From what I understand, gone from the menu are:

Bongzilla
Goblin Cock
Melvins
and possibly one other

added to the menu are:

Swine Flu (re-christened the Megadeth)
Insect Warfare
Baroness
Brujeria

Ive also been led to believe that the lack of a "burger of the month" is just for May, with the addition of these former B.O.T.M. to the menu, of course I may be misinformed.

towering.fool wrote:From what I understand...added to the menu are:

Swine Flu (re-christened the Megadeth)

Oh I hope you're right!! As soon as patio days are over, I'll be first in line. Where did you get your info?

Went today, those burgers are indeed off the menu, but for new ones. My daughter ordered the Brujeria, which is topped with, among other things, jalapeno poppers. They have several new appetizers too. I believe one is called Sensie but cannot remember what it involved. When we left, I noticed an Akita on the outside patio, which was closed due to weather. I thought it was Kuma, but when we approached that sweet dog gave us doggy kisses. I noticed her/his name on the tag was Sensie. A new dog in the house!

Oh I hope you're right!! As soon as patio days are over, I'll be first in line. Where did you get your info?

from one of the bartenders.

They have several new appetizers too

Bacon Bleu Cheese Fries, and the chorizo stuffed jalapenos from the Brujeria are two of them.
I inquired if they were going to add those sublime bleu cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates from the eyehategod burger. Unfortunately not.

I believe the sensie is some sort of turkey sloppy joe, if I remember correctly.

Apologies if this has been discussed before in here (don't feel like wading through all 30+ pages) but what are people's thoughts on Kuma's not quoting a wait-time over the phone? Do they do this as to not disappoint people with inaccurate times? So to not scare away potential diners? I've never heard of a restaurant doing this before and it's pretty frustrating.

Commbrkdwn wrote:Apologies if this has been discussed before in here (don't feel like wading through all 30+ pages) but what are people's thoughts on Kuma's not quoting a wait-time over the phone? Do they do this as to not disappoint people with inaccurate times? So to not scare away potential diners? I've never heard of a restaurant doing this before and it's pretty frustrating.

My guess would be for several of those reasons.

The chef was quoting wait times on his Twitter account but hasn't for quite a while.

He did recently confirm the following additions though...

towering.fool wrote:Swine Flu (re-christened the Megadeth)
Insect Warfare
Baroness
Brujeria

Commbrkdwn wrote:Apologies if this has been discussed before in here (don't feel like wading through all 30+ pages) but what are people's thoughts on Kuma's not quoting a wait-time over the phone? Do they do this as to not disappoint people with inaccurate times? So to not scare away potential diners? I've never heard of a restaurant doing this before and it's pretty frustrating.

I look at Kuma's like I do places like Big Star, and to a lesser extent Small Bar, they are bars that serve food; I don't expect them to act like normal restaurants. It's also alot harder to try and estimate wait times, how can you tell if a table is just having food, or intends to have half a dozen beers? That can be the difference between a one hour table turn, and three hours.

SSDD

Panther in the Den wrote:[The chef] recently confirm[ed] the following additions though...

towering.fool wrote:Swine Flu (re-christened the Megadeth)

I just noticed that these items are added for summer, so I can't afford to wait til the patio closes in case they take Megadeth back off. I'm sure within these 37 pages there is some guidance, but how early do I have to get there before I end up in line for 3 hours? Is 11am enough time? I'm planning a trip asap.

Just curious, pie lady, you've mentioned it twice but I'm still confused as to what the patio closing has to do with anything. For me, I'd much rather go and sit outside vs. being inside and having to scream over the music and since the patio pretty much doubles the capacity, that means shorter waits as well. I've been there ~11:15-11:30 and been among the first to get in.

tem wrote:the patio pretty much doubles the capacity, that means shorter waits as well.

It does, but the kitchen doesn't get any bigger though. You might get to sit faster, but it doesn't really mean you are going to get your food much quicker.

SSDD

Kuma's web site mentions as much, saying "Please be patient" under normal circumstances but "Please be even more patient" when the patio is open.

tem wrote:Just curious, pie lady, you've mentioned it twice but I'm still confused as to what the patio closing has to do with anything.

headcase wrote:

tem wrote:the patio pretty much doubles the capacity, that means shorter waits as well.

It does, but the kitchen doesn't get any bigger though. You might get to sit faster, but it doesn't really mean you are going to get your food much quicker.

SSDD

Indeed - the wait is longer. But when the patio is closed, take-out orders are accepted. That way I can call at 12, get an ETA, haul ass and still make it back to work before my lunch break ends. No waiting!

Pie Lady wrote:I'm sure within these 37 pages there is some guidance, but how early do I have to get there before I end up in line for 3 hours? Is 11am enough time? I'm planning a trip asap.

While I'm willing to wait for good food, it's not a preference and I have given the same advice somewhere in the 37 pages probably a couple times....but if you're able to pick your time to Kuma's you want to go:

Mon-Wed
Either right when they open (11:30) or wait until after the lunch rush - any time after 2pm but before 4 or so.

