From LA, University of Chicago student, looking for food

I, as one who loves to cook and loves to eat, but is a poor 1st year college student is having a hard time finding good, cheap to moderatly priced, reastruants in Chicago. Can you all recommend tasty places in any part of chicago that are accesible by public transport.

Secondly is there any farmers market and where/when? What about good grocery stores, the co-op in hyde park is horrid and am looking for a better shopping experience with out breaking the bank.

Thanks for any advice
Rem Koning

By now you have probably tried the various restaurants west of the campus on 57th St., but maybe you haven gone a bit further to 56th St. and Piccolo Mondo
at 1641 E. 56th St. Or, on 55th St, Morry's Deli at 5500 S. Cornel Ave.;i n the 2 blocks around Morry's there is a variety of Asian restaurants--my favorite of them is Siam Restaurant at 1629 E. 55th St. You can probably walk to these places. Further north(you might want to take the campus bus) there are quite a few restaurants that you might like on 53rd St.. Two notable inexpensive ones are the Rajun Cajun at 1459 E. 53rd St and the unique Valois Restaurant at 1518 E. 53rd St.
Going further than these place would involves taking public transportation useful directions can be found at
http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com
Some places I mm ight suggest are Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli at 1411 S. Jefferson St. and the Greek Islands at 300 S. Halsted, or any of the other Greek restaurant on that stretch of street.

Unfortunately, farmers markets are just about over for the season. Most have already ended or will end by Oct. 30. The last Thursday Hyde Park farmers market was Oct. 21 (Cul-de-sac at Harper Ct. at 52nd Pl.). It started on June 17.

As you have probably figured out, you have landed in a rough spot for a food lover w/o a car. Chinatown is one resource. There is a redline stop at Cermak -- I think it's called Chinatown, even. (Take the Green line to Roosevelt and then transfer to the Red line back south to Chinatown. ) Walk north to Archer and then west and you will find the Chinatown mall. It houses at least three favorites of people who post here -- Lao Sze Chuan, Ken Kee's and Spring World. All, in my experience, solid; each quite different from the others. The mall also houses a Chinese bakery and Ichiban -- a chinese snack and candy shop. Also on Archer, across from the mall is the Chinatown Grocery -- live fish and all manner of weird (to me) Asian stuff. Search the board for other C-town recs. There are people here who know a lot more and are better informed than me. But anything you see that is in Chinatown will be close to the train. Good luck

In Hyde Park you are well situated to visit lots of fascinating neighborhoods many northsiders rarely see. Whether you take advantage of it depends to a large extent on how willing you are to use public transportation, mainly the CTA. First, get yourself the current CTA map (some CTA train stations have them). The CTA website, transitchicago.com, is very useful but won't be much help when you're standing on some desolate street corner. Familiarize yourself with the various pass options. A 24 hour pass for $5 is often a much better deal than paying for single rides. A weekly pass for $20 can sometimes be even better. As far as I know the U of C, unlike other local universities, doesn't participate in the student pass program (you should be in the library studying, not traipsing around the city eating!).

As others have suggested, Chinatown is a good nearby option. Take the #55 Garfield bus westbound on 55th, transfer to the northbound Red Line train (about 2 miles) and get off at Cermak-Chinatown. Most of the restaurants and stores are within a few blocks west of the station.

Wandering around Pilsen, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood, would be a fun way to spend a Saturday. Take the #55 to Ashland (1600W), then the #9 northbound to 18th Street and you'll be in the heart of it.

La Villita is another interesting mostly Mexican neighborhood. Take the #55 to Kedzie (3200W), then the #52 north to 26th Street. (depending on time of day you may need to take the #52A then transfer to #52) Most of the restaurants and shops will be on 26th west of Kedzie.

Farther from Hyde Park, but easily accessible by CTA, is Argyle Street (Red Line to Argyle; 5000N), mostly Southeast Asian. Another dense, great, diverse, cheap food area is Albany Park (Brown Line to Kedzie). You could probably spend several days browsing this board and Chowhound for countless leads in these areas. Both these neighborhoods are essential stops for those interested in good, cheap food.

For grocery shopping around Hyde Park it depends what sort of food you're looking for. You know about Hyde Park Produce on 53rd, right? For more variety and better prices the Mexican markets can be good. Try Pete's Supermarket on Kedzie at 47th (near the Orange Line Kedzie stop if you're coming from downtown; or #55 to #52A). Pretty decent meat and produce (by Chicago standards) at good prices. There's another Pete's on Pulaski at 44th. Gilmart is a good Polish market for cheap sausage, breads, etc. It's at 5050 S Archer just west of Pulaski (near the Orange Line Pulaski stop if you're coming from downtown; or #55 to #53A). The nearby Bobak's (5275 S Archer), with a good cheap buffet, is bigger and brighter but a little harder to access by CTA. For Asian try the warehouse-like Five Continents International Club a little farther north on Pulaski (at 40th). These are all a fairly easy 2 bus rides from Hyde Park.

