October Neighborhood Profile: Hyde Park

Posted October 6, 2010
Tags: checkerboard lounge, featured, hyde park, hyde park art center, literature, music, soul

A neighborhood with a lil' bit of everything.

By Zainab Karim (shutters soul contributing writer)

Where is Hyde Park?

Hyde Park is located on the Southside of the city. This expansive and culturally diverse community can be found east of Cottage Grove Ave between 51^st and 60^th street best known as Midway Plaisance or The Midway and extends all the way to Lake Michigan. The even numbered streets are almost exclusively residential while the odd numbered streets along with Lake Park avenue host majority of the businesses.

What are the surrounding neighborhoods?

Kenwood

Jackson Park

South Shore

Washington Park

A Brief History

In 1853 a successful businessman by the name of Paul Cornell purchased 300 acres of land in the Chicago area between 51^st and 55^th street along the Illinois Railroad to attract businessmen and their families to the area. Cornell eventually convinced the Illinois Central Railroad to buy a part of the land as to build a train station to promote daily trips to the commercial core of Chicago and to his newly built hotel promptly called the Hyde Park House. Hyde Park holds a substantial share of Chicago’s history most notably as the host to the White City amusement park, the home of the University of Chicago, some of the most pristine architecture and more Nobel Prize winners in one area; 85 to be exact.

They called Hyde Park home

Muhammad Ali

Saul Bellow

Amelia Earhart

Marshall Fields

Hugh Heifner

Mahalia Jackson

Barack Obama

Harold Washington

Hyde Park Soul

New Checkerboard Lounge:

The original checkerboard lounge was located in Bronzeville and owned by the legendary Buddy Guy, it was seen as one of the nations most legendary blues venues. The lounge played host to blues legends Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and even rockers like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. When the club closed in 2003, to preserve the history of blues in the city the venue was moved to Hyde Park with much dismay from neighbors. The lounge now hosts many local acts and still has the feel of old time blues.

5201 S Harper Ct, 773-684-1472

ARTS

Museum of Science and Industry: Great for kids, with many hands-on exhibits and the famous Coal Mine; adults will enjoy the display of the German U-boat 'U-505'.5700 S Lake Shore Dr & E 57th St www.msichicago.org

The Renaissance Society: A small gallery of avant-garde painting, which will appeal greatly to art enthusiast, less so to casual visitors. 5811 S Ellis Ave, Cobb Hall 418, 773 702-8670.

Hyde Park Art Center: The oldest alternative art venue in the city is dedicated to the visual arts, usually has several contemporary exhibits running at any given time, and frequent events like artist talks, poetry readings, and music performances.5020 S Cornell Ave773 324-5520 www.hydeparkart.org

LITERATURE

Seminary Co-op Bookstore: The world's largest academic bookstore has a collection of books, magazines and periodicals covering every topic. 5757 S University Ave, 773 752-4381.

57th St Books: A branch of the University's Seminary Co-op that has frequent literary events, including poetry readings, author talks, and writing workshops. 1301 E 57th St, 773 684-1300.

Powell's Books: This is the Mecca of used books stores, it’s a haven for the book lover with a limited budget. 1501 E 57th St, 773 955-7780

MUSIC

Cove Lounge: A lounge with the feel of an old 70’s dive with loud music, cheap drinks and jukebox music that’ll take you way back . 1750 E 55th St, 773 684-1013 www.thecovelounge.com

A HIDDEN GEM

BackStoryCafe, maybe Chicago's finest cafe. Run by Woodlawn's artsy/social-cause-chasing Experimentation Station, this extraordinarily laid-back cafe serves incredible fresh coffee and whole pots (for 2-4 people) of quality loose leaf teas. All of their utensils are biodegradable, this café takes their responsibility to health and environment to the next level. And they have free Wi-Fi. Free indie films/documentaries are screened on Sunday nights and open mic is offered on Friday nights. 6100 S Blackstone, 773 324-9987www.backstory.com

GOOD EATS AND TASTY TREATS

Valois: Inexpensive Cash only diner/cafeteria institution that has become a favorite with lifelong Hyde Parkers. 1518 E 53rd St, 773 667-0647

Calypso Cafe: Enjoy a variety of Caribbean and Louisiana style food in what is widely considered Hyde Park's best restaurant. 5211 S Harper Ave773 955-0229

Medici: Italian cuisine that has become very popular with the students, great ambiance is available in the downstairs dining area. Try one of the flavored floats as a dinner companion or dessert.1327 E 57th St, 773 667-7394

Original Pancake House: Known for long lines on the weekends, its expansive pancake menu and delightful service. Often very crowded but well worth it.1517 E Hyde Park Blvd 773 288-2322,

LEISURE BY THE LAKE

Promontory Point Park (The Point): 5491 S Lake Shore Dr312 747-6620. The perfect place to take in the Chicago skyline, watch summer fireworks, or gather a group of friends for a bonfire in one of the pre-constructed bonfire areas.

About the Writer: Zainab Karim

Zainab is currently a cost recovery specialist at Sidley Austin law firm and an aspiring writer. Zainab is a part-time student at Columbia College Chicago majoring in fiction and playwriting. Zainab spends her spare time perusing the many bookstores in Chicago for bargains and classics as well as writing short stories.

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