Revamped and Refreshed: The New and Improved Hubbard Inn

After months of major renovations to bring a new concept to River North, Hubbard Inn (110 W. Hubbard St.) reopened in late October. While still incorporating elements from the original Hubbard Inn, guests can enjoy a new dinner menu Monday through Saturday, that features shareable American fare with a worldly twist and a focus on classic and seasonal craft cocktails.  

From both coasts, Hubbard Inn carefully selects top-quality oysters available by the half or full dozen. Spicy accoutrements include giardiniera mignonette, horseradish and hot sauce with a few lemon wedges scattered around to squeeze. Additionally, guests can indulge in other sea-centric shareables like the tempura-battered Lobster Skewers or the Octopus Tostada.  

Keep with that New Year’s “diet” with either a Kale, Spinach or Napa Caesar salad. Or start your diet next month and go all in for the larger portions of Bolognese, Lamb or Lobster Claw, just to name a few. Smaller plates include savory dishes like the Ravioli made from semolina dough and filled with braised beef short rib and house ricotta.  

Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering Bacon Dates, a perfectly-wrapped present of prosciutto, date paper and goat cheese mousse.  

The new food menu shows its love for triple cream brie in both the Pear and Brie finger sandwiches and the Burger Sliders. On the lighter side, soft ginger-poached pears share space with the creamy cheese on small rectangles of buttery brioche.  

Additionally, a melty piece of brie heaven is only made better by the truffle aioli and fig jam atop the Fulton Market Proprietary Blend sliders. On the side, munch on some crispy Brussels Sprouts dipped in an apple mostarda; or cheat a little with the Frites that taste best with the accompanying ruski sauce, beurre picant and bearnaise.  

End things on a sweet note with either the Chocolate Porter Brownie made with valrhona chocolate in a vanilla porter reduction served with a bourbon caramel and vanilla bean ice cream; or try the Carrot Cake, a ginger-cardamom cake frosted with maple cream cheese.  

Imbibe in seasonally-inspired cocktails like Shot in the Dark made with Old Forester Bourbon, Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao, chicory, Blackstrap Bitters, toasted fenugreek and mint; and the Battle Wand consisting of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cappelletti Aperitivo, creme de cassis, cucumber, lemon, and Casamara Club Sera.  

Hubbard Inn is open Monday and Tuesday 4pm to 12am; Wednesday through Friday 4pm to 2am; and Saturday 4pm to 3am. The popular drinking establishment is closed on Sundays.