102 replies to this topic

[nobodies]

Since Rajexico wisely pointed out:

Am I correct in thinking this thread is still the closest thing to a Kuma's thread here?

I had the day off yesterday, so after I saw WALL-E, I walked to Kuma's. I went inside (the door was unlocked and everything) and there were like a dozen people gathered around near the kitchen with a bunch of lights and cameras focused on something I couldn't see within the kitchen area. A woman (not an employee) walked up to me and quietly asked "are you here to eat?" and I was like "well yes that's generally why I go to restaurants." Well I thought that, but I just said "uh yes." She politely said they were filming a show and wouldn't be serving until 4 p.m. and I could come back then if I wanted. So of course I went to Hot Doug's instead.

My food-smart friend did some searching and he suggested it was pretty likely that it was for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Kuma's hype alert #257, I guess.

I figured I'd start a Kuma's thread since it's come up enough in the Hot Doug's and other foodie threads. Unfortunately, I'm gonna start the thread off on a somwhat dour note:

Kuma's is not dealing with the hype well at all. I went there last Thursday afternoon. First, there's a sign posted somewhere (might be on their chalkboard) that says something like "despite our popularity, our kitchen is still 6' x 6' and we can't cook the burgers any faster. Please be patient, we'll get them to you as soon as we can."

I'd be down with that normally. I like when a restaurant is frank and honest about wait times. As long as I know about it, I can adjust, relax, and have a few beers. But in this case:

(1) I ordered my first choice of beer. Waitress took a long time only to tell me they didn't have it in stock;

(2) I ordered my second choice of beer. Waitress took a long time only to tell me they didn't have it in stock. I gave up on fancy beers and ordered a PBR*, and then the waitress takes a long time to get to me;

(3) Now granted, this waitress was working the entire back courtyard (10+) tables, so she was really frantic. I'd forgive this, but this isn't the first time Kuma's was under-staffed;

(4) back to the waitress. She was really bitchy and huffy. I know you're having a hard day, but please don't take it out on me;

(5) I order a second beer mid-meal. It comes to me shortly before I receive the check.

Unfortunately the burgers were still awesome so I'll be going back. Hot Dougs takes a number of breathers during the year (and every Sunday). Maybe Kumas should take a lesson. Sit back, relax, enjoy the success. It'll make for a better product.


*And another thing, I don't like the soap-boxing on the menu against Miller and Budweiser. This is the third time I've been there when one of their "craft" beers wasn't in stock and I ended up with a shitty PBR. Every beer has its place. Please don't lecture me on the superiority of other beers.

[Rajexico]

I've been there a lot recently and I've found the service to be excellent 30% of the time, fine 50% of the time, and mediocre 20% of the time. I'm perfectly fine with those ratios as long as the food warrants it.

[yancy]

I recall seeing Kuma dude on some TV show where he admits they hire servers based on vibe/personality rather than actual serving experience/skills. Tattooed chicks are cool and all, but I want my beer. I haven't actually been there, just sayin'.

[velocity]

Nobodies, have you posted your issues on Yelp? One would think that a half-interested manager/staff would take a look at that (and their rating) from time to time, and might make some changes in response.

[nobodies]

Nobodies, have you posted your issues on Yelp? One would think that a half-interested manager/staff would take a look at that (and their rating) from time to time, and might make some changes in response.

Nah, I never post anything on yelp...I just look to it for advice. Maybe I should be more proactive...but I think bitching on the SOMB is about as proactive as I'll get. Also, I probably should be a bit more positive about the place:

I've been going there for over a year now, and I've been 20+ times. I'd go back pretty much at the drop of a dime (if I have the time, I have no problem wasting a couple hours sitting around drinking beers staring at cute tattooed chicks). The service has generally been very friendly, even when its slow. I've just started to sense that the place is cracking a bit under the stress and pressure.

[Rajexico]

I think they'll work it out. They are in a tough spot though. What are they going to do, turn away the Thompson family that drove all the way in from Buffalo Grove so little Billy and Suzie could split a Goblin Cock, dominatrix posters and thundering Bolt Thrower album be damned? It's tough on top.

