[Photo: Barr Brecheisen]
After much anticipation and rumors around when it would finally open, Bub City, the Melmans' nod to the decade old former Lettuce Entertain You restaurant with the same name, is now open. Chef and partner Doug Psaltis (RPM) has created a menu focused on authentic barbeque with everything from slow-smoked bone-in short ribs to a whole pork picnic featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder and a bevvy of sides that can be eaten at any of the walnut tables, high tops or oversized booths. There is also a fresh shellfish bar with blue crab claws, naked cowboy oysters and a mess o' shrimp with a few bar stools to sit right up against the ice filled seafood display window. Starters include "giddy up fries," and Texas hot links with pimento and fried pickles.
Paul McGee's bar has a focus on whiskey with over 125 selection, with a few barrels that he picked up along the bourbon trail this summer, in addition to a number of signature cocktails. The bar itself is a salute to America, in a dive bar sort of way, with a large beer can sculpture of the American flag.
While much of the focus will be on food and drink, there will also be a live music component, as the Melmans' have paired with Joe's on Weed owners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto to bring in the best upcoming country music talent. They also hope Bub City will be a destination for more well known country acts when they come into town. In the center of the restaurant sits a 16 foot stage surrounded by a number of high top tables, making the entertainment front and center.
The restaurant will be open Monday to Friday and Sunday from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 3a.m. As for lunch service and Paul McGee's tiki bar, Three Dots and a Dash, you'll have to wait until 2013.