicious as well as the prawns. The flat bread with asparagus was good, but nothing really special. And then there was the lamb burger... We literally waited over 30 minutes for this burger. The other half of our table, who had arrived after us (same amount of women nonetheless), was already figuring out their bill. We start talking with the other side only to find out that they never got drinks with their dinner. They had the first round but were never offered anything else. So you may be wondering, why on Earth they deserved even 3 stars. Oh believe me, usually, that would not have been the case. However, yet another manager (I'm assuming) came over and asked the other ladies about their problems and one of them said, "well it seems as though the whole table had issues tonight." The guy looked shocked and came over to talk to us. After telling him what happened, he assured us that the burger would be out soon...which it did. However, it came out rare. We ordered it medium. Now for those of you who just don't like rare lamb (or any rare meat), you understand why this may have just set us back even more. The waitress came over and we politely told her that this was not exactly what we were looking for, but the fries were at least good. Needless to say, this was the last draw and management handled it accordingly which I appreciated. Something that we also noticed while there was that there were quite a few people who were still there two after we had already been seated (and who when we arrived were finishing dinner). So we had a little more understanding for why our reservation was not honored accordingly. Everything else though had nothing to do with that, but I do appreciate the restaurant management for taking care of it. Will I go back? Honestly, that ravioli was so good. I mean REALLY good. I may bite the bullet and go back...but only if I get a reservation before the rush period (like 6pm) or later like 9:30pm.
(3)Carly H.
The bar get pretty crowed on Fridays. It is simply full to the brim with people, the servers are pretty great. I went there 2 Fridays ago for my gfs birthday and but it was way too hot!! I don't know if the AC broke or if it's that is always the case in the summer- I wanted to faint!! 2 stars for AC 3 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)Katie Q.
Love this place - wonderful decor, amazing food, great service. The Ernest Hemingway inspired space made for a cozy dinner and conceptual appreciation. My friend and I shared the salmon, deviled eggs, and the dates. Every dish was very good, particularly the Salmon. Will definitely be going back.
(5)OldIrvingPoodle H.
Food was great, braised short ribs were the best. Small plates, so be prepared to share. Best piece of advice - do not get seated near the front of the restaurant. Every time the door opens you get slammed with wind. It made the food cold and sent a chill down our spines. Come 10pm, you will have people flooding the walkways in between tables (i.e. you will be sitting down at the table and have people's buttoxes in your face right next to you). Reserve a table in the back. Service could have been better - I dont think our waitress smiled - ever.
(4)Rada I.
Awesome! The setting is almost dungeon-esque. Beautiful dim lighting, chunky wood tables. my salmon was perfectly cooked and the tartar was delicious. I'd come back.
(4)Michelle W.
While in town for business a friend took me to Hubbard Inn. It's a nice, roomy restaurant with good, filling food. We had the dates to start (amazing) and a flat bread, which was also really good. I then had a burger and fries. The fries were a little too crispy for my taste, but the burger was good. I thought the prices were fair and the service was responsive and friendly. All in all, a great place to eat.
(4)Denise W.
I was really looking forward to this place...but....Overall, overpriced. Food was undercooked. Also, the service wasn't all that great. For not having more than 4 tables at once, he forgot my drink twice and entered our order in wrong. The waiter compensated by comping part of our meal but still very much underwhelmed. Atmosphere was a cross between Paris Club and Girl and the Goat. Didn't live up to either.
(2)Gregory C.
One of my favorite places to catch a drink on Hubbard. Always a good looking crowd. The staff is top notch. The drinks are fantastic. And the place just looks like a nice, warm, friendly place to relax and have a few cocktails. Still have never eaten here, but all my friends always rave about the food as well.
(4)Eden O.
i LOVE the feel of this place. you get a cozy inviting feel from the library like decor. they have nice long tables that can fit large groups as they did for us. the food was just okay to me. and the service was lacking. i understand groups can be overwhelming, but he didnt handle it well at all. one of my friends and i were only able to order one drink the entire meal. hey buddy thats your loss. im in no rush to get back here.
(3)Mike W.
food is good classic type stuff with a twist. I go here a lot for dinner with people from out of town
(4)John K.
Very Nice Decor...Excellent Moscow Mule and Shandy! One thing that needs to be taken care of is the air-conditioning. I could not believe that I was sweating while I was sitting on the leather couch. Tip: There is a sweet spot in front of the bathrooms that is your air-conditioning heaven. Overall, not bad at all
(4)Chris M.
I felt a little out of place here because it's not the typical place I eat at. The beer selection & bar service is great; but the food is very different, light, and pricey. I enjoyed the tomato basil flat bread and the other plates I don't even remember, it's small plates meant for sharing. The crowd is young and old with many coming after 10pm on a Saturday night. I spent $150 on dinner and drinks with my date. I won't come back here because it's just not my style. Lastly, one annoyance was the waiter kept coming back to our table and asking us how we're doing to get us to keep ordering those small plates.
(2)Lily Z.
I came here for happy hour with friends on a Wednesday. I was lured by their seafood happy hour specials. I ordered some oysters (very small, lots of grit, there was a bug underneath one so they brought it back and the chef added one for free), while my friends ordered the shrimp cocktail and lobster cocktail. I was surprised because I thought it would be fancier than getting a cup of chopped lobster or a single shrimp. But I guess what can you do with one shrimp and a cup of sauce? I would go to Joe Fish for their oysters and wine. I do like their outdoor patio though.
(2)Greg R.
Three of us checked out Hubbard Inn for brunch on 06/15. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so, since we arrived at 1:45, thought our timing was good for an enjoyable meal. Uh, not so much. Although the sidewalk seats were mostly taken, the inside was - at most - 10% full. Once seated, it took about 10 minutes for any wait staff to acknowledge us and when the waitress finally took our order, she, for some unknown reason, seemed very hurried. As mentioned before, the place was nearly empty. We ordered three simple items: kale salad with dressing on the side, chorizo and goat cheese flatbread, and lobster omelet with breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. When I ordered the omelet, the waitress politely apologized that they had run out of breakfast potatoes and French fries would be substituted. French fries with omelets??? That's a first for me. (How much do potatoes cost a restaurant, don't they keep for a long time and, if you do run out, couldn't a staffer be sent to Jewel?) The unimpressive kale salad arrived about ten minutes later, drenched in the dressing we requested to be on the side. Thinking the next two entrees were right behind, my wife waited for the remaining items. And waited. And waited. And waited. When we realized we had enough time to correct the wrong salad, we sent it back. (The waitress later claimed she thought we wanted the salad first, but she never asked. Since we had three entrees for three people, we figured all food would arrive together.) After another long wait, one more kale salad finally came to the table, this time with our flatbread and omelet. The salad indeed had the dressing on the side this time, but the flatbread was cold and hard and the omelet - complete with French fries - arrived without the wheat toast. By the time anyone asked how we were doing, I was done with the omelet so the toast was a moot point. We planned to just chalk this one up as a learned experience and be satisfied with the dozens of brunch choices within a mile of Hubbard Inn, but the manager, while whisking by our table, asked how everything was. Although we're not dining complainers, I couldn't resist to explain that the salad came out early, was soaked in dressing that we wanted on the side, the omelet came with French fries because they were out of breakfast potatoes, the flatbread was cold and hard and the wheat toast was still AWOL. To his credit, he picked up the tab for this experience. For that we'll be back... hopefully with a better review.
(2)Alex J.
We sat in the bar, the new bartender Peter was excellent. Great apps and drinks, we really enjoyed our time at Hubbard.
(5)Carolyn L.
I've come here a couple of times while out in River North. Once was for an event to celebrate a local nonprofit. The other was for a friend's birthday party. I don't remember much about the drinks or service. They seemed pretty standard. I really love the decor and feel of this place though. It's like drinking in a library. the only thing missing is a nice cigar (if I smoked cigars).
(3)Lauren S.
Came here for brunch w/ a Gilt City. Brought some girlfriends I hadn't seen in awhile for some mimosas and eggs. The drinks, and food, were actually pretty good (Get the pork belly benny!). Decor was really cute. The service was maybe the WORST I have had in this city so far. The short recap: 5 tables were here for brunch (I counted). I saw maybe 5 staff members on the floor upstairs. Despite that, the service was awful, rude, and inaccurate. It will definitely stop me from coming back! Even the pork belly couldn't leave a good taste in my mouth after the awful attention from the staff :( The longer recap: I'll just give you all a quick running list. 1) Both drink orders and two food orders were incorrect. We gave them the benefit of the doubt on the drink orders, by the time the food came we were pretty bummed. 2) We also asked for some basic condiments and some water. Never came :( 3) Couldn't fix anything, because our waitress was MIA. Even asked a busser to nab her so we could try to fix the food situation. I saw him go up to her, tell her, and then she promptly ignored him and started moving tables for ten minutes. 4) Ok, fine, I'll go grab her (at this point, friends are eating the food they didn't order because they are starving). She rolls her eyes at me and makes a face at a co-worker (real mature) before coming over. 5) Second round of drinks never comes. Not sure why. 5 tables here, rest of the place is empty. We ask her to cancel them because we are ready to leave. She still brings them over, but the bartender comps us for taking so long (that's good at least!). 6) The bill was wrong.. THREE times. Yes, three times. This included weird things like just choosing a random amount of money to deduct for the Gilt City (it was supposed to include two entrees and two drinks), so I helped by circling the food we ordered, and they just tacked on ANOTHER random deduction. I just gave up and paid the difference. 7) Mind you, in dealing with the bill, I again had to go myself and find the waitress since she refused to actually come to our table. LISTEN, I was a waitress through college. I know how much it sucks, and how terrible people can be. But look, we were just looking for bare-minimum 'get us the food and drinks correctly' service. We're friendly! I don't think I was being demanding. If I had EVER done some of what this ombre-haired chicka pulled off, I would have been fired on the spot. Hope this group has a serious staff meeting sometime soon. I'm off to bigger and better ventures (as is my whole grumbly group).
(2)Jami S.
I have just one thing to say to you Hubbard Inn... Bring the original Lobster Roll back!! Whatever impostor you have in its place is terrible!!!
(3)Robert J.
These State Street bars feel much more upscale that Rush street (a word to the unknowing traveler). This is a 2-story bar with a good selection of craft & local beers. It can get super packed on the weekend (was here on a Saturday and barely had standing room upstairs). The music was great, the DJ did a nice job putting together some lively songs at a good volume. Overall, a nice bar, but I don't know if I would come back... there's really nothing special about it. It's classy and well put-together, but it can also get a bit too loud to talk to people.
(3)German C.
First off, I am giving it two stars because Hubbard Inn is not my type of place to be. Drinks are good no lie. I ordered a vodka with red bull and it was pretty sweet. The service was also fast as well. However, I did not like the crowd. Too many hippies ( I call hipsters hippies)The music was pure edm (not my style) I did like that Hubbard inn provides plenty of seating area which is available to anyone. My visit here was not a terrible one but it wasn't quite me.
(2)Emily T.
Came here for drinks this past Monday after work- and I love the vibe of this place! Sophisticated, spacious, and intimate. We had post-work drinks at the bar, and it was a slow Monday night, so I haven't seen this place in full swing, nor have I sampled anything but the house chardonnay, but I'll be back to spend a night out here soon. :)
(4)Jesus C.
