Gus' Sip & Dip

Gus’ Sip and Dip Offers Affordable Cocktails and an Outstanding French Dip | Eater Chicago

"In touristy River North, this walk-in-only spot bucks the neighborhood’s prices with $12 cocktails and a food menu that truly impresses, making it an approachable choice for happy hour or a casual dinner with friends. For starters, the shrimp cocktail arrives on a bed of ice; I dip the plump crustaceans into the cocktail sauce for a spicy, tangy kick that complements their natural sweetness, with crisp crudités and Louis dressing providing refreshing contrast. A deconstructed take on a Chinese American favorite, the crab Rangoon dip—cream cheese with chunks of blue crab—comes with wonton crisps and sweet chile sauce and is a must-try. The wagyu French dip is easily the best sandwich I’ve had this year: tender slices of beef tucked between thin, crusty bread; add a smear of whipped horseradish and dunk it in the jus for an outstanding bite. Every cocktail costs $12, with 30 options organized by spirit and based on classic recipes; highlights include the Hemingway daiquiri, a tart, easy-drinking sipper poured dramatically over shaved ice, and the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a nostalgic supper club nod made with brandy and a splash of 7 Up. Insider tip: there’s a rotating $6 cocktail during weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., which is also the best time to visit since it fills up quickly after doors open." - Jeffy Mai