The burgers are fantastic--definitely the best in Vernon Hills. Huge portions so we usually have leftovers later. The stuffed jalapeño poppers are the best I've ever had, and a generous portion, can't recommend them highly enough. Love the music and movies. Great takeout service also.
Cyndy A
My boyfriend ordered the Sourvein burger & I ordered the Kuma's special, both were amazing! Big portions and sweet potato fries were toooooo die for!
Kyle
I have been to kumas about 9ish times and I can't explain how amazing these burgers are. One of the largest set of burgers I have ever seen and the size is equal great as the flavor.
Claire O.
Kuma's has kind of a cool metalhead/biker atmosphere. The burgers are very large and come in some very interesting varieties. Service is not their strong suit. The woman we had was pleasant but she certainly did not work in a efficient manner. While we ate, it was later in the afternoon and most of the tables around us were already eating or finishing up. Alongside my burger and fries, you get a small cup of ketchup. This isn't regular ketchup...it's like jalapeño ketchup. Very spicy! They claim they don't have anything else. It makes sense to have stuff with a little kick when your whole atmosphere kinda has a little kick of itself. However, it's wrong to assume that every one of your patrons will like hot and spicy condiments. Regular ones should certainly be available upon request. When I flagged down server, I asked if I could get something else since I couldn't dip my fries in that spicy ketchup. She gladly brought me some BBQ sauce. When we got the check, I noticed I was charged 50 cents for that BBQ sauce. I asked for it, not because I wanted extra stuff, but because I couldn't eat that spicy ketchup. Our server took it off the bill, which I appreciated. What really ruined our experience was when we paid. We gave the server the money and she disappeared. She later returned saying that she was waiting for the manager to get singles for the register. I had a generous $6 tip ready and waiting for her, but after waiting almost 20 minutes for that change and still not receiving it, I put the tip back in my wallet and her tip was the change she never brought back. The burgers are good but this isn't a place I would rush back to anytime soon. The service needs improvement too.
Jill H.
If you like dried up hockey pucks with uncooked bacon- sandwiched between the driest buns you ever had- look no further! Don't want a refill- no problem. ....And you can wait almost an hour for it while watching the most inappropriate movie on the many screens among children. Really? Go to any gas station for better food - no offense gas stations!
Brandon C.
Atmosphere is your typical sporty-pub type, spotlights sometimes shine in your eye which can be a little annoying. I tried the plague bringer burger with a side of fries and tge burger was delicious, the only downside was it falling apart. Fries are well salted and seasoned, moderate cut. The jalapeno poppers were very good perfect crisp with cheese filling.
Chicagonative_7
Haven’t been to the Chicago version in decades but this place hit the spot. Almost as loud as the original, the vibe here is family. Lots of multigenerational families unlike the bar in Chicago. The food could’ve been better suffering from inattentive overworked staff who let it sit and the food get cold. The burgers were excellent and huge. The flavors still very good and combinations tasty. The Kuma burger with egg and bacon soared without the lettuce and tomato and the Mastodon was excellent too. Fries a bit cold but so was the beer! The Mac and cheese was topped with caramelized onions and bacon and was sinfully rich and delicious. Took those leftovers home! Definitely would return if I need a fancy burger fix.
Christopher Thoms
First time venturing of the OG Kuma’s. Ambiance is far more conventional, but still there’s head-banging music playing, just at a lower volume, and it’s brightly lit as opposed to the original.The mac and cheese was phenomenal, as always. Creamy and you can pick your own ingredients.We also had the plague bringer (solid but difficult to grab onto), pig destroyer (fantastic pulled pork sammy), and Goatsnake (very yummy indeed).
Jennifer Perez
I absolutely LOVE the Mac n cheese here. However yesterday was disappointed when I ordered the Mac with garlic, chicken, mushrooms & broccoli. As you can see from the picture there was almost NO broccoli. I actually found 3 small pieces. I called to inquire (I mean $2.00 for additional ingredients isn't cheap) & was told portion size was weighed out & that is that. So I think I may skip the extras in the future, doesn't seem worth the extra money. Still was super delicious though.
Cesar Avalos
Very different atmosphere than what I am used too. Loud Rock music and different vibe. Overall, I kinda liked it. The food was good. You order everything through your phone and someone will bring it to you. Just a heads up, they will add an automatic tip onto your tab through the software that they use, I don't mind paying for a tip but there is no traditional waiter checking up on you, refilling drinks, etc, to justify a tip for at this location. Overall, it was a good experience.
