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Hub's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean American (Traditional), Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
5540 N Lincoln AveChicago, IL 60625
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
(773) 784-4228
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
101 reviews for Hub's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Erich B.
Chicago, IL
This is the place that inspired the SNL sketch "You lika da juice". The food is tasty and I have never ordered anything that wasn't a total home run. The Gyro's are loaded with meat and are delicious. The staff is friendly and the facility is always very clean.
Great food and SNL murals all over the place, how could you lose? -
Review from Brian C.
It's guys pick'em date night, and where are we going? Hub's. That's right, tonight is when we get to smother our lamb meat desires. Last time we went to lady's choice, and now we indulge on the simpler, cheaper pleasures. More specifically, tonight we have gyros and fries at a place that doesn't involve tipping.
Now wasn't that delicious? Unfortunately there's a dark side of the meal. It's a gyro hangover: a gyrover. Then again, remember Hub's because in a time of need, the fries and greasy food are no doubt an antidote to the other, meaner type of hangover.
Hub's has a coterie of lonely senior citizens carrying reading materials, police officers who should probably be on patrol, and local couples making it through glorious guy's-pick'em meal night. The interior is decorated with art that memorializes the restaurant's moment in the spotlight on Saturday Night Live like it's Greek mythology. -
Review from Paul S.
One night while I was waiting to join some friends at Lincoln Karaoke (see my profile for a full review of that business) just down the street, I wandered in to Hubs to nab a bite to eat. There were a lot of couples eating out on the street tables, so if the locals approve, why not give it a shot?
The inside of the place looks like a fast food joint, but with large selection on the menu. Think Portillo's, but not quite that deep. I ordered up a chili dog with fries and sat down for two minutes while they fulfilled my order.
Once your number is called, you go to the counter and pick up your greasy treats. The chili dog and fries were piping hot and tasty. The fries were freshly made and not mushy too. Not back for only a few bucks. Toss your trash, deposit your tray and head over to Lincoln Karaoke and join me to sing the rest of the night away! -
Review from Jack M.
Chicago, IL
I have been going to this place for easily 20 years. I have never been disappointed with the gyros. The American burger will definitely fill you up. Another favorite of mine is the Greek chicken dinner. You really can't go wrong with this place. Just go in at lunch time and you will see how much other people love this place. It is always jam packed with people during lunch. There is also a good crowd at pretty much any time of day. that is enough proof for me.
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Review from Stanley L.
Chicago, IL
I love the ribs at hubs, they're the type that fall off the bone and it comes with fries and a garlic bread, the sirloin steak is cheap but always tender and comes with a baked potato and soup or salad. I personally don't like the corn much and the hummus only comes with 1 pita bread but alot of hummus, so you would need to order a couple more pitas just to finish the hummus with. Don't bring a date here as it's more like a fast food joint then a good sit down restaurant, but for the price you pay, it's definitly one of my favorite go to place when I crave for some gyros/ribs/steak. They don't deliver, so if you want this food at home you will need to pick it up.
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Review from Marlon V.
Chicago, IL
Been coming here for yrs. Food has always been good. The renovation was much need & looks a lot better.
Gyros plate w/ an extra Pita, cuz they give enough meat for 2 gyros. -
Review from Mike J.
Skokie, IL
great food... i stop in for a gyros or burger as often as i can. Reasonable prices and as things have changed, Hub's has stayed the same.
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Review from John F.
Chicago, IL
I Don't Like-a the Juice!
Or the cold gyro meat.
Or the cold pita.
Or the rock-hard tomatoes.
Or the skimpy portion.
Or the "I don't know what I can do for you" from the counterperson when I told her about it. -
Review from Lesley A.
If Hub's qualifies as a diner, it is the nicest, cleanest diner I have ever been to. However, I think it's technically a family-run family restaurant.
I came here with my mom because 1) she was craving a gyro and 2) I really wanted a burger. In sum, we were nonplussed. My burger didn't blow my mind because I wanted something greasy, which means that if you don't want something greasy, come here. The gyro meat though seemed a bit tough.
I would suggest coming here if you are with a group or family of picky eaters, because the menu offering is huge. There are Italian, American and Mediterranean fare (i.e. baba ghanoush). Hub's also offers a variety of desserts.
There's an outdoor patio and free, private parking lot.
I won't be back but this place truly is, A-OK if you're aiming to be fed at a reasonable price. I've just had better, that's all. -
Review from John P.
