The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

O-Issue 2012: Eating around Hyde Park

Your guide to every kind of food you possibly want (or, you know, just what’s in Hyde Park)
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Jordan Larson

Whether it’s Saturday night or you’re just sick of the dining halls—and believe me, you will be—you’ll be searching for a meal outside of campus. Here’s a list that’ll get you started:

CHEAP EATS

Harold’s Chicken

1208 East 53rd Street

(773) 752-9260

Half dark chicken, fries, white bread, and a bit of coleslaw for under $4. Need I say more?

Five Guys

1456 East 53rd Street

(773) 363-6090

Recent development on 53rd street has brought chains like Five Guys and 24-hour diner Clarke’s to Hyde Park. (A Chipotle is set to open next year as well.) This burger joint has quickly become a student favorite. Free peanuts!

Food trucks

Usually along Ellis between 57th and 59th or in front of the Regenstein.

The past year has witnessed an explosion of food truck activity in Chicago, and our campus, with its constantly on-the-go student body, is a favorite spot for mobile vendors. But a word of caution: not every truck will live up to its eye-catching presentation, and usually, it’s not even cheap.

GROUPS

Cedars

1206 East 53rd Street

(773) 324-6227

A great Mediterranean place to take your parents when they’re in town. Its modern, spacious interior makes for a much calmer dining experience than your typical college eatery.

Medici on 57th

1327 East 57th Street

(773) 667-7394

Colloquially called “the Med,” this cozy BYOB joint has been a U of C favorite for over 50 years. Stop by with a group of pals—and don’t leave without trying their Mexicana shake.

Noodles Etc.

1333 East 57th Street

(773) 684-2801

There’s not much space between its small black tables, but this Pan-Asian spot is perpetually packed with groups of all sizes. Cheap + Large Portions = a college student’s dream. Don’t forget to ask for your 10% discount as a U of C student.

BRUNCH/LUNCH/COFFEE

Bonjour Café Bakery

1550 East 55th Street

(773) 241-5300

The owner only speaks French and the pastries are a bit pricey, but its high-quality offerings are still worth the splurge every once in a while.

Istria Café

5030 South Cornell Avenue

(On the south side of the Hyde Park Art Center)

(773) 324-9660

One word: gelato. Oh, and the coffee’s not half bad either.

Medici Bakery

1327 East 57th Street

(773) 667-7394

The best part about the Med’s adjoining bakery is its hours; open until 11p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday, you can get your pastry fix any time. Look out for $1 offerings towards closing time.

Mellow Yellow

1508 East 53rd Street

(773) 667-2000

Donovan consented to let this Hyde Park staple use the name of his hit song. $1 mimosas on weekday mornings merit serious consideration before Core Bio.

Robust Coffee Lounge

6300 South Woodlawn

(773) 891-4240

Solid coffee south of the Midway.

Salonica

1440 East 57th Street

(773) 752-3899

The Greek-style diner serves up your favorite greasy spoon breakfast options all day. Not feeling eggs and hash? The moussaka kicks ass. No throwing plates.

Valois

1518 East 53rd Street

(773) 667-0647

This cafeteria-style breakfast spot is cheap and low-key. It is also a favorite of President Obama and hungover students.

Zaleski & Horvath Marketplace (Z & H)

1323 East 57th Street

(773) 538-7372

Z & H offers the best sandwich (sammi, as they call it) in Hyde Park, with options like “The Godfather”: La Quercia prosciutto, mozzarella, mixed greens, basil, roasted tomato, and balsamic on French bread. If the weather’s nice, head out back for the patio seating. Only drawback: the stale popcorn served on the side.

ORDERING IN

Rajun Cajun

1459 East 53rd Street

(773) 955-1145

Sure, Rajun Cajun doesn’t have any competitors for Indian fare in the neighborhood, making it susceptible to mediocrity. Still, it’s a pretty good option for a lazy Saturday night in. Ordering online (rajunrestaurant.com) is a breeze.

Thai 55/The Snail/Siam

1607 East 55th Street

(773) 363-7119

1649 East 55th Street

(773) 667-5423

1639 East 55th Street

(773) 324-9296

Located just steps from one another, this trio of Thai spots offers satisfying—though not necessarily spectacular—classics like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and creamy curries. Students tend to disagree on which one reigns supreme, but chances are, you’ll spend enough time faring with each to decide for yourself.

WORTH THE TREK

Calumet Fisheries

3259 East 95th Street

(773) 933-9855

Okay, so it’s not in Hyde Park. So you’d have to take the Metra down to the very last stop (93rd). I promise, though, that you won’t be disappointed: This tiny smoke shack delivers ah-ma-zing seafood that you can eat by the Calumet River, overlooking the remnants of Chicago’s steel industry.

The Original Pancake House

1358 East 47th Street

(773) 285-1400

It used to be located on 51st Street, but it recently moved a few blocks north to a bigger space. But don’t let that stop you from heading in for the best breakfast around by a mile.

DATE-WORTHY

Chant

1509 East 53rd Street

(773) 324-1999

This hip fusion restaurant has the swankiest interior and events like “Martini Madness Mondays” and speed dating after-hours.

La Petite Folie

1504 East 55th Street

(773) 493-1394

The most expensive spot on the list, but if you think your date will love being treated to fine French cuisine, this is the place.

The Sit Down

1312 East 53rd Street

(773) 324-3700

Sushi and Pizza: it’s kind of an odd combo, but that’s what this charming spot offers—and does well.

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