Buildup often leads to disappointment.

Kuma's Corner in Chicago, Illinois

Buildup often leads to disappointment.

You’re told how fantastic something is only to leave dissatisfied.

You wonder if everyone else just plays along to be cool or if you experienced an off night or if you’re tastes just differ that much…

That’s how I felt at Kuma’s Corner.

Kuma’s is one of those Chicago restaurants everyone loves. It’s that place everyone tells you just have to try. It’s one of those burgers that’s always named one of the best burgers in Chicago.

So, of course, I had to go and it’s held one of the top places in my must visit list for a while. Last Sunday I met up with Joe and Meredith and JoeJoe and Alina and Maureen and Jen and Glen there for dinner. After a long wait (they could only have four to a table and would not seat you until everyone was there) the first half of us were seated.

I got a hard cider and we shared some jalapeno poppers that were actually really good. I don’t usually get things with jalapenos because I am not a pepper person but lately have been warming up to them. They had a raspberry jam to dip them in that was delicious.

And then came the burgers: what Kuma’s is known for (well, besides, I guess, the heavy metal theme).

I got the Neurosis burger, that came topped with cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo.

I ordered it “medium” which should be pink but there was no pink meat to be found. It was overcooked and tasted a little dry. And the toppings seemed to get lost. I didn’t even taste any horseradish and by the end there was no cheese or onions or mushrooms to be found.

I was underwhelmed and disappointed. Is it just overrated? Was it an off night? My whole table seemed to agree that they weren’t as impressed as they thought they would be (except maybe Alina who got the make your own mac and cheese which did taste pretty delicious).

I plan to go back, though, because I really want to know what I was missing. Why everyone thinks this is the greatest burger in Chicago when honestly I much prefer the pre-made patties from Whole Foods (which, by the way, are delicious.)