CheekyChicago

Can I just say…damn!

All the buzz you’ve heard about Kuma’s Corner is true; this restaurant is heaven on Earth (if you don’t mind an eternity with a heavy metal soundtrack). For those who aren’t familiar, Kuma’s Corner has been cooking up unique, mouth-watering and humongous burgers for the last three years. Chicago is not a city void of burger joints (heck, Kanye brought Fatburger to Chi-Town), but to categorize Kuma’s Corner as a ‘burger joint’ doesn’t do it justice.

More than 20 burgers with metal names and exotic toppings adorn the menu. I went classic with the ‘Famous Kuma Burger’, cooked to order, topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and a fried egg that adds a beautifully subtle flavor. My sister happily chowed down on the delightfully cheesy ‘Clutch’ with cheddar, swiss, jack and smoked gouda. I was very tempted by the ‘Dark Throne’ with chipotle peppers, goat cheese and fresh pico de gallo, but that will have to wait until next time.

Though the bulk of the menu are burgers, Kuma’s Corner also boasts amazingly gooey ‘Make Your Own Mac & Cheese’ with a bevy of ingredients, including prosciutto, caramelized onions, Andouille sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and much more. There are also monthly specials – January’s being the humorous and fitting ‘%$&@*#! Blagojevich’, a burger patty and fried bologna sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches adorned with mustard dollar signs.

A small space with about 10 tables, Kuma’s Corner packs them in on a daily basis with a wait time that often hits two hours (and that can be for a Sunday afternoon). If you don’t have time to kill, cozying up to the bar (where it’s first come, first served) might be your best bet. If you decide to wait it out, you’ll have many craft beers to sample. Kuma’s Corner strongly supports craft brewers, so don’t even think about ordering a Bud or Miller product (seriously, they’ll shoot daggers with their eyes). If you’re not an experienced beer snob, I’d recommend the light and slightly fruity Allagash White on tap. I personally fell in love with the smooth Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout from Anderson Valley.

My Kuma’s Corner experience was nothing short of incredible and the wonderful wait staff was the icing on the cake. The beautifully tattooed women behind the bar were not only kind and helpful, but knew their beers and I’m sure they could throw down a burger or two. Kuma’s Corner…definitely a Chicago gem!