Chicago, IL
This place i have been going to for many years. Good, fresh food and it is close to my house. There is another thing i judge the restaurants by, before i eat i go to the bathroom. Hubs is really clean. Recommended.
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Review from Pam D.
At Hub's you are a number attached to an order. We've eaten here many many times and there is never any recognition from the ladies behind the counter, let alone a greeting or a smile.
As far as the food goes, in general it is pretty good, but it can be hit or miss. Mom used to love their Greek chicken, but then it began to change and ranged from delicious to dreadful. We stopped going to Hub's about a year ago, but decided to give it a try again. The rib tips were very good, the Greek chicken was fair (lacked salt and other seasonings). The service is still indifferent. We won't be rushing back any time soon. It is ok, but not ok enough. -
Review from Jelena Z.
Did you know Hub's is actually spelled g-y-r-o-s? Well, now you know.
Last night I was working and drinking a cappuccino at a nearby cafe when insistent hunger pangs began to strike. Hmm, I had the option of paying $8 for a plate of fries or wandering over to Hubs down the street. Now, I've passed by Hubs many times and wondered... is it fast food? Chain diner food a la Denny's? Time to find out, eh?
So, turns out that Hubs has one of those schizophrenic extensive menus (think hot dogs, Italian beef, salads, burgers, sandwiches and those aforementioned gyros), and you place your order at the counter. They give you a numbered ticket and you grab a booth and chill until they call out your number. Nope, no need to tip.
And, it turns out that the chicken kebab sandwich is a winner. The pita bread is nicely greased up and then grilled with crispy edges and doughy insides. The chicken was juicy with grill marks and basic seasoning. Tzatziki? But of course! Even the onions were remarkable. You may wait 10 minutes for a chicken sammie, but everything is fresh and made to order.
The best part? It's inexpensive - two people can eat here for about $10! The counter ladies are Bosnian and super sweet, too. -
Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
After going here all the time as kid, I stopped in again recently for a gyros sammich and some fries. It's the same as it always was, even down to the surly Greek broads taking orders.
Their skirt steak sandwiches are awesome (served on garlic bread!), the gyros is decent, nice thick fries, and this sounds weird, but the pickles are DELICIOUS. Everything else is just ok to me, nothing you can't get anywhere. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
I have had some decent things here and some not-so decent. The grilled chicken sandwich and the pizza puff - great! The "meatball" sub (this is in quotes because nothing on the sandwich I got resembled a meatball in any way. More like a less liquidy sloppy joe) was heavy and oversalted. The salads are also sort of boring and pointless.
The interior is pretty great for a restaurant of this caliber, except for the stupid murals of some SNL skit that I had never heard of that are huge and obnoxious.
Service is OK, you will either get a bland expression of "yeah, whaddya want" or a bland expression of "yes, what can I get you". That's about the best you can hope for. -
Review from Shari X.
Evanston, IL
My boyfriend and I got the Lamb Gyro Plate, and it literally fed us for two meals.
The pita bread was very fresh and warm. The cucumber gyro sauce was refreshing. The lamb was on the colder side, however. Didn't feel freshly carved. We could have used more tomatoes.
The service was prompt. The nice touch of ice water, even though we didn't request it, was nice and different from other places. -
Review from Alex C.
Chicago, IL
Good, solid option if you are cruising down Lincoln. Ordered a Tasty Mushroom burger, bun was not all that, washed it down with a chocolate shake that was good. The quality is a bit better than it's nearby competitors. Will go back for more. 3.5 stars
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Review from Meng L.
Chicago, IL
Where do I start, I have been going here since 98, it was the neighborhood restaurant, the place to go. Even though the price is pretty high, the quality of the meal has not changed. Very good food, I have had almost everything. If you want a hearty meal go to Hubs. My favorite food there are the Ribs or the American Burger Meal is good and for a fair price.
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Review from Ryne D.
I've only had the gyros here, but they are definitely stand-out. They're piled high with gyro meat that's cooked just right that it's kind of crisp and juicy all at once. It reaches the point where you might as well just slide the gyro off the pita and eat it separately since there's so much you'll have trouble keeping it all intact.
Also props for being open late - a great destination to hit up before, during, or after Lincoln Karaoke next door.
My big gripe: they are slooooooooow. I couldn't tell why but last time I waited 15 minutes or so for a simple gyro sandwich...sure, they were moderately busy, but they had a full staff. I swear, when I ordered, the cooks in the back kind of stood around doing nothing for 5 minutes until they had enough tickets queued up that they felt they should move. Not so cool when I'm feeling sick from not having eaten that night yet. -
Review from John A.
