Kubo Chicago

"Kubo is a cozy Lakeview restaurant that has the atmosphere of a neighborhood dive. And while coming here for drinks at the bar or on their outdoor patio may be the initial draw, you’ve not truly experienced Kubo until you’ve had their food. From starters like saucy adobo short ribs to larger dishes like pancit canton and their tart tamarind beef soup, kansi, the menu is full of hits. But if you come for a birthday, or a celebration like your parents finally getting you to move out of the house, check out their “boodle” feast. For $59 per person (and only available for parties of four or more) this gigantic meal that’s served on a never-ending bed of rice on top of banana leaves comes with over a dozen dishes—adobo, longanisa, lechon, and lumpia to name a few. It’s like the Avengers of Filipino food. Plus you get to eat this kamayan-style, which means you can ditch the fork and spoon and just dig in with your hands." - john ringor

"Kubo is a cozy Filipino restaurant that has the atmosphere of a neighborhood dive bar. With over 20 types of martinis, plus cocktails and beer, this place is filled with friends catching up over drinks on the weekend, or locals getting a therapy session from the bartender after a long day at work. Their menu has staples like crispy chicken lumpia, pancit canton, or savory adobo short ribs. But we also love their kansi, a tamarind-based soup full of vegetables, bone marrow, and tender beef shank. At its busiest, the whole restaurant might have “Bohemian Rhapsody” blasting from the speakers and every table and barstool filled. But on a slower night, the dim lighting and delicious food make it a great spot for a lowkey date or group dinner." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Kubo has brought great stability to a Lakeview space that’s been a revolving door through the years. The space feels more like a bar than a traditional Filipino restaurant. But Kubo invites locals to eat with their hands and to enjoy a Kamayan feast served over banana leaves. Items include lumpia, longanisa, fried chicken insal, and more." - Sarahlynn Pablo, Eater Staff

"Kubo is a cozy, dimly lit Filipino spot in Lakeview that has the atmosphere of a neighborhood dive bar, but serves delicious food. The bar is an important part of this place, and where you'll find locals relaxing after work, or groups of friends catching up over some drinks on the weekend. But before embarking on a tour of their 20 different martinis, you should definitely eat something first. A good place to start is with crispy chicken lumpia, followed by larger dishes like pancit canton or savory adobo short ribs. They also have comforting kansi, full of vegetables, bone marrow, and tender beef shank. And the tart and salty tamarind-based soup is the perfect excuse to visit Kubo two days in a row when you’re hungover from spending too much time at the bar the day before. When it’s busy, the whole restaurant feels like a rambunctious party with packed tables and classic rock music blasting. But on a slower night, it's a great spot for a lowkey date or group dinner." - John Ringor