Kumiko

“This intimate Japanese cocktail bar lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the world ranking 25th.”

This intimate Japanese cocktail bar lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the world ranking 25th. Julia Momose's carefully crafted creations showcase Japanese whiskey, shochu, and other premium liquors. Each sip is a masterclass in balance and flavor. Delicious bites complement the drinks perfectly, while exceptional service provides insightful explanations of each cocktail's ingredients. Cozy and intimate, this bar is ideal for a date night or special occasion. They also offer Omakase cocktail tasting which I never had before.

Giovanni De Gracia (Gio)

Oct 2025

“such a beautiful bar/restaurant with stellar service.”

such a beautiful bar/restaurant with stellar service. they have a huge drink menu with very unique tasting drinks - my favorite was the cloud hopper, which may be my favorite cocktail of all time. the food was beautifully presented, and it tasted delicious, but it can get expensive if you plan to fill up on food here. excited to come back again for the cloud hopper cocktail!

kayleigh

Oct 2025

“Whiskey bar seating is a must for a private and cozy date night.”

Whiskey bar seating is a must for a private and cozy date night. Let the bartender guide you through the extensive whiskey and cocktail list to find the perfect drink. Would recommend: “lychee” cocktail, any highball, Japanese potato salad, wagyukatsu with preserved lemon, scallops, and the pickled mushroom stater.

Ashley Carswell

Oct 2025

“Maybe I expected a bigger food menu, but the drink New Wave is wonderful.”

Maybe I expected a bigger food menu, but the drink New Wave is wonderful. We’ve tried four drinks, and I love how each one aromas unfold — the fragrances are complex, inviting, and layered, with subtle notes that make every sip a full sensory experience. The flavors are smooth and unique, perfectly complementing the bouquet. I will definitely come back for the drinks.

S K

Sep 2025

“Kumiko is a true gem for cocktail enthusiasts, striking the perfect balance between Japanese...”

Kumiko is a true gem for cocktail enthusiasts, striking the perfect balance between Japanese precision and classic mixology. The cocktails are expertly crafted, each one showcasing creativity, technique, and balance, with a wide selection ranging from Japanese-inspired originals to timeless classics. To complement the drinks, the bar also offers a thoughtful menu of bites. The wagyu katsu topped with caviar is a luxurious standout, while the roe adds bursts of flavor that elevate the experience. Even the simplest detail, like their olives, stands out as some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

Eldarbek “Eldar” Kamchybekov

Sep 2025

“Rated a,ong the best bars in the country, and the best in the city, Kumiko does something really...”

Rated a,ong the best bars in the country, and the best in the city, Kumiko does something really remarkable with there cocktails. The experience is enhanced with serving style that includes hand blown vintage Japanese glassware .. the fusion of flavors are delicately prepared and presented elegantly. Make sure you reserve a table to sample great food options. Without a reservation you may get lucky to find a counter seat or small standing corner to enjoy up your drinks,

Preet Singh

Aug 2025

“Celebrated our anniversary here with their tasting menu and it was fantastic.”

Celebrated our anniversary here with their tasting menu and it was fantastic. The service was superb, food was so good (literally cannot stop thinking about the nori pasta) and the cocktails were so unique it’s no wonder they got a top bar award. Also they surprised us with a card signed by all the staff. Really went above and beyond.

Angelina Ly

Apr 2025

“A great overall Kumiko experience.”

A great overall Kumiko experience. Our table wasn’t ready when we arrived but they offered us a saki to make up for it. Service was good overall but not as consistent as I would have expected considering the price point. It took over 10 min to be greeted after being sat down. We were hungry but were told we need to place all food at once. The food we did get was excellent and the drinks were on point for sure. The “winter” old fashioned I’d recommend over the blueberry one. The vibe was dim and nice. We enjoyed the atmosphere.

David Costa

Oct 2024

“It’s marked as one of the top 50 North America Bar and No.1 in Chicago.”

It’s marked as one of the top 50 North America Bar and No.1 in Chicago. The atmosphere and service is nice. We’re here for drink at 10pm, which the slot is only available when we booked prior to 7 days. We ordered on 2024/10 1. Clarified Milk Punch: fruity 2. Yaki-IMO old fashion: whiskey base and really smoothly 3. Sea flower: sweet like a juice 4: Umeboshj Chu Hi: Ume tasty and drink not like alcohol, suitable for the person who don’t like drink 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 Reservation is suggested and we’ll come for dinner next time for Tonkatsu, Truffle Milk Toast.

Cc girl

Oct 2024

“I am going to butcher her name- the host from last night (Shizulah??) is an absolute gem.”

I am going to butcher her name- the host from last night (Shizulah??) is an absolute gem. My flight was canceled and could not make it in time for the tasting menu- she was super accommodating and let me come in 9 min before the kitchen closed and allowed me to order food and drinks, which by the way, were tasty. The udon dish was 🤤 Their selection of sakes were out of this world, as well- stuff you can only find in 🇯🇵 ! Stunning ambiance/decor- the kind of place I’d want to hang out at regularly if I lived in Chicago. Absolutely beautiful bar. The bartenders and servers were delightful, as well!

Y Rha

Sep 2024

“Great vibes and amazing cocktails (especially the deconstructed series) - we had dinner reservation...”

Great vibes and amazing cocktails (especially the deconstructed series) - we had dinner reservation before but we tried the small pickles dishes and they were amazing. Pickled blueberries were my favorite. We called in before and were able to score a space last minute - front of house was very friendly. I’d 100% go back again

Alex Hu

Aug 2024

“Beautiful space, beautiful concept of well-crafted cocktails with small plates.”

Beautiful space, beautiful concept of well-crafted cocktails with small plates. The price of beauty is high so come for a special occasion or with deep pockets. The deconstructed cocktails are a treat. 25th on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

Carolyn F

Jul 2024