Kuma's Corner
Bar & grill · Avondale
2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
![Kuma's Corner by Kuma’s Corner [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63613137/KUMAS_CBD_COCKTAILS.0.jpg "Kuma's Corner by Kuma’s Corner [Official Photo]")
Highlights
Creative burgers & rock soundtrack; huge portions, great beer
Creative burgers & rock soundtrack; huge portions, great beer
"There’s nothing safe about Kuma’s. We’re not exaggerating—it looks dangerous in there. Metal music blasts at an ungodly decibel and the griddle is right off the bar, so visibility is low. As far as we know, no one’s gone deaf or otherwise been injured, and for the past 15 or so years, they’ve been serving burgers in Chicago. There are literally no rules at this place when it comes to burger toppings. Fried egg? That’s obvious. Pulled pork? Of course. Red wine reduction and an unconsecrated communion wafer to represent the body and blood of Christ? Wait… what the f*ck? Yeah, that happened, and the Catholic Church was in uproar. But as you could’ve guessed, Kuma’s didn’t care. We respect the hell out of their toppings, their creativity, and most of all, their gumption. For all you Johnny Cubs-fans, you should know Kuma’s only serves craft local beers, they won’t put sports on the TV, and you can’t wear your baseball hat inside. There’s no real reason for this—they just don’t like guys like you. So why subject yourself to this brutal atmosphere if it’s not your style? Because every burger here is good, and a reminder that it’s all worth it. Food Rundown Build Your Own Mac & Cheese If you’re at Kuma’s, just assume your body is going to hate you afterward. Go all in and start with the Mac & Cheese concoction of your dreams. Kuma’s Burger Expect every burger to be enormous, and perfectly cooked. This is their classic with bacon, sharp cheddar, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and onions. All the Other Burgers Choosing a burger here is a hard decision. Beer battered tamale, brie, Andouille sausage, bourbon poached pear—these are actual things they’re putting on burgers. The decision is extremely personal, and there’s no right choice. Go with your gut feeling and try them all. BBQ Pork Fries It’s fair to give your doctor a heads up before you come here." - Caitlin Doermer
"A heavy-music–friendly burger joint known for loud music and naming burgers after bands; it drew controversy years ago for a Ghost burger topped with a communion wafer, and the owner, Ron Cain, indicated that bringing back a similarly provocative menu item is “always a possibility.”" - Ashok Selvam
"Kuma’s has very good burgers, but for your purposes, it’s more important to know that the restaurant plays loud, angry heavy metal. You don’t have to like this kind of music, but if your significant other needs to process their rage, it helps to have Slayer blasting the entire time. Hopefully." - adrian kane
"There are two things you can count on at Kuma’s Corner: exceptional burgers and a constant dose of loud heavy metal music. Even if you’re not interested in Slayer’s music, you should be interested in the Slayer burger at Kuma’s, which is a burger on a bed of fries, with chili, cherry peppers, caramelized onion, andouille sausage, shredded monterrey jack, green onion, and anger. But this Slayer burger will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If there’s a wait, nothing close by is worth popping into unless you’re looking at an hour-plus. If that’s the case, head north on Elston to Chief O’Neill’s (3471 N. Elston Ave.)." - sam faye
"At 2900 W. Belmont Avenue I note that the original Kuma’s Corner debuted 19 years ago and was a pioneer in Avondale before spots like Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Parachute, Beer Temple, and Dmen Tap opened. It quickly gained credibility for loud music, often showcasing bands on independent labels, though the restaurant later turned down the volume as different crowds arrived. Ron Cain (Mike’s brother) bought the business and the restaurant expanded with locations in Lakeview, Schaumburg, and Vernon Hills. Kuma’s also poured beer from local craft breweries, which appealed to suburban dads." - Ashok Selvam
