Back in 2016, I visited this hot new spot GreenRiver where I sat at the bar and watched this bartender ice pick this perfectly clear block of ice. At the time, all I knew was cocktail after cocktail rivaled some of the drinks I have enjoyed at NYC’s Dead Rabbit. When at the time was my favorite bar in NYC. GreenRiver did become my favorite bar in Chicago quickly that night. I asked the server on that first visit multiple questions about the cocktail menu while ending my series of questions, “major props to all of the amazing cocktails” as they were besting all of the cocktails I’ve had. He then points back to the women that was ice picking that clear block of ice, “you will have to thank Julia over there”.

Julia Momose has been constantly breaking barriers in Chicago starting at The Office becoming the first female bartender there. Then becoming head bartender at Michelin star rated GreenRiver. Soon after grabbing one of Eater Young Gun Awards. In 2018, Kumiko quietly opens days after Christmas but quickly becomes one of the best bars in Chicago. Even Time Magazine named Kumiko “the World’s 100 Greatest Places” in 2019”. During COVID, Julia led the legalizing fight to allow bars to sell to go cocktails in Illinois which successfully pass. Kumiko sells the first cocktails to go in Illinois during the summer in June 2020.

Kumiko cocktails are the best in Chicago mixing in a lot of Japanese influences. I have had several variations of the Milk Punch cocktail including the Spiced Rum Milk Punch that leads with a El Dorado 15 Year Rum. Old Fashioned at Kumiko never gets old here led with your Japanese Whisky of your choice. New Wave led with Akashi Japanese Whisky is complex yet simple. The food takes a lot of inspiration from local farm ingredients created by Chef Emery Ebarle. The different bowls from Gyudon to Japanese Curry to Hiyashi Chuka has been all perfection. The perfect bar snack is the Honey Nori Cashews that is addicting after the first bite. The service has been perfect every time with Alberto helping me out at the to go window during COVID. Take advantage of the ever changing cocktail menu and order in advance online. Trust the house and try Dealer’s Choice where Julia personalize a cocktail for you. Do not over look the spirt free drinks. Julia’s ability to perfect spirt free drinks shows how talented she is as many other bartenders fail to take it as seriously for the free spirited drinkers. Try some of the coffees that are specially roasted for Kumiko from Sparrow Coffee or the perfect matcha drinks.

I cannot wait to see what is next at Kumiko. I also cannot wait to see what other barriers bartender Julia Momose will break next.

Food / Drink – 5
Décor – 5
Service – 5

Overall – 5 / 5

630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL
http://barkumiko.com