One of my favorite spots to dine or brunch in river north. Good food and great atmosphere!! Love the 2nd floor for lounging and having a drink with a group of friends.
(4)AR H.
Awesome restaurant. Trendy spot and bartenders make a great old fashioned. Had the lamb burger and it was delicious. Would recommend going for happy hour as they have a great downstairs and upstairs lounge are to sit and hang out with friends.
(4)Bo Y.
Recommend steak salad.
(4)Stephanie L.
OMG, ended up here for a bday party on Sat night, not by choice, but its what you do for family. I really despise this place. We had a party of 11 at 6PM on Sat. We were literally the only table in there. We had two servers, both pretty incompetent. Spilled a drink down my Uncle's back, order was completely wrong, had no clue where the plates went, HORRIBLE service. Literally setting down plates in the middle of the table because they didnt know who ordered what. Didnt clear plates, absolutely a MESS. The food itself is totally A-OK, overpriced BS from RN. I brought in cupcakes and of course notified us of a $10 "cake cutting fee." When we asked if they were going to cut the cupcakes for us, they said no...? These girls were some of the worst servers I have ever encountered. Dont go here if you are looking for a good meal. This place has seen a better day and now going off fumes.
(1)Missy C.
I'm Hubbard Inn's biggest fan. I work in River North, and my co-workers and I go to Hubbard Inn for lunch and happy hour often. Glen, one of the managers, is just the nicest person ever and so accommodating. I can't thank him enough for how welcoming he is every time I come in. Food is great! Be sure to try one of the flatbreads - they are all super delish but the mushroom and asparagus is my favorite. I hear they make the best Old Fashioned too.
(5)Jennifer R.
My girlfriend and I had a 9pm reservation on a Friday night. We got there about a half an hour early and were fine having a drink at the bar until our table was ready. There were two empty tables near the bar and I went up to the hostess and asked if we could be seated there. I was flat out told 'no' and then was told to come back at 9pm when our reservation was to see what the status was. I looked at my phone. 8:58 p.m. Ok. I'll come back in two minutes. 15 minutes later (I gave them a grace period), I went back up to the hostess stand and asked the status of our table. I was told there was 'maybe' a table upstairs and when I said that we would prefer to sit downstairs, I was promptly told there would be an additional 30-45 minute wait. It was 9:15 p.m. by this point and my girlfriend (just as irritated as I was) made a 9:30 p.m. reservation at Paris Club down the street. I went back up to the hostess stand to tell them we were leaving for a reservation at Paris Club and was simply told, "Ok". No attempt to apologize or get us to stay. I've been a hostess before and these girls that were working that night as 'hostesses' were rude and flippant. There are a million bars and restaurants on Hubbard and when the competition is stiff, your first concern should be keeping your customers happy. Hubbard Inn failed. Sorry. The drinks were good (hence the two stars).
(2)Shamik T.
Love this place. Last weekend, I had my second meal here, this time for lunch. A late lunch that was totally worth it. Granted, I think this place is slightly overpriced, but I found the service to be good, the drink list to be extensive, and the food to be very good. The beet salad was well dressed, and nicely seasoned. The Ethiopian/Moroccan style crepe however, was enormous. Very good, mind you, but simply enormous. Our server described the dishes as "medium-sized, tapas-style" dishes. This was like a burrito at a suburban Tex-Mex restaurant. Huge, albeit tasty. My girlfriend's lamb was disappointing, so she said. I think she had order envy. I don't blame her. Decor is a plus also, but this place gets loud.
(4)Katelyn G.
I like eating here. I have been here a few times already and I must say, this is a great restaurant. The food is good and delicious. Price is just right and the atmosphere is noteworthy. The service is just average though, not great but not bad either. Just so-so. Even with that, this place still deserves a try and recommendation.
(4)Riccardo S.
Wandered in here for a round of after-dinner drinks, and can't wait for the opportunity to come back. Great decor with a large space around the bar and high-top tables for those of us not up to standing around. All of it buttressed by an exemplary selection of beers, liquor, and most importantly - port. Best of all were the staff, completely nonplussed by the arrival of a 30-strong group and setting everyone up without one slip.
(4)Lauren P.
Food was awesome! Went to Hubbard inn for restaurant week and not only was the food excellent, the service was even better! The waitress was very friendly and didn't keep us waiting long for any beverage refills. Highly recommend dining at Hubbard inn!
(5)Nancy L.
A great place to meet and socialize. My inclination is to say this is more of a place for drinks than food but that was why I was there. They have great options for seating that facilitate conversation among groups - community tables, booths and areas with sofas surrounded by wooden bookcases that feel a bit like a library in an old estate. The atmosphere is more old world European feeling with a bit of whimsy. Lot's of clever artwork that make you take a second look and consider how many drinks you've had. An interesting touch that makes you smile and takes an edge off the stiffness of old world formal decor in the library areas.. A nice variety of mixed drinks to choose from - classics and classics with a modern twist. A lot of beers on tap too. The Audrey had a nice refreshing botanical flavor - cucumber with St. Germain was a hit. They also brought a round of shots to our table that also seemed to have a cucumber flavor. The shots weren't really strong - more flavor than burn. I didn't eat much there food but that wasn't the focus of my visit. Just recall the mussels and bacon wrapped dates were nice with my drink. Service was great - they were attentive and made great suggestions. The host told me they have a DJ on the top floor some evenings which I'm sure livens up things even more. There is a nice 'screened' off area on the second floor that would be great for a bigger group event. It's nice that it isn't a totally separate room so you don't feel like you are missing out from the energy of the whole place. Recommend for groups - after work for drinks and/or a bite to eat. Wouldn't be a place I'd go for a quiet date as the feeling is very bustling and energetic - feels like an upscale pub.
(4)Kalyn H.
The two of us came here last night for a couple drinks before our 7pm dinner reservations down the street. It was pretty empty so we were immediately served and ordered two cocktails, so far so good. Their drink menu is awesome it's on a chalkboard behind the bar and we started to become extremely excited to try another drink ($12 each though, way overpriced). We only had about twenty more minutes before we had to leave and our drinks had been empty for awhile so we were becoming annoyed with service. All the bartenders were busy talking to other employees. The WEIRDEST thing happened to us in all our years of drinking/dining... the bartender brought us the same exact drinks to us without even asking if we wanted another round or what we wanted. Man was I bummed she assumed we wanted the same thing and that I couldn't try a different cocktail. It was so strange and we left disappointed!
(3)Rebecca N.
Good thing the food was amazing because the overall experience was not! The goods: Every dish we got was honestly excellent! The bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and spinach salad, mushroom flatbread, scallops, crispy tuna were perfect. The steak tartare was good, but SO small!!! I would say the chickpea crepes was the least exciting. Our waitress was also really sweet! The bads: We had a reservation at 8 and did not get seated until 840! When I approached the waitress her reaction..."people have been waiting longer" um okay. When we finally were seated our waitress brought us shots and when we asked what they were she said she did not know. classy. We also sat next to the door. Half our party was freezing and people were surrounding us all throughout dinner. Oh... and it was SO loud!!! coming from someone who does not mind a loud venue that says a lot. It's too bad I enjoyed the food so much because I will not be coming baclk
(2)Drea K.
Fair warning: This review is based purely on staff attitude which I found to be less than awesome. I've been here several times as a normal good-time Jane and think the decor is lovely, the drinks are tasty, and in general the food is a cut above normal gastro-pub food. But I, seriously, have a very hard time with lack of professionalism / manners, in general...especially from people in the service industry...whose general societal focus is ensuring that customers have an enjoyable time. As I was working to set up a charity event, I encountered a very serious "pulling teeth" scenario involving "we'd love to work with you again" and then s-lll-o-w-l-y evolving into "we've got new owners who need to approve everything" to "we have to decline" (2 weeks later!) but with no communication as to where the party-line switch was coming from / why a previous commitment made was changing. I've done enough charity work to know that sometimes venues cannot accommodate a nonprofit event, so believe me when I say I would not have been offended if the original reply had been "So sorry, we're under new management and we can't do a partially donated event right now" but the long gaps in communication with random changes and no explanation were a bit much. Final bad-taste-in-mouth straw: I sent a last note inquiring about the change to see if I could find out where the challenge was and received tumbleweeds as a response (ie. nothing). So, I will enjoy some Moscow Mules here but won't be planning any HubbInn parties anytime in the near future.
(2)Jenni I.
From the street, this place seemed like a great pick. Outdoor seating ... music inside that you could hear from outside ... and a cool cocktail menu on a chalkboard above the bar. We asked the doorman about sitting outside and she told us to go inside to speak with the hostess. No hostess to be found. So, a server walked came up to us and told us to take a seat outside. We were seated at 11:40 and told the kitchen was closed. Okay, not a problem. We were bummed, but figured we'd get a drink anyway. Placed our order, then shortly after, we were told by four different employees that we needed to leave quickly. The fourth person, who seemed like the owner possibly, all but threw us out. This place has potential but the staff is rude. At 11:50, we were told by the doorman that we really needed to get going. We were waiting on our check. In the midst of that, I finished my $12 Moscow Mule (not worth it) and chatted up another guest who was rushed, as well. He told me that he has been visiting Hubbard Inn for months -- but that in the past week, it had changed management. He, a loyal patron, was unhappy with the service, as well, but seemed hopeful that they would iron out the issues and strike a better stride. Until that happens, I will not be back.
(1)Coy W.
Damn this place has some seriously nice decor. It's a place that if lived in Chicago I could see myself hanging out at regularly. The crowd is really mixed but the music was awesome on a Friday night. Chicago brews some serious beer, the hostesses here are dynamite and the wait staff are friendly and helpful. I think I went through the whole local beer menu and enjoyed everything on it. There was a seasonal that really stood out but for the life of me, can't remember the name of it. I didn't try the food and I hate judging it by the way it looks but I would definitely give it a go the next time I'm in town. Did I mentioned the music is awesome and the hostesses are dynamite? OK good :)
(4)John F.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriend and some friends for dinner and drinks. It was pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I suppose that's better than it being overly crowded. The decor of this place is pretty nice - big booths, long tables that you share which is different, you may or may not like that though. Overall it had a high end bar feel to it. For the food, well they try to push the whole tapas thing, saying ordering a whole bunch of small plates is the way to go. This is fine for a TAPAS place, but when I'm at a bar I would like to order my own meal. They do have entrees which range $20-$35. We decided to order a few small plates for appetizers - the bacon wrapped dates were awesome, flat bread was good, nothing special, and their homemade ravioli was not good at all and only 6 small sized raviolis were included. For the price I'd expect a few more or at least be the best raviolis I've ever tasted. After the small plates we each ordered an entree. I had the Wagyu burger which was $20 (yea, i know) and my girlfriend had the skirt steak which was also $20. The skirt steak was pretty good, but it's skirt steak... $20 seems pricey for just skirt steak. My burger was really good, but not $20 good. Burgers from Kuma's, Lockdown, Hophaus, and Burger Bar are better AND cheaper than the one I got at Hubbard Inn. So the food was mostly pretty good, but WAY overpriced. I almost forgot the drinks! I started off with a Manhattan - it was $12 which I expected, but it was pretty weak and I've had better Manhattans. I ordered a Hemingway next, which was refreshingly tasty, but again, pretty weak for $14. The drinks, just like the food, was good, but overpriced. They can at least make them strong if they're going to charge $12-14 per cocktail. Overall I found this place to be way overpriced. Yes the food and drinks are good, but not worth the price. If you have money to burn and are in the neighborhood, then sure, check it out. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere else or pay top dollar to a place that deserves it. I won't be back here.