Chicago, IL
I've eaten at Hub's on Lincoln more times than I care to admit and each experience has been the same. The food is good, the counter service competent, and the prices fair. It's a fast food restaurant with over-the-counter service and when I go there I'm not expecting a Michelin Guide dining experience. It is what it is and I'm more than satisfied with it.
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Review from Joe A.
Chicago, IL
I have been here a million times since I was a young kid. A lot of Assyrian families frequented this place in the past. They are certainly known for their Gyro which I am sad to say has dipped in quality past several years. Chicken kabob is a good alternative.
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Review from Nikki V.
Chicago, IL
This review is way over due. I started eating here when I was a little kid and my dad would bring us Hub's for dinner! This place is awesome!! I've really only tried their ribs and fries but they're just so delicious, I'm nervous to try anything else lol.
Eating there, their customer service is great. It's nothing fancy, they just call your number and pick up your food. I love this place, it's not expensive at all and I don't think it'll ever change. :) -
Review from Barry J.
Chicago, IL
A major star in the constellation of north side Greek grills.
Nary a dud* on the whole menu. Gyros or chicken kabobs highly recommended. The fries are better than the rice.
Their tzatziki sauce uses that thick Greek yogurt base. Props.
Portions are generous. You get two skewers on the chicken kabob plate ($8) so you could stretch it to two meals. You pathetic lightweight.
Call ahead for fastest takeout satisfaction, or just enjoy the good people watching. Some of the clientele will speak to you. For most entertaining results, do not exercise caution.
Conveniently located in what remains of one of Chicago's most storied strolls. Enjoy the sights of the last of the divey motels before they fall to the yuppie cleansing campaign.
Other principal stars in the constellation Hella Major include Quick Bite, T's Grand Slam (provisional) and Charcoal Delights (Foster & Kedzie.)
(*Not going to try the tilapia filet. Doesn't seem like the type of place.) -
Review from Heidi N.
Chicago, IL
When some friends and I found ourselves in need of sustenance on a somewhat bleak stretch of Lincoln Ave. last weekend, it was suggested we check out Hub's.
The highlight of the experience was the SNL paintings on the wall - that and the varied clientele, one of whom had the same outfit, build, and (bald) haircut as a random guy crossing the street outside. Doppelganger maybe?
As for the food, my burger and fries were bland, and I probably shoulda gotten the gyros.
I'm glad another reviewer mentioned the abundance of motels in the area because that did not go unnoticed by my friends and I, and led to an interesting conversation about stays in various skeezy motels across the country. Good times. -
Review from Jacob J.
I've been in this neighborhood for a very long time and eaten at Hub's many the occasion. It's never ever been a favored char house of mine, the times I'd been was only because of whom I was eating with. Always gave me heartburn and the burps, consistency! I know there are alot of people that really dig Hub's, but really guys, there are many many more Greek char restaurants out there that are far greater than Hub's.
I won't even start complaining about the steady increase in charges..Listed in: Char houses in different areas…
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Review from Katie C.
Chicago, IL
Gyros? Gyros, anyone?
I'm not really sure that you need to know anything else about Hub's except the word gyros. That is all I've really ever cared about when ordering. Hasn't really done me wrong. Sure, they have Greek salads, hamburgers, whole and half chickens, cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, ice cream, and other fast food favorites. But I am here to say: I don't give a crap and neither should you. Gimme the gyros!
The gyros sandwich is your arteries' worst nightmare and your tastebuds' best friend. An oily, fluffy pita is smothered in tzatziki sauce, add onions and tomatoes galore, and then it's piled high with deliciously greasy, flavorful gyros meat.
The only reason I can't give Hub's five stars....is because it would kill me to eat there every day. And I would if I could! Gyros!!!!!Listed in: Hungry? Why wait?
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Review from Roger L.
Garland, TX
I am very glad that my cousin showed me this local restaurant. The price and feel is that of a fast food joint but the serve ribs!!! And pretty darn good ribs at that. The meat just slides right off of the bones as baby back ribs should and the BBQ sauce is pretty good too. I have had their ribs togo probably 6 or 7 times already and it is the same delicious consistency every time. There is always a ton of fries and a really hearty piece of garlic toast that comes with it as well.
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Review from Matt m.
