I traveled back to Kuma's Corner this weekend because I was craving one of their burgers. I've been here a couple of times and this was the first time I did not have to wait over an hour! We arrived around 11:45 for their noon opening on Sunday and got the last 2 seats before people had to wait. Whew.
That being said.... Kuma's Corner is worth every minute of waiting... even if it is over an hour.
Kuma's Corner (http://www.kumascorner.com)
Location: 2900 West Belmont (Right off 90/94).
Food: 4 words: BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO. I have to be honest. I love hamburgers but I have never, and doubt I will ever again, taste a burger like a Kuma's burger. These burgers are unforgettable.
So for our meal, we started off with the jalapeno poppers - delicious. These poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and chorizo then deep fried and served with a jalapeno raspberry jam. The sweetness of the jam is the perfect contrast in flavor to the spice of the pepper and chorizo. They are fried crispy.
Now for the important part of the meal... the burgers. All I can say is: take your pick. I've been to Kuma's many times with many people and they've all tried different burgers... I've never heard anyone complain. I have a problem trying different burgers when I go because I got hooked on the first one I tried: The Plague Bringer. If you like garlic... this is a MUST!!! Per the website description: Roasted Garlic Mayo, Tortilla Strips, House Made Hot Sauce, Fresh Garlic, Pepper Jack, Sliced Jalapenos. The roasted garlic mayo has the most luscious roasted garlic flavor... like you just popped the roasted garlic out of the oven and somehow magically made it creamy. The house made hot sauce is not too spicy with a smoky (maybe chipotle) flavor. The fresh cut jalapenos give a little extra spicy kick and the pepper jack cheese is gooey and melted and the perfect addition to the sandwich. The bun (as are all buns at Kuma's) is a pretzel bun. It does a spectacular job holding up to all these ingredients.
My boyfriend got the Pantera. Per the website: Roasted Poblano Pepper, Bacon, Chedder and Monterey Jack, House made Ranchero Sauce, Tortilla Strips. I only had a bite, but it was memorable as well. The poblano pepper and ranchero sauce were quite a team. The bacon added a nice contrast to the flavors as well.
One more important mention: the sides. Burgers come with choice of homemade chips or waffle fries (or a salad for extra money). I suggest one person get chips and one fries if you go with a friend. Split them. They are both great. Chips are crisp. Both are salted well.
Drinks: Great beer selection. They have Three Floyds... need I say more?
Service: Staff is very friendly. We sat at the bar this time which was great. We had a server and the bartender was always around. The kitchen is small and they are cranking out the burgers so be patient.
Atmosphere: Loud. Hot. Heavy metal music. Risque pictures on the wall. Overall a fun atmosphere filled with people who love burgers. In the summer the outdoor patio is open which I highly recommend.
Price: Burgers are $11-$13 but worth $20. They are so good and huge. We had 2 burgers, the poppers and 2 beers.... couldn't finish it all.... $50.
Another similar spot: Can't compare any other burger places to this one... as I told my boyfriend... they aren't even in the same paragraph....