I usually belly up to the bar, never with a group larger than me and a buddy, and I don't think i've ever waited for a seat - i go probably at two or three times a month. Quick service, top notch bartenders (Vivian on Monday, Katie Tues-Fri), quick kitchen turnaround...perfect situation if you ask me.

Yes, i love Kuma's a little too much. For my money, it's the best burger in the city imo.

djenks wrote:

Pie Lady wrote:I'm sure within these 37 pages there is some guidance, but how early do I have to get there before I end up in line for 3 hours? Is 11am enough time? I'm planning a trip asap.

While I'm willing to wait for good food, it's not a preference and I have given the same advice somewhere in the 37 pages probably a couple times....but if you're able to pick your time to Kuma's you want to go:

Mon-Wed
Either right when they open (11:30) or wait until after the lunch rush - any time after 2pm but before 4 or so.

Thanks much. My dreams are filled with visions of Swine Flu...definitely the best burger I've ever eaten.

Insect Warfare

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe this was the name of the burger I had about two years ago - topped with a puck of bacon stuffed goat cheese coated in panko crumbs. Best burger I've ever had. Ever.


What was on the Swine Flu?

Commbrkdwn wrote:

Insect Warfare

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe this was the name of the burger I had about two years ago - topped with a puck of bacon stuffed goat cheese coated in panko crumbs. Best burger I've ever had. Ever.


What was on the Swine Flu?

The usual 10 oz patty topped with chorizo hash, roasted green chile, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, fried tortilla strips, and some unidentified cream sauce. The Insect Warfare sounds pretty great!

Pie Lady wrote:The usual 10 oz patty topped with chorizo hash, roasted green chile, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, fried tortilla strips, and some unidentified cream sauce.

Which, imo, was one of the best burgers they ever had there. One of my all time favorites. Couldn't be more excited about Insect Warfare as well. Is this new menu in implementation or is it just being talked (tweeted) about?

djenks wrote:

Pie Lady wrote:The usual 10 oz patty topped with chorizo hash, roasted green chile, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, fried tortilla strips, and some unidentified cream sauce.

Which, imo, was one of the best burgers they ever had there. One of my all time favorites. Couldn't be more excited about Insect Warfare as well. Is this new menu in implementation or is it just being talked (tweeted) about?

From Kuma's website:

NEW MENU ITEMS
[05/10/2010] [Monday] - [08:39]

We have added new menu items for Summer:

* Tequila Lime Grilled Checken Salad
* Fried Chorizo & Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
* Bacon Bleu Cheese Fries
* Senshi: Turkey Sloppy Joe
* Megadeth Burger
* Brujeria Burger
* Baroness Burger
* Insect Warfare Burger

SSDD

There is rarely anything new to say about Kuma's, but this afternoon's visit felt like the first time. An hour and a half advertised wait was, in reality, about a half hour under a temperate sky with a refreshing breeze. Our server was buzzing with excitement about the new menu choices, and confided my two picks to be her favorite new additions: Insect Warfare burger and Bacon Bleu Cheese Fries.

I know; I know; I ordered fries at Kuma's on purpose. These fries were the exception to the rule that Kuma's fries are soggy little salt bombs: their sojourn under the salamander to melt the bleu cheese crisped up the fries nicely, to the point where, if this was how they came normally, I'd order them all the time. Good bleu cheese, not dressing, and really crispy bacon. Fully reccomended.

Insect Warfare comprised a baseball-like burger (rare as ordered for once), a panko-crusted puck of goat cheese, bacon, paprika creme fraische, and what to all appearances was canned corn; the menu advertises roasted corn and green chile salsa. This was not that. However, it did make a good texture contrast and munchy sweetness that were both welcome. The deep-fried goat cheese was exceedingly mild and not very goaty, but it was cruncy, cheesy, tangy deliciousness. As much as I've quibbled about this burger, I am telling you that it's my new favorite. I like it better than Llama's pick...

Megadeth. The Burger Formerly Known as Swine Flu. Mmmmmm. Another baseball of beef (too well done for Llama's liking, for once), with chorizo and red potato hash, pico de gallo, cayenne avocado cream, and tortilla strips. I took a big bite, knowing full well that somewhere my food-nemesis (raw onions) waited, and it was so delicious I didn't care. Spicy, crunchy, soulful, oooweee! was this good.

So the new items aren't the only thing that has been revamped: there is now a $2.00 hassle fee for any item additions, and the burgers are way thicker than they have any right to be. Too big to be eaten without some compromise. BIG.

And since I hadn't seen a description of the new-again burgers upthread, let me now describe for you...

Brujeria: Cream cheese, chorizo jalapeno popper, cheddar cheese, chard tomato salsa.

Baroness: Chimichurri, fire roasted corn salsa with bacon and roasted red peppers, green beans, grated asiago cheese.

All I have to say is chorizo stuffed jalapenos + rasberry jalapeno jam is wonderful.

