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On Saturday, I visited Kumiko, a restaurant that was included in my itinerary for my solo trip to Chicago. Fortunately, a reservation was canceled upon my arrival, and I was seated at the bar downstairs. There, I met the bartenders, Bridgett and Andrew. My knowledge of Japanese cuisine and spirits is limited, so I relied on Bridgett's recommendations. She was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything she suggested. Andrew was also helpful when I inquired about a dish to order. The bartenders, service, and hospitality were exceptional. My cocktails and meals were also phenomenal. I hope to return to Kumiko in the future and share this experience with my loved ones.
I had been looking forward to trying this bar for a very long time and was excited to finally be able to try it. They had many interesting soju that I haven't really seen in the us which was cool. Personally I love Japanese gin so I wish I could've seen some of that here. Absolutely immaculate atmosphere upstairs and in the whisky bar. Bathrooms were also very zen and I loved it. Clearly the owner knows Japanese culture. Cocktails were very simple and had clean and natural taste. Thought the flight of soju I had was way too expensive. Definitely an expensive bar but worth it for the experience. The service was nice but I found it slightly awkward.
The missus miraculously got a 1045pm table reservation for two (same day!) when we were in the Uber on the way to Fulton Market (area). The service was great - from checking in (they ask about allergies and whether you're there for food / drink), to ordering experience, to the walkthrough of the menu. I understand why this was on the world's best bars list at one point. We ordered the truffle milk toast, the fukubukuro (signature cocktails) and the pineapple fizz (specials) to start. We both liked the pineapple fizz, missus thought the toast was a bit strong. She did warm up to the fukubukuro though, it's very complex, and you start to appreciate it the more you drink it. She later ordered the Japanese potato salad, and I waited to order the moonrise daiquiri. They did run out if the clarified milk punch as we arrived but they made a spice-forward one that the missus didn't end up ordering. The potato salad was divine - even better than the toast. The kitchen closed though, dang now I wanna try the entire food menu. For last call on drinks (1130pm) we did the moonrise daiquiri (special) for me and the walk softly (signature) for the missus. Definitely worth the last minute reservation, but the bar doesn't seem to be reserved and we always saw seats available while we were there. I will say that michelin guide is well deserved here - it's pricey, and not an everyday treat, but the experience was worth it. Highly recommend for any trip to Chicago, especially first timers, even if you don't drink, they have an entire page of non-alcoholic drinks that we would have tried (missus isn't a drinker usually). The walk softly is definitely more one-dimensional than the fukubukuro, but not in a bad way. The daiquiri flight you have to drink in order - cocktail, sake, hojicha, cocktail. It tastes different the second time around. Overall the staff were attentive but not overbearing, and I never felt pressured to order. It's a great experience - would recommend even for the non-alcoholic patrons out there.
Came back to Kumiko for a second visit with my wife and friends. We originally discovered it through a "50 Best Bars in North America" ranking. Kumiko has a spirit-free cocktail menu for anyone who doesn't want to drink, and I ordered from it. I had the Maple Blues and the Uméboshi Swizzle. The Maple Blues lives up to its menu description: maple comes through up front, with the spice showing up on the back end. The Uméboshi Swizzle was so good on my first visit that I had to order it again, and it didn't disappoint. For food, we got the Japanese Potato Salad, Yuzu Kosho Karaage, A5 Wagyu Gyoza, Kareraisu (with the tofu add-on), and Rainbow Carrots. The Japanese Potato Salad and Yuzu Kosho Karaage are my favorites, best versions of both dishes I've had, and I order them every time I'm back. The Wagyu Gyoza and Kareraisu were both tasty, but not worth the price for me. I wouldn't order them again. The Rainbow Carrots are a solid choice if you're a carrot fan, and the candied pistachios on top were a great touch. For dessert, we tried the Koshian Cheesecake, Truffle Milk Toast, Kuro Goma, and a seasonal Apricot Sorbet. The Koshian Cheesecake and Truffle Milk Toast are must orders, both S tier. The Kuro Goma was solid, especially for black sesame lovers. The Apricot Sorbet was fine, but not something I'd get again. Hospitality here is excellent. The staff was attentive and happy to answer all our questions. The space is dimly lit, not too loud, and has limited seating. I love the interior design. Highly recommend Kumiko for great cocktails and food. It's a must-stop for me every time I'm in Chicago.