(3)Carol K.
Hubbard Inn? You answer when the question is where to go that is fun, has a wide range of menu items and where I am welcomed and remembered. So many restaurants . . .so little time . . .so it had been a few months since my last visit when I popped in with friends the other night. My friends wanted to experience the "Carol K' factor which is what my friends joke with me about when I pick a restaurant in town because I seem to always run into someone I know. We were promptly seated in the front and within minutes were sipping our drinks and checking out the menu to see what new things they had added since my last visit. Our server was great! Quick with suggestions of the new items (try the sliced sirloin and the crunchy tuna- perfect for sharing!) The food is always great and the drinks perfectly poured. And I always appreciate when David, one of the owners, remembers me and stops over to say hi! and on this stop, introduced me to his manager. And how nice was it that he bought our table a round of drinks! As one in our party said, "Now that's the Carol K factor!" Nah. More like the "David" factor. He's an owner who takes really good care of his regular customers!
(4)Melissa P.
Great Drinks- specialty "speak easy" drinks. Food is also amazing but small portions. Get an app or flatbread as well. Cool crowd and ambiance. A ittle pricey but normal for River North.
(4)Justyna S.
Rude staff, will not be coming back.
(1)Brad J.
I have been here three times now and that will be it for me. I totally understand the good reviews based on atmosphere and decor, both are very nice. My issue is with the prices of the food/drink menu for what you get and the unfriendly and uninformed staff. One of my friends, who was a bartender, got a drink that was not made correctly, the staff argued with her and it went back and forth. We all tasted the drink and agreed with her. They handled the situation as bad as they could. The beer menu, which is quite solid, has everything marked up a dollar or two from most other place I've seen. I guess that's the decor surcharge. When I combine my experiences here with what I paid and how I was treated, I'm left to a whiff of snobbery and entitlement. I guess my issue isn't with the taste of the food as much as it was with the whole attitude of the place. I think in the long run the decor and atmosphere won't be able to make up for the feeling I left with, which was shared by my wife and the friends we were with. This wasn't just one experience either, it was three.
(2)Sopla R.
I just soaked up the atmosphere and relished the vibe here. It's like the Anthropologie (well almost) of restaurants. I really appreciated the attention to the details. (decor that is.. we'll get to the other details later.. ) I had the fried green tomato/shrimp dish.The texture of the tomato was spot on the shrimp cooked perfectly, all in all a very tasty dish. We also tried the turkey burger. This was a nice flavor profile but not executed properly....The accompaniments were fine it was the texture of the turkey.. they over ground it. which happens quite a bit with turkey which causes it to taste mushy. Not the consistency you want especially if you are pairing it with a brie cheese and a cranberry relish/chutney. Also, tried the dark n stormy it was OK a bit heavy on the ginger but otherwise OK. As for the service, while friendly enough, she basically cut in front of me to deliver my husband's drink and he was sitting directly across from me, I had to move back abruptly. She didn't say oh sorry or anything, I don't even think it occurred to her how wrong this was and it wasn't like she couldn't go around either side of the table. I'm guessing she missed the serve from the left, remove from the right. or even if you really are a fine dining snob it's serve from the right and remove from the right "memo" which seems to be the norm these days in terms of service. I don't think it's OK to slack on these details when you are at this price point. I really hope the next time I go back I'll have the overall experience that I'm paying for.
(3)Regina M.
The food was disgusting! It didn't have any flavor and when we told the waitress about it, she offered us Tabasco sauce. We had to leave early without having dessert because we really disliked the food and the service was terrible.
(1)Jill G.
No good. Slow service. Cold food. Sorry but risotto is not made by cooking rice and adding cream. My friends I were with both ordered the skirt steak and had to send it back because it came out cold. There are so many places in Chicago to eat - don't waste your time coming here. Sorry :/
(1)Shirley L.
Meat market. Douchebags. Many of them in packed crowd. Beautiful Hemingway theme and decor not as impressive in light of crowds. In all fairness: probably would have given this place 4 stars if I were a few years younger and had a few more drinks :) This is a good upscale, standing bar option, but if you're looking for a "lounge" experience I'd say pass -- it's too crowded.
(2)Ellen D.
THE WORST. Came here for dinner for a friend's birthday. I got there early, so I grabbed a drink from the bar - total bill: $8.88 + tip. Not bad for a glass of prosecco. We were off to a good start. We sit down for dinner... I ordered the scallops with pumpkin puree - pretty delicious, but the meal was tiny and $17 - it didn't come with any sides or bread or anything, and I was left stealing fries from the girl next to me (which were pretty delicious I must say). They brought out a chocolate cake for my friend's birthday, and at first, the bus boy tried to drop it off without a candle or anything in it. Before he set it down, our waitress ran over and pulled it away from him, calling him an idiot. Poor guy. Despite her rudeness to her colleague, the cake was a nice gesture and it was insanely good. We had a group of about 10 girls and when the bill came, we asked the waitress (Meghan M.) if she could split it up on multiple cards. She gave a hesitant sigh and said that she could, but that it was "very difficult to do," would only take a max of 6 cards, and that she preferred we pay in cash. A few of the girls reluctantly got up and went to the ATM, so we gave her a bunch of cash and only 4 credit cards to split the rest on... BAD idea. First of all, it took the waitress about 15 minutes to return with our receipts to sign - total bill: $41.00 including tip, which isn't too terrible for dinner and drinks. However, woke up the next morning and checked my bank account... Had I somehow blacked out and spent a ridiculous amount of money last night? I checked the recent transactions and there were the two charges from Hubbard Inn for $8.88 and $41.00... oh, and a THIRD charge for $311.32. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. If my punctuation didn't get it across, I was FU#K!NG FURIOUS. Four days before Christmas and these people "accidentally" charge me an extra $311?! I had bills coming out and presents to buy, and was in no mood to wait the 3+ weeks the bank would take to go through the fraud process to get the money back in my account. I called that morning around 9:30 AM and spoke to someone who said he "didn't handle this sort of thing." He took down all my information and told me that he would pass it along to the manager (Alex) who would give me a call later on. Of course, by 5:30 PM, I still hadn't heard from anyone. Even more furious, I called the restaurant again at 6:00 PM (this is a Tuesday, mind you). After placing me on hold twice, the hostess finally let me explain why I was calling. Yelling over the noise, she told me that the manager (again Alex) was "too busy" to take my call because they had just started dinner service. Look, I get that you guys get busy and have a dinner rush, but isn't that the point of having a manager? So that (s)he can handle the business side of things while the waitstaff and bartenders handle the customers' food and drink orders? I gave the hostess all my information AGAIN and told her to tell Alex to call me as soon as he was "available" and I went about my night running errands and preparing for Christmas. Arrived home at 11:30 PM... still no call from this mysterious "Alex," who's existence I was beginning to doubt. Tired, frustrated, and damn-near broke, I walked my ass into the restaurant. Of course, the hostess had gone for the night, so I stood like an idiot by the bar for about 5 minutes before anyone spoke to me. A guy (dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks but slinging cocktails behind the bar) finally walked up asked what I needed. I told him that I needed a manager, which he said he was (he does exist!!). I explained my situation for a THIRD time to a THIRD person, and he said no one had given him this information - that he hadn't heard anything about it. I wanted to lose it on this place. I somehow managed to bite my tongue and I gave him all my information... again. He seemed apologetic and told me he would fix the problem first thing the next morning (9 AM) and would then immediately call me to let me know it had been resolved... finally, a silver lining in this sh!thole of an experience. Wednesday... 1:15 PM... still no call from this joke of an establishment. I called the restaurant, and was immediately placed on hold. Finally, a voice came back, introducing himself as Alex. I asked him if he remembered me and my situation from the night before and he said, "Yea I talked to the bank - they're handling it." I asked how long it would take for the money to go back in and he said by the end of the day (still to be determined...). I asked why he didn't call me after speaking with the bank and he told me that they "got too busy." Most UNPROFESSIONAL, INCOMPETENT, and UNRELIABLE restaurant and staff I have encountered in a long time. I will NEVER, EVER give them any business again. If you like not being screwed out of hundreds of dollars, I suggest not coming here. The food is good, but definitely not $352.32 good. UGH!
(1)Claudia R.
We went here for work drinks and were impressed by the gorgeous decor! Our waiter was adorable and very attentive and the drinks were good. When we arrived we had a little trouble getting a proper table because there there was a reservation on it for 7:45 - 2 hours later! The hostess ended up obliging our request and we good service for the 2 hours that we spent there. Our guest of honor was seated in an oversized "Through-the-Looking-Glass"-like chair and our growing group was accommodated without question. We moved upstairs to make room for the reservation and it was a perfect change of scenery to the lounge-y library area. In Yelp-speak, "Yay! I'm a fan" and can't wait to go back!
(4)Jessica H.
In one word, amazing. 6 of us girls went out for a bachelorette party. Our server, Chase was attentive, personable, funny, and polite. He made wonderful suggestions and had a lot of fun with us. Upon sitting down and telling Chase what the occasion was, their general manager Ernie Sandoval, sent us a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate! He also sent over perfect, creamy cheesecake at the end of our meal. The staff made us all feel like queens!! Us girls also ordered their drink, The Hepburn. Light, refreshing, and garnished with a cucumber, it was perfect with all the food. SPEAKING of the food, every plate was perfectly plated, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. For the appetizer we started with the cod fritters. Lightly battered with a delicious lemon aioli, and the mussels which had interesting flavors and were cooked great. Our entrees consisted of ahi tuna cooked to a perfect medium rare, sirloin with the most incredible grilled brussle sprouts, super tender and flavorful rabbit with a mix of fresh crisp steamed vegetables, and scallops that were tender but not chewy. We went back a couple of hours later to enjoy cocktails, and Ernie instantly remembered us and bought us a round of shots. I will be going here on dates, for birthdays, get togethers, plenty of more girls night, and reccomending this to everyone who wants one of the best dining experiences they'll ever have!!!
(5)RYNE D.
Been frequenting this venue often lately. The food is terrific, Tuscan kale salad is a must and reasonably priced, the Brussels sprout side called for a second order. Also have to hand it to whoever decided to put Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc on the wine list by the glass, which is a rare find and my favorite producer in NZ. The Pumpkin seasonal beer they have right now is incredibly. The staff is effusive and Michael is an asset to their business. Hope this place keeps it up, and as long as it does I'll continue to patronize it.
(4)C. K.
LOVED the feel of the place the minute I walked into the doorway. Great job to whoever did the decor there. I love that Moroccan/European feel. Staff was courteous and prompt. The background music was nice, too. Food was great. I met my friend out there for lunch on a Friday. We both tried the Lobster roll based on the waitress' recommendation. This roll is the best Lobster roll I have had outside of New England (where I have lived for three years!) The bun was perfectly toasted and buttery and the lobster mix, which can so easily be super bland or fishy, was well seasoned, had different layers of tastes...just perfect! I ordered a drink to accompany my meal and got the Hemingway. How refreshing and not too tart. Overall, a very nice experience!
(4)Tracy T.
