The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 have just been revealed, and one Chicago spot made the cut.
Kumiko, the West Loop cocktail bar from acclaimed mixologist Julia Momosé, lands at No. 82 on this year’s rankings. It was also named the eighth best North American bar by The World's 50 Best Bars this past spring.
“The place to be at this Japanese-inspired venue is in one of the eight seats at the bar, enjoying the sophisticated cocktails of creative director Julia Momose. At the bar or at one of the few tables in the minimalist omakase-style dining room, Japanese ingredients are showcased in the drinks as well as the compact selection of small plates,” The World’s 50 Best Bars wrote.
In Time Out Chicago’s review of Kumiko, critic Maggie Hennessy wrote, “Julia Momosé's elegant West Loop bar pairs Japanese omakase with bespoke cocktails—and the results are sublime,” while awarding it five stars.
The top 50 winners were announced at a live ceremony in Singapore. Taking home the crown was Sips in Barcelona, followed by New York’s Double Chicken Please and Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City. Overall, the U.S. had five bars honored in the top 50—three in New York, one in Miami and one in New Orleans.
Take a look at The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 to see the full list of winners.