Kumiko has easily become one of my favorites bars. Andrew and Brandon were both professional, knowledgeable, and personable. While I'm not a big whiskey drinker myself, there were plenty of other options to enjoy. The seasonal Pineapple Fizz was excellent. My husband loved exploring the whiskey program, from the highballs to the lychee martini and the seasonal strawberry Old Fashioned. Each drink was well crafted and balanced. We also shared the Japanese curry with karaage, which was outstanding. The curry was so clean and flavorful without feeling heavy. The whiskey bar downstairs offers an intimate setting with bar seating, making it a great spot for a date night or a relaxed evening. Each drink is around $20, but the quality, service, and overall experience make it well worth it, especially for a special occasion. We can't wait to come back.
Excellent service but average food. A but of a miss for me. Do experience their wine and whiskeys.
Two fantastic visits over the past 5 months, both at the restaurant bar. Kumiko has some of the most innovative cocktails in town paired with modern Japanese dishes. The cocktail list is extensive and even the "classics" have an interesting twist. My intro to Kumiko started with a Sea Grape Martini - suntory roku gin, albariño, okinawan sea grapes, kumiko's shio-kōji cucumber olive brine. The drink was so clean and a bit briny and the sea grapes did look like mini grapes! But as a whiskey lover, the Yamazaki Vieux Carre was another level- suntory yamazaki 12yr, armagnac, don gonzalo 20yr oloroso sherry, cocchi vermouth di torino, bénédictine d.o.m., peychaud's and angostura bitters. Unmistakenly a Vieux Carre, but the use of Japanes whkisy and a high quality armagnac and vermouth really elevated the drink. Food wise, the duck soba is comfort food all the way with a rich broth, perfect for a cooler or rainy day. Loved the chawanmuishi too and the use of grapes was a first. And the trout crudo was very fresh and beautifully presented. The staff here works well as a team, and I loved the additional insights on the food and drinks provided by Maddie at the bar. Kumiko is an experience not be missed especially for enthusiasts of cocktails and/or Japanese food.
Kumiko was recommended to me by a bartender from a local Michelin star restaurant. I decided to stop by Kumiko on a whim and hoped for the best. It was my lucky day as there was one bar seat available at the time of my arrival. That said, the place was packed for a Wednesday evening around 6pm. The bar staff was awesome. Highly professional, friendly, attentive, and very helpful with the recommendations. One of servers was genuinely stoked about the food I ordered, which hyped me up. I got the wagyu as my main. The meat was soft and tender like butter, and the dish was an amalgamation of wonderful flavors. Loved the dish and savored every bite. The guest next to me said I had to get Kumiko's Truffle Milk Toast, and one of the bartenders second that. It was fantastic. Loved the caramelization on the milk toast, and it had a good balance of savory and sweet. Last but not least, I enjoyed one of their cocktails. It was called "Winning Element" and was found under their "Cocktails for a Cause" section of the menu. So cool that the proceeds ($5 of the cost of the cocktail) goes to a trusted organization. Kumiko was easily my favorite food and drink stop of my entire Chicago trip.
I loveee Kumiko. They were just announced N. 11 on the 2026 North America's 50 Best Bars list (one spot down from last year). I've lost track but this is maybe my 5th or 6th time here. I've been here for food, desserts, drinks, their basement whiskey bar, everything... and I'll keep coming back whenever I'm in the neighborhood. This time, we came to check out their spring menu because I remembered them having a sakura themed menu last year. We also intended on checking out their new desserts but completely forgot lol, so now I'll need to come back again. Off their seasonal menu, we ordered Pastel and Lights in the Clouds. The Pastel was very light and a little tart. I loved the pretty pink color too. I didn't get it this time, but my absolute favorite cocktail from here is the Cloud Hopper off their regular menu (starting to crave it rn as I'm writing this, it's so good). When you're seated, you're given a warm towel to wipe your hands. The staff is also super knowledgeable, and the quality of the food and drinks is amazing. It's been awhile since I've eaten here so I can't speak on the food, but based off my memory the karaagé is really good and seems to be popular. I need to come back to try more of their food. Reservations are recommended if you want a table or to go to their whiskey bar in the basement, but we've had plenty of luck coming in right when they open and being able to sit at the bar. This time, we came in about an hour after opening and had to stand, which was fine because we just wanted a drink.
