Chicago’s #1 Bar — Kumiko 🏆

Kumiko is not only rated Chicago’s Best Bar but also the only Chicago spot on North America’s Top 50 Best Bars list! The interior feels fresh and Zen-inspired, with distinctly Japanese touches in both drinks and small plates. Service is excellent, too! 🍸 Cocktails Spiced Pear Milk Punch – Strong pear flavor, great for sweet-cocktail lovers. Moonrise Daiquiri ❤️ – A trio: sake, hojicha, and a mixed cocktail. The sake is smooth but mild on rice aroma; the cocktail was my friend’s favorite. Cloud Hopper ❤️ – Sweet, creamy, and delicious. Goldfinch ❤️ – Fruity and lightly sweet. Ume Boulevardier – Rich plum wine with orange — bold and flavorful. Up to Her – Pricier at ~$50. Complex and well-balanced (Yamazaki whisky base?). Sea Flower ❤️ – Refreshing yuzu notes, rimmed with salt + yuzu pepper, sprinkled with nori. 🍽 Small Bites Otsukemono – Assorted Japanese pickles (cucumber, radish, etc.). The red radish stood out; sometimes includes pickled blueberries. Yuzu Kosho Karaage – Tasty fried chicken bites, but quite salty — perfect with drinks. Trout (Masu) ❤️ – Crispy-skinned grilled trout with hot genmaicha broth, pickled plum, cucumber, and chewy seaweed — amazing! Iberico Kakuni ❤️ – Braised pork belly that melts in your mouth. Smoked mayo + pomegranate honey balance sweet and tangy — not heavy at all. Chawanmushi ❤️ – Small but delicate; tender scallop over sweet broth, great with sushi rice. Bowl of Rice – Vinegared sushi rice, perfectly textured. Truffle Milk Toasts ❤️ – Truffle ice cream + caramel toast — absolutely delicious. 📍 Kumiko 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661 🕑 Closed Mon & Tue 📌 Reservations required — space is small and seats are limited. 💰 Prices are reasonable but note the 20% automatic service charge. #Chicago #Kumiko #BestBarChicago #JapaneseCocktails #Top50Bars #ChicagoEats