Okay, my husband and I were at Hubbard Inn at about 5:15 on a Saturday evening. No reservations, but the entire restaurant was empty. Hostesses were snotty - said they could seat us, but we'd need to be out by 6:30. Nice way to start an evening. We were seated at one of the dreaded high top tables, facing the street, which meant that every time our server or a busboy approached us, it felt like they were sneaking up behind. Not good to be shocked by your server. Of course, when you're doing small plates at tiny table - it gets cluttered pretty quickly. Food is good - some of the dishes are creative. Because of the "warm" welcome received, we didn't order dessert. You'll be relieved know that we did indeed vacate by 6:30 - strangely, the restaurant was still pretty empy - maybe four or five tables. Why not be welcoming to new guests, especially locals who might return??
(2)Neil P.
This bar is absolutely miserable. I've never seen a "contemporary" bar with a worse layout than this place, particularly the upstairs section. It gets so crowded, you cannot move, the absolute worst flow of any place i've ever been to. Next, it took roughly a half hour to order a round of drinks. Between taking forever to get to the bar, then getting the bartenders attention (they take about 10 minutes to make a single order) it takes forever. Lastly, Hubbard Inn's DJ is the laughingstock of the nightlife industry. We were there for a large group birthday and made some requests because the music was so bad and his response was "I don't have that song but if you take care of me I might be able to find something like it." What a nightmare. I will never step foot in this establishment again. Horrible crowd, miserable music, zero flow, bad service, if this bar was in any other location it wouldve been out of business already. STAY AWAY!
(1)Mihir P.
The perfect place if you are a 35+ female looking for a 50+ male - or vice versa. Decent drinks but it took me over 15 minutes to get one. Management needs to do a better job at staffing. The worse part was that the bartender was a dick. I gave him $4 for a $19 tab and he gave me a dirty look.
(2)Kelly K.
Love love love this place. The decor is awesome, as is the food. Came here for lunch and was not disappointed. The steak tartar was some of the best I've had! Also came on a Saturday night and it was packed. Great vibe and I could actually have a conversation at a normal level.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I plan to give it another chance (going back this weekend, in fact) but I just did not come away with a strong impression my first visit. The space isn't as cozy or inviting as I expected; to my mind, an open space that leans more towards exposed and uncomfortable than inviting and warm, more of what I imagine a tavern-inspired place ought to be. The open and high communal tables are just not my thing, though there were other positives that made me want to give it another go. The drink I will remember most was the "Hemingway," which was a twist on an Aviation (happens to be my favorite). And I really appreciated the handwritten menus on chalkboards hanging behind the bar and the "Farewell to Arms" film that was playing throughout the evening. Also appreciated the service. The lamb burger and fries were good but kind of forgettable. Filled me up, but didn't do much else. Have a feeling I will return to try more of the drinks on the cocktail menu :)
(3)Agnes F.
Had an absolutely good time at Hubbard Inn recently. The decor was comfortable and yet trendy, the service was attentive and the food was good as well. We shared a mozzarella flat bread, sweet breads (nice big chunky pieces), bone marrow (one of them did not have much marrow but when we mentioned that to the server, they took it off the bill which was nice of them), oysters rockafella, fries, bacon wrapped dates and steak tartare. Great beer and whiskey choices and everyone had a good time. A great addition to the River North dining scene!
(4)Dennis C.
Love the gatropub renaissance that cities seem to be going through. In LA... here in Chicago. I only had drinks here, but really really really wanted to try the marrow, seafood... Great selection of local beers and pretty much anything else. Although not as many on tap. Crowd was hip, trendy, large, and gender equal (I mention this because you don't see 1:1 ratio here). Ladies were dressed to the 9s and the guys, a lot of them had suits! I felt a little inadequate in my jeans and sweatshirt. By 10, it was standing room only -- and i'm told that it's been open 2 weeks. Nice.
(4)Kara E.
I was eager to try Hubbard Inn after hearing so much hype about this place. A small group of us ventured out to HI on a Friday night. The drink menu is extensive and a bit on the pricier side. The menu lends itself to sharing- think small plates. We started out with the bacon wrapped dates which were delicious- but there were only 4 dates. We then moved on to share the lamb burger, a flatbread w/ blue cheese and pear chutney, and the braised short rib. My favorite was by far the lamb burger which came w/ a side of garlic fries. The atmosphere is a little too sceney for me. I wasn't wowed by HI but all in all the food was tasty but a bit on the pricier side.
(3)Lindsay D.
The only reason Im giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the communal tables. With how loud it is in there, I'd like my own table with my friends I'd like to hear and talk to :) But on to the good stuff...... I absolutely love how this space is decorated and layed out. The lighting gives everyone such a glow and I loved that I could look at specials on their bar wall chalkboard while perusing though their signature cocktail menu. It was very crowded, but it was easy to get a drink from their long bar running along the wall. Our reservation was at 7:45P, ok we were 10 minutes late, but it was the perfect timing for dinner. It wasnt too insane yet where people loiter about trying to find a spot to stand. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We started with the Merguez flat bread---truly incredible. pear chutney, spicy sausage (or so we thought), bleu cheese, herbs on a crunchy piece of thin toasted bread. This and the Moroccan vegetables were a toss-up for my favorite dish. Our other dishes consisted of the grilled chicken thighs (Id take a pass next time), the braised short ribs with parsnip puree and the lamb burger. I think we went too well done on the burger, but it was otherwise tasty. I really liked the short ribs bc I could really taste the meat and natural juices. Sometimes I think short ribs are too smothered in sauce and the natural juice doesnt shine through. Overall, I really like this place. Its quite the place to be! I was with someone who doesnt eat anything that swims, so I'd like to go back and try the scallops, mussels, salmon, and trout, and I CANT FORGET THE MERGUEZ flatbread! It truly is not to be missed.
(4)xoxo j.
Ooh, I'm a fan. I stopped in on a Tuesday night and was pleased to find the space full but not packed. There was a short wait for tables, but we opted for the bar and found seats immediately. Love the space + decor. The communal tables, dark wood, chalkboard walls, bathtub style sinks in the ladies room... everything is well done. The place is GInormous with multi-levels and restrooms that requires a breadcrumb trail to find your way back. You can't help but think, "what cheesy club used to be in this space?" simply b/c it's oddly large and in charge in terms of sq footage. Regardless, this place is a great stop for eats + drinks. We had the anchovy flatbread {mmMm... anchovies... seriously, it was good}, spinach salad {don't waste your time on this... I could have made this at home with a bag of spinach leaves} and the mussels. The portions are actually quite big, so ask your server if you're ordering too much or too little. I really wanted to add the steak tartare or scallops, but our bartender told us flat out that we were being too ambitious. Or maybe he just didn't know how much two small Asians can really throw down when it comes to grubbing. The only negative thing about our first stay at Hubbard Inn was that our bartender was really slow... and sometimes invisible... often conducting disappearing acts {where did he go again??}... and then sometimes believing WE were invisible {hi, do you see us? hi, we're right in front of you. kinda thirsty. kinda hungry. look at us. i know you can tell we're staring at you...}. It was odd... but the bar, like the rest of Hubbard Inn, is HUGE. There were two bartenders, but the service was snail-paced. He was pleasant, don't get me wrong. And thank God for that accent, b/c goodness knows British men can do know wrong in my eyes. I'll be back, and now that they're on Open Table, I'll make resos to avoid the slow poke bar service.
(4)Alexis M.
I love this lavendar drink on their specials list. Otherwise food is ok. Nice date spot.
(4)Yaw N.
I went here with my girlfriend for lunch last Saturday and absolutely fell in love with this place. They have an excellent menu that blends a lot of traditional dishes with the flair of new American cuisine. The only menus I have seen thus far with dishes blending bone marrow or quail eggs in this way are Gilt bar and Longman and Eagle. We had the Asparagus and Mushroom flatbread and it is out of this world! I can't wait to go back to try more. Onto the next important part of any restaurant.. The libations here are phenomenal. They appear to have a decent cocktail consultant and offer a great list of traditional cocktails with a few of their own signature cocktails. Equally impressive is their beer list which includes a solid choice of craft and microbrew beers. Lastly, the decor of this restaurant is exceptional. Hubbard street is littered with the all too familiar 'swank' restaurant/bar. This Inn with it's immense character boasts different sections that are cozy and fun. And apparently you can reserve which section you want to be seated in when you make your reservation online.. I recommend the library. Overall, this is refreshing addition to the city and a place we plan to visit frequently.
(5)Erica W.
The drinks here are definitely the draw; even though they're pricey they are both delicious and potent. I've eaten here twice and was less than impressed...I can't recall any dishes that stood out in particular because they were all just OK. The whole small plate thing works when it's done right, but this place is a lot more about the scene than the food. Go here for drinks before or after you eat somewhere else, especially if you're single and into the typical River North crowd.
(3)John C.
Hammer show: If you wanna get drunk and flirt at the bar with a youngish crowd that imagines itself as hip, this is your place. If you wanna sit at a table in a really noisy, crowded spot and still have fun with your friends while having the oppty to exchange drunken compliments with other groups, this restaurant will please you. If you like being able to choose between 12 million microbrews whose descriptions are spat out like a machine gun by your server, it's not a bad choice. However, if you wanna eat good food and relax, this is definitely not your spot. The food, like the way waitstaff attends to diners, is pretentious, loaded with superfluous flourishes, and lacking in basic things like taste, warmth, substance and common sense. Salads are OK but only OK in spite of big deal made about ingredients. The hanger steak emerges cold into the large, kinda nicely done/fairly industrial chic space. The sides are bleccch! The burgers are strangely akin to White Castle fare, albeit not square (with same effect on your insides, however). So my recommendation is to go have a good meal before you get there. Then drink your head off while there. Maybe even meet some people at the way-crowded bar. Then get White Castle on your way home if nothing else happens better that night.
(2)elissa w.
I would give Hubbard Inn 3.5 stars. Really cool ambiance + super strong drinks is always a great way to start the evening. The River North Smash gave me a buzz after finishing half the glass. Came for a bday dinner on a Wednesday night. The mergueza flat bread was awesome. I also really liked the scallops and carpaccio. We ordered two burgers to share, the greek burger was much better than the cheese burger. Finished up with the chocolate torte which was super decadent and huge - we easily shared it across five ladies. Towards the middle of our meal - around 8:30 the restaurant got super busy and the service really slacked. The waitress was MIA and we had to harass the hostess for our bill since the bday girl was in a rush to go to a bar - hence the three stars.
(3)Girlinthebluedress C.
I recently purchased a nye ticket from this place thinking that it would be cool, hip and totally (well not totally, but mostly) worth the $130, including tax. The food was pretentious (lamb chop with green goo on it) and the quality of drinks left much to be desired. Not only were the drinks weak and syrupy but the bartender had a difficult time understanding the difference between soda and tonic. Even after telling him that what my friend was drinking was, in fact, soda and NOT tonic he made her another gin and tonic USING SODA! He made it seem like a privilege to be getting anything from him at all and that we were obviously too wasted to know the difference. The best part of the night, i.e. leaving the rude service and pretentious environment that Hubbard Inn provides (I don't even know why I keep respecting the establishment by capitalizing hubbard inn), turned into the worst part of the night because the coat check (included in the price of my nye ticket) was above and beyond RIDICULOUS. Imagine about 30-40 people crammed into a hallway about 5'x15' with some douche bag bouncer creepily rubbing against all the girls that were around him and rude staff taking your numbers and then slowly returning only to say that your coat had been LOST. Unfortunately I waited in vain hoping that I could convince them to find my and my boyfriend's coat even without a coat check number (turns out my boyfriend had given the number to the swanky douche bag bouncer early in the night but he didn't return with our coats). When I got to the front of the line the staff was rude, careless and unsympathetic. I ended the night, sober, coatless and feeling completely robbed by the DBHI ("douche bag hubbard inn"). If you visit this glamorous hole in the wall, be prepared to spend tons of money and be treated like shit. This is BY FAR the WORST BAR in the city of Chicago. And I am including the Hangge Uppe.