It's been years since I've last visited Kumiko when they first opened. Last week we were lucky to snatch a last minute reservation since it's a lot hard to get one with all the James Beard and Michelin awards they've been getting, and I could see why. Their cocktails are so smooth and creative. I had a Lychee Martini and it's probably the best I've ever had. A lot of places use the canned lychee syrup that's overly sweet. No, not this place. You can still taste the lychee without being sugary sweet, and it goes really smooth. But their food is on a different level. Their Japanese curry is probably the best I've ever had. The pork was sou vide and then fried. When you bite into it it was so soft it melts in your mouth. And the homemade curry was so flavorful. You can tell they make their own curry instead of other places they either used premade or store bought. Their service is impeccable. The staff is very polite and knowledgeable. The interior is warm and inviting, and intimate. Highly recommend this for a date night!
Great cocktails with a ton of selection. Very uniquely made and the blends worked well. I enjoyed the highballs. The bites were good and the rice bowl was decent. The food choices are light as it's much more of a cocktail lounge. Still filling. Overall enjoyed the experience and pecan dessert.
I was brought here as a surprise....my god. I've never been anywhere like this. Kumiko calls itself a "dining bar," but that doesn't really do it justice. It's this seamless mix of food and drink, everything designed to complement each other perfectly. The vibe is classy af. Dim lighting, intimate, and romantic. It feels special the second you walk in. The drinks? Out of control good. We went all in, sake flights, cocktails, the works!! And not a single miss. And the food is delicate, refined, and clearly made with a ton of care. You can tell every detail is deliberate, from flavor to presentation. It totally lives up to Japanese standards. If you're in Chicago, do yourself a favor and book a table here. Kumiko is something else. And if you're debating Kumiko or another restaurant for a special occasion splurge, definitely here.
After my recent visit to Kumiko, it's clear why it's consistently recognized as the best bar in the midwest. The ambiance here is chic but comfortable. Dim lighting and stylish interior with hints of Japanese influences make it a great spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a date night without having to shout over loud music. There's a great selection of cocktails and they are beautifully presented and it also taste excellent - we all liked what we ordered. While I only came for drinks this time, I am already looking forward to trying their food in my next visit. Reservations are definitely recommended as they fills up quickly.
30 days ago
Kumiko has a long list of honors, including #11 on North America's 50 Best Bars and the Michter's Art of Hospitality award, and it did not disappoint. This chic Japanese cocktail lounge in the West Loop is bright, vibrant, and absolutely beautiful. We sat at the bar and ended up trying almost half the cocktail menu. Every drink was amazing, and the small plates were mind-blowing. But the star of the show was our bartender, Zack. He knew everything about what he poured and was kind enough to show us the bottles of spirits behind each cocktail. He was so warm and friendly that by the end of our time there, he felt like a good friend. I completely understand how this place earned its hospitality awards. Pro tip: If you love Japanese whiskey or shochu, ask about the hidden 10-seat basement bar. It features one of the rarest collections of both that you'll find anywhere. I can't wait to come back, and I'll recommend Kumiko to anyone who spends time in Chicago. Five stars, easily. read more
1 month ago
To be honest we had a friend invite us so this wasn't something we found on our own. It is definitely the place to be! Japandy aesthetic with world class service. You can tell everyone here knows their stuff when it comes to all things drinks. I do really think the menu is extremely well thought out which extends to how each cocktail has been crafted. If you're just here to get drunk then maybe look elsewhere. It's definitely a place that respects ingredients and uses cocktails as a lens to show you. Sure, a little buzz is fun, but definitely not the main goal. The milk toast is a world class dish. Could be served at any 3 Michelin star restaurants. The matcha affogato was exactly what it sounds like and I feel like that dish could get reworked a little. Overall we all had a great time and highly recommend. Also, you pretty much need a reservation. We saw a few walk-ins that couldn't get bar seats because it was a full booking all night. We typically go to bed pretty early... but this place was such a good time the night flew by. read more
2 months ago
On Saturday, I visited Kumiko, a restaurant that was included in my itinerary for my solo trip to Chicago. Fortunately, a reservation was canceled upon my arrival, and I was seated at the bar downstairs. There, I met the bartenders, Bridgett and Andrew. My knowledge of Japanese cuisine and spirits is limited, so I relied on Bridgett's recommendations. She was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything she suggested. Andrew was also helpful when I inquired about a dish to order. The bartenders, service, and hospitality were exceptional. My cocktails and meals were also phenomenal. I hope to return to Kumiko in the future and share this experience with my loved ones. read more
