Kimski

All of the best parts of life can start out at a local bar - friendships, relationships, and great ideas. Little known fact, but Ben Franklin was drunk as f*ck when he invented the lightbulb at Ye Olde Tavern.

Now, what if that awesome neighborhood bar added a section serving some very interesting bar food, in a cool space? Welcome to Kimski.

Kimski, connected to Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar in Bridgeport, is a place you could easily come just to drink - but you should also want to eat the Polish-Korean bar food. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and the menu is full of interesting things like scallion potato pancakes with pork shoulder, kimchi poutine, and meat and veggie “potskis,” which are potsticker-pierogi combos. Go with friends, or even a casual date with the intention of grabbing a few drinks and a bite.

When you walk into Kimski, it looks like a carry-out spot only. But there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Kimski has plenty of tables, a big bar inside, and a backyard patio you wish you had at home. It’s a weird setup where you need to cut through Maria’s to get into the Kimski seating area, but the staff will help you find your way. Kimski itself is modern and industrial-looking to counter the dive-bar feels of Maria’s, so even though the two are connected, Kimski and Maria’s have distinct vibes.

Eat and drink at Kimski, then transition back over to Maria’s and drink some more. You’ll never do anything as meaningful as Ben Franklin, but spending time here will at least make you feel good about yourself.

Food Rundown

Maria’s Standard

A house sausage with soju mustard, kraut-chi (sauerkraut + kimchi), and scallions on a roll. Solid sausage.

Kimski Poutine

You want these. Fries with kimchi beer gravy, curds, kimchi, scallions, and sesame seeds. Get the meat on top.

Meat Potskis

Potsticker + pierogi = potski. This meat version has ground beef and potatoes with cheese, soy cream, and some pickled onion on top. Good stuff.

Kopo Wangs

Sweet and spicy wings with sesame seeds and scallions. They have a real smoky flavor to them. On the smaller side and make for a good starter.

Scallion Potato Pancakes

Who knew you could take scallion potato pancakes and add pork shoulder and kimchi with a smoked soy sauce. Delicious.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice with some kraut, scallions, and a fried egg draped over the top. Makes for a good side.

Specials

Keep an eye out for any of the specials. They’re usually a Korean version of something like a cheesesteak or an Italian beef. Always good.