From underrated eateries to scenic running routes, reminisce with members of the Class of 2025—and maybe discover a few new places worth exploring before you leave.

Ascione Bistro
1500 East 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60615

Making this list for the third year in a row, this Italian restaurant has undoubtedly cemented itself as a staple of the UChicago student experience. For Darius Johnson, Ascione is an annual tradition, and although more expensive than other local spots, it is well worth the price for its elevated experience and delicious food. Aadhya Gunwani also immediately brought up Ascione when asked about her favorite spot in Hyde Park.

“My roommate and I would do spontaneous meals there all the time, so I have a lot of memories there,” she said, recalling their first visit and the pennoni she ordered, which she described as “divine.” She also recommends the tagliolini from the dinner menu and the Italian fries.

Nella Pizza e Pasta
1125 East 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60615

Nella is a cozy Hyde Park favorite, known for its handmade pizza and pasta. It touts a Michelin Bib Gourmand and promises real, authentic Italian cuisine; it is not just “some American caricature of an Italian restaurant,” according to the restaurant’s website. Darius Johnson called it one of his go-to spots, sharing a fond memory of treating himself to a celebratory bellini torani after surviving the infamous “North wind tunnel.”

“For fourth-years especially, I think you should have a bellini on a Friday night [late in the quarter] because you’ve been here for too long,” he explained. “And to third-years who realize that they’re true upperclassmen now, go to Nella, have a bellini. Think of the joy to come when you have to do this all over again next year.”

Jerk Yard

1310 East 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615

Jerk Yard is where spice, smoke, and soul come together. Known for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, signature jerk chicken, and polished-yet-welcoming atmosphere, this compact eatery is sure to impress.  

Kris Wallace, who is Jamaican himself, was especially excited to see a place for authentic Jamaican cuisine open in Hyde Park and highlighted both the excellent food and cultural significance of the restaurant.  

“I am Jamaican, so I’m biased, but when I saw that they opened a new spot, I was very excited to try it. It didn’t disappoint. The Rasta Pasta is great. The jerk sauce is great. All the sides are great,” he said. 

Medici on 57th

1327–1331, 1327 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637

“Quintessential UChicago” is how Aveesha Gandhi described this beloved American-style eatery. Popular for its handmade burgers, milkshakes, and wood-fired pizzas, Medici has been feeding students, professors, and Hyde Park locals alike since 1962.  

Helen Wu also recommended Medici, dubbing it a “campus classic” and the perfect place for catching up with friends. Gandhi recommended pairing the Fresh Mozz sandwich with some good company.  

Plein Air Cafe

5751 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

Nestled alongside the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, Plein Air Cafe—with its sunlit interior, cozy decor, and fashionably overpriced drinks—is a prime spot for UChicago students to caffeinate and catch up. Gandhi called Plein Air her “take a break” spot and, more importantly, the “best place to tell gossip.” Her regular order is a breakfast burrito with an iced matcha latte. 

For Wu, Plein Air doubles as a weekend study spot and social hub.  

“I constantly unexpectedly run into people I know,” she said. “It’s a nice distraction from my work to sit and chat with a random friend for fifteen minutes. I’ve heard some crazy stories over a Plein Air coffee… from political fugitives, to unrequited love, to moral dilemmas.” 

Eto’o Modern Asian Cuisine

1373 East 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615

Looking for some solid Asian food in Hyde Park? Look no further than Eto’o! Both Ethan Jiang and Andrew Huang recommended this restaurant for its great prices, proximity to campus, and welcoming atmosphere.  

As a vegetarian, Jiang praised Eto’o’s ample tofu offerings and recommended the salt and pepper tofu. Huang, on the other hand, suggested the shashu fried rice and fondly recalled the passionate conversations he’s enjoyed there with friends on weekends.  

“We were just there talking about math, and one time we were so passionate—we were sitting there for hours,” he said. “They closed at 9:30 p.m., but we were still talking and they let us stay there [after closing]; we didn’t even realize that everyone around was gone.” 

Washington Park

5531 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60615

Many go to Promontory Point to run, but for those seeking a quieter escape, Washington Park offers a more sheltered and serene alternative. Just west of campus, the park is expansive but often overlooked, making it a hidden gem for joggers, walkers, or anyone in need of a breather. 

“It’s quieter than the Point, which is where a lot of people go to run,” Jiang said. “It’s also less windy, so when it’s cold, I think this is a better spot.” 

Jackson Park

6401 South Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Home to scenic views, bursting blooms, and many, many ducks, Jackson Park is a wonderful space for outdoorsmen and homebodies alike to connect with nature. Alessandro Perri recommends going to the Japanese Garden on Wooded Island or to the less-visited harbors adjoining Lake Michigan.  

An avid birdwatcher, Perri recalled one of his favorite visits to the Outer Harbor in February. “I just walked all the way along this long, long beach on the lake. And you can just see these rafts of ducks, like hundreds and hundreds of yards offshore, just like speckling the water,” he said. “Then eventually you walk far enough, and you can see industrial areas like Gary—basically Indiana… and you can see the [Chicago] skyline to the north.” 

Jiang also noted Jackson Park as a favorite, echoing Perri’s Japanese Garden recommendation and adding that the cherry blossoms are a must-see. They typically bloom in late April and early May, lasting between six and 14 days, depending on the weather. Readers who missed them this time should be sure to mark their calendars for next spring! 

Union Submarine Shop

110 East 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60615

A no-frills neighborhood spot in Bronzeville, Union Submarine Shop serves up hearty, affordable subs and deli classics. Open 24 hours, it’s a reliable option for late-night bites or quick lunches. While online reviews are mixed, many locals appreciate its convenience and generous portions. 

Perri remembered a time where he and his roommate went to Union Sub at 2 a.m. and “got a large quantity of the lemon pepper wings—as many as you can get basically—and then just ate them in the car.”  

“It’s a very, very degenerate thing to do, but I remember it quite fondly,” he added. 

Rockefeller Chapel

5850 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

Saving the best for last: Rockefeller Chapel is one of UChicago’s most iconic buildings. While it’s often admired as a photogenic backdrop or the setting for Convocation, there’s much more to experience within its towering Gothic walls. With its massive pipe organ, intricate stained-glass windows, and the resonant sounds of the carillon, stepping inside feels like entering another world. 

For Huang, the best way to experience Rockefeller is by climbing the spiral staircase to the top to take in a bird’s-eye view of campus.  

“[Climbing up Rockefeller] was one of the first things I did with people from my House,” he said. “We barely knew each other, but by the time we got to the top, we were already forming real friendships.” 

Class of 2025 readers, please share your recommendations and memories of Hyde Park in the comments.