You'll notice I hardly mentioned anything in Hyde Park. That's not to suggest there's nothing worthwhile there. As a U of C student you'll become all too familiar with that soon enough.

was in the same situation not too long ago. stuck in HP w/ no transportation; on a budget. ick

per Rene G's suggestion, Chinatown is the closest thing to you. on a off kilter day w/ screwy schedule, this could literally take you 45min. For me, as an Angeleno who hates snow, this SUCKED as an option during winter (say... November all the friggin way to April). Going to Ashland towards Pilsen could take 30min+, add another 25 min up 35+ blocks to 18th St. Not very viable as a student who 'should' be studying.

My bro was a UC student, graduated in June. he NEVER ventured far from the CTA path until last year when he got his Subaru... There is nothing cheap on campus cept for the $1 Wednesday milkshakes and Maravilla's Mexican food @ Harper Court. I was there often.

As for Valois, it's great when you're hungover and broke, but the food is barely edible. It is, however, a UC institution. The relatively new Korean restaurant on 55th is half decent, but not exactly 'cheap' when you can make everything at home for about 1/3 the price...

In terms of cheap food, Chicago's prime options are Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and a bit of assorted Middle Eastern. People have covered Chinatown and Mexican options.

A few places on the other regions that you can check out from public transport:

TAC Quick is great Thai food right below an El Stop (Sheridan ... the Brown Line?). Ask for the Thai menu.

I don't know the name of the neighborhood, but if you take the Brown Line to Kedzie (or is it called the Lawrence stop?) you'll be within walking distance of a number of good Middle Eastern restaurants (City Noor, Noon-o-Kabab, Shawerma King, etc.), pastry shops (Jaffer Sweets, al khaymieh, etc), markets (Andy's produce ranch, cermak market, al khaymieh), a korean market (name escapes me ... it's north a bit in a little strip mall on the east side of the street), and a number of korean restaurants (both on Lawrence and Kang Nam on Kedzie right next to the Korean market). You'll have to do a bit of walking - up to a half mile/mile both ways - to get to some places, but that's not too cumbersome until the weather turns sub-zero.

Another option - again. on the brown line if I'm not mistaken ... at Western - is Lincoln Square (not to be confused by a newcomer with Lincoln Park). You've got excellent Thai (Spoon in walking distance, Sticky Rice a short bus ride South), more Korean, a Turkish place (Anatolian Kebab), a fromagerie (Cheese Stands Alone), and other options all within walking distance. Look for info on Lincoln Square.

Granted, all of these are lengthy train rides from Hyde Park but there are two reasons not only to accept this, but to embrace it. First, the train gives good sensory deprivation time to get some of your sure to be abundant reading done. Two, you've got to actively fight the gravitational pull of Hyde Park. Inertia sets in and people never get out and explore the city beyond ... many out of town students end up thinking Chicago is synonymous with Hyde Park and they are sadly mistaken.

Best,

rien

Obviously time for a another plug for the imperfect but still helpful chowmap http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=388 and for the Useful Stuff forum in general.

TAC Quick is near the Sheridan stop on the Red Line. The Brown Line parallels Lawrence from just east of the Damen stop to near the end of the line at Lawrence and Kimball, so stops are labeled with the north-south streets. The Kedzie stop gets you good cheap options for shopping and dining in both directions. The Korean food store is Clark Market, which used to be Japanese and on Clark just north of Wilson.

The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce web site gives a pretty decent picture of the variety in the area although many of the better restaurants (including Spoon) aren't members and so aren't listed. Except for Thai and Mexican, Lincoln Square has become a bit pricy.

Rene G wrote:In Hyde Park you are well situated to visit lots of fascinating neighborhoods many northsiders rarely see. Whether you take advantage of it depends to a large extent on how willing you are to use public transportation, mainly the CTA.

You’ll notice I hardly mentioned anything in Hyde Park. That’s not to suggest there’s nothing worthwhile there. As a U of C student you’ll become all too familiar with that soon enough.

Frankly, when Iam in the area, I find a lot of places that one cant find up North -
but I do confess I do it by car, and dont know if its convenient by public
transport. (Dixie Kitchen is the one place that probably is - its in HP itself).

