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Name: Medici On 57th
Address: 1327 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637
Telephone: (773) 667-7394
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.62

Medici On 57th

1327 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637

(773) 667-7394
Store is closed

Medici On 57th Menu

Appetizers

Baked Goat Cheese

Guacamole & Chips

Onion Rings

French Fries

Garlic Bread

Cheese Quesadillas

Hummus

Chili Cheddar Fries
Soups & Chilies

Moroccan Ragout

Fidels Chicken Soup

Grilled Veggie Chili

Beef Chili
Fresh Salads

House Salad

Garbage Salad

Caesar Salad

Ensalata Kimba
Entrees

Steak & Fries

Fresh Fried Catfish

Chicken Fingers And Fries

Bbq Chicken

Spinach Lasagna
Dessert - Cakes & Pies

Gracie’s Apple Pie

Bread Pudding

Carrot Cake

Cheese Cake

Chocolate Cheese Cake

Healthy Meal suggestions for Medici On 57th

Appetizers

Baked Goat Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Quesadillas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hummus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheddar Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Chilies

Moroccan Ragout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fidels Chicken Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Veggie Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fresh Salads

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garbage Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalata Kimba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Steak & Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Fried Catfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Fingers And Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert - Cakes & Pies

Gracie’s Apple Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bread Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carrot Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Cheese Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jaclyn C.

I will start off by saying the pizza was good. However this does not make up for how uncomfortable I felt during my time there. My husband, some friends, and I all visited Medici because of the great reviews we've heard from others. The server we had ruined our experience. He was extremely rude to us the entire time. He would lurk by our table and at one point, stood over us for at least 30 seconds of silence before asking if we needed our drinks refilled. It seemed like asking him for anything was an issue, after asking to have my husbands sprite refilled and he huffed as he walked away. I can't tell you how uncomfortable I felt leaving, and then to turn around and see him outside, watching us drive away as we left the restaurant made it worse. The four of us agreed that we all felt very creeped out. The kicker is that I called the manager-on-duty almost immediately, explained how uncomfortable we were, and was assured we would have the restaurant manager call me back. Here we are a month later... no call. Sure, the pizza was good. But just because of the awfully uncomfortable experience we had I do not Intend to give them my business again.
(1)
Lena G.

The last time I was here, the staff wore shirts that said "Obama eats here" and "Get baked," there was a lively dinner crowd, and the food was good. None of these are true anymore, and it's pretty upsetting!! I understand that the Obama thing might be outdated, but the atmosphere has gone from a 9 to a 4 and the food is shit. I got a wrap with tabbouleh and hummus. Tabbouleh should have tomatoes, which this didn't? It had a good amount of parsley, but other than that, it had no flavor. My brother had the fettucine alfredo - rubbery pasta in a congealed sauce with no salt. I know that these aren't the dishes Medici is known for, but they really need to step it up.
(2)
Frank Z.

This place is amazing. The environment is so cozy and welcoming, even on a hot Chicago day. It's just filled with so much art and overall, a lovely place to dine. The food was absolutely on point. I got the shrimp quesadilla entree and it was, no joke, the best quesadilla I've ever had. It was perfectly cooked and with sour cream, guac, and salsa, it tastes perfecto as well. I also got a restaurant made Arnold Palmer and it too was very refreshing. My friends got the chicken skewers, grilled cheese, and steak burger and all got positive responses. Medici's drink menu is quite extensive with many options in wine and beer as well as fresh fruit smoothies and lemonades. Other food menu items have a nice blend of mexican, Italian, American foods, etc. The bathrooms and overall restaurant itself are very clean. Definitely recommend for good eats near UChicago.
(5)
Jasmin T.

To note, we were traveling with our dog Ashland and needed to find a place with a patio in Hyde Park. This was really close to where we were and I remember this place being ok from coming years back. We decided to give it a shot! The outdoor seating for us was perfect because Ashland could also eat with us. It was easy to order at the coffeehouse counter and we were able to snag some ice water while we waited. I knew this place was known for its pizza but we wanted to keep our late lunch light and so opted for the salmon burger and the garbage burger. The take out containers were really cute and seemed also ideal for going to the beach or anywhere else on the run. Let's start with the garbage burger. It looked great! It was somewhat warm and medium as I asked. I was not impressed with the potato bun and recommend that you ask for any other bun besides that one. It was dry and was crumbling as I was eating which was a little annoying. There were a generous amount of toppings for a ten dollar burger. I wasn't a fan of the barbecue sauce which was much sweeter than what I normally like. The slaw was really good though and the portion was just right. The salmon burger was also underwhelming for my partner. It was a generous size but also dry. The sauce on it didn't help very much and it still tastes pretty bland. The fries were good on the side. If we were to come back we'd try the pizza and stay away from the burgers. We peeked at sandwiches and those portions were large too. However, I love well seasoned burgers, fries, and patties just in general and this was a disappointing lunch for us.
(3)
Katie L.

To me this feels like the kind of place you bring your parents when they're in town and you want to impress them with your hip but approachable neighborhood joint, or a first date when you don't want the person to know your true self. I've never had anything I didn't like, and I've also never had anything I really really loved (even the Mexicana shake.... it's fine. I'm ambivalent). That said, I think this place fills an important neighborhood niche, especially with fancier places like A10 and the Promontory coming in. It's a really nice middle range, and it's a "fancy" pizza place. Everything is good, there are sandwich and salad options, and the atmosphere is really kinda mildly spunky and makes you think about old Hyde Park and all the students who came before. If you eat pizza, get pizza. Pizza is universally good, but this is a chance to get your Chicago style pizza from a place that isn't a Chicago-style-pizza chain (like Giordano's). The shakes are also good.
(3)
Austin Y.

Come here to hang out with a big group or for the fresh bread or pastries at the bakery, but food on the restaurant side is disappointing. It's standard, slightly pricey diner fare lacking any sort of wow factor. Garbage pizza is covered with plenty of cheese and plenty of bacon, pepperoni, and sausage. Nothing tasted very fresh, and it's extremely greasy and salty. Great drunk food, yes - great food, no. Spinach goat cheese pizza was similarly greasy and doused in pesto, causing the crust to be very soggy, especially in the middle. Tuna steak sandwich ($13) was mediocre at best, the yellowfin didn't taste fresh and the ginger-sesame mayo just tasted like regular old mayo. Burgers are good but standard, as are the shoestring fries. Smoked salmon eggs benedict ($13) during brunch was subpar, the hollandaise broke and was very watery. The potatoes were extremely greasy - again, not a fan. Cappuccino and mexicana shake are good. The pumpkin cheesecake shake (only served during autumn months) is a standout.
(2)
Michelle W.

Very mixed feelings about this place. Their food is very solid and good for its location near UChicago for students to frequent but I definitely don't think it's worth commuting from out of Hyde Park for the Med. They are very particular about not accepting reservations or considering your group until the whole group has arrived. They also sometimes have trouble splitting the check for mid sized groups of 6+ so that's something to take note of. These are all small things that I don't really mind, so I usually have a fine experience eating here. Their pastries are good but overpriced and their spinach goat cheese pizza is good. I'd heard a lot about their garbage pizzas but was underwhelmed - didn't think it was great because the ingredients just didn't seem to go that well together. Love their pan crust though and it's super filling. Come an hour before closing for $1 pastries but in my experience they tend to run out of the good pastries quickly anyways. Their portions are pretty good and they're known for their really good milkshakes. I love the Mexicana and banana nut, as well as some of the seasonal/limited edition ones. I recently had an experience that I was very frustrated with however. I ordered my usual Mexicana shake and it was a beautiful sunny day so I decided to sit right outside their cafe to wait for it. Their shakes usually take a little while to make but I still checked in every 5 minutes to see if it was ready since I hadn't heard my name. 40 minutes later when I asked what was going on I got a really sassy response just saying they would call my name if mine was ready so I just went back to sit down. 10 minutes later the lady came to ask me what my name was and if I had a receipt (which they didn't give me) and brought me in to give me my shake that had been sitting out for half an hour under their counter. Instead of apologizing and just handing it to me, she proceeded to yell and me and get mad at me for not having gotten it earlier. At that point I just really wanted my shake so I took it and left (it was still really good) but the fact that she did the whole eye roll and lecture was very annoying and I'm very disappointed with this experience. Will definitely be ordering online/calling in advance in the future so I don't have to deal with this.
(3)
Emily H.

This place was excellent and the service was great. Quaint location in Hyde Park and entertained ourselves reading the walls which are covered with years of writing by patrons. I ordered the Hot Dog but had them put chili on it and it was delicious. My friend had the Garbage pizza which was also quite tasty. My friend also had the Mexicana milkshake and loved it!
(5)
Frank O.

A solid staple of the UChicago student diet. Medici is close and convenient to campus, will deliver and can also cater. But because it's so convenient it can get busy, so avoid the sit-down section during lunch time (unless you have time to spare). It has a small bakery which is open early and late, so it can always work in a pinch. The food it hit or miss. The pepperoni pizza is great, with nice large pepperonis and a good fluffy crust. It also reheats well in a microwave. The chili burger is a bit disappointing since the chili doesn't have any interesting flavor (and the rest of the burger doesn't either). The cinnamon roll french toast is tasty, but comes with only a few pieces, not enough to fill me up. The Napoli and Italian subs are both solid, although the bread can be a bit tough sometimes.
(4)
Jaden L.

Perfect casual first date spot for residents of Hyde Park. Warm welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices (most meals around $10). Restaurant is best known for their burgers, pizzas, and shakes. What most people don't really know though is that their cakes are really really good. Dare I say better than their shakes!? Try their Vaguely Reminiscent (mocha cream pie with chocolate cookie crust topped with fresh rum whipped cream...???) or a thick slice of their decadent carrot cake lathered with rich cream cheese frosting. Being a cake aficionado, who will have cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if not for the fear of dying from some sort of sugar crash, I have tried cake from countless restaurants in Chicago. Medici's Vaguely Reminiscent and carrot cake are still on the top of my list.
(4)
Ian L.

A Hyde Park college staple. We've had residents and professors eat here for over 30 years. Fancy that, a lot of history rolled up in this little HP gem. Food: 2.5 Service: 4 Bathroom: 2 I only ordered a calzone, the crust was well-done, however the inside was insipid. The tomatoes weren't particularly fresh and the cheese was diner-quality. My friend ordered the burrito stuffed with veggies and some form of chicken:? For $11 it was higher calibre and at least the ingredients tasted semi fresh. Bathroom is awkward, having no paper towels. Usually that's okay but when the hand blower has pathetic strength, one ends up standing around over a minute trying to dry hands. In the end I gave up and wiped on my pant leg. Seats downstairs: wooden and ramrod straight, absolutely no lumbar support. Ended up putting elbows on the the table. Sorry Mom, I know it's bad etiquette. In my defence, no lumbar support.
(3)
Rebecca S.

The service is always excellent, so it's great to go to of you're introducing someone to Hyde Park. They are very attentive and friendly. The food itself is pretty good! I like to get sandwiches as salads. Like the cranberry turkey sandwich. The Fresh Mozz is good and simple. The hot dog is really tasty! Their potato salad is decent. Also that Garbage Shake....decadent. Pumpkin shakes are awesome in the fall. Willing to go through the pain of lactose intolerance for those shakes...but only once a season. Overall, the Med is a solid hyde park restaurant with lots of variety on their menu, although I always end up opting for their neighbor Z&H when it comes to sandwiches.
(3)
Izzi B.

A perennial favorite of UChicago students, the Medici is a nice low-key spot for dinner. The restaurant has lower, almost tavern-like lighting and brick walls which are adorned with the scribblings, signatures, and cartoons of previous patrons, and any first timers should feel free to leave their own marks. As for the menu, most milkshake fans swear by the Mexicana, though all the shakes have the benefit of coming with house-made whipped cream, greatly improving the overall quality of the shakes. Many of the patrons also come for the pizza, either the deep dish, which comes in its pan with a neat alligator-like metal clip, or thin crust (cut tavern style.) I'm particularly fond of the goat cheese spinach topping, but the garbage is another favorite, and any toppings can be ordered on either type of pie. The other major standout on the menu are the fries which are shoestring cut and very crispy. If you're with a mid or large sized group of people, a basket of these will not go unappreciated. Non-pizza fans would do well to order a burger or sandwich, both categories that the Medici executes well.
(4)
Liz T.

I seriously don't get how people can knock this place. Sure, the bakery is small with only 3 tables, but the baked goods are the BEST IN FREAKING TOWN. I had heard a lot about Medici being a Hyde Park staple but was surprised to find only average reviews on Yelp. Hence, I didn't really get to this place until recently and man, have I been missing out! The cinnamon rolls and apple pies alone deserve max praise. The apple pies are mini and have the most decadent crust I've ever tasted. The apples are super fresh, thinly sliced, and wondrously infused with brown sugar and cinnamon. I also enjoy the sandwiches here with some random off-menu items like fresh chips and guacamole. All for really really decent prices. Finally, the staff I've been in contact with are nothing but kind and courteous. Super homey and family-feeling. One of the managers even got me a stack of plastic plates, pie cutters, and utensils to take home when I bought a few pies for a party. I'm a Medici fan. I just can't hate. It's lovely.
(5)
Tamara J.

The shakes, salads, and burgers are good. The other items I've tried are marginal at best. The restaurant is a nice size, almost never a wait, courteous servers, and the meals are served in a timely manner. Seems like a lot of people always mention going here, but I prefer Seven Ten on 55th and Ellis if I have the option between the two.
(3)
Stacy O.

Lunched here with a small group of eight as part of a meeting. The hostess had no knowledge of our group, though a member called in advance. Not a big deal - they were still able to accommodate us at an upstairs table. Service was good -- waitress was consistently available for refills and checking in. I had the roast beef on rye, which wasn't anything special. The shoestring fries were good. But I had some serious food envy of other people who looked like they made more interesting choices than I did, particularly with the pizza.
(3)
Ankur N.

The look, feel and the vibe of the place is amazing. The banana pudding is the best and the cheapest I have ever had. Garbage Pizza is a must try. Outdoor seating makes it a nice place to hangout. Plus, Obama eats here.
(4)
Tavi J.

Thought I should update my review since I have now actually tried the food versus dessert. It's still 3 stars to me. Granted we haven't made it out of the house and have been sticking to delivery. Christmas Eve I placed an order for delivery of the garbage pizza (really what it's called...lol). My friend doesn't eat pork and my bad this pizza contains pork. I however couldn't make him jealous of my pizza cause I didn't like it either. Way too greasy and not that flavorful. As always though we did order the banana pudding, and although it's not as good as my moms it does the trick. Can't say I'll be ordering here a lot, but decent enough place to order delivery from when you just don't feel like heading out.
(3)
Amanda D.

We usually get take out or delivery; the food is always good and delivery time is pretty decent as well. Visited the actual restaurant this past Sunday. Restaurant floor was busy, but the staff (especially the dude at the host stand) was very efficient and knew what they were doing. Our server (pretty young kid) seemed a little spacey. Nice enough though. We asked for more coffee when he came by and he asked "now?" Not super professional and sort of awkward, but whatever. There was a table of 3 seated next to us, and the lady was pretty rude and kind of put the staff through the ringer-they were polite and accommodating to her demands. All in all everything was good (service and food good) the right reason for the 4 stars is because we had asked for some modifiers on our breakfasts (I asked for no tomato on my smoked salmon omelette and my partner asked for a bagel instead of toast...both meals were delivered as appeared on menu).
(4)
Amoxtli C.

This place has a lot to choose from which is always a plus. It's pretty good for groups but it can get packed so make sure that once you get there that your whole party is there. If not, be prepared to wait to be seated. :/ Other than that annoying piece the service was great and the waitress didn't fuss about accepting different forms of payment from each group member. :) Noteworthy dish: The chili cheese fries were great, my group had ordered the veggie one and it was pretty tasty with chunks of carrots and zucchini, among other vegetables. Also the coffee au lait was worth the $2 and change.
(4)
Patrick A.

A UChicago institution, and the culinary equivalent of Stockholm syndrome. Don't get me wrong: the bakery is excellent, and if you're looking for thin crust pizza with that Chicago zing, you might find exactly what you're looking for. However the vaunted burgers are overcooked and overrated. It's perfectly acceptable for a student meet-up, but whenever I return to campus I usually give it a miss beyond snagging a ham and cheese croissant and a Mexicana Shake for the road.
(3)
Naureen R.

I do think the Med is overrated. But come after 11 PM and get discounted bakery items! The spinach goat cheese pizza is AMAZING, as is the mexican chocolate milk shake. I'm docking of a star because the staff, I find, are often unattentive
(3)
Chiedozie O.

Nice atmosphere and food. Prices good, food good, service great...I want to give it 4 stars but 3 feels right...
(3)
Kailin L.

Wifi was out, bathroom was inaccessible, brownie in brownie sundae wasn't even warmed up. Not coming back--the entire experience was aggressively mediocre.
(2)
Sandy C.

The best chicken kabobs ever! And even the rice was great. I just wish they had more chicken. My friend and I shared two dishes and a shake. Unless she ate all the chicken off the kabob when I wasn't looking... There were only at most four pieces of chicken. Wish they had more. Th turkey burger was rather dry though. But was easily fixed by ketchup. Okay now the reason I give his place four instead of three stars... Is their Mexicans shake. Tasted like heaven. Must buy!
(4)
BhreeAnna B.

When we first arrived - my 2 week old, my mom, & myself - They had us stand in this cramped doorway while waiting to be seated. It was FREEZING & people were constantly bumping into us. Annoying. We were finally seated about 15 mins later in the most claustrophobic area I have ever seen. It was packed & the tables were so close together you could BARELY manuever your way around. The lady who sat us put my daughters carrier on top of this NARROW highchair in the most hazardous way until a busboy came over & corrected her w/ a more LOGICALLY solution. Our server, Marco, was awesome tho. Very personable. Alot of enthusiasm. I had one of the special, Grilled Salmon w/ asperagus & pasta shells. It was absolutely DELICIOUS. I also had the TASTIEST apple pie in the WORLD. Ohmygod.
(3)
S. R.

Their deli/bakery is the best in Hyde Park. Their croissants are the best, softest, freshest ever. I also love their always freshly made breads. The restaurant food is so-so. The ingredients are great, but the recipes can be improved. Pizza is not the best. Cheese sandwich is extremely greasy. And their coffee actually is one of the worst I've ever had, and is pretty consistently bad, so I guess it's something about the coffee beans they use. I'm giving them four stars just for the breads, which actually deserve five stars on their own!! The people here are really nice, although they always look stressed and are visibly over-worked. It would be nice to know that the people who are helping me enjoy my food are not drained by the work themselves. Just something to think about.
(4)
Johnny C.

You must go here if you are visiting the University of Chicago. Their menu is loaded with so much. Service was phenomenal too. Very kid friendly a huge plus.
(5)
Kasia R.

Great burgers, but that's all. Nothing extraordinary.
(4)
Mariko M.

Medici is a great place to eat in Hyde Park. It was Easter Sunday so our choices in this area was limited. We asked around and were directed to Medici. It was packed on Sunday afternoon with a lot of uni students and you could really feel the student vibe. As a 2x year old, I was a little out of place, but age is nothing but a number ! ;) The service was pretty good; again, I think majority of the staff here are students. The menu is quite extensive and reasonably priced - I shared the Garbage pizza, which is Medici's Chicago style inspired pizza. As an aside, this place has free WiFi. Good for: lunch
(4)
Michael C.

Giving a low review to hopefully get some attention. I love the coffee here, but I'm a little frustrated by a recent experience. Medici's has a pretty cool frequent customer program. Save the cardboard sleeves from your coffee, and for every 10 you get a free drink. Well this morning I went in with a travel mug. After I received my coffee, I asked if I'd get a sleeve as well. Two different employees told me no. I checked my receipt and I didn't receive a discount for bringing my own cup. I'm sure it's unintentional, but Medici's is encouraging people to be wasteful and unsustainable. I sure hope they rethink this.
(2)
Bri B.

I go here a lot. It's a great spot to grab lunch on the south side. It has a wide menu for many different tastes, but their pizza and baked goods are some of the best that I've had on the south side of Chicago. They are made to order with all fresh ingredients, and for the price, you get a reasonable size for a personal pizza. I've had other items, the burger, hot dog, mexican shake... all of those can just be eliminated from the menu. Not good, not great, don't ever have to try them again. But, The fruit tart is phenomenal! It is my favorite item there! I love that all of their bread items are made in house. I have never been there and had a bread that wasn't fresh. I think their other pastries are also pretty good. I've ordered the chocolate croissant as well as the apple. I also recommend the hot chocolate on a cold day. & again...pizza...Do NOT forget your pizza! I know it sounds weird for a bakery, too wide of a menu place, but the personal thin crust pizzas are yummy!! I would even vouch for their deep dish and I don't like deep dish at all.
(4)
Melissa C.

Wow. I could kick myself for driving past this place a million times and never stopping in to eat. Food was amazing. I had the chicken skewers. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
J. Michael E.

This is the forth frustrated review regarding the manager Kelly in the past year. Clearly something isn't working. I don't often dine at the restaurant as I think it's pretty over priced for what they offer. I occasionally enjoy a milk shake, a baked good, or a slice of pizza from the cafe whenever I tag along with a friend. They're all tasty and are served by a kind staff. On my most recent visit I was choosing between a brownie and a raspberry lemonade (yeah, I know). The kind counter staff suggested the lemonade. I thought it would be fresh made lemonade with some muddled raspberries, having seen their strawberry lemonade. Instead I got a sickly sweet neon slushy. I asked to exchange it for a milk shake, offering to pay the difference and the cost of the materials (not much considering it's just a cup, water, lemon juice, sugar, and that offensive syrup) . Kelly, the manager, was called out, and she told me that she couldn't make an exchange since I was given what I ordered since she can't resell my product. Her tone was so curt and sour and matter of fact you would have thought I was asking for something unheard of. It doesn't cost much to make a lemonade and the few times I've asked a restaurant for an exchange, they've always obliged, apologizing if it was due to unsatisfaction. Kelly's attitude was so ugly that I too am going to join the other Yelp reviewers in avoiding returning while she is still a manager. I'd give the Medici restaurant two stars, the cafe three, and Kelly one.
(2)
Ruth W.

I love this place, I go there all the time. The milkshakes are amazing and so is the pizza. I would especially recommend the pesto pizza. The atmosphere is fun, with writing on the tables that you can add to. This restaurant is also in a great location. It is on the university campus, right in the middle of Hyde Park.
(5)
Sarah G.

I wish the staff had been wearing their "Obama eats here" tshirts I was told happens quite often at this place, because that would have made me even happier ha ha This place is great though, and I will definitely become a frequent diner here I can tell. You walk in, and you already feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the work life. It is all wooden interior, very calming and rustic. Love it. They also have a huge deck upstairs that if it hasn't rained recently and is warm enough, it looks like a perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner. It was closed when I just went, so I need to go back soon to check it out! And food wise, the menu has too many great options I had to have my server choose between a big salad covered in bacon and cheese and such, and the tuna steak sandwich served with this ginger mayo sauce...Very different options, but my server told me the tuna steak, and I am glad she did! It was the largest tuna steak sandwich ever too for $12. So tasty and so so filling! And my friend got their house salad and added chicken and it is also a great, full size for a meal and she loves it and orders it all the time. I saw one of their mini pizzas come out too, which also is now on my radar for next time in addition to their burgers which looked very tempting on the table near us! Definitely need to hit the gym and come back here!
(4)
Sheri M.

I go to Medici's on the weekend for their brunch that's served until 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday. The food is good and fresh, as long as you make it in by 1:30. Anytime after that, expect you're food to be less than appealing visually and in flavor. I do love their coffee - It is very strong and hot and is served in thick and heavy coffee mugs to keep it hotter longer. The waitstaff is very cordial and food is served fast and hot. Pastries are prepared fresh daily. I don't care for the french fries because they are string fries and I enjoy a thicker cut.
(4)
Angela Z.

There is not a single UChicago student who dislikes the Med. Of course, not everything on the menu is worthy of 5 stars but the spinach and goat cheese pizza, any of the hot chocolates, the garbage milkshake/any milkshakes are a must try. This is always a great place for brunch. It's always super busy on weekend nights, so be ready to wait. The interesting vibe, the campus reputation and the food are all fantastic. There's this wonderful booth in the far right corner of the first floor that can fit 6ish people and it is covered in writing and carvings all over the table, the seats and the walls. Definitely my favorite spot in the Med. In addition to the restaurant, the bakery is delicious and the dollar midnight pastries are an awesome deal. Overall a must try if you are looking for a great place to eat in Hyde Park.
(4)
Mika S.

I have been coming here for about 5 years since moving into the neighborhood, but this is my last time. Every time I come here the staff is rude, has a new rule about their menu or service. It's a shame because the food is good and there aren't a lot of places to choose from around here. BUT soon there will be ... Until then I will support the other restaurants that are happy to have my business.
(1)
Maggi K.

Before writing a review about any place, I like to go there multiple times to make sure that it was not just that one time experience. Medici 57th is a really nice place! I love its service. The staff there is super nice and understanding. However, the service is quite slow... One time, my friend and I ordered a hummus plate (an appetizer) and it literally took so long for them to prepare. We were the LAST ones to get our food even though our other friends had order entrees. In my opinion, the food's quality is great but definitely not worth the money. It is too expensive for the quality of the food that is offered. Their breads and milkshakes, however, are exceptional. I absolutely LOVE the fact that they have gluten free, vegan pizzas. I have been craving pizza for a while and it just makes me so happy that hyde park has a place that accommodates my dietary restrictions and satisfies my cravings! It is nice that Medici delivers, but their delivery is super slow. It takes them an hour... even if it is just a cup of soup. Besides that I definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)
Stacey G.

A true Hyde Park gem! With hearty healthy food! When I'm on the go I "build my own" salad with incredible ingredients such as Brie or prosciutto or green apple and its huge for less than 10.00 ... The cafe portion also stays open until 11 pm
(4)
Erica B.

My favorite breakfast/brunch joint in Hyde Park! Great selection of baked goods and signature dishes.
(4)
Diane B.

I love this place! I love the blue cheese burgers. I love the goat cheese and spinach pizza. I love the bread that they use for buns. Even the fries are yummy. Obviously, there were some times when the service was a tad slow because the place was hopping. But it has a cozy feel and the comfort food in this place really gives satisfaction.
(5)
Tamara M.

I love this place. I have never been disappointed here. From breakfast to dinner there are an array of selections and everything is cooked perfectly. Plus the little bakery that they have on the side is amazing too. I do enjoy coming here and its always busy so they must be doing something right.
(4)
Phil S.

Sloppiest pizza I've ever eaten. What an utter mess. At least it tasted good. The pepperoni slices on the Garbage pan pizza were thick and large in diameter but probably shielded the rest of the pizza from receiving any heat from the oven. The result was a crust that had the integrity of a Chicago politician. The crust was so under cooked that it was translucent in the middle. I don't know if this is how they normally serve their pizza but the pizza they served to me was a soft doughy mess that would have been difficult to eat even with a knife and fork. But... the ingredients were spot on and the flavors were fresh and robust so I kept on munching on the famed Obama pizza. Plus it cost almost $30 for an 8 slice pizza that was just enough to feed three hungry guys for lunch so I wasn't going to give up on it. Would I eat it again? Nah, Chicago's streets are lined with pizza joints that rival the best pizzerias in other states so why would I bother? Obama can keep on eating his sloppy ass pizza. I'm headed down the street.
(3)
Danny S.

I just dined here with two friends and had a horrible experience. In one sentence, the attitude of our server was horrible. Definitely the worst experience outta last 5 years. First thing he said was not 'how are you?', or anything like that but 'ready?' Okay. He might be having a bad day. We were saying 'not yet...' and were about to say 'but we'd like to start with drinks'. but he left at 'yet'. Okay. Whatever. During whole 50 min-ish of dining time, 1. He didn't put the dishes to our table, but stood there, didn't say anything, even after we took dishes from his hand. Couldn't he say thank you or whatever at least if you made us do that? 2. He never came to our table to ask if everything was okay. Ever. 3. He never refilled our pops voluntarily even if they were empty for 10 or more minutes - We had to ask another server and he called our server for that -. 4. So we decided to put $1.00 for tip, each, which was 7%, wishing you a good luck with that attitude. 5. On the way out, he followed us and asked what was wrong about his service? What was good about your service, sir? All you did were getting our order and delivering our food with a blahhh attitude? Robot can do the same blahhh? And at least it's robot so we wouldn't get mad at it? We were intimidated with your no-smile and your using one word conversation. 'Ready?' 'Sides?' 'You?' Equip better attitude PLEASE. Thanks,
(1)
Blair H.

The best option for lunch or dinner in Hyde Park. I love getting the California turkey wrap as a salad or the spinach and goat cheese pan pizza. The staff is usually very pleasant and prompt. The cafe is also great for a quick take out. My boyfriend loves the Arrabiata sandwich.
(5)
Keerthana K.

In summation, Medici is basically mediocre Italian food that is slightly overpriced. It's nice that their bread and bakery items are baked fresh in-house daily, but they are often disappointing (in that they don't taste bakery fresh). The coffee and espresso drinks are weak and bland. Their sandwiches and wraps are decent, but way overpriced for what they are. Their pizza is their only stand-out menu item and most worth ordering, in my opinion. The storefront is welcoming, and the store is open until midnight, so Medici has the monopoly as an Italian restaurant and of late night eating in proximity to campus, so as student with a voracious appetite, I frequent this establishment, though sometimes begrudgingly.
(3)
Tom H.

The Medici is a Hyde Park and University of Chicago institution. Dark, two seating levels, graffiti on every wall and table surface, some of the writing/table carving going back decades. Nice mix of tasty deep dish pizzas, burgers, sandwiches. Some creative things like lemonade with a splash of Himbeersaft. I find myself dropping in here for lunch or dinner whenever I'm in the area. It's solid and consistent. The menu link here on Yelp seems to be broken. This one works: medici57.com/menus
(4)
Symone B.

Great shop ! I love there croissants and coffee. It's right in the heart of Hyde park so you walk to a book store or a park afterwards. It's a great cozy spot to eat and drink some great treats. They have a great staff and the cafe is very clean and neat !
(5)
Far K.

This place is great for hipsters, the interior is amazing so authentic. The customer service was friendly, fast, and efficient. I only ordered the BBQ chicken, which was good. I did feel the chicken was bit dry, and the BBQ sauce a bit too tangy, but all edible. The fries were the side, and it was well just regular fries. I would definitely come back here again and try some items on the menu. A nice place for a good meal.
(3)
Ethan R.

Great vibe, good service - too bad the bread sucks. I got a raisin challah roll that was truly inedible. Hard and dry. The ciabatta on my sandwich was a slight improvement, but still tasteless and flabby. Considering that they bill themselves as a bakery, you'd think they would be embarrassed to serve this stuff.
(3)
Loretta P.

I like the fact that Medici has on-site, fresh-baked breads, pastries, cookies, etc. I like the fact that after 9 pm, they are 1/2 price. I love the fact that they are open late during the week. I lovelovelove the fruit tart!
(3)
Richard H.

Word to the wise: BYOB!!! This place is great with a couple of caveats. My food was mediocre; the place is a bakery and the bread for my B.L.A.T. was lame wheat bread and the fries tasted like nothing. Everyone else swore their food was good. Another problem for me is the lack of alcohol, but you can bring your own. That being said, the atmosphere was amazing with a nearly all wood and graffiti'd interior. Also, the outdoor seating was cozy and verdant on a back porch surrounded by vines and trees.
(4)
Jason D.

I've been going to the for about three years now, and the food has always been consistently good.
(5)
Kellye H.

I love this place. I've been to the actual restaurant twice and I am in love with the Salmon burger. (That was a previous order). Today I had the sweet potato pancakes for breakfast. And OMG. They were so good. They didn't even need syrup. I put syrup on them because I'm a sugar whore. But I did try them before I did so. And they were delicious. I also had Amy's chicken sausage. And man oh man. I love me some Amy. So to cut out all this ranting. Just try the place. It tasty and affordable. Oh and my husband tried the corn beef hash. He wasn't a huge fan. But he ate it all. . So whatever.
(5)
Caty H.

I love Medici's. Granted, I have an emotional connect to this place. Ever since I moved to Chicago 6 years ago. It was my first city living experience, and Medici was an amazing place to study and unwind from the stresses of big city life. The staff is great, their food is amazing, and the ambiance is so homey. I love the Kickapoo coffee they serve and strongly suggest the pizza. I know people call it messy, but I come from a place where messy food usually tastes the best! Their bread selection is fantastic and they even have vegan options!
(4)
Crista F.

MANAGER, KELLY, IS UNPROFESSIONAL! We made reservations weeks in advance for an Aug. 9th post-wedding brunch. There were 20 of us, many of whom flew in from all over the United States. We were an excited bunch! That is, until our server sat us in 2 separate locations in the restaurant. We really wanted to be seated together, as we specified in our reservation. However, when we asked the manager, Kelly, if we could be seated closer together, she flat out denied our request. In fact, she was rude, non apologetic, and quite unprofessional. She said that it was easier on her wait staff to seat us separately and that we had already agreed to stay. She also claimed that no reservation was made--even though she had two 10-tops ready for us. We politely asked again for our family to be seated together. "It's really not my problem!" she exclaimed. We then asked her how she'd feel if we took our party of 20 to another restaurant. She flippantly responded with a smirk: "Now, that would be unfortunate... wouldn't it?" Obviously, her business side went on vacation, so attempted to appeal to her sympathetic side. We questioned her compassion for family togetherness, to which she shouted: "Insulting me won't get you anywhere! If you are unhappy with the accommodations, leave!" And, she proceded to walk away. ...but not before she put the icing on the cake: she turned and accused the bride's mother of "ruining [her] daughter's reception." All I can say is Wow! By the way...the amicable, community-centered newly-weds reside in the area, so they chose to stay for their wedding day brunch--despite the ordeal. Needles to say, the bride's mother did not order. If I could have selected ZERO STARS, I would have.
(1)
J L.

Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! Nice little spot in a nice little neighborhood. The cafe au lait was wonderful. Had the stroganoff burger which was tasty. The fries - yum!
(5)
Hannah R.

One of our favorite coffee/breakfast/lunch/dinner spots in Hyde Park. My husband and I frequent Medici as we love the friendly service and great food. Our favorite server has to be Irma! She remembers orders and is super friendly and always happy. The bakery side is great for picking up coffees, pastries or sandwiches. The restaurant usually has a line but the wait never seems like long and is totally worth it. We love the breakfast menu especially the challah French toast. The steak is great, salads are also favs and the grilled chicken pita wrap is the bomb especially with chipotle mayo! Burgers are great, especially in the summer when eaten outdoors with a BYOB beverage. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Nicole H.

Let's see: Cranberry Turkey oven roasted turkey, brie, cranberry sauce and mixed greens on toasted cranberry walnut bread-pretty good Yogurt parfait-verrry good! I don't know what is so different about the one here but I loooved it! Banana pudding-it was okay but it had chocolate on the top and I could have done without it. Carrot muffin-I didn't care for this. It was a bit dry and bland The prices are fair enough and they have later hours-awesome! There are several items I'd like to try so I'll definitely be returning.
(3)
Melissa C.

Stopped in after going to MSI with the fam. Saw the reviews and it looked like a great place. We walked in right before the lunch rush. The host was great and since the place was pretty empty for being so early he let us choose whatever table we wanted. With the kiddo in tow, he already had a bucket of crayons and paper in his hand. I was also impressed with the fact that the busboy not only brought water for us not also water for the kiddo in a kids cup without asking!! The menu is diverse, with sandwiches, pizzas, as well as main entries. The kids menu also had a great selection, although didn't have our two staples for the kiddo (Mac and cheese or quesadillas). Husband ended up with the turkey burger and fries, I chose the BLAT with homemade chips, and we got pasta with red sauce for the kiddo. Although I didn't taste husband's burger, he said the flavor was great and it was very moist, which is always a concern when you're ordering a turkey burger! Kiddo's serving of pasta and red sauce was HUGE and pretty tasty! We had leftovers for at least dinner than lunch the following day! The reason I gave four stars rather than five is because of my meal. Flavor...great (really, it's hard to mess up a BLT with avocado!)...service....spot on! However, when I got my BLAT, I was missing the A (avo)! The server immediately took my plate back to get the avo on there and all was well with the world, however I did have two problems withy the sandwich. The bread, although super tasty (tasted like homemade multigrain), was probably 2" thick per slice! I definitely should have asked for half the bread. Second, once they put the avo on, nothing stayed together and I ended up eating my sandwich with a fork and knife anyway. So although we had a great lunch, the execution was a little askew :p After lunch, we walked next door because I had heard their croissants were to die for. I've been on a chocolate croissant kick, so of course that's what I ordered, intending to have it for breakfast the next day. So here's the second reason that I gave them 4 stars....the croissant was more of a huge chunk of (tasty!) chocolate with a little pastry than a light croissant with a hint of chocolate. I would have rathe had this as an afternoon treat...not so much as a typical breakfast food. Would I go back? Definitely...it was cozy, service was awesome and food was good!
(4)
Nathan M.

The food is pretty lacking in both taste and creativity. Definitely not a destination restaurant, but if you're in the area and hungry, its ok. Only redeeming quality: Mexicana milkshakes. Get one and your life will be changed.
(3)
Maria I.

I love the food here, the environment has a city life feel to it but isn't overwhelming. However, it is a little pricey for college students. But the sandwiches have a classic touch to them. The workers are polite. especially since I went when it was busy, only downside was finding a seat was hard. I love the garage door type of opening for summer.
(4)
Julianne Z.

The Med. What can you say about it? The Medici is just a student staple whether you are getting sandwiches from the bakery portion or the massive burgers in the restaurant. Brunch here is even crazier and you can even squeeze your own OJ! THe bakery has $1 pastries after 10pm which is so worth the trek for those late night munchies. Some of my favorite things to order are the Steak and Fries, which is always cooked really well and their milk shakes. If you go to their website, they will tell you of the weeks specials and they once had an apple pie milk shake which was to DIE for. They are also great for catering so make sure to ask them to cater your next event! As an alumni, I am going to miss the dinners I have had in the Med and I will be here for sure for alumni weekend!
(4)
Vaibhav V.

Not great at all. Don't dare try their pizza. The proximity to UChicago, the interesting vibe, and maybe their milkshakes are the only reasons why you should go here.
(1)
Stephanie S.

Pizza, burgers and milkshakes are their things. Plus you can pop into the bakery for fresh bread and croissants. This is a big spot for students (and, once upon, a time a Prof. Obama). Service is friendly enough. The bakery only has four tables, so don't plan on getting a seat or meeting folks here, there likely won't be room. Had no problem getting a seat in the dining room on a weeknight. Good availability of street parking. Right down the street from 57th Street Books.
(4)
JS K.

Food quality was mediocre. I thought the pizza I got was bland and didn't taste very strong. The price to quality ratio is rather low. I wouldn't stop by again if I had to choose.
(2)
Saeid B.

You don't have a lot of choices around UChicago campus. Medici is one of the best, variety of tasty meals in addition to shakes and bakeries. Everytime that I go there for something not meals, I have " Strawberry Banana Shake". So delicious and it will guarantee energy and happy feeling for rest of the day. I also suggest "Eveything Pizza" as dinner and "Cajun Turkey" as light lunch.
(4)
Joe P.

Descriptive phrase: trendy, grownup-hipster brunch joint. Medici On 57th in Hyde Park is a bakery/restaurant catering to the upperclass crowd the surrounds it. They know their clientele. Medici seems like a trendy graduate student's loft that they decided to turn into a restaurant and now they're 37 and clinging to their youth through food. The outdoor patio on the second floor is a fantastic place to have a meal, and the dark wood throughout makes you feel like you're in a Pacific Northwest bungalow. But then you remember you had to walk past the entrance with its college posters and papers, and up the staircase with names graffitied all over the walls and banister. The menu continues this feeling. It features some usual brunch fare, but all with a hip new twist. Cafe au lait in neat little bulbs, breakfast with sweet potatoes, French words abound. But my Mexican Omelet ($9) just doesn't please. There was no discernible taste; it was just eggs with possibly some chorizo and other things inside. No spice, no heat, no creaminess, just bland. The potatoes at least added some grease. I don't know how I feel about Medici. I loved the patio setting, and I liked the variety they have in food options, but the taste itself wasn't there. Maybe try something else, or maybe just have a coffee. Meh, I've experienced better.
(2)
Paulette N.

Not bad. I was in a rush and it was packed, but the service was unbelievably quick. I didn't like the wild-berry smoothie and they took it off my bill no questions asked. Friendly customer service and the food wasn't too bad. I had the chicken Alfredo. BYOB!!! I like the atmosphere. I'll def be back! Well cultured and community feel, with nice art displayed.
(4)
Mike R.

I am only speaking about the bakery products in this review. First of all, I am a huge fan of bread and like products. The bakery is a normal bakery with a few seats that also serves up some sandwiches. Like most good bakeries, the smell in here was great. I first ordered a chocolate croissant. The croissant was definitely different than your normal one - larger, different shape, and crunchier. However, the flavor was good and definitely very chocolaty. After that, I decided to buy a loaf of sesame bread and a bagel. Both were definitely good and I'll be back. I know my bread and this bakery is definitely solid. I just wish they had more seating..
(4)
Lina D.

The Medici is OVERRATED! The restaurant is popular with UofC students, and usually has a pretty long wait to get in on weekends, but don't buy into the hype! The food here pretty pricy, but lacks in flavor and quality. I honestly do not think that I have had a dish there that has been above average. For example,on my most recent visit, a friend and I split the chicken fingers and the fettuccine alfredo. Both were disappointedly bland, and I honestly felt like the food quality you could find at the university dining halls. I have friends who swear by Medici's milkshakes. Of the one's I've tried, the fudge-banana-nut is my favorite. I like that it has real peanut pieces to give it texture and it is my favorite item that the Med offers. On the other hand, the strawberry banana is average, and the Mexicana tastes like it has artificial cinnamon flavoring rather than the real thing. I would say skip the Medici; there are better places in Hyde Park!
(2)
Orr R.

Awesome pizza, ordered the goat cheese and spinach pizza to split with my boyfriend. It was gooey, chewy, cheesy, garlicky, doughy... everything you expect out of a perfect deep dish pizza. He ordered the spicy black bean burger. The burger was not amazingly flavorful, but the toppings were well appointed and plentiful, so overall it was pleasing. The service was great -- the waitress decided that our fries weren't hot enough when they arrived (we didn't really notice...) so she brought us fresh extra fries just because!
(4)
Melissa M.

Medici. Oh, Medici. What an amazing bakery cafe. Excellent breads, pastries, and cookies, as well as great to-go sandwiches and coffee. In the restaurant, I've only gotten take-out, and it's relatively quick, but it is pricey. Black bean burger, skewers, and pizza are outstanding. I also love that they allow you to make your own pizza and sandwiches - for picky eaters this is a godsend!
(4)
Teri M.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I've eaten in the restaurant (downstairs and upstairs as well as the outdoor patio), and I have ordered delivery. The restaurant is super cute and the food is great. They make their own bread and pizza crust, which I love. If you are ordering for delivery, would stick to pizza or entrees without fries. The fries don't travel well. The delivery man is very nice. I've tried a significant portion of the menu, but my favorites are: baked goat cheese appetizer, Arrabiata sandwich, Margarita pizza, and Mediterranean pizza. The drink menu is also good with hot drinks, shakes, smoothies, etc. The place is BYOB. I recently moved, but would make a special trip to eat here next time I am in Chicago.
(5)
Yanping T.

Like it more and more over the years.
(5)
Michelle S.

I love the shrimp quesadillas on flour, their Moroccan Ragout is outstanding (extra cucumber sauce), and their Mexicana shakes. So yum.
(5)
Hannah W.

The food is delicious and the service was great! I highly recommend the goat cheese appetizer. Sat on the rooftop and saw someone order pizza and I will definitely come back to try it!!
(5)
Stephen S.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon at lunch time. I enjoyed: The outdoor patio, great space on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Offering both the breakfast and lunch menu. I hate it when places restrict your meal by offering menus at particular times only. The diversity of options The misses: My food was so-so. I shared the Moroccan ragout and the ensalta kimba. The stew was really more soup like than stew like to me and lacked any sense of heartiness. The kitchen. From our waiter's report they're rigid and inconsistent. We asked if things could be split in the back "They really won't do that in the kitchen." Fine. One of my friends ordered the tuna sandwich and there was a long discussion on how to order it because apparently sometimes their medium well comes out one way, sometimes it's another. Maybe it'll have some pink, maybe not, who knows? He end with medium rare and there was no pink left in that fish at all. Overall, Medici's is all right but the inconsistency and the uncertainty are a little beyond my tolerance. Just remember to repeat "no whammies" if you decide to spin this wheel.
(2)
Darcy W.

This place is very cute, I love the outdoor seating. The flowers are beautiful! We had a wonderful breakfast, and great coffee drinks. The fresh bake goods were awesome! The menu looks nice... I would go back if I was at University of Chicago again.
(4)
Cheryl L.

One of my favorite casual dinning choices. And there's no wine corkage fee! The pizza is delicious, the breakfast is excellent and filling and the salad selection will get you eating your veggies. ..as you should.
(5)
Mack M.

En route to the Robie House, THIS is the place for refreshments. The bakery isn't Parisian quality, but it's dam good. Dam good. You're here in the middle of nowhere, and want something that's really good - this is the place. I wish I had this place in my neighborhood!
(5)
Jane M.

An old standby here in Hyde Park. Funky atmosphere, great service and decent food. The deep dish is great - when I'm feeling hungry, I go for the Garbage Pizza. The thin crust pizza isn't much to speak of, especially since there's so much cheese you can't pick up the slice. But this is Chicago, after all. Chips (made fresh) with guacamole are a great appetizer, and I'm very partial to the Moroccan ragout as an appetizer or light meal. And the bakery is awesome. The coffee's decent and the tea and pastries are great. I often drop by with friends in the late afternoon.
(4)
David B.

Three awesome things about Medici: 1) Stopping to get a ham and cheese pastry for breakfast on my walk to the UChicago campus. 2) Enjoying a black bean burger on the outdoor patio in the summer. First place I ever had a black bean burger! 3) The sketch of the Sepkoski curve of the Phanerozoic change in taxonomic diversity of marine invertebrates, among the graffiti on the second floor. Wow!
(4)
Shannon M.

After a visit to the Oriental Institute around the corner, my companion and I walked around the corner to Medici on 57th, a happy spot with summer light pouring in from the second floor patio. This is a college spot, clearly 2nd home to lots of U Chicago students (witness generous hours and the graffitied walls and tables, which we happily added to!) Given that, you'd think they might slide by on crap food. Not so. We started with the soup of the day, which was rosemary potato: pretty good, with a strong kick of rosemary, though also laden with an unexpected mix of pallid looking vegetables that had clearly once been denizens of the frozen foods aisle. Why they were in this soup I can't say, and I eventually started fishing them out. Still, it was a decent choice. We each got a personal pan pizza, with a thick, soft crust: he a Mediterranean, with pesto rather than marinara sauce; me a self-made creation with American bacon and red onion. There was a LOT of sauce that wanted to escape from underneath everything else, but this was still good eating, and enough that there was half to take home. I augmented the meal with a lemonade, which tasted fresh as a summer day, and for dessert we split the Mexicana shake: chocolate and cinnamon = exotic party in my mouth!! Overall, good food, not a lot of $$, and apparently Obama eats there, if you believe the shirts that the staff were sporting. And with the bakery next door as a bonus, it's certain that Medici reigns the dining experience in Hyde Park!
(4)
Rick B.

Medici - 3 Stars: a two-part restaurant - one side (the smaller storefront to the east) is a nice bakery/deli with all sorts of delicious items. Has great coffee and seating for maybe 8-10 people in the window. This side is really for a quick stop, usually for picking up coffee and a roll on the way to the University of Chicago. The other part (right next door on the west) is a two-story sit down restaurant with an extensive menu. Known largely for its pizza, they also have excellent breakfast during the week. Parking for both is usually available on 57th Street which the restaurant fronts.
(3)
E W.

With a pal I went again, willing to give it another try. I'm bumping it up one star because the feta and spinach pizza was truly delicious. Our server was very helpful. But ugh, the girl in front was mean mugging; she really seems to hate customers. Send her ass to the back and put her on dish duty!
(3)
Tristan U.

The veggie chili cheese fries are brilliant. The pan pizza is good half the time, when they don't undercook it. The atmosphere is great. The servers are mostly arrogant hipsters who seem to think that their very presence is enriching your life. The way I see it, they're simply saving me money on the tip that I would have given them for reasonable service.
(3)
Lyndsey M.

Updating my review to note that service has generally improved over the last two years. I still can't quite upgrade to the four-star "Yay! I'm a fan" just yet, but the Med is still a reliable, albeit slightly pricey lunch place. It's an OK bet for a place to take your parents or a friend. The pasta and pizza are always safe, and there are lots of vegetarian options. However, my experiences trying some of the more mysterious novelty menu items have been spotty: I'm not sure if the vegetarian tortilla soup is still a thing, but I found it to be unpleasantly smoky-flavored.
(3)
D T.

Visited Medici on a Friday afternoon and the wife and I were given the option of sitting in the booths next to the kitchen or waiting 20 minutes to be seated in the main dining room. We opted for the latter as the booths next to the kitchen are in a high traffic, high kitchen smoke/heat area. About ten minutes later another couple arrives and is asked the same question, they too opt to wait...another 5 minutes goes by and the hostess proceeds to seat them even though my wife and I had been waiting longer... on to the food. I ordered the steak sandwich (med-rare) w/fries and a chocolate shake. My wife decided on the fettuccine alfredo. My shake arrived first and the texture was very grainy almost as if a cookie or something had been dropped into it. The flavor itself was just ok but I couldn't get over the texture. Our entrees arrived and I found that when they say steak sandwich they mean it. It was a very gristly ,very bland tough hunk of steak. On the other hand the bread it came on was freaking awesome!! That poor excuse for a steak did not deserve to be between those two slices of perfectly crusty bread. The fries are shoestring and were over cooked to the point they started absorbing the oil they were fried in. My wife commented that her fettuccine alfredo was on par with Applebees or your run of the mill P.J. O' Pootertoots type restaurants that throws a meatless pasta on their menu to appease the vegetarians. Did I mention they don't serve liquor or that our server didn't check on us during the entire meal? Don't think I'll be back to the restaurant but I would check out the bakery to pick up some bread.
(2)
Michelle W.

Yum. I wish I could still eat pizza with cheese because it looked and smelled fabulous. We had an absolutely fabulous waitress! She was very accomodating with my vegan subsitutions and brought me soy milk for my coffee. SO... I am a coffee SNOB, big time. I would drink their coffee any day! Their decaf- I could do without. I had portobella mushroom sandwhich with no mayo- instead I put mustard & A1 on it. Got a side of mustard vinegrette and had it on my backed potato, which was oddly brown on the inside, but tasted yummy. While the veggies on the sandwhich weren't farmer's maret tasty fresh, as a whole the sandwhich was very good. We had these tortilla chips with guac and salsa. They were greasy in all the best ways. The guac and salsa, as the hummus we also shared, were a bit pedestiran.
(4)
Tracey Z.

I. Love. This. Place. I've eaten here a good 3-4 times now, and I've only been to Chicago 3 times!! I've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, and all of them have been AMAZING. I'm actually sad I won't be living in HP next year simply because I'll be a 45 minute ride away from this place. Or maybe that'll be good, for my wallet AND my gut. Their shoestring fries here are incredible. The burgers are HUGE and almost impossible to finish. I also have a huge food-boner for their steak sandwich now. Peppers, medium rare steak, some steak sauce and those fries....oh man. Be still my beating heart. They do seem to have some issues with the checkout process for groups splitting checks, though, so if you're planning on doing that, let them know in advance. It's maybe a little more expensive, but the portions are enormous (consistently good for 2 meals) so it's really not an issue. The next time I go, I'm going to try ordering a milkshake. My friend got the Amaretto Shake and it looked absolutely delectable.
(5)
Peggy T.

My friend just moved to Hyde Park, so I came down to her neighborhood to have brunch with her this past Sunday. We visited Medici's and both instantly fell in love. We had a choice of sitting outside or in, but with the weather being chilly, we opted for a small indoor booth. The tables and walls have writing on them from guests which makes it feel like an artsy/urban pub. It's actually super cute! I was told it was BYOB but we didnt bring any. They have bakery next door that all their breads are made at. My friend and I split Guacamole & Chips for an app and got the BLAT Sandwich and the Roasted Vegetable Personal Pizza. EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME! We ate it all. Upon leaving, we saw that you can squeeze your own fresh OJ, Ill have to do that next time. Our Server was a little slow on refilling our water and bring ketchup, but it was no biggie. Definetly will return
(5)
Sarah T.

This place is glorious! The cinnamon raisin bread was so good. I only wish it was setup for breakfast times, too. The walk-in bakery was too casual and the restaurant was too fancy (and maybe not open? I didn't check.)
(4)
Miss B.

The food was good. the space was pretty tightly packed and filled with lots of tourists. We all just ordered pastas, none of which I can remember now, which speaks volumes.
(3)
M D.

So....it can be noisy, full of full-of-themselves college students....but I've enjoyed their sandwiches, salads, burgers, pie....and still have to go back to try their pizza. One of the better/reasonably priced for the quality of food options in Hyde Park...but don't recommend for anything remotely resembling a date night / evening out (which, admittedly, was entirely my own mistake)! Regardless, I'll be back.
(4)
Marki L.

I believe I have eaten everything on there menu. I prefer their lunch and dinner menu. But my all time favorite would be the Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with a backup plan for the Bar-B-Que Chicken Pizza. Very consistent and I have been a fan for over 20 years. Save room for the apple pie.
(3)
Martin P.

This is our "go to" restaurant. There are not a lot of restaurants that I prefer in the Hyde Park area, but it is close to home, so this is where we go when we want a good consistently flavorful meal...the pizza is our favorite in the area, the burgers are above average, and it has descent service (with the exception of one waitress who seems in need of development in a great way) most often when we dine in. They have a good bakery which is a plus in my opinion. My last dine in experience I enjoyed some chicken soup. It was a smaller portion, but quite delicious. This is one place I will continue call my "go to" restaurant.
(4)
Bart H.

Loved it! Fidel's Chicken Soup was amazing. It had just enough spice to make you want to have more. Bread for sandwiches was homemade. I recommend the Napoli Sub (prosciutto & fresh mozzarella) and the Turkey Sandwich (turkey, cranberry sauce and Brie).
(4)
Emma W.

I do not understand the hype about this place. I've been maybe 10 times (hey, it's close to campus) and never been wowed by anything on their menu. Everything is okay. For dinner, Noodles, next door, is more delicious and cheaper. For lunch, Z&H, also next door is much much better.
(3)
SpottieMatic X.

Have always loved Medici, and I'm glad that the great taste remains. The decor is incredibly dope and the service is usually good. Went with a friend on a hot Thursday afternoon and I had a BBQ 1/4 chicken with cole slaw and shoestring fries. It was excellent, but not quite as excellent as the strawberry shake I had. Definitely intend to return while I'm in town.
(5)
jaime m.

Wth MEDICI? I ordered the baked goat cheese with my delivery and u send me a ridiculously small container with about 3/4 marinara sauce, a teaspoon of goat cheese and literally a squirt of pesto...for $8, no you won't. I told the manager I know why I'm supposed to receive, as I've dined and ordered delivery for over 20yrs from this place.she hastily just mentioned shell have it credited back to my card and rushed me off of the phone....Thanks :/
(2)
Laura T.

I was part of a large group of 12 who came to Medici before a theatre event on a Saturday night. We had a reservation so we got right in and were promptly split into two tables. No problem for us - but I suppose that doesn't always work. Followed the lead of other reviewers by ordering pizza (goat cheese and spinach). We got the thin crust. It was a solid choice. I wouldn't put this pizza in my best category, but I wasn't disappointed either. Two others got the chicken skewers - very healthy choice, juicy and well seasoned. No time for a shake or one of the amazing looking ice cream floats around us. Judging from the comments that is really one thing you don't want to skip here. I did grab a loaf of semolina bread from the bakery for the next morning. It is wonderful.
(3)
Anne S.

You know what, the food is pretty hit or miss. However this place is truly a neighborhood gem. They take care of people! It was so wonderful of Medici to let Yelp host the Haiti Bake Sale here, and to donate baked goods, and money! So thank you to everyone at Medici! I love the lemonades, shakes, and floats. I don't think there are any of them I don't like. Which makes it hard to choose a drink. (Especially in the winter when I am also tempted by their wonderful hot chocolate). I get the strawberry lemonade and the himbeersaft float more than the others, but everytime it's a hard decision. (And I rarely get the fresh squeezed orange juice for brunch, but I always regret not getting it). I don't think the fries are that good, so I always get onion rings instead which are great. The four cheese pizza has blue cheese as one of the cheeses, so if you do not like blue cheese do not get this pizza. Other than this pizza, I like most of their pizzas. I usually get either a BLT or grilled chicken and veggie skewers. Both are great!
(4)
Jenny H.

I only got their croissants, so take this review for what it is. Ham and Cheese Croissant- I like the nice big size. I got it cold though, they never warmed it up for me. Cold, it tastes OK, very filling. . Strawberry and Cream Cheese Croissant- Huge croissant, a little dry and crusty with a sugar crust, I liked how they put real strawberries inside (a huge plus, normally, it's just spreadable jam) but it wasn't a buttery, flakey croissant like I'm used to. They say they have the best croissants outside of Paris- yeah, right. The best croissants I've had outside Paris are in SF. This place is OK- it's just a good quick bite to eat if you're in the area.
(3)
Yvonne O.

I don't think I was ever up early enough when I was in college to get here for breakfast, so having it now was a real treat. The strawberry lemonade is amazing and kind of a cross between a slushy and a beverage. I went with the eggs espresso, which are not coffee-flavoured, just whipped in the espresso machine. Yum! Got a side of the Chicken sausage and a slice of the white bread toast. Can't go wrong with this combo and I was certainly full afterwards. Service was far faster than usual and we had a group of 8 - bravo!
(4)
Andrea F.

To be honest, that last star and a half could be attributed to the fact that I have many good memories of the Med. Used to go there all the time as a U of C student. It's comfortable. Good service, hummus, pizza, and strawberry lemonades. And you can draw on the tables and walls.
(5)
Candice G.

Back in the day, when I first started waiting on tables, I had a regular customer that would always sit in my section. She was somewhere between Grandma and Great Grandma aged and she'd always start off with dessert, then her meal, then dessert again. One day I asked her why and she she said it was because you never know when you're gonna die, so you might as well make sure you get dessert in first. On the 2 times I've been to Medici, I've adopted her way of life... only I strictly stick to the baked goods. Chocolate croissant? Yes, please. I'll take 3. Ooh- can you add a spinach and feta one too? Perfect. This place is a little slice of heaven... okay, it'd be more heavenly if I could afford to eat more of it but I'll take what I can get.
(4)
D H.

This is for the separate bakery/deli part, not the actual restaurant, which I haven't been to in years. I had the feta spinach croissant which was good and the hot chocolate, which was quite good. The pizza my sister had looked delicious but beware, there are a total for 4 high tables in here.
(4)
Carolyn S.

Had an amazing experience this evening ordering for a large group for delivery! The crew at Medici is one of the best because not only is the ordering an easy process but the people that work there are amazing! So helpful and wonderful! Not to forget the food! YUM YUM YUM! We got an amazing selection of wraps so delicious! Thanks again for the quick turn around and all the help! You guys ROCK! :)
(5)
Alfonso O.

I came here for the first time last fall and tried a seasonal pumpkin milkshake - easily one of the best shakes I've had. It was love at first taste. The staff is friendly, the location is ideal, and the food is delicious. I'm also a big fan of their tuna melt. They have overpriced orange juice. I love their atmosphere. 9/10, would eat again (and have, many, many times)
(5)
Allan M.

A place that made me rethink my normal opinion on not liking pepperoni on pizza? Yes, the pepperoni here is that damn good, and never thought I'd find the best pepperoni I've ever tried from eating here, nor encounter a strong contender for best pan pizza in Chicago. I'll go as far to say if you go to the Museum of Science and Industry, you have no proper excuses not to eat here, or at minimum go to their next-door bakery. The pizza I'm alluding to above is their garbage pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, canadian bacon, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The mozzarella was perfect on the pizza, and the pepperoni was crisp, flavorful, and nicely oversized without being too large. The shakes are great here too, as I liked both my Grenandine Float(pomegranate soda with rainbow sherbet), and my friend's Fudge-Banana Nut Shake(vanilla ice cream, banana, hot fudge, pecans). Still too many menu items I've yet to try, and I feel after my first time eating in the restaurant portion, it's so depressing that I was so far behind in discovering Med for too many years. Forget Mellow Yellow! And did I mention you can write on the inside walls and tables, or their nice patio on the back of the 2nd floor? What can I say, Med's bakery had already begun to become a regular staple of my HP trips in the last 1-2 years, and I will now employ my crappy persuasion powers whenever in the area with friends to eat in the regular restaurant. Wish the Normal, IL location had opened before I stopped attending Illinois State, but 'tis life.
(5)
Lisa K.

I was pretty satisfied with the offerings here. I had a chocolate croissant which actually had pretty good chocolate and croissant dough, certainly better than I expected. Some of the other baked goods seemed pretty expensive, such as a mini-pie for $6. Anyway, the baked goods looked pretty good. Somewhat oddly, in my opinion, they also had some ice cream with a whole new-fangled cone selection (pretzel, cookie...other). But my sister said her mint chocolate chip was subpar, so I'd say stick to the baked goods. The coffee was good and I liked the option of mexican hot chocolate.
(3)
Ziggy I.

Medici's about as close as you'll get in Hyde Park to a sit-down restaurant that looks and behaves like a sit-down restaurant. It can be a little inconsistent (service is never all that great: waiters disappear for long intervals, water glasses go unfilled), but it's very consistent in the way that it's inconsistent. And it offers variety without being absurd (compare with other Hyde Park establishments that offer, say, sushi and pizza, both nasty). Food: the pizzas are always good. Have enjoyed the salads in the past. Several of the burgers and sandwiches are consistently tasty. Avoid the coffee (scorched and weak, the worst combination). The vegetarian chili is quite good, as are the almond croissants from the bakery. The space itself is also pleasant: warm, dark wood and exposed brick, and the roof deck is lovely in spring and summer. Don't go with especially high expectations, and steer clear of any seafood specials they might offer (I caved once, big mistake).
(3)
Bob H.

Friend brought me here for dinner. He was ate when he was in graduate school in Hyde Park. I had burger and cup (rather bowl) of chili. Food tasted great and service was attentive. I felt "stuffed" when I left.
(4)
Svitlana P.

I just love Medici! Third time in less than a year (I'd go more often but it's a drive from BG to Hyde Park), most recently thanks to my pregnant best friend who had a craving for their Mediterranean Pizza. The food, the service, the feel free to write on tables and walls...all amazing. Next time, I'm going to put Medici temp tattoos on my cheeks (which are free! Grab them from the hostess). Don't judge, it's ok to be a kid sometimes!
(5)
Kymberly J.

So they walk around with T-shirts that say "Obama eats here." Oh shucks Barack! I thought you had better taste! The atmosphere is pretty cool (exposed brick, fun statues) and I'm sure the roof top seating is spectacular during the summer but I certainly couldnt bring my conservative mother there with lovely little drawings of pot leaves and words like "sex, and orgasm" and other fun inappropriate words written on the walls! I had the chicken soup. It was a nice little surprise from the ordinary chicken noodle soup served at every other bistro. It was spicy with rice and juicy chunks of dark meat chicken. The spinach salad was just OK. The ratio of spinach to "other stuff" was pretty low. And by other stuff I mean tomato slices and goat cheese. We got treats at their bakery next door after lunch. I love the coffee to-go cups. They have a lid with a little fancy slider over the drink hole to prevent your fair trade coffee from getting cold. freinds got the monster cookie loaded with everything which they highly recommended. the BF and I shared the regular chocolate chip cookie which I DO NOT recommend. It was pretty bland. I need to go back and get a full serving of the dark chocolate ice cream. I had one little taste and it was chocolate heaven!
(3)
Lenora B.

Love this place! Great pizza, burgers, wraps, and croissants!!! The customer service is great, they deliver on time. Just found about them this year. My new favorite hype park pizza!
(5)
Heather S.

This gem in Hyde Park is definitely a great place for a hearty lunch. Came here on Wednesday afternoon for a quick (first) bite (of Chicago) and opted for a burger. I went with the Reuben Burger & my friend got the Garbage Burger. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of my perfectly cooked burger, as did he. But what really blew my mind were the extra thin, extra crispy fries. Yum! Needless to say, I cleaned my plate in it's entirety. On top of everything else the service was quite pleasant as well... Oh, and it's POTUS approved. Only regret: I didn't get a shake!
(5)
Jeannie A.

Had lunch with three girlfriends after visiting a few museum in the area. The neighborhood is great for walking. We were seated right away, upstairs. It was too chilly to sit outside, but they do have great outdoors seating upstairs. We all ordered different burgers (garbage, chili/cheese, strogonoff) and one cajun chicken pita. All the burgers were just average - not bad, but not 'OMG, these are great'. The mexican hot chocolate was good as well as the strawberry lemonade. Service was fine, the bill was average. I wouldn't make a special trip out here again, but if I was in the neighborhood, I might stop by. It was just average.
(2)
Jenny L.

I frequent this place almost everyday--- for a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream, a sandwich, what have you. ice cream- pirate's booty is the best flavor. Never say no to pirate's booty. sandwich- my favs- fresh mozz on multi grain baguette, Han's favorite. entree- cajun chicken pita, garbage burger, black bean burger specials- milanese chicken salad, tilapia tacos, jambalaya One of the best in Hyde park!
(4)
Peter V.

