Graduation Visit

[mapr281]

We'll be in town from 6/11-6/15 for U of Chicago graduation. Any suggestions for moderate /casual dining (lunch and dinner) and one expensive celebration bash welcome. We've had deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs, any other local delicacies not to be missed?

Thanks

[leek]

There is a nice restaurant in Hyde Park, Petite Folie. No idea if they have many veggie entrees, it's French. It's not "fine dining" but it is a nice neighborhood bistro.

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La Petite Folie
1504 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

[kitchendictator]

Can I tag on? I'm glad to find this post, since I have the same trip (UofC graduation) coming up. The graduate is a vegetarian, but the rest of the family is not. Looking for that special celebration restaurant on Saturday, June 13th. Thanks!

[smithclay]

As a U of C student graduating in a few weeks, I'm happy to offer a few suggestions.

Sadly, I can't recommend any "wonderful" places in Hyde Park, but for the vegetarian I'd take a look at Uncommon Ground -- local/seasonal American place that pleases both meat and non-meat eaters. At an even higher price point is Green Zebra, a nearly all-veggie restaurant that does a great job.

For, say, lunch in Hyde Park, ask your student. Everybody has their own favorite place.

Outside of pizza and hot dogs, there's always the joy of an Italian Beef sandwich. Al's #1 Italian Beef followed by Mario's Italian Lemonade (across the street) can't be beat.

For a celebration dinner, I'd definitely narrow it down to a cuisine or neighborhood first. If you have a large group that also changes the list somewhat. There are plenty of great places to drop a lot of $$ on food in Chicago.

Oh, and it looks like there are several conventions in Chicago that weekend -- be sure to get your reservations in early for the nicer spots.

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Al's Beef
1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Green Zebra
1460 W Chicago, Chicago, IL 60622

Uncommon Ground
3800 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Mario's Italian Lemonade
1068 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL