Kumiko

Kumiko is Julia Momosé’s Japanese dining bar at 630 W Lake St in the West Loop, near Lake and Desplaines, a block or two from the Clinton stop on the Green and Pink lines and a short walk from Ogilvie for Metra riders. The room combines a cocktail and Japanese whisky list with a dinner menu, and there are three ways in: the bar, a tasting-menu dining room and a ten-seat whisky counter. On weekend days the space runs as Cafe Kumiko, with Japanese cafe fare, coffee and tea.

What to know

• In April 2026 the bar placed 11th on North America’s 50 Best Bars and took that list’s hospitality award, as reported by Time Out Chicago.
• Bar seats go to walk-ins first come, first served, with parties capped at two; reservations are encouraged on weekends.
• Bottled cocktails and gift cards are sold for home use.
• Cafe Kumiko runs on Saturday and Sunday daytimes with a separate menu of Japanese cafe dishes.