The order of the day at the Med is "controlled mediocrity." You know exactly what to expect. It's never going to be truly abysmal, even though it's never really going to be great, either. The service is actually pretty good - I like the waiters and waitresses. They are usually on-the-ball and friendly. The food, if you stick to the basics, isn't bad. They have a couple of good vegetarian options (black bean burger, I'm looking at you!) and their brunch is also decent (shout out to the huevos rancheros!). A typical Med night is in the middle of the week when you're too tired to cook but also don't want to make the effort to leave HP. PS - The fudge brownie sundae is over the top, but worth indulging in every now and again.
(3)
Rhonda L.

My family and I visit everytime we are in Chicago or the area. Our favorites are carrot muffins, cinnamon rolls, tarts, coffee and any croissants that you have. We love this place!!!!!!
(5)
Leon G.

Hey Medici, what's going on with your thin crust pizza? For the last year or so your sauce ladler has been extremely inconsistent, barely any sauce one day, too much the next. Start taking names and cracking heads in the kitchen, will ya?
(3)
Kellee K.

I admit, I came here just because of the Barack Obama pull that I saw on Yelp. That being said, I'm not sure if he ever came - there's no picture of him prominently displayed on the wall. Disappointment. However, I have to admit the ambiance is pretty cool - brick walls, enclosed booths, and make sure you bring a Sharpie or White-out to scribble all over the walls and tables. How fun! We ordered the acclaimed spinach and goat cheese pizza (stingy with the goat cheese), a garden salad with tuna steak (steak was burned), chili fries (yum!) Mexican hot chocolate (pretty good but expensive for what you get). Bottom line: Interesting menu selection, but just averagely done for the price. And always remember: Mind over matter, food over mind!
(3)
J U.

I enjoy going here for breakfast... YUMMY french toast and bfast fare. I love the atmosphere and decor, too. My husband and I ordered to-go for dinner once: he had the Garbage Burger and I had the chicken tenders. He reeeally enjoyed his burger but I am a Chick Tender connaisseur... I just found them alright. In any event, the service is friendly and the service time is average. They offer a pretty vast menu. Overall, a nice place to visit on a Saturday for brunch with friends. Ps. I don't know why I like it so much, but guests have the option of squeezing their own orange juice in an old-fashioned press... I haven't done it yet, but it's funny to watch other people.
(4)
Amanda W.

The service is sooo slow but always polite. And their pizza is pretty good, and the ability to byob is always great in my book.
(3)
Dan K.

Good service with good a little high on the prices. Steak sandwich was very good and the Moroccan Ragout yummy.
(4)
Taste M.

The cinnamon rolls made with croissant dough are as good as any I've had anywhere. The five stars could be just for the cinnamon rolls. There are juicy golden currants throughout the rolls and the outside edges of the pastry are sticky/crusty while the inside is succulent and moist. The chocolate croissants are also a favorite of mine, they use bittersweet chocolate. I am also a fan of the ham and cheese croissants. I really think their bread is as good as anywhere I've had. Get there the first hour or two they are open and the fresh baked goods will blow your mind. The restaurant is good too although it is unfortunate they don't do the biscuits and gravy dish they used to make. The burgers are probably the best bet and the jamocha shakes are always a treat. The service always kind of borderline sucks but it is staffed by a bunch of U of C kids so expect contempt and condescension and you might be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Helena G.

I do not recommend this place to have brunch. We had a bad experience, our food (egg florentine and French toast) were super cold. It was unacceptable. (I went to this restaurant several times to have Pizza, burguers or deserts, and so far I have no complaints, they were really good. They deserved ***. The only issue was the brunch)
(2)
Wesley S.

The Medici on 57th is a now a pretty good restaurant and cafe. It has decent food and coffee, good ambiance, moderate prices. Service is mediocre. The Medici has upgraded its menu. It used to have a limited selection, offering pizza, burgers and very basic soup, salad, ice cream, coffee. According to Hans, his strategic direction for the Medici during the 70's and 80's was to keep the menu and kitchen pretty basic. The menu today has the same structure, but has a deeper range of selections. For example, there are now three or four kinds of soups, each of which is a feature dish rather than an unimportant side. The salads are 21st century, a selection that is comparable to other small restaurants today. In addition to hamburgers, The Medici now offers several other sandwiches, such as tuna and chicken. Finally, the dish of ice cream with cinnamon and honey (named the "Amalfi"), from the 70's has been augmented by milk shakes and several sundaes. Our party of four ordered the ragout (which was classified as a soup), pizza, and soup or the day plus build-your-own-salad. I had the cheeseburger with fries. My cheeseburger was excellent, from the meat quality to the fresh wheat roll that was used as a bun. Garnishes were average, but the mustard was a Dijon mustard, a nice touch that, once again, goes back to the 70's. (Hans may have been one of the few restauranteurs who served Dijon mustard in 1970's Chicago). I enjoyed the fries. Maybe I was just lucky, but the frying oil or shortening was fresh. I heard that the salad was good, but my dinner companions did not comment on their food. They did say that the coffee and tea were very good, although not up to Intelligentsia. Price: Our bills were $10-$18 apiece including tip. Mine was $12. Make that about $15/apiece for a lunch at The Medici. The food was entirely worth the price. Ambiance: The Medici's interior has not changed. It is the identical space, booths, walls and so on as from 40+ years ago. (Bathrooms and kitchen have been upgraded.) When the Medici moved from Harper, it was moved in its entirety and plopped down at the Kimbark location. The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area as does the sister bakery. 57th Street is moderately busy but sitting outdoors here should be pleasant, if you can snag a table. The restaurant is comfortable and inviting. It has very good ambiance. Service was mediocre, and doubtless will remain so. The Medici on 57th is a very good cafe and restaurant, offering good food and ambiance, reasonable prices and mediocre service. I recommend it.
(3)
Colleen C.

Finally, an adventure that landed me in beautiful Hyde Park. 1. BYOB 2. Hyde Park (as mentioned) 3. GREAT food. 4. Friendly Service. 5. HUGE summer patio on the second floor. (read: no rats scurrying about, like most Chicago patios!) 6. Lovely adjoining bakery. The spinach/cheese croissant? TO DIE FOR. 7. Strong kickapoo coffee. Um, hello...this means BYOB brunch!? Bring my own champagne and make...MIMOSAS!? hell, yes. Also, if you are planning a private party in the summer, I highly rec the upstairs with patio...mmmmm, patio. Seems like a million years away, but I will surely be back to sit on this patio...I don't care how long it takes me to get there :) I'll be the girl with the champagne and the baked goods. Come say hello.
(5)
Sandra T.

All kinds of bread for you bread eaters (I'm not into bread), bagels, rolls. But my favorites are; the turnovers, chocolate croissants and fruit tarts. The fruit tarts are the best I ever had, ever! They have ice cream and good coffee drinks. If I get a turnover, I go early anything else is ok during the day.
(5)
Mary T.

Barack Obama eats here? Well then 5 stars. Just kidding! I don't care about the clientele a place has, no matter how cool; the product, in this case food and service, is what earns a business stars. I don't get to Hyde Park often (read ever), but I would like to change that. The neighborhood is really cute and this place is a little gem. There's wood everywhere; wood tables, wood booths, I think there's even some wood paneling on the walls, but it gets a lot of light too so it doesn't feel like you're dining with your grandpa at the Elks Lodge (no offense Elks). The place also has a dumb-waiter, which is so cool! I came here for Yelp's Office Hours, we had the whole upstairs for our group. It was really nice, it gave us a great view of the whole place including a patio, which I'm sure is awesome in the summer. I snuck a peek at the menu before the event, I'm ridiculously picky so I like to plan ahead to avoid the appearance of being high maintenance. The Mexican milkshake caught my eye afterall I'm Mexican and I like milkshakes, perfect, no? It was amazing, I think I sucked that puppy down in under 5 minutes flat! I also tried some of the pastries they had out. I had an apple croissant, it was good, but the pastry portion was a little on the dry side. I would've tried more, but there were other croissants in my future so I restrained myself. Service was stellar; warm, friendly and very attentive. Bottom line: I'd love to come here and try some other things off the extensive drink menu and some food too of course. Maybe I can talk the girls into coming here for our monthly brunch! TIP: Bring some Sharpie's so you can write on the walls, tables, booths, etc.
(4)
Jenna S.

I came here with a crazy group of Yelpers to meet for this month's office hours. We had the entire upstairs to ourselves which was really nice because there was a good number of us hanging out and having fun. I really enjoyed the space and I think it would have been a nice place to sit down and have some food if we had been there for a sit-down event. We had some super awesome servers helping us out - they took all of our drink orders promptly and made specialty coffee drinks for those who wanted them. I had some Irish breakfast tea which isn't really special, but I was impressed that they didn't pour the tea and then let the bag sit in the cup for five minutes before bringing it to me. I hate sour, over-steeped tea and this was well done. Nice job, Medici! There were samples of bakery sweets for us to try and they were all delicious. Though I'm not super into pastries or sweets, I will admit that the cookies with the jelly in the middle were delicious. I also shared a croissant with Theresa C and we were very pleased. The restaurant seemed to be hoppin but not totally packed, so it seems like a great place to go for dinner on the weekends. If you don't want to come in for dinner, go into the Medici Cafe and pick up a quick bite and some coffee. Their restaurant menu was huge, though I didn't do much perusal. A few Yelpers were telling me that the food is delicious so I'll come back to sample some of the things that Barack Obama himself enjoys eating. I never make it down to Hyde Park (yesterday was actually my first visit) but I'd come back to try the food here. Well done, Medici.
(4)
Reuben H.

OK- way overdue on this update. Colleen C set up a great Office Hours here and Medici delivered very well! They had an assortment of pastries (always have been very good) and some coffee called Kickapoo- which was awesome! The best part was- they proved me wrong with their service......... It was excellent! Friendly and attentive. The space the Med has has always been good- and they put us alone upstairs which was great. So why only 3 stars? I am a cynical SOB and don't believe that I would actually get that kind of service if I hadn't been there for a Yelp event when they knew there were some powerful, no- ALMIGHTY on line reviewers. The good news for Medici though is, this simple event has actually changed my mind on going back there again. I will give Medici another shot at redemption (and more stars).
(3)
Andre W.

Came here for The Office Hours event yesterday afternoon and as I walked inside, I realized I had been here before a couple of years ago and I just never remembered the name. When we walked in and set up we were greeted by the very nice manager and her staff. They gave us the upstairs area, which was nice. We had a pretty good view, in which we were able to look out of the window onto 57th street. They really gave us first class treatment, bringing us water, coffee and the delicious treats. The croissant with spinach and cream cheese was nothing short of spectacular (Had about 3 of them!). The other treats looked great as well, but I just did not have room for any more good stuff. Had fun chatting with fellow yelpers, new and old. Will definately return when I am in the HP area.
(5)
Audrey S.

Wow. I just cannot manage to sing the praises of this place high enough. Fun atmosphere. Prompt and friendly service. Amazing art and woodworking items to look at and finally, terrific, terrific, TERRIFIC food. We enjoyed breakfast with some friends we were visiting in Hyde Park. I am so glad they suggested we dine here. The breakfast was not only delicious but it was also what I could consider rather inexpensive. The total bill for four adults and three children came to $72, which I don't seem to consider costly at all. The ingredients were fresh, the coffee was terrific and overall, it seemed that everyone there from the bus boy to the patrons all were happy to be there. Just outstanding.
(5)
Dana F.

I was a bundle of nerves, but I HAD to eat something. Nothing like fainting on the spot during your Booth interview. I stopped by the deli section of Medici, in order to grab a cup of coffee and get something for lunch and to warm up. Vegetarian chili seemed like the way to go. It was a little thin for chili, and it lacked a lot of the protein, in the form of beans, that I was looking for. I felt as though I was eating a thicker, marginally spicer version of minestrone. The 7-grain bread for dipping was alright, but it lacked the "fresh batch" taste that induces all sorts of carb-laden overindulgences. The service was prompt and efficient and I did manage to snag a table. Prices were a bit expensive, but businesses figure that as long as you're shelling out $60k+ for your education, what's a $9 sandwich to you?
(2)
Joe A.

Atmosphere. The Medici has atmosphere. I grew up in Hyde Park and spent countless hours with my friends sitting in this place, drinking coffee and eating steaming baskets of fries and thick wedges of of spinich pizza, along with the occasional vanilla shake. And I think I might have kept going back even if the fare wasn't so yummy. It's a unique place. The art on the walls is kind of anachronistic and the carved graffiti is probably less cool than it seemed when I was 12. But the place has something. You just feel good sitting there. At least I did.
(5)
Caitlin F.

The Med (as UChicago students like to call it) is never a bad decision. Their pizzas are pretty fantastic (their pepperoni is like none I have ever tasted, and their spinach-and-goat-cheese pizza is to die for), their shakes are wonderful (really thick and creamy--make sure you get the amazing homemade whipped cream!), and you can't go wrong with their sandwiches or burgers either. The bakery is wonderful: their apple croissants are delicious, their almond croissants are near-heavenly, and their chocolate croissants are as near to pain au chocolat as I will ever get in Chicago. As for their drinks: if you need an espresso-fueled energy boost that also tastes like heaven, go for the chocolaccino; if espresso isn't your thing but coffee is, try the chocafÃ©; if you like your chai latte a little heavy in the honey, try this one; in the winter, their apple cider is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and maybe cloves and other mulling spices. Their chili is also very good. Love this place.
(5)
Stephen R.

This place is a neighborhood standard, for sure. The food is nothing to write home about, though nothing is really bad and the prices are pretty moderate. Sometimes the service can be iffy - the food runners and other staff on the floor can be more attentive than the servers themselves.
(3)
Adrian R.

I will never order delivery again. No matter what you order they tell you and hour wait and it is always an hour or more. Doesn't matter if it is a turkey sandwich. I live 6blocks away and it takes that long? Give me a break. This last time I ordered a pizza, burger and onion rings. Pizza was cold and onion rings were soggy and burger was so cold that cheese has became solid. crazy thing is if I pick up my food then it's ready in 20min so what is the extra time for? Never again in life. I have given them chance after chance. Thr food is Minot that good anyway. The burger buns are dry. Pizza is decent. People in Hyde park who say it is so great obviously have different measure of what flavor is or aren't from Chicago and don't know real pizza.
(2)
Eric S.

This must be one of the most overrated places in Hyde Park. Their ingredients are good, I'll say that. But the praise stops there. A good way to say it is that they serve $6 food for $10 prices. It's all just boring and unsatisfying. Normally restaurants with bakeries are able to leverage this to their advantage. However, their bakery is terrible: heavy (literally), inclined to leave spots on paper bags, never flaky, muddled flavors, and textures usually found in prepackaged foods. Lastly, their workers always look miserable; that's never a good sign.
(2)
Karen T.

The Medici is a spot all true Hyde Parkers and U of C students alike hit at some point during their duration in the 60637. Really, isn't the "Obama eats here" memorabilia proof? But actually, long before the self-proclaimed "skinny guy with the big ears" became famous, the Medici was well-known as one of the few year-round go-to spots in Hyde Park. Their himbeersaft lemonades are refreshing in summer, mexicana hot chocolates soothing in winter, and their pizzas and burgers are always a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, I doubt any other joint could feature a Garbage Burger this delicious. My personal favorites: Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato sauce, the Mediterranean pizza with pesto on thin crust, and Mexicana milk shakes. I know, you're thinking of those sushi/thai/chinese places that try to do too much, but the Med actually succeeds in its multi-ethnic endeavors. Remember to bring a Sharpie / white-out pen with you. As evidenced by the graffiti all over the walls and tables, they love doodlers. Just not in the bathrooms anymore (they redid them a while back and now have a chalkboard up for those who can't hold themselves back). And it makes the wait go by that much faster. Though it by no means carries a Michelin star or any ritzy qualifications, it's got a certified stamp from patronage most loyal. Remember, the Med is not merely a haven to students who splurge from the usual ramen or bag of chips. It's an amalgamation of a casual dinner date cafe, a family dinner spot, and a warm bakery to wait in when you order take-out. These are hallowed grounds you tread upon at the Med, so pay homage politely, and then like so many before you...dig in!
(4)
Sarah I.

A former Univ of Chicago student, I've been to the Med more times than I can really count. The good things about this place: the milkshakes and the brunch. My God, the brunch. Great potatoes and great eggs and fresh-squeezed orange juice and a cozy atmosphere, everything you want in a good brunch. The bad thing about this place is that almost everything else is mediocre. I was prompted to write a review after my experience yesterday, when I asked for a salmon burger, no bun, with a salad instead of fries (I'm on a weird cleanse). When it arrived, it 1) was on a bun, 2) had no side at all with it, and 3) had four slices of avocado on top instead of the guacamole it was supposed to. The woman who brought it out said, "Did they tell you when you ordered that we were out of guacamole? Do you want something else?" Uh, no, obviously no one told me that, and if that's the case, why didn't someone come TELL me that BEFORE bringing my food out with everyone else's? Sure, I may have wanted something else, but not when everybody at my table is already eating. Seriously? To top it off, the salmon burger and salad (which was nothing but greens, a few rings of raw onion, and one tomato wedge) was billed as--I kid you not--$14.95. The salmon burger on the menu, which comes with fries, is listed as $12.95. Sooo, I paid two extra dollars for an order they screwed up, that came without the promised guacamole, MINUS fries, and plus a salad that was worth maybe 50 cents? Umm, WHAT? Basically, the experience has totally pissed me off and I'm not in any mood to go back, not even for brunch. Tired of this place overcharging for lame food. Thanks for nothing, Medici!
(2)
Kayce C.

I give Medici a Woohoo! As good as it gets! 5 star rating because of a number of factors: Neighborhood atmosphere Cute Interior with the permission to graffitti on almost everything! Good Food Excellent Service BYOB and an Outdoor patio on the roof sandwiched between taller buildngs I've been here twice for dinner and both experiences were wonderful. The reason for our initial visit was the closing of our favorite spot Florrian Cafe. Medici happens to replace it very well and has become our new go to eatery for casual dinner. The burgers are huge! and can almost make for two meals, more recently I ordered their grilled cheese. Let me desribe this mouth watering sandwich for you. thick grilled buttery bread enveloping a luciously melted cheesyness mixed with....Pesto. Yes pesto on my grilled cheese. Omg it was genius and something I must now add to every homemade grilled cheese in the future. I also love their hummus, its pretty awesome considering the rest of the menu is typical American fare. I've never had problems with the service. The outdoor patio is lovely when weather permits and the BYOBness of the joint is easy on the budget.
(5)
Philip T.

This is a Sunday breakfast favorite. One server in particular remembers my order everytime i come in (breakfast #2, with chicken sausage, eggs scrambled and diet pop)! Food is good and comes fast.
(4)
Chelsea P.

This place is practically an extension of the UChicago campus. The food is solid, though the salads are over-priced. Most people come here for good coffee (fair trade!), tasty pizza, and delicious milkshakes. All in all, it's a good neighborhood place, and one of the only places in Hyde Park to get a cup of coffee after 9pm (a necessity when you're a student at UChicago!).
(4)
Sneha P.

It's ok. Not good, not bad. Their oil/grease messes up my stomach, but it's a reliable place to have lunch in the South Side. Pasta is ok. Sandwiches are just ok. If you are looking for a good sandwich, go next door to Z&H instead.
(3)
Matt G.

The coffee here is very good. I also appreciate that they use fair trade, small batches from Wisconsin. The sandwiches were good but far too big. I had an Italian sandwich and couldn't eat the rest of the day. The prices are also a bit high. All in all, a cute little place in Hyde Park
(4)
Jerome H.

I adore this place. Consistent, consistent, consistent. I wish they had taken the 53rd Street location instead of Clarke's.
(4)
Michael K.

Overpriced and awful. VISITORS TO HYDE PARK: Go elsewhere. Medici has a lot of fame on campus because it's right by the University of Chicago, but the food is mediocre at best, and the service is slower than molasses going uphill. Plus it's just too much money. $10 for a sandwich I can make at home for $3 plus tax and tip is just absurd. The only thing worth getting here is a milkshake and fries. Literally that's it. But man cannot live on potatoes and sugar.
(1)
Daphne L.

Growing up in Hyde Park the Med was a regular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorite thing to do was to sit in a booth and write my name on the wall, while enjoying a garbage pizza and a chocolate shake. We were all a bit disappointed when they moved from their original spot on 57th street, but, much of the flavor and ambiance made it to the "new" spot a few blocks West. It was pretty much a rite of passage that you work at the Med if you could, and I put in my time here, as well as the now closed Harper Court location. It was like a family with Hans the ever-present leader of the clan who expected and demanded the best from his family and the food. Good times! I don't get over there as much anymore, but, whenever I'm in the 'hood I stop in for a burger, or brunch on the weekends (seriously some of the best eggs benedict around) and enjoy the atmosphere. It's an acquired taste, the Med, which is staffed mostly with U of C students, some who have more book sense than people smarts, and it's reflected in their customer service. That's okay, though, as I'm not expecting white glove service at a college hang. Plus, Hyde Parker's are a little different, which makes them that much more lovable. You have to make a point to have a chocolate croissant, a piece of apple pie, or one of the other delicious desserts at the hands of Gracie. I don't know if she's still there (I hope she is, what up Gracie!!) but if not I'm sure her recipe still lives on. 57th st. Medici, you'll always hold a special place in my heart.
(4)
Kate G.

Medici is not the sort of restaurant that you would crave. You won't wake up in the middle of the night, shake awake whoever is sleeping next to you and say: "We MUST go get a salad/brunch/pizza from Medici!!!" It's one of those places you go because it's one of the only restaurants in the neighborhood that isn't Pan-Asian cuisine (which I love, but if you don't feel like pad see ew or paneer makhani, Hyde Park is a restaurant desert). Brunch is not life-changing, nor is it horrible. Dinner is not drool-inducing, but you'll leave happy. I gave it a 4th star instead of just the average 3 because the Mexican hot chocolate shake at Medici is the BEST shake. Maybe ever? It's seriously really good. Thick, chocolate-y, with a spicy aftertaste. Delish.
(4)
Vineet S.

Great bakery stuff, everything very fresh. They have really good fruit tarts and turnovers. It's better to go in early morning when everything just comes out fresh from the bakery. Maybe next time will try coffee also.
(5)
Jess L.

I miss this place so much! I got the ensalata kimba about a million times. The floats and shakes were divine. The garbage burger introduced my tastebuds to a whole new level of tasty messiness. Definitely a college hang out, great at any time.
(4)
Ms G.

My husband, friends and I stopped here for a late lunch while walking around for Open House Chicago. After trying to eat at a sports bar (that ended up being a hole in the wall bar with few menu options), we finally found this deli. It was crowded, which is always a good sign, and had a outdoor eating area. We chose from a long list of deli sandwiches, all of which sounded good, and checked out their delicious looking pastries. I ended up with the Italian sub- huge, and full of choice meats. My husband had the fresh mozz, which looked great. We split one of their bakery cookies as well. This is a great place for lunch- too bad they're so far away from where we live!
(4)
Eeeee L.

I adore Medici - both the main restaurant and the short-order cafe. I have eaten more lunches here than anywhere in Hyde Park / UofC area over the years...not because it is always close, but because it is reliably fantastic. The outdoor area and folding glass walls are great. In the Summer, don't miss out on the berry smoothie with yogurt. So refreshing. My favorite sandwiches are the Mozz (like a caprese), the California Wrap, and the Cranberry Turkey. The calzones get me through the winter months. Seriously, they are the perfect size and have great crust, partially crunchy/partially rich and doughy. I think one of the specials with pepperoni, pesto, and goat cheese (maybe called "Nicole's Favorite" or something) saved me from some bone-cold days. Speaking of which, the Grilled Veggie Chili is killer good. Add a grilled cheese to that, and you're in business. We always get the burgers, too. The chicken tenders are HUGE and juicy, as every good tender should be. The lasagna is very good...just beware that it sometimes take a long time to cook if you're in a hurry on on a lunch break. The waitstaff and deli team here are terrific. From the cheerful-but-not-fake-cheerful hostesses to the super nice guy who refills your water, they are the best. Shout out to Yazzie and Sam!
(5)
Fe T.

well, first you should note that if it is Hyde Park, to convert to the normal Chicago scale, you should take a star off. On the other side, I commend Medici for choosing Hyde Park to run their business. Mediocre would suddenly become fantastic. Anyway, despite being a college and very safe neighborhood, everything closes at 10, even grocery stores. So I really appreciate Medici for closing later than the rest. The atmosphere is very warm. They got nice music playing (yes that's a plus if the owner knows the types of music that improve your appetite)and they sell ice cream and decent baked goods. I've tried their garbage thin crust pizza, which is oddly pleasant. Staffs are nice too. Compared to Istria, which has good bakery and gelato but stops selling gelato in the winter, Medici is cheaper with way wide selection. Besides I am odd enough to only crave ice cream on the coldest, most stormy days so yay to Medici today for offering me some ice cream at 10pm on a cold stormy, rainy day. bottom line: decent food, nice staffs but nothing spectacular.
(4)
Rob K.

I had birthday lunch here. The atmosphere is wonderful. Maybe the most perfect looking place we've ever eaten. The food itself is fine, workmanlike bar/grill food, but really it's all about soaking up the environment, trying to make out all the graffiti. Loved it.
(4)
Rodger W.

The Pan Pizza is the best in Chicago. Forget the BLAND "As Seen on TV" crap from Lou Malnatis. If you want Pan Pizza this is the one. Savory sauce, perfect crust, fresh toppings. Also, the fresh lemonade and milkshakes are fantastic.
(5)
Ericka J.

I fell in love with Mexican Hot Chocolate at a small cafe in Pasadena... I'll be writing a review for them next.. Back to the story - I am always hoping to find great Hot Chocolate, not too watery, not too bitter, but very chocolate-y. Medici's has just that - Mexican Hot Chocolate that tastes great! Get the Whipped Cream. It's worth it. A bit pricey but this drink is pricey. Good place to warm up on a rainy day too... if you can find a table.
(4)
Tina B.

I totally did an embarrassingly public, but amazingly satisfying three-way with two hot croissants in my car in front of the bakery. But I'll start at the beginning. It was about 6 or so in the morning and I was sleepy as hell and hungry as hell, because, unfortunately, I'm usually rolling like that. Both of that. And rolling meaning in the car, I pointed my wheels toward Medici. I'd never been here in the morning before, but I figured they're a bakery and they serve coffee, so makes sense. Business was bustling with other half asleep carb whores, so I knew I was in the right spot. Their meat filled croissants were my agenda and sadly I couldn't find any. Oh. Wait. They did have them - on the fucking baking sheet still! Oh. Oh my. But for almost $5 each? Hell. I'll have one. Hell. Okay. I'll have one of each, fuck, just put them in the damn bag already... One was a spicy and sassy bitch with spicy turkey and cheddar inside and the other was a calmer, more collected bitch with ham and swiss cheese oozing out its ends. I started off all aloof, pissed off and broke and cheaply annoyed ("Almost $10 fucking dollars on two croissants! What was I thinking? I am not a fucking Cosby kid!") And then, in the front seat of my janky Honda, I devolved into some shit people on the street had to shield their kids from: I bit into both of them at the same time, a blanket of buttery flakes covered my ample chest and cheese mingled and dribbled down my chin. A dude walked by and looked at me and then looked away and then stole another peek before he walked right into the bakery to get himself some of the exact same stuff. My eyes glazed the hell over afterward and I had to go home and take a nap. Fresh morning bakery action is always hot, but this shit here is a whole nother realm. (PS, note to Yelp - I know there are already like 70 reviews on here, but y'all got to figure out how to separate the bakery from the restaurant as two separate listings - they are two entirely different things, with different entrances - Solid and straight up 5 stars for that hot bitch of a bakery and a 4 for the restaurant (some days a 3.5 even...))
(5)
Beth M.

I swung by the deli for lunch with a friend. The deli's Veggie Sub is actually vegan without any modifications! It has most of the standard fillings, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, bell peppers and baby greens. But I must say, it's a big step up from Subway; the bread and vegetables are fresh and lack the refrigerator taste.The pepperoncini and balsamic-pesto Kimba dressing bump it up a notch. There is also a vegetarian Mediterranean Wrap with hummus and tabouli. I wonder how it would be without the feta cheese. You can also make your own sandwich from a number of bread and veggie options, but it will be a little more expensive. For less than $5, the Veggie Sub is a great deal. While the deli line can go out the door at lunchtime, service is fairly quick.
(4)
Jodi T.

Deliciousness in Hyde Park (I personally like the sandwiches better than those at Z&H). And I had excellent service.
(4)
Kate C.

There are so many things I like about Medici, including that it's BYOB, the delicious Moroccan ragout, BLT, and veggie chili. I used to really like the garbage salad, but then I ordered it for take out and got a mess of bad tomatoes and a weird substance I couldn't identify. It's weird they don't have a normal vinaigrette salad dressing, and their food is a bit over priced. I do enjoy having dinner here, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere and good service. It's just not amazing.
(3)
Bobby B.

Okay, so it has finally happened. The B-o-double-b...why?! Has finally made it into Medici in Hyde Park. The negative reviews are somewhat surprising, as I've heard nothing but great things from many friends about this place. We went in after a museum trip, and I have to say, it was pretty awesome. The shakes and malts are outstanding (I had a banana nut fudge shake, my girlfriend had a chocolate malt.) The baked goat cheese appetizer is amazing. We tried a bacon blue cheese burger (hand patty of course) and that too was really tasty. The medici spinach pan pizza was really good. The ingredients were really fresh, the crust was tasty, though the sauce was about average at best. Overall this place is definitely worth stopping by.
(5)
Alex B.

The Med's ok. I've been here often over the past three years, and in that time my enthusiasm for Medici evolved from *high* to *medium* to *I only go here if I'm with someone who really wants to.* The good things: the physical space is cool: high ceilings, outdoor seating in the summertime, cozy wooden booths. The pizza is my favorite menu item; it's decent in a better-than-average way, especially given the other pizza options in the neighborhood. The bread from their bakery next door is very good, and I occasionally go out of my way to pick up a loaf. It's also not too expensive. Still, the Med is consistently underwhelming. The staff are generally indifferent and the food is heavy and uninventive. There's seriously some *oomph* missing here. When I pay to eat at a sit-down restaurant I want it to taste better than something I could have made at home, and Medici just doesn't quite get there.
(2)
Tiffany K.

This spot is close to campus and has been around for a long time. However, when you take this restaurant outside of Hyde Park, it is just Average. Service is meh, the food is your standard fare (but a tad bit overpriced). Nothing is really unqiue about the place, except for maybe the cool wooden interior and the patio. The patio is great - but that's probably the only good thing about this place. A must if you are a student, but it's really nothing special.
(2)
Paul C.

Great little place near the University when I grabbed a quick breakfast. I had the #2 Breakfast which was 2 eggs, sausage and french toast. It was well-done. Sausage links were tasty and cooked to a good crisp. Eggs were just right and the toast was delicious. Service was prompt and courteous and the price, with a drink, was $10. Not bad. I'll be back.
(4)
Robert S.

I tend to frequent this as it is one of the few places in the area that stays open late. There are plenty of meaty options on the menu, and although I can't speak to their quality, my companions enjoy them more often than not. As far as the vegetarian options go: Moroccan Ragout is excellent and the sandwiches and wraps are serviceable, the veg chili is weak and absolutely stay away from the black bean burger; it is a garbage patty on a bun with avocado slices. Of note: -The wait staff is usually excellent and attentive. -Plenty of tasty shakes and the like, a must try! -(apparently) Obama eats here too
(3)
Jan E.

My new favorite place. Great service. Awesome food. Fantastic ambiance. Excellent prices. We had the Moroccan ragout and beef chili, but every dish that passed us on the way to other customers - pizza, salads, eggs, sandwiches, pastries - looked amazing. Go.
(5)
Marilynn L.

I've been here twice because my sister goes to U of C and it pretty much is the closest place around. The place looks pretty hip with dim lights and writing all over the seats and tables. Both times I have eaten here, I have had pizza. The garbage pizza was pretty good and the chili fries were probably the best part of my meal. I don't recommend the garlic bread because it had sort of a flat taste to it and not the way 'garlic' flavored bread should taste. It did take the waiter a while to get our order but everything was smooth after that. The place is nothing overly special but it is decent enough when you are in need of a (not so) quick bite to eat or if your sister goes to U of C and its the closest place around.
(3)
Courtney S.

One of my top three Chicago pizza spots! I love the decore- you can write on the tables and the wall. It is always crowded and loud, but a great spot to catch up with friends. The outdoor terrace is nice, romantic at night.
(3)
Coby H.

great ambience and pecan pie that I would drive a few hundred miles for. Entrees are kind of blah, but certainly passable. Waitress was really nice and helpful.
(3)
Tina H.

I absolutely love this place! I save going there for special mornings to get delicious coffee and the BEST croissants I have had in the US (no joke). If you go there for a sit down meal, they have fun drinks (like almond soda floats) and delicious sandwiches for pretty reasonable prices. This is by far the best bakery I have found in Chicago!
(5)
Alexis G.

A good old place. We used to go here all the time in high school. In fact, I went here as a little kid and my mom helped us carve our names into the booth (a Medici passtime)... so I have to admit nostalgia also contributes to my coming back here. It's gotten more expensive since then (restaurants these days!) but it's still a decent spot. The pizza is good, and they have some amazing homemade salad dressing-- the creamy Parmesan is fantastic. Also their shakes and baked goods are fabulous. Their mocha or chocolate shakes are to die for. You should also try the chocolate croissants. It's true service can be slow, and I get that the Obama t-shirts are a little over the top-- but as someone who used to eat here when Obama was just a senator and he would come in and eat there, it's pretty cool to brag about it! :) You shouldn't expect a fantastic meal, but go with good company and enjoy some solid good food.
(4)
Melanie R.

I ordered the California wrap. My peeve is that they gave me a pre-made one, and it was clearly made long before I ordered it. The sprouts were going brown (ick!) and the avocado was looking a little mushy. The flavor was good, but if I wanted a pre-made sandwich, I could have easily grabbed one from the cooler near the front door.
(3)
Charles T.

Ah, the Medici. This place is without doubt a Hyde Park and University of Chicago establishment. What you will find: burgers, pizza, salads, and small neighborhood charm. You will also see lots of shirts and things that say "Obama Eats Here." You definitely feel like you have stepped into someone's home. The Medici is considered a neighborhood treasure and its mark on Hyde Park certainly extends beyond the restaurant. Right next door is the Medici Bakery and they also run The Pub in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall on the UofC campus. Some ADVICE: If you want pizza its fine, but there are more traditional pizza joints in Hyde Park such as Edwardo's. Rather, I recommend the burgers and in particular the Garbage Burger! Don't ask how many calories are in it - I am sure you don't want to know, but it is simply delicious! Try it with a side of onion rings rather than fries because the rings are thick and delicious! But if greasy burgers are not your style, then you should probably have one of their HUGE salads - and I do mean huge. One will be more than enough for you and you will probably have to take some home. Besides their greasy food, if you come to the Medici you should have one of their traditional, hand dipped shakes or malts. They will certainly complete your meal and they are oh so yummy. Just be aware, although the place feels like a small neighborhood dive in a quaint college area, the prices are a little bit higher than you might want to pay if you are a student on a dime and given that the quality is just average. Still, it is probably a place you will want to frequent every now and then. Just be prepared to also put on a few extra pounds.
(3)
Clif P.

Medici is ok. The food isn't bad, but isn't great either. The prices are a tad bit high. Also, Hyde Park restaurants usually don't have alcohol. For the neighborhood, go for it. Not worth coming from far to eat here.
(3)
Marilynn L.

Chai latte was far too sweet. Cashier lady was not so sweet either. I think it's your only good option in the area and they take advantage of that (you have no were else to go). Extra star because food looked good and was creative.
(3)
Jessica M.

While visiting Chicago on a long weekend, I met Medici. Not a fan of their shoe string fries, but their onion rings rock. My favorite dish- The Garbage Burger ( bacon, mushrooms, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, grilled onions) = delicious!!! Must try this burger, definitely worth writing home about. If I dare come to Chicago again I will definitely come back to Medici.
(4)
Carol K.

I gave this place 3 stars for a few reasons, there isn't anything wrong with the food, but there also isn't anything really profound or unique about it either. It's pretty good, it's fairly healthy if you order properly, reasonably priced and normal American lunch/dinner fare. Nothing surprising, but a lot of people like that sort of thing. I do too some of the time. Apparently Prez Obama has eaten there some time in the distant past, it's an easy assumption, I'm not totally buying it. Is is a reason to go? Let's just say, don't hold your breath. None the less ambiance is family-y, energetic, fun and there's a great sun porch out back. If you feel like checking it out it's not a bad idea, it's not a spectacular idea, it just is what it is. Plus you'll get to banter over whether the statue is rotating or not and either feel crazy or be amused.
(3)
Bora U.

The Med is definitely the go-to spot for my co-workers and I (along w/ the whole UChicago community and Hyde Park residents). Both the restaurant and the bakery next door offer something for everyone. The main restaurant can get very busy during lunch time from noon - 1pm but I've never waited more than 5 minutes for a table there. If I go with a group of my co-workers usually we end up splitting one of their fantastic pizzas. If you don't have a lot of time, go for the thin crust - Veggie and Goat Cheese/Spinach are my two favorites. I also LOVE their milkshakes - particularly the Fudge-banana nut milkshake. It's like a meal in a glass. I've had the burger, chicken fingers and fries (I usually ask for onion rings instead), and other standard lunch items. In the winter I like the Fidel's Chicken Soup. Filled with chunks of chicken, rice and veggies. If you're eating on the run and don't need table service, the bakery next door has fantastic sandwiches. I love the Smokey Joe and the Arrabiata. They have many options for the bread for your sandwich. Sandwiches range from $5-7. You can also make your own. I also enjoy the tomato ciabatta - it's basically a pizza with caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes layered on top of a fresh ciabatta loaf. I usually have half for lunch and take home the rest for a light dinner. I've also popped by the bakery after work to pick up their miniature pies for picnics in Millennium Park. Their pecan pie and apple pie are so rich and decadent. They're small, but heavy and loaded with flavor. I'd say each little pie is enough to serve two. The Med is definitely a great place to have a casual lunch or to pick up items for dinner at home.
(4)
Hannah J.

I went to U of C, and so used to go to the Med all the time. I always thought they had pretty good food and pretty good prices. I like the atmosphere: writing all over the walls, families, students, casual. BUT I was back in the neighborhood this week and went to the Med for lunch, and it was not good. I was excited to see a spicy black bean burger on the menu, but it was the frozen black bean patties they sell at Costco. I buy those all the time, and they are cut in a distinct pattern, so I definitely recognized it. They dressed it up with some avocado, but I'm still not happy paying $11 for a frozen Costco black bean burger. Come on, Med, you can do better.
(2)
Sarah R.

the atmosphere is awesome here! this was my first Chicago style pizza! so yummy! their crust was soo soo soo yummy!!!!!! very reasonably priced
(4)
Rebecca S.

Typical brunch place. Apparently they do bottomless cups of coffee, which my friend loves but I got one of their Cafe Mocha's and it was unlike anything I had ever seen. Huge glass, Cafe Mocha with a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top. YUM!!! Is it hot, is it cold? It's whatever you want it to be! And for a Sunday bunch, the place was not packed by any means. Tons of tables available and we were seating quickly. Got typical breakfast food (pancakes, eggs and sausage) and everything was fine, not to memorable. The decor was a little grungy but service was great and super helpful. I am so hipster, I love places like this.
(4)
Greg D.

This review is only for the bakery. We stopped by there Friday night after leaving Edwardo's pizza next door. They have an excellent large selection of pastries and coffee. I had a Mexican style hot chocolate which was nice. The employees are all wearing black T-shirts that say "Obama Eats Here!" on the back. When asked about that, they said that Obama ate there in September, and they even gave us directions to his house on 51st and Greenwood. Their directions were correct and we went by Obama's house the next day and took some pictures (a few uploaded). This is a really nice place to stop for coffee and or desert after visiting Edwardo's next door. Service was friendly and the pastry menu is complex with some items only available on certain days of the week. Heck, if Obama eats here (which is true), it's gotta be good eh? :)
(4)
Jonathan J.

I have been here about ten times, all out of necessity. I either needed a place to study with coffee late night or a meeting place for a group project or something similar. The food on every given visit was 2-Stars. The service was crappy almost every time. When it comes 30-minutes to closing, you can be sure the wait staff are all going to be watching for you to leave like buzzards. In fact, after we ordered a couple coffees and milkshakes one evening, we were asked to leave when the place was pretty full because they were closing soon. Our waitress was watching us leave from a little side door and window and awkwardly ducked away when she saw that we saw her watching us leave. Rather than sending a manager over to boot us out, she could have easily said we're closing soon, just giving you a head's up. It was just weird the way the manager handled it and the waitress was watching us so oddly. The almost $10 grilled cheese is actually not too bad, if you end up here on accident or by force. Avoid the disgusting burgers, though, at all costs! And I'll second the people who say the pastries and bread, for a place that claims to be an artisan bakery, is really crappy. Especially the awful pizza crust. Yuck. I won't be going back again. Lots of better options on that block. PS--my three reviews are 2-stars back in 2011, 2-stars in 2012, and finally 1-star in 2013.
(1)
Jack B.

Sorry to all the fans, but this place is terrible. Went in for a weekday lunch, overpaid for a mediocre veggie sandwich (my companion felt the same about his sandwich), waited FOREVER, and then was told by the woman behind the counter that we weren't allowed to sit down because it was "carry-out only," despite the fact that other people were sitting there eating. I have no idea what that was about -- we were two normal-looking, reasonably polite people, so I don't exactly know what her problem with us was. I wanted to give this place a second chance, because I've heard their croissants described as The Greatest In The World, so I did go back a few weeks later for a croissant. They were fine, nothing special, and the service was once again rude (though not as bad). Will never go back.
(1)
Tina W.

Shame on me, in my three odd years in Chicago, I had never been to Hyde Park. So when I went to watch a movie at DOC films at U of C, I asked a friend for a recommendation. Apparently the culinary options in the area are meager. So Medici on 57th it is. My friend and I sat in the outdoor patio which was pleasant enough. The chairs and tables were more than a little rickety. Our waiter, though friendly, sure took his time! We must have waited 10+ minutes for every step of the dining process: menus (10), orders (10), food (10), bill (10). That's 40 minutes of waiting that ended up making us very late for our movie. The food was good though. I had a chicken breast salad with balsamic pesto vinaigrette. The lettuce and vegetables tasted fresh, the chicken was grilled to perfection, and the vinaigrette was to die for. Seriously, where do they get their dressing, because I want that on every salad I have from now on. The extras to salad ratio was good too. So: food 4 stars, service just barely 2 stars, and a decent atmosphere bring up the score to a solid 3 stars.
(3)
Ignacio M.

Ate there on a Wednesday afternoon. Atmosphere is great and family friendly. Our waitress was really nice and provided great service. I had a burger and while I cannot say it is the best burger I've had, I was satisfied with the huge burger. Definitely a restaurant one should visit while in hyde park
(4)
Jason S.

Our favorite tarts in Chicago! Also enjoyed lunch there with a large group, no trouble getting a table! Service is always friendly and warm, and everything you order tastes great!
(5)
Bryan F.

When I was in college in the mid 90's I used to love coming to this place, pretty great pizza, dug the feel of the place, etc. After moving away I'd occasionally stop by when in town and found the service more spotty than I remember and the food only being good, not great... In the past few years I've stopped by a few times and had bad service and so-so food. It's pretty disappointing as this could and should be a great place. Sad to see a place roll downhill... It's still decent but it's not a place I seek out like I used too.
(3)
Risa C.

Great Bread, Fun food combinations. Good for burgers/ sandwiches and pizza. Try the green tea at the Medici bakery next door.
(3)
Rick V.

Good food and an inviting atmosphere. Pity that they close so early. I had barely finished my almond soda with chocolate ice cream when we were basically being rushed out the door. Maybe it would be better if they were open until 11 or 12?
(3)
Yaniv K.

Quite possibly the best place to get a sandwich, a croissant or a dessert in Hyde Park. This is a mandatory stop for me, a graduate student at uchicago, on the way to school to and fro. Their bagels are toasted to perfection; the coffee is never burned; and the sandwiches are readily available for purchase. Medici is simply one of those places that are indispensable for the social fabric of a neighborhood. In this case, the best deli in Hyde Park!
(5)
Nicole W.

One of my favorite places in Hyde Park! I've only been to the bakery side but I've heard great things about the restaurant side. I ordered a bacon grilled cheese here once and it was delicious and cheap. Some of the best ice cream I've had. Delicious flavors with a smooth and creamy texture. My favorite is definitely Pirate's Booty. The milkshakes are also delicious, not icy or too watery. I would try the Mexicana for a little different spin on a chocolate milkshake. And for coffee the Chocafe is the best on the menu, if you like chocolate that is. It is definitely my favorite thing on the menu. All in all, a fantastic place to stop for goodies on a hot or cold day. They have outdoor and indoor seating and they also bake right on location so the goodies are fresh and fantastic. It can be a bit pricey, but a worthy splurge.
(5)
Gfiddy F.

Simply outstanding.
(5)
Claire F.

Medici...hmm.......Well, Medici is pretty good. I live in Hyde Park, so if I don't want to make a trip downtown or North for dinner, this is usually where I go. The food is good, but nothing amazing. The service is pretty good, but they are usually pretty bad about refilling drinks. The atmosphere is cute and casual. I like it enough to have been here 3 times this year, but it's not amazing. Here is the main problem with Medicie: After you eat your meal, you will think, " Gee...I could have made that at home" The food is a little greasy, and nothing you couldn't make yourself.
(3)
Kumari D.

Sometimes you have to wait for a table would be my only regret. This is a fine place to take kids or meet friends or eat a fast or leisurely meal. Perfect for brunch or pizza. I especially love the Mexican Hot Chocolate.
(5)
CE K.

Pizza. Burgers. Salads. Coffee. Pastries. Ice cream. Hot chocolate. I like it all. The Med is a staple for any U of C student, faculty, staff, etc. The convenient store has a good deli in the back if you need to grab a quick lunch. I haven't been in long time (sadly), but I'll always have fond memories of pizza night with my girl friends, late night coco runs with my friend L, and the salad dinners I always craved when the weather warmed up.
(4)
Chris V.

This place is a total Hyde Park/University of Chicago staple! The food and service are pretty good, and the place is always packed with people. It has a nice neighborhood feel to it, and it is always a nice place to visit. The burgers and the fettuccine are great. Also, the Apple Pie dessert is absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended!
(4)
Haley S.

Ok - so I am a U of C student, so I am A) biased, and b) spend an insane amount of time here. However for basics, the Med rocks. Great pizza, love the blackened bbq burger....and the garbage salad with grilled chicken. Sometimes, you just want comforting and familiar, and yes....the best pepperoni ever (my custom pizza, pepperoni, sun dried tomatoes, and black olives, yum).
(4)
Ermelinda C.

Great treats -their fruit tarts are my favorite. I prefer the bakery to the restaurant (good news their outdoor space almost doubled) , but their patio is indeed cool on a hot summer's evening.
(3)
Justine U.

The food here is great, sometimes the pizza can be a bit greasy, but I've eaten here many times with no complaints about the food. The brunch is fabulous - lox plate is good, as are the sweet potato pancakes. Their bread is delicious so that makes the sandwiches even better (I suggest the veggie one with roasted red pepper, goat cheese and spinach). My office has become obsessed with the Mediterranean pizza, we've started ordering it once a month for a pizza party! Their lemonade and floats are fabulous as well. The service on the other hand is usually mediocre. The servers can mostly be rude and many don't seem to be there to serve the customer. As someone who waited tables for years, I know what I'm talking about when I say that they just aren't good servers. Not all of them are terrible, but there are a few that I hope I never get seated at their table.
(4)
R M.

I wish I could give the restaurant more starts but I'm so disappointed with their fries.. Everytime we're ready to order- its' the first thing that comes up.. ugh those fries.. they are thin and just bad- they get soggy with all the food and well it would be nice if they had better fries. Our alternative was the potato skins but they took those off the menu.. They have good food but what accompanies their dish is blahhh and many times decides on whether we're going to eat there or not.. The burgers, steak sandwich, strawberry Lemonade, chicken strips are great!
(3)
Sarah S.

Oh, the Med. The first restaurant every first year at University of Chicago is told to go to, the staple of 57th St. Unfortunately, the Med has gone down in quality significantly, I think, in the last 2 or 3 years. The portions got smaller and the food got pricier. Best bets for food are definitely the burgers - they're served on wonderful fresh-baked buns. The salads are also wonderful and big - best Caesar salad in Hyde Park. Skip the Mexican food and pasta. All in all, the food is fine, but nothing to write home about, at least not anymore. The one exception to this are the milkshakes and floats, which are both unusual (the "Mexicana" cinnamon one is to die for) and truly tasty. So go in a late afternoon, grab a milkshake, breathe in the great atmosphere, write on the walls in permanent marker, and then go somewhere else for dinner.
(3)
Derek K.

If "Obama Eats Here", as their T shirts profess, I wonder what he thought of the food. The interior is fine, two levels with an outdoor patio that is open during the warm months. Service can be hit or miss, sometimes great, sometimes they forget about you. I don't dislike their food but I don't like it either. You certainly won't be walking out of here with your taste buds in a trance. Most of the items on the menu are fine, eatable but I have yet to try anything that I would recommend to others. You have your standard salads, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and other items. Prices are reasonable. They charge for refills - when you sell Rite and Diet Rite as your flagship beverage you have no right to charge for refills. One thing that irks me is that the plates they serve their food on are never hot, or warm for that matter. By the time your meal arrives, it is lukewarm at best. I don't know about you but I'm not a fan of cold french fries. I think Medici's owes their "success" not so much to the food or atmosphere but rather to the lack of places to eat in the area. Obama may eat here but it is probably out of necessity rather than by choice.
(2)
Katie T.

Being a UChicago student, the praises about the Med have been sung for many a month before I finally ventured out to this local eatery.. One thing is for sure, the milkshakes are godly..making the one dollar shakes at the Einstein Brothers bagel shop every Wednesday (another UChicago staple) seem like churned milk with flavor. They are a must have for anybody venturing out to the Med. Their pizzas are good; I like the Mediterranean one especially but everything else on the menu seems to leave much to be desired...definitely come for the staples if you want something amazing or noteworthy but don't stray from there. Aside from food, the atmosphere at the Med is great. I take all of my friends who visit from other schools there and it's always a favorite.
(3)
Nefertiti O.

Hey, so Medici's is a good bakery! Restaurant, not so much. The food is so so, with the exception of the salmon burger special. Other than that I am hard pressed to find something on the menu that I feel matches the price. So, I ordered a croissant sandwich for delivery and it was 10$ and change and comes with no sides. Furthermore, the chicken salad taste like my little brother made it. Disappointing to say the least. I only wish I was in the restaurant so that I could send it back. Medici's you have great potential. Please step your flavor game up!
(2)
Jonathan S.

Jimmy Johns makes me a sandwich in 20 seconds. I waited for my sandwich at Medici's bakery for 20 minutes. It's empty in here and I can see 4 employees sitting idly in the kitchen. The food is decent, but the service is the only thing that sticks with me when I leave (this has happened the last three times I was here). Won't be back for a good while.
(1)
Krsna V.

The three stars are for the food. Their goat cheese pizza is the best. That alone makes it worth visiting Medici. Now, the minus two stars is for the service. I have been there many times and the service can be a hit or miss. I have experienced pleasant to terribly rude wait staff. Wish I could give 5 stars but the service leaves much to be desired.
(3)
Quinn K.

I used to live right by this place until recently. I tried to go there as often as possible. I thought it was only a bakery. The actual restaurant is hard to find. Once you do though, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The inside is cute and cozy. It has a nice outdoor area as well and seats right by large, sunny windows. The shakes there are delicious. I always get their almond shake and I actually want one right now thinking about it. To be honest I don't remember much about what I got besides being satisfied. Everything is homemade and it was tasty. My guests from out of town were pleased as well. It's actually a favorite of my sister's and she's a vegetarian. I'd go there again if it weren't so damned cold out and far away.
(5)
Lara Z.

Mediocre at best. Yes, the shakes are yummy and the pizza is decent, but other than that nothing to write home about. Sub-par service most of the time and overpriced for the quality of food.
(2)
Kate F.

They have improved their service, and the food quality is more consistent now.
(4)
Jo W.

Fellow Yelpers, today I fell in Love. With a capital L. First I fell in love with adorable Hyde Park. (Yes, it was my first time.) And then, Medici on 57th wandered into my life. (Ok, actually I wandered into theirs.) My friend and I accidentally walked into the bakery first. I had to immediately leave because my brain started freaking out at all the delicious baked goods. I might have to come back for that. We went next door to the restaurant, and I think I may have died and gone to heaven. We were seated in a cute booth covered in graffiti - part of Medici's charm. We tried to leave our mark, but our pens sucked. But right in front of me was a man's note to the world - that his girlfriend had the most beautiful eyes in the universe. I mean, how can you not swoon over that? If you didn't just say "awwww!" you are dead inside. We ordered a thin crust pizza with pepperoni and green peppers from our lacksidasical server (the only reason this place didn't get 5 stars). Folks, let me tell you right now - this is THE BEST pizza I've had in Chicago. If you like thin crust, you have GOT to make the trip down here, because it is SO worth it. The pepperoni is the biggest I have ever seen, and it is delicious. The green peppers were so fresh I think they have a garden out back. The crust OH MY GOD THE CRUST is to die for. While I enjoy a nice thin crust, I have to admit the thick crust I spied at other tables looked amazing as well. Actually, ALL of the food I spied at other tables looked amazing. It will be hard to come back and try something different though, because that pizza was super delicious. When we left we used the super cute restrooms - instead of marking them "men/women" they marked them "boys/girls" and the little people on the signs were cute. The coolest part about the bathroom area? One sink out in the open, and a wall covered in that awesome chalkboard paint with chalk for you to leave a message to the world. My message? "All we need is love." Because really, that IS all we need.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Um, so I defaced a table. And I think I broke the server's pen. So, yeah, that's how my meal ended. Ooops. The good news is that it seems defacing tables and the walls, and just about any flat surface seems to be encouraged! This was further evidenced when said server produced a lovely Sharpie to make my defacing of the table THAT much easier. All anecdotes aside, the food is fantastic here. We started with the baked goat cheese, which is presented with some homemade toast. It was so good, we had to get more toast to polish it off. We each tried an individual pizza for our entrees, which seemed to be a good bet. He tried the pan pizza ala garbage (it was called the garbage pizza, doi), and I had the Hans's smoked German ham. His was a bit too meaty (never thought I'd say THAT), but mine was just perfect with red onions, ham and Granny Smith apples. We pined over the french fries and the onion rings we saw carried to other tables, so I envision a return trip. Most definitely, it will be to sit outside with a bottle of wine. It wasn't quite warm enough for us to venture out on the day we visited. Service was pretty good, but could have been slightly more attentive. We ate a very late lunch/very early dinner, so we could have been between shifts. In any event, any forgetfulness was forgiven with the sweetness of our waiter and the root beers he continued to bring for my boyfriend. Loved the lay-out of this place, loved that it's BYOB, and loved the writing on the walls. This is a great casual date place, a fantastic spot for a family meal, and a good spot for old friends to catch up. I can't wait to come back. (Oh, and sorry about your pen, dude. But thanks for the Sharpie so I could really express myself on your table!)
(4)
Taylor E.

The University of Chicago admissions office tends to direct visiting prospective students and their parents here, and it's not hard to see why: it has quaint but welcoming atmosphere, the food is solid, and the menu is unlikely to alienate any palates. However, I find that Medici's, while well-balanced, lacks any truly inspired dishes: I've had many meals here that I've liked, but none that I've truly loved. The menu highlights are the burgers and the pizzas; these are prepared competently but rely heavily on tried-and-true (to the point of boring) flavor combinations, and the ingredients used, while certainly not bad, are not quite up to the level of quality that would bump this place up a notch. The atmosphere, though, is pretty nice, and definitely stands out in the Hyde Park dining scene, which consists primarily of dives and a handful of up-market places; Medici's is one of the few decent mid-market places. All of the wooden surfaces in the restaurant are heavily graffitied, but in a charming, 'hip' sort of way: if this restaurant and a tour of the University of Chicago are your first introduction of the neighborhood, you'll definitely come away with a different impression of the neighborhood than the locals - something I think that the University is pretty aware of. The spinach and goat cheese pizza is pretty good (especially if you ask to add sun-dried tomatoes) and the floats are tasty with some interesting choices - the almond soda/chocolate ice cream float in particular is delicious. If Yelp allowed half stars I'd give this place a 3.5 - there's nothing really bad about it, but nothing except for the atmosphere really stands out either.
(3)
Brent L.

I love this restaurant, but I must confess that I haven't tried many items on the menu other than their steak burrito, their pizza, and their burgers. But everything I try is just so good, and I'm a creature of habit. If you need a suggestion, get the steak burrito, splurge for the guacamole (not the best guac imaginable, but good), and get a Mexicana shake. You're welcome.
(4)
Emily N.

One of my girlfriends and I used to come here about once a month for the spinach lasagna. It's soooo good. We'd also split the ensalata kimba. That thing is also awesome. I mean granny smith apples, blue cheese, pecans... how could that not be awesome. And the lemonade, so refreshing. The space is pretty cool too. Rustic, artsy, graffitied. Service has always been good. As for the bakery? Oh God. Bring on the sinfully scrumptious feta and spinach croissant. This thing is definitely going to be included in my last meal menu. I am so addicted to them that I absolutely cannot eat this in the bakery. If I did it would a vicious cycle of me ordering the croissant and a chocolino. I would sit down and demolish the delectable pastry and gulp down my coffee, get up, return to the counter and repeat my order, sit, eat, drink, reorder.... you get the idea. I'm pretty sure that this would continue until I ran out of money or they closed for the day. Whichever comes first. Oh right, I mentioned the chocolino. Espresso, chocolate milk, whipped cream. Know about it. Oh, and if that cunt of a bartender who always manages to give me the warmest beer in the place (you know who you are) happens to be reading this, just know that you're phone number is permanently sharpied somewhere in here next to a description of you love anal in haiku form. HA!
(4)
Brian G.

I went here once several years ago with a friend, and just a couple of weeks ago with some coworkers. The only difference between then and now is Obama fever. Now you can buy a shirt that says, "The President eats here," or some such nonsense. Hey, I'm as much of an Obama-phile as anyone else, but I'll be damned if I let that sway my gustatory bearings. Remember: A Yelp review is a f*cking valuable thing. We can't be handing out five star reviews due to politics. Luckily, Medici earns its five stars easily. It's just awesome. I had a steak salad--yes, I eat like a chubby, menopausal woman--and it was great from top to bottom: Perfectly cooked steak, appropriate amount of dressing, and it came in a timely manner. Though Medici was swamped with other diners we had little problem getting a table, too, which was appreciated, and our server was top tier. I'm a bit bummed I didn't get a coffee, but I'll have to check that out next time. If you're skeptical about the South Side then Medici marks the perfect entree for you. Come on. Check it out. Then when you've found your sea legs start wandering around Hyde Park, Kenwood, Bridgeport, and Bronzeville. It's like a separate city within the city, and it never disappoints in my estimation.
(5)
Sara P.

On my list of things I regret doing this weekend, eating breakfast food instead of lunch food at Medici would be near top of my list. Crazy, I know. If only I had read my fellow yelper reviews. Starving from a long bike ride, we got here around 1130a or so on a Sunday. Luckily, we were seated right away, as we were all starving. We started with the cinnamon roll, which was very tasty. I had the eggs with chicken sausage and french toast. Everything was just eh. The eggs were fine, the french toast definitely lacked something...breading maybe? It was just so dry. The chicken sausage had a strange barbecue-ish flavor that left me wondering, but not really in such a good way. I saw a few lunch items pass by our table and was a little jealous, knowing I had made the wrong decision. I'm willing to go again, this time for lunch. But I definitely do not recommend eating breakfast here, as it's just not that great.
(2)
Lauren M.

Now to all those enthusiastic parents: I'm sure you're awesome. I'm sure (in theory) your kids are awesome. Please think of the good of humanity and don't bring a group of 4 or more really young kids who are unable to control the natural high that is sugar in a rather small, cramped area. I'm just saying. Back to the point, you can get many awesome sandwiches. You can get a burger (which I for some reason fail to find on the menu). And ice cream! And some sort of beverage! What can I say, I'm easily impressed by a good hard salami sandwich. Though I would never want to eat here inside, I would just die. And the people who work there seem pretty miserable. It's a good place to stop for a little lunch (a sandwich, OBVIOUSLY) to take to the park and be casual. It's not haute cuisine, but it's tasty and not stale or anything, so it should hit the spot on summer day.
(4)
Anna K.

I went here a few times when my best friend was a student at the U of C. I didn't understand the appeal but the U of C kids all seemed to love it. The food was all right (nothing to write home about) and the service was so-so. All of the U of C kids seemed to know each other. I thought the writing on the walls, tables, bathrooms, and everything else was a little bit silly but it seemed to fascinate many. If you don't go to U of C you will probably feel like an outsider here. If you go to U of C, chances are you've probably been here many times and don't understand why I didn't like it here. :)
(2)
Rafael C.

Thanks Colleen for office hours at Medici! This is my first foray in Hyde Park and it was both memorable and fun. I love the setup at Medici. From the wood based decor to the two stories and patios, Medici has plenty of potential for more fun times ahead. So the pastries lined up for us were pretty good to look at but I didn't partake in them as I had another bakery to go to afterwards for a croissant. Other Yelpers seem to like them though so I'm sure they are good. Their drink selections were top notch. The coffee was pretty good and strong. I also had a specialty lemonade that was very good too. Others had various other drinks and were happy to have ordered them. As for the service, they were very friendly, accommodating and attentive to our big group. So I plan to get back here when the weather is warmer and we'll see if my experience here is repeated ... I'm thinking outside patio action!
(4)
Laurie S.

The Med is pretty hit-or-miss. Love the pizzas and disgustingly large basket (bucket) of onion rings for $5. Everything else is pretty much take it or leave it. If you find yourself needing to eat something on the 57 block between Kenwood and Kimbark, the Med is a safe bet. Better for groups than Noodles. AVOID EDWARDO'S OH GOD.
(3)
Brent W.

My cousin was in town to see her brother who just started at U of C so we decided on the lore laden Medici. It was pretty good overall, service was very spotty but a good lunch experience nonetheless. Started w. the Hummus which could have included more Pita and the carrots were noticeably un-fresh. She had the veggie skewers, good size portion and definitely tasty. I went with the Shrimp Fett with a chipotle tomato creme and it was excellent...just a hint of chipotle, just enough so you knew it was there but no so much to take away from the rest of the dish. The vibe, ambiance was old world Italian with a decidedly Tag-infused attitude on the walls and tables....get your Gino's on, I say.
(3)
Courtney D.

I love Medici!! I do feel that some of the items are a bit pricey.. especially seeing where they are located. But they make up for it with the food! I always get the chicken quesadillas, which are amazing! They do not skimp on the ingredients, and even if you get the appetizer portion you will be satisfied. The salsa is also made fresh as well! I definitely think this is a great place to chill, and have a bite to eat!
(4)
Theresa C.

I was here yesterday for the office hours, so I'll admit I didn't have a typical experience here, but I liked it, probably enough to make the LONG trip back down to Hyde Park, at least a couple more times, for this place. The service was very good, I'm pretty sure they had assigned two or three people just to the yelp party and there weren't very many of us at the beginning. I had an Irish Breakfast tea, it was as good as tea can be, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The samples of baked goods were really good. There was some sort of little custard cup that was great and the brownie was super chocolatey. I really liked the atmosphere, there's customer writing all over the walls, the room was very sunny and open with lots of windows and I hear there is a patio that I will be checking out this summer. I rarely have a reason to do anything in Hyde Park, but now I have a little place to stop when I visit the museum. YAY!
(4)
Kar M.

When the father-in-law comes to Chicago, he wants his pizza. He was staying in Hyde Park, so we headed over to this place (ruling out the Edwardo's next door in favor of something local). We asked the hostess before committing: does this place serve deep-dish pizza? She nodded emphatically, yes, pan pizza. So we asked again, after finding a take-out menu that nowhere used the words "deep" or "dish" but did say that "family size" pizzas were pan style only and were again cheerfully assured that these were deep-dish. But the correct answer to our question was "no." When we took our seats and sought clarification from our disinterested server, we got the same weird interchange of pizza adjectives. So we ordered the one that was not a thin-crust. We also asked for a recommendation on a size to feed the three of us, as the menu doesn't qualify their sizes by inches or servings. We were told a large would cover it, and a family-size would give us plenty to take home. We got the family-size and obliterated it in one sitting. But this was partially because it was what I would refer to as a thin-crust pizza. We should have gone with our instincts on this one, sure. Also, a Chicago institution that sells pizzas should know what kinds of pizzas it sells. We got the four-cheese, which I one might also call the blue-cheese-assault pizza. The sundried tomatoes were good, but in every bite our mouths were distracted by the outright war (wanted harmony, received an epic battle) between cheeses. Too rich, too salty. It distracted us from conversation. It demanded water, which we didn't get... until I tracked down our server (not a busy night) and kindly requested it. He went to go get some and disappeared for 20 minutes. My father-in-law tracked him down again, and eventually he sent a busser with a pitcher. At this point we were parched and downed our drinks pretty quickly... never to have them refilled again. I know we didn't buy a $4 non-refillable raspberry lemonade, but come on. This place doesn't take AmEx (just like the commercials!) and yes, they let you write on their surfaces. But I'd just prefer that they serve me good food. But one thing I really appreciate is that there is another public sink outside the men's and women's bathrooms so you can wash your hands on the quick before eating. Thanks for encouraging hygiene!
(2)
maurice s.

