Located at 1327 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, Medici On 57th stands as a quintessential institution within the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood. For decades, this establishment has served as a central gathering point for students, faculty from the nearby university, local residents, and visitors alike. Its enduring presence in the Chicago dining scene is a testament to its ability to evolve while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has defined it since its inception. Stepping through its doors, guests are immediately greeted by an environment that balances the bustling energy of a popular neighborhood haunt with the comfort of a reliable community space.
The philosophy behind Medici On 57th is rooted in the idea that a restaurant should be more than just a place to eat; it should be a cornerstone of the local culture. By focusing on consistent quality and a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of palates, the restaurant has successfully bridged the gap between casual dining and a true cultural landmark. Whether you are looking for a quick morning coffee, a hearty lunch between meetings, or a relaxed dinner with friends, the space offers a versatile backdrop that accommodates the varied rhythms of daily life in Chicago.
The interior design reflects a classic, unpretentious aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and functionality. With its long-standing history, the walls of the establishment have witnessed countless academic debates, first dates, and family celebrations, embedding a sense of nostalgia into the very fabric of the room. It is this unique character that distinguishes Medici On 57th from more transient dining options, making it a destination that feels both familiar and essential to the identity of the 57th Street corridor.
What Makes Medici On 57th a Local Favorite
A Rich Historical Legacy: Having served the Hyde Park community for many years, the restaurant has become deeply woven into the local narrative, representing a constant in an ever-changing urban landscape.
A Versatile Social Hub: The establishment is renowned for its ability to transition seamlessly from a quiet morning workspace for students and academics to a lively, bustling venue for evening social gatherings.
Commitment to Community Engagement: By fostering an inclusive environment, Medici On 57th acts as a bridge between the university population and the broader Chicago community, encouraging interaction and shared experiences.
Authentic Neighborhood Atmosphere: Unlike modern, sterile dining concepts, this location offers a genuine, lived-in charm that prioritizes the comfort of its guests and the authenticity of the dining experience.
Beyond its physical location, the restaurant serves as a reflection of the intellectual and creative spirit that defines Hyde Park. The proximity to world-class educational institutions means that the clientele is often engaged in thoughtful conversation, adding a layer of vibrancy to the ambient noise of the dining room. This intellectual energy, combined with the straightforward, honest approach to service, creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or purpose for visiting.
The operational success of Medici On 57th is largely attributed to its unwavering focus on the fundamentals of hospitality. By maintaining a consistent standard of service and ensuring that the environment remains conducive to both productivity and relaxation, the management has cultivated a loyal following that spans generations. It is rare to find a venue that manages to remain relevant for so long without succumbing to the pressures of trends, yet this establishment does so with grace and a clear understanding of what its community values most.
Furthermore, the location on 57th Street places it at the heart of a district known for its architectural significance and cultural depth. Visitors often find that a trip to the restaurant is the perfect complement to a day spent exploring the nearby museums, parks, or the historic campus grounds. It serves as a grounding point, a place to pause and reflect on the day's activities while enjoying the simple pleasures of a well-prepared meal in a setting that feels like a home away from home.
As the neighborhood continues to grow and change, Medici On 57th remains a steadfast anchor. Its ability to adapt to the needs of the modern diner while preserving the essence of its past is a delicate balance that few establishments achieve. For those who appreciate a dining experience that values history, community, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, this Hyde Park staple remains an indispensable part of the Chicago experience.