Chicago, IL
THE FOOD: Meatball sandwich was huge. Great and sloppy. It's good they gave me a fork, because there was no way I was gonna be able to handle this monster with my hands. They even gave me a cup of water without asking.
THE AMBIANCE: The nicest looking gyros/hot dog place ever. Most places like this are holes in the wall, but this was actually a nice looking restaurant. Very clean dining area considering that the menu is full of gyros, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Many police officers eat here as the police station is just a couple blocks south.
SERVICE: The girl behind the counter was nice.
PRICE: $5 or $6 for a HUGE meatball sandwich
SUMMARY: I'm going to bring my family here after a Cubs game this year. -
Review from Andy M.
This place has not changed since I was here last in the late 80's. I think that even the menu board at the counter is the same. Hub's was a great place for late night drunk food.
Carolynne r. and I stopped in last night and ordered the Gyro plate. They piled on the meat and fries. I'm a big eater, and it was a lot of food for even I.
The food was fresh and plentiful. Hub's is a step up from most greasy spoon, hot dog joints in Chicago. If you are ever in the mood for some serious comfort food, I highly recommend Hub's. -
Review from Dominic R.
Chicago, IL
Who has NOT been to Hubs?? I love Hubs......they have the best Steak Sandwich........solid!
I love sitting there and having the Greek lady call out "Naaamber twenty......tooooooooo".
The only negative I have found is they seem to have switched their bread and no longer serve Gonella rolls. Please go back!!
If you get a chance, stop in Hubs.............well worth it! -
Review from Melanie V.
Chicago, IL
A childhood staple!
Who can deny Hub's? Everyone who's grown up in this area has been here...more than once, I'm certain! They have a pretty extensive menu, especially for a little corner restaurant on a pretty non-descript portion of Lincoln Ave. Subs, gyros, fried mushrooms, cheese fries, hot dogs, spinach pie, greek chicken, salads, baklava...just to name a few items. Something for everyone, basically!
Last night, my friend and I slipped in here to hide from the monsoon for a bit. The chicken ka-bob sandwich ($6) is delish! You get juicy chicken bits with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato...served on a warm, yummy pita. The mozzerella sticks (6 for $4) hit the spot, although we complained that they seemed a bit expensive to us.
The half chicken (plain, Greek or bbq) is a great deal, though! For a little under $8, you're presented with half a chicken, garlic bread, coleslaw and your choice of potato. (I always recommend their baked potato!) The portion is enough for two people to split!
They've recently rennovated the place, so everything looks a little more modern AND there's a huge tv to amuse those waiting for carry-out.
Hub's has a little nostalgia factor for me, I suppose. I passed it every morning throughout grade school and high school. It brings back memories of taking the #11 Lincoln with friends or those lazy summer days. And that's why it's special enough for review #400! Throwback to my childhood...yup.
Ahhh, the memories.Listed in: I call it West Rogers Park. …
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Review from J. T.
Bloomington, IN
Four stars because my darling loved - LOVED - the ribs. Said they were the best he's has thus far in this fair city. Wolfed down his baked potato, itsy-bitsy container of coleslaw, and garlic bread, too.
I tasted some of his garlic bread, and it could have been more garlic-y for my tastes. I had the Polish Sausage - YUM - on a soft sesame bun - YUM - with all the trimmings. (Check for the jalapenos - they were hiding under the sausage.) The English Fries were... interesting. Long, wide, and FLAT - not thick and hearty. Vinegar could have been stronger; needed more salt, too. Definitely not what we've had in London.
Typical walk up-place order-pay-wait to hear your number-take tray to table-and-eat establishment. Cleaner than most (but did not inspect the bathrooms). Workers not friendly, but not unfriendly. Many older clientele were not speaking English (love it!), and looked like they've been coming here forever.
No garish lighting. Definitely not a hot date locale, just decent food with reasonable prices. Parking lot is a plus!
Mural by us had four, Greek, Hub's-clad guys huddled over a cash register, with the SNL "You lika da juice?" wording at the bottom, all seemingly in the middle of the hoo-doos in Bryce Canyon, Utah. Weird! -
Review from Kristin W.
Chicago, IL
I went to Hub's tonight for the first time. It was weird. It reminded me a lot of The Burger Baron (see my review) because of the similar kind of food (greek/american) and the huge menu. But this place was better than The Burger Baron for several reasons. 1) The restrooms were clean 2)The food was better 3) The prices were lower 4) It's open so much later - midnight during the week and 1am on weekends
I had the 1/4 pound cheeseburger and fries. It was really good. It wasn't like amazing or anything, but they load up the burger with tons of goodies and the fries were nice and crispy. It was only $3 for the hamburger and $1.75 for a large fries which I split easily with my buddy, Nate.
