Spotlight on the South Side

The south side of Chicago is not quite the tourist destination of its northern counterpart. Still, it is a really interesting place to visit and a vibrant community in which to live. This guide focuses on the offerings of Hyde Park, which is a particularly rich area because of its proximity to the University of Chicago.

Indeed, the University campus itself is well worth getting to know. The quads, which were based on the layouts of Oxford and Cambridge universities, have a decidedly old world flavor. The Gothic style befits the gravity of a school that takes itself very seriously. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, open to the public for special events, is particularly impressive.

If you really want the student experience, try visiting one of the many coffee shops on campus. The quads have two popular eateries: the Classics Café, which is on the second floor of the Classics building, and the Divinity School Café, which (as you might have guessed) is in the basement of the Divinity School. If you’re looking for something a little bit stronger, there is a pub in the basement of the Ida Noyes building, which also houses the campus movie house, Doc Films, a premiere entertainment forum, open to the general public.

The campus also is home to several respected institutions. Among them is the Smart Museum, where you can get your fill of the visual arts. The Oriental Institute, while popular with the general public, is also a valued resource for scholars.

On the campus and throughout Hyde Park, there are a large number of well-stocked bookstores. Any bibliophile should make this her first stop in the city. The seminary co-op, which is across the street from the Oriental Institute, carries books for the graduate school. Though subterranean and confined, it has an excellent collection. If you tend to be claustrophobic, Powell’s Books on 57th Street is a great alternative. Its stock is geared more toward the general public, so you’ll find extensive aisles of novels as well as books relating to the city of Chicago.

While Hyde Park isn’t exactly the headquarters of Chicago’s fine dining, there are a few serviceable restaurants. There are also many lackluster ones, so choose wisely. One local favorite is Calypso, a Caribbean eatery in Harper’s Court, just off 53rd Street. While there, try the plantain nachos, a universal favorite.