(1)Shannon B.
Wow this place our company paid a fortune to throw 30 person dinner party here. Ambiance check, service mediocre. (Slowwwww), entrees not good. I ordered the seafood boulabaise, it was cold with fishy seafood, the only redeeming about the price of this place is the playlist whoevers doing that should keep their job the chef should cut his loses here....
(1)Mike J.
Was in Chicago on vacation for a weekend. This was the BEST bar i had been to in the entire city. Its a GEM. The signature drinks are timeless and unique. The ambiance and music was incredible, and so trendy and hip. THE MOSCOW MULE IS UNREAL. This place is as good as it gets, definitely a must see. It was recommended to me a local who lives over near Hubbard street. If you're in the area this is definite must see.
(5)Elana L.
I really wanted to love this place. I had heard so much about it and how great it is. Yes the cocktails and most of the bartenders are incredible. They are a talented crew. My complaint is about the food. Te chef has absolutely no idea how to properly season food. I am a chef myself and I know what food is supposed to taste like. I order a flat bread with Mergaz lamb and some other ingredients I could not taste any of the flavors until I added my own sea salt. Plus I had a couple of other items that were completely unmemorable. Is anyone doing any tasting in the kitchen. What a shame this place has potential. Next time I go I will be sure to eat somewhere else.
(2)Ryan R.
This should really be like 2.5 stars. Lets do a little pro's and con's Pro's Food is excellent the bacon wrapped dates are our of this world Wine is reasonably priced with good selection Cocktails are creative and reasonable The space is large, open and inviting Cons We ate on a Thursday night and it was unreasonably loud Service was a bit slow both times I have been Now here is the real rub for me. We went on a Thursday for cocktails and didn't have a reservation, we asked if we needed to make one and they said no just take a table in the bar area. At 7:30pm they gave us the news that we had to leave, not relocate, not move to a dinner table or the bar, leave. They said that they had reservations to fill, this was the same person that told us that we didn't need a reservation. When I related this story to a coworker she said she was there on Monday for her birthday and as they were finishing their cocktails after dinner the manager told them the same thing. I need this table so please relocate to the bar. I know Hubbard inn is popular and for good reason with good food and drink but with so many other options in Chicago and specifically River North I don't ever need to go back and be told to leave. It was quite frankly classless.
(3)Steven R.
I am only writing on the decor alone. This place is sick. The vibe and decor is great and an atmosphere that was missing from the Chicago scene. Also, the bartender was hot. Overall, much cooler place than Public House and I would much rather drink here than there.
(4)Barri S.
Good food and ambiance. Nothing special but a great place to meet for a drink and bite to eat.
(3)Alex K.
I had dinner here on a busy Friday night. While waiting for friends I sat at the bar and had an amazing Old Fashioned that I highly recommend if you like that sort of libation. The bar area was energetic, loud, and delightful. The staff was prompt and the scene was young and vibrant. Dinner was upstairs, which was a bit quieter and more intimate. A DJ was spinning beats (well, through a MacBoo Pro) at the top of the stairs, which was awesome. Even though the menu was small plates everyone at our table ordered their own meals and it worked out fine. The only glitch was a wrong entree order that was quickly remedied and taken off the bill without even requesting it. This is a sign of a restaurant that cares about the experience of its guests. The decor was traditional but the overall experience was youthful and fresh. I could just as easily go here just for drinks at the bar and seating areas as I would for dinner. This is a place best enjoyed in a group, in my opinion. Get off Michigan Avenue and walk a block or two to this place, you won't be disappointed at all.
(4)Sarah B.
I made reservations for our group for 6pm and we were promptly seated at our table. The place wasn't too crowded at this point (it was Friday) and you could tell most of the people were there for drinks. No one in our group had been there before so the waitress explained these were smaller plates, made for sharing and recommended 2-3 items per person. Because we all heard the word small, we ordered 3 each. Definitely to much food and next time I would only order 2 per person. That would have been perfect. They also gave us a complimentary dish which added to our overindulgence. The food was good, though nothing stood out as being fabulous. I think what I like the most was the ability to have a conversation with my friends. Would I go back? Definitely. Location is great for me and the service and food were good.
(4)Templeton M.
This place has a gorgeous decor with exposed wooden beams and utility overhead allowing the room to open. The sounds carry but it's the kind of atmosphere when loud ppl talking shouldn't matter. If I wanted a quiet dinner I'd stay at home. The set up was nice with a combination of bar, tall tables, tall communal tables (brilliant), and other low tables to the right and in the back. Even being put in the back was nice and cozy and didn't feel like a 'bad table'. The food was superb. The bacon wrapped dates were perfect alongside the beet salad. We ordered multiple dishes that served us well. The halibut was tasty in a light broth, the short ribs were soft and well braised, the steak was awesome with a light blue cheese rub with spices (so good), and lastly the flatbread. We took the waitresses recommendation on the flatbread which was the mushroom and asparagus and it was great. Every dish had it's own characteristic to it as well as flavor and appearance. The beer selection was good. The only bad part was the dessert. These basic desserts were flourless chocolate, cheesecake, and a strawberry strudel thing. All three looked like they were purchased in a box, kept cold and served to order. There was really nothing special about them and you would typically see these boring three at a steakhouse. Hubbard Inn has a uniqueness but the desserts are not. Were they tasty? Sure. But they could do better and stay away from boring staples that tons of places offer. Lastly, the service was spot on. She was kind and attentive. She seemed new at this and pushed the spiel out but it wasn't anything to frown about. She was great and had perfect recommendations. I will be back and strongly recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Darrin D.
I like the scene here and would definitely go back to eat again if only I could get a table before 10pm. Definitely try the lamb burger.
(4)R V.
New to scene and worth a visit and the wait. A very very cool vibe, communal tables, lighting gave the food and the people a fabulous glow, and decor is very eclectic with neat touches like the front doors being solid wood, chalkboard by the bar with specials, etc. The food is unpretentious but delicious- fries were amazing and the BLT sandwich was my favorite in Chicago yet. Presentation is understated, casual but elegant and the food was non-fussy but definitely made with care and attention. Cocktails were served in old-fashioned glassware that added to the eclectic touches of the place. Service was slightly scattered but it is pretty loud and crowded so I give the servers a pass on that.
(3)Eric E.
Fantastic food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Everything on our Saturday evening first-time visit was delicious! The pork loin with cherry jus is NOT TO BE MISSED! And the veggie chick pea crepe was a creative flavor combo and an excellent appetizer to share. Our waitress, Jill, was one of the most attentive, patient servers I've had in a LONG time. I can't believe it took me so long to go here for the first time.....will definitely be going back soon.
(5)Hannah P.
Hubbard Inn, finally a cool place with out the pretentiousness of Epic or Paris Club. First the design is amazing, which I'm not surprised knowing this is also the same owners as Lasalle Power Co. and English. Think upscale British pub, beautiful terracotta tile surround the bar and walls at chair-rail height in a rich dark teal and cream. The exposed brick above painted the perfect shade of cream to match the tile and help set off the old "looking" artwork that's hung randomly. Tin ceiling tiles or what look like them were used to cover columns in a coordinating shade of olive green. Lastly the almost Parisian style pendants that hang have a cream glass globe with a rustic iron belt around it provide the perfect glow to make any woman look beautiful. A friend and I went there last night for a little bite and a few drinks. Being a veggie myself, I find going to traditional places can be hard for me to find good food but Hubbard Inn doesn't disappoint! I had the Arugula and peppers flatbread. It's almost like a crusty pizza from Italy! Caramelized onions, perfectly roasted peppers topped with super fresh and tangy arugula not to mention the light and crumbly ricotta that smoothed out the flavors! Definitely one of my favourites at Hubbard Inn My friend had the lamb burger which was delicately topped with a mint cucumber tzatziki compote. She said it was delish! I'm actually looking forward to the cooler weather of fall so I can try the house-made ravioli, they had me at mushroom ragout! Ohh and perfect service from Stephanie, just the right amount of interaction. Checked on drinks and food(2 bite/2minute rule), but left us alone to chat and didn't rush us to pay or turn the table, I love that!!
(4)Nick W.
Went for lunch around 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Was immediately impressed w the friendly greeting and un pretentious vibe. Quickly attended to by friendly server who was eager to provide info on the beers and food selection. I had the lobster club...lobster salad w lettuce and bacon. Very good and unique...nice large chunks of lobster. Love the wood plate it was served on and the tin can the fries were served in. Overall cool vibe...Great beer selection....unique decor. Nice relaxing Saturday afternoon.
(5)phil h.
This is my goto spot to start off bar hopping at Rivernorth. I enjoy the decor and the bookshelves and the drinks. The drinks are a bit pricey, but standard fair for the area. I've never eaten here, but I'd assume it's solid. I see people eat here all the time, but then again, people eat Panda Express all the time so that tells me nothing. At any rate, the drinks, service and the people are the pull here. There's a blonde girl that works downstairs that's kind of a B, but it's probably her job to be one. I'll add more if I ever eat here.
(4)CoolMc M.
I love this place. Great food, drinks, decor, ect. I would highly recommend to anyone. I like the low key vibe and the dates! Such a great spot!
(5)Jim K.
Good food, poor service. We had dinner here last night and I have to agree with other reviewers...it looks like a great pick from the outside -- the place looks good, lively atmosphere, etc., but poor execution keeps this from being a place we'd return to often. We had booked a table, but it wasn't ready when we arrived so we sat at the bar for a drink. Nothing unusual there, many restaurants don't honor your reservation time and make you wait to pump up their bar service. After a while, the hostess came over and offered us an outdoor table. Since it was a nice night, we decided to take it. The waitress took a drink order and came back quickly enough with them. We ordered our meal (shared starters, and lobster rolls). The starters came in good time, but it was soon after that that service really got frustrating. Our waitress noticed we were almost out of water so she asked if we wanted more. "Yes, please" was our answer. We finished our starters and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, another server came out with our sandwiches while the plates from our starters were still on the table. He seemed completely perplexed about what to do since we were seated at a small table. We tried to make room for him to set down the plates as best we could and fortunately our waitress appeared, saw the dilemma and quickly grabbed the empty plates. Once again we asked for water, and we ordered another round of drinks. The drinks arrived, but the water didn't. So we asked again for water. It never came. We finished our lobster rolls and waited. And waited. And waited. When our waitress finally appeared to clear our plates and ask if we wanted anything else, we asked for the check and told her we never got any water. Now the most shocking part -- she proceeds to grab a bottle of water off of a nearby table to pour us some. I say, "No, thanks. It's too late." The look of horror on her face was priceless. I'm sure she saw her tip going up in flames at that point (it didn't, we were more generous than she deserved). She brought the bill and we paid cash since we didn't want to test how long it might take to run a credit card. Food: The merguez sausage flatbread was rich and delicious. The summer vegetable salad was straight-forward and fresh, nicely done, but not memorable. The lobster rolls were good, but hurt by the use of very strong onions. We like onions, but the ones used in the rolls were too overpowering for the sweetness of the lobster and bread. Suggestion for Yelpers -- if you just want a casual meal for two, sit at the bar. That way your server is never out of eyesight. This is probably what we'd do if we return. Suggestion for the Hubbard Inn -- if you're going to have outdoor tables, make sure you staff them properly.