I had been looking forward to trying this bar for a very long time and was excited to finally be able to try it. They had many interesting soju that I haven't really seen in the us which was cool. Personally I love Japanese gin so I wish I could've seen some of that here. Absolutely immaculate atmosphere upstairs and in the whisky bar. Bathrooms were also very zen and I loved it. Clearly the owner knows Japanese culture. Cocktails were very simple and had clean and natural taste. Thought the flight of soju I had was way too expensive. Definitely an expensive bar but worth it for the experience. The service was nice but I found it slightly awkward. read more
2 months ago
The missus miraculously got a 1045pm table reservation for two (same day!) when we were in the Uber on the way to Fulton Market (area). The service was great - from checking in (they ask about allergies and whether you're there for food / drink), to ordering experience, to the walkthrough of the menu. I understand why this was on the world's best bars list at one point. We ordered the truffle milk toast, the fukubukuro (signature cocktails) and the pineapple fizz (specials) to start. We both liked the pineapple fizz, missus thought the toast was a bit strong. She did warm up to the fukubukuro though, it's very complex, and you start to appreciate it the more you drink it. She later ordered the Japanese potato salad, and I waited to order the moonrise daiquiri. They did run out if the clarified milk punch as we arrived but they made a spice-forward one that the missus didn't end up ordering. The potato salad was divine - even better than the toast. The kitchen closed though, dang now I wanna try the entire food menu. For last call on drinks (1130pm) we did the moonrise daiquiri (special) for me and the walk softly (signature) for the missus. Definitely worth the last minute reservation, but the bar doesn't seem to be reserved and we always saw seats available while we were there. I will say that michelin guide is well deserved here - it's pricey, and not an everyday treat, but the experience was worth it. Highly recommend for any trip to Chicago, especially first timers, even if you don't drink, they have an entire page of non-alcoholic drinks that we would have tried (missus isn't a drinker usually). The walk softly is definitely more one-dimensional than the fukubukuro, but not in a bad way. The daiquiri flight you have to drink in order - cocktail, sake, hojicha, cocktail. It tastes different the second time around. Overall the staff were attentive but not overbearing, and I never felt pressured to order. It's a great experience - would recommend even for the non-alcoholic patrons out there. read more
Came back to Kumiko for a second visit with my wife and friends. We originally discovered it through a "50 Best Bars in North America" ranking. Kumiko has a spirit-free cocktail menu for anyone who doesn't want to drink, and I ordered from it. I had the Maple Blues and the Uméboshi Swizzle. The Maple Blues lives up to its menu description: maple comes through up front, with the spice showing up on the back end. The Uméboshi Swizzle was so good on my first visit that I had to order it again, and it didn't disappoint. For food, we got the Japanese Potato Salad, Yuzu Kosho Karaage, A5 Wagyu Gyoza, Kareraisu (with the tofu add-on), and Rainbow Carrots. The Japanese Potato Salad and Yuzu Kosho Karaage are my favorites, best versions of both dishes I've had, and I order them every time I'm back. The Wagyu Gyoza and Kareraisu were both tasty, but not worth the price for me. I wouldn't order them again. The Rainbow Carrots are a solid choice if you're a carrot fan, and the candied pistachios on top were a great touch. For dessert, we tried the Koshian Cheesecake, Truffle Milk Toast, Kuro Goma, and a seasonal Apricot Sorbet. The Koshian Cheesecake and Truffle Milk Toast are must orders, both S tier. The Kuro Goma was solid, especially for black sesame lovers. The Apricot Sorbet was fine, but not something I'd get again. Hospitality here is excellent. The staff was attentive and happy to answer all our questions. The space is dimly lit, not too loud, and has limited seating. I love the interior design. Highly recommend Kumiko for great cocktails and food. It's a must-stop for me every time I'm in Chicago. read more
Kumiko has easily become one of my favorites bars. Andrew and Brandon were both professional, knowledgeable, and personable. While I'm not a big whiskey drinker myself, there were plenty of other options to enjoy. The seasonal Pineapple Fizz was excellent. My husband loved exploring the whiskey program, from the highballs to the lychee martini and the seasonal strawberry Old Fashioned. Each drink was well crafted and balanced. We also shared the Japanese curry with karaage, which was outstanding. The curry was so clean and flavorful without feeling heavy. The whiskey bar downstairs offers an intimate setting with bar seating, making it a great spot for a date night or a relaxed evening. Each drink is around $20, but the quality, service, and overall experience make it well worth it, especially for a special occasion. We can't wait to come back. read more