A Lasting Impression
Medici On 57th is more than just a destination for food; it is a vital component of the social infrastructure of Hyde Park. By providing a reliable, welcoming, and culturally rich environment, it continues to serve as a testament to the power of community-focused hospitality. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor to Chicago, a stop at this iconic location offers a genuine glimpse into the character and spirit of one of the city's most storied neighborhoods. It stands as a reminder that the best dining experiences are often those that make us feel truly connected to the place we are in.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Rooftop seating
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Menus
Appetizers
Menu
Popular
Soup & Chili
Menu
Popular
Fresh Salads
Menu
Popular
From the Deli
Menu
Popular
Entrees
Menu
Popular
Bread
Menu
Popular
Pastries
Menu
Popular
Sweet Treats
Menu
Popular
Coffee
Menu
Popular
Tea
Menu
Popular
Shakes & Malts
Menu
Popular
Classic Floats
Menu
Popular
Classic Lemonades
Menu
Popular
Craft your own beverage
Menu
Popular
Draft
Menu
Popular
Reds
Menu
Popular
Whites
Menu
Popular
Red Wine
Menu
Popular
White Wine
Menu
Popular
Rosé Wine
Menu
Popular
Seasonal Cocktails
Menu
Popular
Boozie Shakes
Menu
Popular
Craft Spirits
Menu
Popular
Medici Classics
Menu
Popular
...with Bubbles
Menu
Popular
Photos
Reviews Medici On 57Th
Carla
30-05-2026
It’s a great place to grab a bite if you’re exploring University of Chicago. We tried chicken soup but I would definitely recommend getting a sandwich. You can dine in or takeout. The atmosphere felt a bit dense because the place was crowded but otherwise it’s great. More
Avery Kirschbaum
30-05-2026
I've been here many, many times. I love how consistent the food is. They've never served me the best sandwich or pizza or soup, etc. I've ever eaten, but I have never been disappointed by the quality. Everything is consistently good. It … More
Dre Kelly
30-05-2026
Everything was good. We had chili cheese burger, one with fries and fhe other with potato salad(made in house). The garbage pizza, onion rings and the kids chicken tenders. Root beer float with bourbon, Mexican milkshakes and hot … More
Emily S
30-05-2026
Tee took such great care of my family and me! I was visiting my sister and parents (flew out from CO) and had the nicest time! We loved the food, the holiday decorations, the warm atmosphere, and most of all our incredibly friendly server. … More
Kim Kim
30-05-2026
yeah this place is just so good.
the menu has a variety of items. I recommend the bowtie to pasta with Italian … More
Kevin Doerksen
30-05-2026
Medici on 57th is a Hyde Park staple for a reason! It is a neighborhood classic with a funky vibe. The outdoor rooftop patio provides an intimate experience. The pizza is outstanding! I had the Prosciutto and Arugula pizza and it was … More
cliffb1930
30-05-2026
Enjoyable college vibe to this pub/restaurant. Good for groups and lots of cozy options on the menu. Cool art. More
Mahsa Hemmat
30-05-2026
The food was great. It was so good that they had 4 different sizes for the pizzas and you could choose the size you want.
Our server was Andrew K who was so friendly and hospitable. We enjoyed our time … More
Maria Campos
30-05-2026
Can't believe I haven't given this place a review, yet! Used to go to school nearby and loved coming here when I could afford to. Now that I'm adult with this thing called 'income', I always make an effort to visit whenever I'm in town. … More
Nejat Sassounes
30-05-2026
Iconic neighborhood joint. Food and atmosphere are unique and outstanding. Great brunch and lunch menus. Good for small or large groups. Been coming here for years. Bring a Sharpie and leave your mark on the walls, booths or tables when … More
Yusuf Yassin
30-05-2026
We just came in for a small bite and were honestly really impressed. The beef chili soup might be the best I’ve had in years. It was rich, flavorful, and hit the spot. The calamari was crispy and delicious, and the chili cheese fries were loaded and super satisfying. We also had the chips and guac which were fresh and solid. Service was great and everyone working there was super friendly. Chill spot and definitely somewhere I’d come back to.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Nora Grutzius
30-05-2026
Started with the guacamole salsa and chips. Then had the Veggie Chili and Garbage Salad. Everything was great. The chili had the perfect blend of spices and slight heat. The service was good and atmosphere too. Great lil spot to stop after … More
Jason Singer
30-05-2026
I love this place so much! The food is always fresh and oh so delicious 😋. Service is top-notch, and this place has a great ambiance. The baked goat cheese appetizer is my go-to. The Mediterranean pizza superb and the Ensalada kimba salad is perfection.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Тyler Collins
30-05-2026
Great Bloody Mary to start, loved the pesto chicken pasta and the loaded Garbage Pizza—both were excellent! Warm atmosphere and super friendly staff made the experience even better.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Moderate noise
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
labeled as vegetarian-friendly
Dietary restrictions
accommodating gluten-free and allergy-free
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking, Free parking garage
Parking
convenient.
Kid-friendliness
yes
Wheelchair accessibility
yes
CarefullyPlated
30-05-2026
It's all in what you order. Calamari me please. Pizza, for sure. Burgers, pass. Service is cool but when it got even semi-busy, we were forgotten about and ready to leave. BUT, they were pleasant. So I felt like maybe they were short-staffed or something, but I wasn't certain. Observing it seemed like they weren't. IDK. When the calamari came and tasted so good I was really eager for the burgers. They were just so/so. There's some great burgers in Hyde Park & in Chicago, so it's not my go to for that. But I had to try. The sauce for the calamari made me believe I needed to come back for the pizza, which they're known for. Yes and Amen. Come for the pizza and the appis. The brews were good & even though the waiter didn't know that part of the menu well he brought me the nicest guy who did & made good recommendations. Now I've heard their shakes are excellent, they're still on my to do list here. It's great for families or occasions where you don't mind noise.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Winfred Taylor
30-05-2026
Food was excellent.. great portions , seasoned well with great taste. Prices are moderate and somewhat of a value when compared to portion and quality.