(2)Brent W.
loved it. every part of it. decor, ambiance, food and drink. [x] Get Inn
(4)Liz L.
Had such a GREAT time at Hubbard Inn for my friends bach party. I have thrown a few bach parties and I have to say that the service here was impeccable. Ashley the events manager was really nice and prompt about returning my emails. When we arrived around 10:15 are table was not ready yet. It was pretty crowded so one of the managers moved us over to an open spot, got us a round of shots on the house and then right away went over and got our table ready for us. I wish I remembered his name but I thanked him and he was so happy to help. Even the door girl and guy were nice! I hate clubs and this was such a great compromise between a bar and club. Not pretentious like Paris Club who would not even email me back after I tried negotiating on the price for bottle service. Regardless SO glad we ended up at Hubbard in, SO MUCH FUN!
(5)Carrie L.
I was there for a work-related dinner, and the experience in the restaurant was good. The food was fantastic (get the bacon-wrapped dates and the scallops), and the drinks were top notch. It is loud, so if you are with a bigger group, it's difficult to talk to more than those seated right next to you/across from you. That said, the atmosphere was lively and fun. What makes me not want to come back here is the situation I had with my parking. I used the valet to park. I had to circle several times before any staff were there to park, and then he left my car right where I parked it. That's not a huge deal, and after it happened I didn't think twice about it. However, I just received a parking ticket in the mail from that night. Clearly the valet removed the ticket and threw it out or something. I called Hubbard Inn and they just referred me to the valet company, who won't return my calls. So, despite the good food, the whole experience left a really bad taste and I won't be going back again.
(2)K W.
We got lucky and got a reservation on a Saturday due to a cancellation. We had an early dinner and It was great! The decor is beautiful and the artwork is cool. And...the food is quite good as well. We had the flat bread, spinach salad, and lobster sandwich which were all good! The service was great. We came early and did not have to sit in the communal seating. It didn't seem bad. By 9:30 it's packed so come early. The drinks are the old old school drinks like the Aviation...which here was not good. I stuck with a vodka based drink and it was great. Good beer list as well. Again, after nine a total scene which is wonderful for some. Worth trying! We enjoyed it.
(4)Michael H.
I really enjoyed myself here. Very classy with a great atmosphere. Despite the crowd, the bartender and waitress always made sure I had a drink in my hand. After soaking up the main level, we adjourned to the comfy upstairs which had plenty of room for lounging about.
(4)Cindy D.
Came here for drinks, very hip place. Expensive drinks but very cool scene.
(4)Andrea G.
Don't believe the hype! This is just another trendy loud restaurant for aging glitterati in River North's developing Viagra Triangle with theme decor, the dreaded communal table(s), average food, and subpar service (although, in defense of the servers, I would hate to have to work in this noisy, crowded environment). For $40.00 on a Friday night plus the cost of valet parking though, I'm glad I tried it (I do like to be "in the know") but I wouldn't rush to return and I wouldn't put it on my list of recommended restaurants in Chicago. And I'm confident Hemingway wouldn't either...at least not until they stop playing music by Duran Duran. Seriously.
(2)Amanda C.
I loved Hubbard Inn. It's cozy and inviting but still reminds me of a creepy old movie at the same time. I went here for dinner on a Saturday (make your reservations more than a few days in advance, or you'll have to eat early) and ordered the hamburger which was very good. We had a flatbread for an appetizer (just ok) and my friends ordered other sandwiches. I think a lot of people go here to split dishes tapas-style. We drank wine, but their signature cocktail list looks awesome and super unique. The servers were very friendly- I'd go back many more times.
(5)Kathryn S.
I feel like Hubbard Inn is a waste of a good location and good decor. I've been a number of times for lunch, most recently today, and it's always just meh. I had the panini today which was basically just really oiled bread with no discernible grill marks where the cheese had been sitting on it so long the bottom bread from the sandwich was very wet. Our meal took an hour and 1/2 in spite of the fact that we arrived before noon and were the second table seated. This place needs to get it together.
(3)Kendal M.
I was at the Hubbard inn last night and it was great. I received great service and everyone was so friendly and nice. I had a lot of fun! It is a great place for a date and I can also bring all my friends and we can have a great time too.
(5)Lindsey M.
I went last night for their soft opening for small plate appetizers and drinks, and while there were minor bumps it was really good and I would definitely come back for small plates and drinks. I have to give major shout outs to Emily who was our waitress and was super friendly, Benjamin who amazingly rescued my vegetarian friend by making sure the non-meat appetizers got sent our way, and Matt who was just fantastic and kept stopping by for quick chats and to see how we liked everything. The food was really amazing, and after peeking at the menu is reasonably priced for both for what you get and being in river north. They don't have an online menu up yet but you should absolutely try the steak with bone marrow, mushroom and asparagus flat-bread, and smoked arugula with cheese they were so good! The only things that made me go...that was good, not awesome but good were the scallop on crostini and shrimp skewer. Drinks were fresh and crisp by round 2. We had the River North Smash, Hemingway, and something I can't remember the name of; but the first ones we were brought were good, but a tad heavy on the simple syrup. However the bartenders clearly found their groove because rounds 2-6 (yes yes i know...lush; whatever...they need practice...right?) were completely on point. I really hope they keep the music down to where it was last night, cause I loved that I was able to talk to the people I went with and still had a voice at the end of the night.
(4)Irina M.
Hubbard Inn is a great new place with fantastic drinks, delicious food, and most important of all, great service. In a time when places similar to Hubbard Inn are opening almost weekly, it is important to stand out, and Hubbard Inn certainly does. The lamb burger is a must!
(5)Erik J.
Great for brunch! Sat at a sunny table by the French doors, which were open to the street. Nice way to start a Saturday. Server was very friendly and helpful. Food was great (I had a scramble, my friend had a burger). Restaurant had a good crowd, but wasn't too packed. We will be back!
(4)Catherine W.
I very much enjoyed the decor and atmosphere of this place, and had two particularly standout dishes, but am subtracting one star due to slow waitress service. We got there for an earlier dinner on a Saturday night and shared a variety of dishes, including octopus salad, mussels, braised short ribs, sweetbreads, and one of the flatbreads. All dishes are small plates and meant to be shared. 5 dishes among 3 people were about right.The standouts were definitely the mussels and the braised short ribs - both were just delicious. The others were okay, with the octopus salad falling a bit flat for me. Unfortunately, the service seemed very slow. Food came out quickly once ordered, plates cleared, drinks were refreshed regularly, but it took a long time for the waitress to take our entree order, drop off our bill when requested, run our credit card, etc. - probably added at least 25-30 minutes to the whole experience. We didn't mind too much because we weren't in a rush but it was noticeably slow. The decor of the place is absolutely charming though, with romantic, dark, wood paneling, reminiscent of an old-fashioned library and/or upscale saloon. We checked out upstairs, which looks like an excellent lounge place to enjoy drinks and conversation with friends. I saw a lot of "girls' night" dinners here which was very fitting.
(3)Hillarie R.
I've had my fair share of drinks at their bar, both upstairs and downstairs, and have never had anything but positive experiences with their bartenders. The pleasantries, however, end there due to my most recent experience on Thursday 04/12/2012. My friend and I were looking to grab a quick dinner and were greeted by the security personnel. They asked us to wait while they got a host for us. 10 minutes later a gentleman comes up to us and asks us if we have been helped. We told him we were waiting for the host, to which he retorts "Umm, I'm not the hostess". Sir, I can obviously tell that you are male and judging by the air of arrogance that you carry, were probably some sort of management. Ok, pass. He asks us to wait a little longer and he leaves. When he returns with what I hope I can assume was the hostess, he waves us off and tells us to go upstairs. The lounge was rather empty and I asked the bartender (the only personnel up there at the time) if it would be alright to order our dinner with him at the (half empty) bar. The exaggerated eye roll that ensued was the last straw. Listen, I'm a server, I get it, it sucks sometimes, people have rough days but there is absolutely no reason why I should walk into a place, expecting to drop a significant amount of $$ down for drinks and dinner and be treated like a nuisance right off the bat. Staff, your pretentious attitudes and lacking customer service skills are doing a disservice to what would otherwise be an outstanding destination in Chicago. We walked to Paris Club and had a great dinner there.
(2)Chris P.
This place is great. Menu refreshes regularly, but staples like the bacon wrapped dates, the ravioli and the lobster roll keep me coming back. Service is usually very good, though I have one unbelievably bad waiter. Thus four instead of five stars. Evening crowd in the summer is a bit clubby, otherwise overall casual is fine. Prices are fair. Portions of the small plates are small so plan on sharing a flatbread or something.
(4)Garrett P.
small plates, stiff drinks and a cool atmosphere. Can't ask for much more.
(5)Swati B.
So I have gone to Hubbard Inn on 2 different occasions...on one a Sat night for a friends birthday and one on a thursday night for dinner... LOVE the decor btw! Sat night for a friends birthday...we were told if we didnt arrive on time we would lose the reservation, we literally (mind you a party of 15) walked in about 2 minutes late and the guy at the front door was giving us such a hard time! Well..not me..or my lady friends..the guys that were a part of the group...kinda strange..once we got in ..we had a fantastic time...great crowd..older (think upper 20s, 30s)...trendy crowd...Drinks were easy to get as well....dont really remember there being great music though..and theres definitely no dancing here..this is your sit/stand talking crowd. Thursday night for dinner however was a different story. I was surprised when I didn't see the same menu that they have online, mind you this place JUST opened how could you have removed something already...so of course the ONE thing I wanted was the eggplant parm sandwich..yeah no longer exists...thankfully Ryan our server informed me that the Farm Egg Sandwich could be done without the bacon...and yes it was pretty damn good.... We had reservations at 7:15..we didnt get seated til 7:40... The bar area was really crowded with a great mix of what seemed like a happy hour crowd...it is quite loud in this joint..and the seating well its even weirder...we sat at a LONG table where multiple different parties were seated..and i wound up sitting next to my friend instead of across the table which actually worked out since it was so loud you we would have wound up screaming at each other the entire time... The reason I knocked stars off was that our server...seemed really irked that a) we bought drinks at the bar first...sorry but what did u expect us to do while we were waiting and b) had a really small order...and therefore had a really small tab..towards the end he was getting pissier and pissier with us...he got lucky we tipped him the full 20%! And i swear every 5 minutes someone would come by and ask if we were done yet..after the 8th time I felt obliged to say yes im done with my fries sheesh..even though i could have eaten some more... The portion sizes are pretty decent (the sandwich definitely filled me up..and my friend ordered the flat bread and finished it easily and was full...the small plates seemed to be the same price and not exactly super small either... The food was good..it was the service overall that was a bit disappointing..I think I may come back for a drink in the future but thats about it..definitely do not recommend it for a date...way too loud! Unless of course you plan on screaming at your date all night...oh but boys..take note..there are LOTS of beautiful women that hang out here!.