Two fantastic visits over the past 5 months, both at the restaurant bar. Kumiko has some of the most innovative cocktails in town paired with modern Japanese dishes. The cocktail list is extensive and even the "classics" have an interesting twist. My intro to Kumiko started with a Sea Grape Martini - suntory roku gin, albariño, okinawan sea grapes, kumiko's shio-kōji cucumber olive brine. The drink was so clean and a bit briny and the sea grapes did look like mini grapes! But as a whiskey lover, the Yamazaki Vieux Carre was another level- suntory yamazaki 12yr, armagnac, don gonzalo 20yr oloroso sherry, cocchi vermouth di torino, bénédictine d.o.m., peychaud's and angostura bitters. Unmistakenly a Vieux Carre, but the use of Japanes whkisy and a high quality armagnac and vermouth really elevated the drink. Food wise, the duck soba is comfort food all the way with a rich broth, perfect for a cooler or rainy day. Loved the chawanmuishi too and the use of grapes was a first. And the trout crudo was very fresh and beautifully presented. The staff here works well as a team, and I loved the additional insights on the food and drinks provided by Maddie at the bar. Kumiko is an experience not be missed especially for enthusiasts of cocktails and/or Japanese food. read more
8 months ago
Kumiko was recommended to me by a bartender from a local Michelin star restaurant. I decided to stop by Kumiko on a whim and hoped for the best. It was my lucky day as there was one bar seat available at the time of my arrival. That said, the place was packed for a Wednesday evening around 6pm. The bar staff was awesome. Highly professional, friendly, attentive, and very helpful with the recommendations. One of servers was genuinely stoked about the food I ordered, which hyped me up. I got the wagyu as my main. The meat was soft and tender like butter, and the dish was an amalgamation of wonderful flavors. Loved the dish and savored every bite. The guest next to me said I had to get Kumiko's Truffle Milk Toast, and one of the bartenders second that. It was fantastic. Loved the caramelization on the milk toast, and it had a good balance of savory and sweet. Last but not least, I enjoyed one of their cocktails. It was called "Winning Element" and was found under their "Cocktails for a Cause" section of the menu. So cool that the proceeds ($5 of the cost of the cocktail) goes to a trusted organization. Kumiko was easily my favorite food and drink stop of my entire Chicago trip. read more
I loveee Kumiko. They were just announced N. 11 on the 2026 North America's 50 Best Bars list (one spot down from last year). I've lost track but this is maybe my 5th or 6th time here. I've been here for food, desserts, drinks, their basement whiskey bar, everything... and I'll keep coming back whenever I'm in the neighborhood. This time, we came to check out their spring menu because I remembered them having a sakura themed menu last year. We also intended on checking out their new desserts but completely forgot lol, so now I'll need to come back again. Off their seasonal menu, we ordered Pastel and Lights in the Clouds. The Pastel was very light and a little tart. I loved the pretty pink color too. I didn't get it this time, but my absolute favorite cocktail from here is the Cloud Hopper off their regular menu (starting to crave it rn as I'm writing this, it's so good). When you're seated, you're given a warm towel to wipe your hands. The staff is also super knowledgeable, and the quality of the food and drinks is amazing. It's been awhile since I've eaten here so I can't speak on the food, but based off my memory the karaagé is really good and seems to be popular. I need to come back to try more of their food. Reservations are recommended if you want a table or to go to their whiskey bar in the basement, but we've had plenty of luck coming in right when they open and being able to sit at the bar. This time, we came in about an hour after opening and had to stand, which was fine because we just wanted a drink. read more
1 month ago
It's been years since I've last visited Kumiko when they first opened. Last week we were lucky to snatch a last minute reservation since it's a lot hard to get one with all the James Beard and Michelin awards they've been getting, and I could see why. Their cocktails are so smooth and creative. I had a Lychee Martini and it's probably the best I've ever had. A lot of places use the canned lychee syrup that's overly sweet. No, not this place. You can still taste the lychee without being sugary sweet, and it goes really smooth. But their food is on a different level. Their Japanese curry is probably the best I've ever had. The pork was sou vide and then fried. When you bite into it it was so soft it melts in your mouth. And the homemade curry was so flavorful. You can tell they make their own curry instead of other places they either used premade or store bought. Their service is impeccable. The staff is very polite and knowledgeable. The interior is warm and inviting, and intimate. Highly recommend this for a date night! read more
4 months ago
Great cocktails with a ton of selection. Very uniquely made and the blends worked well. I enjoyed the highballs. The bites were good and the rice bowl was decent. The food choices are light as it's much more of a cocktail lounge. Still filling. Overall enjoyed the experience and pecan dessert. read more
