One of the best ways to get to know the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy is to visit our beautiful campus. Below are some activities and restaurants in and around Hyde Park that no one should overlook.

Outings and Adventures

  • Dusable Museum of African American History—The Dusable Museum promotes appreciation and understanding of African American achievements, contributions, and experiences through exhibits and programs on African American history, art, and culture.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House—Built in 1909 as part of Frank Lloyd Wright’s groundbreaking series of Prairie Houses, Robie House is considered one of the most important buildings of the 20th century.
  • Jackson Park—Home to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, Jackson Park features a gymnasium and  fitness center, a golf course, basketball and tennis courts, vegetable and flower gardens (including the Japanese-styled  Garden of the Phoenix), and a beach along Lake Michigan.
  • The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—One of the largest science museums in the world, the MSI is filled with interactive exhibits designed to “spark scientific inquiry and creativity.”
  • The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures—Celebrating its centennial this year, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is famous for its collection of history, art, and archaeology of the ancient Near East. Free and open to the public, the museum has a robust permanent collection as well as rotating special exhibits.
  • Promontory Point—“The Point,” as it is affectionately known, is a man-made peninsula which juts into Lake Michigan and offers  the perfect view of the Chicago skyline.
  • Seminary Co-Op and 57th St. Bookstore—Renowned as one of the best academic bookstores in the world, the Co-Op attracts customers worldwide. The 57th St. Bookstore contains kids’ books, cookbooks, science fiction, and hosts weekly story time events for the entire family.
  • Smart Museum of Art—Free and open to all, the Smart Museum is home to 10,000 works of art by artists who, not unlike Harris students, explore creative ways of tackling complex issues.

Restaurants and Cafés

  • Food trucks—A weekly rotation of tacos, pizza, Mediterranean cuisine and more, conveniently parked on 58th and Ellis (in front of the bookstore)! Check out the weekly food truck lineup on Twitter at @uchiNOMgo.
  • Medici Bakery and Restaurant—Offering an eclectic selection of meals from omelets and French toast to pizza and burgers, Medici offers an open-air rooftop dining experience, as well as a walk-up bakery/cafe.
  • Noodles, Etc.—Serves a variety of dishes from Thailand, China, Japan, Vietnam, and the Phillipines, and well known for its green tea icecream.
  • Plein Air Café—Next door to Robie House, Plein Air is a French atelier-inspired café which serves single-origin coffees, sandwiches, savory pies, and other European dishes.
  • Salonica—Greek-style diner with delicious breakfast options, refills on coffee, and a bonus Mexican menu on Wednesdays.
  • The Nile—Low-key Middle-Eastern joint known for its falafel and shawarma.
  • Saucy Porka—Pays homage to the home-style cooking of Latin American and Asian cultures. Although pork is the starlet of the show, our menu also offers a variety of dishes that will satisfy non-pork, vegetarian and vegan seeking diners.
  • Truth Be Told—A British gastropub serving fish and chips, bangers and mash—conveniently located right next door to Harris. 
  • BARDAVID—Nestled into the David Rubenstein Forum next door to the Keller Center, BARDAVID offers a sophisticated dining experience; serving an exclusively curated wine list and handcrafted cocktail program with a menu featuring mediterranean-influenced cuisine..

Know of any other hidden gems in the Hyde Park area? We would love to hear from you! Email us at harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu.

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