Kimski, located in Bridgeport, is a counter-service restaurant inside Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar. The creative Korean-Polish fusion dishes created by Chef Won Kim are unique but very approachable. It has been on my list of restaurants to try since it opened in May, so I was thrilled to visit.
Chef Won Kim is one of the winners of Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” as well as a graffiti artist. Food was something Kim was always passionate about. He grew up helping his mom in the kitchen.
Kim would frequently attend Maria’s KoPo (Korean Polish) nights where the owners, who were half-Korean and half-Polish, served Polish sausages with kimchi. From there, they started talking and the idea of Kimski was born.
{Ambiance}
The restaurant is located adjacent to the neighborhood bar and liquor store Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar, which has been open since 1986. It’s easy to miss if you’ve never been there before since it is on the corner of a quiet street.
As soon as you arrive at Kimski, you will notice patio seating out front. Then, when you walk inside, there is limited seating at the front of the restaurant with only a couple tables. This space is bright and open with colorful artwork hanging on the white walls.
When you order at the counter, you will notice there is more space behind it, which leads to Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar. This area has a long bar stretching from the end of the counter to the back patio and is furnished with brightly colored yellow stools. There is plenty of seating inside the restaurant as well as a patio area at the back of the restaurant with several communal tables.
{Food}
The menu is made-up of several Korean-Polish snacks and small plates so order a few to share.
Maria’s Standard Polish
Maria’s Standard was the perfect combination of Korean and Polish food. The Polish sausage was served with soju mustard, scallions, and crunchy sauerkraut-kimchi on a soft roll. The spiciness of the mustard gave it a good flavor, but it was a bit too overpowering for my taste.
Maria’s Standard at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Veggie Potskis
The veggie potskis were essentially pierogies filled with sauerkraut and mushroom filling, farmers cheese, soy cream, herb salad, and pickled onions.
Veggie Potskis at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Unlike traditional pierogies, these were fried instead of steamed. They are a great snack if you don’t want something too heavy.
Veggie Potskis at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Kopo Wangs
The Kopo Wangs are unlike traditional Korean wings because they are not overly crispy. The sweet and spicy sauce with sesame seeds, and scallions paired well with the smoky flavor.
Kopo Wings at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Rice Cakes
The rice cakes were my favorite. They had a chewy and doughy texture that resembles thick noodles. The sweet and spicy chili sauce was made with sesame seeds and sesame leaves for an excellent flavor. The chili sauce was not too spicy, but has a nice kick to it.
Rice Cakes at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Scallion Potato Pancakes
These scallion potato pancakes had a flavorful punch and was filled with tasty pork shoulder. The combination of the kimchi, smoked soy sauce, and sour cream, cooled down the spiciness of the pork shoulder.
Scallion Pancakes at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Kimchi Fried Rice
The kimchi fried rice was made with tangy sauerkraut-kimchi and scallions. It was then topped with a fried egg and served over purple rice. The rice was a little too soggy and could have used more kimchi. However, make sure to mix it all up first because all the flavors are at the bottom of this dish.
Kimchi Fried Rice at Kimski // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Late night food specials are available daily after 9 p.m.
{Experience}
Overall, I thought the food was creative but still authentic. While I did try a majority of the menu this time around, there are still a couple of dishes I want to go back and definitely try.
{Location}
Kimski
Bridgeport || 960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 890-0588
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
Have you been to Kimski? What are your thoughts? Share below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions are those of the writer.
