City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.

What to Eat, See, and Do in Hyde Park

Posted on June 14, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Host Jacoby Cochran on a bridge above a highway

City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran at 51st Street bridge in 2022. (Blair Charleston)

This weekend’s Hyde Park Summer Fest is set to bring out tens of thousands of people to see major artists.

What to know

The South Side neighborhood underwent major transformations in the late 19th century with the University of Chicago and the 1893 World’s Fair. The influx of Black residents in the area in the mid-20th century led to white flight. Hyde Park was home to the first federally sponsored urban renewal plan.

What to do

City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran has called Hyde Park home on and off for the last six years. He shares his favorite neighborhood spots.

Something(s) to eat: “We’ve got plenty of new restaurants in HP from Daisy’s and Roux to the renowned Virtue and staples like Uncle Joe’s. My go-to spot for healthy smoothies and a quick sandwich is Bonne Sante.”

Something(s) to see: “A visit to Hyde Park Art Center is always right on time. They consistently offer great panels, classes, and rotating exhibits. Honorable mention? Promontory Point is always a good place to walk, bike, work out, and kick it.”

Something(s) to do: “The Silver Room has everything: records, books, jewelry, fashion, art, candles, and more. P.S. The Promontory has great shows and decent drinks!”

A map of Hyde Park

Boundaries of Hyde Park (Google Maps)

The Hyde Park Summer Fest is at Midway Plaisance Park Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Busy? The Hyde Park Jazz Fest is in the fall.

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

The latest in Chicago

Chicago's BestApril 24

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...

A self with memorabilia at the Chicago Magic Lounge.
Chicago, ExplainedApril 22

The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center

Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.

Emmi Mack at Lincolnwood mall
Chicago, ExplainedApril 17

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

A security officer and his dog at a CTA Blue Line Station
Chicago's BestApril 15

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.

Swan boats dot the Humboldt Park lagoon on a sunny day. (Courtesy of J E Koonce / Flickr)
3 Questions WithApril 14

3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate

It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.

A woman smiling while sitting. There is a potted plant in the back
Chicago HistoryApril 8

Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?

If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.

Group of adults and children sit in a circle around an infant lying down in a home
Chicago's BestApril 7

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.

Two level room with floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books. On the floor level is a long table has computers on it.
Food & DrinkApril 6

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.

Chef Jake Schneider of Schneider Deli