"Hit or miss" would be a charitable way of describing Hyde Park's dining options. Use this guide to make your meals more of the former.

Chant, 1509 East 53rd Street » Let us translate for you: The "Asian Fusion" tag here means hideously overpriced. The younger and hipper sibling to Noodles, Etc., this darkly lit restaurant has a nice atmosphere, especially at the bar. Friday and Saturday nights feature live jazz, while Sunday brunch is served to the strains of local blues musicians. Unfortunately, the food is not radically different from any other Asian venue near campus, but the price for some entrées can reach the upper teens. (773) 324-1999

Cholie’s Pizza, 1601 East 53rd Street » Cholie’s is one of the few places in Hyde Park that sells pizza by the slice. It delivers quickly and is extremely cheap ($1.75 per slice), but popular opinion about their extra-greasy pies is decidedly mixed. (773) 684-8688

Domino’s Pizza, 1453 East Hyde Park Boulevard » This place is no different from any other Domino’s. It does, however, accept delivery orders until 1 a.m. And there will come a time when you will want pizza at that hour. At the Reg. Sigh. (773) 324-3800

Dunkin’ Donuts, 1411 East 53rd Street » Open 24 hours a day, this is your source for wee-hours-of-the morning munchies. And we do pretty much mean your only source. (773) 288-5719

Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, 1321 East 57th Street » Their pies are hardly revelatory, but they offer promotions with prices that can’t be argued with. The $6.49 lunch special includes a soup or salad, a mini pizza, and a soda. (773) 241-7960

Giordano’s Pizzeria, 5309 South Blackstone Ave » If you’re craving deep dish and don’t mind waiting, then Giordano’s is your best bet in Hyde Park. It’s a little pricey, but the pies are huge, filling, and tastier than at Edwardo’s. Giordano’s offers sandwiches, salads, and pastas, but the reason to come here is the pizza. A tip: Even if you’re eating in, call ahead to order your pie, and it will be nearly ready when you arrive. (773) 947–0200

Harold’s Chicken Shack, 1208 East 53rd Street » With its bulletproof glass and nomadic clientele, what Harold’s lacks in charm it makes up for in cholesterol. While the menu ranges from fried chicken to, well, a bucket of fried chicken, patrons generally get the same thing: a half chicken and barbecue sauce. All orders come accompanied by soggy hand-cut fries, two slices of white bread, a shot of coleslaw, and one terribly outmatched napkin. Harold’s crumbly, greasy, luscious poultry is ecstasy for the taste buds, satisfying even the gnarliest of hunger pangs. And at $6.39 for half a chicken and a liter of pop, you can’t beat the price. But with the long walk back to the dorm comes the fearful question: “Did I really just eat that?” (773) 752-9260