Gus' Sip & Dip

River North mainstay Hub 51 closed in 2024 after 16 years, but Lettuce Entertain You quickly remodeled the space and launched its successor. In a neighborhood rife with overpriced drinks, Gus’ Sip & Dip is a breath of fresh air. The menu boasts 30 cocktails—made with a variety of spirits—and each is priced at $12. Your favorites are all here, from refreshing options such as the Hawaii-style Mai Tai and classic Margarita to the booze-forward Sazerac. Gus’ also has a shaved ice machine, which comes into play in cocktails like the Grasshopper and Hemingway Daiquiri. The food isn’t an afterthought, either. The kitchen turns out a solid selection of shareables (including dips, of course), salads, sandwiches and more. Our recommendation: Start with the crab rangoon dip before splitting the wagyu beef dip—served with whipped horseradish and jus for dunking the sandwich in. The bar only accepts walk-ins so expect a wait during prime hours; we prefer dropping by between 4-5pm on a weekday for happy hour, when one rotating cocktail is priced at just $6.