Finally going to make it out to Kuma's and was planning on coming in for lunch this Sunday the 28th. Can any of the regulars please give me an idea of what the crowds, wait times, etc... are like on Sundays or if it pretty easy to get in?

Thanks!

The last time we were there was a Sunday, after a 3:00 matinee at Steppenwolf, so five-ish, give or take. While the front bar/resto was full, we were quoted a 20-minute wait, and it was half that. Keep in mind, though, that we were seated on the patio, an option that won't be available for much longer. Service does take a while, since the kitchen is so tiny, so table turnover isn't very fast. You just have to take your chances!

Oculi wrote:

Ghazi wrote:Correct me if i'm wrong but Kuma's does not allow you to create your own burger, correct? If i remember correctly, you can only delete items from a burger, but not add or substitute any, correct?

Not true, last time I was there I added a slice of gruyere to my High On Fire (an otherwise cheese-less burger).

They usually let me add a fried egg to any burger, but we go right when they open.

The GF and I went to Kuma on Thursday for lunch. I had the burger of the month, name wasn't on the board yet, but it was a cheddar cheese burger with a chorizo and cream cheese stuffed fried jalapeno and a fresh tomato salsa. It was one of my new favorite burgers. The flavors were strong but not so strong that they overpowered the beautiful flavor of the burger. It had a nice little addition of heat from the jalapeno and the chorizo and the fresh salsa really tied everything together.

The only thing that I didn't like is that they were serving waffle fries?! When I asked the bartender what happened to the old fries she said that they were having consistency issues with them. I know that the fries before were not always perfect but they were consistently better than the waffle fries. I am hoping that they are using lunch time to try a few different things to gauge people's reaction.

Conclusion for this trip, Great burger of the month, not as good waffle fries.

gtomaras wrote:The GF and I went to Kuma on Thursday for lunch. I had the burger of the month, name wasn't on the board yet, but it was a cheddar cheese burger with a chorizo and cream cheese stuffed fried jalapeno and a fresh tomato salsa. It was one of my new favorite burgers.

Brujeria

I tried it on Sunday evening and really enjoyed it. The jalapenos provided plenty of heat though I had trouble finding the chorizo amongst the other flavors. Did not get to try the waffle fries as they were out of them- chips only that evening. A friend did come up with a delectable idea worth sharing- adding co-op hot sauce to the ketchup for a spicy kick for the fries.

my dining companion and I enjoyed Brujeria last night, as well as the new cottage/criss-cut fries, the Bongzilla, and mac and cheese with sweet corn and andouille sausage.

The Brujeria was excellent. I thought the salsa was roasted tomato(?) I took part of the popper off and ate it seprately ...very hot, but in the best way. The chorizo flavor really came through for me Honestly, I missed the old fries. My server said they switched for better consistency. I gotta say that the Bongzilla was also wonderful the brat is so emulsified that it almost has a pudding like texture.

this all served as a solid left-over lunch for me today too

Bummer on the new fries. Waffle fries have never been my thing and I've never had a problem with the consistency of their current fries. Even when they're not all that hot and/or a bit limp, they still taste great.

They serve fries with those burgers? Frankly, I've never noticed or cared. MMMM Kuma Burger

Did they stop serving the homemade chips?

Did they stop serving the homemade chips?

Homemade chips remain in full effect

lola wrote:my dining companion and I enjoyed Brujeria last night, as well as the new cottage/criss-cut fries, the Bongzilla...

The Bongzilla is back?!! Awesome. I sampled this fantabulous Burger-of-the-month concoction in August and was dismayed to discover it gone in September. Add to that the fact that I just got off the phone with someone at Kuma's, who told me that they now have the Surly Coffee Bender on tap. The Surly Coffee Bender is my current favoritest beer in the whole wide world, replete with dark roasted coffee notes that give way to a citrusy swirl of hops. A yummy, yummy beer, which I first tasted at the Hopleaf. I try not to overindulge with alcohol, but this is most definitely a session beer...might have to cab it home. Oh well, at least the Bongzilla will provide ample ballast.