I occasionally dine at the Schaumburg location, however since they were closed due to a kitchen issue - my husband and I decided to try the Vernon Hills location! When we arrive it was pretty busy, but the hostess promptly greeted us and offered us a seat at the bar. Which we had no problem with because it gave us the opportunity to get to see the different beers they have on tap! For ordering, we were able to scan a QR code and order directly from our phone. The food got delivered to us and we were able to chat with the extremely friendly bartenders about how Covid has changed their ordering systems and now they are so grateful that business is picking up again. For food, we decided to share the Mac of the Month called AtoneMac. It has the Kuma's Mac Mix, grilled chicken, Parmesan; hot Cheetos dust, SOB sauce, and scallions! It sounds like a super unique combination but the flavors were phenomenal! The cheesiness of the Mac and cheese, and the flavors of the different mixing, and crunch from the Cheetos dust made each bite a perfect one! Highly recommend visiting Kuma's in Vernon Hills! If you have the chance to sit at the bar, take it! The staff are super nice and you may even make a new friend! :)
Paul X. Moran
friendly staff, delicious food and an excellent assortment of drinks!!
Devondra Morris
The service was quick. Their menu and ordering was all done on your phone which is nice and convenient. I got the Goatsnake burger which ment my expectations. They were out of their burger and Mac of the month which was what we went there for but I wasn't disappointed with what I got instead
Tupper B
This place has slid a bit downhill lately. The burgers are still good and creative, but I recommend carry out instead of dine in. Their switch to a new format has the servers essentially scurrying around but not even looking at you and talking to you, so it's more like a fast casual restaurant these days, but without the fast casual prices. They messed up 2 of our orders but you can't even get the waiter's attention to tell them about it. The owners of this place need to train their servers to at least try to talk to and check in on their customers. Restaurant price for fast-casual experience, not worth the money. If you want their burgers, get carry out. But there is a lot of competition in this space so it may or may not be worth it. They used to be better until this recent change.
Michael H.
Giving a star solely on the service and the fact that they didn't charge me for the burger. I hold Kumas to a high standard so I was really disappointed by how overcooked my burger was. I appreciate the apology from the server because she said the order was mixed up for one that was well done, but this burger was beyond even well done. They need to either improve their quality or lower their prices because $18 is ridiculous if they are going to serve me a McDonalds burger on steroids.
The burgers are fantastic--definitely the best in Vernon Hills. Huge portions so we usually have leftovers later. The stuffed jalapeño poppers are the best I've ever had, and a generous portion, can't recommend them highly enough. Love the music and movies. Great takeout service also.
My boyfriend ordered the Sourvein burger & I ordered the Kuma's special, both were amazing! Big portions and sweet potato fries were toooooo die for!
I have been to kumas about 9ish times and I can't explain how amazing these burgers are. One of the largest set of burgers I have ever seen and the size is equal great as the flavor.
Kuma's has kind of a cool metalhead/biker atmosphere. The burgers are very large and come in some very interesting varieties. Service is not their strong suit. The woman we had was pleasant but she certainly did not work in a efficient manner. While we ate, it was later in the afternoon and most of the tables around us were already eating or finishing up. Alongside my burger and fries, you get a small cup of ketchup. This isn't regular ketchup...it's like jalapeño ketchup. Very spicy! They claim they don't have anything else. It makes sense to have stuff with a little kick when your whole atmosphere kinda has a little kick of itself. However, it's wrong to assume that every one of your patrons will like hot and spicy condiments. Regular ones should certainly be available upon request. When I flagged down server, I asked if I could get something else since I couldn't dip my fries in that spicy ketchup. She gladly brought me some BBQ sauce. When we got the check, I noticed I was charged 50 cents for that BBQ sauce. I asked for it, not because I wanted extra stuff, but because I couldn't eat that spicy ketchup. Our server took it off the bill, which I appreciated. What really ruined our experience was when we paid. We gave the server the money and she disappeared. She later returned saying that she was waiting for the manager to get singles for the register. I had a generous $6 tip ready and waiting for her, but after waiting almost 20 minutes for that change and still not receiving it, I put the tip back in my wallet and her tip was the change she never brought back. The burgers are good but this isn't a place I would rush back to anytime soon. The service needs improvement too.
If you like dried up hockey pucks with uncooked bacon- sandwiched between the driest buns you ever had- look no further! Don't want a refill- no problem. ....And you can wait almost an hour for it while watching the most inappropriate movie on the many screens among children. Really? Go to any gas station for better food - no offense gas stations!
