Kuma's Corner: The Legend

Kuma's Corner is a small joint, probably holds 70 people comfortably, but usually has 150 crammed in anyway. The big draw is the famous burgers, but the drawback is that people generally wait 2-3 hours for seating, but we got lucky and spotted two seats on the front corner of the bar, which it turned out was probably the best spot to witness the entire place. As we walked in there was Anthrax (Barrel of a Gun) blasting throughout the place followed by some White Zombie (Black Sunshine) and the music never disappointed the entire time we were there. The owner is a big metalhead, so everything you hear is heavy metal / hard rock.

Beer selection is pretty awesome (they refuse to serve Anheuser/Miller/Coors products) and always have some Three Floyds (also metalheads) on tap. All burgers are 10oz patties on pretzel rolls. You can also opt for chicken or veggie patties, but let's be honest, ifyou come to a legendary burger joint and order anything else, you reallydeserve to be tossed out on your ass. Since they are known for burgers not chicken or veggie patties, if it sucks, its your fault. They also have a few signature sandwiches, but I'd still stick with the burgers.


Burger number one was the "Megadeth". This burger is topped with chorizo and red potato hash, pico de gallo, cayenne avocado cream, tortilla strips and cilantro. Ordered rare, actually came rare. Fresh beef, full of flavor. Some heat but not overpowering. OUTSTANDING.


Burger number two was the "Insect Warfare". This burger was topped with panko-crusted goat cheese, bacon roasted corn and green chili medallion, topped with more roasted corn and green chili salsa, cilantro and paprika creme fraiche. Ordered rare, came rare again. Nice choice to cool the heat from the first burger. Goat cheese just melted on the tongue like warm butter. AMAZING.

Service was fast and attentive. Beer was fresh and ice cold. The burgers were hands down the best I have ever had in my life. The only drawback to this place was the fries...bagged. With such outstanding burgers, we were expecting fresh handcut fries. While they were bagged, at least they were crispy, salty, and most of all, they were waffle fries which will always gain points.

I give this place a 9/10, only because of the bagged fries. But I promise you that you will have the best burger of your life here.

Tips: Go here well after the typical eating times to minimize wait times. During the winter months they offer to-go service where you can order ahead and pick up. During summer months the patio opens which allows more seating.

Directions: Roscoe Village Neighborhood.
Sits at the corner of Belmont Ave. and Francisco Ave.
Since majority of you stay in the loop area, two options:
Blue Line EL to the Belmont Stop and the Belmont Bus # 77 East to Francisco.
- or -
Brown/Purple/Red Line EL to the Belmont Stop, Belmont Bus # 77 West to Francisco.