Kumiko
NA Program Strength is an editorial assessment based on publicly available menu data. See methodology.
630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
Kumiko is a Japanese dining bar in Chicago's West Loop, opened in 2018 by bartender and restaurateur Julia Momosé, who also leads it as creative director and beverage visionary. Named for the Japanese kumiko woodworking technique reflected in its design, the venue treats food and drink with equal reverence. Its alcohol-free program is a genuine cornerstone: Momosé created a line of zero-proof drinks she calls "Spiritfrees," built from ingredients like shiso-pickled umé, sanshō, yarrow flower, sweet osmanthus, and Japanese seven spice rather than NA spirit brands. Spiritfree is offered both à la carte and as one of four formal tasting-menu pairings, alongside light cocktails, stirred cocktails, and sake. Kumiko won the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar and was named World's Best Bar at the 2025 Spirited Awards, and it ranked among North America's 50 Best Bars. Reservations recommended; guests 18 and older.
Non-alcoholic menu: what to order
- Uméboshi Swizzle
- Verve
Menus change — see the current full menu on Kumiko's website.
“Momosé's range of alcohol-free drinks are dubbed "Spiritfrees" and are just as profound as their alcoholic counterparts.”— Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago →
Non-alcoholic brands they serve
House-crafted NA cocktails
Location
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