Chicago’s New Cocktail Go-To: Gus’ Sip & Dip
Enjoy 30 classic cocktails, delicious dipped sandwiches and more
Gus’ Sip & Dip is now open at 51 W. Hubbard Street, serving 30—that’s right, 30!—brilliantly reimagined classic cocktails for $12 each, plus tax. An homage to Gus’ Good Food, the eatery that stood in the same spot from 1906- 1966, Gus’ Sip & Dip Partner and Beverage Director Kevin Beary and Bar Manager Scott Kitsmiller have put thoughtful, modern spins on iconic sips to ensure that every cocktail served is the best possible version of itself. Gus’ timeless, tavern-style barroom welcomes guests seven days a week (walk-in only) to enjoy these delicious drinks paired with addictive, elevated bar food including dipped sandwiches, burgers and more from RPM Restaurants Chef Partner Bob Broskey. Dip in to check it out!
Sips
It’s no easy feat to create a menu of 30 $12 cocktails, but the team at Gus’ have done it. Beary and his team did exhaustive research to identify one ideal brand of spirit in each category—for example, Ketel One is used as the base spirit in all of Gus’ vodka drinks—with the menu grouped accordingly by base spirit. Here’s a peek at some of the reimagined classics that are about to make every hour a happy hour. (On that note, pop into Gus’ every Monday – Friday from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM to enjoy the Happy Hour Drink of the Day for $6, plus tax!)
Dirty Martini
Given how easy Gus’ distinctive Dirty Martini is to serve (and drink), you’d never know that it involves a heavy lift behind the scenes. Gus’ version of the most classic of all cocktails isolates and amplifies the main flavor component—the brine. A spin in Gus’ in-house centrifuge turns a house-made Gordal olive mixture into a crystal clear, perfectly salty, clarified olive brine. From there, it’s blended with vodka and Spanish dry vermouth before going into the freezer door. Sliver-thin ice chips from Gus’ Japanese ice shaver ensure this updated classic comes out ice cold every time, with an olive hand-stuffed with blue cheese as the finishing touch.
White Russian
Gus’ bold update on the White Russian features cold brew espresso steeped for 24 hours, then combined with Ketel One vodka, Borghetti coffee liqueur, housemade Tahitian vanilla syrup, and a swirl of the heaviest cream, hand-whipped behind the bar. (The Dude would most certainly abide.)
Breakfast Martini
Gin lovers will be delighted to find six gin-based cocktails on the Gus’ Sip & Dip menu, including a true throwback, the Breakfast Martini. This fresh take on the British-style sip features locally sourced Rare Tea Cellars Earl Grey tea-infused gin combined with orange liqueur and housemade orange marmalade syrup, which delivers a bold, full-bodied orange profile. Garnished with a honey-buttered gluten-free toast point, it’s a playful yet refined nod to the drink’s origins. (IYKYK: The Breakfast Martini is one of various Gus’ cocktails that can be made zero-proof!)
Check out more favorite martinis across Lettuce.
Martini & Tonic
Meet the Martini & Tonic! Served in a Collins glass topped with Fever Tree Tonic and garnished with an olive and a lime, an old standard gets a flavorful update that will be your new go-to. The secret sauce? The housemade mix that Beary created for Gus’ Gin Martini is inspired by his favorite from London’s Connaught Bar. While Gus’ uses just one exclusive brand of spirit per category across the board, they made an exception for Tanqueray 10, which stars in the Gin Martini alongside a special three-vermouth blend. It was such a favorite that they decided to punch up Gus’ signature G&T using the gin martini mix as the base spirit.
Dips
Taking the “good food” part of Gus’ namesake seriously, RPM Restaurants Chef Partner Bob Broskey brought his expertise to the menu of timeless tavern-style classics, which includes snacks like Roasted Bar Nuts, starters such as Ice Cold Shrimp Cocktail and Rangoon Dip, dipped sandwiches and other signatures including Wagyu Steak Frites, Grilled Salmon Béarnaise and Egg Souffle Sandwich. Pro tip: Most food items can be made gluten-free.
The ORIGINAL Wagyu Beef Dip
Dipped sandwiches are a menu mainstay at Gus’, and this one is a showstopper. Westholme Wagyu top round is roasted to rare and sliced thin to order, then piled high atop toasted bread with mayonnaise. Served with a side of beef au jus and whipped horseradish cream, there is melt-in-your-mouth flavor and comfort in every bite. Don’t miss the Roasted Chicken and Smoked Ham, too!
Check out more comfort food classics at Lettuce.
Proper Burger
Feast your eyes on this hand-ground prime beef patty, griddled to your specifications, then topped with Tillamook cheddar cheese, raw white onions, sliced dill pickles and mayonnaise. Served on a pumpernickel brioche bun, enjoy this pub classic with a side of handcut Kennebec fries and a frosty mug of Gus’ light or dark beer.
Gus’ Proper Burger is set to join the list of the best burgers at Lettuce.
Dip in Tonight
Join us at Gus’ Sip & Dip for fine mixed drinks, frosty beers, red and white burgundy, and simply made, good food, just like the original Gus used to make.
Be sure to follow Gus’ on Instagram for details on all happenings at your new favorite cocktail spot!