This is a great place to go if you are hella north and hungry. There is ample parking and the food is fast.
** I guess there was an SNL skit about this place and there are the creepiest mural type things on the walls to remind you. You gotta see these things. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
Nice big menu, friendly enough vibe, a bit nicer inside than I expected. Better than average mom-pop fast food joint on the comfort and atmosphere level.
I've only been there once - and I had the Greek Salad, a great big plate piled high with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, carrots, and anchovies. Pretty good in-house Greek dressing (oil and oregano). -
Review from Rico T.
Chicago, IL
I have NEVER come across a better gyro than the one served at Hub's. I don't know what it is...the sauce, the meat, the way it's cooked? Whatever it is seems to have worked for a long time. I can't speak for the rest of the menu because to me, Hub's means gyros.
Oh yeah, the ladies up front are somewhat unfriendly, but it doesn't bother me. I consider this restaurant "fast food style" -
Review from Christopher L.
Chicago, IL
My favorite is the BBQ chicken. Gyros are decent. Just do yourself a favor and order the BBQ chicken with fries.
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Review from Ben B.
There's a weird vibe at Hub's. It's not quite fast food. It's not quite a sit-down restaurant. Yes, you will be stared down by murals of the SNL "You like-a da juice?" guys. But you will be more amused by the incredibly varied clientele. During my visit, there were young couples, elderly people and families. Every person who walked through the door appeared weirder than the last.
As for the food, I had the chicken kabobs and they were awesome. Super moist chunks of chicken with various herbs. It was really outstanding. I mooched off my friends' sides of fries and those were also very good.
I'd need to sample more of the menu to officially recommend Hub's, but if you're just going for the food and not the creepy, creepy atmosphere, Hub's gets a green light. -
Review from Patrick S.
Chicago, IL
These are one of those places I would actually care about if it were to go under. I grew up on this place for at least 10yrs now. Its definitely part of my childhood and Im surprised Im not obese because of it.
Rib tip dinner with a side of cheese and a strawberry shake.
Gyro plate( little tip: you need an xtra pita..trust me)
..mozza sticks, fried shrooms.
Its amazing I could make it home after a meal. Luckily its a very short drive otherwise walking distance for me.
You like a da juice? -
Review from Maggie B.
Chicago, IL
Um... you like-a the juice?
This place was catapulted to fame by the Farley/Schneider sketch about the gyros juice at Hub's.
The chicken sandwich is awesome. It's one of the best 'char broil/gyros/beef/cheese fries types of places on the north side. I used to work at Lincoln & California and Hub's was like this siren constantly beckoning. Now there is a library (Budlong Woods) right nearby, so you can feel smart, then feel full.
They don't deliver, and they have recently re-decorated the entire restaurant with painted scenes from the various SNL skits about them, which is a little weird. But if you love Farley etc. you should make the pilgrimage. They also have a Skokie branch that is equally good. -
Review from Brandon W.
Chicago, IL
I remember my parents always coming here when I was little. They would always order gyros and such, and I would pick at their plates when they brought it home. Then I was "cool" enough to get my own gyro plate and I never looked back.
The gyros here are the big draw. For a place run by a family that knows a thing or two about how gyros should taste - they do not disappoint. That has been my consistent choice when coming into hubs. However, I did waiver once. I went in, heart set on a gyro - and, as it usually happens- was thrown a curveball after reading the menu. I opted on a greek chicken dish. Let me tell you, the flavor was awesome. They do not over season, cooked to perfection.. such a juicy meat, falling off the bone... making my mouth water... ::drooooool::.
Anyway - the foods good, stop reading reviews and go eat. -
Review from Emily B.
Chicago, IL
On the plus side, their chicken shish kabob sandwich kicks all kinds of butt. I love this thing, so no matter how much they frustrate me, I'll go back to eat this thing. The sauce, the flavor of the chicken, the softness of the pita, oh god....this sandwich as a singular sensation was the difference between two and three stars.
On the minus side, this place takes FOR-EV-ER to give you your food, and both times I've been there, they ignored my request for fries and gave me brown rice which I find to be quite possibly the most boring food ever known to mankind. If you're gonna take so long to give me my dang order, get it right.
Basically that leaves me of the opinion that Hub's is one part amazing and one part total frustration.
