Chicago's North American Top 50 Japanese Izakaya: Kumiko 🍶

📍 Kumiko The entrance is super discreet—you really need to look closely to find it. Inside, there’s a traditional Japanese-style foyer that sets the perfect mood for a date. From what I observed, almost every table had a couple. 🥂 🍒 Cherry Milk Punch 🌊 Sea Flower 🍹 Cloud Hopper We ordered these drinks because they’re quite refreshing and not too strong. They’re perfect for ladies who prefer lighter alcohol content. 🍸 🍗 Yuzu Kosho Karaage (Yuzu Chicken) The fried chicken is super addictive, especially with the zesty yuzu sauce. It’s the perfect snack to enjoy with drinks! 🍗 🐟 Yaki Zakana (Grilled Fish) The grilled fish has crispy skin and is topped with nori, giving it a delightful aroma. 🐟 Sweetbread Katsukare The curry chicken rice is a standout. The rice is perfectly cooked, with each grain distinct and flavorful. The curry is delicious, though the portion is quite small. 🍔 🍰 Truffle Milk Toast This is a must-try! The bread is coated with caramel, making the crust crispy. Paired with the ice cream, the contrast of hot and cold is amazing. Make sure to enjoy it before the ice cream melts! 🍔 The atmosphere at Kumiko is truly special. Even if you don’t drink, their cocktails are easy to enjoy. The only downside is that the food options are limited and the portions are small. I recommend visiting after a meal to fully enjoy the drinks. 🍻 #NewYearNewPlaces #LunarNewYearDinner #ChicagoFood #ChicagoBars #ChicagoKumiko #Top50BarsInNorthAmerica #JapaneseBar #ChicagoJapanese #Chicago #ChicagoTanDian #ChicagoEats