The Junction Pub in Chicago stands as a beloved neighborhood staple, renowned for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and an eclectic menu that caters to a broad spectrum of tastes. Nestled in the heart of the city, it combines the charm of a classic pub with modern culinary creativity, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink after work, gathering with friends for a hearty meal, or exploring Chicago’s vibrant food scene, The Junction Pub offers a menu that delivers both comfort and innovation.
The menu at The Junction Pub is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a variety of dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From savory appetizers to satisfying entrees and decadent desserts, each plate is crafted with attention to detail and flavor.
The drink selection complements the food perfectly, featuring an impressive range of craft beers, signature cocktails, and fine wines. This combination of quality food and drink, along with the inviting ambiance, creates an experience that goes beyond just dining — it’s about community, connection, and savoring every bite and sip.
Starters and Appetizers
The Junction Pub’s appetizers are designed to excite the palate and set the tone for a memorable meal. These small plates blend traditional pub favorites with innovative twists that reflect Chicago’s diverse culinary influences.
Guests often begin with the Junction Nachos, layered with house-made queso, black beans, fresh jalapeños, and a tangy chipotle crema, a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The Buffalo Cauliflower Bites offer a vegetarian-friendly option, featuring crisp, battered cauliflower tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce that delivers a satisfying kick without overwhelming the senses.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Beer-Battered Pretzel Sticks, served with a trio of dipping sauces including mustard, cheese, and a smoky aioli. These starters demonstrate The Junction Pub’s commitment to blending comfort food with elevated flavors.
Appetizer Highlights
- Loaded Potato Skins: Crispy skins loaded with cheddar, bacon, and scallions, served with sour cream.
- Junction Wings: Available in classic buffalo, BBQ, and garlic parmesan flavors.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Creamy and cheesy, accompanied by freshly baked bread.
“Our appetizers are crafted to be the perfect start — bold flavors that invite you to explore the rest of our menu.”
Signature Burgers and Sandwiches
At the heart of The Junction Pub’s menu lie its signature burgers and sandwiches, each offering a unique fusion of classic ingredients and inventive flair. These dishes are perfect for those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
The Junction Classic Burger features a juicy, hand-formed patty topped with aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and a proprietary house sauce. It’s a no-frills option that showcases the quality of the beef and the skill in preparation.
For those wanting to venture beyond tradition, the Southwest Black Bean Burger is a flavorful vegetarian alternative, packed with spices and topped with avocado and chipotle mayo.
Sandwich lovers will appreciate the Smoked Brisket Sandwich, slow-cooked to tender perfection, served on a toasted brioche bun with pickled red onions and horseradish aioli. This sandwich perfectly balances rich, smoky meat with zesty accents, making it a standout choice.
Comparative Burger Options
| Burger | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Price |
| Junction Classic | Beef patty, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, house sauce | Rich, savory, balanced | $12 |
| Southwest Black Bean | Black bean patty, avocado, chipotle mayo | Spicy, creamy, smoky | $11 |
| Smoked Brisket Sandwich | Smoked brisket, brioche bun, pickled onions, horseradish aioli | Smoky, tangy, robust | $14 |
Entrees and Main Courses
The Junction Pub’s main courses extend beyond typical pub fare, embracing a variety of culinary styles that cater to diverse palates. From hearty meat dishes to lighter fare, the entrees are designed to satisfy any appetite.
The Grilled Salmon is a favorite among seafood lovers, featuring a perfectly seared fillet served with roasted seasonal vegetables and a lemon-butter sauce that enhances the fish’s natural flavors. For those craving a more indulgent option, the Steak Frites offers a juicy, seasoned ribeye accompanied by crispy fries and a rich herb butter.
Vegetarian diners will appreciate the Wild Mushroom Risotto, a creamy, comforting dish enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. The Junction Pub ensures that each entree is thoughtfully prepared to highlight ingredients and technique.
Popular Entrees
- Chicken Marsala: Tender chicken breast cooked in a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Seasonal vegetables sautéed with soy-ginger glaze, served over jasmine rice.
- Classic Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod served with tartar sauce and fries.
“Our entrees are crafted to deliver depth of flavor and comfort, ensuring a memorable dining experience every time.”
Salads and Lighter Options
For those seeking lighter fare without sacrificing flavor, The Junction Pub offers a variety of fresh, vibrant salads and small plates. These dishes emphasize crisp vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and balanced dressings.
The Junction Caesar Salad elevates a classic with house-made dressing, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan, making it a perfect starter or side. The Beet and Goat Cheese Salad combines roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, candied walnuts, and mixed greens, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a refreshing and colorful option.
