I don’t venture along Hubbard Street very often but when I do, Hubbard Inn is one of the only options I actually like.  The main attraction for me is the craft cocktails and their upstairs seating (but we’ll get to that)..

until….

I saw on their chalk menu board downstairs that they have bacon wrapped dates.  I knew at that point that I’d have to make a trip back and try out the food.

Moody:
As I mentioned previously, one of my favorite places to grab a cocktail and catch up with some friends is at Hubbard Inn.  The upstairs has a library-esque theme.  You wouldn’t be shocked to see Hemingway or Fitzgerald chatting away in a corner with a beverage in hand.  The space is warm and I appreciate the black and white silent movies from an era now gone playing on the screens behind the bar.

The theme permeates into the main dining room but just isn’t the same as being upstairs.  Overall, I love it and ninja star awarded.

Boo factor:
This wouldn’t be my first pick to take my boo to dinner, but definitely for a cocktail.  I’ll give it a star.
!
!

Service:
The service was good.  The waiter did his job, nothing outstanding.  Ninja star awarded.

11
!
!
Drink Deliciousness:
My one month of sobriety lives on and I did not get to indulge THIS time.  However, I’ve been to Hubbard Inn numerous times and all of them to drink.  Their cocktails are carefully constructed and delicious.  Ninja star awarded.

Pretty yummy:
All the dishes looked appetizing.  Some of my companions’ dishes were even on the verge of being too fussy but I’ll give them the star.

1
Smell meter:
No stand outs.  No star.
!
!

Harmony:
My first love may just be bacon wrapped dates!  No one can pry me from my chair until I have had the chance to finally try them.

These are Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates with Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Sauce.  The presentation didn’t impress but I knew what awaited me.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

The dates were tasty and the goat cheese added a velvety consistency to the soft date.  Then add a bit of crunch and saltiness from the bacon…yum!  Unfortunately, the red pepper sauce was all the way at the bottom of the bowl and I didn’t try it until the end.  I honestly didn’t care for it much and preferred the dates without it.

As for my entrée, I picked a Salmon Dish with Herb Risotto.

Salmon and Risotto Entree

My salmon was slightly undercooked and while my risotto was cooked perfectly, the herb flavor was overwhelming.  The combination of the overwhelming herbs and undercooked fish left me with a stomach ache.  No star and I’ll stick to bar snacks next time!

Overall  yummy in my tummy:
Stomach ache results in no star!

1
!

Banoffee factor:
I didn’t make it to dessert, no star awarded.

1
!
Hubbard Inn is a fun space to check out and it is unfortunate that my experience wasn’t great.  However,  my coworkers all seemed to enjoy their meals.  Who knows, maybe I’ll give Hubbard Inn another try.

The restaurant weighs in at a 5/9 ninja stars.  Not bad, but not great.

Till next time, peace out food ninjas!

Chicago Vacations