I was brought here as a surprise....my god. I've never been anywhere like this. Kumiko calls itself a "dining bar," but that doesn't really do it justice. It's this seamless mix of food and drink, everything designed to complement each other perfectly. The vibe is classy af. Dim lighting, intimate, and romantic. It feels special the second you walk in. The drinks? Out of control good. We went all in, sake flights, cocktails, the works!! And not a single miss. And the food is delicate, refined, and clearly made with a ton of care. You can tell every detail is deliberate, from flavor to presentation. It totally lives up to Japanese standards. If you're in Chicago, do yourself a favor and book a table here. Kumiko is something else. And if you're debating Kumiko or another restaurant for a special occasion splurge, definitely here. read more
After my recent visit to Kumiko, it's clear why it's consistently recognized as the best bar in the midwest. The ambiance here is chic but comfortable. Dim lighting and stylish interior with hints of Japanese influences make it a great spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a date night without having to shout over loud music. There's a great selection of cocktails and they are beautifully presented and it also taste excellent - we all liked what we ordered. While I only came for drinks this time, I am already looking forward to trying their food in my next visit. Reservations are definitely recommended as they fills up quickly. read more
Kumiko was out of this world! I am fully convinced on why it is on the list for top 50 bars in North America. We had a prior reservation. The outside of the restaurant is non conspicuous, I have passed by this area multiple times yet never knew Kumiko was here. Upon entering, they greeted us and took our coats. They escorted us to our seats. We chose to sit at the bar since we were there just for the drinks. They even gave us warm towels. The ambience was very upscale Japanese. The bar had a HUGE collection of liquor bottles. The bartender was none other than one of the owners. She was super sweet and explained each and every cocktail in detail, all the way down to where the alcohol and the other ingredients of the cocktails were sourced from. We ordered the old fashioned and the sea foam cocktails. Omg the cocktails were out of this world, literally felt like we were drinking nectar. We also got the milk toast, didn't really like it so much but it's wasn't bad. Overall, we had an amazing experience and I will definitely be back. I have already recommended this place to all my friends. read more
11 months ago
Kumiko lives up to the hype. Reservations are tough to get, so set an alarm and do your best to snag one -- it's absolutely worth it. We sat at the bar and ordered snacks along with a few rounds of drinks, which was the perfect way to experience the space. The bartenders were incredibly attentive and genuinely knowledgeable, happy to walk us through drinks and make thoughtful recommendations. The food was excellent -- and this may seem odd but my favorite item was their potato salad which I still crave and haven't found one that compares since. Overall, a fantastic experience and very well deserved spot on all the "best bar" lists. Highly recommend. read more
The drinks were amazing. It is worth the hype of being voted best bar in chicago. The service is also amazing . Speedy and polite, as expected from a good notch restaurant. The ambience is perfect for dates and even small parties of adults. Not very family friendly. The food was good, not amazing. Almost feel like a bit of street food except served in a fancy restaurant. But good jap street food is not really avail in the US at a reasonable price anyways. Mash potatoes: taste great with some veggie mix for crunchiness Curry pork let: very refined take of Japanese curry but nothing too special Oyster caviar - excellent ... read more
1 year ago
I was lucky enough to book this via Chase Sapphire Reserve and get 3 seats at their Whiskey Bar. It was intimate and our server was super knowledgeable about the different drinks and food items available, and was able to make really great recommendations. Big food highlights were the Wagyu Sando, and the curry rice (one with karaage and one with tonkatsu). Everything we had was freaking delicious! read more
7 months ago
Second time at Kumiko and I'm still impressed by the sheer depth of the cocktail menu and the level of thought put into each drink. Yes, it is on the pricier side, but the ambience makes it perfect for a date night or special celebration. Staff was very accommodating and made sure we were aware of portion sizes when ordering. There is a good variety to pick from and I'm always a sucker for seasonal specials. That night they had a duck soba featuring duck prepared three ways in a rich, comforting broth. We also enjoyed some pickled veggies and olives on the side, and ever drink we ordered was beautifully crafted (different coaster for each drink too). There are also some unique sake options if you're into that as well. Overall, the cocktails and experience is worth the hype if you are willing to splurge a bit. read more
Had a reservation for the whiskey bar downstairs before dinner - would definitely recommend grabbing drinks here, it's dimmer and more intimate, only about 10 seats in total which they usually stagger. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, we had some cocktails and tried half pours of sochu. They also have the upstairs food menu, so we tried the truffle milk toast which was ridiculously good! Make reservations far in advance especially for the weekend, their drinks are unique and delicious! read more
