Guidebook for Chicago
Sightseeing
One of the most underrated museums in the city. Doesn't have the "blockbuster" exhibits or space of some of the better known museums, but it's FREE and has an amazing array of artifacts and info.
62 locals recommend
Oriental Institute Museum
1155 E 58th StOne of the most underrated museums in the city. Doesn't have the "blockbuster" exhibits or space of some of the better known museums, but it's FREE and has an amazing array of artifacts and info.
Lakefront fire pits are first come first served. This is a great park to bring a Frisbee, start up the bike trail or lay out in the sun. A well known spot in Hyde Park.
112 locals recommend
Promontory Point
5491 S Shore DrLakefront fire pits are first come first served. This is a great park to bring a Frisbee, start up the bike trail or lay out in the sun. A well known spot in Hyde Park.
Well-maintained and beautiful lakefront trail for running, biking, etc. Goes all the way to downtown and further north. Easiest access near us is under the bridge on 55th St, where it meets the lake.
229 locals recommend
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailWell-maintained and beautiful lakefront trail for running, biking, etc. Goes all the way to downtown and further north. Easiest access near us is under the bridge on 55th St, where it meets the lake.
Essentials
Biggest grocery store in the neighborhood and easily walkable from our apt. Not always our first choice for produce, but you should find what you need.
132 locals recommend
Treasure Island Foods
1639 N Wells StBiggest grocery store in the neighborhood and easily walkable from our apt. Not always our first choice for produce, but you should find what you need.
Open late (2 am most nights) and locally owned. Just a block away. Has sort of a random array of organic and conventional produce, but also some good treats and international snacks.
13 locals recommend
Open Produce
1635 E 55th StOpen late (2 am most nights) and locally owned. Just a block away. Has sort of a random array of organic and conventional produce, but also some good treats and international snacks.
Food Scene
Kilwins
5226 S Harper AveOur go-to ice cream shop. Walkable and delicious.
A famous Hyde Park cafeteria-style restaurant. Great for a quick and/or hungover (but not healthy) breakfast/brunch, though they also serve lunch and dinner. Opens at 5 am for early birds.
90 locals recommend
Valois Restaurant
1518 E 53rd StA famous Hyde Park cafeteria-style restaurant. Great for a quick and/or hungover (but not healthy) breakfast/brunch, though they also serve lunch and dinner. Opens at 5 am for early birds.
Mathias Merges latest venture. "Fanciest" restaurant in Hyde Park, if you're looking for some nicer food in a trendy setting (priced to match), without having to leave Hyde Park.
37 locals recommend
A10
1462 East 53rd StreetMathias Merges latest venture. "Fanciest" restaurant in Hyde Park, if you're looking for some nicer food in a trendy setting (priced to match), without having to leave Hyde Park.
If you gotta have jerk chicken, this is your spot.
16 locals recommend
Uncle Joe's Jerk Chicken Hyde Park
1461 E Hyde Park BlvdIf you gotta have jerk chicken, this is your spot.
Sip and Savor 53rd
5301 S Hyde Park BlvdClosest coffee shop. Locally owned!
Everything Else
Walgreens
1554 E 55th StSometimes you just need a Walgreens.
Drinks & Nightlife
A familiar spot to any U of C grads, this could be the nerdiest bar in Chicago. Professors, grad students and Hyde Park residents frequent this long time neighborhood joint, also known as "Jimmy's".
58 locals recommend
Woodlawn Tap
1172 E 55th StA familiar spot to any U of C grads, this could be the nerdiest bar in Chicago. Professors, grad students and Hyde Park residents frequent this long time neighborhood joint, also known as "Jimmy's".
Arts & Culture
Only a few screens, but they show current blockbusters, and it's easily walkable (3 blocks). They also let you bring in ice cream and treats from the Kilwin's fudge shop next door!
89 locals recommend
Harper Theater
5238 S Harper AveOnly a few screens, but they show current blockbusters, and it's easily walkable (3 blocks). They also let you bring in ice cream and treats from the Kilwin's fudge shop next door!
Shopping
Hyde Park Produce Market
1226 E 53rd StClassic old record store for the music heads.