When I lived off Frankfort Avenue in Clifton, I was walking distance to a bar called The Hub. I've been there to celebrate the birthdays of friends, to ring in the new year, to have drinks with my boyfriend (who later became my husband), and even to celebrate turning 40 and fabulous. It's one of the places that fits the bill for so many kinds of occasions. It's not a bar that's been around forever, but it's one that still fills me with nostalgia. The Hub kind of has an upscale industrial vibe, classy, but not pretentious. It has a patio, a dance floor, a room for private parties, and plenty of room for having dinner (or brunch) with friends. It might not be the first place you think of when you think of carryout, but The Hub is a crowd pleaser in our house. The food travels well. The fries stay crispy. The menu isn't huge, but what they serve is far elevated from typical bar food. We know what to expect. It feels like home.I called The Hub tonight in a moment of frustration. It was later than normal and I hadn't come up with an idea that would please both my husband and toddlers. They didn't answer super fast and I impatiently hung up. To my surprise, they called me right back, took my order, and said they would call me when it was almost ready. That's the kind of service that I think would please anyone. Pictured is the adult grilled cheese on sourdough with white cheddar, gouda, balsamic fig jam, arugula, and house-cut fries. I added grilled chicken. In the second picture, the Hub burger- certified angus beef, white cheddar, bistro sauce, arugula, brioche bun, and house-cut fries. Finally, boneless wings with house Korean bbq sauce and green onions. (Full disclosure- a couple of these were eaten before I thought to snap a picture.) The only thing missing was a Scarlet Lady.Dinner is done. Nobody cried. Not once. I have a one-year old, a three-year old, and a husband with a man cold. I didn't have any of the three when I started frequenting The Hub but, regardless of my needs, they've always delivered. Whether you're looking for a party (or trying to throw one), on the hunt for a dance floor, need an event space, a spot for drinks on the patio, or even carryout...I'm confident they'll deliver for you too!
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