Kuma’s Corner

Kuma’s Corner

Kuma’s Corner. An unassuming, small storefront restaurant on Chicago’s North Side is perhaps my most talked about restaurant experience this year. The food is great. The music is even better. The no-nonsense colorfully inked staff is on the job at all times. The small kitchen works as fast as size allows and turns out great food.

There is usually a wait for a table. You can give your name at the front and wait for a table or the bar is first come first serve. There is a limited patio area in back in summer which provides additional seating. We were told the wait was at least 30 minutes for a table, but as luck would have it, we found a spot at the bar in 5 minutes. I am pretty good finding spots at bars.

What to eat? The burgers! Each burger is a massive 10 oz of meaty, cheesy, topping laden goodness served on a pretzel bun. The burgers are named after metal bands. I the Kaijo, served medium rare topped with bacon, blue cheese and onion frizzles. My husband had the Led Zepplin burger is topped with pulled pork, bacon, cheddar and pickles. We both opted for the very wonderful waffle fries, though we had a choice of waffle fries, chips or salad. I had to pack half my burger to go, but I was forgiven by my server, she simply explained that I had priorities – beer before food was the better way to be!

This is not a vegetarian’s paradise. The painting behind the bar of the happy bear covered in blood saying “Eat Meat” should be a clue. That being said, there are a couple salad options, the burgers can be garden burgers and Kuma’s serves up the best looking mac and cheese this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. 

The beer options were impressive. I was happy to see locally produced craft beers available on tap. I started with the Two Bros Brewing Company’s French Country Ale. It was very good, light and fresh. I then moved on to Three Floyd’s Gumballhead Wheat. I love that beer. It was so very fresh. I finished with a bottle of Delerium, a tasty Belgian beer that is 9% alcohol by volume.  If that’s not your speed, never fear, PBR is available and at a bargain price.

Bottom line – Kuma’s Corner is a burger and metal paradise. Street parking is sketchy but available. The CTA will drop you off right in front. Kids are welcome before 10:00pm and you should expect to wait if you want a table, but it is so worth it.

Kuma’s Corner

2900 W Belmont Ave

Chicago Il

(773)604-8769

www.kumascorner.com