Mediocre food and mediocre service: 3 stars. It's great to sit on the roof in the summer: +1 star. Kinda depressing to sit anywhere else & parking blows: -1 star. Total: 3 stars.
(3)
Jesse A.

I came here on a desperate quest for chocolate croissants and coffee. A desperate and SUCCESSFUL quest too. Ok, their baked goods are heavy, sugary or cheesy, big and greasy, and their coffee is full of flavor. It is a waistline expansion sort of place. But that's ok, we're talking about pastry here. For better or worse, I grew up in a neighborhood full of incredible french bakeries, so by those standards the Medici chocolate croissant was nothing special -- too heavy and breadlike, not light and airy. That said, anything involving chocolate and pastry is going to be happily devoured, and the strong tasty coffee was the perfect way to wash it down, on a cold spring walk around Hyde Park. Medicis reminds of why it's great to be alive, in the way all bakeries should.
(4)
Allison E.

The Medici is a local standard. I suppose everyone who lives in Hyde Park has to visit at least once, just to say they have. Its not terrible. I think I've outgrown it though. The food is good., but the service is spotty. I like the upstairs space and I once attended a post-wedding brunch on the roof top deck that was simply lovely. What I really love is the Medici bakery next door. The croissants are to die for. I like to pick one up on a nice morning and eat it in the park while reading the paper. Its perfect really.
(3)
Poof A.

Meh. I tend to go here a lot because it's in the neighborhood, but if I lived elsewhere I don't know if I'd be back. The food is decent- large portions, tasty, but not a lot of variety. Especially as a vegetarian, you get tired of the same 3 things every time. The service is ok- I've definitely had to flag people down for more water/silverware/whatever, but my order has never been colossally messed up. Nothing too memorable- basically your average college diner- but nothing to complain about either.
(3)
Kelly S.

I can only comment on a few things about Medici since I was beyond fashionably late for Office Hours here. The venue - really neat building! I loved how open and airy the second floor is. I did not get a good look downstairs. Great spot to grab a bite to eat before or after a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. The food - the croissant I ate was sooooo good. Crunchy on the outside and ewwy gooey buttery goodness on the inside. I plan on coming back for a meal and staying more than 10 minutes sometime.
(4)
Paul M.

This place is great! My favorite is the pizza for sure, while my wife prefers the burgers, and we never leave without finishing the goat-cheese appetizer. As for the pizza, the thin crust is totally the way to go. I was raised on thin-crust, and although "deep dish" or "stuffed" or "pan" or "whatever-it-is-that-stops-my-bowels / chicago-style-thick-A-S-S-pizza" seems to rule this city, I can't get enough of the thin stuff. The BBQ Chicken pizza is great, and the Pepperoni is great too (although it is SALTY SALTY pepperoni--be prepared to down some serious amounts of water). Never have been disappointed, and am always pleasantly surprised when I try something new. Cheers!
(4)
Ahz I.

Great food, and service! Really nice cozy rooftop as well.
(4)
Eugene E.

I've been here twice and have not been "moved" either time to say, "I like this place". I returned on a second time to eat on the rooftop deck, perhaps this is why it gets 2 stars. The hostess originally stated that they didn't have any tables available on the rooftop -- without looking at anything, what I would assume would be through osmosis she said, oh yes, there is 1 table left. So we walked upstairs and met the "upstairs" hostess who took us to 1 of 2 available tables. After being seated we get this server who seems to be annoyed he is working outside. I asked a few questions - which seemed to further annoy him. Somehow I placed an order for the "speciality" pizza (their term, not mine) -- BBQ chicken pizza. All I requested is that they not put the chicken on the pizza - keep the design except adding the chicken topping - he takes the order and comes back and says, we can't do substitutions on speciality pizzas. I knew based on what already occurred that having an in-depth conversation about this topic would get me nowhere so I just ordered the veggie burger and an Arnold Palmer (half tea/half lemonade). The AP was absolutely the worst half tea/half lemonade I have ever had. Since it was not "free refills", one would assume they used fresh squeezed lemonade... perhaps so, but I am not sure why in the world it had carbonation to the degree of a regular can of pop?!? Still baffled by this. The veggie burger I would not recommend. It was bland and not sure of what components they used to create the veggie burger but it falls at the bottom of the list of veggie burgers from restaurants. The bun was cold and thick, perhaps a potato bread - but I have had good potato bread before -- they could have at least toasted/warmed it up! It was quite dry and I had to take the bland veggie burger and just eat it alone with a fork and knife.
(2)
Jessy P.

I only give them 3 stars because of the quality of the waitstaff. Too many times have friends or family and I gone and we have been ignored. I have never seen a waitress take 15 minutes to get you a drink refill, and in the end the busboy notices and just does it for her. I have noticed that the staff seems to care ore about goofing off and gossiping with each other than they do about the people they are their to serve. There was one day we went, and a waitress chased out her table and yelled at them for not leaving her a tip. The people told her to her face that she was an awful waitress and that she did no deserve one as she did not earn it. They then informed her that they tipped the cooks instead, because the food was excellent. I can say after hearing that I knew that while I love the Med, the service always sucks and it never seems to get better. I also noticed some of the staff play favorites with customers. I over heard a group of girls laughing about how they were going to make one table wait because they didn't like the girl sitting with the group. Hopefully management removes these people because that does not make for a pleasant environment. ANYWAY....food is good, service sucks, a bit overpriced, but worth it most days...ALWAYS CARRY OUT OR GET DELIVERY!! The drivers are fast and really friendly!! Medici gets 4 1/2 stars for food and 2 for service.
(3)
Ted P.

The big stand-out is the bakery as I see it, and here's why: The apple croissants are, on good days, simply amazing. On bad days, they're still quite good. The chocolate ones are just a step behind, but are still worth stopping in for. The apple pie -- simply the best apple pie I have ever had. I was a UofC student and graduated 8 years ago and somehow I only discovered the apple pie last year on a rare visit back to Hyde Park. I feel like I truly missed out up until that point... Now, as others have said, the coffee is crap -- avoid at all costs! The restaurant earns a solid 3 stars in my book. The service has never been good and the food can be hit and miss. Sometimes it's really good. Other times, you'll regret even stopping in... That having been said, the strawberry lemonade and the shakes are always really really good. Long story short: I didn't respect this place when I was a student and have come to appreciate it more now that I'm back in HP from time to time.
(4)
Rachel B.

If it weren't for this place Hyde Park would be the worst neighborhood to eat out in the city. Every place else in the HP is mediocre at best, or too ethnic for frequent visits (sorry dudes, but I just can't do Thai more than once a month). The atmosphere is relaxed and homey, but clean, and the staff is attentive. Pretty much everything on the Med menu is really enjoyable. My faves are the Moroccan ragout, burgers and pizza. The fries are legendary and the desserts are to die for. I often visit just for a brownie sundae after a long day at the library. It's a perfect place for big parties, especially because it's BYOB! Let me expand upon the pizza: In a cluster of pizza places, the Med pizza is just right. Not chewy deep dish crap like Edwardo's, not cardboard with cheese on it like Cholie's. Just PIZZA. Fluffy/crunchy crust with creative, delicious toppings. (Florian is a close runner-up though!)
(4)
Brittany F.

Good quick lunch spot. Stopped in for a sandwich and wrap for lunch, which were both very fresh and tasty. I can't comment on the other baked goods, but the ciabatta used with my veggie sandwich was obviously fresh and really made the sandwich. There was very limited seating, but luckily we were having a late lunch so we had no problem getting a table.
(3)
Craig C.

We went here for brunch yesterday. My son LOVES the squeeze-your-own-orange-juice station. He and my daughter both had burgers (neither finished more than half). I had some very good onion rings and a great lorraine omelet (with awesomely good home fries and wonderful coffee). Another companion got steak quesadillas (which she devoured). All-in-all, a very nice experience...will be sure to repeat often.
(4)
Crelatia K.

Excellent baked goods, burgers, salads and shakes plus BYOB & nice outside deck for warm days. I live very close to the Med, so it feels comfy to me. It's not fine dining, super hip or foodie fare, but the burgers & fries are fantastic. I dine at the med fairly frequently and my experience with service has always been good or at least acceptable.
(4)
Matt S.

Still good, still four stars. Great pizza and good burgers. But the bakery just isn't as great as everyone says. And most of the people I know have moved on. As have I (back home to Boston).
(4)
Peter B.

Hokay, so, it's the Med. My name is carved into one of the tables somewhere (yeah, I am a vandal but they let you do that). It's the damn campus restaurant. If you go to school at UChicago you will eat here, accept it. I remember one horrible experience, really a long time ago, which involved fettucine alfredo in no way deserving of the name. Or okay, it was fettucine, but in milk with half a canister of that dried pulverized supermarket parmesan tossed in. Kind of turned me off to the place. But you can't stay away for long, and since then I've always had a solid time or better. The pizza is good, especially the huge crisped pepperoni with blackened edges. The pasta is good. The burgers are alright. Brunch is nice, and the eggs benedict always hit the spot. Share the onion rings with a friend for a starter at dinner. They're excellent and there's a lot of them for $5. It's gotten a tad expensive over time, but now I realize I just might be old enough to perceive, for the first time, the insidious effect of inflation. Damn! I consider the bakery a separate establishment, kinda, but the restaurant can go ahead and bask in its glow. That's one of the reasons for four stars. They have a plaque which says, 'Some of Obama's brain cells are made of Med pizza.' Come on, that's darned cute. Hometown hero. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by. (BYOB, incidentally.)
(4)
Gordon D.

This review is for the BAKERY! This place has the best fresh-baked breads and pastries in Hyde Park; some of their breads (and oh my god their ham and swiss croissants) are in the running for best in Chicago. What's more, they've now integrated the deli operation from the former University Market (sad to see it go), which means they're in the running for the best sandwiches in Hyde Park. Yes, I've had Z&H's sandwiches up on 47th, and they are really really good. Overall I'd say the two are equal. But a few of the sandwiches here at Medici Bakery (e.g. chicken salad, the spicy italian one, and anything with that killer honey mustard and a gang of avocado) are truly staggeringly awesome. For the bakery then, five stars. (If it's not already obvious, there should be two separate yelp entries here, one for Medici on 57th, the restaurant, and one for the incredible bakery nextdoor. If I were rating the restaurant separately, I'd give it 3 stars: it's good if pretty unremarkable college-town fare, solid burger, rad chicken salad [see above], and a bunch of other totally passable but not mindblowing options. Plus, little-known fact, it's BYOB, which is crucial for the rooftop in the summer time.)
(5)
R D.

This is our go-to breakfast place in Hyde Park. The wait isn't insane like at the Original Pancake House and the food is better while remaining in the same price range. Plus they serve lunch and dinner. Staff is generally friendly but there are a coupla servers that clearly don't enjoy being there. The coffee is excellent and the raisin toast is world class. We really haven't ordered anything there that we didn't like.
(4)
MsHydePark C.

The Med is a well-loved Hyde Park institution-- It's where locals proudly bring visitors and it's often the one restaurant in Hyde Park that north-siders seem to know and care about. The decor is cute and kitschy and the patio is really nice in the summer. It's a fun place to come with a group. Given all of the things I note above, I really, really want to love this place.... When it comes to the food, though, I'm sorry to say it, but eh.... I've never been much of a burger eater (I'm a former vegetarian), so perhaps I'm predisposed not to be a fan of a restaurant like this, but I've optimistically ordered everything else on the menu without much success. The pizza, though, is pretty decent, although nothing special.
(3)
Mo S.

Atmosphere is pleasant, and food often quite good, such as squeeze-it-yourself OJ and some of the (slightly overpriced) sandwiches like chicken salad. Takeout/delivery experiences are consistently frustrating. Once I received a salad: half of it was rotten (as in advanced degree of decay) and the small dixie cup of house dressing was all oil as though it hadn't been mixed. Another time they claimed my location was out of delivery range, though it is within 5 blocks. I called back and spoke to another employee who tersely and without apology attributed the discrepancy to the previous phone person "lying." I would rather go to Caffe Florian where they are always competent and professional.
(2)
Andrea G.

The Medici is a veritable Who's Who of Hyde Park. Everyone eats there from UC students, to Labbies, to parents picking up their kids from the Ray School, to professors, to locals, to Barack Obama. I go to the Med about twice a month now (when I lived in Blackstone Hall, I went twice a week . . . ), and I ALWAYS run into someone I know. The food is good--I've never had anything I didn't like, or at list if I wasn't a fan it's because of my own pickiness, not a fault of the kitchen. The ambiance is great--there is always a happy din of people talking, but not so loud that you can't hear your own conversation. You can write on the wooden booths, and it's fun for me to see what I carved into a table back in my freshman year of college. Whenever I have friends visiting me from out of town, I take them here. So with such a positive review, why did I give The Med only 3 stars? Two reasons: the service is hit or miss. Like by that it's either decent or just bad. And then here's the real kicker THEY CLOSE AT 11:30 (Midnight on weekends) AND BECAUSE THEY OWN THE 57TH ST BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, NOBODY IS ALLOWED TO BE OPEN LATER. That's right, kids, the Med is why we DON'T HAVE A 24 HOUR DINER on in Hyde Park on 57th.
(3)
Never M.

Why is everything so dry? Ok shame on me, Is this an Italian restaurant? I just found out this little fact. If that's the case why are these pizzas so gross and dry? I have not tasted anything here that I've liked. My bf always tricks me with food from this place and its not a tasty or funny trick.
(1)
Matthew T.

I went here with my gf and felt lucky right off the bat because the parking situation was pretty bad in general but we got a spot, so one flaw in the evening was averted. We were seated quickly and had a good time looking at the different things written on the walls while waiting for a server. We got our drinks quickly and ordered the Garbage Pizza. While it might not have the most appetizing title, it included all of my favorite things on a pizza and came in deep dish form. We waited a little bit longer than I'm used to waiting for pizza, but it came and was a revelation. The only complaint I have about the food itself is the fact that the pizza's structure doesn't hold up very well under the pressure of all the ingredients on top of it. Otherwise, flawless service and delicious food. If im ever in the area again, i will try to eat here again.
(4)
Jonathan A.

I fantastic place to eat and a great reason for me to make the trip to Hyde Park. I'm even considering a bike ride with the purpose of going to Medici as a destination. It's rare that I get to come down to Hyde Park, but I always want to. The food seems solid all around, from the burgers to the sandwiches and pizza to the fantastic variety of shakes and floats. The Mexicana shake was awesome. The place itself and the staff has great personality and a cool vibe. A lot of U of C students, businessmen? politicians. You name it, everyone seems to eat here.
(4)
Julie M.

Bakery = the BEST muffins I've ever had. The blueberry are amazing, and the banana chocolate chip are to die for. Also, cinnamon rolls are literally the best I've had anywhere. The croissants are not the best I've ever had, but they're really really good. Their coffee is great, too. It's a fair trade from a roaster in Wisconsin. Delicious. As for the proper, sit-down restaurant that's attached, the food is mediocre. The atmosphere is nice, but I don't think the prices are worth the quality you get, honestly. A lot of their meal and sandwich items are bland, or combinations of items that are just a bit off. They have a big pizza menu, but it's so incredibly easy to find better pizza virtually anywhere else. We are in chicago, after all. Go somewhere else for dinner, and then *definitely* go back to the Med bakery for a coffee and dessert. :)
(4)
Karen N.

Very good croissants indeed. We went there for the chocolate ones, but the ham and cheese, feta and spinach were way better. All and all, Chicago doesn't have that many places to get good croissants. So we will definitely go back for more.
(3)
Yo U.

I am sorry to say this, but Medici on 57th is overrated. While there is nothing wrong with the quality of food offered, it is expensive for what you get and my pasta dish was extremely bland. Also, why did they decide to tear a page out of the Gino's East playbook and tolerate -- nay, encourage -- budding graffiti artists to mark up the walls and the tables? That is dÃ©classÃ© to say the least. I will not return for a second meal. Done and dusted.
(2)
Ashley F.

The Medici is a hotspot for University of Chicago students and Hyde Park residents alike who aren't particularly concerned with spending a little extra cash for a mediocre meal. Though my opinion about the restaurant is lukewarm in general, I do enjoy their BBQ chicken pizza and their baked goat cheese appetizer. The crust on their pizza is not the greatest (it lacks flavor in a big way), but the toppings on the BBQ pizza makes up for the lackluster crust. It is loaded with chicken and a really tasty BBQ sauce. The baked goat cheese is incredibly as well, but mostly due to the tasty marinara sauce that it is adorned with. Unfortunately, the toast points that are served with the meal are disappointing, especially given the great bakery (actually part of the Med) that is just next door. A quick note on the bakery: it is incredible! There is nothing else like it in Hyde Park. As apathetic as I am about the restaurant, I am ecstatic about the bakery. The sour cream buns are incredible, the cinnamon-raisin bread is delectable, and the fruit tarts are fantastic. I just wish that the restaurant was as good as the bakery.
(3)
MH W.

Visiting a UChicago grad student friend and we ate here twice: once for dinner and once for lunch. The location is amazing because it's so close to campus. Pizza was good--not deep dish, but tasty. Our server looked like MIKA, which definitely added to the feel of the place. Their bread was delish and the sandwiches were good as far as sandwiches go. I liked that you could basically build your own. I didn't get to try any of the pastries/desserts which was a travesty, but when I go back, I definitely will. Oh, and did I mention there are free temporary tattoos at the hostess station?
(4)
Dean K.

This place is kind of hard to rate as we only went to the bakery. It was unplanned. We happened to go to the bookstore down the street and passed the place and had remembered seeing that Obama liked it. For what we got it was good. We had a chocolate brownie which was to die for and then I had some chocolate pastry which was very good. They serve Kickapoo coffee which was bold and smooth at the same time. I liked it better than Caribou but it was probably not as strong as Starbucks.
(4)
Cathy H.

Awesome place. I ordered the cafe au lait and it came out as two jugs, one milk and one coffee and it was the coolest thing ever! The waitresses were extremely nice and the atmosphere was great to get some work done or just socialize :)
(5)
Serena B.

A Hyde Park staple. A must come to on the south side. They have great food, great ambiance, and just an all around great restaurant. Whether you are a busy student trying to get something delicious and filling or a large group of friends, this is the place to go. They have something for everyone - a small bakery w/ sandwiches and sidewalk seating, regular restaurant seating and if you wanna get romantical...ask for upstairs seating where you can sit up top and look down at the little people (j/k) and there is also an outdoor patio upstairs! The food is always NOMTASTIC! My newest Medici obsession? Their banana cream pie ice cream. YASSSSSSS!
(5)
Gina L.

The ol' high school hang out. We'd skip class to order warm pizza slices or come here after school for fries, shakes and floats! Here's what you need to know: Morning: -fresh squeezed orange juice (you used to be able to squeeze it yourself...I dunno if things have changed) -CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS -yes! to mexican hot chocolate Snackin': -potato skins are delish -still upset that they got rid of jalapeno poppers =( -chicken quesadillas come with a generous amount of sour cream and pico de gallo -eat a basket o' fries with bbq sauce Lunch/Dinner: -get here around 11-11:30am, it's packed by noon. -FIDEL'S CHICKEN SOUP -Ensalata Kimba salad -their bbq chicken pizza has way too much bbq sauce. overwhelming. -thin crust personal pizzas are bigger than pan pizzas. take your pick. Sweets: -mexicana shake, orzata and himbeersaft floats all worth your $$ Extras: -bring a permanent marker before you eat here - just in case you wanna make your mark on the wall or on a table or chair. -look around you, u of c profs, grads and undergrads everywhere! (the younger looking ones are either freshmen or labbies). feel smart - or really, really dumb. -the bathroom got renovated and is nice - this still blows my mind! -this is the ultimate Hyde Park landmark restaurant. TONS better than Edwardos, better than Caffe Florian.
(4)
C D.

The food is usually good, although the price can add up quickly. Sometimes it's hard to get a table quickly on the weekends, especially if you're in a large group. Recently, their delivery has been really bad. One time they brought us the wrong pizza and corrected it by bringing another one an hour later (and saying we couldn't eat the wrong one in the mean time.) The other one they brought us was the wrong size, at which point we gave up. The last time we ordered they took longer than anticipated to deliver (an hour) but did call to let us know. Spinach and goat cheese pizza, barbecue chicken pizza, baked goat cheese, and the burgers are all pretty solid.
(3)
Femia M.

I have certainly become a fan of this quaint and charming bakery next to the restaurant. All the baked goods look delicious and very well crafted. I have had their lattes and chai tea which have both been wonderful. The apple croissant, though, that is somthing more than wonderful--FABULOUS. The only down side of the place is the limited seating. Its quite a small place which makes it difficult to sit down and enjoy your coffee without being bombarded with customers waiting in line during the rush hours. Other than that, the place is overall great.
(4)
Tracy T.

Reliable, straightforward food near the University of Chicago campus. I work at U Chicago and there aren't many options for lunch other than cafeterias and the assortment of food trucks along Ellis. Medici is my trusty standby - their salads are fresh, the chili is delicious, great pizza, they're always willing to sub a veggie skewer for fries and their rich, homemade milkshakes are absolutely to die for and follow the seasons (pumpkin and peppermint of late.) Can't comment on the service because they know me by name since I'm there at least twice a week. I always get a warm welcome, even if I'm dining solo. In the spring and summer, it's nice to be able to soak up the sun on the patio. My line is that I'm on the "Medici Meal Plan." I've used them for catering in my office and they are very generous with the food.
(4)
Michelle S.

I just had dinner there tonight and I was so dissapointed. First, I'd checked the website and the menu was inconsistent with the restaurant menu. Then I got there and the waitress, never told us her name. She just approached us and said, "Are you ready?" Then when we weren't ready, she acted like she was unhappy about it. I ordered the spinach lasagna. The edges were great, til I got to the middle and it was STILL COLD. So I asked that it be put back in the over for a few because it was still cold on teh inside. The waitress sent it back and then allowed it to stay in so long that when she returned it, the cheese was all burnt and crappy looking. They had cooked the taste out of it. She never apologized for it being crappy. She was just like, "That's how they gave it to me" So we asked for the manager who just offered me something else. I got a BLT.... a mediocre one. They didn't charge for the spinach but they charged for the BLT. Maybe I wasn't aggressive enough, but they shouldn't have charged me for the BLT at all. Due to the crappy ass service, they should've definitely not charged for my entree at all. I've heard so many good things about Medici and I was thoroughly unimpressed. I will not be returning. When we got the check I was wishing I had some of those "You've been Yelped" cards to leave for their dumb asses b/c I had every intention of coming home and doing just this. Zero stars!!!! The only thing good was that there was a meter parking space right out front.
(1)
Daniel D.

Great atmosphere. Usually excellent food. Last visit however, the chicken came out undercooked. The waitstaff were fantastic and quick to deal with the issue. Always excellent customer service.
(3)
Shayna N.

The shirts have written on the back "Obama eats here" let's just hope he wins in a few weeks. We sat on the outside deck and enjoyed a small pizza, a fresh salad and chicken noodle soup. The deep dish was delicious. The cheese and crust were amazing, my only complain was the scarce sauce. But over all a very enjoyable experience.
(4)
Nyameche Q.

I LOVE THE MED! I just have to say that. It is hands down my favorite restaurant. I've lived in Hyde Park for five years, and I've never had a less than satisfying experience at the Med. The bakery is amazing. I especially love the fruit tarts and turnovers, and you have to try the carrot cake. Their deli sandwiches are good. Their shakes are good (Mexicana chocolate is the best). Their pizza is good. I've never had an entree there I didn't like. Some of my favorites are the spinach lasagna, tuna steak sandwich, baked goat cheese and Han's Westphalian ham pizza. The Med is also a great brunch spot. All-around the Med is just a solid restaurant. If you're going there for the first time I recommend trying the calzone of the week and the shake of the week. Another nice thing about the Med is that there is a Streetwise vendor who sells right outside the bakery, and it seems as if the staff are always very kind to him. I see him going into the bakery to get coffee and water sometimes, and in the winter he goes in to warm up. He is a very kind, sweet man, and I always buy from him when I go by. The Streetwise is a magazine that costs $2 to buy, and it was created as a way to help homeless people and people who are coming out of homelessness earn money. The program is run by the Salvation Army. Anyway, swing by the Med and give it a try. Especially go in nice weather so you can sit outside at the patio tables right outside the bakery or on the upstairs outdoor balcony. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Alysson L.

I am baffled by the high regard Medici receives from the U of C community. It's because there isn't any competition, isn't it? I've eaten at Medici a number of times. I've had their burgers, their salads, their soups, and their pizza. The burger was abysmal-- it completely lacked flavor, as though the meat hadn't been seasoned before being cooked. The salad (Ensalata Kimba, I think?) was just fine, but not really that exciting, and over-priced. The soup was ok, but that particular experience was marred by the service-- my boyfriend ordered his sandwich without mayonnaise, and received it with extra mayonnaise, and the waiter ignored us for most of the meal and never apologized for the error. The pizza was good, but inferior to what you can get at Leona's. As for the bakery, while their croissants and buns are palatable, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "good", and they serve what is decidedly the worst coffee in Hyde Park (go to Dunkin' Donuts before you go here.) And that goes for both brewed coffee and espresso drinks-- you're likely to have your milk scalded and your espresso burnt. Especially beware their coffee/mocha thing (the name is escaping me)-- it's basically a cup of their already bad brewed coffee with Swiss Miss dumped in. I used to stop in during the winter because it's the halfway point between my apartment and the university-- location notwithstanding, I've given up.
(1)
Elif P.

My aunt and uncle took me here. I am absolutely in love with this place. The ambiance is perfect for families or for college students. I enjoyed eating a deep dish pizza. The prices are reasonable, especially if you do not want to spent too much money. I loved how the waiters and waitresses had t-shirts that said " Obama eats here." It makes you want to buy one. Downside, it may be crowded on a weekend or a friday night.
(5)
Scott L.

My friend who took my wife and I around Chiacgo took us to her high school hang out. I love the place and could see why she went there often. It's a cool local place where you can get a cacophony of drinks and food. Everything on the menu looks tasty but we didn't get everything. We got some pizza and a salad. I also ordered a shake. The food here is very good and the vibe is very chill. You can eat your lunch with the dean and heads of different schools. Everyone is rubbing shoulders. Also, Obama gets his pizza there! How can you lose?
(4)
Janet E.

I've been here a few times and have not been disappointed. Their menu is extensive with lots of choices. They have upstairs and downstairs seating. They dont open for breakfast though until 1100am. The food here is always fresh and delicious! Street parking is available and wait staff is friendly.
(4)
Aurore L.

Too bad these people cannot be nice... At the same time why would they bother?!?!? They have some of the best croissants in the city and patrons are queuing all the time to get them. They even offter a special twist with their apple-cinnamon croissants which are simply to die for. Recently they even added outdoor sitting on 57th street - it's great to eat your gooey breakfast item feeling bad about beginning your day with such a ridiculous amount of calories while people-watching... But Gosh these people are rude!!!!!!!!! I will never NEVER understand businesses who have this type of attitude. A big no-no that cost them 2 stars.
(3)
Lili V.

Medici Bakery, we should talk. My experience was a little ridiculous. I had a plan. I was going to the bookstore, then over to you to buy little fruit tarts. I came here because I thought it would be easier than heading over to China Town. It took a while to find parking. I finally get in, and order 3 fruit tarts and 2 croissants. Lady rings me up, while other lady starts to grab tarts. They ask me to point to the ones I want. I do. Lady looks at me like I'm nuts. She asks which out of the three I pointed to do I want. I blink at her. ALL THREE. Lady asks the question again as if I didn't understand the question. Finally, the other lady at the register explains. I wanted THREE. I suppose the woman needed to hear that from a fellow employee in case I was trying to steal 2 tarts. She starts to put them in plastic containers, and then a paper bag. Each one in their own plastic container and paper bag, even when I told her the bags weren't necessary. To finish the job, she put everything in a plastic bag. She may have been a gift wrapper before this. I will be going to Saint Anna Bakery from now on for my little tart needs.
(1)
Gene W.

I've been making the trek down to Medici more often lately, enough to warrant an update. GO RIGHT NOW AND ORDER FIDEL'S CHICKEN SOUP. Yeah, it's so good that it had to be said in caps lock. Sorry. Really though, this stuff is marvelous. My grandmother used to make an almost identical soup when I was a kid, but, sorry, this stuff is even better. Tender chunks of white meat chicken, a perfect amount of spiciness and fresh vegetables. Marvelous. If you're looking for something to balance out the hot soup, I've got to recommend the Orzata float. It's almond italian soda and chocolate ice cream, and almost worth the drive on it's own.
(5)
Don A.

Living in Hyde Park, I feel like i'm supposed to love this place. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, per se, but I simply don't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I just can't appreciate the atmosphere very much. It is interesting for a visit, but not something I would return to many times. Service is decent, though nothing that stands out. The food is good - i've had a few pizzas, the burrito, and a sandwich (I think the Mediterranean pizza was the best) - but its a bit overpriced. Knock two bucks off the dishes and I would find it more acceptable. Its menu has variety making it a good choice for larger groups of people (but what is up with not splitting the check for the customers? is that just a Hyde Park thing?). I have no qualms about going here with friends but it wouldn't be my first choice in the area.
(3)
Laura S.

Solid neighborhood food. My ride to the airport lives and works in Hyde Park, so I met her here for a quick dinner before running off to catch my flight. If I was a UChicago student this would definitely be my regular spot for drinks and cheap eats with friends. I had a Caesar salad and a garbage burger - both very good. The garbage burger had some particularly good flavors. We sat in a very nice outside seating area upstairs - it was quite busy, so service was a bit slow and frazzled, but very nice to have an outdoor seating option that's not the middle of a sidewalk. The place has a nice vibe!
(4)
Jim M.

Good, old fashioned, non-theme oriented, non-trendy diner/restaurant. The kind of place every "college town" has to have at least one of. And Hyde Park only has one. The other diners nearby just don't have the atmosphere or the nearly the food quality. Late breakfast? Dinner? Dessert? Got The Munchies? Just want to feel like you're 20 and everything in life is intense, and meaningful and worth talking about for 2 hours over cups of coffee? Want to write on the wall or carve your girlfriend's initials into the table? This is where you need to go. Now, I had a favorite spot back East that spoiled me on eggs benedict forever. I swear they put crack in their hollandaise. No one else's will ever compare. But Medici's comes as close as anyone can hope to get. The eggs are perfectly round, and exactly the size to match the ham rounds and the English muffins. The hollandaise is thick, with a hint of citrus. The breakfast potatoes are crispy without burnt sections, and very flavorful. You just can't go wrong. Even the drip coffee is good, and I rarely like, or drink, drip coffee. Dinner fare? Sure! The pizzas (variety of crust styles if you aren't a local who likes that 2 inch thick stuff) are excellent with diverse topping choices. The burger is big, juicy, and well topped without getting fussy and still tastes like meat (not avocado, or blue cheese or some other weird thing). Onion rings are off the hook entirely. They're practically down the hall in another room. Every time we go I deliberately "spoil my dinner", with my mother's voice ringing in my ears, by ordering a root beer float. They're just the right size and oh so tasty. They have their own bakery and espresso bar, so you just can't go wrong for dessert, either. There is a separate entrance if all you want is ice cream, a danish, and a coffee, but all these items are available in the art bedecked dining room as well. Be sure to greet the limbless pope as you enter and seek his blessing as you leave.
(4)
Lora V.

I went here with a bunch of girl friends and had a blast. We had a cute booth that left us to have a nice quiet evening. The restaurant has a lot of character with graffiti all over the walls. The food was delicious. There was a lot of variety from sandwiches to steak. I also noticed a lot of vegetarian options (and not just pasta). I had the spinach lasagna and really enjoyed it. The portions were all quite large so sharing can be done easily. Some of the other food that my friends ordered was amazing! A really large garbage salad, fettuccine Alfredo, and I drooled over the Mediterranean pasta. However, some of the people around us ordered pizzas that looked delicious. One thing to take note of, no alcohol is served here. But you're welcome to bring your own. Don't be afraid to bring in a bottle of wine, completely acceptable. If you don't want alcohol, there is an amazing bakery that provide awesome coffee. I really enjoyed this place and would go back in a heartbeat. There are so many other things I want to try.
(4)
Meridith H.

Oh, the Med. I've been eating here for the past 9 years. Count 'em. NINE. It's always been your solid standby, loved for it's comforting familiarity when studying for finals and for the plentiful reading material carved into the tables and scrawled on the brick walls. I made my back back to the Med for dinner the other night, and for once, decided to try something new: the Calzone of the Day. For the first time, my food was made from deliciously fresh ingredients, served at the perfect temperature, and portioned to be generously filling without allowing me to over stuff myself in a grotesque fashion. For that visit alone, Medici, you earned 4 stars in my heart. My head, however, will not be swayed. I recognized the root beer float as your standard fare (solid, but not special). I recognized all the standby dishes that I've eaten since first moving to the neighborhood. You can't fool me with one delicious, perfect calzone. You are a 3 star restaurant, now and forever (or at least until there's new ownership).
(3)
Michelle L.

I randomly picked out this bakery for a quick lunch while walking along this street. The place was pretty busy but there didn't seem to be many spots for people to sit down; good thing most people just did takeout. I had the Napoli Sub, which consisted of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red bell peppers, fresh basil, mixed greens and Kimba dressing. I'm not exactly sure what Kimba dressing exactly means but it all tasted great- very fresh. The portions were huge: half the sandwich was enough to fill me up, and I was able to save the other half for an afternoon snack. My boyfriend had Han's Favourite, which was also really nice; it tasted smokey with a sweet hint of maple. I also tried their house-made chai tea, which was really flavorful but still a bit on the sweet side, even though they advertised it as not very sweet. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by what this small bakery had to offer. To bad I didn't try the ice cream everyone else was lining up for.
(3)
Kristina C.

The Med pretty much has something for everyone and the staff is always so friendly. Mostly U of C students are in to grab a bite, but there is also a mix of locals. But I have to admit, this review is mostly for the bakery. Delicious! They have many breads, cookies, pastries, etc that you can enjoy. There are a few high top tables in the bakery so you can order and eat, but on a nice day I'd suggest ordering your treat of choice and going on a walk through the neighborhood.
(4)
Scott H.

Great lunch stop after touring Robie House 2 blocks away. Wonderful service and thin crust Pizza. "Obama eats here"
(4)
Lisa D.

I love both the bakery and the restaurant. I agree with everyone else, the bakery has the best chocolate and spinach/Feta croissants I've ever tasted. And the Mediterranean Pizza is to die for! Even though service can be rather "hit or miss" depending on what night you go there, overall have never had a truly bad experience there. And you gotta love the fact that not only is the food good and reasonably priced but it's also B.Y.O.B.! Ah, if we only had more spots like this in Hyde Park!
(4)
Carmen M.

I was visiting some friends who go to UofC and we decided to check this place out. Recently attracted the attention of food lovers and Obama lovers when it was revealed that Obama liked to dine here when he lived in Chicago. We came here on a weekday afternoon and we had to wait around 30 minutes for a table. We didn't mind since we weren't in a rush. We sat near the entrance and admired the wall filled with people's writings in permanent marker. The entire wall was covered with signatures, sayings, quotes, and just silly comments. If you come here make sure you bring a permanent marker with you so you too can claim a little spot on the wall for yourself. There are many other places to write as well, so bring a Sharpie and have fun doodling. When seated, my friend and I decided to order 2 dishes and split half with each other. We decided on the Han's Smoked German Ham pizza and Garbage Hamburger. Both were delicious especially the pizza. The pizza was soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside and the just enough sauce without being too saucy. The hamburger I felt was good, but not great. All in all the food was pretty good. We also decided to order an apple pie to share among the four of us. The apple pie was one of the best I have ever eaten. Served warm with the crust soft but still a little bit crispy oozing with rich apples inside. Simply delish! The atmosphere is what makes this place exceptional to me. This is a good place to meet a friend for lunch and update each other on what has been going on in each other's perspective lives. It's coziness and comforting atmosphere makes this place a keeper. Interesting Note - Out waiter told us that Obama's favorite thing to order at Medici was the Garbage Pizza. And he would sit on the second level next to the balcony overlooking the first level. Us Chicagoians love us some Obamarama!
(4)
Ioan B.

Very nice location, pretty bad food. They should do better. I am talking about the restaurant location; the coffee/bakery is better.
(2)
Tom D.

2.5 stars This is a decent place -- did not try their baked goods -- we just came for deep dish pizza and some appetizers. The goat cheese appetizer was a highlight. The pizza was good -- though one of them was quite undercooked. The back porch looks like it would be a great place to hang out in the summer, but I was a little underwhelmed with the pizza.
(2)
Bradley T.

I am a fan of the Med. As a U of C student, it's one of the more convenient places to go around campus, with solid burgers/fries/pizza/salads in the restaurant, and good coffee + great baked goods and sandwiches in the cafe. In addition, the cafe just re-did its front facade in big glass panels. It's aesthetically pleasing and, just like Z&H next door, the whole thing opens up during the summer to unify the inside with the outside, pedestrians and pan-handlers and all. An underappreciated item at the cafe is the rice crispy treat: super-duper comfort food, and delicious.
(4)
Nicole L.

Medici, you have ruined my expectations for others' turkey burgers. When I lived in Chicago, Medici was THE place I went to for turkey burgers. Yes, they're even better than Epic Burger's thin patties (although still moist and tasty). Since living in Boston, I've found often that ordering a turkey burger is nothing more than getting a defrosted Jennie-O turkey patty. But at Medici, the turkey burger actually resembles, rivals a beef patty. Here, you have a CHOICE whether it's rare, medium-rare (my pref), etc. This is my secret test to know whether the turkey burger is fresh. Also, the burgers are thick, slightly charred and have that smokey grilled taste. Then it's served on a thick potato bun. BLISS! As for the rest of the restaurant, it receives 4 stars for its bakery (minus one star for no dairy-free options), decadent desserts, great patio seating, and non-offensive staff. Also, nice to have somewhere opened till midnight in Hyde Park. Suggestions for improvement: Less grease and more lentils in the Moroccan ragout. Also, more "clean eating" options on the menu. Brighten up the interior of the main restaurant e.g., more lights.
(5)
Tao Tao W.

went here last friday with about 5 of us. I got the smokey joes and also we started with the guac and chips. The chips were really good but there was a lot of chips so would have been to nice to get more guac. I got the smokey joe's. it was ok but wasn't that great. Howevre, the service was really good. Our waitress was really attentive and our drinks were always full.
(3)
Brad C.

Went to Medici for lunch one afternoon. I'm never in Hyde Park so this was a pleasant treat. I was kinda shocked how busy the place was for a Wednesday afternoon. Ordered the turkey burger rueben style. Since I've been on this rueben kick for awhile, I still wanted the rueben but also wanted something different too - a burger rueben style seemed like a perfect option. This was an amazing choice. On the menu they have about seven different signature pizzas. I was lucky enough to be able to try the pizza as well, which was pretty rock solid. The pizza I tried is called the 'Garbage' and had many of your standard toppings; pepperoni, onion, green peppers and a few other goodies. Finally I couldn't leave without a cup of coffee. Excellent coffee! Man I wish I was eating here right now. I'll be going back to Medici again and talking it up to friends. All around a great place, top notch food, cool atmosphere and friendly service, definitely check it out.
(5)
Shantai G.

The food is pretty good. Try the Spinach Goat Cheese Pizza, a bit oily, but tasty nonetheless. And I'm obsessed with their sandwiches also. And their desserts. And their hot chocolate. And their almond croissants. And their everything. Although the sometimes snappy service, I could do without (especially at the bakery).
(4)
Jess S.

Just okay. Have been a couple times and have gotten the burger, chicken fingers, and bbq chicken pizza. All were good, not great, and slightly bland. The atmosphere is fun, and it's especially nice to sit outside on the patio when it's nice out. The service is fine, and usually the place is pretty packed with a fun crowd. Prices are reasonable, portions are adequate. Like I said, I've been here a couple times because it's close to the GSB and pretty central to where my friends and I live. But it's nothing to write home about.
(3)
Lauren N.

Oh man, I love The Med. They are building one in Bloomington, IL where I go to school, so soon I will be able to indulge again. The almond croissants, and baked goods in general, are perfect. I once wrote an essay about a croissant, I was so inspired (the essay had the broad topic of "What do you like?"...I like almond croissants). The food borrows from a variety of cuisines, but does them all well. The veggie burgers are spectacular, as are the appetizers. I've never made it to dessert, as the portions are very generous. The atmosphere is laid-back, with scrawled confessions and quotes on the walls and tables. U of C students abound. This place can get pretty loud on a Friday night, but the noise isn't terribly intrusive and the tables are spaced nicely so you don't feel like you're constantly eavesdropping (unless you want to).
(4)
Violet T.

It's overrated, overpriced American food with a cliche 'twist'. Good milkshakes, but you can get $1 Wednesday shakes on campus. Want the same menu (plus way more choices), more food for your money, and friendly service? Go to Leona's on 53rd and Kimbark. There's more parking up there, too.
(2)
Jay L.

I boycott the Medici. The food is okay but overpriced; the attitude sucks. You know what I'm talking about - the too cool to smile types. If you want good thin crust pizza, go to Piece, or if you want stuffed pizza, go to Bacino's or Due. And if you want a good salad or sandwich, go to Z&H Market Cafe on 47th Street. Oh, and the owner - the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard, even though it'll bring jobs and retail to the neighborhood) - the man who helped block Hyde Park from getting a Mariott hotel. We don't need no Medici; we don't need no neighborhood controlled. Hey, Hans, leave our 'hood alone! BOYCOTT THE MED!!
(2)
Elizabeth K.

As a sometimes-denizen of Hyde Park (two days a week during the school year) I've eaten at the Med my share of times. They have a good selection of vegetarian options, in addition to the traditional sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. Before I went vegan, I could die for the Reuben and the Orzata float (chocolate ice cream and almond soda). Their onion rings are amazing (and plentiful!) as well. Also check the bakery next door for great chocolate croissants, breads and Equal Exchange coffee.
(4)
Johnny S.

Cozy atmosphere, cool graffiti on the walls and the booths and tables. Quite mediocre service; I've experienced some clueless, ignorant waitstaff here. However, The food is very well prepared and tasty and while standard college joint fare, (burgers, chicken, pizza, pasta) is thoughtfully prepared with interesting twists here and there. I recommend the portabella mushroom sandwich or veggie sandwich. Great chocolate shakes! Overall this is a comfy, warm dining experience that will leave you feeling pretty mellow.
(3)
Sonam V.

When students need a break from the books at the University of Chicago, "The Med" is the local choice for having a great time. Everything is made from scratch, including the famous "garbage pizza" and the juicy half-pound Angus burgers, all for about $8. The graffiti-covered booths allow for a hip and trendy dining experience.
(4)
Mark F.

Ordinarily, this is one of my favorite Hyde Park spots. Today, it was the dining experience from hell. We went for brunch around 1:30 on a Sunday. To start, my girlfriend orders coffee and asks for some cream with it, and I order a soda. The coffee arrives and the waiter says he will be back with the cream, but (after he seems to have forgotten it) we have to remind him. If this was the only problem, this would be no big deal. I ordered the calzone and my girlfriend the eggs Benedict. I ask for the marinara sauce on the calzone to be put on the side as I can only handle tomato in moderation. After what seems like an especially long wait, the food arrives. My calzone has tomato over it. The waiter apologizes and says he will take care of this. In the meantime my girlfriend bites into her Eggs Benedict--only to discover that they are not all that warm. They have clearly been sitting around for some time before being brought to the table. We bring this to Jonathan (the waiter's) attention and asked that they be served warm. Time goes by, and a replacement Eggs Benedict arrives (but no replacement calzone). This time the Hollandaise sauce on the Eggs Benedict is on the side--the waiter claimed this was done so that it could be delivered warmer. However, it is clearly luke-warm and is not going to pour smoothly over the eggs (and who wants Hollandaise sauce on the side anyhow--especially if it is not all that warm). After all this debacle (and feeling both hungry and disappointed) we decide to leave. The waiter gave some half-baked excuse about the cause of the food problems. We spoke to the manager, who seemed sympathetic, but by that stage we were keen to escape this train-wreck of a dining experience.
(1)
Poker B.

The food is pretty terrible, but bearable when you are a student at University of Chicago. I enjoyed the Kimba salad well enough on numerous occasions. I'll give the restaurant 2 stars and the bakery and pizzas 3 stars. Note: It's all about the spinach and goat cheese pizza.
(3)
Lindsey S.

Over priced, so-so food and extremely rude/inattentive staff who have no qualms about rushing their customers out the door so that they can get another table seated. It's unfortunate that this is one of the few sit-down restaurants in the Hyde Park area. I've had breakfast, lunch and dinner here (out of necessity) and was never impressed by anything I ate and always left amazed at the complete lack of tact displayed by the employees. If you're just looking for a quick bite to eat, stop by the Medici-owned bakery next door -- the food is better and more reasonably priced and the staff is actually friendly.
(2)
Jaime C.

note: i have only ever eaten at the Medici Bakery & Cafe, never the sit-down restaurant. i do, however, stop in no less than once a week, so though my review might be somewhat lacking, it is based on consistent patronage. that being said, i have some mixed feelings about the med. are their chocolate chip cookies delicious? yes. do they sell ice cream in the dead of winter? yes. are the people behind the counter friendly, attentive, & don't treat you like a total pariah when you ask for something like a refill on your coffee (something other establishments have taken to charging a dollar for, or even outright REFUSING to do, forcing you - the pariah - to shell out ANOTHER $2 for a whole new coffee*)? yes. thank god. however. the med's coffee, though alright, affordable, & the most immediate thing available to me on my way to my weekend job, is really not that great. their trash is frequently overflowing, & certain types of bread cannot be gotten on certain days of the week. & for a bakery/cafe, there are WOEFULLY few places to sit down & eat your admittedly delicious apple turnover. the med boasts a whopping 4 tables, which are so tightly packed into this tiny bakery front that, should a crowd form, you'll find yourself shoulder to shoulder with the breakfast-pastry loving residents of hp. the med's worth it if it's vacant (which, on the weekends, it never is), but if you see a crowd, just grab that turnover & scram. you can get your work done elsewhere. *yes, i am familiar with establishments offering a 'bottomless cup' [see: star lounge]; no, the med isn't one of them
(3)
Adam H.

The feel of this place is nice. Kinda rustic, kinda hip, kinda old Italian. A place I would feel comfortable bringing a book to and eating alone or a place I could bring my girl to and have a nice "date night" meal with. The only thing that I wasn't a fan of in terms of decor was all the writing on the tables and walls. I do not care if Coco was here nor if her Cocolicious Crew were with her. I kept on thinking I was putting my arm in something while I was eating but it was just various markings and writings from past patrons on the table. Irritating. The food was good. We got the chips and guacamole for our appetizer. Freshly fried tortilla chips come out warm and in a plentiful amount escorted by the humble sized but tasty portion of guacamole and some nice salsa. Fresh chips means the occasional overly greasy chip but I knew the risks when I ordered fried food and didn't mind it. For my entree I got their Ensalata Kimba salad with some added chicken breast. A nice salad but it took a little while for it to grow on me. I'm very much the kind of eater that wants their food all put together and the way the chef intended it to be. So having to stir the dressing, put in the dressing, cut up the apple pieces, cut up the peppers, and toss it myself was annoying for me but the process is nothing a normal person will even worry about. When I did finally get it right it was good. Their pesto dressing is quite subtle and a nice compliment to the bolder cheese, pecan, and chicken flavors. Dessert for us was their Garbage Sundae which involved chocolate and mocha ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, nuts, and whip cream. It was rich, creamy, and delicious. The what I'm pretty sure is homemade whip cream was a highlight. All in all I had a great visit. Good food. Good service from happy workers. Good fun. Coco and her crew can stay home though.
(4)
Malcolm K.

Your cinnamon rolls are the reason I walk on the other side of 57th street on my way to class and could be a textbook example of akrasia for my ethics course.
(4)
lilmissalice d.

the BEST honey mustard ever. my friend with me said it tasted like they used real honey. but i would not stop talking about this mustard. Bonus pts. for giving me dijon mustard for my french fries. isn't mustard the greatest? Had the veggie sandwich with goat cheese & pesto. pretty okay. and it came with a side of french fries. thin & crisp string fries. perfect for dipping in that honey mustard. my friend ordered the portobello burger. cute little thing on a burger bun. side note: liked the "Obama Eats Here" shirt the waiter had on.
(4)
Christina K.

Among life's tragedies, I consider my late-onset gluten allergy to be among the most consistently noisome now that I'm back in Chicago. Why, you may ask? Because one of life's equally consistent pleasures when I was living and/or working in Hyde Park was the joy in tucking into the Med's blue cheese and bacon burger--rare, of course--while my best friend from my college days just as consistently ordered the chili cheddar burger and took equal delight in it. While this may offend my vegetarian friends, let's face it, a little bit of gore and blue cheese goes a long way, and enjoying the outdoors on the upstairs patio on a lovely spring day? Deliciously self-indulgent and evil. And they say this place is crunchy/liberal--fie, I say, fie!
(4)
Lilly S.

My family loves to come here at least once a month. We make a trek from the suburbs to Hyde Park just to go to Medici's! My son loves coloring on the tables and chairs and the place is always bustling! Our favorites are the sweet ones :) Highly reccommend both the hot mexican chocolate and the mexican chocolate milk shake...to die for!
(4)
Will B.

I've been going to Medici's for a while, since my high school days at Kenwood Academy. Medici's has good onion rings and milkshakes and I like the Moroccan ragout. I've never had a real issue with the waitstaff as they are generally attentive to my party's needs. I do think Medici's has huge quality control issues. I remember two years ago having the Mediterranean pizza and I thought it was great, but I had it again recently and it was very greasy and a bit tasteless. I think Medici's is slipping quite a bit in the pizza department. As for the next door bakery, I like their crusty artesian breads, but not much else. I had the mini apple pie recently and while the crust was good, the filling left a great deal to be desired (too much caramel, the apples were not tender). Medici on 57th makes a good hang out place for friends (nice outdoor and indoor areas) but I can find better food in other places.
(3)
Kimberly L.

Whyyyyy doesn't sooooomeone open a goooood pizzzaaa place on the souuuuuth siiiiiide? Apologies for the whining but...seriously...this is just okay 'za. Nothing at all memorable.
(2)
Jay K.

Had a decent turkey sandwich here. Will try the grilled tuna sandwich next time. Hear raves about their pizzas and burgers. Slow and disgruntled service (I guess it comes from serving college kids all day). The upstairs deck is a nice place to sit in good weather. Update: Had the grilled tuna sandwich which was pretty good. Update: 3 stars bumped to 4 stars b/c their Mexicana milkshake, delivered, makes a shitty 16-hour case while on-call that much better...
(4)
Jacob F.

As a U of C student, I have spent countless hours at the Med, as well as eating their takeout many, many times. It's a solid restaurant. The burgers are good, the pizzas are good, the salads are good and the shakes are pretty good too. One of the best things about pretty much anything these guys do is the bread. It's baked fresh next door in their bakery and it's uniformly awesome. The last time I ate here, I had my usual meal. A garbage burger (1/3 lb burger on medici bakery roll with bacon, cheddar, sauteed onions, barbecue sauce and jalapenos) with a mexicana shake. I went with a prospective student friend of mine from high school and so we each had half of the burger and half of the small garbage pizza (3 meats, peppers, mushrooms) she ordered. The pizza was good; the sauce was nice and tangy, the meats were flavorful and the peppers added a nice crunch to it. The crust was a bit soggy though. This seems to be a consistent problem with their pizzas if you let them sit for more than a few minutes. This is not a total deal breaker by any means, just don't use paper plates if you order in. The Mexicana shake is quite possibly the best item on the menu though. It's got nice rich vanilla ice cream blended with dry semisweet Mexican chocolate. The chocolate complements the vanilla flavor beautifully and it's got an unusual, yet pleasant crispy texture to it. U Chicago kids don't really come here for the food, though. It's all about the ambiance. Graffiti is scribbled on all of the surfaces but the tabletops. Some of it is hilarious, including the infamous scribbling "for a great time, call Anna Karenina." Aside from Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap, there isn't a restaurant near campus that is even close to as integral to the University as the Med. Students come here for good food, the ambience, the fact that it's a BYOB and for the back patio in the spring. That's why I keep coming back.
(4)
Darkling S.

our little brunch group decided to venture south to a place recommended by many. Medici is a well-known pizza pub frequented by U of C students and alumna. the + is that they patiently waited for the whole party to arrive and continued to work on getting us seating for an ever-growing bunch. but otherwise, the food was mediocre - my huevos rancheros was unrecognizable - it was a bad breakfast burrito. and the "all you can squeeze" OJ was limited to two hard-earned glasses by an apparent lack of oranges ??? at the height of Sunday brunch?? and the silverware was bent and dirty. so, BTDT.
(3)
Cathy H.

I really like the croissants and other pastries here--really good. The coffee's good, too! My one gripe is that there's no enough seating. I often come here hoping to get a table, and have to hover until a table opens up. Okay, I have a second gripe--it's in Hyde Park. I loved it when I lived in Hyde Park, but ever since moving away (and I still even go to school in Hyde Park!), I haven't really felt a hankering to go back.
(3)
Purnima M.

There's two ways to work things here: show up when it's sunny and grab a table on the rooftop deck. This way it doesn't matter what you eat, your day is already made. Route 2 is to stop in at the bakery next door for some phenomenal breads and pastries. My favorites are the croissants, fruit galettes and brownies. Pizzas are amazing too. Mexican hot chocolate is the bomb.
(4)
Jennifer K.

What can I say about the Medici that hasn't already been said? Not much, really. It's the local hangout of UofC students and Hyde Park residents, so there's a very "community" feel to the place. The personalized graffiti everythwere adds to it. The food is satisfactory, nothing to really grab your attention. And the prices are decent. The service can sometimes be slow, but that's just fine. The ambience is very laid back to begin with. But the real highlight is the bakery next door. I love their tarts, fresh baked breads, and chocolate drinks.
(3)
Gloria E.

You can never go wrong with the Med. It's a moderately priced restaurant with a pretty random mix of foods. The milkshakes and the strawberry lemonade (TRY IT! mottled strawberries blended with crushed ice and lemonade. Really good!) are awesome and so is the bread pudding when it's warm. Otherwise nothing on the menu is bad, but nothing is particularly special either. The pizza and burgers aren't bad, pretty good actually, but like I said, nothing is PARTICULARLY great here. You can leave your mark on the walls and tables too, so bring a sharpie! BYOB
(4)
Ted P.

Good for vegetarians, yes, but TERRIBLE for vegans. I'd rather gnaw on my arm than go to the Med.
(2)
H N.

I have been Medici many times and today service was horrible. The line was long to get seated, even though they had ample seats. And the service was horrible. Food was good .
(2)
Jim O.

The other weekend I took a nice 30+ mile bike ride from Lakeview to Hyde Park and back. While cruising the streets of Hyde Park I saw the outdoor patio of Medici on 57th and decided to stop by for a quick lunch. I was immediately seated by a friendly waitress. The service was quick and friendly, and the chicken breast sandwich I had for lunch was delicious. If I lived in Hyde Park I would be sure to frequent Medici.
(4)
L T.

The kids and I stopped in after playing at the playground across the street. The staff was so friendly and I thought the prices were pretty good (we got a ham n swiss croissant, fruit bowl, pop, and water for under $10). And dang, that croissant was delicious!
(4)
Jon L.

this place is one of those places that all u. chicago students eventually make their way to. i think the burgers are great and the pizza is pretty decent. mmm...garbage burger. i also like their drinks...milkshakes and lemonades and hot drinks..all are good. the vibe is nice..darkish, tables that you can scratch up and write on, very college feeling.
(4)
Dan C.

This is a combination review for the restaurant (3 stars) and the bakery (5 stars). Restaurant: A good student atmosphere with graffiti'd tables and "Barack Obama eats here" T-shirts. Also in the summer they have a nice patio. Food is pretty much your glorified diner offerings, executed at average to slightly above average level. There are lots of sandwiches, some salads, savories like onion rings and wings, a couple pasta entrees, some egg dishes, and pizza. If you just want a sandwich and some onion rings, you won't be disappointed. But on the whole the food is nothing to write home about. Prices are also somewhat higher than you might expect. Bakery: I come here for their pastries and baked goods, which are delicious. If I had an apartment in Paris or Rome and this bakery were the proverbial bakery on the corner, I would not be disappointed. The apple croissants are the best I've ever had. Their other croissants, cookies, turnovers, tarts, etc are also all top notch. Breads are also fantastic. The standard baguette is more in the style of a softer, fluffier-crumb, chewier loaf that works well sliced lengthwise and stuffed with good sandwich stuffs. This is in contrast to what I think of as a classic french baguette, which is a bit crustier with a denser crumb and more tart, sourdough flavor. Besides the baguette, they offer outstanding, 100% authentic ciabatta, an excellent olive ciabatta, and some delicious country-style loaves involving whole grains, nuts, raisins, etc. They also sell pullman-style sandwich loaves, which I have never tried, and will slice them for you. They also do coffee/hot chocolate here, though it is nothing out of the ordinary. Fresh-squeezed juices and yogurt parfaits also appear from time to time, much to my delight. My only problem with this place is that there often aren't enough tables.
(4)
Bill R.

Classic U of C hangout. Service can be a bit spotty, but it's a really convenient spot to catch a bite near campus. Decent pizza too.
(5)
Rich C.

I've eaten at the Medici a great many times since I first moved to HP in 1990. The best thing about this place is the atmosphere. It kind of reminds me of a Ratskeller. Most patrons run for the the highly coveted booths rather than the rickety tables and chairs in the middle of the restaurant. (They have a rooftop patio which is very pleasant in the warm weather.) The food is only so-so and the prices have gone way up compared to similar places on the North side. Don't bother with the specials; they just aren't that good and the $13.95 - $14.95 prices are WAY out of line (like everything else in HP). One of the best dishes I've had here is the Steak Salad, but ask for it with fresh spinach instead of regular lettuce; they'll substitute it at no extra charge. Their burgers are fine too, as are their shakes. The service is fine for a burger joint. One thing that totally annoys the hell out of me about the Medici is the bathroom. They remodeled it a few years ago and it's much better than it once was. HOWEVER, they did not replace the useless piece of crap hand dryer that has NEVER worked properly in the 19 years I've been coming here. (I'll try to remember to take a photo of this "antique" hand dryer next time I'm there.) After you wash your hands be prepared to wipe them on your pants as there are no paper towels.
(3)
Zenia R.

went last night, which was a wonderfully warm summer evening, so i was already in a great mood... we asked to be seated on the patio, pleasant and relaxing... the food wasn't stellar, not bad at all, just not quite memorable... actually, the basket of fries were GREAT, crispy just the way i like them... i had the spinach pesto pizza, which was good as was the margherita pizza... i'm stuck on the precise word to describe the food, i guess it just didn't make too much of an impression... i did like the "obama eats here" t-shirts =) overall, it was a nice dinner and i will be returning especially since i'd love to have some coffee and dessert next door, plus it's a great place to take a walk after dinner...
(3)
Piper O.

loved the service! great people there! nice for a casual afternoon date. the goat cheese and marinara dip, delicious!
(5)
Gil N.

Squeeze your own orange juice! Breakfast is great here, but they get five stars for their Almond croissants. Wow. They've ruined croissants for me, I can't have them anywhere else. My regular Sunday morning routine now includes a ride out to 57th for some croissants, coffee, and hot cocoa. Yum!
(5)
Greg H.

Visiting from Austin, Tx. Good food, we ate there 3 times on the roof top. Just gorgeous summer weather and the food was pretty good. I had several of the hamburgers (Garbage burger is very good) and the Ruben sandwich. They are good sized and cooked to order. Some folks are complaining about the cost, they are close to $9 apiece but you do not leave hungry. Service was good for us all three times. If we are lucky enough to get back to Chicago and visit our Hyde Park friends, then we will definitely grab a bite to eat there.
(4)
kirstjen l.

Loved it from the moment we walked in... What a great place! Authentic university cafe. We showed up about 10:50am on a Saturday & sat down at the last table in the place. Huevos rancheros were served with some of the best fried potatoes I've ever eaten. Also ordered a very large "Insalata Kimba" with turkey. It was delicious, but could have been smaller. I think it could easily have served 2 people. Very comfortable environment, very good food. What's not to like?
(5)
Clarisa M.

I miss this place a lot! Have the mexican chocolate shake! delish.
(4)
Natalie P.

Thankfully my boyfriend goes to school at the University of Chicago, b/c I love their bagels. They are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I have only had their bagels so I can't comment on anything else but very good!
(4)
Harpreet K.

(Bakery Review) FIVE STARS!!!! Why?! B/c I literally licked the crumbs off my hand after eating their chocolate croissant. and this is AFTER eating a pancake stack and an enormous omelet at the original pancake house down the road. and it's only 10 am. and i'm not a big girl. that's why.
(5)
D'Sheadra B.

I do a lot of work at UofC and this resturant is the best when I want to be with other career students. Food is good and average prices. The baked goods are the best.
(5)
Norma R.

Everybody is on target. love this place and all the food mentioned but.....nobody has mentioned da bomb Wings, sauce`on the side with fries or onion rings or the Grilled Chicken Breast salad with the white French dressing, oh I'm doing a Pavlov, I think I'm set up my dinner.
(5)
Renee B.

I graduated from Lab Schools so the Med is a former lunch spot from high school which I still enjoy going back to when I'm in Hyde Park. I took my twelve year old God daughter to lunch there today and she thoroughly enjoyed being able to put pepperoni AND shrimp on her own pizza as well as her strawberry lemonade. High marks from her for sure :). I had the spinach goat cheese pizza which is also delicious and filling, even in the personal size. Service was so-so but we were also there at a busy weekend lunch/brunch hour so nothing unexpected. I did not realize they did brunch though the menu for it looked a little standard -- omelettes, oatmeal and of course the croissants. For it being busy the waitress was attentive when she came through though, as another review mentioned, certainly not chatty or lingering. Definitely recommended and then wander a few stores down to the bookstore where you can browse as we did!
(4)
Izzy S.

It's true the food is overpriced and mediocre. But the atmosphere is great and the milkshakes are AMAZING. Also the breakfast is delicious, but only served on weekends.
(3)
Sarah C.

The bakery is amazing which is why it gets three stars. Try the chocolate croissants, best in Chicago I swear. On the other the hand the restaurant is lacking. The service is horrible and the food is decent.
(3)
mary m.

eh. the food is alright....not that great
(3)
Stephanie M.

This is a cool cozy neighborhood type restaurant. It has pretty casual food like pizza and sandwiches. Average entree is $8. They also have milkshakes! I like the dimly lit graffiti look.
(4)
Mona A.

I've been coming to this place for their good food, cool "you-can-write-on-the-tables" atmosphere since I was in Ray elementary school across the street...and I'm now thir-, uhhh...older. :) Medici has always been the go-to place for hangouts with friends. Maybe not the most appropriate place for a "business" dinner or lunch because it tends to be noisy, but a comfy atmosphere no-less. The cheese quesadillas and their home made salsa is to DIE for!!! I don't usually like spicy, but theirs is the perfect sting, along with the taste of fresh pepper. I WAS quite upset when they discontinued their cheese ravioli, that was handmade as well. Hopefully they bring them back...*nudge nudge to medici* All in all, I love medici! Try it sometime :)
(4)
TheWindyCity P.

Celebrated or 32nd Anniversary here....just the two of us, upstairs on the patio, a bottle of our favorite wine, and a Garbage Pizza....now that's a recipe for romance! We've been coming here to Medici for 37 years! Yep....came here when we were dating in 1975 (at their original location on 57th) and have been coming here ever since....the pizza is very good, especially the Garbage...love that Garbage. It's amazing that they still have some of the original art work on the walls - i.e., "Vaguely Reminiscent". Service is always good, and we always enjoy our entrees and sides. The chocolate cheesecake was really good despite the over-whipped whip cream. It all went well with our cabernet. 37 years sounds like a long time, but it I think our marriage has been bound together by the Garbage Pizza. ...as long as it's on the menu, we will be together!
(5)
Briana D.

Really good food! Loved the atmosphere as well. Service was fast and I loved the extensive menu.
(5)
Tiffany R.

I've been coming here since high school. If you want quality breakfast in a great neighborhood atmosphere on the south side this is the place to come.
(5)
Victoria W.

Dude, this place looks POPULAR! I don't know if it's because their store front bakery is a hit or what. Ordered two types of sweets here, they were alright on point, nothing too special. Wanted to get their tabbouleh, which is available here, but for some reason the vibe of the store tells me that it would not be authentic. We came here after eating at the Asian noodle place next to here. Overall, a OK, maybe I'll be back for latte to give it another try.
(3)
Kevin J.

You must make room for the garbage pizza! The ambience is chill and casual, with rustic furnishings and names of past patrons carved into the tables and chairs. It's just a great spot. The rooftop is also a wonderful change of venue in the warmer months!
(4)
Valerie W.

I love Medici. They've got a huge variety of food for all tastes-- sandwiches, salads, pizzas. And the desserts are also amazing. At this point I think I've tried every vegetarian appetizer on their menu--guacamole and chips is probably the best. My current favorite entrÃ©e is the Garbage salad with blue cheese. It's better than you ever thought a salad could be and you will not walk away hungry. The drinks are also great--creative concoctions from the cafe next door, excellent loose-leaf teas from Benjamin Teas, and fabulous shakes, particularly the weekly specials. I feel the pumpkin pie one deserves a special shout-out... although I think they only serve it for part of November. The service can be a little slow, especially at busy times or near closing, but all in all, a great place to grab a bite.
(5)
Vincent B.

