Dining hall closed on Saturday night and looking for some cheap eats? Apartment student attempting to grab an inexpensive dinner during the week? Don’t fret! Luckily, UChicago’s Student Government has partnered with several restaurants in the Hyde Park area to offer discounts to UChicago students. At the following locations, simply show your UCID to your server to receive 10% off your meal. This is an amazing opportunity for students to save a few dollars and enjoy many of the various cuisine options the surrounding neighborhood has to offer.
Kikuya Sushi
Located on the corner of 55th and Lake Park, Kikuya Sushi offers traditional Japanese delicacies, including raw sushi and other home cooked meals, at a low cost. From 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, diners can enjoy lunch specials, and for patrons over 21 the restaurant is BYOB. Easily accessed by the 55 bus and East and Central shuttles, Kikuya has been serving Hyde Park for over 10 years. Check out more information at http://kikuyaonline.com.
Thai 55
Also located on the corner of 55th and Lake Park, Thai 55 serves mouthwatering authentic Thai dishes, including chicken, scallops, and shrimp with curry seasoning. The restaurant’s specialty beverages, including bubble tea and smoothies with tapioca pearls, are a hit, as Thai 55 is the only place in Hyde Park customers can acquire these treats. For busy students, this restaurant is a great option because it has take-out and delivery options. For a full menu, head over to http://www.thai55restaurant.com/index.html.
Valois Café
Further north, on 53rd and Lake Park, is Valois Café, known to Hyde Park locals as Obama’s favorite locale. Valois is an inexpensive, traditional American, cafeteria-style venue where patrons can really, as the motto says, “see your food.” Diners pick out meals as they walk down a line and can seat themselves anywhere in the restaurant. The portions are huge, the breakfast is always extremely tasty, and the staff is super friendly. Every UChicago student should have the Valois Café experience at least once in their four years at school. Read more at http://www.valoisrestaurant.com.
Cedar’s
For over 17 years, Cedar’s has served the Hyde Park area with delicious Medeteranian cuisine. Located in Kimbark Plaza at 53rd and Woodlawn, Cedar’s cooks traditional meals such as hummus, falafel, baklava, lamb chops, and beef. On Cedar’s website, customers can order delivery and pick-up (http://www.cedarsmediterraneankitchen.com). On GrubHub, one reviewer commented, “[Cedar’s had] the best basic steak and gyros we’ve had in some time!”
Sitdown Café
A few doors down, the Sitdown Café offers everything under the sun, from exquisite paninis and soup to sushi, salads, and pizza. On Mondays, 21+ patrons can enjoy half off cold bottles of sake, and on Tuesday, half off bottles of wine. When available, the Sitdown uses Organic ingredients, and all dishes are made to order. Check out more at http://www.thesitdown53.com.
Noodles
For around $8, Noodles offers pasta dishes from around the world, ranging from rich Wisconsin mac and cheese to tangy Asian meals. Situated on 57th and Kenwood, Noodles is just a short walk from the U of C quad, making it a perfect location for afternoon lunches. Check out more at http://www.noodles.com.
Siam
Another Thai restaurant located on 55th and Cornell, Siam is known for its delicious Thai specialties at cheap prices and is a wonderful option for students who may live further away from campus. It is easily accessed by the 55 bus, East, Central, and North shuttles.
Pockets
A self-described “healthy alternative to fast-food,” Pockets serves hearty calzones, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. March is “Pizza Madness” month at Pockets, where every day of the week the restaurant has a new special. Pockets is centrally located at 53rd and Kimbark and is easily accessed by the East shuttle. For more, check out http://www.pocketsonline.com.
Pepe’s Mexican Express
Another restaurant located at the busy intersection of 53rd and Kimbark, Pepe’s Mexican Express is a quaint establishment that serves inexpensive authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and chips. While the storefront only has a few tables, patrons can opt to take-out their food, which is perfect for students living in apartments in the area looking to satisfy Mexican food cravings.
Hyde Park Gyros
Down 53rd at the intersection of Kenwood is Hyde Park Gyros, a place known to locals for their fantastic array of gyros and awesome $6 special which includes a gyro, fries, and a drink. For students in a rush, this restaurant is ideal because the food is served very quickly (according to reviewers on Google+, only five minutes!)
Harold’s Chicken
Perhaps the most classic choice for UC students, Harold’s Chicken serves renowned fried chicken, biscuits, and fries all over the Chicago area. In Hyde Park, Harold’s is located in the Kimbark Plaza at 53rd and Kimbark. Known for its delectable dipping sauce and half-dark special, Harold’s is a number-one option for hungry patrons looking for some soul food satisfaction. While the line is sometimes long, it is definitely always worth it.
Chant
On 53rd and Harper sits Chant, a fancier restaurant that describes itself as “a fusion of contemporary and traditional Asian fare.” Besides its restaurant menu and sit-down dining room, Chant has a full-service bar and is open until 1:00 a.m. For more on this true “Asian-inspired Global cusine,” check out http://www.chantchicago.com.
For more information on the restaurants that offer discounts, check out the Student Government’s website at http://sg.uchicago.edu/services-2/restaurant-discounts/. For even more discounts and perks with a UCID, like free arts, entertainment, and transportation, look at http://hrservices.uchicago.edu/benefits/retirefinancial/perks/.