Incredible experience! We came for drinks and bites and we were blown away by everything we tried. Drinks we complex and unique, very tasty. Bites were fresh and delicious like the hotate on special with a chili carrot sauce so good our amazing server brought us little spoons for the sauce! The seabass was unbelievable and the waygu sando was incredible with fresh wasabi. Overall a classy vibe with a cozy ambiance perfect for date night. read more
11 months ago
Searching for a place that makes interesting and delicious non-alcoholic beverages without needing to commit to a 9+ course tasting menu in order to access a non-alcoholic beverage pairing? Kumiko fits the bill. It's a dining bar. Bites and beverages are here to get your taste buds laid and captivate your olfactory system. They offer a dinner tasting menu, but it's optional. You can instead opt to order small bites and beverages from their extensive menu. They have designed some interesting bites and concoctions. Take their Warm Whiskey Butter Oyster, with an intoxicating brown butter aroma, but without much butter, and instead, a warm Japanese whisky and smoked sesame seeds. Goes down very satisfyingly after you savor the aroma. Yes, take deep whiffs. We came here primarily for dessert, having eaten dinner beforehand. We grabbed a couple Caviar Oysters, and decided on the Monte Blanc from their gluten-free menu. It should be noted that the portion sizes here are small bites. If you ordered their tasting menu while hungry, you'd be fine. But if you wanted to iteratively drink and munch, such a feat might be quite difficult to accomplish. One reason is that only one of their staff actively takes and enters the orders. For some reason none of the other staff seem to do so. Therefore, it is difficult to iteratively place your order--want something more? You'll probably have a difficult time reaching the staff member who takes the order. The caviar oysters were fine, with a nice flavor combo. But I found their Warm Whiskey Butter Oyster to be quite captivating. For beverages, we started with Protea, Saved by the Bell, and Lychee Martini. For a non-alcoholic drink, you can't go wrong with the Protea, which seems to have a constant presence on their menu. It's very reminiscent of ume, slightly bubbly with very well controlled sweetness and acidity. You could order it on repeat. It contains no ume, only adzuki (red bean), purple sweet potato vinegar, seedlip spice 94, verjus rouge, fever tree club soda, and top note tonic. The other non-alcoholic drink ordered was Saved by the Bell. I was envisioning something like apple pie spices based on the description, but it ended up being more like a subtly flavored apple juice. At the beginning, it felt rather watered down. However, after waiting for a bit and re-tasting it I started to make out more subtle flavors. This is definitely a lighter flavored drink compared to Protea for sure, but still enjoyable given enough time. The Lychee Martini was impressive. The menu statement nails it: "All of the flavor of lychee, without actually using any lychee. Showcasing how complex just a few key ingredients can be." The lychee aroma of this clear beverage is amazing. Stick your nose nearby and take a whiff. For taste, it does have a detectable lychee quality, but I would never complain if smelling it were the only option. The Monte Blanc took a long while to come out, but this was likely due to the three tasting menu tables on either side of us, with the staff apologizing for the delay at least three times and attempting to level expectations. It had a very nice combination of chestnut, purple sweet potato, and tarty crust, not too sweet, and nicely highlighting the key nutty flavors. Sake offerings, such as flights or tastings, are also present. I tried the Kawatsuru Olive Junmai Ginjo which was pleasant enough considering that I'm not a drinker. Bathroom wise, there one on the main level, and one downstairs. There is also a sake bar downstairs. Finally, it's probably best to make a reservation. I made one through OpenTable a month and a half in advance for St. Patrick's night as a dessert plan. Note that the establishment is small (very limited bar seating and table space), so they limit your total time there. They have a small team of staff, appear to prioritize tasting menu patrons, and all this makes iterative ordering difficult to accomplish. Therefore, your best bet for a smooth experience is to know what you want to order and try up front. For a future visit, I would be interested in trying out their tasting menu. In terms of feedback, I would advise that their bottleneck of only a single staff member capable taking and entering customer orders undermines the experience of à la carte patrons. Additionally, if the kitchen is swamped, it would be prudent to set expectations at the beginning of the experience, rather than delaying for an hour and apologizing multiple times for the delay. read more