But, the places Iam thinking are mostly BBQ spots - down on 75th and 79th
and Cottage-Grove/79th (Barbara Ann's). Surely there are buses that go
down there relatively easily?

Secondly, if youre at UC (that is, even 57th and Cottage Grove is sort of on
the edge of UC, really)... isnt there a Harold's Chicken right on 55th?
Basically you'd have to cut across Washington Park, and its almost right
there (Garfield, 55th just about). And, of course, a block further down
you have Mrs Lee's Good Food. Again, Ive done these by car so my
view is skewed - but even by bike, say, it couldnt be more than 5-10
minutes away?

c8w

I've heard the legend of the local Harold's Chicken from various students from the UC, but I can't speak from personal experience. (This north sider had to head downtown for a decent specimen.) Of course, the appeal of HC will only be in proportion to your love of fried chicken.

What are your specific gripes with Hype Park Co-Op? That is one aspect of Hyde Park I always thought was a benefit. Good ethnic foods, good cheeses, interesting meats...

There is a Jewel south of Hyde Park if you're into that type of thing.

ab

There's also a Harold's on 53rd, in the Kimbark Plaza.


A surprisingly large number of posters on this board are/were affliated with the U of C, or at least lived in Hyde Park (myself and my husband included - we're both still students, and live behind Salonica). The best advice I can give you is to be adventurous. Really, if you're willing, there are very few places in the city that are totally inaccessible by public transportation. Pick a place to go, and figure out how to get there.

If you don't have too much time, the Chinatown suggestions are good ones, although I'd also include Ed's Potsticker House (which you can reach via 55 bus to Red Line, get off at Sox/35th stop, walk a few blocks west and north).

In terms of practical, monetary considerations, there's a lot of money available at the U of C for outings. I got my house to heavily subsidize a large dinner at Lao Szechuan by making it a house outing, and inviting kids from other houses as well (in doing so, you can also qualify for HARC funding...ask your RH about this). The food in and around the U of C is fairly uniformly lousy, I don't think it'll be hard to get other students interested in going out and eating good food on the U of C's dime.

Look through the posts here, look at the Reader, and get some ideas. You can always spend the long train/bus rides doing your Hum or Soc reading, right?

Also, if you're really desperate, and don't mind travelling with a loud 7 month old, I make frequent trips to Whole Foods and other non-Co-op markets (although you really should try the one on 47th - far, far better than the 55th and 53rd Co-ops) and would be more than willing to bring you sometime. Feel free to email if you're interested.

I am new to the neighborhood as well (from NY). So far I have eaten at Dixie Bait and Kitchen (very good, reasonable but not cheap), Ribs and Bibs (roll up your sleeves for a good chow, inexpensive sandwich and small portion (a misnomer) portions, Pizza Capri (fresh ingredients but a bit more than a student budget should withstand and not a whole lot to write home about), Rajun Cajun (my experience here is what compells me to post--it is TERRIBLE! I can't believe the Southeast Asian guy behind the counter represents Indian food as such. Everything is heavily spiced and ends up tasting alike and the prices, in my opinion, are not cheap--neither rice nor bread come with anything. Save yourself some heartburn and cashish and avoid this place. It bills itself as an Indian and Soul Food restaurant by the way. The soul food consists of fried chicken sitting under a heatlamp for who knows how long and mac and cheese. I don't understand how this place survives)
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I can continue. The last restaurant I have sampled so far is Cedar's Mediterranean Kitchen. It was fine just fine. The falafel tastes like falafel, the Fel Forens fillings were on the bland side but the ingredients were fresh, and the Spicy Chicken Wings, of all things, were quite tasty. I wouldn't go out of my way to go to this place, but if you want something besides cafeteria food and you're in the neighborhood and you're hungry, it's an option. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are adequate. I think the other Mediterranean place (closer to the UC campus) might be better--I can't remember the name but I read somewhere that it's a favorite of professors and students.
I've also been given several recommendations for Corea Cafe. Not cheap (except lunch) but surprisingly good (considering the state of Asian food in Hyde Park).
there's my two (and then some) cents.

Rem,

I noticed you posted the same query on Chowhound.

That's cool.

I'm just wondering how you found the difference in responses here and there. I'm not looking for any favorable or invidious comparisons; I'm just curious.

Hammond

May2 wrote: I think the other Mediterranean place (closer to the UC campus) might be better--I can't remember the name but I read somewhere that it's a favorite of professors and students.
I've also been given several recommendations for Corea Cafe. Not cheap (except lunch) but surprisingly good (considering the state of Asian food in Hyde Park).
there's my two (and then some) cents.