A safe bet for reliably good food in hyde park. Portions are large, the ingredients are fresh, and the options are varied. I haven't had anything from the Med that I haven't liked. It also runs the bakery next door and the mexicana shakes are unbeatable.
(4)
Thomas S.

What a find! After a tour of the University of Chicago we met with a dear friend of my wife for a lovely meal at Medici on 57th. The atmosphere was upbeat, the service efficient, and the food very good.
(4)
Janni V.

This place. This place, man. It saved me for so many years. Yes, their baked goods are great. It's a good place for lunch if you have a small group and get there early enough to find a table. Good burgers and such, and you always find some new and entertaining graffiti in the bathroom. But more than that, this was a regular stop for a hot tea. Or a redeye, on those days when I really, really needed to wake up. And the croissants! Other baked goods were great, too, but those croissants...man. Fond memories of this place.
(4)
Daniel S.

I haven't eaten at too many places in Hyde Park, but I was definitely a fan of this place, I had their specialty garbage pan pizza and it was amazing, so many toppings, and the crust was nice and spongy, everything about it was great, they also had solid bread pudding, just make sure to get it with vanilla ice cream, also the smoothies are really good, nice and fruity, i tried the goat cheese app, which was all right, but that pizza alone is enough to make the trip there
(5)
Mellissa B.

As a Hyde Parkian, I love getting fresh Medici's bakery goods at my local market. They have such a high quality of food, we've never had a bad meal there. Their best appetizer is the fresh homemade chips and guacamole - and I don't even like guacamole. Lots of great servers and BYOB if you're hoping to celebrate. A beautiful gem in Hyde Park.
(5)
Timmy M.

Unfriendly service and mediocre food. Hyde Park and the University of Chicago really need something better. Plein Air (in the Seminary Coop bookstore building, close by at 58th and Woodlawn) is very much in the right direction and a great alternative to Medici and Z&H.
(2)
Bob R.

Fun, fun, fun. We went here for lunch before a doctor's appointment down at University of Chicago Hospital. Medici is narrow, lots of seats, noisy and very crowded. But, that's part of the charm. The pictures posted on Yelp portray a great image of the ambiance of Medici. There are lots of different pieces of art all throughout. Some are gothic, some are modern. Some are stone and embedded into the walls, some hang from the walls, and there are some statues. Regardless of what it is, there is a lot to see. Being right next to the University of Chicago, there are a variety of people there. We saw professors, students, university workers, doctors and nurses, and just regular folks. So, there are a lot of different people to watch. The menu has quite a variety, but we ordered very simply. I had a hamburger, fries and an RC Cola (on tap). My son and wife both had salads. Everything was great. When we're in Hyde Park, this is a must go again place.
(4)
Aminah H.

Been coming here since I was a toddler. Food is still tasty but presentation has gotten worse. I know it's not fine dining but try serving a family size salad on a decent sized platter. Overall still a decent place where you can write on the booth, table and walls and let your hair down.
(3)
Kevin L.

Visiting from out of state and went to visit my friend at UChicago. Recommended this place and ended up grabbing a Mexicana shake really late at night. Was definitely a great drink for a reasonable price. Haven't tried anything else on the menu but am definitely looking forward to the next time I come back to Chicago.
(5)
Elizabeth C.

Went here for lunch, had the garbage salad, had a build your own personal pizza, and a garbage personal pizza. Everything was very good, the pizzas are greasy but come on, it's pizza. The environment is really cool, and the waitress was great and super friendly! Will be back, a good local pizza joint and reminded us of Pizza Man in Milwaukee (the pizza man before it burnt down).
(4)
Stacy H.

There was a time when I avoided this place like the plague. A little greasy, a little boring. But now they have a bakery section next door! You can fulfill your sandwich and pastry desires and also have a chocolate milkshake! All the breads are baked on site. Sadly, they can only toast the bread, not the entire sandwich.
(3)
Karen H.

Love this place. You can always find something goods. The chicken soup is delicious and full of spices, the baked goat cheese is amazing, plus their desserts, lemonades, hot mexicana chocolate, floats, and milkshakes are some of the best
(5)
Sarah R.

I've never like marinara before coming to Medici. I was impressed by the fact that it tasted like tomatoes and spices rather than the other way around. My Italian sub done as a spinach salad was fantastic and the pesto vinaigrette dressing was good enough to dip the bread in after!! Thanks for a great Chicago-food experience.
(5)
Yanyao N.

I love having lunch here. Every time, I pretty much eat like a small child would and order typically unhealthy food, but Medici does them SO well. The split, grilled hot dog with the grilled onions on a ciabatta bun is one of my favorites. Also, they have my current favorite chicken fingers in the city. (See? Eating like a small child - you should do it too). And no meal should be started without an order of their chili cheese fries - with option of veggie or beef chili. They have a pretty diverse menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas, appetizers, and sometimes I even see a stir-fry on their specials menu. Always friendly service. Bonus points for the Diet Coke in cans - they're the freshest that way. :)
(4)
Anna B.

3 words: goat cheese appetizer
(4)
Cat G.

Probably the phrase that hits closest to home for the Med is "unlikely to offend". Most of the menu is pretty standard-issue American/Italian fare (think burgers, pasta, and pizza), but that being said, it's all pretty darn good. Some of their specialty favorites include the spinach and goat cheese pizza, the garbage pizza (much nicer than its name implies) and of course the milkshakes. Now, everyone who's been to the Med even once will be quick to recommend the Mexicana shake, but I'd actually suggest trying out their weekly special. Previous ones I've liked included the apple pie shake, the shamrock shake (mint!), and the mini M&M shake. My personal recommendations are the bacon-bleu cheese burger and the fresh mozz. Yum! It's pretty hard to go wrong, which is why this is an frequent on-the-way-home stop for me.
(4)
Kelley B.

Get the almond croissant! Delicious. I used to live in Hyde Park and enjoyed going to Medici for brunch.
(4)
Lupe D.

Pretty good selection, reasonably priced. If it's not busy this is a good lunch option if not pressed for time. I really like the shoestring fries, like the grilled cheese (I add avocado). Some items can be misses (IMO) like the veggie chili - but it's fun to try several items on he menu with friends and share. Deli Sandwiches - YUM - I really like that Medici offers many veggie options. Not that I don't eat meat, I do, but I am VERY picky and tend to favor non-meat sandwiches and in most places they areVERY limited, not here. Parking is really bad...those revenue people are like hawks looking to give tickets so feed the meters. If you wanna come back for dinner, bring some libations - Medici is BYOB
(3)
Sara R.

Quality of food is excellent but I have two major issues with this place. For one, it regularly takes them 20-30 minutes to prepare my order, which seems a little crazy for a spot that is mostly to-go food and for a salad with no cooked ingredients. Second, nearly every single time I go, they mess up something with my order, whether it be wrong ingredients, or most recently, forgetting to give me salad dressing with my salad. My orders are not complicated - there is no reason this should be happening.
(3)
Anamaria H.

Medici on 57th (or the Med as we like to call it) is a Hyde Park and University of Chicago staple. At any given day, at any given meal time, numerous students and faculty can be seen dining in the sit-down part of the Med. Before I discuss the food, I just want to warn any newcomers that if you wish to be seated during normal meal times on a Friday or Saturday night, you should be prepared to wait a while. It is a student favorite and when the dining halls clothes on Saturdays, many students come to eat here as the food is affordable, consistent, and delicious. Now for food. Arguably, the best part of the Med is the shakes. They have a wide variety of flavors that are offered regularly in addition to "Flavors of the Week." Of the regular flavors, I highly recommend the Mexicana. It is a delicious shake that is seasoned with cinnamon. Of the seasonal flavors, I recommend them all. As someone who visits the Med fairly often for either dinner/lunch dates or shake dates, I have reached a point where I like to try whatever the special is. The S'mores shake and the Caramel shake are particularly delicious. Besides the shakes, the sandwiches are truly delicious. The wraps are great and come with plenty of fries. Each meal at the Med can easily be two meals, especially if you're on a college-student budget. The chips and guacamole are the perfect appetizer and the cheese quesadillas are great as either an appetizer or as the meal. Overall, I love this restaurant. While some students get tired of it, I have continued to enjoy the expansive menu and the cozy environment after many, many trips.
(4)
Dee S.

This is a review of the cafÃ© side not the restaurant. The Med has a few sandwiches that I really enjoy. I also loved their ice cream selection (their birthday cake ice cream is a MUST). The atmosphere is cool and some of the staff members are really nice and personable; particularly Dom, who was often the highlight of my Medici experience *blush*.
(3)
Elizabeth O.

*LOVE* this place. Their gluten-free ham, apple & onion pizza is SO good -- pizzas in general are excellent. The atmosphere is low-key and unique. Highly recommend.
(5)
Alfredo G.

Place has a nice ambiance but the food wasnt that great. I ordered eggs and pancakes. The eggs were cold and the pancakes were not fully cooked.
(2)
Caroline D.

This is for the to-go side. My sandwich was fine, though a little tough to bite through and a little bit dry. Service was terse, and the employees seemed bored or at least not that interested in what was happening around them. Not friendly at all. The baked goods all looked phenomenal and I would go back to try them with coffee.
(3)
Erika A.

I love everything about medici! The decor is random..wood tables, tagged up brick and fun pictures,paintings, and other types of art. Havr yet to be seated upstairs but I plan on returning during a busier time. I always get the smoked salmon eggs Benedict and I an always sooo happy! Nothing like fresh salmon with delicious potatoes! Their bakery next door is also wonderful !! will eat here everytime im in Hyde park
(5)
Tristan C.

For nostalgic reasons, I would always say that I love the Med. But do I? Not since they got rid of fried ravioli. I mean, why on earth would you do such a thing? The best thing are the milkshakes. The food is fine. The pizza is good. The fresh bread/buns are a plus. The bakery, on the other hand, is fantastic. I could eat an apple or almond croissant from there every day, but that is a bad idea. Sometimes it takes a suspicious amount of time for them to make a sandwich. To fulfill nostalgic obligation I will always go back- and try to remember to bring a sharpie.
(3)
Beth U.

Perhaps for me the allure is nostalgic, but I adore this charming spot. Great food, fun setting.
(5)
Nick C.

The family and I went here after our morning at the museum of science and industry. The host was very kind and sat us right away, he also was out server too. He was very prompt with our waters and my daughter milk. I ordered the turkey burglar and never having one it was amazing. The burger had a nice chipotle taste to it but not overpowering. The burger was nice and tender and was accompanied by shoe string fries. I am typically not a fan of shoe string fries but these were delicious. I typically eat my fries with ranch and the ranch they had was by far one of the best I have ever eaten. I found myself putting it on my burger and my fries. Just writing about the ranch right now makes me want to get some more. Next time we go I will be trying there pizza which I saw another table eating and it looked scrumptious.
(4)
Echo B.

The pizza is not all that great...they can't even take proper orders. Called in for a take-out. When i got there 30mins later, the order is not even processed...Absolutely horrible!! So many better choices than this place for sure.
(1)
Rachel R.

The bakery is amazing. Try any of their croissants. My favorite is the almond, it's sweet without being overpowering. Also available in the bakery section: grab and go sandwiches made daily. In addition to their regular bread selection, they have daily specials. Friday stands out with something like 4 varieties challa. Avoid going when the public school lets out, as it's always jam packed with hungry and often indecisive teens. The restaurant itself is good, but overpriced for what you get. The drink and dessert menus are better than the main food menu. The proximity to the university of chicago means that there's always a large contingent if students, although plenty of families and couples can be found. The service is always good, and the place is consistently clean. There's an odd tradition of patron graffiti on the walls, tables, and chairs. I've spent a few meals reading and deciphering messages from diners past.
(4)
Gino W.

Back in Chicago after four months in DC. Returned to Hyde Park to a familiar restaurant. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and it was all about brunch at a place that never disappoints. Baked goat cheese in crushed tomatoes and pesto with toast. Why did I ever pass on that appetizer in the past. Shrimp chipotle fettuccini with broccoli: a daily special that needs to become a common menu item. Baked apple pie with a shortbread crust and caramel. Wow. Mexican hot chocolate, done right with steamed milk. I took the waitress's recommendations and must say that I was glad that I did.
(5)
Juli A.

I give Medici a 3 overall. The bakery/deli is a 4 because their spinach and feta croissants knock my socks off. They've actually turned into somewhat of a Sunday morning obession. The sandwiches are always fantastic, too. The restaurant is more like a 2. Sometimes the staff is attentive, sometimes not so much and the food is hit or miss. Huevos rancheros showed promise, but it sat under the heat lamp waiting for the waitress for so long the over easy eggs had solid yolks and the tortillas were hard. Not a good salsa. The hamburgers are rumored to be awesome. Stroganoff burger really didn't do it for me. The patty was clearly ground elsewhere, formed into a uniform patty, frozen and shipped in. How can stroganoff lack flavor? Shoestring fries go cold almost immediately. Stick with the bakery/deli and you'll have a much better experience.
(3)
Ashley B.

A very cute little spot near U of C. My sister went here her freshman year before she passed away and she took my parents and I here a couple times. I've since been back for a memorial volleyball game for her and my boyfriend and I went here for a coffee and a wrap and both were great.
(4)
Karim H.

I came here with the hopes of possibly filming a news section during the elections. The location was not ideal but I pursued it as an option nonetheless - they didn't want to have us over (which in no way affects this review). When I stopped in, I was hungry, so I decided to eat a late lunch here. I had the BBQ chicken. It was OK... I've had better and my barbecue standards are quite high - I'm not sure this chicken even qualified to be placed in that category. The service was good, the staff was very nice to me, and it's a nice place. Located on a college town strip.
(3)
Jenny C.

The Medici has gone seriously downhill. Upon delivery, the onion rings were so limp and soggy they squeaked. Then there was the undercooked pizza, which was not a far cry from dough. And then there was the manager, who was rude and unpleasant when we called to ask to have the in edible portion of our meal refunded. While I can understand that the quality of the food does not improve in transit, the interaction with the manager has ensured I will never dine-in again either.
(1)
Alicia S.

I LOVE Medici! Best neighborhood restaurant in Hyde Park! Their deep dish spinach and goat cheese pizza is AMAZING. And I love their malts. Favorite dessert is the brownie sundae but all of their baked desserts are delicious. Never had a meal here that I haven't liked. Their brunch menu is delicious, too! A great casual place to go with friends.
(5)
Dominique Y.

If I went to school here, I would be a regular. But sadly, I do not. We had a great time here. No corkage fee woo hoo! Food was great and really well priced! Group of 7 only paid $120(INCLUDING TIP) and 4 bottles of wine! You cannot beat this! Place is adorable as well. I felt very hip and young lol.
(4)
Walter J.

Hello today is my birthday so my brothers and friends decided to take me out for breakfast. I've been going to Medici for almost 30 years and never have been disrespected at any establishment like I have today by their manager KELLY. I'm a disabled police officer i was injured in the line of duty, I have problems walking now I use a cane and it's very difficult for me to walk. We started out with 4 people then one other friend called to join us. We asked KELLY for a larger table, she told me a man that can barley walk with a CANE. You'll have to come back to the waiting area and wait. It wasn't very crowded plus there was an empty table right next to us they could've connected that table with us just like they did for the party next to us with 5 people also. When I asked her why she would make me walk back up front from the rear next to the restrooms, she stated with an attitude, " You want to sit at a small ass !" I couldn't believe she said that. I told her she needs to treat all her customers the same then she shouted across the wait room, I don't appreciate you calling me a racist! " I'm stunted ... I said no one brought the topic of race up!" She knows what she did was wrong on all levels. The owners need to get someone that is customer friendly because KELLY most certainly is a bad choice. 4 long time customers for 30 years out the door...
(2)
Elliott D.

We went here for a little bit of nostalgia after shopping at 57th Street Books just down the street(which I highly recommend by the way because it is a book lovers paradise) and used to go here quite a bit when we were younger. I like the feel of the place; it has a neat combination of college dive and renaissance art yard. It's covered with graffiti and writing on the walls and booths left by previous patrons that gives it a quaint feel. The service is good and it's staffed largely by students from the local University of Chicago, hence it's college appeal. The food here is pretty good with a combination of typical college fare like burgers and pizza and some Italian pasta dishes that give warrant to the namesake of the restaurant. All of the food was very good. I had the deep dish pizza which had a wonderfully crispy, handmade crust, and a nice blend of veggie, meat, sauce, and cheese in a delicious pie of goodness. I'd recommend it if you like pizza. This is a solid eat and definitely worth a second, third, fourth, or even more visit. Enjoy!
(3)
Katy R.

I think Medici is great. I usually go there for breakfast and everything has always been delicious. The pizza is the best thing to order for dinner, both thin and thick are good but you definitely get more for your money with thin. Good service, delicious food.
(4)
Emily B.

YUM! Great food, great atmosphere and reasonably priced. Coffee was delicious and lunch was fresh and tasty. Home made tortilla chips too!
(5)
Cerene P.

My first visit with out of town relatives was great. Second visit few days later and found two long black hairs in our pizza. Manager was very non chalant about it, didn't really offer much of a remedy. Man, I thought we found a new spot, APPARENTLY NOT!!!!!!!!! Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, do not eat here!
(1)
Lily H.

The pizza, pastries, and bread are very good but everything else is hit or miss.
(4)
Ena J.

I only order the pepperoni pizza from them. They have the best pepperoni pizza I've ever had. They use the big deli sized slices. Since they are also a bakery, they definitely get the crust right - it's awesome. The sauce is perfectly zesty and the cheese is quality. Now... the downside. I always order double pepperoni for delivery. Initially, I had been concerned about the fact that it looked a little sparse considering the extra serving I'd ordered, but I just thought "oh well... maybe they normally only add a few - glad I got a double helping". Well. I finally decided to sit down at the restaurant with friends and order my usual. When the pie arrived, I was amazed that it was COVERED in pepperoni. It was CLEARLY a double serving of the topping - waaaay more than I'd ever gotten through delivery. I've ordered from them quite often. So based on this, it's looking like Medici skipping the extra serving for delivery customers is not an oversight - it's policy. I suppose they think once you get it, you'll eat whatever you get - especially since you aren't actually in the restaurant to complain. And, I might add, the extras are EFFING EXPENSIVE. It costs almost $5 for the extra helping I've never gotten until i was sitting in their dining room. By the time you tack on delivery and tip, you could spend $40+ for the privilege of getting cheated. So... 5 STARS for awesome pepperoni pizza, 1 STAR for unethical business practices that cost me $5 every time I ordered delivery. Tip: If you are ordering pizza delivery from them... NEVER order any DOUBLE serving of toppings. You'll never get it - but you definitely WILL be charged for it.
(3)
Marvin M.

Breakfast was good. Eggs over easy came as expected. Pancakes are fantastic, fluffy without falling apart. Sausages were excellent.
(4)
Nick G.

We've enjoyed everything we've had here. I love the pizza! Basil/pesto and pepperoni is the best! The cranberry chicken (or turkey? can't remember) sandwich was a little small, though.
(5)
Sara L.

It was a bright sunny Saturday with no plans to do anything, so the BF and I decided why not explore Hyde Park! Most of the to do lists on Yelp and on the web include visiting Medici On 57th. So I decided why not give this place a try and see what all the fuss is about. The place over all is cute, cozy and quaint. We ate on the rooftop patio. I ordered the Mexican chocolate milkshake and the California wrap with fries and a side of white french dressing. I am all about dressings, sauces and dips! The white french was similar to ranch just thicker. The service was fairly good, my glass of water was never empty, and food came out on time. The wrap its self was okay filled with a lot of fresh veggies, nothing outstanding, but decent. The milkshake was uber delicious and the best part of the meal. The place was meh okay and decent. Was it stellar or would I take the effort to make a trip back...probably not. Do I like the milkshake ...of course...but just sad to find out the shake was better than the food.
(2)
Ryne D.

Was out with the GF for a little Hyde Park excursion and we decided on Medici because it was a past haunt of our President. They have a takeout part of the restaurant that opens out to the store, but you'll want to walk a couple doors down to find the main dining room and patio entrance. The patio, while not giving much of a view, was still a great place to have lunch on a cool autumn day. Unfortunately, that's about it what for what impressed me here. My girlfriend got the Mexican chocolate shake which was pretty good, but the food I ordered (the Napoli Sub) was disappointingly bland. I thought prosciutto was supposed to be salty and sweet, not rubbery. The balsamic dressing pretty much took over whatever flavor there may have been. For the rest of the day I was uncomfortably full. Yes, I finished the sandwich, and all my fries (which is the only thing I had that had some kind of flavor). Maybe my body was punishing me for such a bad choice. I don't blame it.
(2)
Keith A.

Okay, so getting down to hyde park isn't exactly a normal thing for me. As in not exactly, it's been years since I've been down here and that was for the science and industry museum. Work took me here instead, so Medici was a quick stop for a sandwich. I got myself one of the pre-made smokey joe's. While the sandwich was $7, there was a good amount of meat and cheese on this. On top of that, the house bread ruled. Was I happy with everything, you betcha. The vibe here was very cool. Definitely a college spot, but with a laid back feel to it. More artsy in a sense, but that is no issue with me. I'm down in this area once in a blue moon. But, medici is a real nice spot to drop in on when in hyde park
(4)
Cindy W.

It's standard American fare-- burgers, milkshakes, salads, etc. However, I'm not a big fan of their breads or pastries. For an establishment that's half a bakery, half a restaurant, I expected their breads to be more tasty than it actually was. Also, their pastries are a little soggy -- almost as if it has been sitting out for a long time. Their milkshakes and cookies however are pretty good.
(4)
Joseph H.

Ordinary food.
(1)
Daniel S.

The food here is basically mediocre, always will be, but somehow the atmosphere always transcends the food. The unique diner decor has already been commented upon; ultimately it's an eminently comfortable, funky vibe. The desserts are way better than anything else on the menu. In particular, the chocolate pecan pie, heated up in the pizza oven, is wondrous.
(3)
Chloe Z.

Hyped Popularity- The Med is close to UChicago's campus, and I guess that's why it kinda popular. But honesty its food is mediocre. Plus, I do have an issue with its ridiculous portion. If you really are going outrageous, can you at least have half portion options? Bakery- I used to love their croissant form Med's bakery. Yet after I discover Bonjour Cafe, that becomes my go-to place for decent pastries. I have been to Europe for several times and there is a reason I prefer Bonjour. Yet if you are a dessert person, the Med is still known among my friends for its cakes. They would have an occasional craving for the pecan cake.
(2)
Ron C.

After a full day of church I need to fuel up on brunch. My colleague and I were clueless about where to go. What were two souls to do? We asked the parish organist where to go (knowing full well that the Pancake house was not too far away). "Oh," he says "You have got to get yourself to Medici!" He continued: "Never you mind the carvings in the furniture...this is like Berkeley only in Chicago but really good eats!" I'll be dipped, this guy knew what he was talking about. Medici on 57th has been around for a while. Lots of locals here as well as college students (Not far from the University of Chicago) and most folks walk here (oh, how I love that). The food is straight forward and honest...Hell, when I asked for Orange Juice, my waiter said: "How would you like it, sir? Shall I pour or shall you squeeze it yourself?" I was stunned! "Squeeze it myself?" He kept going: "Yes, you can use the juicer over there and squeeze to your hearts content!" Hoot man! I came to eat not to work! "Please bring me a glass that you have poured!" I wasn't disappointed! And I wasn't disappointed with portions nor the price. I felt like I got a fair deal, a fair shake, good value. While I'm not sure when I'll be back (Heck, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area) I was glad to find this tasty little spot.
(4)
Kerry B.

Ordered for delivery. We are new to the area, the girl on the phone taking the order was rude. I called back spoke to Kelly, manager. She was rude and non-apologetic. We received our food, our order was wrong. I called to ask for credit since my son's dinner was inedible. Kelly was rude, laughed at me on the phone, told me she was "too busy to deal with someone like me" and found it "difficult to believe I was new since I was asking for a credit". I don't need to be new to ask for a credit. Its called paying for something I didn't receive. Common sense. Her lack of leadership showed in the employees. She lacks leadership and finesse and really has no business in the hospitality industry. I don't think we will be back. At least not as long as Kelly is the manager.
(1)
Sarah S.

So this was one of the late night dinner spots I go with my Boo.. working different shifts ya gotta make time to see one another. I always go in first and get ordered so that way he can sit eat and run... Duty calls Service was slow.. I think they thought I was waiting for my guest... even when I said I wasn't waiting and that I was ready to order Had soup and salad.. soup was extra salty.. maybe since it was the end of the night Salad was ok.. nothing to write home about for the cost Sampled his chicken sandwich and it was good.. chicken grilled with cheese bacon and mushrooms.. whats not to like lol I would try again, but I think there are other places out there too
(3)
Shaney S.

A Hyde Park staple. I've only gotten a few things here, but I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. The mexicana shake is amazing. As a vegetarian, their veggie options that I've had (veggie quesadillas, pizza with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese, and a portabello mushroom sandwich) have all been really tasty. The place has that hole in the wall/been around a while feel to it, with tons of signatures all over the tables, walls, posts--you name it, it's covered in writing, which is part of its charm. Not super fancy, but good tasting food and a cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Cat J.

The Medici runs deep in my family. My mother worked there in the 60s/70s when she was growing up in Hyde Park and we went there all the time throughout my childhood. Its a place that is a bit of a time capsule, and thats part of the appeal. When I was younger I always looked forward to being able to actually mark up the table I was sitting at. I have always gotten some of the same things there, so I can only speak to them. But I have never disliked a pizza, burger, cheese quesadilla, chicken salad croissant, frozen lemonade, and for breakfast the eggs benedict and fresh orange juice from this place. I feel these are some of the staples of Medici so if you stick to them then you'll be very content
(4)
Jessica M.

I was here on a late Sunday afternoon with a friend. The place was packed but we got a table in less than five minutes. Loved the artwork in the restaurant and their quick service. We ordered the Hans's Smoked German Ham Pizza and it was perfect for two people to share. It was my first time having apples in my pizza but I thought it was unique and tasty. Would definitely go back again!
(4)
Quan G.

Have a bit mixed feelings about Medici! I'd give 4 star for the baked goods, especially croissants, bread loafs and pizza. Fresh mozzarella sandwich is really yummy. Coffee is decent. Ice cream, milkshake and speciality mocha are awesome. For dinning in, grilled burgers are good, but pastas are mediocre at best. Summer patio time are always great tho!
(4)
Chelsie P.

I had a Mexican mocha. It was perfectly brewed. The cinnamon was the icing on the cake. I'd definitely come back here again. The seating is somewhat limited, but that's to be expected in Hyde Park. Enjoy a seat on the Patio.
(4)
M S.

I truly enjoyed my dining experience at Medici. From the hostess to the server, food runner the service was excellent. We had the guac and chips for app which were very good. For dinner we had the thin crust garbage pizza which was great, the ingredients were very fresh. The milkshakes are also very good. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Zhicao F.

A regular spot for breakfast take-away, brunch and ice cream. Very good Angus burger and shoe-string fries.
(4)
Calla L.

A great place to have lunch and just steps away from Robie House and the University of Chicago. Excellent service and delicious sandwiches and coffee. Atmosphere great with mixed crowd of students and visitors.
(4)
Doc W.

Great food. Friendly and the price is very reasonable.
(5)
Steph H.

A popular eatery in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. Apparently was one of Obama's fave places. Well if it's good enough for the leader of the free world it's good enough for me! But it helps that the food is pretty good. My friend and I split a chili cheese fries and a "garbage" pizza. Doesn't sound too appetizing, I know, but it's chock full of all kind of goodies, and you can get it thin or deep crust. Since I was in Chicago I had to get the deep dish, of course. I liked it except I thought the crust could've been a little less doughy. I liked the Giordano's deep dish pizza better, but this place had a casual, convivial ambiance that was very appealing. We also split their little indiviudal-sized pumpkin pie--oh so good! We were so stuffed we could only manage a bit each and I saved the rest for later (still good the next morning!) We didn't have to wait too long for a table, thank goodness, possibly because there were only two of us. Seems like a large group kind of place, where the nearby college students bring their parents and whatnot.
(4)
Shradha A.

"Obama Eats Here" tshirts pulled me into this place (and of course, meeting a new set of Yelpers) and I regret to inform you all I fell for that marketing gimmick pretty bad! I hope to warn you all though and save you from getting excited about this place... Food was very very mediocre and I can't remember another day in my life when I didn't eat even half of my french toast! The server couldn't care less though even after I told him that politely. Goes without saying, overall service was terrible and we only saw him 3 times total - to take the order, bring the food and finally bring the check. P.S. Also, not a good place for big groups (more than 4) because they throw you at the back of the restaurant and forget about you. P.P.S. Not recommended for brunch, maybe lunch is better. Final Note: Bakery people seemed a lot friendlier when we stopped by next door to pick up a couple of croissants.
(3)
Rebecca S.

Medici's food is great, but their service is a hot mess. Today, they had a selection of miniature pies. I asked the barista what kind of pies they were (since there were no signs--sadly), but she didn't know. She went to get someone from the kitchen, who ALSO didn't know. The other barista didn't know either. SERIOUSLY? You're a bakery. How do you NOT know what type of pies you are selling? I also went there over the summer at 12:30 pm on a weekday for a slice of pizza, but they told me they were out of pizza. Again, you're a bakery. You sell food. And at lunchtime on a weekday, how do you run out of the food you're known for?? Just throw another pizza in the oven. Really. It's that easy. I know they don't have to "try" since they're one of only three restaurants in the whole neighborhood, but that doesn't mean they have to blatantly be ignorant.
(2)
Betty H.

Always thought this place is just a 3, but the last time we visited, our server Al was such a delight. He is quick, attentive, and very friendly, this is exactly how all servers should be. We love their pizzas, would say one of the best in the go-go. Great apple pie and pecan pies around.
(4)
Rohan D.

For those of you who remember this Hyde Park stalwart from the 70s through the 90s, I've got some bad news for you. They changed the pizza. If you're looking for that delicious carmelized crust Chicago pizza, Pequod's is very close (in taste, not in walking distance). I have such fond memories of the place, I took my first date here (had to walk), from my University of Chicago high school days, this was the place for Chicago deep dish pizza. They moved down the block and across the street, but they took all the furniture, the staff, the recipes, the pizza pans, even the chair I carved my initials into, and flipped it (because they were on the other side of the street), so the identical place was in the new location. Very clever, but the important thing was that through so many other life changes, I kept coming back over the years for that unique, tasty pizza, exactly the same through the 80s into the 90s as it was back in the day. A couple of years in a row in the recent 21st century I didn't make it back to Hyde Park...and the original owner passed away. This year, the pizza I got was so unlike the original, I was horrified. The waitress called the "new recipe," an improvement, but didn't seem to realize that from the 70's for over thirty years the same deep dish pizza recipe was unchanged. No one working there that day had heard of the orginal owner. From the way they responded to my questions, I think that maybe there were a couple of other pizza recipe changes in between (now it's more of a pan pizza), the menu is quite changed. Well, there's nothing that special about the new place, they've made some changes to pretty up the place, it's not the dark lair it once was, but the service is only fair, and the food is forgettable. They've also broken my heart. Change isn't always progress.
(2)
Delores J.

So good
(4)
Yunqing C.

Food's are a bit greasy. We spent more time debating over whether the statue was moving or not than on the quality of the food.
(3)
Desi D.

I found this little gem via Yelp while we were staying in the area for about a week. I stopped in to the bakery/coffee shop side of the business for coffee & croissants during my walk to the U of Chicago campus on morning and I was hooked. Quick service and delicious bakery treats. The next morning, I chose the cinnamon roll - OMG! Quite possibly the best cinnamon roll I've ever had. Imagine flaky croissant dough, but with cinnamon filling and in the form of a cinnamon roll. Pure bliss! The only thing I'd change is to cut down on the raisins in the filling. Before we left town, I stopped in and stocked up on a few croissants and cinnamon rolls for the next few days. I was sad to eat the last of my goodies. I wish there was a great bakery like this near my home! I did dine in the restaurant for lunch before we left town. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and it was very cheesy, not much chicken. Your typical chicken quesailla, I suppose. Our server was very attentive and I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. My dining companions also enjoyed their meals - I believe one had pizza and the other chose a sandwich. If I'm ever back in this neighborhood, this place will definitely be on my "Must visit" list!
(4)
Tanner C.

Awesome restaurant, I enjoyed the soft crunch and light spice of the hot Cheetos. They might have been the best hot Cheetos I have ever eaten.
(5)
Katarzyna A.

I started coming to the Med as a freshman at the UofC, I had my wedding rehearsal dinner there few years later, and now my three kids love their almond croissants and hot chocolate. Yes, we've been coming here for many years. :-) It's a great family place, great pizza, huge burgers, delicious salads, fresh bakery goodies. I love their vanilla malts, the huevos rancheros rock (the house salsa is delish!), and my kids love squeezing their own orange juice with breakfast. The Medici defines Hyde Park and we're all better for it. :-)
(5)
K G.

First, let's get the important advice out of the way: *Skip the restaurant and just go to the bakery instead; all of their best items are there, you save $ on tip, you save time, and you can take your food to the point. *Skip their sandwiches and go next door to Z&H. *Skip their fruit tarts; the crust is too hard and go to the Bonjour Bakery on 55th if you want french pastries. DO: *Get their milkshakes. They are SO good. Get the Mexicana Shake - you won't regret it. *Get their croissants - a good price and so delicious. I love the turkey and cheddar version, as well as the chocolate (who doesn't like chocolate croissants?). *Get their slices of pizza. One of the few places you can buy pizza by the slice, at least in Hyde Park, and much better/cheaper than Eduardo's down the block.
(4)
Emily C.

The food here, on average, is not very good. Both the restaurant and bakery are greasy and heavy without the satisfaction that greasy foods usually bring. The interior is college-y to a fault. The hundreds of names carved on the wall are kind of cool, but the interior is too dark and feels dank. I do like one of their pizzas. I forget the name but it has large pepperoni slices, goat cheese, and spinach. One huge piece of praise, however: their milkshakes are fantastic. My two favorites are the chocolate and banana nut. All of the milkshakes come with a huge glob of homemade whipped cream in the middle of them. The milkshakes are the only reason you should ever come to the Med.
(2)
Anne L.

Really enjoyed this restaurant. Has such a cute and cozy vibe. I think all the graffiti on literally everything was perfect. My husband and I split the soup of the day the rosemary potato and ham. It was delicious, we both really enjoyed it. The menu was very extensive which made it hard to decide what to order. I ended up ordering the Cajun turkey sandwich on an Asiago baguette, it was phenomenal. I only ended up eating half and having the rest for dinner. My husband had the antipasto salad which he thoroughly enjoyed. We will definitely be returning to this establishment in the future, especially to try the gluten free pizza.
(5)
Angela T.

Eh. The guac and chips and strawberry banana shake were yummy. The kids fluffer-nutter sandwich had barely any marshmallow fluff, and my daughter said it tasted like a plain old peanut butter sandwich on white bread. The fresh mozz sandwich had two tomatoes. Could barely even taste them. Won't come back.
(3)
Ben N.

To an outsider, Hyde Park might seem a little odd. Having grown up in a college town myself, I'd say it feels like something of a Never Never Land, a beautiful, never-changing oasis (this one considerably more intellectual than my hometown) to buffer you from the gritty reality that surrounds the neighborhood. And by "reality," I'm not referring just to the South Side of Chicago but the world at large as well. Medici on 57th seems like an apt restaurant for this sort of fantastical microcosm. Obviously, it's loaded with U of C students, faculty, and staff. Decor-wise, it feels like it hasn't changed since the 1970s: Lots of wood, exposed brick, 1960s and 1970s art, high ceilings. Although very casual, the room projects a kind of authority, based on its apparent long-time role in the community, and it has a kind of lived-in comfort. It's an enticing place to spend some time. The food itself is nothing close to spectacular, but it is pretty good. If the name "Medici on 57th" suggests some pretentious Midtown Manhattan upscale Italian food, it actually serves pretty straightforward pub grub: sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, salads. Everything ordered at our table was solid: Italian sub (really good ciabatta from the attached deli), black bean burger, fried catfish. The prices seemed pretty reasonable for the portions. Service seemed a little harried but was entirely pleasant. If you're coming down to Hyde Park as an out-of-towner/tourist/day-tripper, I'm confident you could do a lot worse than this place.
(4)
Song Z.

I had the BBQ Chicken. The chicken tasted a litte hard, and the skin was also very hard. I like them tender.
(3)
Vincent Y.

I go every time I'm back in Hyde Park. The food is heavy, but appetizing and although I would never go every day, I like it enough to come back for the delicious menu.
(5)
Rits M.

cute little cafe and I loved the outdoor seating. They have daily specials, and will fresh make sandwiches for you if you have the time to wait. They also have pre made sandwiches for the people who have to grab and go. I got the Smoky Joe- a little too much meat and cheese made it over-salty for me, and I love my meat and cheese and would never complain about this otherwise. Plus point to them was for the chocolate chip cookie milkshake yum yum- ice cream in a cup, I would never say no
(3)
Mike P.

Hyde Park is one of those neighborhoods that I like to go to thats close to home and great to check out. Recently I was there to take care of some business (I work for the U of Chicago at another site) and wanted to get a late lunch. Since I was on campus, I decided to make the trip to Medici's since I've always been intrigued with the place but have never gone. After finding the bakery and the entrance next door to the restaurant, I was enthusiastically greeted by the server. After getting seated and getting a glass of water, I eyeballed the menu and took a look around. For those from Chicago, this place reminded me a bit of the famous Gino's East where they have graffitti all over the place from their patrons....tho this place is a bit more intimate. I ended up getting one of their calzones....pepperoni, goat cheese, and spinach baked in a crust with marinara sauce. It was surprisingly tasty (although a tad greasy) and fulfilling. I did notice their other items that sounded good that I might have a look at when I go there again. All in all a neat experience. This is a very cool restaurant in a neighborhood that happens to feature one of the premier university campuses. A definite place to check out if only for the ambience.
(4)
Sean H.

Oh, Medici, greatly praised by the Hyde Park community, or at least talked up a lot. It's kind of a cool place - you can write on some of the tables and all. The upstairs outdoor dining area is a really nice atmosphere for dining in Hyde Park. As for the food, well, it's actually pretty good. I've only had their pizzas as meals, and I've never been disappointed. It's hard to describe, but they're better than the Domino's, for sure (and definitely Eduardo's...). I usually order a milkshake for my meal - they're thick, rich, terribly unhealthy, and absolutely delicious. Go for the chocolate. From what I could tell with what friends ordered, the rest of the menu ain't bad either. There's also a Medici bakery, which features very good sandwiches and pastries. I'm not sure if I just got cheaper over college, or if the prices went up in the past year, but a full meal here will probably run you around $15.
(4)
Erika G.

If someone said, about a restaurant, "George Bush eats here!" I'd probably avoid it, sneer while passing or systematically refuse to patronize any place connected to it via vendors. If a place says "Obama eats here!", well - I'm there, even if I have to walk blocks out of my way! Obama eats here, and confirms my every stronger suspicion that the dude's a foodie. The pizza is delicious. Like REALLY delicious. I had the personal pizza with artichoke hearts, Canadian bacon and green olives (yes, a personal favorite combo of mine). The pizzas are obviously made to order, 'cos it took a bit to get to me - or maybe the service was a bit lax? More on that later. The pizza was cooked well, but not overcooked. It didn't cause that phenomenon where the cheese is hot lava, burning the roof of your mouth, and then sticking to it while you attempt to maintain composure and not start screaming in pain in the dining room while inelegantly spitting the whole thing out. My delicate mouth appreciates this (shut up.). There wasn't too much cheese on it. The crust - ah, yes. Chewy and light. Not brittle and did not have that mealy, graham cracker crust texture that is so disappointing. The ingredients were well distributed - evenly, not just thrown together. If the service was better, it could easily garner another star. However it was filled with a lackadasical college student waitstaff. This did not matter to me today, as I was not pressed for time - and maybe Obama would randomly walk in!! What? He was busy today? Oh, that's right, that whole leader of the free world thing he's working on now. Anyway, I had three different waitresses (and my mouth was jammed with pizza anyway, so I appreciated the solitude). I wondered if they were going to split the tip I left them, but hey - not my worry. I was transported right back to 1974, the pizza joints I visited with my parents. This is what Gino's East tries to be - there is graffitti scrawled on the wall here, and carved in the tables, but it doesn't have that "trying too hard to be oh so cute and run down!" like Gino's. And then Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" started playing and it really WAS 1974. I kind of even felt 13 years old, but *coughs* certainly didn't look it anymore, thank gawdess.
(4)
Jason A.

Had an OK experience here. Kind of sad how you think you remember things, but then they end up being different (similar to how you thought little casear's was awesome as a kid because they had that guy saying "pizza! pizza!"). In any case, this was he go-to place for taking your important dates in college. It was bar none, one of the "fancier" places to win a girl over. However, the food didn't win me over tonight and left feeling greasy and uneasy. I felt bad for the people riding in the bus next to me.. To be fair, I really enjoyed the mexicana shake. You should get that and maybe the goat cheese appetizer.
(2)
Sasha F.

This place is everything! Excellent food and service and the location is great! It's always easy to find street parking. I have been going here for a few years and it's my favorite spot in Hyde Park. Great vegetarian options too!
(5)
Chuck W.

I have been bringing my family to Medici in Hyde Park for the past decade. I've seen the place in every possible condition; weekend and weekday, afternoon and evening, been upstairs and downstairs, busy and empty, sat inside and outside. Been there alone, with friends, with family and with children of all ages. The food is always consistent and good, the service always as prompt as possible depending on how crowded the place is. One thing I have noticed is that Medici seems to be able to retain its key staff members for a long period of time. If there is rapid turnover, it's usually not A good sign. If there was an extra star to give, I would do so because the staff here is extra nice to my kid, who has been coming to Medici with me since she was three. Very nice job, Medici -- keep up the good work.
(5)
David Z.

I love this place! We stopped by after going to the Museum of Science & Industry on an incredibly rainy afternoon. It is a pretty quick walk from the Museum, or, if you're a tourist and unfamiliar with the area (or simply lazy), it is a quick cab ride (should be between 5 and 7 bucks). We stopped by during the back end of brunch on a Saturday. The place is pretty huge, so we were able to snag a seat upstairs. They have two floors, and even outside seating out front AND upstairs. When we were there it was pouring, so I would love to come back and sit outside when the weather is nicer. Atmosphere wise, I was very impressed. They do the kind of hipster/trendy thing of allowing people to write on the tables, carve into the rails, etc, but it's not as obnoxious as some other places. For food, I had an egg-white veggie omelet with wheat toast. It was a great meal. The potatoes that came with were also very good, and the coffee was good and strong. If I were a student (those were the days) I could easily see myself coming to hang out here to study, especially if I could snag an outside spot. A lot of the workers were wearing "Obama eats here" shirts, and I guess I can see why. It's a very cool place - I wish I lived closer and could go more often. So if you're a tourist visiting the Museum, I'd highly recommend going down the street and visiting Medici instead of eating in the Museum's cafeteria for lunch. You'll be getting a little taste of "real" Chicago, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
David R.

1. They have pretty good milkshakes. I've enjoyed the Mexican chocolate (B) and the banana fudge nut (A-) varieties. A tip if you order the latter: plan ahead lest you be left with a glop of pecan pieces and banana chunks at the bottom of your cup. Bring your own long spoon or extra-wide straw. 2. In their convenience-store-style case, they sell single eggs. Are they raw eggs? Hard-boiled? Who knows. But where else have you ever seen a single egg wrapped in plastic on sale for 45 cents? Genius.
(4)
Jay T.

If you're after a spot that serves average food in a neighborhood that is stuck in a rut (here, the "south side"), then this is the perfect place. For lack of any legitimate competition, this restaurant seems to be a local fav. Fortunately, for the students, faculty, et al, the food here is a bit better than average in quality and ordinary in taste-experience. Like all things in the Midwest, the menu is some variation of Americana. Sure, I'll eat here, but I don't have much of a choice in terms of where I can eat in Hyde Park.
(3)
A W.

We've heard great things, but I can't review the food because after being ignored/over looked for 15 mins, we decided to leave. So my solo star is for the service. We had an equally disappointing experience just moments later at their to-go/cafe option next door. We ordered a soup and ham & cheese sandwich, when my name was called for the soup I asked about the sandwich and was told it would come separately. After 10 mins, and all the people behind us in line had received their food and left, I approached the counter again. It was then that they discovered they didn't take down our order correctly, our ham and cheese sandwich was confused with their similarly named turn-over/croissant. The kicker being that even though he didn't put the order back for the sandwich - he didn't reach into the case to give us the croissant either! We're over it, Hyde Park can keep their sub par service.
(1)
David K.

I am a former Hyde Parker, so the Med is that mysterious place that for some reason everyone returns to continuously. Though, I've always been a 53rd/55th person, not quite a 57th-er, so Medici promotes some ambivalence. In my experience, I have to say that their spinach and goat cheese pizza is delicious. I met someone here the other day for lunch, and I remembered why dining out on 57th street was never a priority in my life. The food was just okay--I had a turkey sandwich with fries--nothing special. The environment is alright--the tables are all scratched up and markered--but I'm just not that into it. The service is nice--the waitstaff is mostly attentive. I've had bad experiences in the past, but most recently they were pretty quick, which was nice for lunch on a weekday. Though, in terms of price--I think this place is a little too much. The sandwiches weren't too bad, but looking at other parts of the menu, I think they're charging too much for not that great quality nor big portions. I don't know--it just doesn't seem worth it. It's a fun spot, definitely part of Hyde Park culture, but certainly not my favorite restaurant in the neighborhood.
(3)
Cammie C.

I went to Medici for breakfast and had their pancake. It was really delicious! Also had a cafe au lait - it came with a really unique container with the milk and coffee separated on two containers!
(4)
Emilie H.

After leaving Hyde Park about a year ago, I find myself constantly craving the arrabiatta sandwich from the bakery on a pretty regular basis. With generous portions of premium Italian deli meats, fresh bread, and great dressing, this sandwich has taken hold of my soul and won't let go. The milkshakes at the restaurant are sublime, especially the Mexican chocolate, with subtle hints of cinnamon mixed with REAL ice cream and REAL whipped cream.....ah! Totally a UChicago destination!
(4)
Val B.

I went here for a lunch excursion on Friday, and it was just ok. I got the proscuitto sandwich as a salad, which was kind of a bad move because it was just tons of meat on top of some spinach. My friend's sandwiches looked way better, so I'll have to come back and do it up non-boring-lady style.
(2)
Robert H.

This is a review I thught I'd never write. The reason is The Art of Pizza up on N. Ashland has held it's position as my favorite place to get pizza and I didn't foresee that ever changing. Well, move over The Art of Pizza I still love you, but you now serve my 2nd favorite pizza in Chicago. Medicii has officially fought it's way up to the number one spot for best pizza in Chicago in my opinion. We ordered a pan pizza and although as a general rule I don't care for thick crust pizzas if they are exceptional then I can appreciate them. Well, I loved Medici's Mediterranean pan pizza! It was a little bit thinner crust than most other pan pizzas, but still definitely a pan pizza. The crust had a wonderfully buttery flavor I also loved the fact that unlike most places that only spotty coverage of goat cheese on their pizzas Medici had it very evenly distributed so you got a good taste of it in every bite without the pieces being so big that the flavor was overpowering. There was absolutely nothing about our pizza that I would have liked to have seen changed. The only reason I've rated this restaurant 4 stars instead of the 5 star rating that the pizza deserved is because of the service. The young lady who was our server wasn't rude or anything, but she certainly was not real good at her job. She had a very bland expression and didn't seem to even be trying to fake being friendly. She never came back to ask if our pizza was ok or not. She did come back once and refilled the water glasses, but she never bothered to ask if I'd have liked my almost empty Coke to be refilled. Normally I'm a very good tipper, but if I'd have been paying the check for this meal she would have only received a 10% tip based on the not so great service. The good news though is that Eran points out in her review is that apparently Geoff is a wonderful server and next time I go here I'll try and get seated at one of his tables if he's working since he sounds like a great server.
(4)
Tom P.

It's been my favorite restaurant in the world for more than 35 years. Period. (I was eating here even before Obama.)
(5)
Ed J.

The Med does a few things really well and I never really deviate much from them. The garbage burger is big and sloppy and awesome- the barbecue sauce that comes with it may anger barbecue fanatics but it's delicious, especially with the crispy shoe string fries. The spinach and goat cheese pizza is great, it's on a thin crispy crust, but I wish they'd use cooked seasoned spinach since the fresh leaves get too crispy, almost powdery, when cooked too long. The shakes have great consistency, not too think or thin, and are just plain good. The ambiance is nice in a neighborhood/college way and the service is usually solid. The bakery next door has great sandwiches (Z&H is better though) and is a good late night coffee/date spot. The truly awesome milkshakes elevate what is otherwise a 3* place.
(4)
Faith B.

The food here is GREAT! Living in Hyde Park for a few months, I found this place to be of great comfort. The bakery is a great place to get some studying done in the late spring/summer/early fall time when the front store patio is open. When my family came to visit we would always eat at the restaurant. I loved their shrimp quesadillas and their Mexicana shakes. Medici can be a bit pricy, but the food and atmosphere are worth it!
(5)
Christopher K.

I have been to Medici several times over the past few years and sitting down to write review notes this time I had to stare at the screen for a while before it finally came to me: I know what this place is. This is a campus restaurant that is a step above what usually passes for student places but falls just short of the kind of place that would be cool or trendy if it were, say, located in a north side neighborhood. I remember the two places back in college in Chambana that were spiritual twins to Medici: Coslow's and Treno's. Convivial area to sit down with friends or spread out and study, good hearty food that was made in a real kitchen (you are graduating from fast food/bar and grill/sandwich shop), lots of wood for some reason, alcohol now compliments your meal, etc etc. As an upperclassman or grad school I easily got half of my calories from those places -- so I understand why Medici seems instantly familiar. So nostalgia aside, the food is generally solid and not attention seeking. It is the kind of place were you can pick up on part of the urban collegiate vibe that the neighborhood has without taking a food risk, a good Hyde Park experience for people I bring through the neighborhood on the way to the Seminary Co-op or the Oriental Institute. Now that it is summer I highly recommend the patio -- the one that is inside and upstairs in the back, not the street seating.
(3)
Brenda G.

My first visit was today as part of a trip to the 57th Street Art Fair. Had the Grilled Cheese (with tomato and pesto on sesame seed bread). It was grilled perfectly and so yummy. Super skinny fries and some dill chips rounded out my meal. The brewed tea was as expected, plain brewed ice tea with no fancy favors. Loved it. My co-diner had the Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato sandwich. She was also happy. There was a line, but it moved quickly.
(5)
Iliana P.

YUMMY shakes! The Mexicana is made to taste like an Abuelita ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abâ€¦ ) shake, and the Fudge Banana-Nut shake is equally as delicious :-q! looking for an espresso drink? I love to pick up a Chocolaccino or a Medici Mocha (with chocolate ice cream inside that melts in the hot coffee) The restaurant is spacious, and has an outside eating area both in a back patio and a front street patio. The service is good enough, and if you want to pick something up quick, you can visit the Medici bakery annex where they serve sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, and espresso drinks, but where you can also order anything from the restaurant menu for carry-out. I like this place a lot, it's my preferred place to eat in Hyde Park. Funny enough, the food is just ok. The pizza is good, and so are the burgers. The BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich used to be my favorite, until they started using a thicker bread. The shakes make up for what the food lacks, as well as the espresso drinks, location, and setting.
(4)
Sharon O.

"Eek! Methinks not" Hey Business owners don't allow your employees including you Manager run your business or worse yet" run your business into the ground"! Bad food-Bad service not what one expects after frequenting this establishment 2-4 times a month for the last 30yrs.
(1)
Peter D.

I was not that impressed with the menu. I came here per recommendation of a University of Chicago student and the fact that Barack Obama has listed Medici as one of his favorite joints. The inside is BEAUTIFUL but the menu was nothing special. I felt that many of the dishes were priced for the area, which is wealthy, UChicago professors, researchers, and etc. I do not recommend coming here if you want to have a cheap meal. Even the items that should be inexpensive, are NOT. The service and decor was the only thing keeping me from giving it a two-star rating. Our waitress was very charming and kept us entertained. The food took a long time to prepare, and we only ordered three items between four people. Salads being two of the dishes. Anyways, I think I'd have to come here again and re-evaluate, but it is not in my immediate future to check this spot out again.
(3)
Amy N.

I love Medici, this was my favorite neighborhood restaurant when i lived in Hyde Park, food is always good, its fresh and delicious. My favorite is the spinach feta croissants and any of their pizzas but especially the spinach thin crust pizza.
(5)
Greg D.

Average food for an average price. Kind of grungy atmosphere but it works well. The bakery next door is great for a quick lunch. Nothing special but a good place to go meet up with friends and grab a decent meal.
(3)
Sermane T.

Strawberry Lemonade and Shakes are very tasty. Food was mediocre and not well seasoned. Ambiance is casual and cool. Servers are accommodating and free wifi contribution to a delightful lunch experience. I would come again but not my first choice. maybe if I dined in the upstairs patio I would have a different experience. I like that they have multiple veggie choices, definitely a plus.
(3)
Lucas C.

For what it's worth this is without a doubt the best American restaurant in Hyde Park. Their burgers and shakes are pretty good. The atmosphere unique to chicago, and they have a nice upstairs patio. If you're feeling like taking out a sandwich check out the adjacent Medici Bakery menu, the fresh mozzarella is my personal favorite.
(3)
Cindy J.

This is our (my husband and I) go to spot when we want a decent meal out in Hyde Park. They have lots of choices for most of the moods we are in when we come here, although most of the time we go for the pizza, which has never disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, including the chalk board in the restroom to write fun messages. You can hear other people's conversations quite easily in the main dining room, which can be distracting. The outside seating is nice when the weather is right. I have never had to wait here and have been there for dinner at all kinds of times at night.
(4)
Jean-Pierre A.

The best double pepperoni, basil & garlic pizza around! The crust was perfect and the side of marinara sauce was delicious! The lemonade was awesome! The service was slow but pleasant.
(4)
Ruthie H.

Medici restaurant: AMAZING spinach goat cheese pizza, great little house salad with mustard (or pesto) vinaigrette. The service can be surly-- once I had to flag down a waitress to ask for a water refill. She got her revenge by bringing me back a glass of HOT tap water. Mmm... The Medici bakery next door has incredible chocolate croissants (apple croissants also super tasty) and decent coffee. Similarly disaffected waitstaff who avoid eye contact, then bark at you for your order. Snag a window seat if you can get one (there are only four little tables, sometimes people share), or take your treats across the street and make a picnic in the park there. Med Bakery does get a bonus point for allowing desperate parents and nannies from the nearby playground bring their kids in to use the bathroom there. Not everyone is down with using the "pee pee tree" at the park, okay? One time at the med bakery I went to pour some sugar into my latte, and someone had loosened to cap on the sugar jar-- a pound of sugar (and the cap!) fell right into my latte, splashing it everywhere. To the servers' credit, they swooped right in to clean up the mess and handed me a new latte a minute later. That was nice of them.
(4)
Angela C.

Well, like many others who have posted before me, this used to be a long time favorite of mine that has been hit or mostly miss as of late. I will give the bakery credit and say that it has been okay, but after dining at the restaurant last night I'm pretty sure that we won't be visiting either again any time soon. A friend of mine was in from out of town and my family and I met her here for dinner last night. The food was just okay (actually a little less than okay) which has been our experience the last few times that we were there. The service as someone else stated was mediocre. So craptastic food and lackluster service would have been enough for me to decide that it's time to give The Medici a rest, but the thing that really put me over the edge was the fact that our bill for a party of five (3 adults and 2 children - aged 2 and under) had 18% gratuity automatically added to it. We typically tip 20% when dining out, but this really shocked me. I couldn't believe that they actually took the liberty to add gratuity for what I'm guessing they considered a large party that included a small child and an infant. We ordered three entrees - 2 burgers and a medium pizza. So, 18% it is! What the heck? Well, it just made the decision that much easier. We won't be back.
(2)
Douglass D.

I've been working just down the street from Medici, and I'm in the place once a week for the restaurant and twice a week for the bakery/coffee shop. It's all good. I have to give a special recognition to Medici's chilli. It's good, really thick and hearty. And it's reasonably priced, while some items on the menu strike me as overpriced. I've gone to Medici with a weekend group of friends, and we have all enjoyed the experience. Medici is a fine place.
(4)
Pinaki S.

The collection of baked goods here is unprecedented in any place I've been in Chicago. I got the spinach and cheese croissant. What a gigantic croissant. Next time I'll try the chocolate croissant. I O'dd on these the last time I went to Europe.
(4)
ness y.

I think the croissants at Medici are over-rated. Multi-grain demis are where it's at! Fresh from the oven, or even part-way through the afternoon, they are nutty, grainy goodness. But! If you're not going to eat bread (any kind) from Medici until later, pick up it up from HPP on 53rd while you grab your other foodstuffs. It's from the same ovens, baked at the same time. But this bread has been bagged and thus, hasn't sat on the shelves at Medici getting hard through the day. Not to mention it's cheaper. Once popped in the oven for about 10 minutes, your loaf will be extra great and not extra hard as one purchased in the evening from Medici will be. Plus, then you can avoid the sometimes SUPER SNARKY staff in the bakery :S Oh, and breakfast on weekends in the restaurant side of Medici = free refills on some decent coffee, and fresh squeezed OJ. Service here tends to be more consistently good (obvie for tippage).
(4)
Jeanelle S.

Sadly I went back for dinner last week. The chicken tenders I loved so much? Not nearly as awesome as they used to be. That made me sad. I should've ordered the burger. But I was impressed with the remodel of the restroom.
(2)
Ellen C.

I'm not sure how to distinguish between the lunch place and the coffee place- but I ended up going to both! A friend from high school who now goes to UChicago took me to the lunch place and I had a delicious spinach/goat cheese pizza. I made it spicier with the red pepper flakes they provide (standard, but always appreciated). I really enjoyed it- and my friend says the milkshakes are the best part (though I didn't have one given the outside temperature!) The service wasn't terribly quick, but I wasn't in a hurry so it worked just fine. As for the coffee place, I ended up there with a latte while waiting for a friend to pick me up, and really enjoyed sitting the cafe. Only four tables, which was a downside, but did allow me to meet a random person sharing my table. The coffee tasted good too. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Ram. S.

This place is great to explore. The inside of the restaurant is unique. A place to be your self and eat comfortably. The food tasted great! I ordered a hamburger and fries, and so far it was the best that I've had. The hamburger bread was fresh and homemade old school style, which was delicious. Their menu has a lot of options that would satisfy most. The waiters there were very nice and polite. I went with my friends, a group of seven, and we were seated comfortably.
(4)
Tina M.

The thin crust cheese pizza here is absolutely delicious. It's also very reasonably priced. In fact I was surprised that a salad costs more than a medium pizza. The frozen strawberry lemonade was equally tasty. So while the food was right on track the service was definitely lacking. It was a Saturday afternoon so they were busy, but not packed. The waiter never checked on us and we had to flag him down to get the bill. However, in spite of this I would return, not just for the pizza, but for the decor. There is something really old and charming about Medici and it's nice to look around the restaurant and see the diversity of Hyde Park represented. And I have to give them props for allowing Yelp to host a bake sale to benefit Haiti in their upstairs area. I will definitely return when I'm in the area.
(4)
David R.

I can't believe anyone ever goes back here. I grew up in hyde park, which meant that I basically ate there once a week for 10 years. In my defense, I was too young to know any better. Now go there about once every year just to reassure myself that I'm justified in talking trash about it. The service is unbelievably bad. Like... beyond bad. If I spoke German I would make up a word that contained every other word under the thesaurus entry for "bad" just strung together. They're snotty (especially the hosts/hostesses) and they could give a crap whether you're being served quickly or even at all. Your waiter might come take your order or you might have to go back to the host table to ask them to find you a waiter. The food isn't bad. It's not good either. The best thing I can say is that it's a more pleasant way of ingesting calories than, say, an IV drip. They have a bakery there that, for reasons that escape me, people seem to like. They have dry tasteless croissants, dry potato buns (which I had previously thought impossible to do), dry bagels, and dry cookies (notice a pattern). It's right next door, but they throw in the same snotty service for free. They used to use really tasty buns for their burgers (which are the best thing on the menu), but when they opened the bakery, they ditched them in favor of the dry-as-dirt potato buns. I happened to mention to the manager on the way out that I thought the old buns were better and she just looked at me and said, "no they're not" and walked away. I'm convinced that the only business they really get is by default when nobody wants to walk too far or drive anywhere, and they know it. Skip it and go to Cafe Florian or Salonica, or anywhere else instead. Their patio is pretty nice, though. Also, they've never given me food poisoning. Those are the nicest two things I could find to say.
(1)
Mary R.

Saw Medici on a Chicago food show and since my boyfriend and I were in Hyde Park for the first time, we stopped in for a late lunch/ early dinner. Stepping in the door I immediately loved the atmosphere. The restaurant is very bohemian, with lots of art on the walls and graffiti scribbled all over the tables. The waitstaff were very friendly and laid back. However, we had mixed feelings about the food. I ordered a delicious Grilled Portabella Sandwich, which was probably the tastiest veggie sandwich I have ever eaten! Samm got the Medici Burger medium, but it was very undercooked. We both enjoyed the fries. I appreciate that they had several vegetarian options and prices were moderate. The next time I am in Hyde Park I will definitely give Medici another try.
(3)
Tina D.

I tried the margherita pan pizza, onion rings and chx noodle soup. I normally do not like onion rings ( my bf ordered them), but they were excellent. The soup had a nice aroma and tasted really good, although i wish there was more rice. I saved the best for last... the margherita pan pizza!!!! It was awesome! i could not stop eating it and prob gained a few Lbs. Totally worth the extra workout!! The reason i didn't give it a 5 is bc the service kinda sucked in the to go area. Mayb the girl was tired but she acted as if we were an inconvenience. Also, i thought the prices were a little high...but then again I'm pretty cheap. Anyway... I highly recommend it!!!
(4)
Andrea C.

medici or 'the med' as my coworkers fondly refer to it is pretty darn good. went here for my first day of work at uchicago and ordered the bacon blue cheese burger...and i was definitely WOWed. i like a good burger every now and then but this was freaking melt in your mouth good. like dream about it good (and i sure did). since then, i have definitely taken every opportunity to return to the med (visitors, office lunch...so what if im not in your department, boyfriend visit etc). for you non burger types, the club sandwich is pretty good...and you must must MUST try the mexicana shake. please for the love try it. yes, my favorite meal eaten there on a regular basis is a heart attack waiting to happen...but oh boy, what a great way to go. minus one star for RC products (yuck) and the fact that its a liiiiitle bit pricey. its on par w/TGI Fridays, but id definitely say its better!
(4)
Mary E.

Maybe they should change the name to "Mediocriti"--my last two experiences have been less than stellar. This is one of the places I suggest when out-of-towners ask, "Where's a good restaurant in an interesting neighborhood?" I've brought lots of people here over the years. But lately--I'd have to reconsider this recommendation. The legendary hamburgers are pressed patties like you get from Sam's Club boxes, the buns are stale, the service is a little slow (excusable when crowded) and can be surly (excusable: never), Too bad: I really liked this place. But there seems to be a point when restaurants, bars, etc., get TOO popular and then start sliding downhill. I guess that's what has happened to Medici. Just like its famous patron, Obama, it promises much but delivers little.
(2)
Ryan H.

Overall, Medici's is a decent place to have brunch. I liked the atmosphere as well as the fact that you can carve your name on the wall. The pricing is also reasonable. They also have a bakery downstairs that sells some pretty good rolls. I had the "Build your own Omelet", which was pretty satisfying. My only criticism was that some of our utensils were not clean and one of the people that I came here with received a piece of moldy bread. They fixed this problem when we requested it.
(3)
Kristina N.

The atmosphere at the Med is cozy and inviting, but the food is very sub-par. I have eaten here (and been disappointed) on three separate occasions. I have never been to the bakery next door so I can't speak for it, but if it is anything like the restaurant that is not saying much. I really want to like this place because I work in Hyde Park and, like I said above, the atmosphere is wonderful but the food is just bland and I probably won't be back. If I were you, I would head next door to the University Market and grab one of their sandwiches. They are way better than anything I have eaten at the Med. You will not be disappointed! On the upside, I have never experienced poor service here. A few reviewers were complaining about the waitstaff and I have to say that every time I have been in here the staff has been friendly and attentive.
(2)
Shang S.

Build your own sandwich or order something from their board, the sandwiches are of good quality, there's nothing for me to complain here. It neither stands out nor is it bad, I'd return here. If you're not that hungry I recommend going for half a sandwich
(3)
Elizabeth R.

This is the way I thought Hyde Park would be before I moved here- a cozy, comfy, college neighborhood. Medici attracts students, faculty, neighborhood residents, and Barack Obama, apparently. It's generally hopping, but not tough to get a table. I go out of my way to come here to get quality comfort food, and because it's just a relaxing place to be. I have a favorite meal- a latte, a grilled cheese sandwich, and onion rings. The onion rings here are killer. I have, however, ventured out of my culinary rut to try other things (all tasty), and brought family and friends here from outside of Hyde Park. My in-laws loved the breakfast food and particularly complemented the freshly made lemonade and espresso drinks. My, er... other in-laws enjoyed burgers here and some really good chicken tortilla soup. My husband loves getting ice cream floats and milkshakes with whatever he orders. And the friend who originally brought me here swears by the portabella sandwich. I love that the booths are covered in grafiti, and they don't mind if you add to it. They retain the grafiti to give the place the feel of a local institution, and manage to do so without having the place look shabby. I love to read the different messages as I sit. They recently replaced the standalone tables with really lovely wooden ones, and redid the bathroom so that it's rather nice to go "powder your nose" in there now. (I kind of want to steal the soap dispenser for my own bathroom.) Medici also, of course, has a bakery 'round front so you know the baked goods you order in the restaurant will be tasty. Whenever I wander in, it seems as though someone is kneading dough for bread. I had a killer chocolate croissant here too... mmm Great place to bring your parents when they visit, if you're a college student. It's rather hard to offend anyone with the food here, and as long as everyone in your party likes standard American faire, you're all set- from vegans to carnivores. It's a better than average comfort food place, I' say. So glad Medici is in the neighborhood. Interesting art on the walls too- and 2 floors, just in case you didn't spot the upstairs ;)
(4)
John K.