Whoever took my call also mentioned that the Great Lakes Nosferatu is back, which is another fave of mine. Tastes a little like soy sauce, but hey, that's a plus in my book. They also have the Lagunitas Censored Copper Ale...meh.

Bongzilla is now on the permanent menu. My Pantera tonight was great. I miss the old fries.

You can get a salad on the side, which is not a bad idea when eating a 1/2 pound burger.

Although when I do that, I always do wind up wishing I just had, like, two French fries.

The real plan is, go with someone, split a salad and an order of something fried (I think on our last visit we decided we preferred the chips) The salad is very good, and then you get something for that craving.

titus wong wrote:The Surly Coffee Bender is my current favoritest beer in the whole wide world

Great to see your post, Titus, and I too wave the Surly banner from the brownstone rooftops. My wife is from MN and I was despairing that the day might never come when I could sample their brews locally instead of driving 400+ miles. The places around town that have it (Paramount, Kuma's, Hopleaf) know their stuff; a good way to tell who has a Midwest-savvy cellarer.

Another great thing about Kuma's is that it's open late and the kitchen closes at 1230am! As far as late night dining or carry out goes, Kuma's is defineatly one of the top destinations in chicago!

I was skimming the trib this morning before heading off to work. Looks like Kuma's had a positive write up in the Play section of today's Trib.

There was also an article on Avenues about Chef Duffy as well.

Santander wrote:and I too wave the Surly banner from the brownstone rooftops...

Hey Santander! Thanks for the shout out, and I would happily join my voice to yours in praise of Surly's hop-laden beers. I've also had the Furious and the CynicAle at Hopleaf. The Surly Furious I love (and order constantly), the CynicAle...not so much. It's not a bad beer by any means, but just not one I'd go out of my way for. BTW, last night Kuma's was serving the Coffee Benders in 10 oz. (?) Delirium Tremens snifters which dampened my enthusiasm somewhat. They were delicious as always, but I was sucking them down a wee bit too fast, no doubt due to the smaller serving size.

As I alluded to, I made my way over yesterday to Kuma's for the Bongzilla and the Benders. Coupla notes: I waited over an hour (no surprise there), for a seat at the bar to open up, which was a first. Fifteen or twenty minutes is usually enough time for me to snag a stool, so by the time a spot opened up, I was ravenous. I had been chatting up the bartender all the while, so she was well aware of my plans to consume vast quantities of meat and beer. To her enormous credit, she poured me a Nosferatu without my asking once my Bongzilla arrived. Turned out not to be a good pairing, as the chocolate/caramel/soy notes were submerged beneath that mountain of meat. Coffee Benders weren't a match either (although honestly, besides donuts and pastries, what do you pair coffee with?). So if anyone has a better suggestion for a beer to go with the Bongzilla, I'm all ears.

Secondly, I was haunted by something Lola wrote:

Lola wrote:the brat is so emulsified that it almost has a pudding like texture

Remembering that line, I started to laugh with my mouth full, and was briefly in danger of horking chunks of half-eaten burger all over the bar. Not too smooth, but I have to admit that hers was a valid observation. Still, an enjoyable burger, though next time, I may opt for my usual Pantera (I'm with gleam on this one).

titus wong wrote: I try not to overindulge with alcohol, but this is most definitely a session beer...might have to cab it home.

Something odd we noticed when we were there on the 28th of Sept (a Sunday) - cabs kept pulling up, and waiting. Clearly someone had called, or kept calling, for a cab, but no one went out and got into a cab. It was weird. Prank or confusion?

(confusion is def. possible since in Evanston I once called for a cab on SHERMAN Ave, and when none showed up found that they were going to SHERIDAN Ave)

leek wrote:[Something odd we noticed when we were there on the 28th of Sept (a Sunday) - cabs kept pulling up, and waiting. Clearly someone had called, or kept calling, for a cab, but no one went out and got into a cab. It was weird. Prank or confusion?

