Chicago’s reputation as a cocktail capital has been reaffirmed: Kumiko, the intimate West Loop bar from chef and creative director Julia Momosé, has returned to the World’s 50 Best Bars extended list, coming in at No. 97 on the 51-100 rankings for 2025 after being absent from last year's global list. For a venue that treats cocktails with the care of fine dining, the recognition is a reminder of just how singular Kumiko is.
Momosé’s vision for Kumiko has always been about more than just drinks. The bar is minimalist, warm and deeply inviting. Every cocktail is crafted with precision, often spotlighting Japanese spirits like shochu, sake and whisky, but balanced with a sensibility that feels distinctly Chicago. Even the nonalcoholic offerings carry the same depth and complexity, underscoring Momose’s philosophy that everyone deserves a beautiful drink.
Is it any wonder that earlier this year, Kumiko was also named the best bar in the world at the 19th annual Spirited Awards?
Food plays a vital role, too. The menu leans into Japanese flavors, offering delicate, seasonal dishes designed to harmonize with the drinks. Whether you’re enjoying sashimi alongside a sake-forward cocktail or a wagyu tartare with a whisky highball, the pairings feel seamless. It’s this interplay between bar and kitchen that transforms Kumiko from a cocktail bar into a complete dining experience.
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"The extended 51-100 list is another opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity and world-class hospitality that define the very best in the business — and this ninth edition does not disappoint," The World’s 50 Best Bars Head of Content Emma Sleight said in a statement. "From brand new destinations and emerging markets to beloved favourites, the extended ranking shines a light on even more of the world’s finest bars. Today, we raise a glass to those venues that go above and beyond, offer congratulations to the incredible teams whose hard work has earned their bar a spot on this prestigious list and hope it encourages more people to discover their next drinking destination."
The World’s 50 Best Bars is considered the gold standard of cocktail accolades, compiled each year by more than 800 bartenders, writers, and experts across the globe. The 51–100 list builds anticipation for the official countdown of the top 50, which will take place on October 8 in Hong Kong. The event gathers the international bar community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and plenty of clinking glasses.
For Chicago, a city that prides itself on both grit and sophistication, Kumiko represents the pinnacle of what hospitality can be. Its spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list isn’t just a win for the West Loop. It’s another testament to Chicago’s place on the global cocktail map.