HUNTER’S NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: KUMIKO

630 W. Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
barkumiko.com

Sometimes, the best expression of love comes in the way of an experience. Given the proclivity for romantic feelings in February, a trip to Kumiko in the West Loop with a loved one will say what words and gestures cannot.

Highly anticipated and newly opened, Kumiko calls itself “a formal bar,” and given its trendy, high-traffic location, the space truly offers a much-needed respite from its noisy neighbors. The intimate, meditative interior is bustling, yet thoughtful, with three mixing stations to craft cocktails for just thirty guests at a time. Named one of America’s best mixologists by Food & Wine Magazine, Kumiko’s mastermind, Julia Momose, along with executive chef Noah Sandoval and chef de cuisine Mariya Russell, aim to elevate the senses with their haute cocktails and spirit-free concoctions, and they don’t disappoint.

For an elegant dinner experience, Kumiko sets the bar high with a simple, yet luxurious menu that takes diners on a Japanese-inspired journey. An adventurous omakase (chef’s choice) tasting menu at the 8-person bar is offered at two set seating times, and an a la carte menu is served in their dining room, which features distinguished land and sea dishes paired with traditional Eastern flavors.

Kumiko welcomes patrons every Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm-1am, and on Sundays from 5pm-12am. The kitchen closes nightly at 10pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but given the intimacy of the space, reservations are highly recommended. For their weekly omakase offerings, drink details, or to make a reservation, visit Kumiko’s website here.

Planning your visit: metered street parking is available on Lake St. and Des Plaines Ave. If traveling via public transportation, Kumiko is best accessible from the Clinton Pink/Green line stop (a 1-block walk) or the #8 Halsted bus.