Additionally, the Grilled Chicken Salad offers protein-packed satisfaction with marinated chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing. These salads provide a nutritious and delicious choice for a midday meal or a lighter dinner.
Salad Ingredients Overview
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Dressings | Price |
| Junction Caesar | Romaine, croutons, Parmesan | House Caesar | $9 |
| Beet and Goat Cheese | Roasted beets, goat cheese, walnuts, mixed greens | Balsamic glaze | $11 |
| Grilled Chicken | Marinated chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed greens | Lemon vinaigrette | $13 |
Craft Beers and Drink Selection
The Junction Pub prides itself on a carefully curated drink menu that complements its food offerings. The focus is on local and regional craft beers, alongside classic cocktails and a modest wine list designed to satisfy varied preferences.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy rotating taps that showcase Chicago’s vibrant craft beer scene, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal brews. The bartenders are also skilled at mixing timeless cocktails with a creative edge, such as the Junction Old Fashioned featuring house-made bitters and a smoked cherry garnish.
For those looking for something lighter, the wine selection includes crisp whites and rich reds that pair well with different dishes on the menu. Non-alcoholic options like house-made sodas and craft mocktails ensure everyone finds a refreshing beverage.
Featured Drinks
- Junction Old Fashioned: Bourbon, house bitters, smoked cherry
- Local IPA: Rotating selection from Chicago breweries
- Seasonal Craft Soda: Made in-house with fresh herbs and fruit
“Our drink menu is designed to celebrate Chicago’s rich brewing culture while offering unique, handcrafted cocktails that elevate any meal.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No meal at The Junction Pub is complete without indulging in their dessert offerings, which blend classic favorites with inventive creations. These sweet treats provide a satisfying finish to any dining experience.
The Chocolate Stout Cake is a decadent choice, moist and rich with layers of chocolate ganache and a hint of stout beer that adds depth and complexity. Another favorite is the Apple Crisp, featuring tender baked apples topped with a crunchy oat streusel and served warm with vanilla ice cream.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Lemon Panna Cotta offers a creamy, tangy option that cleanses the palate and delights the senses. Each dessert is made with fresh ingredients and care, reflecting the pub’s dedication to quality.
Popular Dessert Options
- Chocolate Stout Cake: Rich, moist, with ganache and stout infusion.
- Apple Crisp: Warm baked apples, oat topping, vanilla ice cream.
- Lemon Panna Cotta: Creamy, tangy, with fresh lemon zest.
| Dessert | Main Flavors | Texture | Price |
| Chocolate Stout Cake | Chocolate, stout beer | Moist, creamy | $7 |
| Apple Crisp | Apple, oat, cinnamon | Crispy topping, soft filling | $6 |
| Lemon Panna Cotta | Lemon, cream | Silky, smooth | $7 |
Specials and Seasonal Dishes
The Junction Pub embraces the changing seasons by offering specials that highlight fresh, local ingredients and creative culinary techniques. These dishes provide a dynamic element to the menu and invite guests to try something new during each visit.
Seasonal specials often include unique takes on classic dishes, such as a fall-inspired Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage brown butter or a summer Grilled Peach Salad with burrata and arugula. These dishes celebrate the flavors of their respective seasons while maintaining the pub’s approachable style.
Additionally, The Junction Pub frequently partners with local farms and suppliers to source ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting the community. Specials are updated regularly, so there is always an exciting reason to return.
Examples of Recent Specials
- Winter Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked, served with root vegetables and creamy polenta.
- Spring Asparagus Tart: Flaky pastry, fresh asparagus, ricotta, and lemon zest.
- Summer Grilled Peach Salad: Burrata, arugula, toasted almonds, honey vinaigrette.
“Our seasonal menu is a celebration of local produce and culinary creativity, crafted to surprise and delight with every bite.”
Conclusion
The Junction Pub Chicago offers a menu that masterfully balances tradition and innovation, making it a standout destination for anyone seeking quality food and drink in a welcoming setting. Each section of the menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse tastes, from hearty burgers and comforting entrees to fresh salads and indulgent desserts.
With a commitment to fresh, local ingredients and a passion for bold flavors, The Junction Pub creates dishes that are both familiar and exciting. Their drink selection complements the food perfectly, highlighting Chicago’s vibrant craft beer scene alongside expertly crafted cocktails.
Seasonal specials add an ever-changing dimension that keeps the menu fresh and inviting.
Ultimately, dining at The Junction Pub is more than just a meal — it’s an experience that combines community spirit, culinary excellence, and a warm atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor discovering the city’s culinary gems, the menu offers something memorable for every palate and occasion.
