Chicago, IL
www.kumas-corner.com
Believe me, you will have to search and want to find this restaurant. Located in a corner on Belmont; the home of gourmet burgers doesn’t have flashy lights, but a subtle sign and curtains covering the windows hiding the intriguing atmosphere.
When you enter, you will be greeted by the sound of blaring metal music which happens to be a consistent theme there.
The burgers are named after metal bands such as Motorhead, Judas Priest, Metallica, and others. As I searched thru the menu, I commented to my friend Derek: "I can’t find the Jethro Tull anywhere on here." Derek sighed and expressed his embarrassment for me.
On a recent trip, I ordered the Iron Maiden ($10) which comes with Avocado, Cherry Peppers, Pepper Jack, Chipotle Mayo and fries on the side. The extra ingredient that differs Kuma’s from the rest is they use a pretzel roll for the bun which packs a different sort of flavor.
Kuma’s is open late, 2am from Mon-Thurs, 3am on Sat, and closes at Midnight on Sun. The have an extensive beer list that offers a variety beyond the normal selection you’d find elsewhere.
If you’re not a fan of 10oz mouthwatering burgers, fear not! You can always substitute a chicken breast instead, grab a salad, or try another signature dish Kuma’s offers, which is the Make Your Own Mac & Cheese where you can select such ingredients as bacon, chicken, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, just to name a few.
Kuma's Corners is certainly a personal top ten entry for best burger and boasts themselves as the Best Burger in Chicago. A meal won't run you much as the burgers are in the $10-$12 price range. Experiencing a wait is not uncommon, but you can always grab a seat at the bar and enjoy what ever movie is playing on their flat screen tv. The executive chef is Matt Erpenbach.