(3)Jon C.
has the feel of a gastropub mixed with an english library. the drinks list was great with a lot of variety. we got the bacon wrapped dates as a starter and it was very well prepared. the dates melted in your mouth while the bacon induced the taste of fatty goodness. the pickled vegetables were also great but the portion was so small that it can be consumed by a small child. i got the toro burger and it was made just to my liking (medium). the house fries were great and the figs to go along with the burger gave it a great sweet taste.
(4)Gregory L.
An Ernest Hemingway inspired throwback gastropub. Decor dressed with antique furniture, old books, fine art pieces and portraits hugging the mahogony trimmed walls. Dining tables, communal for the most part throughout the main level placed to make sure you are always a part of the crowd, unless seated in the more secluded tables in the back. So now combine that image with the River North scene and you have Hubbard Inn. I heard this place was to soon open near my apt, so I decided to follow them on twitter. Hubbard Inn had now been open for a couple weeks, but I just hadn't ventured over there yet. Until last night. All these tantalizing tweets could no longer be ignored. I hopped in and put my name on the list for 4. Then continued to the bar upstairs where Bridget promptly crafted my Sazerac on point with my specifics. For a guy waiting around solo, the only thing to do is start making conversation and not pretend to be interested in the televisions featuring black and white classical film clips or of course tuck away into your iphone promptly awaiting your guests for arrival. Now to the fare of degustation. These dishes are all recommended for sharing. That being said, ordering 4-5 between 2 to 3 people should suffice. Our selections: Seared Scallops over a pumpkin puree coated in a sage hazlenut brown butter. Braised Short Ribs with a parsnip puree, wine jus and little radish salad Fried sweet breads with apple, fennel, walnuts and a vanilla maple syrup Steak Tartare Charcuterie: Coppa, Prosciutto, Chorizo, chicken liver pate a Bleu Goat and firm sheep/cow cheese accoutrements of onion jam, pickled cauliflower and stoneground mustard. Their wisely selected range of craft brews should also be considered with your meal choices. Our pairings- Hop Czar, La Chouffe, Goose Island La Fleur All the dishes were prepared to fulfill my higher expectations. You can forget about their soft buttery delicate and supple scallops, but there is no amount of liquor to make me forget how well the pumpkin and hazelnut complimented each other. It is unusually addicting. The long braising process taken upon the short ribs resulted in effortless fork cutting beefy goodness. After the scallops though, I wanted something else to confuse my taste buds. Up next, the sweet breads. A lot of thought went into the production of these ever so challenging offal morsels. It's very difficult to cook these properly. Chefs often go through a few different processes just to get them ready to be cooked. Deep frying is the usual easier way out. However, these weren't squishy, chewy or dense. Their texture was up to par. I would have liked some sort of acidity brought to this dish. Thank you La Chouffe! The steak tartar was, well steak tartar. It's only as good as the quality of ingredients and the toast it's served with. No complaints here I'm pretty particular when it comes to charcuterie, so here we go. All the noted accouterments were splendid. The acidity of the pickled cauliflower and I believe it was a turnip did their job. It's always great to see some homemade pickling done by the chef. The pate was smooth and creamy. Not to thick, and went well with the cheeses and toast. Wasn't a fan of the chorizo I must say. The smokiness took away from some of the natural porky flavor which should be prevalent in salumi. The Coppa was, eh ok. It could've been fermented just a little longer, just to bring out a little bit more of the Coppa funk. Prosciutto was shaved nicely, and had a great aroma to it. All and all, the GI La Fleur was a stellar choice to enjoy with this plate. Prompt and friendly service with a complimentary first bottle of mineral water is always a warm gesture which will never go ignored. I must say, I do enjoy the crowd and feel of Hubbard Inn. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself here on a regular basis. Welcome to the neighborhood *Advice 1- Eventhough Opentable says there are no available reservations, show up and put your name in. Before you realize it, you'll be seated and continuing your night out. *Advice 2- Make sure the staff knows what you are wearing when you check-in. This way they can note it when they come to grab you to be seated. *Advice 3- The main floor bar can be crowded. Head upstairs and lounge around. The wait for a drink was minimal. Most of the crowds are in conversation and not waiting for a drink.
(4)Berlin G.
I came on a Tuesday night and it was pretty crowded. The interior was nice the hostess was great. But my issue was, we made a reservation for 8 people. We waited over 20 minutes to be seated......wait, we might've waited 30 minutes.....and that's with a reservation. We get seated and waitress is courteous and nice. We order drinks, reasonable priced. Then we see the menu. Kind of expensive.....but okay, that's fine. As long as the quality and quantity is up to par. (I'm a person that feast with my eyes first then with my stomach....anyway) We decided we wanted to share so we ordered the mini plates. Man, were they mini. For our group size that food definitely wasn't enough. I left hungry and we ordered a lot but with 8 hunger people around and odd number of food in the bowl, it didn't work out so well. Now, the food itself (when I was able to taste it) was okay. I tried the dates wrapped in bacon. Good for the first bite but then it just become way to sweet. The Bone Marrow was actually pretty good with you had the bread to put it on. The flatbread was blah. The shrimp with mushrooms was....good, I was only able to eat the mushrooms and they were delicious. hahaha. So the big question: "Would you go back?" I say not of free-will. Sounds harsh but I really wouldn't go back unless my friends were having a birthday party there or they really wanted to get drinks there. But I would never suggest it. I gave it the second star because it wasn't crap but it wasn't "WOW! Hot-Freakin-Damn-That's-Good!". And I expected that, I guess it's my fault.
(2)Allie B.
I very much love Hubbard Inn. Great drinks, friendly staff, BEAUTIMOUS decor/vibe. When I get my drinky drink on, I like to do it in a place where I can relax and feel chic. Hubbard Inn is most def that place. Try it out!
(4)Aly R.
I thought Hubbard Inn was wonderful. The Steak and Eggs dish was something DEFINITELY worth going back for! The grilled prawns and beet salad were great too. We loved the decor and our waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. They have an extensive wine and beer list, and a great variety of interesting menu items. Its great to go with a few friends to share a bunch of different items. I wouldn't waste my money on the deviled eggs, but I would definitely get the bacon wrapped dates again!! The flatbreads looked really good but we didnt try them. Overall for a fun experience with family or friends Hubbard Inn was great place to go!
(5)Jorge H.
This was stop #5 on a long bar/lounge hop night. Good ambiance, drinks were decently priced and the bathroom attendant was pleasant. Other than that, nothing too outstanding.
(3)Rich P.
We went for drinks only. We sat at the upstairs bar, this place has amazing decor and lots of pretty people both staff and patrons. Good music selections being played, but not too loud, we were able to sit at the bar and talk without having to shout to be heard. Bar tender was friendly and whipped us up some "special" cocktails becuase we were unsure of what we had a taste for and they were amazing. We will go back for sure and we are gonna try to get dinner on our next visit to the Hubbard Inn. I will be sure to add a dining review when we do.
(4)Lindsay M.
I had high hopes for this place--the decor and ambiance seemed perfect for a catch-up dinner with a friend when I was in town on business. The server was patient with our indecision and inability to focus solely on ordering (it's always hard to put ordering first when you're catching up with a friend you haven't seen in2 years). We ordered a salad to split--watermelon arugula--and individual entrees--cheese ravioli and hanger steak--and our server complimented us on choosing really great dishes. A lot of time had passed and our salad still hadn't come, but neither of us really thought much about it. After our entrees showed up and our server asked us why we hadn't received our salad yet, the response was underwhelming at best. Ten minutes into enjoying our entrees, a food runner showed up at our table with our salad. But who wants a watermelon salad when they're already digging into the entrees? We thanked him but sent it back. The salad mixup still wasn't enough to turn me sour on the place, though. What did was the next two courses of food. My hanger steak was the toughest, chewiest steak I've ever struggled to enjoy. Once I finally got it into bite-sized pieces, it was hard to chew The flavors were good, however, and the vegetables that came with it complimented each other, and the steak flavor, well. Then we thought about dessert. We figured since we had missed out on the salad that we deserved dessert. The server recommended what she called a blueberry-peach tart--she went on and on about how delicious the blueberry tart was--so we went with that. Turns out she got her fruits mixed up, because when a rhubarb tart landed on our table, we were confused. Even if that was what we had meant to order, the tart itself was so-so. There was too much crust and not enough fruit. It was something I would've been happy with had I made it myself in my own kitchen, but not worth the fanfare and price of a restaurant. I was disappointed that the Hubbard Inn didn't deliver the solid meal I was hoping for. If I lived here, I would be willing to give the food one more try. However, I might just have to stick with drinks from the bar if I find myself there again when I'm back in town.
(2)jess k.
Dj Jesse was great. Cucumber martini was memorable. Perfect for cocktails with the gals, but if you want to talk, go before 10.
(5)Darlene L.
This is a bustling spot for the after work crowd on weekdays. Had a taste for a good burger, and they did not disappoint. Burger was bursting with flavor and cooked just right. Cute serving of fries in a spiral container was also a nice touch, and they were delicious. It is a bit pricey, but so is the River North corridor.
(4)Trevor S.
lets see... with a reservation for a birthday dinner, we still had to wait for 45 minutes for our table. then they 'lost' our table... so we waited 25 more minutes. when we got our table, and ordered cocktails, mine was spilled all over my neighbor as our server was setting it down. great. the whole place is Douche City with lots of Ed Hardy-type guys and gals. the decor is 'faux-library', which is lame. beware of the big jerk outside who barks out: "you gotta a reservation?" as you approach the front door. we DID have one and he still acted like we weren't going to get close to being let in. what an awful experience the whole night became. one good thing: the french fries taste EXACTLY like McDonald's fries. (which really isn't that great of a thing i guess. oh well.)
(2)Noopur L.
I went to Hubbard Inn for the second time Friday night, and I absolutely loved it! It's such a casual scene and it hasn't been tainted by d-bags yet. I decided that with two successful experiences in a row, I had to Yelp it. My friend and I had a reservation for 6 pm, and we were hungry. That didn't last for long because our waitress Emily showed up, we placed our order, and food started arriving in no time. Everything we got was heavenly... We started with the Merguez Sausage Flatbread (almonds, herbs, bleu cheese, sumac, pear chutney). I'm a huge fan of lamb (since I don't eat beef/pork), and this was so tasty! They didn't skimp on the the amount of sausage and paired with the pear chutney, it was awesome. Next were the House Made Ravioli (truffle sheep's milk ricotta, mushroom ragout, bitter greens) and Pan Seared Scallops (pumpkin puree, sage hazelnut, brown butter). If we could lick the dish clean, we would have! I love anything with truffle in it, and I was impressed by the ravioli because the truffle didn't overpower the mushroom ragout. I'm a sucker for scallops and brown butter sage, so I'm convinced they made that dish with me in mind! Finally, we split the Lamb Burger (pinn-oak farm lamb, mint, cucumber, red onion, feta, tzatziki sauce), which came with a side of fries. Thankfully we split this too because I was fairly full at this point. But of course the fat kid in me could not stop eating, because it was just. that. good. I love restaurants that have fun cocktail lists. I ordered two English Daisies (patron reposado, lime juice, english lavender elixir), which I absolutely adored. This is the only drink I'm going to order when I come back. I wanted to try a different concoction and opted for the Don Pedro (patron reposado and berry elixir). It came looking viscous and the color of cherry cough syrup. I took a sip and wanted to hurl. Fortunately Emily came by to check in on us and when I asked her to take it back, she said she knew I wouldn't like it. I loved that she didn't make me feel bad about it! I opted for the Moscow Mule (absolut vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint) instead, and all was good in the world. Service was great, the mood is cool without trying too hard and the restaurant is spacious and warm. I highly recommend it!
