@kimskichicago is the ultimate example of unique collaborations that bring the neighborhood together through food by fusing Korean and Polish cuisines. This street food menu was born when Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar welcomed Chef Won Kim to develop a new twist to the restaurant side and the guy nailed it!

Everything about this place is entertaining! The environment Won has curated repels boredom and makes your favorite things like eating a bowl of noodles, Korean-style pierogis, and drinking beer even more fun— somehow! From the little art pieces you find scattered around the place to the sticker collage wall, Kimski has rad, clever designs, and even inspirational quotes that will make your grandma blush. The open kitchen set up is one of our favorite aspects about the restaurant, all together making Kimski feel familiar and communal, but still impossible to duplicate (unless you hire Won to design your spot).

When you think you’ve seen it all, go behind the register, past the kitchen, and through the door— just like that you’re in Maria’s Bar! It is a weird feeling to walk through but trust us and Won, you are nowhere near the dangerous kitchen stuff. If anything, this is a great excuse to spark a conversation with the staff and make some new friends!

After our conversation with Won, we realized that this is what it’s all about. He created a place for constant playfulness that everyone can enjoy and it is obvious that he lives by a simple rule: Be nice! Have some fun!

Kimski and Won are currently working on a project during the airing of this episode. Big things are coming and we are excited to see what he comes up with soon! At this time, go check out their fill in, @morganstreetsnacks . They will be serving up incredible cheesesteaks from Jan-Apr.