I'll still give it three stars because the pizza is still usually good, but if the trend continues, they will be at 2 stars within 6 months, and 1 star by next summer. 5 years ago, when friends would come to town, I took them to The Medici. Now, not so much.
(3)
CN D.

Who wouldn't be a fan once you've eaten here? I love the summers sitting up on the roof top. Food great, service good, and price decent. Their salad's and pizza are fantastic and large enough portions where me and 2 other coworkers can share a lunch. I haven't had everything on the menu but am certainly trying to complete that goal. I have yet to find something I do not like.
(4)
Jennifer A.

I love Medici! The Food is high quality and very reasonably priced. Byob. It's my standard restaurant!
(5)
Kelly G.

Came with some U of C alums who knew what they wanted and how to get it out on the table fast. Their ordering finesse inspired confidence and made me feel like I was in good hands. After an eh meal, I realized that U of C kids living in Hyde Park just gotta make do w the best they've got. Apps were so-so but at least quick in coming. The much hyped Mexicana shake did not live up. The spinach goat cheese and 'garbage' thin crusts were good but not great. As someone who will take toppings and sauce over cheese and crust any day, I was overall a happy camper. While all the components were there and in the right proportion, nothing wowed. The inoffensive tomato sauce and crust DID come with some pretty awesome pepperoni though!
(3)
Georgia M.

Got a giant salad yesterday, it was fantastic!
(5)
nick a.

Always packed, never boring. I wish I was still in Hyde Park just so I can live off of the Med's burgers.
(5)
Anya D.

To all the haters: Its the Medici! Maybe that doesnt mean much to a person who isn't from Hyde Park and didnt used to have large dinner parties with friends there when you were 12. However, its not supposed to be a 5 star dinner. Its a little place aimed at U of C students (high school and university), and it does its job. The pizza (while not the best) its pretty delicious in my eyes. While some of their items are not the greatest, you just have to find what you like and go on recommendations. Someone said you cant get bakery items in the actual sit down restaurant, and that is 100% false. Milk shakes, pastries, order it and you shall receive. I too have my name carved/written on the walls somewhere on the second floor, so maybe Im just biased, but its well worth a few tries. Yes the service can be a little rude, but they deal with quite the array of people and Im sure you'd be pissy too some days.
(4)
Candice M.

My rating has gone down on this place. Service not as good anymore and am so glad there is an alternative next door called Z & H! Last weekend we have the one waitress on staff and when we asked where our dish was that was supposed to come early, she pointed to the counter and said "do you see it up there? when its up there its ready". That is not what a waitress is supposed to do. She is supposed to walk her butt over to the counter and ask her cooks for it. Also I"m sick of their Obama Eats Here and worse, Kagan t-shirts. Obnoxious.
(3)
Megan O.

charm, decent pricing, AMAZING FOOD. The place was so charming, with different art paintings and unique sculptors ( there were only a few) it also surprised me that there were writings all over the table and walls! none the less-- it wasn't even tacky. We got the strawberry lemonade ( which I HIGHLY recommend) and steak burrito & cheeseburger. SO GOOD! They have a wide variety of food and it was all very good. I was scoping the other guests, and looks like they have really good salads and pizzas! Definitely worth driving back to the south side! Service was great too, very laid back !
(5)
Joe S.

What a gem. We had lunch here the other day, I got the blue cheese burger. It was fantastic, we started out with goat cheese appetizer, yummy as well. I tasted the pizza and that was great as well. Service was great, it took a little while to get seated, but what can you do!
(4)
Chaviva G.

I don't know where these good reviews come from. I don't know where these people are eating, but it sure isn't the restaurant where I'm eating. The food is all out-of-the-bag stuff. I've had a burger here, and it wasn't even mediocre. It was bad. I got the chicken fingers. There was no flavor. The fries tasted like plastic. This is probably one of the worst places in Chicago I've eaten since moving here in March. Not to mention it's overpriced for the portions and quality. The only GOOD thing here was the drinks ... a delicious float. That's the only thing worth going here for. The waitstaff is slow and unfriendly. I sat for 15 minutes before getting waited on, and then it was incredibly impersonal. You'd be better off going down the street to Subway or just eating some grass. Good luck getting good food here. AMENDED: The bakery here is delicious. The tarts are to die for and even worth the price. I'll add another star or two, simply for the fact that the bakery is good and the staff there is wonderful. In sum: AVOID the restaurant, hit up the bakery!
(3)
Sondra O.

I used to be a HUGE fan of medici - always recommending it as a 'go to' spot for my friends. The food is usually pretty good and the tab is always good considering the BYOB allowance. That being said, I have urged all of my friends to NEVER patronize Medici any longer based on my last experience. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger that he decided, after biting into it, was a little undercooked for his taste. We informed the waitress who took his plate away and brought it back about 5-10 mins later. He bit into the burger only to find that it was the SAME burger that he'd been served previously - just put back on the grill and covered with more toppings. DISGUSTING! This meant that they put a burger that has someone else's saliva back on the grill with supposedly 'fresh' food and then re-served it. We were so put off - we paid and left. In hindsight - the correct thing to do was to speak to the manager, but we didn't. (Shame on us - we know. we know :()
(1)
Jon B.

Go for the atmosphere: Wonderful atmosphere, huge portions, but lacking in the taste department. I would suggest taking a friend, or a new love interest. Great friendly service, prices are hyde park friendly.
(3)
Suz S.

A must go to in Hyde Park. Bring your own booze. Goat cheese pesto pizza is great. Also beef burrito.
(4)
Jeremy W.

Ok, so Obama eats here. That still doesn't make the food special. Medici Restaurant is typical college food that's average on taste and long on rep. If you're over 35, you probably don't eat here that often. Giving credit where credit is due, the bakery is ok for morning treats but don't expect the quality to rival Dinkel's or Weber's, 2 of Chicago's better bakeries. Weird flavored muffins like Pear/Coconut deliver! Try the ham and swiss croissants. The brownie is good also. The Apple Pie is weak on flavor and very dry, avoid it.
(2)
Lori M.

My name's been on the wall since I can't remember, I've shared a few french fries in here, and I enjoy getting away from the NorthSide to a place like this - much more of a neighborhood joint than anything up in LakeSchmew. The staff (Stacy & sister, you gals are great!) is super friendly and they serve up a mean veggie burger, just for me, and you too---just ask. I love the back booth on the first floor with the victorian hanging light for my BYOB nights. If your spirit needs a lift, have an Orange Creamsicle Float, they know how it's done. Bring your mom, your doctor, your neighbors, your secret pen-pal, anyone & everyone will love this place. Medici's - this one's for you - my100th review! ...and today, the Yelp Office Hours gang whooped it up sugary-style with the bakery's bests - those chocolates croissants, those almond crescents cha cha cha, chocorific cookies & little strawberry-kiwi-blueberry tarts to roll over for...oh! and the new Kickapoo coffee! You've outdone yourselves.. I think I can work straight through until 3am - going strong on that 6 cups o' java you poured me loves. I found a cinnamon roll in my coat pocket, a treasure from Medici's.
(5)
Alicia S.

Great hot chocolate in the bakery/cafe part! It's perfected by none other than Carmaletia!! I don't go if she's not working!
(5)
mari s.

Frequented this spot a couple times when we lived in the area. Really tasty chili & good pan pizza. The bakery is also worth a visit; really good fruit tortes & excellent brownies.
(4)
Quinn G.

The crust on our first pizza was a little doughy and undercooked. A soggy crust can really bring a good pizza down. The crust on the second pizza was better. The toppings were fine (we had the garbage pizza) but nothing special, and the sauce was tasty. This was not the best pizza of my life, but it was superior to any of those pretentious sauceless cheese toasts they call "pizza" in the Bay Area. Our server was awesome. She messed up an order slightly, caught it herself, and gave us a free pizza. She was so nice, I would return simply because of the service. This was a pleasant, casual and unchallenging dining experience.
(3)
Karyn K.

Went to the bakery. The ham and swiss croissant is AMAZING. Since I had it yesterday, I have been seriously debating moving to Hyde Park so that I can indulge in the ham and swiss croissant more frequently. The service at the bakery was quick and pleasant.
(5)
Ron R.

They get 5 stars for the Cinnamon rolls! Best in the city hands down. I honestly dont think the food is all that great, but back when I lived in Hyde Park me and my friends would always just chill in this place and mark up the tables and walls. Milk Shakes are also good (I have a serious sweet tooth)
(5)
e e.

THE PIZZA! so unique, and delicious. eat it once and you will be dying to go back for months! (if you make it that long) try the goat cheese/olive/pesto/tomato or the bbq chicken. fun atmosphere - old wood booths with graffiti all over the walls. a good place to grab a 6pack and eat with friends.
(5)
Kim A.

Delicious thin or pan pies. Delicious ingredients. Funky, hip, atmosphere. It's a great date locale, as well as a place to bring a few bottles of wine and friends. I've been coming here since I worked at MSI in 2005, and have yet to be disappointed
(4)
Joe W.

Hyde Park has horrible dining options. You would think that the relatively eclectic neighborhood could get it together, but most restaurants in the neighborhood disappoint. The reason why I like Medici just fine is that it doesn't disappoint. The menu is reasonably varied, the portions generally match the price, and you can order any of the three cardinal meals. There's local art on the walls, each with their own proud story, and you can write on any exposed surface. It has its own self-conscious lore, which is interesting enough to care about, and minor enough to ignore and allow you to enjoy the casual atmosphere. The pizzas are average, the burgers are large (and not always cooked the way you ordered), and the $5 basket of onion rings is clearly a gesture of excess. Breakfast I find to be a somewhat better experience: quality bread, great coffee with refills, solid omelets and potatoes. Honestly, I could have thought I was in the artisanal counterpart to Red Robin had I not already known. But why wouldn't you enjoy it?
(3)
Eric X.

Medici is a cornerstone of the 57th Street corridor through Hyde Park. I have been through the menu countless times in the past twelve years, and there isn't much that I wouldn't order again. The menu is both meat and meatless friendly; although the food is a bit greasy, I consider this to be one of the more interesting diners throughout the city. Want a unique, cheap, tasty dining experience? Go to Medici. Did you just leave a concert in Hyde Park and want a snack? Go to Medici. Need lunch after spending the morning at the Museum of Science and Industry? Go to Medici. Check out the sweet treats; I recommend the Mexicana shake in the warmer months. It's thick, rich, and goes perfect with anything else on the menu!
(4)
Mike O.

Hey, this place is pretty cool. You can grab some good coffee and good ice cream here. I've been meaning to come back and I'll definitely update this review when I do. The place has a really cool interior. I could spend hours scribbling on the tables and walls. - Eat on!
(3)
Eliza B.

The calzones are hit or miss, chocolate chip cookies are bland, rice krispie treats are better than homemade! I'm re-discovering meat and I LOVE their burgers. Fettuccine Alfredo is consistently DELICIOUS but can only be consumed once a year due to the cream to butter ratio. Yum. Great waitstaff and the renovation to the bakery is lovely. Still a solid HP eatery.
(4)
Anne L.

I think that this is a nice place for a good coffee drink and bakery or brunch. They have a nice selection of omelets/pancakes/great pastries and breads.
(3)
Emily C.

we came here on a thursday night with my friend who just moved to the area. there are not too many places to eat in hyde park so this was truly a gem. we weren't aware that it was byob so our cocktail hopes were squashed but the atmosphere, service, price and food surly made up for that. We started with the hummus plate. the hummus was some of the best I have ever had. comes with really warm, moist pita, carrots, cucumber, and tomato. really hit the spot and no too filling. we ordered and our food was out in about twenty five minutes. perfect. the chicken breast salad was outstanding. the chicken was grilled to perfection and really moist. everyone else had their personal pizzas which resemble pizza hut's personal pan pizzas. we were all reflecting on the personal pan pizzas you could get with your book-it pin in elementary school. good times. mom had the goat cheese and spinach pizza which she totally loved. my sister had the spinach and chicken pizza which she liked but thought mom's was better. beth had the ham and cheese pizza which was also great. the bread and pizza dough are so great. there is a bakery so everything is super fresh and tasty. the atmosphere is great. you can write your name on the beautiful brick walls and the wait staff's tshirts read on the back "obama eats here." cute. it's a pretty good size place with larger tables for bigger parties. there is also an amazing patio on the roof top. we were here in april so it wasn't open but we will for sure be back. with our beer and wine of course.
(5)
Nate W.

Hey. How's it going? I just wanted to let you know that cafe Medici is a pretty good place to have a tasty bite that is not too expensive. They have some cool (non alcoholic) drinks as well. There is an almond soda drink with chocolate Godiva ice cream in it that is pretty good. The pizzas are pretty good. The burgers are made with quality grade. etc. The last experience I had left a could've-been-a-bad-taste-but-it-was-ousted-by-a-Âbreathmint taste in my mouth. The bad taste part wasn't the establishment's fault though so they will keep that fourth star. . . I went to Medici after watching dusk fall upon the city from the Promontory Point with my gal. For the time of year and occasion, we were wearing some comfortable early fall clothes. When we arrived at Medici, I noticed a very different (uptight) vibe. First, I noticed many disdainful looks from the patrons directed towards us. Then I noticed that almost everyone was dressed up. Then I noticed the back of the staff's shirts that said, "Obama eats here". Which was really cool... However, we weren't about to leave because we didn't fit in. As we walked through the crowd, all I could hear were contrived (and overly boisterous) efforts to speak on the structure of politics or the remedy for a failing economy from each table. It was obvious that these people would want Mr. Obama to hear and recognize their genius if he was in the building---anywhere, in the building. I felt a moment of uneasiness as the looks kept coming our way. Then I concluded that if Obama did come to eat at Medici that he might realize my girl and I were possibly the only two people that weren't there with the intention to seize an opportunity to impress him or to dick ride. I assumed that the Medici staff might adhere to the snobbish posture of the patrons that was rampant during our visit. Contrarily, they treated us like a breath of fresh air and in the end the place gained even more of our respect.
(4)
Jasmine D.

I dream about the Mexican milkshake, the burgers, and the chicken noodle soup, in that order.
(4)
Sara G.

Stopped in to the bakery (not the restaurant portion) on a cold, snowy afternoon and had as good an apple croissant as I can imagine with a nice cup of coffee. M.'s piece of cake, some crazy raspberry and cream concoction, was delicious and huge, and the pie that our friends had also looked great. If I lived in this area I would be here way to often for my own good. My only minor quibble would be that all the "Obama eats here" stuff was a bit nauseating. But I guess you can't blame them for cashing in.
(4)
Timothy M.

This place is great! I was taken here first by a friend from U of C. The pizza is awesome and the Reuben is a glorious delight. Honestly, outside of Manny's, this is one of the best Reubens I've had in Chicago. Medici (the Med) is a charming place, that easily compliments Hyde Park's low-key business districts like 57th Street. The diverse and intellectual crowd is part of what makes this place such an institution here. Places like the Med really set Hyde Park apart from the rest of Chicago. Warm and inviting, the upstairs is great for more personal conversations and the downstairs small booths are great for a lunch or dinner date. The friendly grafitti on the wall is a reminder that this place is mostly frequented by college students, with advice in the men's room about veganism, anarchism, and other assorted slogans. It cracks me up, because these slogans anywhere else would come off as confrontational and abrasive... but here it almost seems like the campus revolutionaries are ASKING you if you would like to help "smash the state". If you are on the South Side and crave good pizza, sandwich, a float, or a good milkshake, this is your best bet.
(4)
AxeMe A.

How could I not 5 STAR you, Medici? You've written all over the tables in my head.
(5)
Christopher T.

Their deep dish was soggy--literally a pool of water below it. On the other hand the thin crust (what I typically get) was crisp and delicious. The service inside was decent, but worse than I would have expected given that the place was empty. Delivery has always been prompt. The prices are a little high for what you get.
(3)
Sohini K.

Was a regular while living in Hyde Park. The food is pretty standard, but it's good, large portions. The burgers, including the grilled chicken sandwich are particularly good, and the Mexicana milkshake is delicious. The interior is cozy and unique. Weekend brunches are also pretty good. Service is friendly. The Medici's bakery next door has a decent offering of fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as take-out options from the restaurant. I would recommend the apple croissant, and the coffee is pretty strong -- great for students. There is very limited seating in the bakery.
(4)
Yohance T.

The food here is very good especially yhe pizza. They also have very good burgers and chickens sandwhich as well. The breakfast from here is good as well.
(4)
I B.

I work nearby, and I have to say I think this place only appeals to Hyde Parkers who like it for the alleged character. The food is positively leaden, it's crowded at lunch, and the service is pretty bad. Go up the street to Florian, which is more friendly, less crowded, and has more interesting food.
(2)
Michael W.

Hate to have to write this but Medici is Hyde Park's Lehman Brothers. It has fallen off dramatically to the point that it's bankrupt of much of the charm, service, atmosphere and delicious food that I fell for more than a year ago drinking my first Grenadine Float. So, so-good. You just don't get rainbow sherbet enough as a menu option. Much of the charm of Medici was that it was a no frills, cheap-ish food joint which you could tell was the case with a lot of U of C students filling the booths. The wide open dining space, gargoyles and marker-etched names and notes on the wall added to the decor. Some of the best basket of fries I had - almost too many to eat at once - were consumed here. Nice pizza selections too. The waiter/waitress experience was always hit-or-miss, but with affordable food, you roll the dice. Slowly, the restaurant started to go a bit more upscale. The bathrooms went through an unnecessary, but welcome TLC makeover. But...OK... Staff started wearing 'Obama eats here' themed T-shirts. Cute. This is his neighborhood. But then, the prices skyrocketed overnight. What once cost $6 to $7 was now 10 bucks. W-T-F? Do we need to start drilling for domestic Rainbow Sherbet in Alaska? What happened? Maybe the government could throw a few bailout/rescue dollars to Medici so I can afford to eat here again. Or maybe the restaurant stopped catering to nearby students and started going after their parents, professors (or prez candidates with 13 houses) who can afford to overpay for OK food. But that's not me.
(2)
Spencer R.

If Hyde Park is a food desert (which it is), this place is the dry and raunchy armpit. I know of which I speak - I lived in HP for three years and partook of the Med's smorgasbord of nastiness regularly. Between the flooded-with-grease pizza, the surly-to-the-extreme and incompetent waitstaff, and the turned mayo that caused me to ralph on multiple occassions, I do not miss this place at all. With the possible exception of La Petite Jolie and RibsNBibs, there is NO GOOD FOOD in Hyde Park. Yelp shakes down small businesses: digg.com/food_drink/Yelpâ€¦
(1)
Duff B.

Excellent hang out spot. Food's good, not great, but certainly satisfying. Great ambiance that's unique but definitely inviting, and I'd probably go all the time if it were down the street from me.
(3)
Jess S.

I've only been here once and can't wait to come back. The menu looked delicious. The staff was nice. And there were plenty of happy families. It's always fun to visit a neighborhood place with history.
(4)
annie r.

i love this place. it was my favorite off campus getaway when i was at iit, and now that im northsider, i still make the trek. often. you CAN't beat the ambiance of this place. its always cozy, no matter what season. the deck is great in summer, but the booths are dark and cozy and with a mexican hot chocolate, its my favorite place to be when its cold. the food is consistent, and i've never had anything that wasn't good. the pizzas are delicious, the drinks are great, and they make a MEAN grilled cheese. and you cant go wrong with a basket of onion rings to start. oh, and obama eats here!
(5)
aisha h.

So me and my friends just ordered some take out from Medici and all in all it was pretty good. Im a real foodie so take all things into consideration. we ordered the battered onion rings which are just very average but might tast better if they put some type of seasoning in the batter or served it with a hone mustard dip sause instead bbq sauce. The steak quesadilla was average but still good enough. It is served with a thin spicey and flavorful salsa ( I really liked) sour cream and guacamole ( which was middle of the road- wasn't as bland tasing as I heard from other reviews on google). Now if you like a generous helping of meat in your quesadilla then this will definately not be satisfying in that regard. The steak is chopped in small strips and is mostly made of cheese. We also tried a personal pan of margarita pizza which was very tasty. I think because they are a pastry house too the pizza crust comes out with a unique fluffiness that you won't find everywhere. We also tried the California wrap with the balsamic vinegarette sauce on the side. This sandwhich is light and flavorful for a healthier option. The sause on the side, olives, and avacado makes the sandwhich for me. There cinnamon rolls where a little bit of heaven! soooo Will I be back? umm it won't be my first choice but if I want something different and since I live in the neighborhood I may drop by.
(3)
Sarah L.

I could not understand how there could be so much graffiti in a place without any profanity in said grafiti. People went to the trouble of writing "Heck Yes" on the wall. Don't worry, the bathroom grafitti is filthy as hell (as is the bathroom itself, da-da-ching). We had a bbq chicken pizza and a bunch of salads. We were very glad we had the salads because they prepared our stomachs to soak up the exceptional richness of the crazy thick crust and cheese.
(3)
Jason L.

The bacon and barbeque burger is so good it's like hooking up with your high school sweetheart again, right there in the middle of Medici's booths. The garbage pizza is also a staple of many a UC student. But that BBQ burger. That's what really did it for me.
(4)
Bridget G.

The bakery has the best chocolate croissants I can find in Chicago. That alone warrants 5 stars. The mocha a la med is also amazing- a hot mocha with a scoop of ice cream. So simple, yet so delicious.
(5)
Celeste C.

This place is tastey! and delivers!! We were new to Hyde Park and babysitting for a friend who offered to pay for the babysitting by ordering us dinner from Medici!! We were hooked!! It taste great! My husband got a burger and I always got the chicken fettuccine that I would eat for the next to days. We walked there and gotten drinks. I still prefer to eat at home.
(5)
Caitlin H.

The Med is a staple for University of Chicago students, especially when visiting with their parents. The two-floor restaurant is covered with graffiti, from the standard "I was here" to Kafka quotes to dirty limericks, which all makes for a cool youthful flavor. The staff seat you quickly, even during weekend brunch hours when the Med gets pretty busy. Food suggestions: The garbage burger, fresh squeezed OJ (you can do it yourself), any of the specialty lemonades, the thin-crust pizza, fried ravioli, any of their LARGE salads, and most importantly: Snag an almond croissant or plum turn-over from their bakery/cafe next door. DELICIOUS!
(4)
t.n. t.

I miss my weekend almond croissant and choclochino!! This was the best part about Hyde Park on the weekends. I love the staff at the bakery. They are all very friendly and personable. They even knew my dog on a first name basis and would come out and pet her regularly. They are like a family there and I love that!!!
(5)
Jesse C.

Pizza and shakes are my favorite from here. The bakery is good for coffee and pastries. A lot of UofC crowd haunts this joint so it can get stuffy sometimes.
(3)
Luisa T.

We went on a Sunday afternoon with a group of four people. I must say the decor and the ambiance excited us. It seemed like we would have a great experience here. We were wrong. The food was in line with what we expected. Freshly squeezed lemonade was good. Hot and tasty. We gobbled up the guacamole and chips (both of which are freshly made). We were in the mood for pizza so we ordered the the Veggie and Garbage pan pizzas. Cheesy with lots of items. It was good and it hit the spot. So what really sunk our experience was the fact that there was a little bit of water leaking onto us and our food during our meal from the very high ceiling. It didn't start until we were almost done with our chips and guacamole. The server and manager came over and apologized. They assured us it was just condensation from the air conditioning. We were already comfortable and thought we would just quickly finish our food and leave. The service was horrendous. The worst I've experienced in years. During our one hour and 15 minutes there, we only received ONE refill of our waters and sodas. That was totally unacceptable. We ordered one dessert (apple pie a la mode) and after 22 minutes we gave up and left. I do have to compliment the manager for trying to make it better by reducing our bill. Otherwise, we would not be coming back. As a former server in fine dining, this was honestly the first time I was ever even tempted to leave less than 15% tip. I don't know how to explain how completely disappointed I was in the lack of service we received. I would like to return for the food (and because the manager tried to resolve it). My husband has zero desire to return. I hope this was an isolated incident and would be willing to come back one more time for an enjoyable meal.
(2)
Vincent J.

Whether your at the U. of C. or just want to eat some place you or your north side friends ahven't been yet. This is a great little spot that gets high marks based on it's ambiance. A staple in the Hyde Park area since the campus was filled with hippies, I love hanging out here on a summer day on the back patio. Whether I'm eating the garbage burger or a pizza, I'm always comfortable at this place. I'm not insane, I gave Medici a 5 star, because the atmosphere is as important to me as the food. And this place is so unique that it's really a 3 star that get's a 2 star handicap.
(5)
katie m.

5 stars for the apple pie a la mode!! Seriously, their apple pie is the yummiest I've ever had. Just thinking about the thick, flaky, buttery crust and the cinnamon-y, sugary apple goodness of that pie makes me drool. (Sorry Grammy - I hope you're not reading this.)
(5)
Martin S.

The Medici bakery is fantastic. Moving from Berlin this is what kept me alive in the HP area. Shakes are awesome. Sandwiches are delicious and gets you a gigantic bang for the buck. The only criticism I would have is the variety of bread they have especially in the dark, sturdy bread section and the croissants aren't all that tasty, but I think this is more of a culture thing than a bakery thing.
(4)
Asha C.

It wouldn't be fair to give this place five stars without trying more on the menu. But I would have to say that the cinnamon rolls have made me roll out of my bed (I've been doing some serious writing) and walk down 57th-twice this weekend. Best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. Definitely worth 5 stars. And plus the place is cute :)
(4)
Jeffrey C.

Its been awhile since I've been through and had a meal here but every time I have in the past I have been entirely pleased with their offerings. Everything is always fresh and made with the highest quality ingredients and while it may not always be the cheapest it is in every way worth the price. The only problem I encountered here was the lack of seating on colder days when the porch isn't open but don't let this stop you from having a great meal.
(4)
Dave L.

I came here because we were in Hyde Park to see Robie House and because Obama eats here. The service was a little slow and so-so but the food was awesome and prices were good. Garbage Pizza which Obama orders was perfect and the pan personal size was just right. Also good was the Sweet Potato Pancakes. I think this place and Manny's Deli (another Obama favorite) are destination places to eat. I think people can pass on the Obama themed cutting boards though...
(4)
Sarah K.

I've lived in Hyde Park for nearly 3 years and this was my first time going to Medici. The service was pretty good and the burger was great-- a lot of flavor. Unfortunately, I discovered a tiny hair fried into the burger when I was eating the leftovers later that night. Oh well...There are plenty of other places to eat here- I'm glad I tried it once.
(3)
J. N.

I'm surpised I haven't written about Medici sooner as I have been visiting almost once a week for a year. Medici has a great, friendly, clean environment with charm.... They also have a nice roof-top patio for the summer. BYOB is awesome, especially with no corkage. We have brought everything from a $75 bottle of wine to $5 worth of PBR here. It's fun to be able to drink exactly what you want and it keeps the bill down a ton. Everything I have ever eaten has been great. Pizza, salad, burger, Moroccan ragout.... everything. Some of the entrees are a wee bit pricey but everything is fresh and homemade which is worth it for me. The service can absolutely be spotty.... Sometimes its great, sometimes its awful. Ebb and flow, ebb and flow. Overall the location, the BYOB factor, and the tasty food is what keeps me coming back so often. PS - Skip dessert in the restaurant and head next door (East!) to the bakery... Hmmm garbage cookies, breads, and ice cream. Also, you can even get your lunch for the next day if you go to the next storefront over(West!)... The Medici owned University Market offers Boar Head lunch meats and cheeses!
(4)
Ed P.

I haven't been here in years, and I'd forgotten how great it is. Go! Now!
(4)
K G.

Croissants, mes amis. Croissants. I have had them all in the early morning: ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, spinach and feta, CHOCOLATE. Buttery, flaky, loaded with simple and delicious fillings. They are so good, in fact, that I once tried the carrot muffin. It was good. But I only ate two bites, because those croissants were calling me. I wound up getting a chocolate one. Again. They keep pretty well, too, these croissants. If you bring them home and put them in a 300 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. I've not actually been able to hold on to one in my home for more than 24 hours, but I can safely say they are delicious a day old. I have not eaten inside the restaurant, by the by. Again: the CROISSANTS, PEOPLE.
(4)
Bill M.

This place is popular with the University of Chicago crowd. Check out the funky pseudo-Gothic details on its front elevation before entering. The Mexican-style milkshake seems out of place here, but it was like having dessert and beverage in the same glass. Pizza and burgers seem to satisfy the public here. It has a pretty good bakery too, as typified by its pastries and chocolate cake.
(4)
carey c.

The pizza and most of the entrees are awesome. Hanging out with your friends on the patio, or down in the main restaurant is tops. The downfall is the brunch rushes on the weekends. The staff is okay, but does not police the brunch lines very well, so people are generally packed in like sardines. The two tiered restaurant is very visually inviting, but it doesn't give enough room for people trying to get in and out of the restaurant. I don't really know what would happen if there was a fire. I had a weird experience there during the brunch lunch. I was coming down their staircase, and the place was teeming with people. One of the yuppies was of course, letting their toddler do whatever they wanted, and the kid was crawling/stumbling all over the place. I was trying to get past this kid, and the aunt, or grandma, I couldn't tell, said to me: "Would you be careful?! Children are present." Well, this would be fixed with adequate space, or putting your dang kid on a leash, lady. The cafe portion is okay, but nothing special.
(3)
Alex X.

Certainly a Hyde Park institution. The atmosphere is great. I love the brunch, especially the eggs benedict (best I've ever had). As for lunch and dinner foods, blehhh. Kinda bland - I've ordering many things there, but I wouldn't ever crave Medici's food for lunch or dinner. The bakery should have a separate entry because it is (as others have said) amazing. Even when I'm just walking by, the smells draw me in... Giving it four stars for the atmosphere, brunch, and bakery! Oh yeah, the outdoor terrace upstairs is wonderful when open!
(4)
Mona S.

Never been to the restaurant, but the bakery is outstanding! Try to go first thing in the morning, as all of the bakery items (the croissants are my personal favorite) are right out of the oven!
(5)
Kate F.

They have improved their service, and the food quality is more consistent now.
(4)
Michael C.

Giving a low review to hopefully get some attention. I love the coffee here, but I'm a little frustrated by a recent experience. Medici's has a pretty cool frequent customer program. Save the cardboard sleeves from your coffee, and for every 10 you get a free drink. Well this morning I went in with a travel mug. After I received my coffee, I asked if I'd get a sleeve as well. Two different employees told me no. I checked my receipt and I didn't receive a discount for bringing my own cup. I'm sure it's unintentional, but Medici's is encouraging people to be wasteful and unsustainable. I sure hope they rethink this.
(2)
Symone B.

Great shop ! I love there croissants and coffee. It's right in the heart of Hyde park so you walk to a book store or a park afterwards. It's a great cozy spot to eat and drink some great treats. They have a great staff and the cafe is very clean and neat !
(5)
Far K.

This place is great for hipsters, the interior is amazing so authentic. The customer service was friendly, fast, and efficient. I only ordered the BBQ chicken, which was good. I did feel the chicken was bit dry, and the BBQ sauce a bit too tangy, but all edible. The fries were the side, and it was well just regular fries. I would definitely come back here again and try some items on the menu. A nice place for a good meal.
(3)
Emma W.

I do not understand the hype about this place. I've been maybe 10 times (hey, it's close to campus) and never been wowed by anything on their menu. Everything is okay. For dinner, Noodles, next door, is more delicious and cheaper. For lunch, Z&H, also next door is much much better.
(3)
SpottieMatic X.

Have always loved Medici, and I'm glad that the great taste remains. The decor is incredibly dope and the service is usually good. Went with a friend on a hot Thursday afternoon and I had a BBQ 1/4 chicken with cole slaw and shoestring fries. It was excellent, but not quite as excellent as the strawberry shake I had. Definitely intend to return while I'm in town.
(5)
Michael K.

Overpriced and awful. VISITORS TO HYDE PARK: Go elsewhere. Medici has a lot of fame on campus because it's right by the University of Chicago, but the food is mediocre at best, and the service is slower than molasses going uphill. Plus it's just too much money. $10 for a sandwich I can make at home for $3 plus tax and tip is just absurd. The only thing worth getting here is a milkshake and fries. Literally that's it. But man cannot live on potatoes and sugar.
(1)
Yo U.

I am sorry to say this, but Medici on 57th is overrated. While there is nothing wrong with the quality of food offered, it is expensive for what you get and my pasta dish was extremely bland. Also, why did they decide to tear a page out of the Gino's East playbook and tolerate -- nay, encourage -- budding graffiti artists to mark up the walls and the tables? That is dÃ©classÃ© to say the least. I will not return for a second meal. Done and dusted.
(2)
Anna K.

I went here a few times when my best friend was a student at the U of C. I didn't understand the appeal but the U of C kids all seemed to love it. The food was all right (nothing to write home about) and the service was so-so. All of the U of C kids seemed to know each other. I thought the writing on the walls, tables, bathrooms, and everything else was a little bit silly but it seemed to fascinate many. If you don't go to U of C you will probably feel like an outsider here. If you go to U of C, chances are you've probably been here many times and don't understand why I didn't like it here. :)
(2)
Dave L.

I came here because we were in Hyde Park to see Robie House and because Obama eats here. The service was a little slow and so-so but the food was awesome and prices were good. Garbage Pizza which Obama orders was perfect and the pan personal size was just right. Also good was the Sweet Potato Pancakes. I think this place and Manny's Deli (another Obama favorite) are destination places to eat. I think people can pass on the Obama themed cutting boards though...
(4)
Briana D.

Really good food! Loved the atmosphere as well. Service was fast and I loved the extensive menu.
(5)
Tiffany R.

I've been coming here since high school. If you want quality breakfast in a great neighborhood atmosphere on the south side this is the place to come.
(5)
Karim H.

I came here with the hopes of possibly filming a news section during the elections. The location was not ideal but I pursued it as an option nonetheless - they didn't want to have us over (which in no way affects this review). When I stopped in, I was hungry, so I decided to eat a late lunch here. I had the BBQ chicken. It was OK... I've had better and my barbecue standards are quite high - I'm not sure this chicken even qualified to be placed in that category. The service was good, the staff was very nice to me, and it's a nice place. Located on a college town strip.
(3)
Spencer R.

If Hyde Park is a food desert (which it is), this place is the dry and raunchy armpit. I know of which I speak - I lived in HP for three years and partook of the Med's smorgasbord of nastiness regularly. Between the flooded-with-grease pizza, the surly-to-the-extreme and incompetent waitstaff, and the turned mayo that caused me to ralph on multiple occassions, I do not miss this place at all. With the possible exception of La Petite Jolie and RibsNBibs, there is NO GOOD FOOD in Hyde Park. Yelp shakes down small businesses: digg.com/food_drink/Yelpâ€¦
(1)
Duff B.

Excellent hang out spot. Food's good, not great, but certainly satisfying. Great ambiance that's unique but definitely inviting, and I'd probably go all the time if it were down the street from me.
(3)
Jess S.

I've only been here once and can't wait to come back. The menu looked delicious. The staff was nice. And there were plenty of happy families. It's always fun to visit a neighborhood place with history.
(4)
H N.

I have been Medici many times and today service was horrible. The line was long to get seated, even though they had ample seats. And the service was horrible. Food was good .
(2)
Jim O.

The other weekend I took a nice 30+ mile bike ride from Lakeview to Hyde Park and back. While cruising the streets of Hyde Park I saw the outdoor patio of Medici on 57th and decided to stop by for a quick lunch. I was immediately seated by a friendly waitress. The service was quick and friendly, and the chicken breast sandwich I had for lunch was delicious. If I lived in Hyde Park I would be sure to frequent Medici.
(4)
annie r.

i love this place. it was my favorite off campus getaway when i was at iit, and now that im northsider, i still make the trek. often. you CAN't beat the ambiance of this place. its always cozy, no matter what season. the deck is great in summer, but the booths are dark and cozy and with a mexican hot chocolate, its my favorite place to be when its cold. the food is consistent, and i've never had anything that wasn't good. the pizzas are delicious, the drinks are great, and they make a MEAN grilled cheese. and you cant go wrong with a basket of onion rings to start. oh, and obama eats here!
(5)
Paul M.

This place is great! My favorite is the pizza for sure, while my wife prefers the burgers, and we never leave without finishing the goat-cheese appetizer. As for the pizza, the thin crust is totally the way to go. I was raised on thin-crust, and although "deep dish" or "stuffed" or "pan" or "whatever-it-is-that-stops-my-bowels / chicago-style-thick-A-S-S-pizza" seems to rule this city, I can't get enough of the thin stuff. The BBQ Chicken pizza is great, and the Pepperoni is great too (although it is SALTY SALTY pepperoni--be prepared to down some serious amounts of water). Never have been disappointed, and am always pleasantly surprised when I try something new. Cheers!
(4)
Ahz I.

Great food, and service! Really nice cozy rooftop as well.
(4)
Ethan R.

Great vibe, good service - too bad the bread sucks. I got a raisin challah roll that was truly inedible. Hard and dry. The ciabatta on my sandwich was a slight improvement, but still tasteless and flabby. Considering that they bill themselves as a bakery, you'd think they would be embarrassed to serve this stuff.
(3)
Loretta P.

I like the fact that Medici has on-site, fresh-baked breads, pastries, cookies, etc. I like the fact that after 9 pm, they are 1/2 price. I love the fact that they are open late during the week. I lovelovelove the fruit tart!
(3)
L T.

The kids and I stopped in after playing at the playground across the street. The staff was so friendly and I thought the prices were pretty good (we got a ham n swiss croissant, fruit bowl, pop, and water for under $10). And dang, that croissant was delicious!
(4)
jaime m.

Wth MEDICI? I ordered the baked goat cheese with my delivery and u send me a ridiculously small container with about 3/4 marinara sauce, a teaspoon of goat cheese and literally a squirt of pesto...for $8, no you won't. I told the manager I know why I'm supposed to receive, as I've dined and ordered delivery for over 20yrs from this place.she hastily just mentioned shell have it credited back to my card and rushed me off of the phone....Thanks :/
(2)
Sarah K.

I've lived in Hyde Park for nearly 3 years and this was my first time going to Medici. The service was pretty good and the burger was great-- a lot of flavor. Unfortunately, I discovered a tiny hair fried into the burger when I was eating the leftovers later that night. Oh well...There are plenty of other places to eat here- I'm glad I tried it once.
(3)
Richard H.

Word to the wise: BYOB!!! This place is great with a couple of caveats. My food was mediocre; the place is a bakery and the bread for my B.L.A.T. was lame wheat bread and the fries tasted like nothing. Everyone else swore their food was good. Another problem for me is the lack of alcohol, but you can bring your own. That being said, the atmosphere was amazing with a nearly all wood and graffiti'd interior. Also, the outdoor seating was cozy and verdant on a back porch surrounded by vines and trees.
(4)
Jason D.

I've been going to the for about three years now, and the food has always been consistently good.
(5)
Lisa K.

I was pretty satisfied with the offerings here. I had a chocolate croissant which actually had pretty good chocolate and croissant dough, certainly better than I expected. Some of the other baked goods seemed pretty expensive, such as a mini-pie for $6. Anyway, the baked goods looked pretty good. Somewhat oddly, in my opinion, they also had some ice cream with a whole new-fangled cone selection (pretzel, cookie...other). But my sister said her mint chocolate chip was subpar, so I'd say stick to the baked goods. The coffee was good and I liked the option of mexican hot chocolate.
(3)
Eric S.

This must be one of the most overrated places in Hyde Park. Their ingredients are good, I'll say that. But the praise stops there. A good way to say it is that they serve $6 food for $10 prices. It's all just boring and unsatisfying. Normally restaurants with bakeries are able to leverage this to their advantage. However, their bakery is terrible: heavy (literally), inclined to leave spots on paper bags, never flaky, muddled flavors, and textures usually found in prepackaged foods. Lastly, their workers always look miserable; that's never a good sign.
(2)
Craig C.

We went here for brunch yesterday. My son LOVES the squeeze-your-own-orange-juice station. He and my daughter both had burgers (neither finished more than half). I had some very good onion rings and a great lorraine omelet (with awesomely good home fries and wonderful coffee). Another companion got steak quesadillas (which she devoured). All-in-all, a very nice experience...will be sure to repeat often.
(4)
Alex X.

Certainly a Hyde Park institution. The atmosphere is great. I love the brunch, especially the eggs benedict (best I've ever had). As for lunch and dinner foods, blehhh. Kinda bland - I've ordering many things there, but I wouldn't ever crave Medici's food for lunch or dinner. The bakery should have a separate entry because it is (as others have said) amazing. Even when I'm just walking by, the smells draw me in... Giving it four stars for the atmosphere, brunch, and bakery! Oh yeah, the outdoor terrace upstairs is wonderful when open!
(4)
Kevin J.

You must make room for the garbage pizza! The ambience is chill and casual, with rustic furnishings and names of past patrons carved into the tables and chairs. It's just a great spot. The rooftop is also a wonderful change of venue in the warmer months!
(4)
Dominique Y.

If I went to school here, I would be a regular. But sadly, I do not. We had a great time here. No corkage fee woo hoo! Food was great and really well priced! Group of 7 only paid $120(INCLUDING TIP) and 4 bottles of wine! You cannot beat this! Place is adorable as well. I felt very hip and young lol.
(4)
Chloe Z.

Hyped Popularity- The Med is close to UChicago's campus, and I guess that's why it kinda popular. But honesty its food is mediocre. Plus, I do have an issue with its ridiculous portion. If you really are going outrageous, can you at least have half portion options? Bakery- I used to love their croissant form Med's bakery. Yet after I discover Bonjour Cafe, that becomes my go-to place for decent pastries. I have been to Europe for several times and there is a reason I prefer Bonjour. Yet if you are a dessert person, the Med is still known among my friends for its cakes. They would have an occasional craving for the pecan cake.
(2)
Val B.

I went here for a lunch excursion on Friday, and it was just ok. I got the proscuitto sandwich as a salad, which was kind of a bad move because it was just tons of meat on top of some spinach. My friend's sandwiches looked way better, so I'll have to come back and do it up non-boring-lady style.
(2)
Victoria W.

Dude, this place looks POPULAR! I don't know if it's because their store front bakery is a hit or what. Ordered two types of sweets here, they were alright on point, nothing too special. Wanted to get their tabbouleh, which is available here, but for some reason the vibe of the store tells me that it would not be authentic. We came here after eating at the Asian noodle place next to here. Overall, a OK, maybe I'll be back for latte to give it another try.
(3)
Jenny C.

The Medici has gone seriously downhill. Upon delivery, the onion rings were so limp and soggy they squeaked. Then there was the undercooked pizza, which was not a far cry from dough. And then there was the manager, who was rude and unpleasant when we called to ask to have the in edible portion of our meal refunded. While I can understand that the quality of the food does not improve in transit, the interaction with the manager has ensured I will never dine-in again either.
(1)
Ms G.

My husband, friends and I stopped here for a late lunch while walking around for Open House Chicago. After trying to eat at a sports bar (that ended up being a hole in the wall bar with few menu options), we finally found this deli. It was crowded, which is always a good sign, and had a outdoor eating area. We chose from a long list of deli sandwiches, all of which sounded good, and checked out their delicious looking pastries. I ended up with the Italian sub- huge, and full of choice meats. My husband had the fresh mozz, which looked great. We split one of their bakery cookies as well. This is a great place for lunch- too bad they're so far away from where we live!
(4)
Sohini K.

Was a regular while living in Hyde Park. The food is pretty standard, but it's good, large portions. The burgers, including the grilled chicken sandwich are particularly good, and the Mexicana milkshake is delicious. The interior is cozy and unique. Weekend brunches are also pretty good. Service is friendly. The Medici's bakery next door has a decent offering of fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as take-out options from the restaurant. I would recommend the apple croissant, and the coffee is pretty strong -- great for students. There is very limited seating in the bakery.
(4)
Yohance T.

The food here is very good especially yhe pizza. They also have very good burgers and chickens sandwhich as well. The breakfast from here is good as well.
(4)
Jon L.

this place is one of those places that all u. chicago students eventually make their way to. i think the burgers are great and the pizza is pretty decent. mmm...garbage burger. i also like their drinks...milkshakes and lemonades and hot drinks..all are good. the vibe is nice..darkish, tables that you can scratch up and write on, very college feeling.
(4)
I B.

I work nearby, and I have to say I think this place only appeals to Hyde Parkers who like it for the alleged character. The food is positively leaden, it's crowded at lunch, and the service is pretty bad. Go up the street to Florian, which is more friendly, less crowded, and has more interesting food.
(2)
t.n. t.

I miss my weekend almond croissant and choclochino!! This was the best part about Hyde Park on the weekends. I love the staff at the bakery. They are all very friendly and personable. They even knew my dog on a first name basis and would come out and pet her regularly. They are like a family there and I love that!!!
(5)
Jesse C.

Pizza and shakes are my favorite from here. The bakery is good for coffee and pastries. A lot of UofC crowd haunts this joint so it can get stuffy sometimes.
(3)
Crelatia K.

Excellent baked goods, burgers, salads and shakes plus BYOB & nice outside deck for warm days. I live very close to the Med, so it feels comfy to me. It's not fine dining, super hip or foodie fare, but the burgers & fries are fantastic. I dine at the med fairly frequently and my experience with service has always been good or at least acceptable.
(4)
Matt S.

Still good, still four stars. Great pizza and good burgers. But the bakery just isn't as great as everyone says. And most of the people I know have moved on. As have I (back home to Boston).
(4)
Mona S.

Never been to the restaurant, but the bakery is outstanding! Try to go first thing in the morning, as all of the bakery items (the croissants are my personal favorite) are right out of the oven!
(5)
kirstjen l.

Loved it from the moment we walked in... What a great place! Authentic university cafe. We showed up about 10:50am on a Saturday & sat down at the last table in the place. Huevos rancheros were served with some of the best fried potatoes I've ever eaten. Also ordered a very large "Insalata Kimba" with turkey. It was delicious, but could have been smaller. I think it could easily have served 2 people. Very comfortable environment, very good food. What's not to like?
(5)
Clarisa M.

I miss this place a lot! Have the mexican chocolate shake! delish.
(4)
Sarah R.

I've never like marinara before coming to Medici. I was impressed by the fact that it tasted like tomatoes and spices rather than the other way around. My Italian sub done as a spinach salad was fantastic and the pesto vinaigrette dressing was good enough to dip the bread in after!! Thanks for a great Chicago-food experience.
(5)
Sara R.

Quality of food is excellent but I have two major issues with this place. For one, it regularly takes them 20-30 minutes to prepare my order, which seems a little crazy for a spot that is mostly to-go food and for a salad with no cooked ingredients. Second, nearly every single time I go, they mess up something with my order, whether it be wrong ingredients, or most recently, forgetting to give me salad dressing with my salad. My orders are not complicated - there is no reason this should be happening.
(3)
Kellye H.

I love this place. I've been to the actual restaurant twice and I am in love with the Salmon burger. (That was a previous order). Today I had the sweet potato pancakes for breakfast. And OMG. They were so good. They didn't even need syrup. I put syrup on them because I'm a sugar whore. But I did try them before I did so. And they were delicious. I also had Amy's chicken sausage. And man oh man. I love me some Amy. So to cut out all this ranting. Just try the place. It tasty and affordable. Oh and my husband tried the corn beef hash. He wasn't a huge fan. But he ate it all. . So whatever.
(5)
Heather S.

This gem in Hyde Park is definitely a great place for a hearty lunch. Came here on Wednesday afternoon for a quick (first) bite (of Chicago) and opted for a burger. I went with the Reuben Burger & my friend got the Garbage Burger. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of my perfectly cooked burger, as did he. But what really blew my mind were the extra thin, extra crispy fries. Yum! Needless to say, I cleaned my plate in it's entirety. On top of everything else the service was quite pleasant as well... Oh, and it's POTUS approved. Only regret: I didn't get a shake!
(5)
Tanner C.

Awesome restaurant, I enjoyed the soft crunch and light spice of the hot Cheetos. They might have been the best hot Cheetos I have ever eaten.
(5)
Katarzyna A.

I started coming to the Med as a freshman at the UofC, I had my wedding rehearsal dinner there few years later, and now my three kids love their almond croissants and hot chocolate. Yes, we've been coming here for many years. :-) It's a great family place, great pizza, huge burgers, delicious salads, fresh bakery goodies. I love their vanilla malts, the huevos rancheros rock (the house salsa is delish!), and my kids love squeezing their own orange juice with breakfast. The Medici defines Hyde Park and we're all better for it. :-)
(5)
Haley S.

Ok - so I am a U of C student, so I am A) biased, and b) spend an insane amount of time here. However for basics, the Med rocks. Great pizza, love the blackened bbq burger....and the garbage salad with grilled chicken. Sometimes, you just want comforting and familiar, and yes....the best pepperoni ever (my custom pizza, pepperoni, sun dried tomatoes, and black olives, yum).
(4)
Ermelinda C.

Great treats -their fruit tarts are my favorite. I prefer the bakery to the restaurant (good news their outdoor space almost doubled) , but their patio is indeed cool on a hot summer's evening.
(3)
Sermane T.

Strawberry Lemonade and Shakes are very tasty. Food was mediocre and not well seasoned. Ambiance is casual and cool. Servers are accommodating and free wifi contribution to a delightful lunch experience. I would come again but not my first choice. maybe if I dined in the upstairs patio I would have a different experience. I like that they have multiple veggie choices, definitely a plus.
(3)
Lucas C.

For what it's worth this is without a doubt the best American restaurant in Hyde Park. Their burgers and shakes are pretty good. The atmosphere unique to chicago, and they have a nice upstairs patio. If you're feeling like taking out a sandwich check out the adjacent Medici Bakery menu, the fresh mozzarella is my personal favorite.
(3)
Jay T.

If you're after a spot that serves average food in a neighborhood that is stuck in a rut (here, the "south side"), then this is the perfect place. For lack of any legitimate competition, this restaurant seems to be a local fav. Fortunately, for the students, faculty, et al, the food here is a bit better than average in quality and ordinary in taste-experience. Like all things in the Midwest, the menu is some variation of Americana. Sure, I'll eat here, but I don't have much of a choice in terms of where I can eat in Hyde Park.
(3)
Kimberly L.

Whyyyyy doesn't sooooomeone open a goooood pizzzaaa place on the souuuuuth siiiiiide? Apologies for the whining but...seriously...this is just okay 'za. Nothing at all memorable.
(2)
Jay K.

Had a decent turkey sandwich here. Will try the grilled tuna sandwich next time. Hear raves about their pizzas and burgers. Slow and disgruntled service (I guess it comes from serving college kids all day). The upstairs deck is a nice place to sit in good weather. Update: Had the grilled tuna sandwich which was pretty good. Update: 3 stars bumped to 4 stars b/c their Mexicana milkshake, delivered, makes a shitty 16-hour case while on-call that much better...
(4)
aisha h.

So me and my friends just ordered some take out from Medici and all in all it was pretty good. Im a real foodie so take all things into consideration. we ordered the battered onion rings which are just very average but might tast better if they put some type of seasoning in the batter or served it with a hone mustard dip sause instead bbq sauce. The steak quesadilla was average but still good enough. It is served with a thin spicey and flavorful salsa ( I really liked) sour cream and guacamole ( which was middle of the road- wasn't as bland tasing as I heard from other reviews on google). Now if you like a generous helping of meat in your quesadilla then this will definately not be satisfying in that regard. The steak is chopped in small strips and is mostly made of cheese. We also tried a personal pan of margarita pizza which was very tasty. I think because they are a pastry house too the pizza crust comes out with a unique fluffiness that you won't find everywhere. We also tried the California wrap with the balsamic vinegarette sauce on the side. This sandwhich is light and flavorful for a healthier option. The sause on the side, olives, and avacado makes the sandwhich for me. There cinnamon rolls where a little bit of heaven! soooo Will I be back? umm it won't be my first choice but if I want something different and since I live in the neighborhood I may drop by.
(3)
Sarah L.

I could not understand how there could be so much graffiti in a place without any profanity in said grafiti. People went to the trouble of writing "Heck Yes" on the wall. Don't worry, the bathroom grafitti is filthy as hell (as is the bathroom itself, da-da-ching). We had a bbq chicken pizza and a bunch of salads. We were very glad we had the salads because they prepared our stomachs to soak up the exceptional richness of the crazy thick crust and cheese.
(3)
Jason L.

The bacon and barbeque burger is so good it's like hooking up with your high school sweetheart again, right there in the middle of Medici's booths. The garbage pizza is also a staple of many a UC student. But that BBQ burger. That's what really did it for me.
(4)
Bridget G.

The bakery has the best chocolate croissants I can find in Chicago. That alone warrants 5 stars. The mocha a la med is also amazing- a hot mocha with a scoop of ice cream. So simple, yet so delicious.
(5)
Celeste C.

This place is tastey! and delivers!! We were new to Hyde Park and babysitting for a friend who offered to pay for the babysitting by ordering us dinner from Medici!! We were hooked!! It taste great! My husband got a burger and I always got the chicken fettuccine that I would eat for the next to days. We walked there and gotten drinks. I still prefer to eat at home.
(5)
Caitlin H.

The Med is a staple for University of Chicago students, especially when visiting with their parents. The two-floor restaurant is covered with graffiti, from the standard "I was here" to Kafka quotes to dirty limericks, which all makes for a cool youthful flavor. The staff seat you quickly, even during weekend brunch hours when the Med gets pretty busy. Food suggestions: The garbage burger, fresh squeezed OJ (you can do it yourself), any of the specialty lemonades, the thin-crust pizza, fried ravioli, any of their LARGE salads, and most importantly: Snag an almond croissant or plum turn-over from their bakery/cafe next door. DELICIOUS!
(4)
Luisa T.

We went on a Sunday afternoon with a group of four people. I must say the decor and the ambiance excited us. It seemed like we would have a great experience here. We were wrong. The food was in line with what we expected. Freshly squeezed lemonade was good. Hot and tasty. We gobbled up the guacamole and chips (both of which are freshly made). We were in the mood for pizza so we ordered the the Veggie and Garbage pan pizzas. Cheesy with lots of items. It was good and it hit the spot. So what really sunk our experience was the fact that there was a little bit of water leaking onto us and our food during our meal from the very high ceiling. It didn't start until we were almost done with our chips and guacamole. The server and manager came over and apologized. They assured us it was just condensation from the air conditioning. We were already comfortable and thought we would just quickly finish our food and leave. The service was horrendous. The worst I've experienced in years. During our one hour and 15 minutes there, we only received ONE refill of our waters and sodas. That was totally unacceptable. We ordered one dessert (apple pie a la mode) and after 22 minutes we gave up and left. I do have to compliment the manager for trying to make it better by reducing our bill. Otherwise, we would not be coming back. As a former server in fine dining, this was honestly the first time I was ever even tempted to leave less than 15% tip. I don't know how to explain how completely disappointed I was in the lack of service we received. I would like to return for the food (and because the manager tried to resolve it). My husband has zero desire to return. I hope this was an isolated incident and would be willing to come back one more time for an enjoyable meal.
(2)
Vincent J.

Whether your at the U. of C. or just want to eat some place you or your north side friends ahven't been yet. This is a great little spot that gets high marks based on it's ambiance. A staple in the Hyde Park area since the campus was filled with hippies, I love hanging out here on a summer day on the back patio. Whether I'm eating the garbage burger or a pizza, I'm always comfortable at this place. I'm not insane, I gave Medici a 5 star, because the atmosphere is as important to me as the food. And this place is so unique that it's really a 3 star that get's a 2 star handicap.
(5)
katie m.

5 stars for the apple pie a la mode!! Seriously, their apple pie is the yummiest I've ever had. Just thinking about the thick, flaky, buttery crust and the cinnamon-y, sugary apple goodness of that pie makes me drool. (Sorry Grammy - I hope you're not reading this.)
(5)
lilmissalice d.

the BEST honey mustard ever. my friend with me said it tasted like they used real honey. but i would not stop talking about this mustard. Bonus pts. for giving me dijon mustard for my french fries. isn't mustard the greatest? Had the veggie sandwich with goat cheese & pesto. pretty okay. and it came with a side of french fries. thin & crisp string fries. perfect for dipping in that honey mustard. my friend ordered the portobello burger. cute little thing on a burger bun. side note: liked the "Obama Eats Here" shirt the waiter had on.
(4)
Jaime C.

note: i have only ever eaten at the Medici Bakery & Cafe, never the sit-down restaurant. i do, however, stop in no less than once a week, so though my review might be somewhat lacking, it is based on consistent patronage. that being said, i have some mixed feelings about the med. are their chocolate chip cookies delicious? yes. do they sell ice cream in the dead of winter? yes. are the people behind the counter friendly, attentive, & don't treat you like a total pariah when you ask for something like a refill on your coffee (something other establishments have taken to charging a dollar for, or even outright REFUSING to do, forcing you - the pariah - to shell out ANOTHER $2 for a whole new coffee*)? yes. thank god. however. the med's coffee, though alright, affordable, & the most immediate thing available to me on my way to my weekend job, is really not that great. their trash is frequently overflowing, & certain types of bread cannot be gotten on certain days of the week. & for a bakery/cafe, there are WOEFULLY few places to sit down & eat your admittedly delicious apple turnover. the med boasts a whopping 4 tables, which are so tightly packed into this tiny bakery front that, should a crowd form, you'll find yourself shoulder to shoulder with the breakfast-pastry loving residents of hp. the med's worth it if it's vacant (which, on the weekends, it never is), but if you see a crowd, just grab that turnover & scram. you can get your work done elsewhere. *yes, i am familiar with establishments offering a 'bottomless cup' [see: star lounge]; no, the med isn't one of them
(3)
Adam H.

The feel of this place is nice. Kinda rustic, kinda hip, kinda old Italian. A place I would feel comfortable bringing a book to and eating alone or a place I could bring my girl to and have a nice "date night" meal with. The only thing that I wasn't a fan of in terms of decor was all the writing on the tables and walls. I do not care if Coco was here nor if her Cocolicious Crew were with her. I kept on thinking I was putting my arm in something while I was eating but it was just various markings and writings from past patrons on the table. Irritating. The food was good. We got the chips and guacamole for our appetizer. Freshly fried tortilla chips come out warm and in a plentiful amount escorted by the humble sized but tasty portion of guacamole and some nice salsa. Fresh chips means the occasional overly greasy chip but I knew the risks when I ordered fried food and didn't mind it. For my entree I got their Ensalata Kimba salad with some added chicken breast. A nice salad but it took a little while for it to grow on me. I'm very much the kind of eater that wants their food all put together and the way the chef intended it to be. So having to stir the dressing, put in the dressing, cut up the apple pieces, cut up the peppers, and toss it myself was annoying for me but the process is nothing a normal person will even worry about. When I did finally get it right it was good. Their pesto dressing is quite subtle and a nice compliment to the bolder cheese, pecan, and chicken flavors. Dessert for us was their Garbage Sundae which involved chocolate and mocha ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, nuts, and whip cream. It was rich, creamy, and delicious. The what I'm pretty sure is homemade whip cream was a highlight. All in all I had a great visit. Good food. Good service from happy workers. Good fun. Coco and her crew can stay home though.
(4)
Malcolm K.

Your cinnamon rolls are the reason I walk on the other side of 57th street on my way to class and could be a textbook example of akrasia for my ethics course.
(4)
Christina K.

Among life's tragedies, I consider my late-onset gluten allergy to be among the most consistently noisome now that I'm back in Chicago. Why, you may ask? Because one of life's equally consistent pleasures when I was living and/or working in Hyde Park was the joy in tucking into the Med's blue cheese and bacon burger--rare, of course--while my best friend from my college days just as consistently ordered the chili cheddar burger and took equal delight in it. While this may offend my vegetarian friends, let's face it, a little bit of gore and blue cheese goes a long way, and enjoying the outdoors on the upstairs patio on a lovely spring day? Deliciously self-indulgent and evil. And they say this place is crunchy/liberal--fie, I say, fie!
(4)
Lilly S.

My family loves to come here at least once a month. We make a trek from the suburbs to Hyde Park just to go to Medici's! My son loves coloring on the tables and chairs and the place is always bustling! Our favorites are the sweet ones :) Highly reccommend both the hot mexican chocolate and the mexican chocolate milk shake...to die for!
(4)
Will B.

I've been going to Medici's for a while, since my high school days at Kenwood Academy. Medici's has good onion rings and milkshakes and I like the Moroccan ragout. I've never had a real issue with the waitstaff as they are generally attentive to my party's needs. I do think Medici's has huge quality control issues. I remember two years ago having the Mediterranean pizza and I thought it was great, but I had it again recently and it was very greasy and a bit tasteless. I think Medici's is slipping quite a bit in the pizza department. As for the next door bakery, I like their crusty artesian breads, but not much else. I had the mini apple pie recently and while the crust was good, the filling left a great deal to be desired (too much caramel, the apples were not tender). Medici on 57th makes a good hang out place for friends (nice outdoor and indoor areas) but I can find better food in other places.
(3)
Jacob F.

As a U of C student, I have spent countless hours at the Med, as well as eating their takeout many, many times. It's a solid restaurant. The burgers are good, the pizzas are good, the salads are good and the shakes are pretty good too. One of the best things about pretty much anything these guys do is the bread. It's baked fresh next door in their bakery and it's uniformly awesome. The last time I ate here, I had my usual meal. A garbage burger (1/3 lb burger on medici bakery roll with bacon, cheddar, sauteed onions, barbecue sauce and jalapenos) with a mexicana shake. I went with a prospective student friend of mine from high school and so we each had half of the burger and half of the small garbage pizza (3 meats, peppers, mushrooms) she ordered. The pizza was good; the sauce was nice and tangy, the meats were flavorful and the peppers added a nice crunch to it. The crust was a bit soggy though. This seems to be a consistent problem with their pizzas if you let them sit for more than a few minutes. This is not a total deal breaker by any means, just don't use paper plates if you order in. The Mexicana shake is quite possibly the best item on the menu though. It's got nice rich vanilla ice cream blended with dry semisweet Mexican chocolate. The chocolate complements the vanilla flavor beautifully and it's got an unusual, yet pleasant crispy texture to it. U Chicago kids don't really come here for the food, though. It's all about the ambiance. Graffiti is scribbled on all of the surfaces but the tabletops. Some of it is hilarious, including the infamous scribbling "for a great time, call Anna Karenina." Aside from Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap, there isn't a restaurant near campus that is even close to as integral to the University as the Med. Students come here for good food, the ambience, the fact that it's a BYOB and for the back patio in the spring. That's why I keep coming back.
(4)
Darkling S.

our little brunch group decided to venture south to a place recommended by many. Medici is a well-known pizza pub frequented by U of C students and alumna. the + is that they patiently waited for the whole party to arrive and continued to work on getting us seating for an ever-growing bunch. but otherwise, the food was mediocre - my huevos rancheros was unrecognizable - it was a bad breakfast burrito. and the "all you can squeeze" OJ was limited to two hard-earned glasses by an apparent lack of oranges ??? at the height of Sunday brunch?? and the silverware was bent and dirty. so, BTDT.
(3)
Cathy H.

I really like the croissants and other pastries here--really good. The coffee's good, too! My one gripe is that there's no enough seating. I often come here hoping to get a table, and have to hover until a table opens up. Okay, I have a second gripe--it's in Hyde Park. I loved it when I lived in Hyde Park, but ever since moving away (and I still even go to school in Hyde Park!), I haven't really felt a hankering to go back.
(3)
Purnima M.

There's two ways to work things here: show up when it's sunny and grab a table on the rooftop deck. This way it doesn't matter what you eat, your day is already made. Route 2 is to stop in at the bakery next door for some phenomenal breads and pastries. My favorites are the croissants, fruit galettes and brownies. Pizzas are amazing too. Mexican hot chocolate is the bomb.
(4)
Dan C.

This is a combination review for the restaurant (3 stars) and the bakery (5 stars). Restaurant: A good student atmosphere with graffiti'd tables and "Barack Obama eats here" T-shirts. Also in the summer they have a nice patio. Food is pretty much your glorified diner offerings, executed at average to slightly above average level. There are lots of sandwiches, some salads, savories like onion rings and wings, a couple pasta entrees, some egg dishes, and pizza. If you just want a sandwich and some onion rings, you won't be disappointed. But on the whole the food is nothing to write home about. Prices are also somewhat higher than you might expect. Bakery: I come here for their pastries and baked goods, which are delicious. If I had an apartment in Paris or Rome and this bakery were the proverbial bakery on the corner, I would not be disappointed. The apple croissants are the best I've ever had. Their other croissants, cookies, turnovers, tarts, etc are also all top notch. Breads are also fantastic. The standard baguette is more in the style of a softer, fluffier-crumb, chewier loaf that works well sliced lengthwise and stuffed with good sandwich stuffs. This is in contrast to what I think of as a classic french baguette, which is a bit crustier with a denser crumb and more tart, sourdough flavor. Besides the baguette, they offer outstanding, 100% authentic ciabatta, an excellent olive ciabatta, and some delicious country-style loaves involving whole grains, nuts, raisins, etc. They also sell pullman-style sandwich loaves, which I have never tried, and will slice them for you. They also do coffee/hot chocolate here, though it is nothing out of the ordinary. Fresh-squeezed juices and yogurt parfaits also appear from time to time, much to my delight. My only problem with this place is that there often aren't enough tables.
(4)
Bill R.

