Open since mid-June, River North restaurant Hub 51 has attracted recent buzz due to its owners' pedigree: brothers Jerrod and R.J. Melman, who operate the restaurant and lounge (and who we told you about here), are the sons of Lettuce Entertain You founder Rich Melman. (The well-known restaurant empire is the company behind local haunts like R.J. Grunts and Scoozi.)
Although they sought dad's advice in their new venture, the brothers were committed to making Hub 51 their own, starting with a menu that reflects what they like to eat. From sushi to soft taco platters and homemade ice cream bars, the restaurant's food selection reflects a diverse range.Named after its River North address at 51 W. Hubbard St., the 10,000-square-foot venue spans two levels. The ground-level floor, which can seat as many as 200 guests, gives off an industrial vibe with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, and garage doors that open out onto the street. Quirky touches (that, presumably, reflect the brothers' fun-loving personalities) include a multi-tap draft at the hostess stand, a chandelier made of green beer bottles, and a suspended DJ booth behind the main bar, where DJs like Matt Roan spin Thursday through Saturday nights.
The entire restaurant can seat roughly 300 guests; planners can also opt to rent out a couple of smaller spaces. Perched off the main dining area, the elevated Green Room is outfitted with its own bar and provides semiprivate dining space for 22 seated guests or 40 for cocktails. The fully wired and bar-equipped downstairs lounge, called Sub 51, can host a cocktail reception for 99 guests, seat 75 at cocktail rounds, or fit 48 in a classroom-style setting.
Although they sought dad's advice in their new venture, the brothers were committed to making Hub 51 their own, starting with a menu that reflects what they like to eat. From sushi to soft taco platters and homemade ice cream bars, the restaurant's food selection reflects a diverse range.Named after its River North address at 51 W. Hubbard St., the 10,000-square-foot venue spans two levels. The ground-level floor, which can seat as many as 200 guests, gives off an industrial vibe with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, and garage doors that open out onto the street. Quirky touches (that, presumably, reflect the brothers' fun-loving personalities) include a multi-tap draft at the hostess stand, a chandelier made of green beer bottles, and a suspended DJ booth behind the main bar, where DJs like Matt Roan spin Thursday through Saturday nights.
The entire restaurant can seat roughly 300 guests; planners can also opt to rent out a couple of smaller spaces. Perched off the main dining area, the elevated Green Room is outfitted with its own bar and provides semiprivate dining space for 22 seated guests or 40 for cocktails. The fully wired and bar-equipped downstairs lounge, called Sub 51, can host a cocktail reception for 99 guests, seat 75 at cocktail rounds, or fit 48 in a classroom-style setting.
Hub 51's main bar
Photo: Andrew Fearman
Hub 51's industrial look is acheived with white brick walls and soaring exposed ceilings.
Photo: Andrew Fearman
The front of the space features a 20-foot bar and a suspended DJ booth mounted to the wall above the elevator.
Photo: Andrew Fearman
The 10,000-square-foot restaurant is available for full buyouts and can seat as many as 300 guests.
Photo: Andrew Fearman
The diverse menu, which includes everything from sushi to soft tacos, features the grapefruit-topped Sonoma Salad.
Photo: Courtesy of Hub 51
