Things to Do and See in Hyde Park

Hyde Park blends a unique mix of restaurants, museums, and parks into a vibrant, multi-cultural community. Owing to the diverse heritage of its residents, Hyde Park’s various attractions offer something for every taste.

Attractions:

• Oriental Institute: Located on the U of C campus, at 58^th and University. http://www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/default.html
• Smart Museum: The University’s own modern art museusm, located on 56^th and Greenwood
• DuSable Museum of African-American History. 57^th and Cottage Grove
• Robie House: A Frank Lloyd Wright designed residence. 58^th and Woodlawn
• Museum of Science & Industry: Located at 57^th St and the Lake. Despite the fact that the museum is targeted toward children, the free Thursdays provide a pleasant (and educational) break from studying.

Restaurants:

Le Petite Folie: Hyde Park’s much acclaimed and only French restaurant is located just next to the Co-Op along 55^th Street.

The Medici: A classic U of C student hangout. Serves solid Italian food and salads. Has a nice outdoor seating area. On 57^th Street.

Calypso Café: Hyde Park’s own Jamaican island retreat. Serves up a great jerk chicken sandwich and mixed drinks (complete with umbrellas).

55^th St Restaurant Row: An international mix of restaurants with an uncanny emphasis on Thai cuisine. Yet, the Nile Restaurant provides one of Hyde Park’s two Middle Eastern eateries (the other being Cedars of Lebanon). Also, Café Corea, serving Korean food.

Stay Up All Night: On 57^th St, next to The Med. Has a variety of events, including open-mic nights and weekly poetry readings.

Café Sienna: Hyde Park’s newest café on the ‘55^th St Strip’

Starbucks: What gentrified neighborhood would be complete without one? Get your fix either in the B&N bookstore or at 53^rd and Harper.

Things to Do: Apart from the museums and art galleries along 53^rd Street, Hyde Park offers a few outdoor activities.

The Point: A promontory on the eastern end of 55^th Street that juts out into the Lake, offering beautiful views of downtown.

The Midway: The large fields provide a perfect setting for various sports and, during the winter months, the new ice skating rink is a great place to gather.

Bookstores:

Powell’s: Specializing in used books. Located on 57^th and Harper.

57^th St Books: A smaller bookstore focusing on fiction. Find it at 1301 E. 57^th St.

Places to Drink

Jimmy’s: A longtime Hyde Park fixture, frequented by both locals and students. On the corner of 55^th and Woodlawn.

The Pub: Located in Ida Noyes Hall on campus. Monday nights are especially popular, with featured 10 cent wings.