Did witness a waitress picking some food of a plate that was about to be delivered and ate from it.. HOWEVER I told my server who told manager and they immediately took action, with a complimentary appetizer, dessert and an apology from the waitress who did it.. again our server, he was great and I didn't feel the need to punish him , so we did tip him based on the full amount , before discounts.
Again , good food !!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Noise level
Moderate noise
Jane Ahmon
30-05-2026
Bland food, 20% service charge, waste of money, dont go to this restaraunt unless you dont care a lot about quality
I got the garbage burger medium rare and it was below average. The fries were quite cold and stale, even mcdonalds is much better, and tasted not fresh or good. My burger was a good portion but first of all, it didnt even come with a top bun originally; they bought it out later on a separate plate. Firstly, in my opinion the buns were too thick, not toasted (just bland white bread), which overpowered the rest of the burger. The meat was okay, but not even cooked correctly. I asked for medium rare and this is much closer to medium well with little red. The meat wasnt very juicy and rich, or succulent. The cheese, bacon, and rest of ingredients were okay but the flavours didnt go that well together. Unfortunatrlu thr burger didnt really fill me up because of that but I enjoyed it a little.
I tried a bite of the steak and fries and it was bad. The presentation, which hid the steak, looked off putting, and the steak and the asparagus were both very chewy, that i had to spit it out, even topped witht he sauce, which is subtly rich not much.
Anf theres a 20% service charge??! Thats ridiculous because theyre expecting us to pay $20 for a party of 5 or more. Unbelievable. They said the tip is included but still, its very disrespectul that we cannot decide on the tip and its automatically 20%!.The tip would have been lower. The charge is unprofessional, no reason, and erodes customer’s trust and restaraunts integrity. Talking about integrity, what if the service charge allows the restaraunt to avoid paying a fair wage to the staff? Im surprised this restraunt gets good reviews.
Service was okay and saw them come to fill up water but decided not too, and came by our table many times. It is a necessity that customers decide the tip. Atmosphere unique but a little off putting. Overall quite disappointed with the quality of the food, and a little on the expensive side. Not coming here again Im afraid. And yes, i left the restaraunt hungry.
So yes, scandalous service charge, bad food, dont recommend
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Ctgb2
30-05-2026
Medici on 57th is one of those neighborhood classics in Chicago’s Hyde Park that feels familiar from the first bite — a relaxed, eclectic spot where you can pop in for everything from comfort food classics to laid-back pizza and sandwiches. It’s been around for decades and has become a staple for locals, students from the University of Chicago, and anyone craving good, unpretentious food with a friendly vibe.
The menu really runs the gamut: they do pan and thin pizzas, juicy burgers, hearty deli sandwiches, big salads, and a few classic American comfort dishes like chicken fingers or lasagna. The portions are generous and the prices are fair — perfect for a casual lunch or a low-key dinner without breaking the bank.
I’d say the vibe here is classic Hyde Park cool — plenty of wood, casual seating, and yes, you can even scribble on the walls or tables with a Sharpie if you’re feeling playful (it’s kind of a tradition). It makes the place feel lived-in and welcoming, kind of like a favorite college hangout that still draws families and longtime neighbors too.
There’s also a bakery next door where you can pick up fresh bread, croissants, pastries, and espresso in the morning, which adds a nice bonus if you’re stopping by earlier in the day.
Not everything here is going to be fine-dining level — some dishes can be a bit average — but that’s kind of part of the charm. It’s approachable, fun, and consistently a good place to catch up with friends over simple, solid food. I’d definitely stop by for pizza, a sandwich, or even just one of their big milkshakes if you’re in the neighborhood.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Martin Streller
30-05-2026
Went to the self service desk and ate outside. The high-crust Spinach Pizza was tasty, a bit too cheesy. Size medium weighed almost too heavy afterwards. Would go smaller and for thin-crust next time. Price/Value very good. Thumbs Up!
Food: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Pearl N O
30-05-2026
Really cool place with some great vibes. Our first time trying deep dish pizza. its not easy to pick up 😅
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Reviews Medici On 57Th