Maybe the taxi drivers have caught on to the fact that there is a constant stream of satiated drunkards coming out of the front door of Kuma's looking for a ride home.

I'm headed to the Zappa plays Zappa show at the morse theater at 7 on friday. Think I have any chance of getting into kumas around 5:15?


If not, can anyone suggest another good beer joint that we might hit?

chuckflarhu wrote:I'm headed to the Zappa plays Zappa show at the morse theater at 7 on friday. Think I have any chance of getting into kumas around 5:15?


If not, can anyone suggest another good beer joint that we might hit?

Chuck, welcome to LTH Forum! Are you new to Chicago?

I don't know if Morse Theater starts shows on time, but if they do, then even if you were served sitting down at 5:15, you'd have a bit of a challenge getting to the Morse Theater by 7 pm. Friday evening traffic can be a drag, and there are no direct routes from Kuma's to Rogers Park.

The best beer bar near the Morse Theater is certainly Hopleaf. If you got there at 5:15, you could probably eat and drink and get to the show in a timely fashion. Hopleaf can get crowded, but in my experience, at that time it's not too bad. (Can't recall the last time I tried on a Friday though.) The food is fantastic, although nothing like Kuma's.

The next best beer bar near the Morse, and you'll have no problem with crowds, is Prairie Moon in Evanston. They have an extensive collection of Belgian beer. As to food, they have an "aspirational" menu–decent (sometimes cliché) ideas executed acceptably but not standout.

Within walking distance of the Morse, both Morseland and Heartland have above average beer selections, although neither aspire to the new heights of dozen-page-booklet beverage menus. Both also serve food. Heartland has a lot of organic, vegetarian and vegan options (but not exclusively veggie). In my experience it's not a food destination, but if I had to eat to balance the beer and fuel up for a show, I am sure that I could. I've only eaten at Morseland once, but my take was similar to Prairie Moon (although both the beer and food menus at Morseland are shorter).

Hopleaf (an LTH Great Neighborhood Restaurant)
5148 N. Clark St.
Chicago
773-334-9851
http://www.hopleaf.com/

Prairie Moon All American‎
1502 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-8328
http://prairiemoonrestaurant.com‎

Morseland‎
1218 W Morse Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 764-8900
http://morseland.com‎

The‎ Heartland Cafe
7000 N Glenwood Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 465-8005
http://heartlandcafe.com‎

The Morse Theater‎
1328 W. Morse Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 654-5100
http://themorse.com‎

Thanks for the welcome.
I have been a suburbanite most of my life. (except for a year in Garfield Ridge far SW side)
Not too much experience with the Rogers Park area. I have been wanting to get to hopleaf anyway.

Would be great to get right up by the morse and look around. Apparently it is brand new. In the tribune, the East Rogers Park area is described as "gritty." Any idea what that means?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ ... 8090.story

I have been to Kuma's, but my buddy with me is quite a metalhead. Maybe I'll see if I can get in earlier.
Thanks for the info. Been lurking for a few months.

Chuck-

I agree with everything germuska wrote. Welcome, restaurant recommendations, etc... Kuma's to the Morse Theatre is quite a trek, but it sounds like you might have the time. On a Friday at essentially rush hour, I'd allow 35-45 minutes easy from Kuma's. I'm a fan of Morseland -- it is a regular "don't feel like cooking and want a martini" place for us. I like their shrimp po'boy. As for the grittiness, Rogers Park is an urban neighborhood with both savory and unsavory elements. As with any urban neighborhood, common sense and alertness are key. Post-Morse Theatre, you might want to consider the Red Line Tap up on Glenwood just north of Lunt, or Duke's, Glenwood just south of Morse. Both places have live music (and websites if you want to find out who's playing.)

And now back to your regularly scheduled Kuma's discussion...

-Mary

If you happen to go... You have to ask for it, but Morseland‎ has a fantastic collection of aged rums.

Pie Lady wrote:

Mhays wrote:However, if you set up a lunch event after Labor Day, when we're Sparky-free, we'll try to go, too!

