Gus' Sip & Dip
Bar · Near North Side ·
Classic cocktails all $12, housemade ingredients, chilled glassware
Classic cocktails all $12, housemade ingredients, chilled glassware
"In the heart of River North, Gus’ Sip & Dip stands out as a refreshing, affordable option backed by hospitality powerhouse Lettuce Entertain You. Every cocktail on the 30-drink menu is $12, with a weekday happy hour rotating special at $6 — a rare find in a neighborhood noted for premium pricing. The space evokes the spirit of a midcentury tavern, featuring leather booths, oak-paneled walls, a wraparound wood bar, and service by bartenders in white jackets. Beverage director Kevin Beary, who also oversees Three Dots and a Dash , assembled a menu packed with refreshed interpretations of classic cocktails organized by spirit, from an easy-drinking Hemingway daiquiri served over a Matterhorn of shaved ice to stiffer sips like the Sazerac and Wisconsin Old Fashioned. It’s paired with (what else?) dips, including a crab Rangoon version that blends cream cheese with chunks of blue crab that diners readily scoop up with wonton crisps. Don’t miss the French dip, practically buckling with sliced beef. Given its first come, first served approach, it’s easy to understand why this unexpected hot spot always draws a crowd." - Jeffy Mai
"Start the evening next door for drinks before dinner at this Lettuce Entertain You spot, where a wide selection of classic cocktails are all priced at $12." - Jeffy Mai
"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
"Head to Gus’ Sip & Dip when you’re nostalgic for a $12 Harvey Wallbanger—this River North bar and restaurant has that and 29 great craft cocktails at the same price. The spot is walk-in only, but the center bar is huge and perfect for a drop-in where you can either don’t talk to anyone or end up meeting some out-of-towners. The drinks are the main reason to come here, but their dippable wagyu beef sandwich is also good, silent company." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"It’s hard to find a good cold gin martini for $12 in River North, but Gus’ Sip & Dip has one. In fact, all 30 of their cocktails are strictly $12, including throwback recipes like a smooth, Manhattan-y Adonis. The food menu is more expensive, with options like a $25 wagyu sandwich that functions better as a break from lots of drink exploration than a main event. Gus’ Sip & Dip has a big scene of first dates and post-work hangs in their various leather booths. But it's walk-in only, so show up early if you want to be a part of the scene." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