Classic U of C hangout. Service can be a bit spotty, but it's a really convenient spot to catch a bite near campus. Decent pizza too.
(5)
Rich C.

I've eaten at the Medici a great many times since I first moved to HP in 1990. The best thing about this place is the atmosphere. It kind of reminds me of a Ratskeller. Most patrons run for the the highly coveted booths rather than the rickety tables and chairs in the middle of the restaurant. (They have a rooftop patio which is very pleasant in the warm weather.) The food is only so-so and the prices have gone way up compared to similar places on the North side. Don't bother with the specials; they just aren't that good and the $13.95 - $14.95 prices are WAY out of line (like everything else in HP). One of the best dishes I've had here is the Steak Salad, but ask for it with fresh spinach instead of regular lettuce; they'll substitute it at no extra charge. Their burgers are fine too, as are their shakes. The service is fine for a burger joint. One thing that totally annoys the hell out of me about the Medici is the bathroom. They remodeled it a few years ago and it's much better than it once was. HOWEVER, they did not replace the useless piece of crap hand dryer that has NEVER worked properly in the 19 years I've been coming here. (I'll try to remember to take a photo of this "antique" hand dryer next time I'm there.) After you wash your hands be prepared to wipe them on your pants as there are no paper towels.
(3)
Zenia R.

went last night, which was a wonderfully warm summer evening, so i was already in a great mood... we asked to be seated on the patio, pleasant and relaxing... the food wasn't stellar, not bad at all, just not quite memorable... actually, the basket of fries were GREAT, crispy just the way i like them... i had the spinach pesto pizza, which was good as was the margherita pizza... i'm stuck on the precise word to describe the food, i guess it just didn't make too much of an impression... i did like the "obama eats here" t-shirts =) overall, it was a nice dinner and i will be returning especially since i'd love to have some coffee and dessert next door, plus it's a great place to take a walk after dinner...
(3)
Piper O.

loved the service! great people there! nice for a casual afternoon date. the goat cheese and marinara dip, delicious!
(5)
Lena G.

The last time I was here, the staff wore shirts that said "Obama eats here" and "Get baked," there was a lively dinner crowd, and the food was good. None of these are true anymore, and it's pretty upsetting!! I understand that the Obama thing might be outdated, but the atmosphere has gone from a 9 to a 4 and the food is shit. I got a wrap with tabbouleh and hummus. Tabbouleh should have tomatoes, which this didn't? It had a good amount of parsley, but other than that, it had no flavor. My brother had the fettucine alfredo - rubbery pasta in a congealed sauce with no salt. I know that these aren't the dishes Medici is known for, but they really need to step it up.
(2)
Paulette N.

Not bad. I was in a rush and it was packed, but the service was unbelievably quick. I didn't like the wild-berry smoothie and they took it off my bill no questions asked. Friendly customer service and the food wasn't too bad. I had the chicken Alfredo. BYOB!!! I like the atmosphere. I'll def be back! Well cultured and community feel, with nice art displayed.
(4)
Mike R.

I am only speaking about the bakery products in this review. First of all, I am a huge fan of bread and like products. The bakery is a normal bakery with a few seats that also serves up some sandwiches. Like most good bakeries, the smell in here was great. I first ordered a chocolate croissant. The croissant was definitely different than your normal one - larger, different shape, and crunchier. However, the flavor was good and definitely very chocolaty. After that, I decided to buy a loaf of sesame bread and a bagel. Both were definitely good and I'll be back. I know my bread and this bakery is definitely solid. I just wish they had more seating..
(4)
Frank Z.

This place is amazing. The environment is so cozy and welcoming, even on a hot Chicago day. It's just filled with so much art and overall, a lovely place to dine. The food was absolutely on point. I got the shrimp quesadilla entree and it was, no joke, the best quesadilla I've ever had. It was perfectly cooked and with sour cream, guac, and salsa, it tastes perfecto as well. I also got a restaurant made Arnold Palmer and it too was very refreshing. My friends got the chicken skewers, grilled cheese, and steak burger and all got positive responses. Medici's drink menu is quite extensive with many options in wine and beer as well as fresh fruit smoothies and lemonades. Other food menu items have a nice blend of mexican, Italian, American foods, etc. The bathrooms and overall restaurant itself are very clean. Definitely recommend for good eats near UChicago.
(5)
Jaclyn C.

I will start off by saying the pizza was good. However this does not make up for how uncomfortable I felt during my time there. My husband, some friends, and I all visited Medici because of the great reviews we've heard from others. The server we had ruined our experience. He was extremely rude to us the entire time. He would lurk by our table and at one point, stood over us for at least 30 seconds of silence before asking if we needed our drinks refilled. It seemed like asking him for anything was an issue, after asking to have my husbands sprite refilled and he huffed as he walked away. I can't tell you how uncomfortable I felt leaving, and then to turn around and see him outside, watching us drive away as we left the restaurant made it worse. The four of us agreed that we all felt very creeped out. The kicker is that I called the manager-on-duty almost immediately, explained how uncomfortable we were, and was assured we would have the restaurant manager call me back. Here we are a month later... no call. Sure, the pizza was good. But just because of the awfully uncomfortable experience we had I do not Intend to give them my business again.
(1)
Jasmin T.

To note, we were traveling with our dog Ashland and needed to find a place with a patio in Hyde Park. This was really close to where we were and I remember this place being ok from coming years back. We decided to give it a shot! The outdoor seating for us was perfect because Ashland could also eat with us. It was easy to order at the coffeehouse counter and we were able to snag some ice water while we waited. I knew this place was known for its pizza but we wanted to keep our late lunch light and so opted for the salmon burger and the garbage burger. The take out containers were really cute and seemed also ideal for going to the beach or anywhere else on the run. Let's start with the garbage burger. It looked great! It was somewhat warm and medium as I asked. I was not impressed with the potato bun and recommend that you ask for any other bun besides that one. It was dry and was crumbling as I was eating which was a little annoying. There were a generous amount of toppings for a ten dollar burger. I wasn't a fan of the barbecue sauce which was much sweeter than what I normally like. The slaw was really good though and the portion was just right. The salmon burger was also underwhelming for my partner. It was a generous size but also dry. The sauce on it didn't help very much and it still tastes pretty bland. The fries were good on the side. If we were to come back we'd try the pizza and stay away from the burgers. We peeked at sandwiches and those portions were large too. However, I love well seasoned burgers, fries, and patties just in general and this was a disappointing lunch for us.
(3)
Michelle W.

Very mixed feelings about this place. Their food is very solid and good for its location near UChicago for students to frequent but I definitely don't think it's worth commuting from out of Hyde Park for the Med. They are very particular about not accepting reservations or considering your group until the whole group has arrived. They also sometimes have trouble splitting the check for mid sized groups of 6+ so that's something to take note of. These are all small things that I don't really mind, so I usually have a fine experience eating here. Their pastries are good but overpriced and their spinach goat cheese pizza is good. I'd heard a lot about their garbage pizzas but was underwhelmed - didn't think it was great because the ingredients just didn't seem to go that well together. Love their pan crust though and it's super filling. Come an hour before closing for $1 pastries but in my experience they tend to run out of the good pastries quickly anyways. Their portions are pretty good and they're known for their really good milkshakes. I love the Mexicana and banana nut, as well as some of the seasonal/limited edition ones. I recently had an experience that I was very frustrated with however. I ordered my usual Mexicana shake and it was a beautiful sunny day so I decided to sit right outside their cafe to wait for it. Their shakes usually take a little while to make but I still checked in every 5 minutes to see if it was ready since I hadn't heard my name. 40 minutes later when I asked what was going on I got a really sassy response just saying they would call my name if mine was ready so I just went back to sit down. 10 minutes later the lady came to ask me what my name was and if I had a receipt (which they didn't give me) and brought me in to give me my shake that had been sitting out for half an hour under their counter. Instead of apologizing and just handing it to me, she proceeded to yell and me and get mad at me for not having gotten it earlier. At that point I just really wanted my shake so I took it and left (it was still really good) but the fact that she did the whole eye roll and lecture was very annoying and I'm very disappointed with this experience. Will definitely be ordering online/calling in advance in the future so I don't have to deal with this.
(3)
Emily H.

This place was excellent and the service was great. Quaint location in Hyde Park and entertained ourselves reading the walls which are covered with years of writing by patrons. I ordered the Hot Dog but had them put chili on it and it was delicious. My friend had the Garbage pizza which was also quite tasty. My friend also had the Mexicana milkshake and loved it!
(5)
Frank O.

A solid staple of the UChicago student diet. Medici is close and convenient to campus, will deliver and can also cater. But because it's so convenient it can get busy, so avoid the sit-down section during lunch time (unless you have time to spare). It has a small bakery which is open early and late, so it can always work in a pinch. The food it hit or miss. The pepperoni pizza is great, with nice large pepperonis and a good fluffy crust. It also reheats well in a microwave. The chili burger is a bit disappointing since the chili doesn't have any interesting flavor (and the rest of the burger doesn't either). The cinnamon roll french toast is tasty, but comes with only a few pieces, not enough to fill me up. The Napoli and Italian subs are both solid, although the bread can be a bit tough sometimes.
(4)
Katie L.

To me this feels like the kind of place you bring your parents when they're in town and you want to impress them with your hip but approachable neighborhood joint, or a first date when you don't want the person to know your true self. I've never had anything I didn't like, and I've also never had anything I really really loved (even the Mexicana shake.... it's fine. I'm ambivalent). That said, I think this place fills an important neighborhood niche, especially with fancier places like A10 and the Promontory coming in. It's a really nice middle range, and it's a "fancy" pizza place. Everything is good, there are sandwich and salad options, and the atmosphere is really kinda mildly spunky and makes you think about old Hyde Park and all the students who came before. If you eat pizza, get pizza. Pizza is universally good, but this is a chance to get your Chicago style pizza from a place that isn't a Chicago-style-pizza chain (like Giordano's). The shakes are also good.
(3)
Austin Y.

Come here to hang out with a big group or for the fresh bread or pastries at the bakery, but food on the restaurant side is disappointing. It's standard, slightly pricey diner fare lacking any sort of wow factor. Garbage pizza is covered with plenty of cheese and plenty of bacon, pepperoni, and sausage. Nothing tasted very fresh, and it's extremely greasy and salty. Great drunk food, yes - great food, no. Spinach goat cheese pizza was similarly greasy and doused in pesto, causing the crust to be very soggy, especially in the middle. Tuna steak sandwich ($13) was mediocre at best, the yellowfin didn't taste fresh and the ginger-sesame mayo just tasted like regular old mayo. Burgers are good but standard, as are the shoestring fries. Smoked salmon eggs benedict ($13) during brunch was subpar, the hollandaise broke and was very watery. The potatoes were extremely greasy - again, not a fan. Cappuccino and mexicana shake are good. The pumpkin cheesecake shake (only served during autumn months) is a standout.
(2)
Jaden L.

Perfect casual first date spot for residents of Hyde Park. Warm welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices (most meals around $10). Restaurant is best known for their burgers, pizzas, and shakes. What most people don't really know though is that their cakes are really really good. Dare I say better than their shakes!? Try their Vaguely Reminiscent (mocha cream pie with chocolate cookie crust topped with fresh rum whipped cream...???) or a thick slice of their decadent carrot cake lathered with rich cream cheese frosting. Being a cake aficionado, who will have cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if not for the fear of dying from some sort of sugar crash, I have tried cake from countless restaurants in Chicago. Medici's Vaguely Reminiscent and carrot cake are still on the top of my list.
(4)
Jenny L.

I frequent this place almost everyday--- for a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream, a sandwich, what have you. ice cream- pirate's booty is the best flavor. Never say no to pirate's booty. sandwich- my favs- fresh mozz on multi grain baguette, Han's favorite. entree- cajun chicken pita, garbage burger, black bean burger specials- milanese chicken salad, tilapia tacos, jambalaya One of the best in Hyde park!
(4)
Ian L.

A Hyde Park college staple. We've had residents and professors eat here for over 30 years. Fancy that, a lot of history rolled up in this little HP gem. Food: 2.5 Service: 4 Bathroom: 2 I only ordered a calzone, the crust was well-done, however the inside was insipid. The tomatoes weren't particularly fresh and the cheese was diner-quality. My friend ordered the burrito stuffed with veggies and some form of chicken:? For $11 it was higher calibre and at least the ingredients tasted semi fresh. Bathroom is awkward, having no paper towels. Usually that's okay but when the hand blower has pathetic strength, one ends up standing around over a minute trying to dry hands. In the end I gave up and wiped on my pant leg. Seats downstairs: wooden and ramrod straight, absolutely no lumbar support. Ended up putting elbows on the the table. Sorry Mom, I know it's bad etiquette. In my defence, no lumbar support.
(3)
Rebecca S.

The service is always excellent, so it's great to go to of you're introducing someone to Hyde Park. They are very attentive and friendly. The food itself is pretty good! I like to get sandwiches as salads. Like the cranberry turkey sandwich. The Fresh Mozz is good and simple. The hot dog is really tasty! Their potato salad is decent. Also that Garbage Shake....decadent. Pumpkin shakes are awesome in the fall. Willing to go through the pain of lactose intolerance for those shakes...but only once a season. Overall, the Med is a solid hyde park restaurant with lots of variety on their menu, although I always end up opting for their neighbor Z&H when it comes to sandwiches.
(3)
Izzi B.

A perennial favorite of UChicago students, the Medici is a nice low-key spot for dinner. The restaurant has lower, almost tavern-like lighting and brick walls which are adorned with the scribblings, signatures, and cartoons of previous patrons, and any first timers should feel free to leave their own marks. As for the menu, most milkshake fans swear by the Mexicana, though all the shakes have the benefit of coming with house-made whipped cream, greatly improving the overall quality of the shakes. Many of the patrons also come for the pizza, either the deep dish, which comes in its pan with a neat alligator-like metal clip, or thin crust (cut tavern style.) I'm particularly fond of the goat cheese spinach topping, but the garbage is another favorite, and any toppings can be ordered on either type of pie. The other major standout on the menu are the fries which are shoestring cut and very crispy. If you're with a mid or large sized group of people, a basket of these will not go unappreciated. Non-pizza fans would do well to order a burger or sandwich, both categories that the Medici executes well.
(4)
Ruth W.

I love this place, I go there all the time. The milkshakes are amazing and so is the pizza. I would especially recommend the pesto pizza. The atmosphere is fun, with writing on the tables that you can add to. This restaurant is also in a great location. It is on the university campus, right in the middle of Hyde Park.
(5)
Mika S.

I have been coming here for about 5 years since moving into the neighborhood, but this is my last time. Every time I come here the staff is rude, has a new rule about their menu or service. It's a shame because the food is good and there aren't a lot of places to choose from around here. BUT soon there will be ... Until then I will support the other restaurants that are happy to have my business.
(1)
Liz T.

I seriously don't get how people can knock this place. Sure, the bakery is small with only 3 tables, but the baked goods are the BEST IN FREAKING TOWN. I had heard a lot about Medici being a Hyde Park staple but was surprised to find only average reviews on Yelp. Hence, I didn't really get to this place until recently and man, have I been missing out! The cinnamon rolls and apple pies alone deserve max praise. The apple pies are mini and have the most decadent crust I've ever tasted. The apples are super fresh, thinly sliced, and wondrously infused with brown sugar and cinnamon. I also enjoy the sandwiches here with some random off-menu items like fresh chips and guacamole. All for really really decent prices. Finally, the staff I've been in contact with are nothing but kind and courteous. Super homey and family-feeling. One of the managers even got me a stack of plastic plates, pie cutters, and utensils to take home when I bought a few pies for a party. I'm a Medici fan. I just can't hate. It's lovely.
(5)
Tamara J.

The shakes, salads, and burgers are good. The other items I've tried are marginal at best. The restaurant is a nice size, almost never a wait, courteous servers, and the meals are served in a timely manner. Seems like a lot of people always mention going here, but I prefer Seven Ten on 55th and Ellis if I have the option between the two.
(3)
Stacy O.

Lunched here with a small group of eight as part of a meeting. The hostess had no knowledge of our group, though a member called in advance. Not a big deal - they were still able to accommodate us at an upstairs table. Service was good -- waitress was consistently available for refills and checking in. I had the roast beef on rye, which wasn't anything special. The shoestring fries were good. But I had some serious food envy of other people who looked like they made more interesting choices than I did, particularly with the pizza.
(3)
Ankur N.

The look, feel and the vibe of the place is amazing. The banana pudding is the best and the cheapest I have ever had. Garbage Pizza is a must try. Outdoor seating makes it a nice place to hangout. Plus, Obama eats here.
(4)
Tavi J.

Thought I should update my review since I have now actually tried the food versus dessert. It's still 3 stars to me. Granted we haven't made it out of the house and have been sticking to delivery. Christmas Eve I placed an order for delivery of the garbage pizza (really what it's called...lol). My friend doesn't eat pork and my bad this pizza contains pork. I however couldn't make him jealous of my pizza cause I didn't like it either. Way too greasy and not that flavorful. As always though we did order the banana pudding, and although it's not as good as my moms it does the trick. Can't say I'll be ordering here a lot, but decent enough place to order delivery from when you just don't feel like heading out.
(3)
Amanda D.

We usually get take out or delivery; the food is always good and delivery time is pretty decent as well. Visited the actual restaurant this past Sunday. Restaurant floor was busy, but the staff (especially the dude at the host stand) was very efficient and knew what they were doing. Our server (pretty young kid) seemed a little spacey. Nice enough though. We asked for more coffee when he came by and he asked "now?" Not super professional and sort of awkward, but whatever. There was a table of 3 seated next to us, and the lady was pretty rude and kind of put the staff through the ringer-they were polite and accommodating to her demands. All in all everything was good (service and food good) the right reason for the 4 stars is because we had asked for some modifiers on our breakfasts (I asked for no tomato on my smoked salmon omelette and my partner asked for a bagel instead of toast...both meals were delivered as appeared on menu).
(4)
Amoxtli C.

This place has a lot to choose from which is always a plus. It's pretty good for groups but it can get packed so make sure that once you get there that your whole party is there. If not, be prepared to wait to be seated. :/ Other than that annoying piece the service was great and the waitress didn't fuss about accepting different forms of payment from each group member. :) Noteworthy dish: The chili cheese fries were great, my group had ordered the veggie one and it was pretty tasty with chunks of carrots and zucchini, among other vegetables. Also the coffee au lait was worth the $2 and change.
(4)
Patrick A.

A UChicago institution, and the culinary equivalent of Stockholm syndrome. Don't get me wrong: the bakery is excellent, and if you're looking for thin crust pizza with that Chicago zing, you might find exactly what you're looking for. However the vaunted burgers are overcooked and overrated. It's perfectly acceptable for a student meet-up, but whenever I return to campus I usually give it a miss beyond snagging a ham and cheese croissant and a Mexicana Shake for the road.
(3)
Naureen R.

I do think the Med is overrated. But come after 11 PM and get discounted bakery items! The spinach goat cheese pizza is AMAZING, as is the mexican chocolate milk shake. I'm docking of a star because the staff, I find, are often unattentive
(3)
Chiedozie O.

Nice atmosphere and food. Prices good, food good, service great...I want to give it 4 stars but 3 feels right...
(3)
Kailin L.

Wifi was out, bathroom was inaccessible, brownie in brownie sundae wasn't even warmed up. Not coming back--the entire experience was aggressively mediocre.
(2)
Sandy C.

The best chicken kabobs ever! And even the rice was great. I just wish they had more chicken. My friend and I shared two dishes and a shake. Unless she ate all the chicken off the kabob when I wasn't looking... There were only at most four pieces of chicken. Wish they had more. Th turkey burger was rather dry though. But was easily fixed by ketchup. Okay now the reason I give his place four instead of three stars... Is their Mexicans shake. Tasted like heaven. Must buy!
(4)
BhreeAnna B.

When we first arrived - my 2 week old, my mom, & myself - They had us stand in this cramped doorway while waiting to be seated. It was FREEZING & people were constantly bumping into us. Annoying. We were finally seated about 15 mins later in the most claustrophobic area I have ever seen. It was packed & the tables were so close together you could BARELY manuever your way around. The lady who sat us put my daughters carrier on top of this NARROW highchair in the most hazardous way until a busboy came over & corrected her w/ a more LOGICALLY solution. Our server, Marco, was awesome tho. Very personable. Alot of enthusiasm. I had one of the special, Grilled Salmon w/ asperagus & pasta shells. It was absolutely DELICIOUS. I also had the TASTIEST apple pie in the WORLD. Ohmygod.
(3)
S. R.

Their deli/bakery is the best in Hyde Park. Their croissants are the best, softest, freshest ever. I also love their always freshly made breads. The restaurant food is so-so. The ingredients are great, but the recipes can be improved. Pizza is not the best. Cheese sandwich is extremely greasy. And their coffee actually is one of the worst I've ever had, and is pretty consistently bad, so I guess it's something about the coffee beans they use. I'm giving them four stars just for the breads, which actually deserve five stars on their own!! The people here are really nice, although they always look stressed and are visibly over-worked. It would be nice to know that the people who are helping me enjoy my food are not drained by the work themselves. Just something to think about.
(4)
Johnny C.

You must go here if you are visiting the University of Chicago. Their menu is loaded with so much. Service was phenomenal too. Very kid friendly a huge plus.
(5)
Kasia R.

Great burgers, but that's all. Nothing extraordinary.
(4)
Mariko M.

Medici is a great place to eat in Hyde Park. It was Easter Sunday so our choices in this area was limited. We asked around and were directed to Medici. It was packed on Sunday afternoon with a lot of uni students and you could really feel the student vibe. As a 2x year old, I was a little out of place, but age is nothing but a number ! ;) The service was pretty good; again, I think majority of the staff here are students. The menu is quite extensive and reasonably priced - I shared the Garbage pizza, which is Medici's Chicago style inspired pizza. As an aside, this place has free WiFi. Good for: lunch
(4)
Bri B.

I go here a lot. It's a great spot to grab lunch on the south side. It has a wide menu for many different tastes, but their pizza and baked goods are some of the best that I've had on the south side of Chicago. They are made to order with all fresh ingredients, and for the price, you get a reasonable size for a personal pizza. I've had other items, the burger, hot dog, mexican shake... all of those can just be eliminated from the menu. Not good, not great, don't ever have to try them again. But, The fruit tart is phenomenal! It is my favorite item there! I love that all of their bread items are made in house. I have never been there and had a bread that wasn't fresh. I think their other pastries are also pretty good. I've ordered the chocolate croissant as well as the apple. I also recommend the hot chocolate on a cold day. & again...pizza...Do NOT forget your pizza! I know it sounds weird for a bakery, too wide of a menu place, but the personal thin crust pizzas are yummy!! I would even vouch for their deep dish and I don't like deep dish at all.
(4)
Melissa C.

Wow. I could kick myself for driving past this place a million times and never stopping in to eat. Food was amazing. I had the chicken skewers. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
J. Michael E.

This is the forth frustrated review regarding the manager Kelly in the past year. Clearly something isn't working. I don't often dine at the restaurant as I think it's pretty over priced for what they offer. I occasionally enjoy a milk shake, a baked good, or a slice of pizza from the cafe whenever I tag along with a friend. They're all tasty and are served by a kind staff. On my most recent visit I was choosing between a brownie and a raspberry lemonade (yeah, I know). The kind counter staff suggested the lemonade. I thought it would be fresh made lemonade with some muddled raspberries, having seen their strawberry lemonade. Instead I got a sickly sweet neon slushy. I asked to exchange it for a milk shake, offering to pay the difference and the cost of the materials (not much considering it's just a cup, water, lemon juice, sugar, and that offensive syrup) . Kelly, the manager, was called out, and she told me that she couldn't make an exchange since I was given what I ordered since she can't resell my product. Her tone was so curt and sour and matter of fact you would have thought I was asking for something unheard of. It doesn't cost much to make a lemonade and the few times I've asked a restaurant for an exchange, they've always obliged, apologizing if it was due to unsatisfaction. Kelly's attitude was so ugly that I too am going to join the other Yelp reviewers in avoiding returning while she is still a manager. I'd give the Medici restaurant two stars, the cafe three, and Kelly one.
(2)
Jeffrey C.

Its been awhile since I've been through and had a meal here but every time I have in the past I have been entirely pleased with their offerings. Everything is always fresh and made with the highest quality ingredients and while it may not always be the cheapest it is in every way worth the price. The only problem I encountered here was the lack of seating on colder days when the porch isn't open but don't let this stop you from having a great meal.
(4)
Sarah G.

I wish the staff had been wearing their "Obama eats here" tshirts I was told happens quite often at this place, because that would have made me even happier ha ha This place is great though, and I will definitely become a frequent diner here I can tell. You walk in, and you already feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the work life. It is all wooden interior, very calming and rustic. Love it. They also have a huge deck upstairs that if it hasn't rained recently and is warm enough, it looks like a perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner. It was closed when I just went, so I need to go back soon to check it out! And food wise, the menu has too many great options I had to have my server choose between a big salad covered in bacon and cheese and such, and the tuna steak sandwich served with this ginger mayo sauce...Very different options, but my server told me the tuna steak, and I am glad she did! It was the largest tuna steak sandwich ever too for $12. So tasty and so so filling! And my friend got their house salad and added chicken and it is also a great, full size for a meal and she loves it and orders it all the time. I saw one of their mini pizzas come out too, which also is now on my radar for next time in addition to their burgers which looked very tempting on the table near us! Definitely need to hit the gym and come back here!
(4)
Sheri M.

I go to Medici's on the weekend for their brunch that's served until 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday. The food is good and fresh, as long as you make it in by 1:30. Anytime after that, expect you're food to be less than appealing visually and in flavor. I do love their coffee - It is very strong and hot and is served in thick and heavy coffee mugs to keep it hotter longer. The waitstaff is very cordial and food is served fast and hot. Pastries are prepared fresh daily. I don't care for the french fries because they are string fries and I enjoy a thicker cut.
(4)
Angela Z.

There is not a single UChicago student who dislikes the Med. Of course, not everything on the menu is worthy of 5 stars but the spinach and goat cheese pizza, any of the hot chocolates, the garbage milkshake/any milkshakes are a must try. This is always a great place for brunch. It's always super busy on weekend nights, so be ready to wait. The interesting vibe, the campus reputation and the food are all fantastic. There's this wonderful booth in the far right corner of the first floor that can fit 6ish people and it is covered in writing and carvings all over the table, the seats and the walls. Definitely my favorite spot in the Med. In addition to the restaurant, the bakery is delicious and the dollar midnight pastries are an awesome deal. Overall a must try if you are looking for a great place to eat in Hyde Park.
(4)
Serena B.

A Hyde Park staple. A must come to on the south side. They have great food, great ambiance, and just an all around great restaurant. Whether you are a busy student trying to get something delicious and filling or a large group of friends, this is the place to go. They have something for everyone - a small bakery w/ sandwiches and sidewalk seating, regular restaurant seating and if you wanna get romantical...ask for upstairs seating where you can sit up top and look down at the little people (j/k) and there is also an outdoor patio upstairs! The food is always NOMTASTIC! My newest Medici obsession? Their banana cream pie ice cream. YASSSSSSS!
(5)
Maggi K.

Before writing a review about any place, I like to go there multiple times to make sure that it was not just that one time experience. Medici 57th is a really nice place! I love its service. The staff there is super nice and understanding. However, the service is quite slow... One time, my friend and I ordered a hummus plate (an appetizer) and it literally took so long for them to prepare. We were the LAST ones to get our food even though our other friends had order entrees. In my opinion, the food's quality is great but definitely not worth the money. It is too expensive for the quality of the food that is offered. Their breads and milkshakes, however, are exceptional. I absolutely LOVE the fact that they have gluten free, vegan pizzas. I have been craving pizza for a while and it just makes me so happy that hyde park has a place that accommodates my dietary restrictions and satisfies my cravings! It is nice that Medici delivers, but their delivery is super slow. It takes them an hour... even if it is just a cup of soup. Besides that I definitely recommend this place to others!
(4)
Stacey G.

A true Hyde Park gem! With hearty healthy food! When I'm on the go I "build my own" salad with incredible ingredients such as Brie or prosciutto or green apple and its huge for less than 10.00 ... The cafe portion also stays open until 11 pm
(4)
Erica B.

My favorite breakfast/brunch joint in Hyde Park! Great selection of baked goods and signature dishes.
(4)
Diane B.

I love this place! I love the blue cheese burgers. I love the goat cheese and spinach pizza. I love the bread that they use for buns. Even the fries are yummy. Obviously, there were some times when the service was a tad slow because the place was hopping. But it has a cozy feel and the comfort food in this place really gives satisfaction.
(5)
Tamara M.

I love this place. I have never been disappointed here. From breakfast to dinner there are an array of selections and everything is cooked perfectly. Plus the little bakery that they have on the side is amazing too. I do enjoy coming here and its always busy so they must be doing something right.
(4)
Phil S.

Sloppiest pizza I've ever eaten. What an utter mess. At least it tasted good. The pepperoni slices on the Garbage pan pizza were thick and large in diameter but probably shielded the rest of the pizza from receiving any heat from the oven. The result was a crust that had the integrity of a Chicago politician. The crust was so under cooked that it was translucent in the middle. I don't know if this is how they normally serve their pizza but the pizza they served to me was a soft doughy mess that would have been difficult to eat even with a knife and fork. But... the ingredients were spot on and the flavors were fresh and robust so I kept on munching on the famed Obama pizza. Plus it cost almost $30 for an 8 slice pizza that was just enough to feed three hungry guys for lunch so I wasn't going to give up on it. Would I eat it again? Nah, Chicago's streets are lined with pizza joints that rival the best pizzerias in other states so why would I bother? Obama can keep on eating his sloppy ass pizza. I'm headed down the street.
(3)
Danny S.

I just dined here with two friends and had a horrible experience. In one sentence, the attitude of our server was horrible. Definitely the worst experience outta last 5 years. First thing he said was not 'how are you?', or anything like that but 'ready?' Okay. He might be having a bad day. We were saying 'not yet...' and were about to say 'but we'd like to start with drinks'. but he left at 'yet'. Okay. Whatever. During whole 50 min-ish of dining time, 1. He didn't put the dishes to our table, but stood there, didn't say anything, even after we took dishes from his hand. Couldn't he say thank you or whatever at least if you made us do that? 2. He never came to our table to ask if everything was okay. Ever. 3. He never refilled our pops voluntarily even if they were empty for 10 or more minutes - We had to ask another server and he called our server for that -. 4. So we decided to put $1.00 for tip, each, which was 7%, wishing you a good luck with that attitude. 5. On the way out, he followed us and asked what was wrong about his service? What was good about your service, sir? All you did were getting our order and delivering our food with a blahhh attitude? Robot can do the same blahhh? And at least it's robot so we wouldn't get mad at it? We were intimidated with your no-smile and your using one word conversation. 'Ready?' 'Sides?' 'You?' Equip better attitude PLEASE. Thanks,
(1)
Blair H.

The best option for lunch or dinner in Hyde Park. I love getting the California turkey wrap as a salad or the spinach and goat cheese pan pizza. The staff is usually very pleasant and prompt. The cafe is also great for a quick take out. My boyfriend loves the Arrabiata sandwich.
(5)
Keerthana K.

In summation, Medici is basically mediocre Italian food that is slightly overpriced. It's nice that their bread and bakery items are baked fresh in-house daily, but they are often disappointing (in that they don't taste bakery fresh). The coffee and espresso drinks are weak and bland. Their sandwiches and wraps are decent, but way overpriced for what they are. Their pizza is their only stand-out menu item and most worth ordering, in my opinion. The storefront is welcoming, and the store is open until midnight, so Medici has the monopoly as an Italian restaurant and of late night eating in proximity to campus, so as student with a voracious appetite, I frequent this establishment, though sometimes begrudgingly.
(3)
Tom H.

The Medici is a Hyde Park and University of Chicago institution. Dark, two seating levels, graffiti on every wall and table surface, some of the writing/table carving going back decades. Nice mix of tasty deep dish pizzas, burgers, sandwiches. Some creative things like lemonade with a splash of Himbeersaft. I find myself dropping in here for lunch or dinner whenever I'm in the area. It's solid and consistent. The menu link here on Yelp seems to be broken. This one works: medici57.com/menus
(4)
Caty H.

I love Medici's. Granted, I have an emotional connect to this place. Ever since I moved to Chicago 6 years ago. It was my first city living experience, and Medici was an amazing place to study and unwind from the stresses of big city life. The staff is great, their food is amazing, and the ambiance is so homey. I love the Kickapoo coffee they serve and strongly suggest the pizza. I know people call it messy, but I come from a place where messy food usually tastes the best! Their bread selection is fantastic and they even have vegan options!
(4)
Jeannie A.

Had lunch with three girlfriends after visiting a few museum in the area. The neighborhood is great for walking. We were seated right away, upstairs. It was too chilly to sit outside, but they do have great outdoors seating upstairs. We all ordered different burgers (garbage, chili/cheese, strogonoff) and one cajun chicken pita. All the burgers were just average - not bad, but not 'OMG, these are great'. The mexican hot chocolate was good as well as the strawberry lemonade. Service was fine, the bill was average. I wouldn't make a special trip out here again, but if I was in the neighborhood, I might stop by. It was just average.
(2)
Allison E.

The Medici is a local standard. I suppose everyone who lives in Hyde Park has to visit at least once, just to say they have. Its not terrible. I think I've outgrown it though. The food is good., but the service is spotty. I like the upstairs space and I once attended a post-wedding brunch on the roof top deck that was simply lovely. What I really love is the Medici bakery next door. The croissants are to die for. I like to pick one up on a nice morning and eat it in the park while reading the paper. Its perfect really.
(3)
Poof A.

Meh. I tend to go here a lot because it's in the neighborhood, but if I lived elsewhere I don't know if I'd be back. The food is decent- large portions, tasty, but not a lot of variety. Especially as a vegetarian, you get tired of the same 3 things every time. The service is ok- I've definitely had to flag people down for more water/silverware/whatever, but my order has never been colossally messed up. Nothing too memorable- basically your average college diner- but nothing to complain about either.
(3)
Kelly S.

I can only comment on a few things about Medici since I was beyond fashionably late for Office Hours here. The venue - really neat building! I loved how open and airy the second floor is. I did not get a good look downstairs. Great spot to grab a bite to eat before or after a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. The food - the croissant I ate was sooooo good. Crunchy on the outside and ewwy gooey buttery goodness on the inside. I plan on coming back for a meal and staying more than 10 minutes sometime.
(4)
Martin S.

The Medici bakery is fantastic. Moving from Berlin this is what kept me alive in the HP area. Shakes are awesome. Sandwiches are delicious and gets you a gigantic bang for the buck. The only criticism I would have is the variety of bread they have especially in the dark, sturdy bread section and the croissants aren't all that tasty, but I think this is more of a culture thing than a bakery thing.
(4)
Asha C.

It wouldn't be fair to give this place five stars without trying more on the menu. But I would have to say that the cinnamon rolls have made me roll out of my bed (I've been doing some serious writing) and walk down 57th-twice this weekend. Best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. Definitely worth 5 stars. And plus the place is cute :)
(4)
Natalie P.

Thankfully my boyfriend goes to school at the University of Chicago, b/c I love their bagels. They are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I have only had their bagels so I can't comment on anything else but very good!
(4)
Harpreet K.

(Bakery Review) FIVE STARS!!!! Why?! B/c I literally licked the crumbs off my hand after eating their chocolate croissant. and this is AFTER eating a pancake stack and an enormous omelet at the original pancake house down the road. and it's only 10 am. and i'm not a big girl. that's why.
(5)
Tristan C.

For nostalgic reasons, I would always say that I love the Med. But do I? Not since they got rid of fried ravioli. I mean, why on earth would you do such a thing? The best thing are the milkshakes. The food is fine. The pizza is good. The fresh bread/buns are a plus. The bakery, on the other hand, is fantastic. I could eat an apple or almond croissant from there every day, but that is a bad idea. Sometimes it takes a suspicious amount of time for them to make a sandwich. To fulfill nostalgic obligation I will always go back- and try to remember to bring a sharpie.
(3)
Beth U.

Perhaps for me the allure is nostalgic, but I adore this charming spot. Great food, fun setting.
(5)
Crista F.

MANAGER, KELLY, IS UNPROFESSIONAL! We made reservations weeks in advance for an Aug. 9th post-wedding brunch. There were 20 of us, many of whom flew in from all over the United States. We were an excited bunch! That is, until our server sat us in 2 separate locations in the restaurant. We really wanted to be seated together, as we specified in our reservation. However, when we asked the manager, Kelly, if we could be seated closer together, she flat out denied our request. In fact, she was rude, non apologetic, and quite unprofessional. She said that it was easier on her wait staff to seat us separately and that we had already agreed to stay. She also claimed that no reservation was made--even though she had two 10-tops ready for us. We politely asked again for our family to be seated together. "It's really not my problem!" she exclaimed. We then asked her how she'd feel if we took our party of 20 to another restaurant. She flippantly responded with a smirk: "Now, that would be unfortunate... wouldn't it?" Obviously, her business side went on vacation, so attempted to appeal to her sympathetic side. We questioned her compassion for family togetherness, to which she shouted: "Insulting me won't get you anywhere! If you are unhappy with the accommodations, leave!" And, she proceded to walk away. ...but not before she put the icing on the cake: she turned and accused the bride's mother of "ruining [her] daughter's reception." All I can say is Wow! By the way...the amicable, community-centered newly-weds reside in the area, so they chose to stay for their wedding day brunch--despite the ordeal. Needles to say, the bride's mother did not order. If I could have selected ZERO STARS, I would have.
(1)
J L.

Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! Nice little spot in a nice little neighborhood. The cafe au lait was wonderful. Had the stroganoff burger which was tasty. The fries - yum!
(5)
Hannah R.

One of our favorite coffee/breakfast/lunch/dinner spots in Hyde Park. My husband and I frequent Medici as we love the friendly service and great food. Our favorite server has to be Irma! She remembers orders and is super friendly and always happy. The bakery side is great for picking up coffees, pastries or sandwiches. The restaurant usually has a line but the wait never seems like long and is totally worth it. We love the breakfast menu especially the challah French toast. The steak is great, salads are also favs and the grilled chicken pita wrap is the bomb especially with chipotle mayo! Burgers are great, especially in the summer when eaten outdoors with a BYOB beverage. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Nicole H.

Let's see: Cranberry Turkey oven roasted turkey, brie, cranberry sauce and mixed greens on toasted cranberry walnut bread-pretty good Yogurt parfait-verrry good! I don't know what is so different about the one here but I loooved it! Banana pudding-it was okay but it had chocolate on the top and I could have done without it. Carrot muffin-I didn't care for this. It was a bit dry and bland The prices are fair enough and they have later hours-awesome! There are several items I'd like to try so I'll definitely be returning.
(3)
Melissa C.

Stopped in after going to MSI with the fam. Saw the reviews and it looked like a great place. We walked in right before the lunch rush. The host was great and since the place was pretty empty for being so early he let us choose whatever table we wanted. With the kiddo in tow, he already had a bucket of crayons and paper in his hand. I was also impressed with the fact that the busboy not only brought water for us not also water for the kiddo in a kids cup without asking!! The menu is diverse, with sandwiches, pizzas, as well as main entries. The kids menu also had a great selection, although didn't have our two staples for the kiddo (Mac and cheese or quesadillas). Husband ended up with the turkey burger and fries, I chose the BLAT with homemade chips, and we got pasta with red sauce for the kiddo. Although I didn't taste husband's burger, he said the flavor was great and it was very moist, which is always a concern when you're ordering a turkey burger! Kiddo's serving of pasta and red sauce was HUGE and pretty tasty! We had leftovers for at least dinner than lunch the following day! The reason I gave four stars rather than five is because of my meal. Flavor...great (really, it's hard to mess up a BLT with avocado!)...service....spot on! However, when I got my BLAT, I was missing the A (avo)! The server immediately took my plate back to get the avo on there and all was well with the world, however I did have two problems withy the sandwich. The bread, although super tasty (tasted like homemade multigrain), was probably 2" thick per slice! I definitely should have asked for half the bread. Second, once they put the avo on, nothing stayed together and I ended up eating my sandwich with a fork and knife anyway. So although we had a great lunch, the execution was a little askew :p After lunch, we walked next door because I had heard their croissants were to die for. I've been on a chocolate croissant kick, so of course that's what I ordered, intending to have it for breakfast the next day. So here's the second reason that I gave them 4 stars....the croissant was more of a huge chunk of (tasty!) chocolate with a little pastry than a light croissant with a hint of chocolate. I would have rathe had this as an afternoon treat...not so much as a typical breakfast food. Would I go back? Definitely...it was cozy, service was awesome and food was good!
(4)
Nathan M.

The food is pretty lacking in both taste and creativity. Definitely not a destination restaurant, but if you're in the area and hungry, its ok. Only redeeming quality: Mexicana milkshakes. Get one and your life will be changed.
(3)
Maria I.

I love the food here, the environment has a city life feel to it but isn't overwhelming. However, it is a little pricey for college students. But the sandwiches have a classic touch to them. The workers are polite. especially since I went when it was busy, only downside was finding a seat was hard. I love the garage door type of opening for summer.
(4)
Julianne Z.

The Med. What can you say about it? The Medici is just a student staple whether you are getting sandwiches from the bakery portion or the massive burgers in the restaurant. Brunch here is even crazier and you can even squeeze your own OJ! THe bakery has $1 pastries after 10pm which is so worth the trek for those late night munchies. Some of my favorite things to order are the Steak and Fries, which is always cooked really well and their milk shakes. If you go to their website, they will tell you of the weeks specials and they once had an apple pie milk shake which was to DIE for. They are also great for catering so make sure to ask them to cater your next event! As an alumni, I am going to miss the dinners I have had in the Med and I will be here for sure for alumni weekend!
(4)
Vaibhav V.

Not great at all. Don't dare try their pizza. The proximity to UChicago, the interesting vibe, and maybe their milkshakes are the only reasons why you should go here.
(1)
Stephanie S.

Pizza, burgers and milkshakes are their things. Plus you can pop into the bakery for fresh bread and croissants. This is a big spot for students (and, once upon, a time a Prof. Obama). Service is friendly enough. The bakery only has four tables, so don't plan on getting a seat or meeting folks here, there likely won't be room. Had no problem getting a seat in the dining room on a weeknight. Good availability of street parking. Right down the street from 57th Street Books.
(4)
Laura T.

I was part of a large group of 12 who came to Medici before a theatre event on a Saturday night. We had a reservation so we got right in and were promptly split into two tables. No problem for us - but I suppose that doesn't always work. Followed the lead of other reviewers by ordering pizza (goat cheese and spinach). We got the thin crust. It was a solid choice. I wouldn't put this pizza in my best category, but I wasn't disappointed either. Two others got the chicken skewers - very healthy choice, juicy and well seasoned. No time for a shake or one of the amazing looking ice cream floats around us. Judging from the comments that is really one thing you don't want to skip here. I did grab a loaf of semolina bread from the bakery for the next morning. It is wonderful.
(3)
Anne S.

You know what, the food is pretty hit or miss. However this place is truly a neighborhood gem. They take care of people! It was so wonderful of Medici to let Yelp host the Haiti Bake Sale here, and to donate baked goods, and money! So thank you to everyone at Medici! I love the lemonades, shakes, and floats. I don't think there are any of them I don't like. Which makes it hard to choose a drink. (Especially in the winter when I am also tempted by their wonderful hot chocolate). I get the strawberry lemonade and the himbeersaft float more than the others, but everytime it's a hard decision. (And I rarely get the fresh squeezed orange juice for brunch, but I always regret not getting it). I don't think the fries are that good, so I always get onion rings instead which are great. The four cheese pizza has blue cheese as one of the cheeses, so if you do not like blue cheese do not get this pizza. Other than this pizza, I like most of their pizzas. I usually get either a BLT or grilled chicken and veggie skewers. Both are great!
(4)
Jenny H.

I only got their croissants, so take this review for what it is. Ham and Cheese Croissant- I like the nice big size. I got it cold though, they never warmed it up for me. Cold, it tastes OK, very filling. . Strawberry and Cream Cheese Croissant- Huge croissant, a little dry and crusty with a sugar crust, I liked how they put real strawberries inside (a huge plus, normally, it's just spreadable jam) but it wasn't a buttery, flakey croissant like I'm used to. They say they have the best croissants outside of Paris- yeah, right. The best croissants I've had outside Paris are in SF. This place is OK- it's just a good quick bite to eat if you're in the area.
(3)
Yvonne O.

I don't think I was ever up early enough when I was in college to get here for breakfast, so having it now was a real treat. The strawberry lemonade is amazing and kind of a cross between a slushy and a beverage. I went with the eggs espresso, which are not coffee-flavoured, just whipped in the espresso machine. Yum! Got a side of the Chicken sausage and a slice of the white bread toast. Can't go wrong with this combo and I was certainly full afterwards. Service was far faster than usual and we had a group of 8 - bravo!
(4)
Andrea F.

To be honest, that last star and a half could be attributed to the fact that I have many good memories of the Med. Used to go there all the time as a U of C student. It's comfortable. Good service, hummus, pizza, and strawberry lemonades. And you can draw on the tables and walls.
(5)
Candice G.

Back in the day, when I first started waiting on tables, I had a regular customer that would always sit in my section. She was somewhere between Grandma and Great Grandma aged and she'd always start off with dessert, then her meal, then dessert again. One day I asked her why and she she said it was because you never know when you're gonna die, so you might as well make sure you get dessert in first. On the 2 times I've been to Medici, I've adopted her way of life... only I strictly stick to the baked goods. Chocolate croissant? Yes, please. I'll take 3. Ooh- can you add a spinach and feta one too? Perfect. This place is a little slice of heaven... okay, it'd be more heavenly if I could afford to eat more of it but I'll take what I can get.
(4)
D H.

This is for the separate bakery/deli part, not the actual restaurant, which I haven't been to in years. I had the feta spinach croissant which was good and the hot chocolate, which was quite good. The pizza my sister had looked delicious but beware, there are a total for 4 high tables in here.
(4)
Carolyn S.

Had an amazing experience this evening ordering for a large group for delivery! The crew at Medici is one of the best because not only is the ordering an easy process but the people that work there are amazing! So helpful and wonderful! Not to forget the food! YUM YUM YUM! We got an amazing selection of wraps so delicious! Thanks again for the quick turn around and all the help! You guys ROCK! :)
(5)
Alfonso O.

I came here for the first time last fall and tried a seasonal pumpkin milkshake - easily one of the best shakes I've had. It was love at first taste. The staff is friendly, the location is ideal, and the food is delicious. I'm also a big fan of their tuna melt. They have overpriced orange juice. I love their atmosphere. 9/10, would eat again (and have, many, many times)
(5)
Allan M.

A place that made me rethink my normal opinion on not liking pepperoni on pizza? Yes, the pepperoni here is that damn good, and never thought I'd find the best pepperoni I've ever tried from eating here, nor encounter a strong contender for best pan pizza in Chicago. I'll go as far to say if you go to the Museum of Science and Industry, you have no proper excuses not to eat here, or at minimum go to their next-door bakery. The pizza I'm alluding to above is their garbage pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, canadian bacon, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The mozzarella was perfect on the pizza, and the pepperoni was crisp, flavorful, and nicely oversized without being too large. The shakes are great here too, as I liked both my Grenandine Float(pomegranate soda with rainbow sherbet), and my friend's Fudge-Banana Nut Shake(vanilla ice cream, banana, hot fudge, pecans). Still too many menu items I've yet to try, and I feel after my first time eating in the restaurant portion, it's so depressing that I was so far behind in discovering Med for too many years. Forget Mellow Yellow! And did I mention you can write on the inside walls and tables, or their nice patio on the back of the 2nd floor? What can I say, Med's bakery had already begun to become a regular staple of my HP trips in the last 1-2 years, and I will now employ my crappy persuasion powers whenever in the area with friends to eat in the regular restaurant. Wish the Normal, IL location had opened before I stopped attending Illinois State, but 'tis life.
(5)
Kar M.

When the father-in-law comes to Chicago, he wants his pizza. He was staying in Hyde Park, so we headed over to this place (ruling out the Edwardo's next door in favor of something local). We asked the hostess before committing: does this place serve deep-dish pizza? She nodded emphatically, yes, pan pizza. So we asked again, after finding a take-out menu that nowhere used the words "deep" or "dish" but did say that "family size" pizzas were pan style only and were again cheerfully assured that these were deep-dish. But the correct answer to our question was "no." When we took our seats and sought clarification from our disinterested server, we got the same weird interchange of pizza adjectives. So we ordered the one that was not a thin-crust. We also asked for a recommendation on a size to feed the three of us, as the menu doesn't qualify their sizes by inches or servings. We were told a large would cover it, and a family-size would give us plenty to take home. We got the family-size and obliterated it in one sitting. But this was partially because it was what I would refer to as a thin-crust pizza. We should have gone with our instincts on this one, sure. Also, a Chicago institution that sells pizzas should know what kinds of pizzas it sells. We got the four-cheese, which I one might also call the blue-cheese-assault pizza. The sundried tomatoes were good, but in every bite our mouths were distracted by the outright war (wanted harmony, received an epic battle) between cheeses. Too rich, too salty. It distracted us from conversation. It demanded water, which we didn't get... until I tracked down our server (not a busy night) and kindly requested it. He went to go get some and disappeared for 20 minutes. My father-in-law tracked him down again, and eventually he sent a busser with a pitcher. At this point we were parched and downed our drinks pretty quickly... never to have them refilled again. I know we didn't buy a $4 non-refillable raspberry lemonade, but come on. This place doesn't take AmEx (just like the commercials!) and yes, they let you write on their surfaces. But I'd just prefer that they serve me good food. But one thing I really appreciate is that there is another public sink outside the men's and women's bathrooms so you can wash your hands on the quick before eating. Thanks for encouraging hygiene!
(2)
maurice s.

Mediocre food and mediocre service: 3 stars. It's great to sit on the roof in the summer: +1 star. Kinda depressing to sit anywhere else & parking blows: -1 star. Total: 3 stars.
(3)
Jesse A.

I came here on a desperate quest for chocolate croissants and coffee. A desperate and SUCCESSFUL quest too. Ok, their baked goods are heavy, sugary or cheesy, big and greasy, and their coffee is full of flavor. It is a waistline expansion sort of place. But that's ok, we're talking about pastry here. For better or worse, I grew up in a neighborhood full of incredible french bakeries, so by those standards the Medici chocolate croissant was nothing special -- too heavy and breadlike, not light and airy. That said, anything involving chocolate and pastry is going to be happily devoured, and the strong tasty coffee was the perfect way to wash it down, on a cold spring walk around Hyde Park. Medicis reminds of why it's great to be alive, in the way all bakeries should.
(4)
Eugene E.

I've been here twice and have not been "moved" either time to say, "I like this place". I returned on a second time to eat on the rooftop deck, perhaps this is why it gets 2 stars. The hostess originally stated that they didn't have any tables available on the rooftop -- without looking at anything, what I would assume would be through osmosis she said, oh yes, there is 1 table left. So we walked upstairs and met the "upstairs" hostess who took us to 1 of 2 available tables. After being seated we get this server who seems to be annoyed he is working outside. I asked a few questions - which seemed to further annoy him. Somehow I placed an order for the "speciality" pizza (their term, not mine) -- BBQ chicken pizza. All I requested is that they not put the chicken on the pizza - keep the design except adding the chicken topping - he takes the order and comes back and says, we can't do substitutions on speciality pizzas. I knew based on what already occurred that having an in-depth conversation about this topic would get me nowhere so I just ordered the veggie burger and an Arnold Palmer (half tea/half lemonade). The AP was absolutely the worst half tea/half lemonade I have ever had. Since it was not "free refills", one would assume they used fresh squeezed lemonade... perhaps so, but I am not sure why in the world it had carbonation to the degree of a regular can of pop?!? Still baffled by this. The veggie burger I would not recommend. It was bland and not sure of what components they used to create the veggie burger but it falls at the bottom of the list of veggie burgers from restaurants. The bun was cold and thick, perhaps a potato bread - but I have had good potato bread before -- they could have at least toasted/warmed it up! It was quite dry and I had to take the bland veggie burger and just eat it alone with a fork and knife.
(2)
Jessy P.

I only give them 3 stars because of the quality of the waitstaff. Too many times have friends or family and I gone and we have been ignored. I have never seen a waitress take 15 minutes to get you a drink refill, and in the end the busboy notices and just does it for her. I have noticed that the staff seems to care ore about goofing off and gossiping with each other than they do about the people they are their to serve. There was one day we went, and a waitress chased out her table and yelled at them for not leaving her a tip. The people told her to her face that she was an awful waitress and that she did no deserve one as she did not earn it. They then informed her that they tipped the cooks instead, because the food was excellent. I can say after hearing that I knew that while I love the Med, the service always sucks and it never seems to get better. I also noticed some of the staff play favorites with customers. I over heard a group of girls laughing about how they were going to make one table wait because they didn't like the girl sitting with the group. Hopefully management removes these people because that does not make for a pleasant environment. ANYWAY....food is good, service sucks, a bit overpriced, but worth it most days...ALWAYS CARRY OUT OR GET DELIVERY!! The drivers are fast and really friendly!! Medici gets 4 1/2 stars for food and 2 for service.
(3)
Ted P.

The big stand-out is the bakery as I see it, and here's why: The apple croissants are, on good days, simply amazing. On bad days, they're still quite good. The chocolate ones are just a step behind, but are still worth stopping in for. The apple pie -- simply the best apple pie I have ever had. I was a UofC student and graduated 8 years ago and somehow I only discovered the apple pie last year on a rare visit back to Hyde Park. I feel like I truly missed out up until that point... Now, as others have said, the coffee is crap -- avoid at all costs! The restaurant earns a solid 3 stars in my book. The service has never been good and the food can be hit and miss. Sometimes it's really good. Other times, you'll regret even stopping in... That having been said, the strawberry lemonade and the shakes are always really really good. Long story short: I didn't respect this place when I was a student and have come to appreciate it more now that I'm back in HP from time to time.
(4)
Rachel B.

If it weren't for this place Hyde Park would be the worst neighborhood to eat out in the city. Every place else in the HP is mediocre at best, or too ethnic for frequent visits (sorry dudes, but I just can't do Thai more than once a month). The atmosphere is relaxed and homey, but clean, and the staff is attentive. Pretty much everything on the Med menu is really enjoyable. My faves are the Moroccan ragout, burgers and pizza. The fries are legendary and the desserts are to die for. I often visit just for a brownie sundae after a long day at the library. It's a perfect place for big parties, especially because it's BYOB! Let me expand upon the pizza: In a cluster of pizza places, the Med pizza is just right. Not chewy deep dish crap like Edwardo's, not cardboard with cheese on it like Cholie's. Just PIZZA. Fluffy/crunchy crust with creative, delicious toppings. (Florian is a close runner-up though!)
(4)
Brittany F.

Good quick lunch spot. Stopped in for a sandwich and wrap for lunch, which were both very fresh and tasty. I can't comment on the other baked goods, but the ciabatta used with my veggie sandwich was obviously fresh and really made the sandwich. There was very limited seating, but luckily we were having a late lunch so we had no problem getting a table.
(3)
Peter B.

Hokay, so, it's the Med. My name is carved into one of the tables somewhere (yeah, I am a vandal but they let you do that). It's the damn campus restaurant. If you go to school at UChicago you will eat here, accept it. I remember one horrible experience, really a long time ago, which involved fettucine alfredo in no way deserving of the name. Or okay, it was fettucine, but in milk with half a canister of that dried pulverized supermarket parmesan tossed in. Kind of turned me off to the place. But you can't stay away for long, and since then I've always had a solid time or better. The pizza is good, especially the huge crisped pepperoni with blackened edges. The pasta is good. The burgers are alright. Brunch is nice, and the eggs benedict always hit the spot. Share the onion rings with a friend for a starter at dinner. They're excellent and there's a lot of them for $5. It's gotten a tad expensive over time, but now I realize I just might be old enough to perceive, for the first time, the insidious effect of inflation. Damn! I consider the bakery a separate establishment, kinda, but the restaurant can go ahead and bask in its glow. That's one of the reasons for four stars. They have a plaque which says, 'Some of Obama's brain cells are made of Med pizza.' Come on, that's darned cute. Hometown hero. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by. (BYOB, incidentally.)
(4)
Gordon D.

This review is for the BAKERY! This place has the best fresh-baked breads and pastries in Hyde Park; some of their breads (and oh my god their ham and swiss croissants) are in the running for best in Chicago. What's more, they've now integrated the deli operation from the former University Market (sad to see it go), which means they're in the running for the best sandwiches in Hyde Park. Yes, I've had Z&H's sandwiches up on 47th, and they are really really good. Overall I'd say the two are equal. But a few of the sandwiches here at Medici Bakery (e.g. chicken salad, the spicy italian one, and anything with that killer honey mustard and a gang of avocado) are truly staggeringly awesome. For the bakery then, five stars. (If it's not already obvious, there should be two separate yelp entries here, one for Medici on 57th, the restaurant, and one for the incredible bakery nextdoor. If I were rating the restaurant separately, I'd give it 3 stars: it's good if pretty unremarkable college-town fare, solid burger, rad chicken salad [see above], and a bunch of other totally passable but not mindblowing options. Plus, little-known fact, it's BYOB, which is crucial for the rooftop in the summer time.)
(5)
R D.

This is our go-to breakfast place in Hyde Park. The wait isn't insane like at the Original Pancake House and the food is better while remaining in the same price range. Plus they serve lunch and dinner. Staff is generally friendly but there are a coupla servers that clearly don't enjoy being there. The coffee is excellent and the raisin toast is world class. We really haven't ordered anything there that we didn't like.
(4)
MsHydePark C.

The Med is a well-loved Hyde Park institution-- It's where locals proudly bring visitors and it's often the one restaurant in Hyde Park that north-siders seem to know and care about. The decor is cute and kitschy and the patio is really nice in the summer. It's a fun place to come with a group. Given all of the things I note above, I really, really want to love this place.... When it comes to the food, though, I'm sorry to say it, but eh.... I've never been much of a burger eater (I'm a former vegetarian), so perhaps I'm predisposed not to be a fan of a restaurant like this, but I've optimistically ordered everything else on the menu without much success. The pizza, though, is pretty decent, although nothing special.
(3)
Mo S.

Atmosphere is pleasant, and food often quite good, such as squeeze-it-yourself OJ and some of the (slightly overpriced) sandwiches like chicken salad. Takeout/delivery experiences are consistently frustrating. Once I received a salad: half of it was rotten (as in advanced degree of decay) and the small dixie cup of house dressing was all oil as though it hadn't been mixed. Another time they claimed my location was out of delivery range, though it is within 5 blocks. I called back and spoke to another employee who tersely and without apology attributed the discrepancy to the previous phone person "lying." I would rather go to Caffe Florian where they are always competent and professional.
(2)
Andrea G.

The Medici is a veritable Who's Who of Hyde Park. Everyone eats there from UC students, to Labbies, to parents picking up their kids from the Ray School, to professors, to locals, to Barack Obama. I go to the Med about twice a month now (when I lived in Blackstone Hall, I went twice a week . . . ), and I ALWAYS run into someone I know. The food is good--I've never had anything I didn't like, or at list if I wasn't a fan it's because of my own pickiness, not a fault of the kitchen. The ambiance is great--there is always a happy din of people talking, but not so loud that you can't hear your own conversation. You can write on the wooden booths, and it's fun for me to see what I carved into a table back in my freshman year of college. Whenever I have friends visiting me from out of town, I take them here. So with such a positive review, why did I give The Med only 3 stars? Two reasons: the service is hit or miss. Like by that it's either decent or just bad. And then here's the real kicker THEY CLOSE AT 11:30 (Midnight on weekends) AND BECAUSE THEY OWN THE 57TH ST BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, NOBODY IS ALLOWED TO BE OPEN LATER. That's right, kids, the Med is why we DON'T HAVE A 24 HOUR DINER on in Hyde Park on 57th.
(3)
Never M.

Why is everything so dry? Ok shame on me, Is this an Italian restaurant? I just found out this little fact. If that's the case why are these pizzas so gross and dry? I have not tasted anything here that I've liked. My bf always tricks me with food from this place and its not a tasty or funny trick.
(1)
Matthew T.

I went here with my gf and felt lucky right off the bat because the parking situation was pretty bad in general but we got a spot, so one flaw in the evening was averted. We were seated quickly and had a good time looking at the different things written on the walls while waiting for a server. We got our drinks quickly and ordered the Garbage Pizza. While it might not have the most appetizing title, it included all of my favorite things on a pizza and came in deep dish form. We waited a little bit longer than I'm used to waiting for pizza, but it came and was a revelation. The only complaint I have about the food itself is the fact that the pizza's structure doesn't hold up very well under the pressure of all the ingredients on top of it. Otherwise, flawless service and delicious food. If im ever in the area again, i will try to eat here again.
(4)
Jonathan A.

I fantastic place to eat and a great reason for me to make the trip to Hyde Park. I'm even considering a bike ride with the purpose of going to Medici as a destination. It's rare that I get to come down to Hyde Park, but I always want to. The food seems solid all around, from the burgers to the sandwiches and pizza to the fantastic variety of shakes and floats. The Mexicana shake was awesome. The place itself and the staff has great personality and a cool vibe. A lot of U of C students, businessmen? politicians. You name it, everyone seems to eat here.
(4)
Julie M.

Bakery = the BEST muffins I've ever had. The blueberry are amazing, and the banana chocolate chip are to die for. Also, cinnamon rolls are literally the best I've had anywhere. The croissants are not the best I've ever had, but they're really really good. Their coffee is great, too. It's a fair trade from a roaster in Wisconsin. Delicious. As for the proper, sit-down restaurant that's attached, the food is mediocre. The atmosphere is nice, but I don't think the prices are worth the quality you get, honestly. A lot of their meal and sandwich items are bland, or combinations of items that are just a bit off. They have a big pizza menu, but it's so incredibly easy to find better pizza virtually anywhere else. We are in chicago, after all. Go somewhere else for dinner, and then *definitely* go back to the Med bakery for a coffee and dessert. :)
(4)
Karen N.

Very good croissants indeed. We went there for the chocolate ones, but the ham and cheese, feta and spinach were way better. All and all, Chicago doesn't have that many places to get good croissants. So we will definitely go back for more.
(3)
Ashley B.

A very cute little spot near U of C. My sister went here her freshman year before she passed away and she took my parents and I here a couple times. I've since been back for a memorial volleyball game for her and my boyfriend and I went here for a coffee and a wrap and both were great.
(4)
Ashley F.

The Medici is a hotspot for University of Chicago students and Hyde Park residents alike who aren't particularly concerned with spending a little extra cash for a mediocre meal. Though my opinion about the restaurant is lukewarm in general, I do enjoy their BBQ chicken pizza and their baked goat cheese appetizer. The crust on their pizza is not the greatest (it lacks flavor in a big way), but the toppings on the BBQ pizza makes up for the lackluster crust. It is loaded with chicken and a really tasty BBQ sauce. The baked goat cheese is incredibly as well, but mostly due to the tasty marinara sauce that it is adorned with. Unfortunately, the toast points that are served with the meal are disappointing, especially given the great bakery (actually part of the Med) that is just next door. A quick note on the bakery: it is incredible! There is nothing else like it in Hyde Park. As apathetic as I am about the restaurant, I am ecstatic about the bakery. The sour cream buns are incredible, the cinnamon-raisin bread is delectable, and the fruit tarts are fantastic. I just wish that the restaurant was as good as the bakery.
(3)
MH W.

Visiting a UChicago grad student friend and we ate here twice: once for dinner and once for lunch. The location is amazing because it's so close to campus. Pizza was good--not deep dish, but tasty. Our server looked like MIKA, which definitely added to the feel of the place. Their bread was delish and the sandwiches were good as far as sandwiches go. I liked that you could basically build your own. I didn't get to try any of the pastries/desserts which was a travesty, but when I go back, I definitely will. Oh, and did I mention there are free temporary tattoos at the hostess station?
(4)
Dean K.

This place is kind of hard to rate as we only went to the bakery. It was unplanned. We happened to go to the bookstore down the street and passed the place and had remembered seeing that Obama liked it. For what we got it was good. We had a chocolate brownie which was to die for and then I had some chocolate pastry which was very good. They serve Kickapoo coffee which was bold and smooth at the same time. I liked it better than Caribou but it was probably not as strong as Starbucks.
(4)
Cathy H.

Awesome place. I ordered the cafe au lait and it came out as two jugs, one milk and one coffee and it was the coolest thing ever! The waitresses were extremely nice and the atmosphere was great to get some work done or just socialize :)
(5)
Gina L.

The ol' high school hang out. We'd skip class to order warm pizza slices or come here after school for fries, shakes and floats! Here's what you need to know: Morning: -fresh squeezed orange juice (you used to be able to squeeze it yourself...I dunno if things have changed) -CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS -yes! to mexican hot chocolate Snackin': -potato skins are delish -still upset that they got rid of jalapeno poppers =( -chicken quesadillas come with a generous amount of sour cream and pico de gallo -eat a basket o' fries with bbq sauce Lunch/Dinner: -get here around 11-11:30am, it's packed by noon. -FIDEL'S CHICKEN SOUP -Ensalata Kimba salad -their bbq chicken pizza has way too much bbq sauce. overwhelming. -thin crust personal pizzas are bigger than pan pizzas. take your pick. Sweets: -mexicana shake, orzata and himbeersaft floats all worth your $$ Extras: -bring a permanent marker before you eat here - just in case you wanna make your mark on the wall or on a table or chair. -look around you, u of c profs, grads and undergrads everywhere! (the younger looking ones are either freshmen or labbies). feel smart - or really, really dumb. -the bathroom got renovated and is nice - this still blows my mind! -this is the ultimate Hyde Park landmark restaurant. TONS better than Edwardos, better than Caffe Florian.
(4)
C D.