The place you're thinking of is The Nile, on 55th, just east of the Metra tracks (right near Cafe Corea, actually). IMO, Cafe Corea is both overpriced and fairly lousy. Hyde Park also suffers from an acute lack of good Japanese food - Kikuya takes overpriced and lousy to new heights (lows?).

Hyde Park is really not much of an eating destination (La Petite Folie perhaps being the exception), and it's almost silly to debate the relative merits of food that is perfectly acceptable, but honestly, nothing to write (home) about.

One place that hasn't been mentioned (I think) is Calypso, across from Dixie Kitchen. Really, it's not bad. Not great, but not bad.

Also, the absolute greatest thing (foodwise) about Hyde Park is the produce market on 53rd. It's just east of Kimbark Plaza, and it's PHENOMENAL. For everyone new to HP, check it out. It's cheap, fresh and good.

AnneVdV wrote:IMO, Cafe Corea is both overpriced and fairly lousy.

I have to disagree about this one. Yes, a little overpriced, but not at all lousy. I'm not saying it's the best Korean restaurant I've ever tried, but it's definitely more than servicable, with a couple of outstanding dishes. I'm partial to the Kimchi Pork Bokgum and the Kimchi Jigae. In fact, the only thing I've tried and not liked was a pork cutlet which was almost laughably dry.

I do agree about the produce market. It's small, but they have a lot of good fresh stuff, and aren't terribly expensive.

I missed all my opportunities to visit the farmer's market on Harper. Is it worth getting excited about for spring?

Hyde Park Co-op pulls plug on 47th St. store
It looks as if AnneVdV's favored Co-op location won't be around much longer.

had the misfortune of ordering rib tips @ Ribs and Bibs. compared to the few BBQ places during one of the chow-thons, it was quiet disgusting. chewy overdone tips, no smoke flavor, funky sauce. never had the pleasure of trying their sandwiches, but hey, i ain't going back there again.

Hi,

just a quick smattering. I originally just wanted to recommend the 53rd St. greengrocer (at Kimbark, just east of the strip mall) and recommend against Kikuya's (the horrid Japanese place already panned). But then thought I should give maybe an update on some other things from someone who's still in HP.

There used to be a Harold's Fried Chicken in the Kimbark Mall, and friends and I used to go for late-night fried gizzards (totally strange to be eating a food that is harder than the deep-fried coating).

There is a nice solid pan-Asian restaurant, Noodles, etc., which has been successful enough to open a 57th St. location (just west of Kinko's; the former Ann Sather's location). Their salads (tofu, beef, etc.) are probably their best entree. Everything is good, but not fabulous.

Regarding the famous triumvirate of Thai restaurants, Thai 55 (now Jarunee's) seems not to be trying anymore: they've removed the more labor-intensive dishes from their menu (no more roast duck or chicken!) and are serving more frozen things (egg rolls). Siam has always been too simple for me (you order chicken with broccoli, you get exactly chicken with broccoli), although they are tasty. I can't eat at Snail, because I can always smell the chemicals from the exterminator next door. Right now, all three of these are overshadowed commercially by Noodles, etc.

Yes, the 47th St. Co-op is closing. I'm not sure what the beef is about the Co-op, either. Its produce section is rather wretched, but one can always go to the 53rd St. greengrocer. And most of its items are at least a dollar over-priced, but that's not quite the same thing as it being horrid. Certainly, if you want your organic raspberry spelt flakes, it's the only game on the south side. If you want more ordinary items cheaper, just go to Cub Foods on Lake Park and... 51st?

If you're new to the city, and or intimidated by the south side, you might want to hit Chinatown via the Metra to downtown, and then take the Red Line south. I do this because the Metra comes punctually, unlike (sometimes) the 55 bus.

For the record, the Rajun Cajun was awarded "Best Hyde Park Restaurant" by The Maroon a few years back. I like their food, though I think it is too hot and Co-op level overpriced. They have other southern sides: black-eyed peas, quite good sweet potatoes, corn bread, mashed potatoes and greens. I'm partial to their lamb curry, and a visiting friend pronounced their Mango Lassie aggreeably and authentically thin - - apparently most american retaurants put more yogurt and mango in, so that American diners won't complain about not getting their money's worth.

The Dixie Kitchen and caribbean restaurant across the way from it are owned by a chicago restauranteur who was perpetually opening new "concept" restaurants in these locations until the current incarnations started making money. I have NOT been impressed with either of them.

Perhaps we should organize a Hyde-Park-athon, and get the neighborhood captured on the board.