Atmosphere is your typical sporty-pub type, spotlights sometimes shine in your eye which can be a little annoying. I tried the plague bringer burger with a side of fries and tge burger was delicious, the only downside was it falling apart. Fries are well salted and seasoned, moderate cut. The jalapeno poppers were very good perfect crisp with cheese filling.
Haven’t been to the Chicago version in decades but this place hit the spot. Almost as loud as the original, the vibe here is family. Lots of multigenerational families unlike the bar in Chicago. The food could’ve been better suffering from inattentive overworked staff who let it sit and the food get cold. The burgers were excellent and huge. The flavors still very good and combinations tasty. The Kuma burger with egg and bacon soared without the lettuce and tomato and the Mastodon was excellent too. Fries a bit cold but so was the beer! The Mac and cheese was topped with caramelized onions and bacon and was sinfully rich and delicious. Took those leftovers home! Definitely would return if I need a fancy burger fix.
First time venturing of the OG Kuma’s. Ambiance is far more conventional, but still there’s head-banging music playing, just at a lower volume, and it’s brightly lit as opposed to the original.The mac and cheese was phenomenal, as always. Creamy and you can pick your own ingredients.We also had the plague bringer (solid but difficult to grab onto), pig destroyer (fantastic pulled pork sammy), and Goatsnake (very yummy indeed).
I absolutely LOVE the Mac n cheese here. However yesterday was disappointed when I ordered the Mac with garlic, chicken, mushrooms & broccoli. As you can see from the picture there was almost NO broccoli. I actually found 3 small pieces. I called to inquire (I mean $2.00 for additional ingredients isn't cheap) & was told portion size was weighed out & that is that. So I think I may skip the extras in the future, doesn't seem worth the extra money. Still was super delicious though.
Very different atmosphere than what I am used too. Loud Rock music and different vibe. Overall, I kinda liked it. The food was good. You order everything through your phone and someone will bring it to you. Just a heads up, they will add an automatic tip onto your tab through the software that they use, I don't mind paying for a tip but there is no traditional waiter checking up on you, refilling drinks, etc, to justify a tip for at this location. Overall, it was a good experience.
Restaurantji Recommends
I occasionally dine at the Schaumburg location, however since they were closed due to a kitchen issue - my husband and I decided to try the Vernon Hills location! When we arrive it was pretty busy, but the hostess promptly greeted us and offered us a seat at the bar. Which we had no problem with because it gave us the opportunity to get to see the different beers they have on tap! For ordering, we were able to scan a QR code and order directly from our phone. The food got delivered to us and we were able to chat with the extremely friendly bartenders about how Covid has changed their ordering systems and now they are so grateful that business is picking up again. For food, we decided to share the Mac of the Month called AtoneMac. It has the Kuma's Mac Mix, grilled chicken, Parmesan; hot Cheetos dust, SOB sauce, and scallions! It sounds like a super unique combination but the flavors were phenomenal! The cheesiness of the Mac and cheese, and the flavors of the different mixing, and crunch from the Cheetos dust made each bite a perfect one! Highly recommend visiting Kuma's in Vernon Hills! If you have the chance to sit at the bar, take it! The staff are super nice and you may even make a new friend! :)
friendly staff, delicious food and an excellent assortment of drinks!!
The service was quick. Their menu and ordering was all done on your phone which is nice and convenient. I got the Goatsnake burger which ment my expectations. They were out of their burger and Mac of the month which was what we went there for but I wasn't disappointed with what I got instead
This place has slid a bit downhill lately. The burgers are still good and creative, but I recommend carry out instead of dine in. Their switch to a new format has the servers essentially scurrying around but not even looking at you and talking to you, so it's more like a fast casual restaurant these days, but without the fast casual prices. They messed up 2 of our orders but you can't even get the waiter's attention to tell them about it. The owners of this place need to train their servers to at least try to talk to and check in on their customers. Restaurant price for fast-casual experience, not worth the money. If you want their burgers, get carry out. But there is a lot of competition in this space so it may or may not be worth it. They used to be better until this recent change.
Giving a star solely on the service and the fact that they didn't charge me for the burger. I hold Kumas to a high standard so I was really disappointed by how overcooked my burger was. I appreciate the apology from the server because she said the order was mixed up for one that was well done, but this burger was beyond even well done. They need to either improve their quality or lower their prices because $18 is ridiculous if they are going to serve me a McDonalds burger on steroids.