(5)Jonathan W.
I came for a friend's 40th birthday party on the second floor and I was impressed. The food was great and the service was great too. The look and concept are a little played out (Edison light bulbs, craft cocktails, fusion-y food). Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)Gabriela R.
Great place for drinks and meeting up with friends. Haven't eaten there but I just love the environment-- bit chic
(4)Brian S.
Love the continued transformation of lower River North scene from crappy old meat&potato fest to a sophisticated and evolving evening scene, and Hubbard Inn feels like one more shining star in our glowing constellation. Asked Chef Bob to just send out whatever was clever and ended up with some outstanding shrimp, scallops, and med vegetables. Small plates, delicious, great service. Upstairs at the bar Willow (sp?) poured 7 different sample beers for me from an awesome selection before I settled on a favorite. Tremendous service even though the bar was crowded and the hoops games were on. This place has an awesome, sexy, feel. Want to be a regular already.
(5)Nichole F.
This is my second time going here. The first time was right around when they first opened. First time there was really great. So I've been recommending it to clients and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be recommending it anymore. The hostesses they have now act like they are far superior to anyone that comes in there. I watched as one of them sat an older group of people (60+ in age) and as she walked away from their table, rolled her eyes and you could tell the hamster wheel in her head was just spinning with judgement. Our server was lack luster. When asked about an ingredient in the entree I received (It wasn't anywhere to be found), he didn't have an answer and didn't bother to find out. Mind you, it was a $13 plate that consisted of 4 small ravioli smothered in cream sauce. Husbands lamb entree had no flavor so he was pretty disappointed in that as well. The Salt Cod Fritters were not good - too doughy and sweet. Unfortunately the place has become too pretentious for me and the food is not anywhere as good as it used to be.
(2)Lauren T.
Hubbard Inn just has the beautiful rustic look from the outside and inside; it's so welcoming. Whether the widows are opened to the street or there is seating outside, you know there is a good time to be had here. I adore the upstairs with the walls of book shelves, exotic paintings and of course, the comfortable lounge. The first few visits here it was purely for after dinner drinks. In the summer, the patio is relaxing and the service outside is spectacular. Even when ordering multiple glasses of delicious cabernet sauvignon, you are not forgotten out there. A few weeks ago a group of friends and I decided to have dinner here. The Saturday night crowd was in full effect making it a little difficult to get a drink at the main bar before our table was ready. We had gotten there about ten minutes early before our reservation but ended up waiting about 15 minutes afterwards before getting sat upstairs. Our table started off with the bacon wrapped dates, an appetizer that I was able to sample at the Taste of River North in the summer. They were fantastic and the red pepper sauce really makes the flavor pop. I highly suggest giving these a try. For dinner I had the lamb burger which was out of this world. It was perfectly cooked, a healthy size and had the best little hint of mint. The vegetables were very refreshing and added a great crunch to the overall burger. As an after dinner drink, I opted for the Two Brothers house cocktail which was very good. It came in an old-timey shallow cocktail glass which was adorable but also did not hold as much alcohol as one would wish. Our waitress was sweet and tried her best to duck through the many people standing in walkways but it did take a long time for her to take our order, bring additional drinks and to bring the check. Yet upon signing the check, she was back within 2 minutes. We greatly enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back but maybe on a weekday night.
(4)Jake D.
Went for Drinks. Girls everywhere. Awesome drinks. Interior of an antique inn suits perfectly. Great cocktails. Michael Jackson played at least 3times while I was there. Can you say go there tonight!
(4)Sonia A.
I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we had a great time. We ordered food to go along with our drinks, then let everyone at the table sample each others drinks and dishes. We were all pretty happy with everything that was ordered. The bacon-wrapped-dates and the braised rabbit were my absolute favorites! I'm going back for some more of that rabbit as soon as I possibly can. It's very tender and savory, and the little veggies that came with it were also cooked to perfection. I also really liked the bloody mary my friend ordered (nice and tomatoey, very refreshing), though my own red sangria was also quite nice. I also tried the steak tartare here, but since it was my first taste of steak tartare ever, I don't think I can give a truly informed opinion on it. I liked it though. The atmosphere here is nice and relaxed, despite the loud music. We shouted in each other's ears for a while before giving up and just eating. I was too full and happily buzzed to care about making conversation anyway, so I just saved that for the walk home. In the meantime, I enjoyed the dim lighting and finished off my friend's English Daisy or whatever it was called. Yum yum.
(5)Emily H.
Okay, this place just opened which is what is keeping me from a 1-star review. A key to a successful bar: getting customers their drinks quickly. The upstairs bar was severely understaffed. After waiting at the bar for 15 minutes to get a bartender's attention, I was kept waiting an additional 15 minutes to receive the two drinks I ordered. Getting the bill for said drinks was quite the ordeal as well - a waiter promised to get it from the bar, passed by several times over 20 minutes without bringing it to us. The bartender himself, clearly unsure how to keep tabs at the bar, physically brought the card to the table to verify that it was, in fact, my credit card. I confirmed it was and that we wanted to close out. 30 minutes later I went to the bar, still having not received the bill, and the same bartender smiled and said "sorry, I got busy." The others in my party ordered from a waiter at the table, waiting 20-30 minutes for each round. There were countless men walking around the bar clearing empty glasses but is that really important unless I have a full glass to replace it? A little less clearing, a little more serving. As a plus, the decor was nice and the music was low enough (until about 10 or 11) to hear one another talk, which is rare in River North. That said, I sincerely hope they get their staff on track, otherwise there's no chance I will visit this place more than twice.
(2)Anne C.
Went here for a work lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and tasty and for a new trendier place I was surprised by how large the portions were and how reasonable the prices were. We all had sandwiches or salads and everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. The service was great and the server went out of his way to accommodate some of my coworkers with food allergies. I'm looking forward to coming back for dinner and checking out the bar scene!
(4)Suzanne B.
Everything was great. The service, the food, drinks, atmosphere... Can't wait to go back
(5)Sarah D.
Food was OK but had terrible service. Had to ask the busboy for salt & pepper and spoons because our waiter was nowhere to be seen. It was Sunday brunch but they weren't busy enough to have to wait for sweetener for my coffee for 30 minutes.
(2)Liza F.
We had a reservation and waited over 20 minutes to be seated. It then took an additional 10-15 minutes for our waiter to even approach the table. Food was good, however we did not receive all of the items we ordered. Very unimpressed with the service from the beginning. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone based on our experience.
(1)Venice Beach Dad K.
The service is good, but too dependent on your waitress (I've been here a couple of times) Good DJ The food is so-so. Don't come here for the menu. ...it's just good enough [if you're a foodie] but nothing that you should recommend to your friends/co-workers from out of town. I had the oddest mussels tonight. They put some weird, cheese wiz-like stuff on the bread, and there was ground meat heavily sprinkled throughout the pot. WTH?! Creative? Yes. Did it make my taste buds grin? Nope Probably fine for drinks...
(2)Jen K.
The only time I've gone to Hubbard Inn, it's been Sunday for brunch. The place is always empty but somehow service is always so slow. Aside from that, drinks are plentiful and food is usually good. The pricing is reasonable and they can always accommodate large groups. I want to go at another time of the day to see what it's like
(3)Monica B.
I haven't eaten here since it first opened, and I remember the food being good. I frequent this place on the weekends when I'm out and about on Hubbard. Crowd is mixed 20s and 30s, music is fun and atmosphere is great. Dim lighting and dark woods. There's often a line out the door after 11, but it moves pretty fast.
(4)Melinda W.
Wow. So, let me preface this with, I absolutely have enjoyed this place before at nighttime. Great cocktails, awesome ambience. But maybe I should have left it that way. Went for brunch this past weekend and it was a colossal disaster. Minus the hostess, she was very sweet. First of all, we had purchased the Groupon for brunch for 4 and made a reservation as required by the Groupon. Let me just say, if I hadn't had a GREAT deal with that Groupon I would have been furious I had to pay for my food. Let me try to sum up the series of occurrences that have led me to this review... -Sat at our table for at least 20 minutes before a server ever came by. Had to ask the hostess if we even had a server. -Took our drink orders, drinks took another 25 minutes to actually show up. And, when the drinks were delivered, the order was wrong and the server acted like he didn't believe us. Big difference between a bloody mary and a mimosa. -Had to ask a different waitress for water. Was never even offered by our server. Never got refills...which wouldn't have been a big deal if it hadn't taken an hour for our drink orders to show up. -Asked a bus boy for ketchup because our server didn't come by until at least 30 minutes after our food was served. Busboy brought salt and pepper, no ketchup. -The missing drink showed up towards the end of the meal. It was a mimosa, oj + champagne, so I can't even give allowances for it to be a difficult drink to make. -Server showed up with bill without us asking for it. (Fine by me!) Think at that point he wanted us to be there less than we did. He had to have known he completely ignored us. We still left a 20% tip on account of having the groupon, i'd never stiff someone that much. Food wasn't anything to write home about, especially paired with the bad experience.
(2)Jessica R.
Had reservations for a party of 6 last night and the appetizers were good but service was slow and rushed. They forgot to bring my dinner along with the rest of the group, explaining they were out of what I had ordered. I said to just forget my meal, I'll just piece off the other plates as everyone else had already begun eating. The server brought an alternate flatbread over for me after the other plates had already been cleared. I was unable to eat more than 2 bites before my party had to leave. The worst part is the server did not take my flatbread off the bill, charged us for 2 drinks we never got and was clearly over extended because he barely even apologized that I didn't get to eat.
(2)Merril I.
My friends and I decided to check this place out just for one drink before meeting others elsewhere. We were given the option to stand at the bar (it was busy with the after-work crowd) or have a booth for an hour. We chose the booth. The decor and atmosphere at this place is awesome. Definitely upscale and trendy but also didn't seem too pretentious either -aka I didn't feel out of place haha For our drinks, I tried the naughty toddy, my friends tried the Prosecco and the Moscow Mule. All were delicious. For myself, the Naughty Toddy was made really well (strong but not overpowering) and not too hot -made me feel cozy :) The server was very attentive and we were in and out within the hour. Definitely will be back again, will have to try the later hours!
(4)Ermelinda C.
Great place. We went here for brunch this past weekend and it was a very enjoyable experience. The drinks, the food, the service were wonderful from start to end. They even allow dogs outside so, our dear dog was treated to a nice bowl of water and a fun atmosphere :-)
(4)April C.
Nice Restaurant, very clean. service okay. Loved the outdoor eatery! I felt like April in Paris!! I suggest Hubbard Inn for a relaxing lunch or dinner! Chic ! Cinco De Mayo Cantina Crawl!!
(3)