Just a stellar experience. We have imbibed a few times here but this was out first experience dining as well. And as expected, the food matched the quality of the cocktails. While the price points may look too high, I was surprised at the quantity of food delivered. Perfectly executed, all options-karaage, potato sold, and the wagyu special were tasty. As published, the cocktails are amazing and I love the care and the precision put forward when making them. Even better, are the stories about the spirits making up the cocktail. Dining room is dimly lit, clean lines, simple yet sexy. One of our fave spots in the city. read more
My wife and I had a 6:45 p.m. reservation at Kumiko, which we booked about a month in advance. We arrived a bit early at around 6:15, and were lucky that they were able to seat us right away at the bar, just as we'd requested in our reservation. From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The drink menu is thoughtfully curated, with a wide range of options, including an impressive selection of non-alcoholic cocktails. Each drink is described in great detail on the menu, and the bartender is more than happy to offer additional insights or recommendations. After the cocktail is served, they even present the bottles used in the drink so you can take a closer look at the spirits. Presentation is top-notch--the garnishes are beautifully done and show off some serious knife skills. If you order an Old Fashioned for example, a drink that's traditionally served over a single large block of ice, the ice here is crystal-clear and each edge is perfectly cut. The food was equally impressive and surprisingly well-priced for a bar of this caliber. We shared two warm shochu oysters to start ($5 each), followed by a potato salad ($6), a katsu sando (which I overheard is a Wednesday-only special for $17), and the Japanese curry rice with double-fried karaage ($20 base + $10 for the added chicken). There wasn't a single dish I wouldn't happily order again. The curry had a deep, layered flavor with a subtle sweetness that wasn't overpowering. The karaage was perfectly executed--crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and not at all greasy. The katsu sando was so good we actually debated ordering another, but ended up saving room for another round of drinks. The pork was tender, and the bread was toasted to perfection. If you appreciate creative, meticulously crafted cocktails and excellent small plates, Kumiko is absolutely worth a visit. I completely understand the hype; it's easy to see why this place regularly shows up on lists of the best bars in America. read more
2 years ago
This intimate Japanese cocktail bar lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the world ranking 25th. Julia Momose's carefully crafted creations showcase Japanese whiskey, shochu, and other premium liquors. Each sip is a masterclass in balance and flavor. Delicious bites complement the drinks perfectly, while exceptional service provides insightful explanations of each cocktail's ingredients. Cozy and intimate, this bar is ideal for a date night or special occasion. They also offer Omakase cocktail tasting which I never had before. read more
1 year ago
10 out of 10! The food was absolutely delectable. We were served by Hannah, who was pleasant the entire evening and helped explain the best pairings for each dish. This is a small restaurant, and while reservations may be difficult to get, you can be sure that not a single dish will disappoint. read more
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This is my second visit here and one of my favorite cocktail bars in Chicago!! FOOD: One thing to note is this is probably not the place to come famished and order lots of food for dinner. The food is all absolutely amazing but definitely in smaller quantities. In my opinion it's way more of a place to do snacks and drinks if possible! This comes from our personal experience of coming our first time for dinner and essentially having ordered everything on the dinner menu lol. The food is mouth wateringly presented and an absolute delight! Our personal favorites are the caviar oyster, karaage, and potato salad. We also had the razor clams and tartare from the special menu this time! DRINKS: This is what Kumiko and Julia Momose is known for so we walked in knowing the drinks were going to be good. But what we got was even better than we expected! The drinks here are so creative with a thoughtful focus on Japanese sake, shochu, and whiskey. Some drinks are a spin on some classics like the green tea gimlet while others are an insane combo of ingredients that result in a cocktail I can't find anywhere else like the cloud hopper. I can say that I don't think I've tasted these combos of flavors anywhere else!! AMBIENCE: I've sat at both the bar and in the main dining room and both options are stellar. The conversation volume is a nice medium where it's bustling but you don't have to be yelling at your party/date. The restaurant is decorated beautifully with a minimalist wood based focus and absolutely beautiful glassware. I love that you can choose your own chopstick holder (at the bar) and sake glass. This is one of my favorite places in Chicago if not ever and there is a reason why this place is so well-known. It is a must visit if you're in Chicago!! read more
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More info about Kumiko
630 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
West Loop, Near West Side
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(312) 285-2912
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http://www.barkumiko.com
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