All right folks, look for a post coming within a coupla weeks for Kuma's Nite (really, early-evening). Be Prepared! (hee hee!)

Wow, it's been more than a couple of weeks. But it's posted on the events calendar now.

Been a while since there's been a Kuma's update: I think the bloom is off the rose in terms of wait time and with Chicago awash in new burgers, the desire to be at Kuma's constantly has certainly waned in me as well. First, a slight crosspost from the Burgers, Burgers thread:

Oooof, am I full. And it's been 4 hours.

Finally made it to Kuma's Corner. Tried to go a month or so ago, and there was an hour and 45 minute wait, at about 1:30 on a Saturday. So today, we got there at about 11:50, and were the second group seated

We walked in at 11:55, got one of the few remaining tables. Kuma's opens at noon proper, and by 12:15 the bar was full and there was a 30 minute wait. If you absolutely must go to Kuma's and not stand around for an eternity, you'd better be there first thing or be willing to play hooky and be there at say, 2:30pm on a Tuesday.

As for the burgers? As good as ever, in my opinion. My High on Fire (which I've found is impossible for me not to order - I meant to say "Dark Throne" or maybe the Pantera but found my mouth forming the words "High On Fire, Please.") was excellent, and cooked to my requested medium rare. The mix of the sweet chili sauce and pineapple with the burger still reigns supreme for me.



I'll follow up with more pics if I get them emailed to me - my sad little cameraphone will have to do for now.

The other burgers at my table - a Motorhead, medium and a Bongzilla, medium rare - were cooked to order as well. Regarding the Bongzilla (served with a sliced bratwurst on top), we basically ordered my brother-in-law to order it since his mailing address is in WI nowadays. Verdict? "There's...too much meat on here." The jalapeno-mango chutney was good, but way too much mustard overpowered everything.

Two Bell's Winter Whites and a Lagunitas Brown Shugga later, we were out the door. An interesting note on the beer list - they've added a disclaimer of sorts, explaining why they're almost always out of a couple kinds of their beer. I have an amazing talent for subconsiously knowing what they don't have, and ordering that first and foremost. (This weekend? I believe it was a Dark Horse red ale.)

Unintended entertainment: The party of 8 "cool parents" with kids that showed up 2 or 3 at a time, and then were amazed that the tables they thought would be "saved" for their party were taken by another party that had shown up earlier. This resulted in 4 toddlers seated right behind us, banging on the wall/barrier separating the bathrooms from the seating area, and the seemingly confused adults sitting at the bar. This after about 10 minutes of frustrated wandering around, wondering what had happened - after I heard them saying to the server, "We're a party of 8, but we don't have to sit at the same tables." Amazing.

Final note. I hate waffle fries. I see no point to them. I ordered chips which were fried too hot, cooked past "done," then served at room temp. Service was fine, no complaints. I still love Kuma's, but really can't do it any more than every 3 months at a time, due to crowds. Thems the breaks. More room for everything else.

whiskeybent wrote:We walked in at 11:55, got one of the few remaining tables. Kuma's opens at noon proper, and by 12:15 the bar was full and there was a 30 minute wait.

I'm the crossposter from the other thread We must have been there at the same time then, we went in about 10 minutes before official opening time, not taking any chances on a repeat of the last time, although I drove this time so figuring out a plan B wouldn't be nearly as difficult as it was last time when we took the bus. I noticed the table behind us taking pictures of their burgers, which I meant to do but left my phone in the car.

I will be back. Most assuredly.

I noticed the table behind us taking pictures of their burgers,

That was very possibly us. I would have taken better-than-cellphone photos but my camera too got left in the vehicle.

We really need an LTH hand signal. Or at the very least, a lapel pin.

Just another data point: four us went to Kuma's on Friday night. We arrived around 7:30pm. We were seated at about 11pm. Beer was great, appetizers (mac and cheese, and calamari) were outstanding. Burgers were, of course, the highlight, but we ended up eating most of them at home for lunch the next day.

Before you jump on me for not going earlier - we planned on spending the night there, enjoying the beer, and letting the table come to us.