The food is usually good, although the price can add up quickly. Sometimes it's hard to get a table quickly on the weekends, especially if you're in a large group. Recently, their delivery has been really bad. One time they brought us the wrong pizza and corrected it by bringing another one an hour later (and saying we couldn't eat the wrong one in the mean time.) The other one they brought us was the wrong size, at which point we gave up. The last time we ordered they took longer than anticipated to deliver (an hour) but did call to let us know. Spinach and goat cheese pizza, barbecue chicken pizza, baked goat cheese, and the burgers are all pretty solid.
(3)
Femia M.

I have certainly become a fan of this quaint and charming bakery next to the restaurant. All the baked goods look delicious and very well crafted. I have had their lattes and chai tea which have both been wonderful. The apple croissant, though, that is somthing more than wonderful--FABULOUS. The only down side of the place is the limited seating. Its quite a small place which makes it difficult to sit down and enjoy your coffee without being bombarded with customers waiting in line during the rush hours. Other than that, the place is overall great.
(4)
Tracy T.

Reliable, straightforward food near the University of Chicago campus. I work at U Chicago and there aren't many options for lunch other than cafeterias and the assortment of food trucks along Ellis. Medici is my trusty standby - their salads are fresh, the chili is delicious, great pizza, they're always willing to sub a veggie skewer for fries and their rich, homemade milkshakes are absolutely to die for and follow the seasons (pumpkin and peppermint of late.) Can't comment on the service because they know me by name since I'm there at least twice a week. I always get a warm welcome, even if I'm dining solo. In the spring and summer, it's nice to be able to soak up the sun on the patio. My line is that I'm on the "Medici Meal Plan." I've used them for catering in my office and they are very generous with the food.
(4)
Michelle S.

I just had dinner there tonight and I was so dissapointed. First, I'd checked the website and the menu was inconsistent with the restaurant menu. Then I got there and the waitress, never told us her name. She just approached us and said, "Are you ready?" Then when we weren't ready, she acted like she was unhappy about it. I ordered the spinach lasagna. The edges were great, til I got to the middle and it was STILL COLD. So I asked that it be put back in the over for a few because it was still cold on teh inside. The waitress sent it back and then allowed it to stay in so long that when she returned it, the cheese was all burnt and crappy looking. They had cooked the taste out of it. She never apologized for it being crappy. She was just like, "That's how they gave it to me" So we asked for the manager who just offered me something else. I got a BLT.... a mediocre one. They didn't charge for the spinach but they charged for the BLT. Maybe I wasn't aggressive enough, but they shouldn't have charged me for the BLT at all. Due to the crappy ass service, they should've definitely not charged for my entree at all. I've heard so many good things about Medici and I was thoroughly unimpressed. I will not be returning. When we got the check I was wishing I had some of those "You've been Yelped" cards to leave for their dumb asses b/c I had every intention of coming home and doing just this. Zero stars!!!! The only thing good was that there was a meter parking space right out front.
(1)
Daniel D.

Great atmosphere. Usually excellent food. Last visit however, the chicken came out undercooked. The waitstaff were fantastic and quick to deal with the issue. Always excellent customer service.
(3)
Shayna N.

The shirts have written on the back "Obama eats here" let's just hope he wins in a few weeks. We sat on the outside deck and enjoyed a small pizza, a fresh salad and chicken noodle soup. The deep dish was delicious. The cheese and crust were amazing, my only complain was the scarce sauce. But over all a very enjoyable experience.
(4)
Nyameche Q.

I LOVE THE MED! I just have to say that. It is hands down my favorite restaurant. I've lived in Hyde Park for five years, and I've never had a less than satisfying experience at the Med. The bakery is amazing. I especially love the fruit tarts and turnovers, and you have to try the carrot cake. Their deli sandwiches are good. Their shakes are good (Mexicana chocolate is the best). Their pizza is good. I've never had an entree there I didn't like. Some of my favorites are the spinach lasagna, tuna steak sandwich, baked goat cheese and Han's Westphalian ham pizza. The Med is also a great brunch spot. All-around the Med is just a solid restaurant. If you're going there for the first time I recommend trying the calzone of the week and the shake of the week. Another nice thing about the Med is that there is a Streetwise vendor who sells right outside the bakery, and it seems as if the staff are always very kind to him. I see him going into the bakery to get coffee and water sometimes, and in the winter he goes in to warm up. He is a very kind, sweet man, and I always buy from him when I go by. The Streetwise is a magazine that costs $2 to buy, and it was created as a way to help homeless people and people who are coming out of homelessness earn money. The program is run by the Salvation Army. Anyway, swing by the Med and give it a try. Especially go in nice weather so you can sit outside at the patio tables right outside the bakery or on the upstairs outdoor balcony. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Alysson L.

I am baffled by the high regard Medici receives from the U of C community. It's because there isn't any competition, isn't it? I've eaten at Medici a number of times. I've had their burgers, their salads, their soups, and their pizza. The burger was abysmal-- it completely lacked flavor, as though the meat hadn't been seasoned before being cooked. The salad (Ensalata Kimba, I think?) was just fine, but not really that exciting, and over-priced. The soup was ok, but that particular experience was marred by the service-- my boyfriend ordered his sandwich without mayonnaise, and received it with extra mayonnaise, and the waiter ignored us for most of the meal and never apologized for the error. The pizza was good, but inferior to what you can get at Leona's. As for the bakery, while their croissants and buns are palatable, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "good", and they serve what is decidedly the worst coffee in Hyde Park (go to Dunkin' Donuts before you go here.) And that goes for both brewed coffee and espresso drinks-- you're likely to have your milk scalded and your espresso burnt. Especially beware their coffee/mocha thing (the name is escaping me)-- it's basically a cup of their already bad brewed coffee with Swiss Miss dumped in. I used to stop in during the winter because it's the halfway point between my apartment and the university-- location notwithstanding, I've given up.
(1)
Elif P.

My aunt and uncle took me here. I am absolutely in love with this place. The ambiance is perfect for families or for college students. I enjoyed eating a deep dish pizza. The prices are reasonable, especially if you do not want to spent too much money. I loved how the waiters and waitresses had t-shirts that said " Obama eats here." It makes you want to buy one. Downside, it may be crowded on a weekend or a friday night.
(5)
Scott L.

My friend who took my wife and I around Chiacgo took us to her high school hang out. I love the place and could see why she went there often. It's a cool local place where you can get a cacophony of drinks and food. Everything on the menu looks tasty but we didn't get everything. We got some pizza and a salad. I also ordered a shake. The food here is very good and the vibe is very chill. You can eat your lunch with the dean and heads of different schools. Everyone is rubbing shoulders. Also, Obama gets his pizza there! How can you lose?
(4)
Janet E.

I've been here a few times and have not been disappointed. Their menu is extensive with lots of choices. They have upstairs and downstairs seating. They dont open for breakfast though until 1100am. The food here is always fresh and delicious! Street parking is available and wait staff is friendly.
(4)
Aurore L.

Too bad these people cannot be nice... At the same time why would they bother?!?!? They have some of the best croissants in the city and patrons are queuing all the time to get them. They even offter a special twist with their apple-cinnamon croissants which are simply to die for. Recently they even added outdoor sitting on 57th street - it's great to eat your gooey breakfast item feeling bad about beginning your day with such a ridiculous amount of calories while people-watching... But Gosh these people are rude!!!!!!!!! I will never NEVER understand businesses who have this type of attitude. A big no-no that cost them 2 stars.
(3)
Lili V.

Medici Bakery, we should talk. My experience was a little ridiculous. I had a plan. I was going to the bookstore, then over to you to buy little fruit tarts. I came here because I thought it would be easier than heading over to China Town. It took a while to find parking. I finally get in, and order 3 fruit tarts and 2 croissants. Lady rings me up, while other lady starts to grab tarts. They ask me to point to the ones I want. I do. Lady looks at me like I'm nuts. She asks which out of the three I pointed to do I want. I blink at her. ALL THREE. Lady asks the question again as if I didn't understand the question. Finally, the other lady at the register explains. I wanted THREE. I suppose the woman needed to hear that from a fellow employee in case I was trying to steal 2 tarts. She starts to put them in plastic containers, and then a paper bag. Each one in their own plastic container and paper bag, even when I told her the bags weren't necessary. To finish the job, she put everything in a plastic bag. She may have been a gift wrapper before this. I will be going to Saint Anna Bakery from now on for my little tart needs.
(1)
Gene W.

I've been making the trek down to Medici more often lately, enough to warrant an update. GO RIGHT NOW AND ORDER FIDEL'S CHICKEN SOUP. Yeah, it's so good that it had to be said in caps lock. Sorry. Really though, this stuff is marvelous. My grandmother used to make an almost identical soup when I was a kid, but, sorry, this stuff is even better. Tender chunks of white meat chicken, a perfect amount of spiciness and fresh vegetables. Marvelous. If you're looking for something to balance out the hot soup, I've got to recommend the Orzata float. It's almond italian soda and chocolate ice cream, and almost worth the drive on it's own.
(5)
Don A.

Living in Hyde Park, I feel like i'm supposed to love this place. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, per se, but I simply don't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I just can't appreciate the atmosphere very much. It is interesting for a visit, but not something I would return to many times. Service is decent, though nothing that stands out. The food is good - i've had a few pizzas, the burrito, and a sandwich (I think the Mediterranean pizza was the best) - but its a bit overpriced. Knock two bucks off the dishes and I would find it more acceptable. Its menu has variety making it a good choice for larger groups of people (but what is up with not splitting the check for the customers? is that just a Hyde Park thing?). I have no qualms about going here with friends but it wouldn't be my first choice in the area.
(3)
Laura S.

Solid neighborhood food. My ride to the airport lives and works in Hyde Park, so I met her here for a quick dinner before running off to catch my flight. If I was a UChicago student this would definitely be my regular spot for drinks and cheap eats with friends. I had a Caesar salad and a garbage burger - both very good. The garbage burger had some particularly good flavors. We sat in a very nice outside seating area upstairs - it was quite busy, so service was a bit slow and frazzled, but very nice to have an outdoor seating option that's not the middle of a sidewalk. The place has a nice vibe!
(4)
J. N.

I'm surpised I haven't written about Medici sooner as I have been visiting almost once a week for a year. Medici has a great, friendly, clean environment with charm.... They also have a nice roof-top patio for the summer. BYOB is awesome, especially with no corkage. We have brought everything from a $75 bottle of wine to $5 worth of PBR here. It's fun to be able to drink exactly what you want and it keeps the bill down a ton. Everything I have ever eaten has been great. Pizza, salad, burger, Moroccan ragout.... everything. Some of the entrees are a wee bit pricey but everything is fresh and homemade which is worth it for me. The service can absolutely be spotty.... Sometimes its great, sometimes its awful. Ebb and flow, ebb and flow. Overall the location, the BYOB factor, and the tasty food is what keeps me coming back so often. PS - Skip dessert in the restaurant and head next door (East!) to the bakery... Hmmm garbage cookies, breads, and ice cream. Also, you can even get your lunch for the next day if you go to the next storefront over(West!)... The Medici owned University Market offers Boar Head lunch meats and cheeses!
(4)
Ed P.

I haven't been here in years, and I'd forgotten how great it is. Go! Now!
(4)
K G.

Croissants, mes amis. Croissants. I have had them all in the early morning: ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, spinach and feta, CHOCOLATE. Buttery, flaky, loaded with simple and delicious fillings. They are so good, in fact, that I once tried the carrot muffin. It was good. But I only ate two bites, because those croissants were calling me. I wound up getting a chocolate one. Again. They keep pretty well, too, these croissants. If you bring them home and put them in a 300 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. I've not actually been able to hold on to one in my home for more than 24 hours, but I can safely say they are delicious a day old. I have not eaten inside the restaurant, by the by. Again: the CROISSANTS, PEOPLE.
(4)
Bill M.

This place is popular with the University of Chicago crowd. Check out the funky pseudo-Gothic details on its front elevation before entering. The Mexican-style milkshake seems out of place here, but it was like having dessert and beverage in the same glass. Pizza and burgers seem to satisfy the public here. It has a pretty good bakery too, as typified by its pastries and chocolate cake.
(4)
carey c.

The pizza and most of the entrees are awesome. Hanging out with your friends on the patio, or down in the main restaurant is tops. The downfall is the brunch rushes on the weekends. The staff is okay, but does not police the brunch lines very well, so people are generally packed in like sardines. The two tiered restaurant is very visually inviting, but it doesn't give enough room for people trying to get in and out of the restaurant. I don't really know what would happen if there was a fire. I had a weird experience there during the brunch lunch. I was coming down their staircase, and the place was teeming with people. One of the yuppies was of course, letting their toddler do whatever they wanted, and the kid was crawling/stumbling all over the place. I was trying to get past this kid, and the aunt, or grandma, I couldn't tell, said to me: "Would you be careful?! Children are present." Well, this would be fixed with adequate space, or putting your dang kid on a leash, lady. The cafe portion is okay, but nothing special.
(3)
Jim M.

Good, old fashioned, non-theme oriented, non-trendy diner/restaurant. The kind of place every "college town" has to have at least one of. And Hyde Park only has one. The other diners nearby just don't have the atmosphere or the nearly the food quality. Late breakfast? Dinner? Dessert? Got The Munchies? Just want to feel like you're 20 and everything in life is intense, and meaningful and worth talking about for 2 hours over cups of coffee? Want to write on the wall or carve your girlfriend's initials into the table? This is where you need to go. Now, I had a favorite spot back East that spoiled me on eggs benedict forever. I swear they put crack in their hollandaise. No one else's will ever compare. But Medici's comes as close as anyone can hope to get. The eggs are perfectly round, and exactly the size to match the ham rounds and the English muffins. The hollandaise is thick, with a hint of citrus. The breakfast potatoes are crispy without burnt sections, and very flavorful. You just can't go wrong. Even the drip coffee is good, and I rarely like, or drink, drip coffee. Dinner fare? Sure! The pizzas (variety of crust styles if you aren't a local who likes that 2 inch thick stuff) are excellent with diverse topping choices. The burger is big, juicy, and well topped without getting fussy and still tastes like meat (not avocado, or blue cheese or some other weird thing). Onion rings are off the hook entirely. They're practically down the hall in another room. Every time we go I deliberately "spoil my dinner", with my mother's voice ringing in my ears, by ordering a root beer float. They're just the right size and oh so tasty. They have their own bakery and espresso bar, so you just can't go wrong for dessert, either. There is a separate entrance if all you want is ice cream, a danish, and a coffee, but all these items are available in the art bedecked dining room as well. Be sure to greet the limbless pope as you enter and seek his blessing as you leave.
(4)
Lora V.

I went here with a bunch of girl friends and had a blast. We had a cute booth that left us to have a nice quiet evening. The restaurant has a lot of character with graffiti all over the walls. The food was delicious. There was a lot of variety from sandwiches to steak. I also noticed a lot of vegetarian options (and not just pasta). I had the spinach lasagna and really enjoyed it. The portions were all quite large so sharing can be done easily. Some of the other food that my friends ordered was amazing! A really large garbage salad, fettuccine Alfredo, and I drooled over the Mediterranean pasta. However, some of the people around us ordered pizzas that looked delicious. One thing to take note of, no alcohol is served here. But you're welcome to bring your own. Don't be afraid to bring in a bottle of wine, completely acceptable. If you don't want alcohol, there is an amazing bakery that provide awesome coffee. I really enjoyed this place and would go back in a heartbeat. There are so many other things I want to try.
(4)
Meridith H.

Oh, the Med. I've been eating here for the past 9 years. Count 'em. NINE. It's always been your solid standby, loved for it's comforting familiarity when studying for finals and for the plentiful reading material carved into the tables and scrawled on the brick walls. I made my back back to the Med for dinner the other night, and for once, decided to try something new: the Calzone of the Day. For the first time, my food was made from deliciously fresh ingredients, served at the perfect temperature, and portioned to be generously filling without allowing me to over stuff myself in a grotesque fashion. For that visit alone, Medici, you earned 4 stars in my heart. My head, however, will not be swayed. I recognized the root beer float as your standard fare (solid, but not special). I recognized all the standby dishes that I've eaten since first moving to the neighborhood. You can't fool me with one delicious, perfect calzone. You are a 3 star restaurant, now and forever (or at least until there's new ownership).
(3)
Michelle L.

I randomly picked out this bakery for a quick lunch while walking along this street. The place was pretty busy but there didn't seem to be many spots for people to sit down; good thing most people just did takeout. I had the Napoli Sub, which consisted of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red bell peppers, fresh basil, mixed greens and Kimba dressing. I'm not exactly sure what Kimba dressing exactly means but it all tasted great- very fresh. The portions were huge: half the sandwich was enough to fill me up, and I was able to save the other half for an afternoon snack. My boyfriend had Han's Favourite, which was also really nice; it tasted smokey with a sweet hint of maple. I also tried their house-made chai tea, which was really flavorful but still a bit on the sweet side, even though they advertised it as not very sweet. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by what this small bakery had to offer. To bad I didn't try the ice cream everyone else was lining up for.
(3)
Kristina C.

The Med pretty much has something for everyone and the staff is always so friendly. Mostly U of C students are in to grab a bite, but there is also a mix of locals. But I have to admit, this review is mostly for the bakery. Delicious! They have many breads, cookies, pastries, etc that you can enjoy. There are a few high top tables in the bakery so you can order and eat, but on a nice day I'd suggest ordering your treat of choice and going on a walk through the neighborhood.
(4)
Scott H.

Great lunch stop after touring Robie House 2 blocks away. Wonderful service and thin crust Pizza. "Obama eats here"
(4)
Lisa D.

I love both the bakery and the restaurant. I agree with everyone else, the bakery has the best chocolate and spinach/Feta croissants I've ever tasted. And the Mediterranean Pizza is to die for! Even though service can be rather "hit or miss" depending on what night you go there, overall have never had a truly bad experience there. And you gotta love the fact that not only is the food good and reasonably priced but it's also B.Y.O.B.! Ah, if we only had more spots like this in Hyde Park!
(4)
Carmen M.

I was visiting some friends who go to UofC and we decided to check this place out. Recently attracted the attention of food lovers and Obama lovers when it was revealed that Obama liked to dine here when he lived in Chicago. We came here on a weekday afternoon and we had to wait around 30 minutes for a table. We didn't mind since we weren't in a rush. We sat near the entrance and admired the wall filled with people's writings in permanent marker. The entire wall was covered with signatures, sayings, quotes, and just silly comments. If you come here make sure you bring a permanent marker with you so you too can claim a little spot on the wall for yourself. There are many other places to write as well, so bring a Sharpie and have fun doodling. When seated, my friend and I decided to order 2 dishes and split half with each other. We decided on the Han's Smoked German Ham pizza and Garbage Hamburger. Both were delicious especially the pizza. The pizza was soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside and the just enough sauce without being too saucy. The hamburger I felt was good, but not great. All in all the food was pretty good. We also decided to order an apple pie to share among the four of us. The apple pie was one of the best I have ever eaten. Served warm with the crust soft but still a little bit crispy oozing with rich apples inside. Simply delish! The atmosphere is what makes this place exceptional to me. This is a good place to meet a friend for lunch and update each other on what has been going on in each other's perspective lives. It's coziness and comforting atmosphere makes this place a keeper. Interesting Note - Out waiter told us that Obama's favorite thing to order at Medici was the Garbage Pizza. And he would sit on the second level next to the balcony overlooking the first level. Us Chicagoians love us some Obamarama!
(4)
Ioan B.

Very nice location, pretty bad food. They should do better. I am talking about the restaurant location; the coffee/bakery is better.
(2)
Tom D.

2.5 stars This is a decent place -- did not try their baked goods -- we just came for deep dish pizza and some appetizers. The goat cheese appetizer was a highlight. The pizza was good -- though one of them was quite undercooked. The back porch looks like it would be a great place to hang out in the summer, but I was a little underwhelmed with the pizza.
(2)
Bradley T.

I am a fan of the Med. As a U of C student, it's one of the more convenient places to go around campus, with solid burgers/fries/pizza/salads in the restaurant, and good coffee + great baked goods and sandwiches in the cafe. In addition, the cafe just re-did its front facade in big glass panels. It's aesthetically pleasing and, just like Z&H next door, the whole thing opens up during the summer to unify the inside with the outside, pedestrians and pan-handlers and all. An underappreciated item at the cafe is the rice crispy treat: super-duper comfort food, and delicious.
(4)
Nicole L.

Medici, you have ruined my expectations for others' turkey burgers. When I lived in Chicago, Medici was THE place I went to for turkey burgers. Yes, they're even better than Epic Burger's thin patties (although still moist and tasty). Since living in Boston, I've found often that ordering a turkey burger is nothing more than getting a defrosted Jennie-O turkey patty. But at Medici, the turkey burger actually resembles, rivals a beef patty. Here, you have a CHOICE whether it's rare, medium-rare (my pref), etc. This is my secret test to know whether the turkey burger is fresh. Also, the burgers are thick, slightly charred and have that smokey grilled taste. Then it's served on a thick potato bun. BLISS! As for the rest of the restaurant, it receives 4 stars for its bakery (minus one star for no dairy-free options), decadent desserts, great patio seating, and non-offensive staff. Also, nice to have somewhere opened till midnight in Hyde Park. Suggestions for improvement: Less grease and more lentils in the Moroccan ragout. Also, more "clean eating" options on the menu. Brighten up the interior of the main restaurant e.g., more lights.
(5)
Tao Tao W.

went here last friday with about 5 of us. I got the smokey joes and also we started with the guac and chips. The chips were really good but there was a lot of chips so would have been to nice to get more guac. I got the smokey joe's. it was ok but wasn't that great. Howevre, the service was really good. Our waitress was really attentive and our drinks were always full.
(3)
Brad C.

Went to Medici for lunch one afternoon. I'm never in Hyde Park so this was a pleasant treat. I was kinda shocked how busy the place was for a Wednesday afternoon. Ordered the turkey burger rueben style. Since I've been on this rueben kick for awhile, I still wanted the rueben but also wanted something different too - a burger rueben style seemed like a perfect option. This was an amazing choice. On the menu they have about seven different signature pizzas. I was lucky enough to be able to try the pizza as well, which was pretty rock solid. The pizza I tried is called the 'Garbage' and had many of your standard toppings; pepperoni, onion, green peppers and a few other goodies. Finally I couldn't leave without a cup of coffee. Excellent coffee! Man I wish I was eating here right now. I'll be going back to Medici again and talking it up to friends. All around a great place, top notch food, cool atmosphere and friendly service, definitely check it out.
(5)
Shantai G.

The food is pretty good. Try the Spinach Goat Cheese Pizza, a bit oily, but tasty nonetheless. And I'm obsessed with their sandwiches also. And their desserts. And their hot chocolate. And their almond croissants. And their everything. Although the sometimes snappy service, I could do without (especially at the bakery).
(4)
Jess S.

Just okay. Have been a couple times and have gotten the burger, chicken fingers, and bbq chicken pizza. All were good, not great, and slightly bland. The atmosphere is fun, and it's especially nice to sit outside on the patio when it's nice out. The service is fine, and usually the place is pretty packed with a fun crowd. Prices are reasonable, portions are adequate. Like I said, I've been here a couple times because it's close to the GSB and pretty central to where my friends and I live. But it's nothing to write home about.
(3)
Lauren N.

Oh man, I love The Med. They are building one in Bloomington, IL where I go to school, so soon I will be able to indulge again. The almond croissants, and baked goods in general, are perfect. I once wrote an essay about a croissant, I was so inspired (the essay had the broad topic of "What do you like?"...I like almond croissants). The food borrows from a variety of cuisines, but does them all well. The veggie burgers are spectacular, as are the appetizers. I've never made it to dessert, as the portions are very generous. The atmosphere is laid-back, with scrawled confessions and quotes on the walls and tables. U of C students abound. This place can get pretty loud on a Friday night, but the noise isn't terribly intrusive and the tables are spaced nicely so you don't feel like you're constantly eavesdropping (unless you want to).
(4)
Violet T.

It's overrated, overpriced American food with a cliche 'twist'. Good milkshakes, but you can get $1 Wednesday shakes on campus. Want the same menu (plus way more choices), more food for your money, and friendly service? Go to Leona's on 53rd and Kimbark. There's more parking up there, too.
(2)
Jay L.

I boycott the Medici. The food is okay but overpriced; the attitude sucks. You know what I'm talking about - the too cool to smile types. If you want good thin crust pizza, go to Piece, or if you want stuffed pizza, go to Bacino's or Due. And if you want a good salad or sandwich, go to Z&H Market Cafe on 47th Street. Oh, and the owner - the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard, even though it'll bring jobs and retail to the neighborhood) - the man who helped block Hyde Park from getting a Mariott hotel. We don't need no Medici; we don't need no neighborhood controlled. Hey, Hans, leave our 'hood alone! BOYCOTT THE MED!!
(2)
Elizabeth K.

As a sometimes-denizen of Hyde Park (two days a week during the school year) I've eaten at the Med my share of times. They have a good selection of vegetarian options, in addition to the traditional sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. Before I went vegan, I could die for the Reuben and the Orzata float (chocolate ice cream and almond soda). Their onion rings are amazing (and plentiful!) as well. Also check the bakery next door for great chocolate croissants, breads and Equal Exchange coffee.
(4)
Johnny S.

Cozy atmosphere, cool graffiti on the walls and the booths and tables. Quite mediocre service; I've experienced some clueless, ignorant waitstaff here. However, The food is very well prepared and tasty and while standard college joint fare, (burgers, chicken, pizza, pasta) is thoughtfully prepared with interesting twists here and there. I recommend the portabella mushroom sandwich or veggie sandwich. Great chocolate shakes! Overall this is a comfy, warm dining experience that will leave you feeling pretty mellow.
(3)
Sonam V.

When students need a break from the books at the University of Chicago, "The Med" is the local choice for having a great time. Everything is made from scratch, including the famous "garbage pizza" and the juicy half-pound Angus burgers, all for about $8. The graffiti-covered booths allow for a hip and trendy dining experience.
(4)
Mark F.

Ordinarily, this is one of my favorite Hyde Park spots. Today, it was the dining experience from hell. We went for brunch around 1:30 on a Sunday. To start, my girlfriend orders coffee and asks for some cream with it, and I order a soda. The coffee arrives and the waiter says he will be back with the cream, but (after he seems to have forgotten it) we have to remind him. If this was the only problem, this would be no big deal. I ordered the calzone and my girlfriend the eggs Benedict. I ask for the marinara sauce on the calzone to be put on the side as I can only handle tomato in moderation. After what seems like an especially long wait, the food arrives. My calzone has tomato over it. The waiter apologizes and says he will take care of this. In the meantime my girlfriend bites into her Eggs Benedict--only to discover that they are not all that warm. They have clearly been sitting around for some time before being brought to the table. We bring this to Jonathan (the waiter's) attention and asked that they be served warm. Time goes by, and a replacement Eggs Benedict arrives (but no replacement calzone). This time the Hollandaise sauce on the Eggs Benedict is on the side--the waiter claimed this was done so that it could be delivered warmer. However, it is clearly luke-warm and is not going to pour smoothly over the eggs (and who wants Hollandaise sauce on the side anyhow--especially if it is not all that warm). After all this debacle (and feeling both hungry and disappointed) we decide to leave. The waiter gave some half-baked excuse about the cause of the food problems. We spoke to the manager, who seemed sympathetic, but by that stage we were keen to escape this train-wreck of a dining experience.
(1)
Poker B.

The food is pretty terrible, but bearable when you are a student at University of Chicago. I enjoyed the Kimba salad well enough on numerous occasions. I'll give the restaurant 2 stars and the bakery and pizzas 3 stars. Note: It's all about the spinach and goat cheese pizza.
(3)
Lindsey S.

Over priced, so-so food and extremely rude/inattentive staff who have no qualms about rushing their customers out the door so that they can get another table seated. It's unfortunate that this is one of the few sit-down restaurants in the Hyde Park area. I've had breakfast, lunch and dinner here (out of necessity) and was never impressed by anything I ate and always left amazed at the complete lack of tact displayed by the employees. If you're just looking for a quick bite to eat, stop by the Medici-owned bakery next door -- the food is better and more reasonably priced and the staff is actually friendly.
(2)
Gil N.

Squeeze your own orange juice! Breakfast is great here, but they get five stars for their Almond croissants. Wow. They've ruined croissants for me, I can't have them anywhere else. My regular Sunday morning routine now includes a ride out to 57th for some croissants, coffee, and hot cocoa. Yum!
(5)
Greg H.

Visiting from Austin, Tx. Good food, we ate there 3 times on the roof top. Just gorgeous summer weather and the food was pretty good. I had several of the hamburgers (Garbage burger is very good) and the Ruben sandwich. They are good sized and cooked to order. Some folks are complaining about the cost, they are close to $9 apiece but you do not leave hungry. Service was good for us all three times. If we are lucky enough to get back to Chicago and visit our Hyde Park friends, then we will definitely grab a bite to eat there.
(4)
Renee B.

I graduated from Lab Schools so the Med is a former lunch spot from high school which I still enjoy going back to when I'm in Hyde Park. I took my twelve year old God daughter to lunch there today and she thoroughly enjoyed being able to put pepperoni AND shrimp on her own pizza as well as her strawberry lemonade. High marks from her for sure :). I had the spinach goat cheese pizza which is also delicious and filling, even in the personal size. Service was so-so but we were also there at a busy weekend lunch/brunch hour so nothing unexpected. I did not realize they did brunch though the menu for it looked a little standard -- omelettes, oatmeal and of course the croissants. For it being busy the waitress was attentive when she came through though, as another review mentioned, certainly not chatty or lingering. Definitely recommended and then wander a few stores down to the bookstore where you can browse as we did!
(4)
Izzy S.

It's true the food is overpriced and mediocre. But the atmosphere is great and the milkshakes are AMAZING. Also the breakfast is delicious, but only served on weekends.
(3)
Sarah C.

The bakery is amazing which is why it gets three stars. Try the chocolate croissants, best in Chicago I swear. On the other the hand the restaurant is lacking. The service is horrible and the food is decent.
(3)
mary m.

eh. the food is alright....not that great
(3)
Stephanie M.

This is a cool cozy neighborhood type restaurant. It has pretty casual food like pizza and sandwiches. Average entree is $8. They also have milkshakes! I like the dimly lit graffiti look.
(4)
Mona A.

I've been coming to this place for their good food, cool "you-can-write-on-the-tables" atmosphere since I was in Ray elementary school across the street...and I'm now thir-, uhhh...older. :) Medici has always been the go-to place for hangouts with friends. Maybe not the most appropriate place for a "business" dinner or lunch because it tends to be noisy, but a comfy atmosphere no-less. The cheese quesadillas and their home made salsa is to DIE for!!! I don't usually like spicy, but theirs is the perfect sting, along with the taste of fresh pepper. I WAS quite upset when they discontinued their cheese ravioli, that was handmade as well. Hopefully they bring them back...*nudge nudge to medici* All in all, I love medici! Try it sometime :)
(4)
TheWindyCity P.

Celebrated or 32nd Anniversary here....just the two of us, upstairs on the patio, a bottle of our favorite wine, and a Garbage Pizza....now that's a recipe for romance! We've been coming here to Medici for 37 years! Yep....came here when we were dating in 1975 (at their original location on 57th) and have been coming here ever since....the pizza is very good, especially the Garbage...love that Garbage. It's amazing that they still have some of the original art work on the walls - i.e., "Vaguely Reminiscent". Service is always good, and we always enjoy our entrees and sides. The chocolate cheesecake was really good despite the over-whipped whip cream. It all went well with our cabernet. 37 years sounds like a long time, but it I think our marriage has been bound together by the Garbage Pizza. ...as long as it's on the menu, we will be together!
(5)
Valerie W.

I love Medici. They've got a huge variety of food for all tastes-- sandwiches, salads, pizzas. And the desserts are also amazing. At this point I think I've tried every vegetarian appetizer on their menu--guacamole and chips is probably the best. My current favorite entrÃ©e is the Garbage salad with blue cheese. It's better than you ever thought a salad could be and you will not walk away hungry. The drinks are also great--creative concoctions from the cafe next door, excellent loose-leaf teas from Benjamin Teas, and fabulous shakes, particularly the weekly specials. I feel the pumpkin pie one deserves a special shout-out... although I think they only serve it for part of November. The service can be a little slow, especially at busy times or near closing, but all in all, a great place to grab a bite.
(5)
Vincent B.

A safe bet for reliably good food in hyde park. Portions are large, the ingredients are fresh, and the options are varied. I haven't had anything from the Med that I haven't liked. It also runs the bakery next door and the mexicana shakes are unbeatable.
(4)
Thomas S.

What a find! After a tour of the University of Chicago we met with a dear friend of my wife for a lovely meal at Medici on 57th. The atmosphere was upbeat, the service efficient, and the food very good.
(4)
Janni V.

This place. This place, man. It saved me for so many years. Yes, their baked goods are great. It's a good place for lunch if you have a small group and get there early enough to find a table. Good burgers and such, and you always find some new and entertaining graffiti in the bathroom. But more than that, this was a regular stop for a hot tea. Or a redeye, on those days when I really, really needed to wake up. And the croissants! Other baked goods were great, too, but those croissants...man. Fond memories of this place.
(4)
Daniel S.

I haven't eaten at too many places in Hyde Park, but I was definitely a fan of this place, I had their specialty garbage pan pizza and it was amazing, so many toppings, and the crust was nice and spongy, everything about it was great, they also had solid bread pudding, just make sure to get it with vanilla ice cream, also the smoothies are really good, nice and fruity, i tried the goat cheese app, which was all right, but that pizza alone is enough to make the trip there
(5)
Mellissa B.

As a Hyde Parkian, I love getting fresh Medici's bakery goods at my local market. They have such a high quality of food, we've never had a bad meal there. Their best appetizer is the fresh homemade chips and guacamole - and I don't even like guacamole. Lots of great servers and BYOB if you're hoping to celebrate. A beautiful gem in Hyde Park.
(5)
Timmy M.

Unfriendly service and mediocre food. Hyde Park and the University of Chicago really need something better. Plein Air (in the Seminary Coop bookstore building, close by at 58th and Woodlawn) is very much in the right direction and a great alternative to Medici and Z&H.
(2)
Bob R.

Fun, fun, fun. We went here for lunch before a doctor's appointment down at University of Chicago Hospital. Medici is narrow, lots of seats, noisy and very crowded. But, that's part of the charm. The pictures posted on Yelp portray a great image of the ambiance of Medici. There are lots of different pieces of art all throughout. Some are gothic, some are modern. Some are stone and embedded into the walls, some hang from the walls, and there are some statues. Regardless of what it is, there is a lot to see. Being right next to the University of Chicago, there are a variety of people there. We saw professors, students, university workers, doctors and nurses, and just regular folks. So, there are a lot of different people to watch. The menu has quite a variety, but we ordered very simply. I had a hamburger, fries and an RC Cola (on tap). My son and wife both had salads. Everything was great. When we're in Hyde Park, this is a must go again place.
(4)
Aminah H.

Been coming here since I was a toddler. Food is still tasty but presentation has gotten worse. I know it's not fine dining but try serving a family size salad on a decent sized platter. Overall still a decent place where you can write on the booth, table and walls and let your hair down.
(3)
Kevin L.

Visiting from out of state and went to visit my friend at UChicago. Recommended this place and ended up grabbing a Mexicana shake really late at night. Was definitely a great drink for a reasonable price. Haven't tried anything else on the menu but am definitely looking forward to the next time I come back to Chicago.
(5)
Elizabeth C.

Went here for lunch, had the garbage salad, had a build your own personal pizza, and a garbage personal pizza. Everything was very good, the pizzas are greasy but come on, it's pizza. The environment is really cool, and the waitress was great and super friendly! Will be back, a good local pizza joint and reminded us of Pizza Man in Milwaukee (the pizza man before it burnt down).
(4)
Stacy H.

There was a time when I avoided this place like the plague. A little greasy, a little boring. But now they have a bakery section next door! You can fulfill your sandwich and pastry desires and also have a chocolate milkshake! All the breads are baked on site. Sadly, they can only toast the bread, not the entire sandwich.
(3)
Karen H.

Love this place. You can always find something goods. The chicken soup is delicious and full of spices, the baked goat cheese is amazing, plus their desserts, lemonades, hot mexicana chocolate, floats, and milkshakes are some of the best
(5)
Yanyao N.

I love having lunch here. Every time, I pretty much eat like a small child would and order typically unhealthy food, but Medici does them SO well. The split, grilled hot dog with the grilled onions on a ciabatta bun is one of my favorites. Also, they have my current favorite chicken fingers in the city. (See? Eating like a small child - you should do it too). And no meal should be started without an order of their chili cheese fries - with option of veggie or beef chili. They have a pretty diverse menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas, appetizers, and sometimes I even see a stir-fry on their specials menu. Always friendly service. Bonus points for the Diet Coke in cans - they're the freshest that way. :)
(4)
Anna B.

3 words: goat cheese appetizer
(4)
Cat G.

Probably the phrase that hits closest to home for the Med is "unlikely to offend". Most of the menu is pretty standard-issue American/Italian fare (think burgers, pasta, and pizza), but that being said, it's all pretty darn good. Some of their specialty favorites include the spinach and goat cheese pizza, the garbage pizza (much nicer than its name implies) and of course the milkshakes. Now, everyone who's been to the Med even once will be quick to recommend the Mexicana shake, but I'd actually suggest trying out their weekly special. Previous ones I've liked included the apple pie shake, the shamrock shake (mint!), and the mini M&M shake. My personal recommendations are the bacon-bleu cheese burger and the fresh mozz. Yum! It's pretty hard to go wrong, which is why this is an frequent on-the-way-home stop for me.
(4)
Kelley B.

Get the almond croissant! Delicious. I used to live in Hyde Park and enjoyed going to Medici for brunch.
(4)
Lupe D.

Pretty good selection, reasonably priced. If it's not busy this is a good lunch option if not pressed for time. I really like the shoestring fries, like the grilled cheese (I add avocado). Some items can be misses (IMO) like the veggie chili - but it's fun to try several items on he menu with friends and share. Deli Sandwiches - YUM - I really like that Medici offers many veggie options. Not that I don't eat meat, I do, but I am VERY picky and tend to favor non-meat sandwiches and in most places they areVERY limited, not here. Parking is really bad...those revenue people are like hawks looking to give tickets so feed the meters. If you wanna come back for dinner, bring some libations - Medici is BYOB
(3)
Anamaria H.

Medici on 57th (or the Med as we like to call it) is a Hyde Park and University of Chicago staple. At any given day, at any given meal time, numerous students and faculty can be seen dining in the sit-down part of the Med. Before I discuss the food, I just want to warn any newcomers that if you wish to be seated during normal meal times on a Friday or Saturday night, you should be prepared to wait a while. It is a student favorite and when the dining halls clothes on Saturdays, many students come to eat here as the food is affordable, consistent, and delicious. Now for food. Arguably, the best part of the Med is the shakes. They have a wide variety of flavors that are offered regularly in addition to "Flavors of the Week." Of the regular flavors, I highly recommend the Mexicana. It is a delicious shake that is seasoned with cinnamon. Of the seasonal flavors, I recommend them all. As someone who visits the Med fairly often for either dinner/lunch dates or shake dates, I have reached a point where I like to try whatever the special is. The S'mores shake and the Caramel shake are particularly delicious. Besides the shakes, the sandwiches are truly delicious. The wraps are great and come with plenty of fries. Each meal at the Med can easily be two meals, especially if you're on a college-student budget. The chips and guacamole are the perfect appetizer and the cheese quesadillas are great as either an appetizer or as the meal. Overall, I love this restaurant. While some students get tired of it, I have continued to enjoy the expansive menu and the cozy environment after many, many trips.
(4)
Dee S.

This is a review of the cafÃ© side not the restaurant. The Med has a few sandwiches that I really enjoy. I also loved their ice cream selection (their birthday cake ice cream is a MUST). The atmosphere is cool and some of the staff members are really nice and personable; particularly Dom, who was often the highlight of my Medici experience *blush*.
(3)
Elizabeth O.

*LOVE* this place. Their gluten-free ham, apple & onion pizza is SO good -- pizzas in general are excellent. The atmosphere is low-key and unique. Highly recommend.
(5)
Alfredo G.

Place has a nice ambiance but the food wasnt that great. I ordered eggs and pancakes. The eggs were cold and the pancakes were not fully cooked.
(2)
Caroline D.

This is for the to-go side. My sandwich was fine, though a little tough to bite through and a little bit dry. Service was terse, and the employees seemed bored or at least not that interested in what was happening around them. Not friendly at all. The baked goods all looked phenomenal and I would go back to try them with coffee.
(3)
Erika A.

I love everything about medici! The decor is random..wood tables, tagged up brick and fun pictures,paintings, and other types of art. Havr yet to be seated upstairs but I plan on returning during a busier time. I always get the smoked salmon eggs Benedict and I an always sooo happy! Nothing like fresh salmon with delicious potatoes! Their bakery next door is also wonderful !! will eat here everytime im in Hyde park
(5)
Nick C.

The family and I went here after our morning at the museum of science and industry. The host was very kind and sat us right away, he also was out server too. He was very prompt with our waters and my daughter milk. I ordered the turkey burglar and never having one it was amazing. The burger had a nice chipotle taste to it but not overpowering. The burger was nice and tender and was accompanied by shoe string fries. I am typically not a fan of shoe string fries but these were delicious. I typically eat my fries with ranch and the ranch they had was by far one of the best I have ever eaten. I found myself putting it on my burger and my fries. Just writing about the ranch right now makes me want to get some more. Next time we go I will be trying there pizza which I saw another table eating and it looked scrumptious.
(4)
Echo B.

The pizza is not all that great...they can't even take proper orders. Called in for a take-out. When i got there 30mins later, the order is not even processed...Absolutely horrible!! So many better choices than this place for sure.
(1)
Rachel R.

The bakery is amazing. Try any of their croissants. My favorite is the almond, it's sweet without being overpowering. Also available in the bakery section: grab and go sandwiches made daily. In addition to their regular bread selection, they have daily specials. Friday stands out with something like 4 varieties challa. Avoid going when the public school lets out, as it's always jam packed with hungry and often indecisive teens. The restaurant itself is good, but overpriced for what you get. The drink and dessert menus are better than the main food menu. The proximity to the university of chicago means that there's always a large contingent if students, although plenty of families and couples can be found. The service is always good, and the place is consistently clean. There's an odd tradition of patron graffiti on the walls, tables, and chairs. I've spent a few meals reading and deciphering messages from diners past.
(4)
Gino W.

Back in Chicago after four months in DC. Returned to Hyde Park to a familiar restaurant. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and it was all about brunch at a place that never disappoints. Baked goat cheese in crushed tomatoes and pesto with toast. Why did I ever pass on that appetizer in the past. Shrimp chipotle fettuccini with broccoli: a daily special that needs to become a common menu item. Baked apple pie with a shortbread crust and caramel. Wow. Mexican hot chocolate, done right with steamed milk. I took the waitress's recommendations and must say that I was glad that I did.
(5)
Juli A.

I give Medici a 3 overall. The bakery/deli is a 4 because their spinach and feta croissants knock my socks off. They've actually turned into somewhat of a Sunday morning obession. The sandwiches are always fantastic, too. The restaurant is more like a 2. Sometimes the staff is attentive, sometimes not so much and the food is hit or miss. Huevos rancheros showed promise, but it sat under the heat lamp waiting for the waitress for so long the over easy eggs had solid yolks and the tortillas were hard. Not a good salsa. The hamburgers are rumored to be awesome. Stroganoff burger really didn't do it for me. The patty was clearly ground elsewhere, formed into a uniform patty, frozen and shipped in. How can stroganoff lack flavor? Shoestring fries go cold almost immediately. Stick with the bakery/deli and you'll have a much better experience.
(3)
Walter J.

Hello today is my birthday so my brothers and friends decided to take me out for breakfast. I've been going to Medici for almost 30 years and never have been disrespected at any establishment like I have today by their manager KELLY. I'm a disabled police officer i was injured in the line of duty, I have problems walking now I use a cane and it's very difficult for me to walk. We started out with 4 people then one other friend called to join us. We asked KELLY for a larger table, she told me a man that can barley walk with a CANE. You'll have to come back to the waiting area and wait. It wasn't very crowded plus there was an empty table right next to us they could've connected that table with us just like they did for the party next to us with 5 people also. When I asked her why she would make me walk back up front from the rear next to the restrooms, she stated with an attitude, " You want to sit at a small ass !" I couldn't believe she said that. I told her she needs to treat all her customers the same then she shouted across the wait room, I don't appreciate you calling me a racist! " I'm stunted ... I said no one brought the topic of race up!" She knows what she did was wrong on all levels. The owners need to get someone that is customer friendly because KELLY most certainly is a bad choice. 4 long time customers for 30 years out the door...
(2)
Elliott D.

We went here for a little bit of nostalgia after shopping at 57th Street Books just down the street(which I highly recommend by the way because it is a book lovers paradise) and used to go here quite a bit when we were younger. I like the feel of the place; it has a neat combination of college dive and renaissance art yard. It's covered with graffiti and writing on the walls and booths left by previous patrons that gives it a quaint feel. The service is good and it's staffed largely by students from the local University of Chicago, hence it's college appeal. The food here is pretty good with a combination of typical college fare like burgers and pizza and some Italian pasta dishes that give warrant to the namesake of the restaurant. All of the food was very good. I had the deep dish pizza which had a wonderfully crispy, handmade crust, and a nice blend of veggie, meat, sauce, and cheese in a delicious pie of goodness. I'd recommend it if you like pizza. This is a solid eat and definitely worth a second, third, fourth, or even more visit. Enjoy!
(3)
Katy R.

I think Medici is great. I usually go there for breakfast and everything has always been delicious. The pizza is the best thing to order for dinner, both thin and thick are good but you definitely get more for your money with thin. Good service, delicious food.
(4)
Emily B.

YUM! Great food, great atmosphere and reasonably priced. Coffee was delicious and lunch was fresh and tasty. Home made tortilla chips too!
(5)
Cerene P.

My first visit with out of town relatives was great. Second visit few days later and found two long black hairs in our pizza. Manager was very non chalant about it, didn't really offer much of a remedy. Man, I thought we found a new spot, APPARENTLY NOT!!!!!!!!! Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, do not eat here!
(1)
Lily H.

The pizza, pastries, and bread are very good but everything else is hit or miss.
(4)
Ena J.

I only order the pepperoni pizza from them. They have the best pepperoni pizza I've ever had. They use the big deli sized slices. Since they are also a bakery, they definitely get the crust right - it's awesome. The sauce is perfectly zesty and the cheese is quality. Now... the downside. I always order double pepperoni for delivery. Initially, I had been concerned about the fact that it looked a little sparse considering the extra serving I'd ordered, but I just thought "oh well... maybe they normally only add a few - glad I got a double helping". Well. I finally decided to sit down at the restaurant with friends and order my usual. When the pie arrived, I was amazed that it was COVERED in pepperoni. It was CLEARLY a double serving of the topping - waaaay more than I'd ever gotten through delivery. I've ordered from them quite often. So based on this, it's looking like Medici skipping the extra serving for delivery customers is not an oversight - it's policy. I suppose they think once you get it, you'll eat whatever you get - especially since you aren't actually in the restaurant to complain. And, I might add, the extras are EFFING EXPENSIVE. It costs almost $5 for the extra helping I've never gotten until i was sitting in their dining room. By the time you tack on delivery and tip, you could spend $40+ for the privilege of getting cheated. So... 5 STARS for awesome pepperoni pizza, 1 STAR for unethical business practices that cost me $5 every time I ordered delivery. Tip: If you are ordering pizza delivery from them... NEVER order any DOUBLE serving of toppings. You'll never get it - but you definitely WILL be charged for it.
(3)
Marvin M.

Breakfast was good. Eggs over easy came as expected. Pancakes are fantastic, fluffy without falling apart. Sausages were excellent.
(4)
Nick G.

We've enjoyed everything we've had here. I love the pizza! Basil/pesto and pepperoni is the best! The cranberry chicken (or turkey? can't remember) sandwich was a little small, though.
(5)
Sara L.

It was a bright sunny Saturday with no plans to do anything, so the BF and I decided why not explore Hyde Park! Most of the to do lists on Yelp and on the web include visiting Medici On 57th. So I decided why not give this place a try and see what all the fuss is about. The place over all is cute, cozy and quaint. We ate on the rooftop patio. I ordered the Mexican chocolate milkshake and the California wrap with fries and a side of white french dressing. I am all about dressings, sauces and dips! The white french was similar to ranch just thicker. The service was fairly good, my glass of water was never empty, and food came out on time. The wrap its self was okay filled with a lot of fresh veggies, nothing outstanding, but decent. The milkshake was uber delicious and the best part of the meal. The place was meh okay and decent. Was it stellar or would I take the effort to make a trip back...probably not. Do I like the milkshake ...of course...but just sad to find out the shake was better than the food.
(2)
Ryne D.

Was out with the GF for a little Hyde Park excursion and we decided on Medici because it was a past haunt of our President. They have a takeout part of the restaurant that opens out to the store, but you'll want to walk a couple doors down to find the main dining room and patio entrance. The patio, while not giving much of a view, was still a great place to have lunch on a cool autumn day. Unfortunately, that's about it what for what impressed me here. My girlfriend got the Mexican chocolate shake which was pretty good, but the food I ordered (the Napoli Sub) was disappointingly bland. I thought prosciutto was supposed to be salty and sweet, not rubbery. The balsamic dressing pretty much took over whatever flavor there may have been. For the rest of the day I was uncomfortably full. Yes, I finished the sandwich, and all my fries (which is the only thing I had that had some kind of flavor). Maybe my body was punishing me for such a bad choice. I don't blame it.
(2)
Keith A.

Okay, so getting down to hyde park isn't exactly a normal thing for me. As in not exactly, it's been years since I've been down here and that was for the science and industry museum. Work took me here instead, so Medici was a quick stop for a sandwich. I got myself one of the pre-made smokey joe's. While the sandwich was $7, there was a good amount of meat and cheese on this. On top of that, the house bread ruled. Was I happy with everything, you betcha. The vibe here was very cool. Definitely a college spot, but with a laid back feel to it. More artsy in a sense, but that is no issue with me. I'm down in this area once in a blue moon. But, medici is a real nice spot to drop in on when in hyde park
(4)
Cindy W.

It's standard American fare-- burgers, milkshakes, salads, etc. However, I'm not a big fan of their breads or pastries. For an establishment that's half a bakery, half a restaurant, I expected their breads to be more tasty than it actually was. Also, their pastries are a little soggy -- almost as if it has been sitting out for a long time. Their milkshakes and cookies however are pretty good.
(4)
Joseph H.

Ordinary food.
(1)
Daniel S.

The food here is basically mediocre, always will be, but somehow the atmosphere always transcends the food. The unique diner decor has already been commented upon; ultimately it's an eminently comfortable, funky vibe. The desserts are way better than anything else on the menu. In particular, the chocolate pecan pie, heated up in the pizza oven, is wondrous.
(3)
Alicia S.

I LOVE Medici! Best neighborhood restaurant in Hyde Park! Their deep dish spinach and goat cheese pizza is AMAZING. And I love their malts. Favorite dessert is the brownie sundae but all of their baked desserts are delicious. Never had a meal here that I haven't liked. Their brunch menu is delicious, too! A great casual place to go with friends.
(5)
Ron C.

After a full day of church I need to fuel up on brunch. My colleague and I were clueless about where to go. What were two souls to do? We asked the parish organist where to go (knowing full well that the Pancake house was not too far away). "Oh," he says "You have got to get yourself to Medici!" He continued: "Never you mind the carvings in the furniture...this is like Berkeley only in Chicago but really good eats!" I'll be dipped, this guy knew what he was talking about. Medici on 57th has been around for a while. Lots of locals here as well as college students (Not far from the University of Chicago) and most folks walk here (oh, how I love that). The food is straight forward and honest...Hell, when I asked for Orange Juice, my waiter said: "How would you like it, sir? Shall I pour or shall you squeeze it yourself?" I was stunned! "Squeeze it myself?" He kept going: "Yes, you can use the juicer over there and squeeze to your hearts content!" Hoot man! I came to eat not to work! "Please bring me a glass that you have poured!" I wasn't disappointed! And I wasn't disappointed with portions nor the price. I felt like I got a fair deal, a fair shake, good value. While I'm not sure when I'll be back (Heck, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area) I was glad to find this tasty little spot.
(4)
Kerry B.

Ordered for delivery. We are new to the area, the girl on the phone taking the order was rude. I called back spoke to Kelly, manager. She was rude and non-apologetic. We received our food, our order was wrong. I called to ask for credit since my son's dinner was inedible. Kelly was rude, laughed at me on the phone, told me she was "too busy to deal with someone like me" and found it "difficult to believe I was new since I was asking for a credit". I don't need to be new to ask for a credit. Its called paying for something I didn't receive. Common sense. Her lack of leadership showed in the employees. She lacks leadership and finesse and really has no business in the hospitality industry. I don't think we will be back. At least not as long as Kelly is the manager.
(1)
Sarah S.

So this was one of the late night dinner spots I go with my Boo.. working different shifts ya gotta make time to see one another. I always go in first and get ordered so that way he can sit eat and run... Duty calls Service was slow.. I think they thought I was waiting for my guest... even when I said I wasn't waiting and that I was ready to order Had soup and salad.. soup was extra salty.. maybe since it was the end of the night Salad was ok.. nothing to write home about for the cost Sampled his chicken sandwich and it was good.. chicken grilled with cheese bacon and mushrooms.. whats not to like lol I would try again, but I think there are other places out there too
(3)
Shaney S.

A Hyde Park staple. I've only gotten a few things here, but I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. The mexicana shake is amazing. As a vegetarian, their veggie options that I've had (veggie quesadillas, pizza with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese, and a portabello mushroom sandwich) have all been really tasty. The place has that hole in the wall/been around a while feel to it, with tons of signatures all over the tables, walls, posts--you name it, it's covered in writing, which is part of its charm. Not super fancy, but good tasting food and a cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Cat J.

The Medici runs deep in my family. My mother worked there in the 60s/70s when she was growing up in Hyde Park and we went there all the time throughout my childhood. Its a place that is a bit of a time capsule, and thats part of the appeal. When I was younger I always looked forward to being able to actually mark up the table I was sitting at. I have always gotten some of the same things there, so I can only speak to them. But I have never disliked a pizza, burger, cheese quesadilla, chicken salad croissant, frozen lemonade, and for breakfast the eggs benedict and fresh orange juice from this place. I feel these are some of the staples of Medici so if you stick to them then you'll be very content
(4)
Jessica M.

I was here on a late Sunday afternoon with a friend. The place was packed but we got a table in less than five minutes. Loved the artwork in the restaurant and their quick service. We ordered the Hans's Smoked German Ham Pizza and it was perfect for two people to share. It was my first time having apples in my pizza but I thought it was unique and tasty. Would definitely go back again!
(4)
Quan G.

Have a bit mixed feelings about Medici! I'd give 4 star for the baked goods, especially croissants, bread loafs and pizza. Fresh mozzarella sandwich is really yummy. Coffee is decent. Ice cream, milkshake and speciality mocha are awesome. For dinning in, grilled burgers are good, but pastas are mediocre at best. Summer patio time are always great tho!
(4)
Chelsie P.

I had a Mexican mocha. It was perfectly brewed. The cinnamon was the icing on the cake. I'd definitely come back here again. The seating is somewhat limited, but that's to be expected in Hyde Park. Enjoy a seat on the Patio.
(4)
M S.

I truly enjoyed my dining experience at Medici. From the hostess to the server, food runner the service was excellent. We had the guac and chips for app which were very good. For dinner we had the thin crust garbage pizza which was great, the ingredients were very fresh. The milkshakes are also very good. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Zhicao F.

A regular spot for breakfast take-away, brunch and ice cream. Very good Angus burger and shoe-string fries.
(4)
Calla L.

A great place to have lunch and just steps away from Robie House and the University of Chicago. Excellent service and delicious sandwiches and coffee. Atmosphere great with mixed crowd of students and visitors.
(4)
Doc W.

Great food. Friendly and the price is very reasonable.
(5)
Steph H.

A popular eatery in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. Apparently was one of Obama's fave places. Well if it's good enough for the leader of the free world it's good enough for me! But it helps that the food is pretty good. My friend and I split a chili cheese fries and a "garbage" pizza. Doesn't sound too appetizing, I know, but it's chock full of all kind of goodies, and you can get it thin or deep crust. Since I was in Chicago I had to get the deep dish, of course. I liked it except I thought the crust could've been a little less doughy. I liked the Giordano's deep dish pizza better, but this place had a casual, convivial ambiance that was very appealing. We also split their little indiviudal-sized pumpkin pie--oh so good! We were so stuffed we could only manage a bit each and I saved the rest for later (still good the next morning!) We didn't have to wait too long for a table, thank goodness, possibly because there were only two of us. Seems like a large group kind of place, where the nearby college students bring their parents and whatnot.
(4)
Shradha A.

"Obama Eats Here" tshirts pulled me into this place (and of course, meeting a new set of Yelpers) and I regret to inform you all I fell for that marketing gimmick pretty bad! I hope to warn you all though and save you from getting excited about this place... Food was very very mediocre and I can't remember another day in my life when I didn't eat even half of my french toast! The server couldn't care less though even after I told him that politely. Goes without saying, overall service was terrible and we only saw him 3 times total - to take the order, bring the food and finally bring the check. P.S. Also, not a good place for big groups (more than 4) because they throw you at the back of the restaurant and forget about you. P.P.S. Not recommended for brunch, maybe lunch is better. Final Note: Bakery people seemed a lot friendlier when we stopped by next door to pick up a couple of croissants.
(3)
Rebecca S.

Medici's food is great, but their service is a hot mess. Today, they had a selection of miniature pies. I asked the barista what kind of pies they were (since there were no signs--sadly), but she didn't know. She went to get someone from the kitchen, who ALSO didn't know. The other barista didn't know either. SERIOUSLY? You're a bakery. How do you NOT know what type of pies you are selling? I also went there over the summer at 12:30 pm on a weekday for a slice of pizza, but they told me they were out of pizza. Again, you're a bakery. You sell food. And at lunchtime on a weekday, how do you run out of the food you're known for?? Just throw another pizza in the oven. Really. It's that easy. I know they don't have to "try" since they're one of only three restaurants in the whole neighborhood, but that doesn't mean they have to blatantly be ignorant.
(2)
Betty H.

Always thought this place is just a 3, but the last time we visited, our server Al was such a delight. He is quick, attentive, and very friendly, this is exactly how all servers should be. We love their pizzas, would say one of the best in the go-go. Great apple pie and pecan pies around.
(4)
Rohan D.

For those of you who remember this Hyde Park stalwart from the 70s through the 90s, I've got some bad news for you. They changed the pizza. If you're looking for that delicious carmelized crust Chicago pizza, Pequod's is very close (in taste, not in walking distance). I have such fond memories of the place, I took my first date here (had to walk), from my University of Chicago high school days, this was the place for Chicago deep dish pizza. They moved down the block and across the street, but they took all the furniture, the staff, the recipes, the pizza pans, even the chair I carved my initials into, and flipped it (because they were on the other side of the street), so the identical place was in the new location. Very clever, but the important thing was that through so many other life changes, I kept coming back over the years for that unique, tasty pizza, exactly the same through the 80s into the 90s as it was back in the day. A couple of years in a row in the recent 21st century I didn't make it back to Hyde Park...and the original owner passed away. This year, the pizza I got was so unlike the original, I was horrified. The waitress called the "new recipe," an improvement, but didn't seem to realize that from the 70's for over thirty years the same deep dish pizza recipe was unchanged. No one working there that day had heard of the orginal owner. From the way they responded to my questions, I think that maybe there were a couple of other pizza recipe changes in between (now it's more of a pan pizza), the menu is quite changed. Well, there's nothing that special about the new place, they've made some changes to pretty up the place, it's not the dark lair it once was, but the service is only fair, and the food is forgettable. They've also broken my heart. Change isn't always progress.
(2)
Delores J.

So good
(4)
Yunqing C.

Food's are a bit greasy. We spent more time debating over whether the statue was moving or not than on the quality of the food.
(3)
Desi D.

I found this little gem via Yelp while we were staying in the area for about a week. I stopped in to the bakery/coffee shop side of the business for coffee & croissants during my walk to the U of Chicago campus on morning and I was hooked. Quick service and delicious bakery treats. The next morning, I chose the cinnamon roll - OMG! Quite possibly the best cinnamon roll I've ever had. Imagine flaky croissant dough, but with cinnamon filling and in the form of a cinnamon roll. Pure bliss! The only thing I'd change is to cut down on the raisins in the filling. Before we left town, I stopped in and stocked up on a few croissants and cinnamon rolls for the next few days. I was sad to eat the last of my goodies. I wish there was a great bakery like this near my home! I did dine in the restaurant for lunch before we left town. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and it was very cheesy, not much chicken. Your typical chicken quesailla, I suppose. Our server was very attentive and I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. My dining companions also enjoyed their meals - I believe one had pizza and the other chose a sandwich. If I'm ever back in this neighborhood, this place will definitely be on my "Must visit" list!
(4)
K G.

First, let's get the important advice out of the way: *Skip the restaurant and just go to the bakery instead; all of their best items are there, you save $ on tip, you save time, and you can take your food to the point. *Skip their sandwiches and go next door to Z&H. *Skip their fruit tarts; the crust is too hard and go to the Bonjour Bakery on 55th if you want french pastries. DO: *Get their milkshakes. They are SO good. Get the Mexicana Shake - you won't regret it. *Get their croissants - a good price and so delicious. I love the turkey and cheddar version, as well as the chocolate (who doesn't like chocolate croissants?). *Get their slices of pizza. One of the few places you can buy pizza by the slice, at least in Hyde Park, and much better/cheaper than Eduardo's down the block.
(4)
Emily C.

The food here, on average, is not very good. Both the restaurant and bakery are greasy and heavy without the satisfaction that greasy foods usually bring. The interior is college-y to a fault. The hundreds of names carved on the wall are kind of cool, but the interior is too dark and feels dank. I do like one of their pizzas. I forget the name but it has large pepperoni slices, goat cheese, and spinach. One huge piece of praise, however: their milkshakes are fantastic. My two favorites are the chocolate and banana nut. All of the milkshakes come with a huge glob of homemade whipped cream in the middle of them. The milkshakes are the only reason you should ever come to the Med.
(2)
Anne L.

Really enjoyed this restaurant. Has such a cute and cozy vibe. I think all the graffiti on literally everything was perfect. My husband and I split the soup of the day the rosemary potato and ham. It was delicious, we both really enjoyed it. The menu was very extensive which made it hard to decide what to order. I ended up ordering the Cajun turkey sandwich on an Asiago baguette, it was phenomenal. I only ended up eating half and having the rest for dinner. My husband had the antipasto salad which he thoroughly enjoyed. We will definitely be returning to this establishment in the future, especially to try the gluten free pizza.
(5)
Angela T.

Eh. The guac and chips and strawberry banana shake were yummy. The kids fluffer-nutter sandwich had barely any marshmallow fluff, and my daughter said it tasted like a plain old peanut butter sandwich on white bread. The fresh mozz sandwich had two tomatoes. Could barely even taste them. Won't come back.
(3)
Ben N.

To an outsider, Hyde Park might seem a little odd. Having grown up in a college town myself, I'd say it feels like something of a Never Never Land, a beautiful, never-changing oasis (this one considerably more intellectual than my hometown) to buffer you from the gritty reality that surrounds the neighborhood. And by "reality," I'm not referring just to the South Side of Chicago but the world at large as well. Medici on 57th seems like an apt restaurant for this sort of fantastical microcosm. Obviously, it's loaded with U of C students, faculty, and staff. Decor-wise, it feels like it hasn't changed since the 1970s: Lots of wood, exposed brick, 1960s and 1970s art, high ceilings. Although very casual, the room projects a kind of authority, based on its apparent long-time role in the community, and it has a kind of lived-in comfort. It's an enticing place to spend some time. The food itself is nothing close to spectacular, but it is pretty good. If the name "Medici on 57th" suggests some pretentious Midtown Manhattan upscale Italian food, it actually serves pretty straightforward pub grub: sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, salads. Everything ordered at our table was solid: Italian sub (really good ciabatta from the attached deli), black bean burger, fried catfish. The prices seemed pretty reasonable for the portions. Service seemed a little harried but was entirely pleasant. If you're coming down to Hyde Park as an out-of-towner/tourist/day-tripper, I'm confident you could do a lot worse than this place.
(4)
Song Z.

I had the BBQ Chicken. The chicken tasted a litte hard, and the skin was also very hard. I like them tender.
(3)
Vincent Y.

I go every time I'm back in Hyde Park. The food is heavy, but appetizing and although I would never go every day, I like it enough to come back for the delicious menu.
(5)
Rits M.

cute little cafe and I loved the outdoor seating. They have daily specials, and will fresh make sandwiches for you if you have the time to wait. They also have pre made sandwiches for the people who have to grab and go. I got the Smoky Joe- a little too much meat and cheese made it over-salty for me, and I love my meat and cheese and would never complain about this otherwise. Plus point to them was for the chocolate chip cookie milkshake yum yum- ice cream in a cup, I would never say no
(3)
Kim A.

