Burger Heaven…or Hell?

kumas

Last fall, the Husband and I discovered Kuma’s, a bar that serves outrageous burgers on the Northwest side. If the original Exit had a kitchen (and a dedicated cleaning crew), this is what it would feel like. True, it’s insanely crowded. Unless you snag a seat at the bar, the wait is excruciating. But once your food arrives, your reward is swift, juicy, and piled high with things you didn’t think could or should top a burger.

Selection is part of the good fun, as most combinations are named for heavy metal bands (the Slayer: “Pile of fries topped with a ½ lb. Burger, Chili, Cherry Peppers, Andouille, Onions, Jack Cheese, and Anger”) or for how you’ll feel afterward (the Clutch: “Cheddar, Swiss, Jack, Smoked Gouda”).

Pictured above is a recent special that featured grits and fried green tomatoes. My hands-down favorite is the Kaijo: bacon, blue cheese, and fried onions. Haven’t finished one yet. The Husband, who has been known to stop in for lunch, is a fan of the straight-up Kuma: bacon, cheddar, and lord help him, a fried egg. Call the cardiologist: we went there a lot this winter.