Food in the Chicago area
Chicago’s food scene offers a blend of classics and international flavors, grounded in its rich culinary history. Known for its deep-dish pizza with layers of cheese and a hearty tomato sauce, and the Chicago-style hot dog topped with a unique mix of condiments, the city’s staples reflect its straightforward, no-fuss approach to comfort food. Beyond these, Chicago boasts a variety of international dining options, from upscale restaurants to local favorites. If you have time to explore the city over the weekend, a visit to neighborhoods like Chinatown and Greektown is well worth it. Italian beef sandwiches and pierogis are other must-tries, each rooted in the cultural mix that defines the city.
Below, we’ve listed a range of recommended restaurants to explore both in Hyde Park and throughout Chicago, catering to a variety of tastes and dining experiences.
Hyde Park
This friendly neighborhood is home to a diverse array of restaurants, both around the university and within its campus. Here are some options (green = open from monday to sunday, orange = closed on weekends).
Within 10 minutes walk from ERC
- Quantum Café in ERC (5640 S. Ellis Ave): This Vietnamese Café features the food of James Beard Foundation award winner Thai Dang;
- Food trucks along S. Ellis Ave. and around 5800 S. Ellis Ave;
- Roux (1055 E 55th St): Brunch spot;
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Nella Pizza e Pasta (1125 E 55th St): Italian approved restaurant, and Michelin Bib Gourmand;
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The Nile (1162 E 55th St): Middle Eastern food (like hummus, falafel, and shawarma);
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Saucy Porka (1164 E. 55th St.): Asian and Latin american flavors united;
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Reynolds Club at 57th and University (5076 S University Ave) & Pret a Manger: Food court with variety of cuisines.
Within 15-10 minutes walk from ERC
- Medici (1327 E. 57th St.): Bakery, Deli, Pizza, Catering, Coffee.
- Noodles, Etc. (1333 E. 57th St.): A Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant;
- Ascione Bistro (1500 E 55th St): an Italian-focused restaurant that expands and explores influences and cuisines that are exuberant in flavor and style;
- Seoul Taco (1321 E 57th St): a Korean-Mexican fast casual restaurant;
- Plein Air (5751 S Woodlawn Ave.): a French atelier-inspired café where guests can savor coffee, food, and design.
Restaurants along 53rd Street (maybe too far for lunch, but good for dinner)
- Virtue (462 E. 53rd St.): a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serving American Southern cuisine;
- Valois (1518 E. 53rd St.), a cafeteria-style breakfast diner famous for being one of President Obama’s favorite places to eat in Hyde Park;
- Cafe 53 (1369 E. 53rd St.): famous for its oven baked sandwiches;
- Small Cheval (1307 E. 53rd St): Cocktails, Icecream and hamburgers;
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Nando’s Peri-Peri (1447 E. 53rd St.): Home of the legendary South African flame-grilled PERi PERi chicken and sauces;
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Rajun Cajun (1459 E. 53rd St.): Indian food;
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Chipotle (1522 E 53rd St Lake Park Ave.): Mexican food (like burritos and quesadillas);
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Jade Court (1516 E Harper Ct): traditional chinese food;
- Roti Mediterranean (1526 E 53rd St): bowls, salads and pitas;
- Strings Ramen (1453 E. 53rd St.): Voted Chicago's best ramen restaurant.
For more extensive options (including coffee, quick eats, and sit-down meals) in the Hyde Park area, click here.
Hyde Park was also just chosen as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Timeout Magazine and their recent list of restaurants is highly recommended. Click here to read the article (most of the spots are already listed above, but you will find more details).
Chicago
If you have time to explore the city over the weekend, we’ve put together a list of the best places to try Chicago’s signature dishes. These spots are scattered throughout downtown.
- Deep-dish pizza: Giordano's, Lou Malnati, Pequod's;
- Chicago-style hot dog: Redhot Ranch;
- Italian beef sandwiches: Manny's, a well-known spot frequented by famous people, including the Obamas;
- Fried chicken: Harold's;
- Popcorn: Garrett;
- Rainbow ice cream: The original rainbow cone.
