There’s a plethora of outstanding bars in Chicago so it’s no surprise that two have just landed on a list of North America’s top bars.
Kumiko, the Japanese dining bar in the West Loop helmed by Julia Momosé, is the continent’s eighth best bar according to the 2023 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars. Praised for “blend[ing] Japanese and American influences with style and finesse,” Kumiko also earned the honor of The Best Bar in Midwest USA.
Joining it at No. 38 is fellow Chicago standout Milk Room, the intimate eight-seat bar inside the Chicago Athletic Association where “vintage spirits and liqueurs are transformed into contemporary cocktails.” This is Milk Room’s first time on the list; Kumiko was ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition.
The awards ceremony was held in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and recognized drinking establishments across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Double Chicken Please in New York took home the crown as the No. 1 bar, followed by Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City and Katana Kitten, another New York awardee. Overall, the U.S. led the way with 28 bars on the list, while Mexico fielded 14 and Canada boasted seven. La Factoría in San Juan, Puerto Rico was the lone Caribbean winner.
You can check out the full rankings on the World’s 50 Best website.