Hub 51 has been one of downtown's newest "it" spots since it opened in River North last summer. The Melman brothers hit their sweet spot again -- well, their father's sweet spot -- by offering an approachable menu with exotic touches and a contemporary feel to the decor.
Go there on a typical weekend night, and you're likely to find a line at the door and a packed crowd of 20-somethings angling for a drink. But over the last couple of months when you headed downstairs toward the bathrooms, there's been a completely different scene happening down there. It's phase two of the restaurant, which has now been officially unveiled as Sub 51.
The lower lair is being tabbed as a destination for DJ entertainment. Sub 51 was designed specifically for DJs with the help of E-Six and DJ Matt Roan, two turntablists known for the original and remixed videos that play along with their sets. The owners plan to attract top local, national and international talent to perform.
At first glance, the interior may remind you of that other Chicago entertainment nightspot -- Underground -- with a concrete interior and cushioned brown banquettes and ottomans.
The potential drawback? If you want to get inside, table reservations -- or a good amount of haggling at the door -- are required, which also means bottle service.
Sub 51 is open at 10 p.m. on Fridays until 2 a.m. and Saturdays until 3 a.m. Log on to hub51chicago.com for more information and reservations.