Shaggywillis wrote:
The quality to me is not what it was, I've had better french fries at Mcdonalds, no more Co-op hot sauce, the kitch is gone. I just feel like it changed to accommodate the masses and maybe it had to?

Yep, I'm quoting myself again. So, I finally went back to Kuma's this past Saturday late afternoon and I want to say the quality has changed for the better, to me. We started off with the jalepeno poppers with the raspberry jam and this things were really good. Perfectly fried and crisp on the outside and the jam and a sweet/smoky flavor that went well with the jalepenos. Now, I did not order a burger, I got the Mastodon which is my favorite but with chicken and the chicken breast they used was a lot larger (I believe a double split breast) then what I've had in the past. As well, my friend got the Insect Warfare and the burger was more round then I remembered and tasted a lot better. I was a little bummed that my favorite burger is not on the menu anymore, I cannot remember the name but it was the one with goat cheese, pico and a chipotle pepper, but from what I can tell, the change is good.

Shaggywillis wrote: I was a little bummed that my favorite burger is not on the menu anymore, I cannot remember the name but it was the one with goat cheese, pico and a chipotle pepper, but from what I can tell, the change is good.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They took the Dark Throne off the menu?!!


(was my favorite as well.)

had the Plague Bringer today--very good, with the beer selection and atmosphere i would rate this establishment as excellent. i will be back.

had the Led Zeppelin last night. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Shaggywillis wrote:
I was a little bummed that my favorite burger is not on the menu anymore, I cannot remember the name but it was the one with goat cheese, pico and a chipotle pepper, but from what I can tell, the change is good.



NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They took the Dark Throne off the menu?!!


(was my favorite as well.)

Yep, Ralph, it's gone.

headcase wrote:

Commbrkdwn wrote:Apologies if this has been discussed before in here (don't feel like wading through all 30+ pages) but what are people's thoughts on Kuma's not quoting a wait-time over the phone? Do they do this as to not disappoint people with inaccurate times? So to not scare away potential diners? I've never heard of a restaurant doing this before and it's pretty frustrating.

I look at Kuma's like I do places like Big Star, and to a lesser extent Small Bar, they are bars that serve food; I don't expect them to act like normal restaurants. It's also alot harder to try and estimate wait times, how can you tell if a table is just having food, or intends to have half a dozen beers? That can be the difference between a one hour table turn, and three hours.

SSDD

I don't agree. At some point Kuma's became way more than a bar that serves food, shifting to primarily a food establishment that serves a lot of beer. Same as Hopleaf. People aren't making treks to either of these places to grab an Original Sin.

Chitown B wrote:

headcase wrote:

Commbrkdwn wrote:Apologies if this has been discussed before in here (don't feel like wading through all 30+ pages) but what are people's thoughts on Kuma's not quoting a wait-time over the phone? Do they do this as to not disappoint people with inaccurate times? So to not scare away potential diners? I've never heard of a restaurant doing this before and it's pretty frustrating.

I look at Kuma's like I do places like Big Star, and to a lesser extent Small Bar, they are bars that serve food; I don't expect them to act like normal restaurants. It's also alot harder to try and estimate wait times, how can you tell if a table is just having food, or intends to have half a dozen beers? That can be the difference between a one hour table turn, and three hours.

SSDD

I don't agree. At some point Kuma's became way more than a bar that serves food, shifting to primarily a food establishment that serves a lot of beer. Same as Hopleaf. People aren't making treks to either of these places to grab an Original Sin.

But is that the owner's fault or the customer's?

I would never go to Kuma's JUST for a burger, if I go it is to eat and hang out drinking beers for a while. When I go out to eat at a restaurant, I figure it will be an hour - hour and a half from the time I sit down to the time I leave; I don't put those limitations on bars that serve food.

SSDD

PS -- I've been here almost fiver years and I still haven't been up to Hopleaf, but when I get up there it will be for the beer selection, not the food.

headcase wrote:I would never go to Kuma's JUST for a burger, if I go it is to eat and hang out drinking beers for a while. When I go out to eat at a restaurant, I figure it will be an hour - hour and a half from the time I sit down to the time I leave; I don't put those limitations on bars that serve food.

SSDD

PS -- I've been here almost fiver years and I still haven't been up to Hopleaf, but when I get up there it will be for the beer selection, not the food.

When ever I am eating at a place that has a line, in the back of my mind I have some compassion for the poor saps (of whom I was just one) that are in line. Usually I will relinquish my table soon after my meal is done as I am not comfortable to sit back, relax, and enjoy a pint of my, post meal, favorite libation.

The excessive noise, the wide eyed look of staff running on adrenaline, the gentle push from the staff to vacate the table (often very gentle but it is there), the calculated rushing of the pacing of the meal to optimize turnover (this might be what bothers me the most).

This is the price you pay in going to a Number One. I have often gone to a Number Two and had a much more relaxed and satisfying meal. This does not help with a unique place such as Kuma's though.

I drive by Hopleaf at least once a month and would love to visit but...