Lights low, amps hum, and the crowd packs in along the slender bar at Tubby’s. Laughter and clinked pint glasses spill out to Broadway, while onstage someone’s always tuning up for another round.
What to Expect:
🎸 Regular live music—indie, punk, and bands on the rise in a tight space
🍻 Rotating beer taps, creative cocktails, and hard liquor handled right
🥟 Bar food and momos from Ace of Cups—vegan and gluten-free options available
🌿 Backyard patio seating when the weather’s fair
🕺 Dancing, loud nights, and a loyal local crowd
Important Information:
✔ No reservations—first come, first served for shows and drinks
✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom; indoor and patio seating at various heights
✔ Order food via QR code—separate from bar; some find this confusing at first
✔ Events nearly every week—check website for show calendar
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🎫 Show Nights: Arrive before 8:30 PM for bigger acts—seats and standing spots go fast in this compact bar.
🥟 Food Tip: The Ace of Cups kitchen churns out vegan momos nightly; order via QR and grab eats between band sets.
🗓️ Midweek Ease: Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be less slammed—plenty of time to talk and soak up music up close.
🍹 Drink Rotation: The cocktail menu changes up with the season; ask the bartenders what’s just been rolled out for a good surprise.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Tubby’s is known for top-notch small-venue sound, energetic live shows, and a curated rotating drink selection. Most guests praise the intimate atmosphere and diverse crowd, noting staff are knowledgeable and fast when not overwhelmed. Food gets high marks (especially the vegan and gluten-free momos from Ace of Cups) though ordering via QR from the kitchen can confuse new arrivals. The space gets very loud and packed during events—some love the buzz, while others mention the din and sightline issues. A handful of reviews cite tense interactions at the bar around tipping, but for most, the quality of music, drinks, and local camaraderie makes Tubby’s a Kingston essential.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
Best TimeS TO visit
Arrive by 7:30 PM for choice spots if it's a touring band's night. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and pre-show early evenings are mellowest for drinks and conversation.