[BGwaves]

The only time i've gone all the servers seemed annoyed and the whole experience took 3 1/2 hours. But they did have good beer and it was in stock so that made things a little better. 3/5

[-Blank-]

Haven't been back to Kuma's lately. But, I think I first went about 3 years ago and I went through the same multiple beer selection process. So I can only imagine that they are having more difficulty keeping the place stocked. With all of these stories on here (well, maybe it is only this one) and from other people I know who live in the area, I am kind of afraid to go back and ruin the great experiences I had back then. On another note, I still have not been to Hot Doug's. I need to make my way over there this summer.

[Wolfgang]

Went two weeks ago with friends from out of town. We all ordered PBRs like losers but she kept 'em coming and was really friendly the entire time. No complaints.

[Hero]

nobodies: you are not alone in questioning their service. I have been there about 5 times this year and the service has been quite crappy each time. One time in particular was bad.... my friend and i got there around 11pm at nite and all the tables were being used for people just to chill. They had a beer sitting in front of them, would leave to smoke then come back. The spots at the bar were full for beer drinkers too. So... not many people were actually eating, and a whole 2 tables didnt have food, just milked their beer. I understand, they came first - no big deal.... but i asked to order our food since we were waiting 20 min and just hope a table opens up by the time its ready. The bartender rudely refuses to serve me unless i have a table. At this point, i'll just eat standing up. I just order my food to go, pay the $10 for the burger (hell no, i will not tip) Also the hostess apparently let her friends come in and cleared a table for them and let them cut in front of me while all this was happening I ate in my car instead. The food is tasty and reasonably priced, so i recommend taking it to go and eating it outside or something. Hot Doug's service is spectacular... Doug has even knocked off $1-2 off my bill a few times when i order a ton of food edit: eh.... i dont mean to rant against Kuma's that bad. i was frustrated i couldnt get a table at 11pm, but i was just hoping the hostess could've at least cleared a spot for us somewhere

[gwa]

Kuma's service is 0 for 3 for me. If my burger's gonna take an hour or two, then at least keep the drinks coming and the water full, okay? Last time, we ordered second drinks, ordered them again after a half hour, then gave up. But yeah, the burgers. One big bite of Mastodon, and all is forgiven.

[avec]

By most accounts I've heard this place sounds terrible. I'll maybe go there in a year or two after the line thins out.

[yancy]

I don't like burgers enough to put up with what I've read about this place.

[sKinnY]

we've gone once and had no real issues. no line, in and out pretty quickly. i'd give it two forks up. still not sold on waiting in line for those damn hot dougs yet. maybe if they delivered.

[boobs]

just dont go on a WEEKEND
i guarantee thats entirely your problem.

weeknights are busy yeah but ive never had any problems
weekends are insanity

I don't like burgers enough to put up with what I've read about this place.

u are such a dork

[yancy]

Okaaay.

[gwa]

just dont go on a WEEKEND
i guarantee thats entirely your problem.

Wrong. I've been twice on a Tuesday and once on a Wednesday, and I've not waited more than a few minutes for a table. So that's not the problem.

[nobodies]

just dont go on a WEEKEND
i guarantee thats entirely your problem.

Wrong. I've been twice on a Tuesday and once on a Wednesday, and I've not waited more than a few minutes for a table. So that's not the problem.

yeah, my little story occured last Thursday at noon. Granted, it was July 3...but by the time we left there was a pretty long wait. I've also seen the hour + waits on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Still, the burgers keep bringing me back.

[fffffffff]

i hear you guys bitch and bitch and moan about this place, but the longest i have ever waited for a table is MAYBE 30 minutes. we went last saturday at 1ish and just sat immediately at the bar, had the awesome waitress (juno) and was out in an hour or so. yea, its crowded a lot, but if you get there when it's crowded and are pissed off you have to wait, well fuck off. fucking enjoy your time there, have a beer, watch whatever weird shit is on the tv and chat with your waitress. it's always been super pleasant. SUPER.

[Slackmo]

hipsterburger streeteaming