Oh, and there are a couple of Jerk Chicken restaurants (Jamaican/Caribbean, but more authentic than the duded up one by The Dixe Kitchen). I don't know how they strike a Jamaican, but when friends of mine have African guests they always feed them from these and it disappears fast and happily. Don't know about the cost, because I've never been the one doing the ordering.

Don't miss the pastries at Bonjour bakery, in the mall by the Coop.

Also, this may or may not be good advice, but try the Mongolian Beef at Lung Way Chop Suey on 53rd. I'd characterize it as really good "bad" Chinese, if that makes any sense at all sense. It's greasy, but addictive and flavorful. Avoid the rest of the menu. We could just be nuts, but my husband and I ate it all the time when we lived in HP.

I hear Morry's makes a mean liver and onion sandwich, if you're into that sort of thing.

The Starbucks Delocator http://www.delocator.net makes it easy to find non-Starbucks coffee somewhere near you. They need people to submit local places, though. So make sure to add this new place

I think the Nile on 55th street is quite good, and it's cheap. The chicken shawarma is particularly good. Meals come with a good salad (try the Jerusalem salad) and unlimited pita (as long as you ask). Its BYOB, so I always bring a nice bottle of red wine or some beer.

Harold's is of course still there, but I don't know why people recommend the greengrocer next to Kimbark Plaza. The produce is not that good and it's overpriced. Stanley's on Elston and North seems much better to me.

I like the Caribbean restaurant across from the Dixie Kitchen. The ribs are pretty good (though they're not in the same league with real South Side ribs), as is the jerk chicken. The plantain nachos, however, are awesome, and with a pint of Goose Island make a meal in themselves.

Petit Folie is o.k., but just that. Food is decent, service somewhat shabby, and I'd prefer any of a number of bistros downtown.

Thanks for the non-Starbucks finder site, Leek. I just added something about it to Useful Stuff.

All these posts seem to be recommending going north and west. A couple of non-specific suggestions, others can chime in with specific locations.

The Jeffrey bus or the Metra will drop you by the recently written about That's a Burger in South Shore. Further along the Metra is South Chicago, a great neighborhood to wander in for Mexican and Caribbean.

Almost due west you will hit Middle Eastern, VI can chime in about Steve's Shish Kabob.

There are also a good number of jerk chicken spots in the mid-south area, don't have names and addresses as when I was working in Bronzeville last summer and ate it regularly, it was always either someone going out to pick it up or if I went along, someone else driving and I wasn't paying attention to directions/addresses so much. Rene G may know more specifics.

The delocator does a better job at locating the Starbucks locations locally than going to the Starbucks website.

I used to live in Hyde Park & Thai Twee was a favorite - I still stop by there when in the area, in part because the staff has always been very welcoming. Metromix has a review, which is how I first found the place.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/dini ... g_features

Re produce, sorry to hear the bad reports of Hyde Park Produce (on 53rd Street, a few doors east of the Leona's at Kimbark Plaza). I remember when it first opened - it used to be very good & enormously convenient (I lived a couple of blocks away). In addition to a good variety of inexpensive produce, they used to carry home made salsas, olives, & various middle eastern & mexican items.

Cedars' restaurant is also at Kimbark Plaza - I'm ashamed that I've never tried this location, but when at their previous one at the other (east) end of 53rd Street, the hummous with lamb & pinenuts was always good.

Athena wrote:I used to live in Hyde Park & Thai Twee was a favorite - I still stop by there when in the area, in part because the staff has always been very welcoming. Metromix has a review, which is how I first found the place.

Thai Twee (formerly Thai Twin) has been closed for a while now. The entire block, once home to Cedars and the Tiki, is completely empty. It’s not too surprising Metromix still lists Thai Twee. Many of their listings, particularly on the South Side, are years out of date.

dipteran wrote: I don't know why people recommend the greengrocer next to Kimbark Plaza. The produce is not that good and it's overpriced. Stanley's on Elston and North seems much better to me..

Many Hyde Park residents either don't own cars, or don't have the time to make a trek halfway across the city to get their produce. Compared to the grocery alternatives available in Hyde Park (which is pretty much the 2 Co-ops), Hyde Park Produce on 53rd is phenomenal. I agree that they aren't as cheap as Stanley's for some items, but between the cost of gas and time, it almost always makes more sense for most Hyde Park residents to frequent HP Produce.

I should add here, however, that my husband is a big fan of Pete's Markets, at least 2 of which aren't tremendously far from Hyde Park (one on S. Kedzie, one on S. Pulaski).