Kimski — Restaurant in Chicago

Disclaimer: I've been to both Maria's and Kimski more times than I can count and my rating is based on my overall experience. I'm more of a foodie than a drink connoisseur, so my review weighs more heavily towards food. Overall ratings: Drinks: 5/5. Ambiance: 5/5. Food: 4/5. Let's go down the list of their new menu and what was not so good, good, great, and I'd never order again. First up, Potato and cheese pierogi. Great, would re-order every time I go. Next up, Maria's standard (a.k.a Polish sausage). Another great item and to up the ante, their fries are better than before. Chap chae noodles, good but lacking. The noodles were a bit overcooked and didn't have a bounce when you bit into them. Spicy pork bulgogi bowl, good but not good enough where I'd want to order it again for any particular reason. It was nice to try but it just wasn't up to par. One, the portion size for the price point was kind of ridiculous. I mean, the meat should shine; however, it's a rice bowl, there was barely any rice to pair with it. I'd need to order 3-4 bowls of that, in order to get full. I may be overexaggerating with the portion size, so be the judge for yourself when/if you order it. The "I'd never order again" item sadly goes to their KBBQ platter. It says it serves 2-3 people. I had 3 people in my party, it was not enough, otherwise, the other items wouldn't have been listed. It's meant to replicate a ssam (wraps) that you D.I.Y. (do it yourself). Great idea but the portion isn't there. Obviously, the meat is the star here but if there's not enough of everything else to go with it, that sort of defeats the purpose. There was maybe enough white kimchi to make 4-5 wraps. An item I wanted to try but was 86'ed (out of stock) for that evening, was the Sweet and Spicy rice cakes (a.k.a. tteokbokki). If you know Korean food, you'll know that that's a staple street food item and pairs very well with alcohol. I'm hoping to return sometime soon to try the rest of their new menu to paint a more comprehensive review, but as it stands now, I'm at a...

Kimski is a hidden gem that combines rustic charm with bold flavors, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking something different. The moment you step inside, you're welcomed by a funky yet cozy vibe that mixes industrial elements with warm, inviting touches. The exposed brick walls, vintage accents, and communal seating create an atmosphere that feels both laid-back and lively. The delicious aroma of sizzling meats and tangy sauces fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Being my first time here, I decided to go with the Maria’s Standard, a dish that truly represents Kimski’s unique Korean-Polish fusion. This sandwich was a flavorful masterpiece from the first bite. The Kimski recipe Polish sausage was grilled to perfection—juicy on the inside with just the right snap when you bite into it. The kraut chi, a creative hybrid of kimchi and sauerkraut, brought a tangy, spicy crunch that elevated every bite, adding both texture and depth of flavor. The soju mustard was the perfect finishing touch—its subtle heat and tanginess tied the whole dish together, creating a harmony of flavors. The fresh scallions added a bright, crisp contrast that balanced out the richness. All of this was tucked inside a soft, buttery brioche bun from Spoke and Bird, which held up beautifully against the generous fillings. The dish was served with crispy, golden fries that were well-seasoned and delicious on their own, but also perfect for soaking up any extra mustard or kraut chi that might escape. Kimski is the kind of place where every detail, from the creative menu to the comforting yet funky decor, contributes to a one-of-a-kind experience. If you're looking for a spot with bold, inventive flavors in a setting that feels both down-to-earth and full of character, Kimski should definitely be on your list. I’ll be back to explore more...

This place is great! Fusion Korean Polish food. The dishes are artistic and tasty and affordable. The food fills you up and you will have leftovers. The dishes are artfully done also. You can sit at the seats at both Kimski and Maria’s which is a cool bar that looks like a tiki bar…really nice to have during winter when you wish you were enjoying the summer heat with cold drinks. There is also outdoor seating. The drinks at Maria’s are beautiful and well crafted and has plenty of alcohol. Won, the owner was really friendly and personable and spoke w us and joked with us. He’s funny and entertaining w his humor. He is the kind of guy you would enjoy hanging out with at your table to enjoy good food with drinks and conversation. Paige is great too! She is really sweet and helps explain the menu and super personable also. This is a fun place to eat and lounge at with friends. It has an excellent ambiance w nice music and a TV video screen to watch a movie in the background. We were super relaxed and loved soaking up the chill atmosphere and...