Delicious thin or pan pies. Delicious ingredients. Funky, hip, atmosphere. It's a great date locale, as well as a place to bring a few bottles of wine and friends. I've been coming here since I worked at MSI in 2005, and have yet to be disappointed
(4)
Anne L.

I think that this is a nice place for a good coffee drink and bakery or brunch. They have a nice selection of omelets/pancakes/great pastries and breads.
(3)
Sara G.

Stopped in to the bakery (not the restaurant portion) on a cold, snowy afternoon and had as good an apple croissant as I can imagine with a nice cup of coffee. M.'s piece of cake, some crazy raspberry and cream concoction, was delicious and huge, and the pie that our friends had also looked great. If I lived in this area I would be here way to often for my own good. My only minor quibble would be that all the "Obama eats here" stuff was a bit nauseating. But I guess you can't blame them for cashing in.
(4)
Mike P.

Hyde Park is one of those neighborhoods that I like to go to thats close to home and great to check out. Recently I was there to take care of some business (I work for the U of Chicago at another site) and wanted to get a late lunch. Since I was on campus, I decided to make the trip to Medici's since I've always been intrigued with the place but have never gone. After finding the bakery and the entrance next door to the restaurant, I was enthusiastically greeted by the server. After getting seated and getting a glass of water, I eyeballed the menu and took a look around. For those from Chicago, this place reminded me a bit of the famous Gino's East where they have graffitti all over the place from their patrons....tho this place is a bit more intimate. I ended up getting one of their calzones....pepperoni, goat cheese, and spinach baked in a crust with marinara sauce. It was surprisingly tasty (although a tad greasy) and fulfilling. I did notice their other items that sounded good that I might have a look at when I go there again. All in all a neat experience. This is a very cool restaurant in a neighborhood that happens to feature one of the premier university campuses. A definite place to check out if only for the ambience.
(4)
Sean H.

Oh, Medici, greatly praised by the Hyde Park community, or at least talked up a lot. It's kind of a cool place - you can write on some of the tables and all. The upstairs outdoor dining area is a really nice atmosphere for dining in Hyde Park. As for the food, well, it's actually pretty good. I've only had their pizzas as meals, and I've never been disappointed. It's hard to describe, but they're better than the Domino's, for sure (and definitely Eduardo's...). I usually order a milkshake for my meal - they're thick, rich, terribly unhealthy, and absolutely delicious. Go for the chocolate. From what I could tell with what friends ordered, the rest of the menu ain't bad either. There's also a Medici bakery, which features very good sandwiches and pastries. I'm not sure if I just got cheaper over college, or if the prices went up in the past year, but a full meal here will probably run you around $15.
(4)
Jennifer K.

What can I say about the Medici that hasn't already been said? Not much, really. It's the local hangout of UofC students and Hyde Park residents, so there's a very "community" feel to the place. The personalized graffiti everythwere adds to it. The food is satisfactory, nothing to really grab your attention. And the prices are decent. The service can sometimes be slow, but that's just fine. The ambience is very laid back to begin with. But the real highlight is the bakery next door. I love their tarts, fresh baked breads, and chocolate drinks.
(3)
Gloria E.

You can never go wrong with the Med. It's a moderately priced restaurant with a pretty random mix of foods. The milkshakes and the strawberry lemonade (TRY IT! mottled strawberries blended with crushed ice and lemonade. Really good!) are awesome and so is the bread pudding when it's warm. Otherwise nothing on the menu is bad, but nothing is particularly special either. The pizza and burgers aren't bad, pretty good actually, but like I said, nothing is PARTICULARLY great here. You can leave your mark on the walls and tables too, so bring a sharpie! BYOB
(4)
Ted P.

Good for vegetarians, yes, but TERRIBLE for vegans. I'd rather gnaw on my arm than go to the Med.
(2)
Erika G.

If someone said, about a restaurant, "George Bush eats here!" I'd probably avoid it, sneer while passing or systematically refuse to patronize any place connected to it via vendors. If a place says "Obama eats here!", well - I'm there, even if I have to walk blocks out of my way! Obama eats here, and confirms my every stronger suspicion that the dude's a foodie. The pizza is delicious. Like REALLY delicious. I had the personal pizza with artichoke hearts, Canadian bacon and green olives (yes, a personal favorite combo of mine). The pizzas are obviously made to order, 'cos it took a bit to get to me - or maybe the service was a bit lax? More on that later. The pizza was cooked well, but not overcooked. It didn't cause that phenomenon where the cheese is hot lava, burning the roof of your mouth, and then sticking to it while you attempt to maintain composure and not start screaming in pain in the dining room while inelegantly spitting the whole thing out. My delicate mouth appreciates this (shut up.). There wasn't too much cheese on it. The crust - ah, yes. Chewy and light. Not brittle and did not have that mealy, graham cracker crust texture that is so disappointing. The ingredients were well distributed - evenly, not just thrown together. If the service was better, it could easily garner another star. However it was filled with a lackadasical college student waitstaff. This did not matter to me today, as I was not pressed for time - and maybe Obama would randomly walk in!! What? He was busy today? Oh, that's right, that whole leader of the free world thing he's working on now. Anyway, I had three different waitresses (and my mouth was jammed with pizza anyway, so I appreciated the solitude). I wondered if they were going to split the tip I left them, but hey - not my worry. I was transported right back to 1974, the pizza joints I visited with my parents. This is what Gino's East tries to be - there is graffitti scrawled on the wall here, and carved in the tables, but it doesn't have that "trying too hard to be oh so cute and run down!" like Gino's. And then Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" started playing and it really WAS 1974. I kind of even felt 13 years old, but *coughs* certainly didn't look it anymore, thank gawdess.
(4)
Jason A.

Had an OK experience here. Kind of sad how you think you remember things, but then they end up being different (similar to how you thought little casear's was awesome as a kid because they had that guy saying "pizza! pizza!"). In any case, this was he go-to place for taking your important dates in college. It was bar none, one of the "fancier" places to win a girl over. However, the food didn't win me over tonight and left feeling greasy and uneasy. I felt bad for the people riding in the bus next to me.. To be fair, I really enjoyed the mexicana shake. You should get that and maybe the goat cheese appetizer.
(2)
Sasha F.

This place is everything! Excellent food and service and the location is great! It's always easy to find street parking. I have been going here for a few years and it's my favorite spot in Hyde Park. Great vegetarian options too!
(5)
Chuck W.

I have been bringing my family to Medici in Hyde Park for the past decade. I've seen the place in every possible condition; weekend and weekday, afternoon and evening, been upstairs and downstairs, busy and empty, sat inside and outside. Been there alone, with friends, with family and with children of all ages. The food is always consistent and good, the service always as prompt as possible depending on how crowded the place is. One thing I have noticed is that Medici seems to be able to retain its key staff members for a long period of time. If there is rapid turnover, it's usually not A good sign. If there was an extra star to give, I would do so because the staff here is extra nice to my kid, who has been coming to Medici with me since she was three. Very nice job, Medici -- keep up the good work.
(5)
David Z.

I love this place! We stopped by after going to the Museum of Science & Industry on an incredibly rainy afternoon. It is a pretty quick walk from the Museum, or, if you're a tourist and unfamiliar with the area (or simply lazy), it is a quick cab ride (should be between 5 and 7 bucks). We stopped by during the back end of brunch on a Saturday. The place is pretty huge, so we were able to snag a seat upstairs. They have two floors, and even outside seating out front AND upstairs. When we were there it was pouring, so I would love to come back and sit outside when the weather is nicer. Atmosphere wise, I was very impressed. They do the kind of hipster/trendy thing of allowing people to write on the tables, carve into the rails, etc, but it's not as obnoxious as some other places. For food, I had an egg-white veggie omelet with wheat toast. It was a great meal. The potatoes that came with were also very good, and the coffee was good and strong. If I were a student (those were the days) I could easily see myself coming to hang out here to study, especially if I could snag an outside spot. A lot of the workers were wearing "Obama eats here" shirts, and I guess I can see why. It's a very cool place - I wish I lived closer and could go more often. So if you're a tourist visiting the Museum, I'd highly recommend going down the street and visiting Medici instead of eating in the Museum's cafeteria for lunch. You'll be getting a little taste of "real" Chicago, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
David R.

1. They have pretty good milkshakes. I've enjoyed the Mexican chocolate (B) and the banana fudge nut (A-) varieties. A tip if you order the latter: plan ahead lest you be left with a glop of pecan pieces and banana chunks at the bottom of your cup. Bring your own long spoon or extra-wide straw. 2. In their convenience-store-style case, they sell single eggs. Are they raw eggs? Hard-boiled? Who knows. But where else have you ever seen a single egg wrapped in plastic on sale for 45 cents? Genius.
(4)
A W.

We've heard great things, but I can't review the food because after being ignored/over looked for 15 mins, we decided to leave. So my solo star is for the service. We had an equally disappointing experience just moments later at their to-go/cafe option next door. We ordered a soup and ham & cheese sandwich, when my name was called for the soup I asked about the sandwich and was told it would come separately. After 10 mins, and all the people behind us in line had received their food and left, I approached the counter again. It was then that they discovered they didn't take down our order correctly, our ham and cheese sandwich was confused with their similarly named turn-over/croissant. The kicker being that even though he didn't put the order back for the sandwich - he didn't reach into the case to give us the croissant either! We're over it, Hyde Park can keep their sub par service.
(1)
David K.

I am a former Hyde Parker, so the Med is that mysterious place that for some reason everyone returns to continuously. Though, I've always been a 53rd/55th person, not quite a 57th-er, so Medici promotes some ambivalence. In my experience, I have to say that their spinach and goat cheese pizza is delicious. I met someone here the other day for lunch, and I remembered why dining out on 57th street was never a priority in my life. The food was just okay--I had a turkey sandwich with fries--nothing special. The environment is alright--the tables are all scratched up and markered--but I'm just not that into it. The service is nice--the waitstaff is mostly attentive. I've had bad experiences in the past, but most recently they were pretty quick, which was nice for lunch on a weekday. Though, in terms of price--I think this place is a little too much. The sandwiches weren't too bad, but looking at other parts of the menu, I think they're charging too much for not that great quality nor big portions. I don't know--it just doesn't seem worth it. It's a fun spot, definitely part of Hyde Park culture, but certainly not my favorite restaurant in the neighborhood.
(3)
Cammie C.

I went to Medici for breakfast and had their pancake. It was really delicious! Also had a cafe au lait - it came with a really unique container with the milk and coffee separated on two containers!
(4)
Robert H.

This is a review I thught I'd never write. The reason is The Art of Pizza up on N. Ashland has held it's position as my favorite place to get pizza and I didn't foresee that ever changing. Well, move over The Art of Pizza I still love you, but you now serve my 2nd favorite pizza in Chicago. Medicii has officially fought it's way up to the number one spot for best pizza in Chicago in my opinion. We ordered a pan pizza and although as a general rule I don't care for thick crust pizzas if they are exceptional then I can appreciate them. Well, I loved Medici's Mediterranean pan pizza! It was a little bit thinner crust than most other pan pizzas, but still definitely a pan pizza. The crust had a wonderfully buttery flavor I also loved the fact that unlike most places that only spotty coverage of goat cheese on their pizzas Medici had it very evenly distributed so you got a good taste of it in every bite without the pieces being so big that the flavor was overpowering. There was absolutely nothing about our pizza that I would have liked to have seen changed. The only reason I've rated this restaurant 4 stars instead of the 5 star rating that the pizza deserved is because of the service. The young lady who was our server wasn't rude or anything, but she certainly was not real good at her job. She had a very bland expression and didn't seem to even be trying to fake being friendly. She never came back to ask if our pizza was ok or not. She did come back once and refilled the water glasses, but she never bothered to ask if I'd have liked my almost empty Coke to be refilled. Normally I'm a very good tipper, but if I'd have been paying the check for this meal she would have only received a 10% tip based on the not so great service. The good news though is that Eran points out in her review is that apparently Geoff is a wonderful server and next time I go here I'll try and get seated at one of his tables if he's working since he sounds like a great server.
(4)
Tom P.

It's been my favorite restaurant in the world for more than 35 years. Period. (I was eating here even before Obama.)
(5)
Ed J.

The Med does a few things really well and I never really deviate much from them. The garbage burger is big and sloppy and awesome- the barbecue sauce that comes with it may anger barbecue fanatics but it's delicious, especially with the crispy shoe string fries. The spinach and goat cheese pizza is great, it's on a thin crispy crust, but I wish they'd use cooked seasoned spinach since the fresh leaves get too crispy, almost powdery, when cooked too long. The shakes have great consistency, not too think or thin, and are just plain good. The ambiance is nice in a neighborhood/college way and the service is usually solid. The bakery next door has great sandwiches (Z&H is better though) and is a good late night coffee/date spot. The truly awesome milkshakes elevate what is otherwise a 3* place.
(4)
Faith B.

The food here is GREAT! Living in Hyde Park for a few months, I found this place to be of great comfort. The bakery is a great place to get some studying done in the late spring/summer/early fall time when the front store patio is open. When my family came to visit we would always eat at the restaurant. I loved their shrimp quesadillas and their Mexicana shakes. Medici can be a bit pricy, but the food and atmosphere are worth it!
(5)
Christopher K.

I have been to Medici several times over the past few years and sitting down to write review notes this time I had to stare at the screen for a while before it finally came to me: I know what this place is. This is a campus restaurant that is a step above what usually passes for student places but falls just short of the kind of place that would be cool or trendy if it were, say, located in a north side neighborhood. I remember the two places back in college in Chambana that were spiritual twins to Medici: Coslow's and Treno's. Convivial area to sit down with friends or spread out and study, good hearty food that was made in a real kitchen (you are graduating from fast food/bar and grill/sandwich shop), lots of wood for some reason, alcohol now compliments your meal, etc etc. As an upperclassman or grad school I easily got half of my calories from those places -- so I understand why Medici seems instantly familiar. So nostalgia aside, the food is generally solid and not attention seeking. It is the kind of place were you can pick up on part of the urban collegiate vibe that the neighborhood has without taking a food risk, a good Hyde Park experience for people I bring through the neighborhood on the way to the Seminary Co-op or the Oriental Institute. Now that it is summer I highly recommend the patio -- the one that is inside and upstairs in the back, not the street seating.
(3)
Brenda G.

My first visit was today as part of a trip to the 57th Street Art Fair. Had the Grilled Cheese (with tomato and pesto on sesame seed bread). It was grilled perfectly and so yummy. Super skinny fries and some dill chips rounded out my meal. The brewed tea was as expected, plain brewed ice tea with no fancy favors. Loved it. My co-diner had the Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato sandwich. She was also happy. There was a line, but it moved quickly.
(5)
Iliana P.

YUMMY shakes! The Mexicana is made to taste like an Abuelita ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abâ€¦ ) shake, and the Fudge Banana-Nut shake is equally as delicious :-q! looking for an espresso drink? I love to pick up a Chocolaccino or a Medici Mocha (with chocolate ice cream inside that melts in the hot coffee) The restaurant is spacious, and has an outside eating area both in a back patio and a front street patio. The service is good enough, and if you want to pick something up quick, you can visit the Medici bakery annex where they serve sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, and espresso drinks, but where you can also order anything from the restaurant menu for carry-out. I like this place a lot, it's my preferred place to eat in Hyde Park. Funny enough, the food is just ok. The pizza is good, and so are the burgers. The BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich used to be my favorite, until they started using a thicker bread. The shakes make up for what the food lacks, as well as the espresso drinks, location, and setting.
(4)
Sharon O.

"Eek! Methinks not" Hey Business owners don't allow your employees including you Manager run your business or worse yet" run your business into the ground"! Bad food-Bad service not what one expects after frequenting this establishment 2-4 times a month for the last 30yrs.
(1)
Peter D.

I was not that impressed with the menu. I came here per recommendation of a University of Chicago student and the fact that Barack Obama has listed Medici as one of his favorite joints. The inside is BEAUTIFUL but the menu was nothing special. I felt that many of the dishes were priced for the area, which is wealthy, UChicago professors, researchers, and etc. I do not recommend coming here if you want to have a cheap meal. Even the items that should be inexpensive, are NOT. The service and decor was the only thing keeping me from giving it a two-star rating. Our waitress was very charming and kept us entertained. The food took a long time to prepare, and we only ordered three items between four people. Salads being two of the dishes. Anyways, I think I'd have to come here again and re-evaluate, but it is not in my immediate future to check this spot out again.
(3)
Amy N.

I love Medici, this was my favorite neighborhood restaurant when i lived in Hyde Park, food is always good, its fresh and delicious. My favorite is the spinach feta croissants and any of their pizzas but especially the spinach thin crust pizza.
(5)
Greg D.

Average food for an average price. Kind of grungy atmosphere but it works well. The bakery next door is great for a quick lunch. Nothing special but a good place to go meet up with friends and grab a decent meal.
(3)
Cindy J.

This is our (my husband and I) go to spot when we want a decent meal out in Hyde Park. They have lots of choices for most of the moods we are in when we come here, although most of the time we go for the pizza, which has never disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, including the chalk board in the restroom to write fun messages. You can hear other people's conversations quite easily in the main dining room, which can be distracting. The outside seating is nice when the weather is right. I have never had to wait here and have been there for dinner at all kinds of times at night.
(4)
Jean-Pierre A.

The best double pepperoni, basil & garlic pizza around! The crust was perfect and the side of marinara sauce was delicious! The lemonade was awesome! The service was slow but pleasant.
(4)
Emilie H.

After leaving Hyde Park about a year ago, I find myself constantly craving the arrabiatta sandwich from the bakery on a pretty regular basis. With generous portions of premium Italian deli meats, fresh bread, and great dressing, this sandwich has taken hold of my soul and won't let go. The milkshakes at the restaurant are sublime, especially the Mexican chocolate, with subtle hints of cinnamon mixed with REAL ice cream and REAL whipped cream.....ah! Totally a UChicago destination!
(4)
Ruthie H.

Medici restaurant: AMAZING spinach goat cheese pizza, great little house salad with mustard (or pesto) vinaigrette. The service can be surly-- once I had to flag down a waitress to ask for a water refill. She got her revenge by bringing me back a glass of HOT tap water. Mmm... The Medici bakery next door has incredible chocolate croissants (apple croissants also super tasty) and decent coffee. Similarly disaffected waitstaff who avoid eye contact, then bark at you for your order. Snag a window seat if you can get one (there are only four little tables, sometimes people share), or take your treats across the street and make a picnic in the park there. Med Bakery does get a bonus point for allowing desperate parents and nannies from the nearby playground bring their kids in to use the bathroom there. Not everyone is down with using the "pee pee tree" at the park, okay? One time at the med bakery I went to pour some sugar into my latte, and someone had loosened to cap on the sugar jar-- a pound of sugar (and the cap!) fell right into my latte, splashing it everywhere. To the servers' credit, they swooped right in to clean up the mess and handed me a new latte a minute later. That was nice of them.
(4)
Angela C.

Well, like many others who have posted before me, this used to be a long time favorite of mine that has been hit or mostly miss as of late. I will give the bakery credit and say that it has been okay, but after dining at the restaurant last night I'm pretty sure that we won't be visiting either again any time soon. A friend of mine was in from out of town and my family and I met her here for dinner last night. The food was just okay (actually a little less than okay) which has been our experience the last few times that we were there. The service as someone else stated was mediocre. So craptastic food and lackluster service would have been enough for me to decide that it's time to give The Medici a rest, but the thing that really put me over the edge was the fact that our bill for a party of five (3 adults and 2 children - aged 2 and under) had 18% gratuity automatically added to it. We typically tip 20% when dining out, but this really shocked me. I couldn't believe that they actually took the liberty to add gratuity for what I'm guessing they considered a large party that included a small child and an infant. We ordered three entrees - 2 burgers and a medium pizza. So, 18% it is! What the heck? Well, it just made the decision that much easier. We won't be back.
(2)
Douglass D.

I've been working just down the street from Medici, and I'm in the place once a week for the restaurant and twice a week for the bakery/coffee shop. It's all good. I have to give a special recognition to Medici's chilli. It's good, really thick and hearty. And it's reasonably priced, while some items on the menu strike me as overpriced. I've gone to Medici with a weekend group of friends, and we have all enjoyed the experience. Medici is a fine place.
(4)
Pinaki S.

The collection of baked goods here is unprecedented in any place I've been in Chicago. I got the spinach and cheese croissant. What a gigantic croissant. Next time I'll try the chocolate croissant. I O'dd on these the last time I went to Europe.
(4)
ness y.

I think the croissants at Medici are over-rated. Multi-grain demis are where it's at! Fresh from the oven, or even part-way through the afternoon, they are nutty, grainy goodness. But! If you're not going to eat bread (any kind) from Medici until later, pick up it up from HPP on 53rd while you grab your other foodstuffs. It's from the same ovens, baked at the same time. But this bread has been bagged and thus, hasn't sat on the shelves at Medici getting hard through the day. Not to mention it's cheaper. Once popped in the oven for about 10 minutes, your loaf will be extra great and not extra hard as one purchased in the evening from Medici will be. Plus, then you can avoid the sometimes SUPER SNARKY staff in the bakery :S Oh, and breakfast on weekends in the restaurant side of Medici = free refills on some decent coffee, and fresh squeezed OJ. Service here tends to be more consistently good (obvie for tippage).
(4)
Jeanelle S.

Sadly I went back for dinner last week. The chicken tenders I loved so much? Not nearly as awesome as they used to be. That made me sad. I should've ordered the burger. But I was impressed with the remodel of the restroom.
(2)
Ellen C.

I'm not sure how to distinguish between the lunch place and the coffee place- but I ended up going to both! A friend from high school who now goes to UChicago took me to the lunch place and I had a delicious spinach/goat cheese pizza. I made it spicier with the red pepper flakes they provide (standard, but always appreciated). I really enjoyed it- and my friend says the milkshakes are the best part (though I didn't have one given the outside temperature!) The service wasn't terribly quick, but I wasn't in a hurry so it worked just fine. As for the coffee place, I ended up there with a latte while waiting for a friend to pick me up, and really enjoyed sitting the cafe. Only four tables, which was a downside, but did allow me to meet a random person sharing my table. The coffee tasted good too. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Ram. S.

This place is great to explore. The inside of the restaurant is unique. A place to be your self and eat comfortably. The food tasted great! I ordered a hamburger and fries, and so far it was the best that I've had. The hamburger bread was fresh and homemade old school style, which was delicious. Their menu has a lot of options that would satisfy most. The waiters there were very nice and polite. I went with my friends, a group of seven, and we were seated comfortably.
(4)
Tina M.

The thin crust cheese pizza here is absolutely delicious. It's also very reasonably priced. In fact I was surprised that a salad costs more than a medium pizza. The frozen strawberry lemonade was equally tasty. So while the food was right on track the service was definitely lacking. It was a Saturday afternoon so they were busy, but not packed. The waiter never checked on us and we had to flag him down to get the bill. However, in spite of this I would return, not just for the pizza, but for the decor. There is something really old and charming about Medici and it's nice to look around the restaurant and see the diversity of Hyde Park represented. And I have to give them props for allowing Yelp to host a bake sale to benefit Haiti in their upstairs area. I will definitely return when I'm in the area.
(4)
David R.

I can't believe anyone ever goes back here. I grew up in hyde park, which meant that I basically ate there once a week for 10 years. In my defense, I was too young to know any better. Now go there about once every year just to reassure myself that I'm justified in talking trash about it. The service is unbelievably bad. Like... beyond bad. If I spoke German I would make up a word that contained every other word under the thesaurus entry for "bad" just strung together. They're snotty (especially the hosts/hostesses) and they could give a crap whether you're being served quickly or even at all. Your waiter might come take your order or you might have to go back to the host table to ask them to find you a waiter. The food isn't bad. It's not good either. The best thing I can say is that it's a more pleasant way of ingesting calories than, say, an IV drip. They have a bakery there that, for reasons that escape me, people seem to like. They have dry tasteless croissants, dry potato buns (which I had previously thought impossible to do), dry bagels, and dry cookies (notice a pattern). It's right next door, but they throw in the same snotty service for free. They used to use really tasty buns for their burgers (which are the best thing on the menu), but when they opened the bakery, they ditched them in favor of the dry-as-dirt potato buns. I happened to mention to the manager on the way out that I thought the old buns were better and she just looked at me and said, "no they're not" and walked away. I'm convinced that the only business they really get is by default when nobody wants to walk too far or drive anywhere, and they know it. Skip it and go to Cafe Florian or Salonica, or anywhere else instead. Their patio is pretty nice, though. Also, they've never given me food poisoning. Those are the nicest two things I could find to say.
(1)
Mary R.

Saw Medici on a Chicago food show and since my boyfriend and I were in Hyde Park for the first time, we stopped in for a late lunch/ early dinner. Stepping in the door I immediately loved the atmosphere. The restaurant is very bohemian, with lots of art on the walls and graffiti scribbled all over the tables. The waitstaff were very friendly and laid back. However, we had mixed feelings about the food. I ordered a delicious Grilled Portabella Sandwich, which was probably the tastiest veggie sandwich I have ever eaten! Samm got the Medici Burger medium, but it was very undercooked. We both enjoyed the fries. I appreciate that they had several vegetarian options and prices were moderate. The next time I am in Hyde Park I will definitely give Medici another try.
(3)
Tina D.

I tried the margherita pan pizza, onion rings and chx noodle soup. I normally do not like onion rings ( my bf ordered them), but they were excellent. The soup had a nice aroma and tasted really good, although i wish there was more rice. I saved the best for last... the margherita pan pizza!!!! It was awesome! i could not stop eating it and prob gained a few Lbs. Totally worth the extra workout!! The reason i didn't give it a 5 is bc the service kinda sucked in the to go area. Mayb the girl was tired but she acted as if we were an inconvenience. Also, i thought the prices were a little high...but then again I'm pretty cheap. Anyway... I highly recommend it!!!
(4)
Andrea C.

medici or 'the med' as my coworkers fondly refer to it is pretty darn good. went here for my first day of work at uchicago and ordered the bacon blue cheese burger...and i was definitely WOWed. i like a good burger every now and then but this was freaking melt in your mouth good. like dream about it good (and i sure did). since then, i have definitely taken every opportunity to return to the med (visitors, office lunch...so what if im not in your department, boyfriend visit etc). for you non burger types, the club sandwich is pretty good...and you must must MUST try the mexicana shake. please for the love try it. yes, my favorite meal eaten there on a regular basis is a heart attack waiting to happen...but oh boy, what a great way to go. minus one star for RC products (yuck) and the fact that its a liiiiitle bit pricey. its on par w/TGI Fridays, but id definitely say its better!
(4)
Mary E.

Maybe they should change the name to "Mediocriti"--my last two experiences have been less than stellar. This is one of the places I suggest when out-of-towners ask, "Where's a good restaurant in an interesting neighborhood?" I've brought lots of people here over the years. But lately--I'd have to reconsider this recommendation. The legendary hamburgers are pressed patties like you get from Sam's Club boxes, the buns are stale, the service is a little slow (excusable when crowded) and can be surly (excusable: never), Too bad: I really liked this place. But there seems to be a point when restaurants, bars, etc., get TOO popular and then start sliding downhill. I guess that's what has happened to Medici. Just like its famous patron, Obama, it promises much but delivers little.
(2)
Ryan H.

Overall, Medici's is a decent place to have brunch. I liked the atmosphere as well as the fact that you can carve your name on the wall. The pricing is also reasonable. They also have a bakery downstairs that sells some pretty good rolls. I had the "Build your own Omelet", which was pretty satisfying. My only criticism was that some of our utensils were not clean and one of the people that I came here with received a piece of moldy bread. They fixed this problem when we requested it.
(3)
Kristina N.

The atmosphere at the Med is cozy and inviting, but the food is very sub-par. I have eaten here (and been disappointed) on three separate occasions. I have never been to the bakery next door so I can't speak for it, but if it is anything like the restaurant that is not saying much. I really want to like this place because I work in Hyde Park and, like I said above, the atmosphere is wonderful but the food is just bland and I probably won't be back. If I were you, I would head next door to the University Market and grab one of their sandwiches. They are way better than anything I have eaten at the Med. You will not be disappointed! On the upside, I have never experienced poor service here. A few reviewers were complaining about the waitstaff and I have to say that every time I have been in here the staff has been friendly and attentive.
(2)
Shang S.

Build your own sandwich or order something from their board, the sandwiches are of good quality, there's nothing for me to complain here. It neither stands out nor is it bad, I'd return here. If you're not that hungry I recommend going for half a sandwich
(3)
Elizabeth R.

This is the way I thought Hyde Park would be before I moved here- a cozy, comfy, college neighborhood. Medici attracts students, faculty, neighborhood residents, and Barack Obama, apparently. It's generally hopping, but not tough to get a table. I go out of my way to come here to get quality comfort food, and because it's just a relaxing place to be. I have a favorite meal- a latte, a grilled cheese sandwich, and onion rings. The onion rings here are killer. I have, however, ventured out of my culinary rut to try other things (all tasty), and brought family and friends here from outside of Hyde Park. My in-laws loved the breakfast food and particularly complemented the freshly made lemonade and espresso drinks. My, er... other in-laws enjoyed burgers here and some really good chicken tortilla soup. My husband loves getting ice cream floats and milkshakes with whatever he orders. And the friend who originally brought me here swears by the portabella sandwich. I love that the booths are covered in grafiti, and they don't mind if you add to it. They retain the grafiti to give the place the feel of a local institution, and manage to do so without having the place look shabby. I love to read the different messages as I sit. They recently replaced the standalone tables with really lovely wooden ones, and redid the bathroom so that it's rather nice to go "powder your nose" in there now. (I kind of want to steal the soap dispenser for my own bathroom.) Medici also, of course, has a bakery 'round front so you know the baked goods you order in the restaurant will be tasty. Whenever I wander in, it seems as though someone is kneading dough for bread. I had a killer chocolate croissant here too... mmm Great place to bring your parents when they visit, if you're a college student. It's rather hard to offend anyone with the food here, and as long as everyone in your party likes standard American faire, you're all set- from vegans to carnivores. It's a better than average comfort food place, I' say. So glad Medici is in the neighborhood. Interesting art on the walls too- and 2 floors, just in case you didn't spot the upstairs ;)
(4)
John K.

I'll still give it three stars because the pizza is still usually good, but if the trend continues, they will be at 2 stars within 6 months, and 1 star by next summer. 5 years ago, when friends would come to town, I took them to The Medici. Now, not so much.
(3)
CN D.

Who wouldn't be a fan once you've eaten here? I love the summers sitting up on the roof top. Food great, service good, and price decent. Their salad's and pizza are fantastic and large enough portions where me and 2 other coworkers can share a lunch. I haven't had everything on the menu but am certainly trying to complete that goal. I have yet to find something I do not like.
(4)
Jennifer A.

I love Medici! The Food is high quality and very reasonably priced. Byob. It's my standard restaurant!
(5)
Kelly G.

Came with some U of C alums who knew what they wanted and how to get it out on the table fast. Their ordering finesse inspired confidence and made me feel like I was in good hands. After an eh meal, I realized that U of C kids living in Hyde Park just gotta make do w the best they've got. Apps were so-so but at least quick in coming. The much hyped Mexicana shake did not live up. The spinach goat cheese and 'garbage' thin crusts were good but not great. As someone who will take toppings and sauce over cheese and crust any day, I was overall a happy camper. While all the components were there and in the right proportion, nothing wowed. The inoffensive tomato sauce and crust DID come with some pretty awesome pepperoni though!
(3)
Georgia M.

Got a giant salad yesterday, it was fantastic!
(5)
nick a.

Always packed, never boring. I wish I was still in Hyde Park just so I can live off of the Med's burgers.
(5)
Anya D.

To all the haters: Its the Medici! Maybe that doesnt mean much to a person who isn't from Hyde Park and didnt used to have large dinner parties with friends there when you were 12. However, its not supposed to be a 5 star dinner. Its a little place aimed at U of C students (high school and university), and it does its job. The pizza (while not the best) its pretty delicious in my eyes. While some of their items are not the greatest, you just have to find what you like and go on recommendations. Someone said you cant get bakery items in the actual sit down restaurant, and that is 100% false. Milk shakes, pastries, order it and you shall receive. I too have my name carved/written on the walls somewhere on the second floor, so maybe Im just biased, but its well worth a few tries. Yes the service can be a little rude, but they deal with quite the array of people and Im sure you'd be pissy too some days.
(4)
Candice M.

My rating has gone down on this place. Service not as good anymore and am so glad there is an alternative next door called Z & H! Last weekend we have the one waitress on staff and when we asked where our dish was that was supposed to come early, she pointed to the counter and said "do you see it up there? when its up there its ready". That is not what a waitress is supposed to do. She is supposed to walk her butt over to the counter and ask her cooks for it. Also I"m sick of their Obama Eats Here and worse, Kagan t-shirts. Obnoxious.
(3)
Megan O.

charm, decent pricing, AMAZING FOOD. The place was so charming, with different art paintings and unique sculptors ( there were only a few) it also surprised me that there were writings all over the table and walls! none the less-- it wasn't even tacky. We got the strawberry lemonade ( which I HIGHLY recommend) and steak burrito & cheeseburger. SO GOOD! They have a wide variety of food and it was all very good. I was scoping the other guests, and looks like they have really good salads and pizzas! Definitely worth driving back to the south side! Service was great too, very laid back !
(5)
Joe S.

What a gem. We had lunch here the other day, I got the blue cheese burger. It was fantastic, we started out with goat cheese appetizer, yummy as well. I tasted the pizza and that was great as well. Service was great, it took a little while to get seated, but what can you do!
(4)
Chaviva G.

I don't know where these good reviews come from. I don't know where these people are eating, but it sure isn't the restaurant where I'm eating. The food is all out-of-the-bag stuff. I've had a burger here, and it wasn't even mediocre. It was bad. I got the chicken fingers. There was no flavor. The fries tasted like plastic. This is probably one of the worst places in Chicago I've eaten since moving here in March. Not to mention it's overpriced for the portions and quality. The only GOOD thing here was the drinks ... a delicious float. That's the only thing worth going here for. The waitstaff is slow and unfriendly. I sat for 15 minutes before getting waited on, and then it was incredibly impersonal. You'd be better off going down the street to Subway or just eating some grass. Good luck getting good food here. AMENDED: The bakery here is delicious. The tarts are to die for and even worth the price. I'll add another star or two, simply for the fact that the bakery is good and the staff there is wonderful. In sum: AVOID the restaurant, hit up the bakery!
(3)
Sondra O.

I used to be a HUGE fan of medici - always recommending it as a 'go to' spot for my friends. The food is usually pretty good and the tab is always good considering the BYOB allowance. That being said, I have urged all of my friends to NEVER patronize Medici any longer based on my last experience. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger that he decided, after biting into it, was a little undercooked for his taste. We informed the waitress who took his plate away and brought it back about 5-10 mins later. He bit into the burger only to find that it was the SAME burger that he'd been served previously - just put back on the grill and covered with more toppings. DISGUSTING! This meant that they put a burger that has someone else's saliva back on the grill with supposedly 'fresh' food and then re-served it. We were so put off - we paid and left. In hindsight - the correct thing to do was to speak to the manager, but we didn't. (Shame on us - we know. we know :()
(1)
Jon B.

Go for the atmosphere: Wonderful atmosphere, huge portions, but lacking in the taste department. I would suggest taking a friend, or a new love interest. Great friendly service, prices are hyde park friendly.
(3)
Suz S.

A must go to in Hyde Park. Bring your own booze. Goat cheese pesto pizza is great. Also beef burrito.
(4)
Jeremy W.

Ok, so Obama eats here. That still doesn't make the food special. Medici Restaurant is typical college food that's average on taste and long on rep. If you're over 35, you probably don't eat here that often. Giving credit where credit is due, the bakery is ok for morning treats but don't expect the quality to rival Dinkel's or Weber's, 2 of Chicago's better bakeries. Weird flavored muffins like Pear/Coconut deliver! Try the ham and swiss croissants. The brownie is good also. The Apple Pie is weak on flavor and very dry, avoid it.
(2)
Lori M.

My name's been on the wall since I can't remember, I've shared a few french fries in here, and I enjoy getting away from the NorthSide to a place like this - much more of a neighborhood joint than anything up in LakeSchmew. The staff (Stacy & sister, you gals are great!) is super friendly and they serve up a mean veggie burger, just for me, and you too---just ask. I love the back booth on the first floor with the victorian hanging light for my BYOB nights. If your spirit needs a lift, have an Orange Creamsicle Float, they know how it's done. Bring your mom, your doctor, your neighbors, your secret pen-pal, anyone & everyone will love this place. Medici's - this one's for you - my100th review! ...and today, the Yelp Office Hours gang whooped it up sugary-style with the bakery's bests - those chocolates croissants, those almond crescents cha cha cha, chocorific cookies & little strawberry-kiwi-blueberry tarts to roll over for...oh! and the new Kickapoo coffee! You've outdone yourselves.. I think I can work straight through until 3am - going strong on that 6 cups o' java you poured me loves. I found a cinnamon roll in my coat pocket, a treasure from Medici's.
(5)
Alicia S.

Great hot chocolate in the bakery/cafe part! It's perfected by none other than Carmaletia!! I don't go if she's not working!
(5)
mari s.

Frequented this spot a couple times when we lived in the area. Really tasty chili & good pan pizza. The bakery is also worth a visit; really good fruit tortes & excellent brownies.
(4)
Quinn G.

The crust on our first pizza was a little doughy and undercooked. A soggy crust can really bring a good pizza down. The crust on the second pizza was better. The toppings were fine (we had the garbage pizza) but nothing special, and the sauce was tasty. This was not the best pizza of my life, but it was superior to any of those pretentious sauceless cheese toasts they call "pizza" in the Bay Area. Our server was awesome. She messed up an order slightly, caught it herself, and gave us a free pizza. She was so nice, I would return simply because of the service. This was a pleasant, casual and unchallenging dining experience.
(3)
Karyn K.

Went to the bakery. The ham and swiss croissant is AMAZING. Since I had it yesterday, I have been seriously debating moving to Hyde Park so that I can indulge in the ham and swiss croissant more frequently. The service at the bakery was quick and pleasant.
(5)
Ron R.

They get 5 stars for the Cinnamon rolls! Best in the city hands down. I honestly dont think the food is all that great, but back when I lived in Hyde Park me and my friends would always just chill in this place and mark up the tables and walls. Milk Shakes are also good (I have a serious sweet tooth)
(5)
e e.

THE PIZZA! so unique, and delicious. eat it once and you will be dying to go back for months! (if you make it that long) try the goat cheese/olive/pesto/tomato or the bbq chicken. fun atmosphere - old wood booths with graffiti all over the walls. a good place to grab a 6pack and eat with friends.
(5)
Joe W.

Hyde Park has horrible dining options. You would think that the relatively eclectic neighborhood could get it together, but most restaurants in the neighborhood disappoint. The reason why I like Medici just fine is that it doesn't disappoint. The menu is reasonably varied, the portions generally match the price, and you can order any of the three cardinal meals. There's local art on the walls, each with their own proud story, and you can write on any exposed surface. It has its own self-conscious lore, which is interesting enough to care about, and minor enough to ignore and allow you to enjoy the casual atmosphere. The pizzas are average, the burgers are large (and not always cooked the way you ordered), and the $5 basket of onion rings is clearly a gesture of excess. Breakfast I find to be a somewhat better experience: quality bread, great coffee with refills, solid omelets and potatoes. Honestly, I could have thought I was in the artisanal counterpart to Red Robin had I not already known. But why wouldn't you enjoy it?
(3)
Eric X.

Medici is a cornerstone of the 57th Street corridor through Hyde Park. I have been through the menu countless times in the past twelve years, and there isn't much that I wouldn't order again. The menu is both meat and meatless friendly; although the food is a bit greasy, I consider this to be one of the more interesting diners throughout the city. Want a unique, cheap, tasty dining experience? Go to Medici. Did you just leave a concert in Hyde Park and want a snack? Go to Medici. Need lunch after spending the morning at the Museum of Science and Industry? Go to Medici. Check out the sweet treats; I recommend the Mexicana shake in the warmer months. It's thick, rich, and goes perfect with anything else on the menu!
(4)
Mike O.

Hey, this place is pretty cool. You can grab some good coffee and good ice cream here. I've been meaning to come back and I'll definitely update this review when I do. The place has a really cool interior. I could spend hours scribbling on the tables and walls. - Eat on!
(3)
Eliza B.

The calzones are hit or miss, chocolate chip cookies are bland, rice krispie treats are better than homemade! I'm re-discovering meat and I LOVE their burgers. Fettuccine Alfredo is consistently DELICIOUS but can only be consumed once a year due to the cream to butter ratio. Yum. Great waitstaff and the renovation to the bakery is lovely. Still a solid HP eatery.
(4)
Emily C.

we came here on a thursday night with my friend who just moved to the area. there are not too many places to eat in hyde park so this was truly a gem. we weren't aware that it was byob so our cocktail hopes were squashed but the atmosphere, service, price and food surly made up for that. We started with the hummus plate. the hummus was some of the best I have ever had. comes with really warm, moist pita, carrots, cucumber, and tomato. really hit the spot and no too filling. we ordered and our food was out in about twenty five minutes. perfect. the chicken breast salad was outstanding. the chicken was grilled to perfection and really moist. everyone else had their personal pizzas which resemble pizza hut's personal pan pizzas. we were all reflecting on the personal pan pizzas you could get with your book-it pin in elementary school. good times. mom had the goat cheese and spinach pizza which she totally loved. my sister had the spinach and chicken pizza which she liked but thought mom's was better. beth had the ham and cheese pizza which was also great. the bread and pizza dough are so great. there is a bakery so everything is super fresh and tasty. the atmosphere is great. you can write your name on the beautiful brick walls and the wait staff's tshirts read on the back "obama eats here." cute. it's a pretty good size place with larger tables for bigger parties. there is also an amazing patio on the roof top. we were here in april so it wasn't open but we will for sure be back. with our beer and wine of course.
(5)
Nate W.

Hey. How's it going? I just wanted to let you know that cafe Medici is a pretty good place to have a tasty bite that is not too expensive. They have some cool (non alcoholic) drinks as well. There is an almond soda drink with chocolate Godiva ice cream in it that is pretty good. The pizzas are pretty good. The burgers are made with quality grade. etc. The last experience I had left a could've-been-a-bad-taste-but-it-was-ousted-by-a-Âbreathmint taste in my mouth. The bad taste part wasn't the establishment's fault though so they will keep that fourth star. . . I went to Medici after watching dusk fall upon the city from the Promontory Point with my gal. For the time of year and occasion, we were wearing some comfortable early fall clothes. When we arrived at Medici, I noticed a very different (uptight) vibe. First, I noticed many disdainful looks from the patrons directed towards us. Then I noticed that almost everyone was dressed up. Then I noticed the back of the staff's shirts that said, "Obama eats here". Which was really cool... However, we weren't about to leave because we didn't fit in. As we walked through the crowd, all I could hear were contrived (and overly boisterous) efforts to speak on the structure of politics or the remedy for a failing economy from each table. It was obvious that these people would want Mr. Obama to hear and recognize their genius if he was in the building---anywhere, in the building. I felt a moment of uneasiness as the looks kept coming our way. Then I concluded that if Obama did come to eat at Medici that he might realize my girl and I were possibly the only two people that weren't there with the intention to seize an opportunity to impress him or to dick ride. I assumed that the Medici staff might adhere to the snobbish posture of the patrons that was rampant during our visit. Contrarily, they treated us like a breath of fresh air and in the end the place gained even more of our respect.
(4)
Jasmine D.

I dream about the Mexican milkshake, the burgers, and the chicken noodle soup, in that order.
(4)
Timothy M.

This place is great! I was taken here first by a friend from U of C. The pizza is awesome and the Reuben is a glorious delight. Honestly, outside of Manny's, this is one of the best Reubens I've had in Chicago. Medici (the Med) is a charming place, that easily compliments Hyde Park's low-key business districts like 57th Street. The diverse and intellectual crowd is part of what makes this place such an institution here. Places like the Med really set Hyde Park apart from the rest of Chicago. Warm and inviting, the upstairs is great for more personal conversations and the downstairs small booths are great for a lunch or dinner date. The friendly grafitti on the wall is a reminder that this place is mostly frequented by college students, with advice in the men's room about veganism, anarchism, and other assorted slogans. It cracks me up, because these slogans anywhere else would come off as confrontational and abrasive... but here it almost seems like the campus revolutionaries are ASKING you if you would like to help "smash the state". If you are on the South Side and crave good pizza, sandwich, a float, or a good milkshake, this is your best bet.
(4)
AxeMe A.

How could I not 5 STAR you, Medici? You've written all over the tables in my head.
(5)
Christopher T.

Their deep dish was soggy--literally a pool of water below it. On the other hand the thin crust (what I typically get) was crisp and delicious. The service inside was decent, but worse than I would have expected given that the place was empty. Delivery has always been prompt. The prices are a little high for what you get.
(3)
Michael W.

Hate to have to write this but Medici is Hyde Park's Lehman Brothers. It has fallen off dramatically to the point that it's bankrupt of much of the charm, service, atmosphere and delicious food that I fell for more than a year ago drinking my first Grenadine Float. So, so-good. You just don't get rainbow sherbet enough as a menu option. Much of the charm of Medici was that it was a no frills, cheap-ish food joint which you could tell was the case with a lot of U of C students filling the booths. The wide open dining space, gargoyles and marker-etched names and notes on the wall added to the decor. Some of the best basket of fries I had - almost too many to eat at once - were consumed here. Nice pizza selections too. The waiter/waitress experience was always hit-or-miss, but with affordable food, you roll the dice. Slowly, the restaurant started to go a bit more upscale. The bathrooms went through an unnecessary, but welcome TLC makeover. But...OK... Staff started wearing 'Obama eats here' themed T-shirts. Cute. This is his neighborhood. But then, the prices skyrocketed overnight. What once cost $6 to $7 was now 10 bucks. W-T-F? Do we need to start drilling for domestic Rainbow Sherbet in Alaska? What happened? Maybe the government could throw a few bailout/rescue dollars to Medici so I can afford to eat here again. Or maybe the restaurant stopped catering to nearby students and started going after their parents, professors (or prez candidates with 13 houses) who can afford to overpay for OK food. But that's not me.
(2)
Ziggy I.

Medici's about as close as you'll get in Hyde Park to a sit-down restaurant that looks and behaves like a sit-down restaurant. It can be a little inconsistent (service is never all that great: waiters disappear for long intervals, water glasses go unfilled), but it's very consistent in the way that it's inconsistent. And it offers variety without being absurd (compare with other Hyde Park establishments that offer, say, sushi and pizza, both nasty). Food: the pizzas are always good. Have enjoyed the salads in the past. Several of the burgers and sandwiches are consistently tasty. Avoid the coffee (scorched and weak, the worst combination). The vegetarian chili is quite good, as are the almond croissants from the bakery. The space itself is also pleasant: warm, dark wood and exposed brick, and the roof deck is lovely in spring and summer. Don't go with especially high expectations, and steer clear of any seafood specials they might offer (I caved once, big mistake).
(3)
Bob H.

Friend brought me here for dinner. He was ate when he was in graduate school in Hyde Park. I had burger and cup (rather bowl) of chili. Food tasted great and service was attentive. I felt "stuffed" when I left.
(4)
Svitlana P.

I just love Medici! Third time in less than a year (I'd go more often but it's a drive from BG to Hyde Park), most recently thanks to my pregnant best friend who had a craving for their Mediterranean Pizza. The food, the service, the feel free to write on tables and walls...all amazing. Next time, I'm going to put Medici temp tattoos on my cheeks (which are free! Grab them from the hostess). Don't judge, it's ok to be a kid sometimes!
(5)
Kymberly J.

So they walk around with T-shirts that say "Obama eats here." Oh shucks Barack! I thought you had better taste! The atmosphere is pretty cool (exposed brick, fun statues) and I'm sure the roof top seating is spectacular during the summer but I certainly couldnt bring my conservative mother there with lovely little drawings of pot leaves and words like "sex, and orgasm" and other fun inappropriate words written on the walls! I had the chicken soup. It was a nice little surprise from the ordinary chicken noodle soup served at every other bistro. It was spicy with rice and juicy chunks of dark meat chicken. The spinach salad was just OK. The ratio of spinach to "other stuff" was pretty low. And by other stuff I mean tomato slices and goat cheese. We got treats at their bakery next door after lunch. I love the coffee to-go cups. They have a lid with a little fancy slider over the drink hole to prevent your fair trade coffee from getting cold. freinds got the monster cookie loaded with everything which they highly recommended. the BF and I shared the regular chocolate chip cookie which I DO NOT recommend. It was pretty bland. I need to go back and get a full serving of the dark chocolate ice cream. I had one little taste and it was chocolate heaven!
(3)
Lenora B.

Love this place! Great pizza, burgers, wraps, and croissants!!! The customer service is great, they deliver on time. Just found about them this year. My new favorite hype park pizza!
(5)
Peter V.

The order of the day at the Med is "controlled mediocrity." You know exactly what to expect. It's never going to be truly abysmal, even though it's never really going to be great, either. The service is actually pretty good - I like the waiters and waitresses. They are usually on-the-ball and friendly. The food, if you stick to the basics, isn't bad. They have a couple of good vegetarian options (black bean burger, I'm looking at you!) and their brunch is also decent (shout out to the huevos rancheros!). A typical Med night is in the middle of the week when you're too tired to cook but also don't want to make the effort to leave HP. PS - The fudge brownie sundae is over the top, but worth indulging in every now and again.
(3)
Rhonda L.

My family and I visit everytime we are in Chicago or the area. Our favorites are carrot muffins, cinnamon rolls, tarts, coffee and any croissants that you have. We love this place!!!!!!
(5)
Leon G.

Hey Medici, what's going on with your thin crust pizza? For the last year or so your sauce ladler has been extremely inconsistent, barely any sauce one day, too much the next. Start taking names and cracking heads in the kitchen, will ya?
(3)
Kellee K.

I admit, I came here just because of the Barack Obama pull that I saw on Yelp. That being said, I'm not sure if he ever came - there's no picture of him prominently displayed on the wall. Disappointment. However, I have to admit the ambiance is pretty cool - brick walls, enclosed booths, and make sure you bring a Sharpie or White-out to scribble all over the walls and tables. How fun! We ordered the acclaimed spinach and goat cheese pizza (stingy with the goat cheese), a garden salad with tuna steak (steak was burned), chili fries (yum!) Mexican hot chocolate (pretty good but expensive for what you get). Bottom line: Interesting menu selection, but just averagely done for the price. And always remember: Mind over matter, food over mind!
(3)
J U.

I enjoy going here for breakfast... YUMMY french toast and bfast fare. I love the atmosphere and decor, too. My husband and I ordered to-go for dinner once: he had the Garbage Burger and I had the chicken tenders. He reeeally enjoyed his burger but I am a Chick Tender connaisseur... I just found them alright. In any event, the service is friendly and the service time is average. They offer a pretty vast menu. Overall, a nice place to visit on a Saturday for brunch with friends. Ps. I don't know why I like it so much, but guests have the option of squeezing their own orange juice in an old-fashioned press... I haven't done it yet, but it's funny to watch other people.
(4)
Amanda W.

The service is sooo slow but always polite. And their pizza is pretty good, and the ability to byob is always great in my book.
(3)
Dan K.

Good service with good a little high on the prices. Steak sandwich was very good and the Moroccan Ragout yummy.
(4)
Taste M.

The cinnamon rolls made with croissant dough are as good as any I've had anywhere. The five stars could be just for the cinnamon rolls. There are juicy golden currants throughout the rolls and the outside edges of the pastry are sticky/crusty while the inside is succulent and moist. The chocolate croissants are also a favorite of mine, they use bittersweet chocolate. I am also a fan of the ham and cheese croissants. I really think their bread is as good as anywhere I've had. Get there the first hour or two they are open and the fresh baked goods will blow your mind. The restaurant is good too although it is unfortunate they don't do the biscuits and gravy dish they used to make. The burgers are probably the best bet and the jamocha shakes are always a treat. The service always kind of borderline sucks but it is staffed by a bunch of U of C kids so expect contempt and condescension and you might be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Helena G.

I do not recommend this place to have brunch. We had a bad experience, our food (egg florentine and French toast) were super cold. It was unacceptable. (I went to this restaurant several times to have Pizza, burguers or deserts, and so far I have no complaints, they were really good. They deserved ***. The only issue was the brunch)
(2)
Mary T.

Barack Obama eats here? Well then 5 stars. Just kidding! I don't care about the clientele a place has, no matter how cool; the product, in this case food and service, is what earns a business stars. I don't get to Hyde Park often (read ever), but I would like to change that. The neighborhood is really cute and this place is a little gem. There's wood everywhere; wood tables, wood booths, I think there's even some wood paneling on the walls, but it gets a lot of light too so it doesn't feel like you're dining with your grandpa at the Elks Lodge (no offense Elks). The place also has a dumb-waiter, which is so cool! I came here for Yelp's Office Hours, we had the whole upstairs for our group. It was really nice, it gave us a great view of the whole place including a patio, which I'm sure is awesome in the summer. I snuck a peek at the menu before the event, I'm ridiculously picky so I like to plan ahead to avoid the appearance of being high maintenance. The Mexican milkshake caught my eye afterall I'm Mexican and I like milkshakes, perfect, no? It was amazing, I think I sucked that puppy down in under 5 minutes flat! I also tried some of the pastries they had out. I had an apple croissant, it was good, but the pastry portion was a little on the dry side. I would've tried more, but there were other croissants in my future so I restrained myself. Service was stellar; warm, friendly and very attentive. Bottom line: I'd love to come here and try some other things off the extensive drink menu and some food too of course. Maybe I can talk the girls into coming here for our monthly brunch! TIP: Bring some Sharpie's so you can write on the walls, tables, booths, etc.
(4)
Wesley S.

The Medici on 57th is a now a pretty good restaurant and cafe. It has decent food and coffee, good ambiance, moderate prices. Service is mediocre. The Medici has upgraded its menu. It used to have a limited selection, offering pizza, burgers and very basic soup, salad, ice cream, coffee. According to Hans, his strategic direction for the Medici during the 70's and 80's was to keep the menu and kitchen pretty basic. The menu today has the same structure, but has a deeper range of selections. For example, there are now three or four kinds of soups, each of which is a feature dish rather than an unimportant side. The salads are 21st century, a selection that is comparable to other small restaurants today. In addition to hamburgers, The Medici now offers several other sandwiches, such as tuna and chicken. Finally, the dish of ice cream with cinnamon and honey (named the "Amalfi"), from the 70's has been augmented by milk shakes and several sundaes. Our party of four ordered the ragout (which was classified as a soup), pizza, and soup or the day plus build-your-own-salad. I had the cheeseburger with fries. My cheeseburger was excellent, from the meat quality to the fresh wheat roll that was used as a bun. Garnishes were average, but the mustard was a Dijon mustard, a nice touch that, once again, goes back to the 70's. (Hans may have been one of the few restauranteurs who served Dijon mustard in 1970's Chicago). I enjoyed the fries. Maybe I was just lucky, but the frying oil or shortening was fresh. I heard that the salad was good, but my dinner companions did not comment on their food. They did say that the coffee and tea were very good, although not up to Intelligentsia. Price: Our bills were $10-$18 apiece including tip. Mine was $12. Make that about $15/apiece for a lunch at The Medici. The food was entirely worth the price. Ambiance: The Medici's interior has not changed. It is the identical space, booths, walls and so on as from 40+ years ago. (Bathrooms and kitchen have been upgraded.) When the Medici moved from Harper, it was moved in its entirety and plopped down at the Kimbark location. The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area as does the sister bakery. 57th Street is moderately busy but sitting outdoors here should be pleasant, if you can snag a table. The restaurant is comfortable and inviting. It has very good ambiance. Service was mediocre, and doubtless will remain so. The Medici on 57th is a very good cafe and restaurant, offering good food and ambiance, reasonable prices and mediocre service. I recommend it.
(3)
Colleen C.

Finally, an adventure that landed me in beautiful Hyde Park. 1. BYOB 2. Hyde Park (as mentioned) 3. GREAT food. 4. Friendly Service. 5. HUGE summer patio on the second floor. (read: no rats scurrying about, like most Chicago patios!) 6. Lovely adjoining bakery. The spinach/cheese croissant? TO DIE FOR. 7. Strong kickapoo coffee. Um, hello...this means BYOB brunch!? Bring my own champagne and make...MIMOSAS!? hell, yes. Also, if you are planning a private party in the summer, I highly rec the upstairs with patio...mmmmm, patio. Seems like a million years away, but I will surely be back to sit on this patio...I don't care how long it takes me to get there :) I'll be the girl with the champagne and the baked goods. Come say hello.
(5)
Sandra T.

All kinds of bread for you bread eaters (I'm not into bread), bagels, rolls. But my favorites are; the turnovers, chocolate croissants and fruit tarts. The fruit tarts are the best I ever had, ever! They have ice cream and good coffee drinks. If I get a turnover, I go early anything else is ok during the day.
(5)
Jenna S.

I came here with a crazy group of Yelpers to meet for this month's office hours. We had the entire upstairs to ourselves which was really nice because there was a good number of us hanging out and having fun. I really enjoyed the space and I think it would have been a nice place to sit down and have some food if we had been there for a sit-down event. We had some super awesome servers helping us out - they took all of our drink orders promptly and made specialty coffee drinks for those who wanted them. I had some Irish breakfast tea which isn't really special, but I was impressed that they didn't pour the tea and then let the bag sit in the cup for five minutes before bringing it to me. I hate sour, over-steeped tea and this was well done. Nice job, Medici! There were samples of bakery sweets for us to try and they were all delicious. Though I'm not super into pastries or sweets, I will admit that the cookies with the jelly in the middle were delicious. I also shared a croissant with Theresa C and we were very pleased. The restaurant seemed to be hoppin but not totally packed, so it seems like a great place to go for dinner on the weekends. If you don't want to come in for dinner, go into the Medici Cafe and pick up a quick bite and some coffee. Their restaurant menu was huge, though I didn't do much perusal. A few Yelpers were telling me that the food is delicious so I'll come back to sample some of the things that Barack Obama himself enjoys eating. I never make it down to Hyde Park (yesterday was actually my first visit) but I'd come back to try the food here. Well done, Medici.
(4)
Reuben H.

OK- way overdue on this update. Colleen C set up a great Office Hours here and Medici delivered very well! They had an assortment of pastries (always have been very good) and some coffee called Kickapoo- which was awesome! The best part was- they proved me wrong with their service......... It was excellent! Friendly and attentive. The space the Med has has always been good- and they put us alone upstairs which was great. So why only 3 stars? I am a cynical SOB and don't believe that I would actually get that kind of service if I hadn't been there for a Yelp event when they knew there were some powerful, no- ALMIGHTY on line reviewers. The good news for Medici though is, this simple event has actually changed my mind on going back there again. I will give Medici another shot at redemption (and more stars).
(3)
Andre W.

Came here for The Office Hours event yesterday afternoon and as I walked inside, I realized I had been here before a couple of years ago and I just never remembered the name. When we walked in and set up we were greeted by the very nice manager and her staff. They gave us the upstairs area, which was nice. We had a pretty good view, in which we were able to look out of the window onto 57th street. They really gave us first class treatment, bringing us water, coffee and the delicious treats. The croissant with spinach and cream cheese was nothing short of spectacular (Had about 3 of them!). The other treats looked great as well, but I just did not have room for any more good stuff. Had fun chatting with fellow yelpers, new and old. Will definately return when I am in the HP area.
(5)
Audrey S.

Wow. I just cannot manage to sing the praises of this place high enough. Fun atmosphere. Prompt and friendly service. Amazing art and woodworking items to look at and finally, terrific, terrific, TERRIFIC food. We enjoyed breakfast with some friends we were visiting in Hyde Park. I am so glad they suggested we dine here. The breakfast was not only delicious but it was also what I could consider rather inexpensive. The total bill for four adults and three children came to $72, which I don't seem to consider costly at all. The ingredients were fresh, the coffee was terrific and overall, it seemed that everyone there from the bus boy to the patrons all were happy to be there. Just outstanding.
(5)
Dana F.

I was a bundle of nerves, but I HAD to eat something. Nothing like fainting on the spot during your Booth interview. I stopped by the deli section of Medici, in order to grab a cup of coffee and get something for lunch and to warm up. Vegetarian chili seemed like the way to go. It was a little thin for chili, and it lacked a lot of the protein, in the form of beans, that I was looking for. I felt as though I was eating a thicker, marginally spicer version of minestrone. The 7-grain bread for dipping was alright, but it lacked the "fresh batch" taste that induces all sorts of carb-laden overindulgences. The service was prompt and efficient and I did manage to snag a table. Prices were a bit expensive, but businesses figure that as long as you're shelling out $60k+ for your education, what's a $9 sandwich to you?
(2)
Joe A.

Atmosphere. The Medici has atmosphere. I grew up in Hyde Park and spent countless hours with my friends sitting in this place, drinking coffee and eating steaming baskets of fries and thick wedges of of spinich pizza, along with the occasional vanilla shake. And I think I might have kept going back even if the fare wasn't so yummy. It's a unique place. The art on the walls is kind of anachronistic and the carved graffiti is probably less cool than it seemed when I was 12. But the place has something. You just feel good sitting there. At least I did.
(5)
Caitlin F.

The Med (as UChicago students like to call it) is never a bad decision. Their pizzas are pretty fantastic (their pepperoni is like none I have ever tasted, and their spinach-and-goat-cheese pizza is to die for), their shakes are wonderful (really thick and creamy--make sure you get the amazing homemade whipped cream!), and you can't go wrong with their sandwiches or burgers either. The bakery is wonderful: their apple croissants are delicious, their almond croissants are near-heavenly, and their chocolate croissants are as near to pain au chocolat as I will ever get in Chicago. As for their drinks: if you need an espresso-fueled energy boost that also tastes like heaven, go for the chocolaccino; if espresso isn't your thing but coffee is, try the chocafÃ©; if you like your chai latte a little heavy in the honey, try this one; in the winter, their apple cider is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and maybe cloves and other mulling spices. Their chili is also very good. Love this place.
(5)
Stephen R.

This place is a neighborhood standard, for sure. The food is nothing to write home about, though nothing is really bad and the prices are pretty moderate. Sometimes the service can be iffy - the food runners and other staff on the floor can be more attentive than the servers themselves.
(3)
Adrian R.

I will never order delivery again. No matter what you order they tell you and hour wait and it is always an hour or more. Doesn't matter if it is a turkey sandwich. I live 6blocks away and it takes that long? Give me a break. This last time I ordered a pizza, burger and onion rings. Pizza was cold and onion rings were soggy and burger was so cold that cheese has became solid. crazy thing is if I pick up my food then it's ready in 20min so what is the extra time for? Never again in life. I have given them chance after chance. Thr food is Minot that good anyway. The burger buns are dry. Pizza is decent. People in Hyde park who say it is so great obviously have different measure of what flavor is or aren't from Chicago and don't know real pizza.
(2)
Karen T.

The Medici is a spot all true Hyde Parkers and U of C students alike hit at some point during their duration in the 60637. Really, isn't the "Obama eats here" memorabilia proof? But actually, long before the self-proclaimed "skinny guy with the big ears" became famous, the Medici was well-known as one of the few year-round go-to spots in Hyde Park. Their himbeersaft lemonades are refreshing in summer, mexicana hot chocolates soothing in winter, and their pizzas and burgers are always a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, I doubt any other joint could feature a Garbage Burger this delicious. My personal favorites: Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato sauce, the Mediterranean pizza with pesto on thin crust, and Mexicana milk shakes. I know, you're thinking of those sushi/thai/chinese places that try to do too much, but the Med actually succeeds in its multi-ethnic endeavors. Remember to bring a Sharpie / white-out pen with you. As evidenced by the graffiti all over the walls and tables, they love doodlers. Just not in the bathrooms anymore (they redid them a while back and now have a chalkboard up for those who can't hold themselves back). And it makes the wait go by that much faster. Though it by no means carries a Michelin star or any ritzy qualifications, it's got a certified stamp from patronage most loyal. Remember, the Med is not merely a haven to students who splurge from the usual ramen or bag of chips. It's an amalgamation of a casual dinner date cafe, a family dinner spot, and a warm bakery to wait in when you order take-out. These are hallowed grounds you tread upon at the Med, so pay homage politely, and then like so many before you...dig in!
(4)
Sneha P.

It's ok. Not good, not bad. Their oil/grease messes up my stomach, but it's a reliable place to have lunch in the South Side. Pasta is ok. Sandwiches are just ok. If you are looking for a good sandwich, go next door to Z&H instead.
(3)
Matt G.

The coffee here is very good. I also appreciate that they use fair trade, small batches from Wisconsin. The sandwiches were good but far too big. I had an Italian sandwich and couldn't eat the rest of the day. The prices are also a bit high. All in all, a cute little place in Hyde Park
(4)
Jerome H.

I adore this place. Consistent, consistent, consistent. I wish they had taken the 53rd Street location instead of Clarke's.
(4)
Sarah I.

A former Univ of Chicago student, I've been to the Med more times than I can really count. The good things about this place: the milkshakes and the brunch. My God, the brunch. Great potatoes and great eggs and fresh-squeezed orange juice and a cozy atmosphere, everything you want in a good brunch. The bad thing about this place is that almost everything else is mediocre. I was prompted to write a review after my experience yesterday, when I asked for a salmon burger, no bun, with a salad instead of fries (I'm on a weird cleanse). When it arrived, it 1) was on a bun, 2) had no side at all with it, and 3) had four slices of avocado on top instead of the guacamole it was supposed to. The woman who brought it out said, "Did they tell you when you ordered that we were out of guacamole? Do you want something else?" Uh, no, obviously no one told me that, and if that's the case, why didn't someone come TELL me that BEFORE bringing my food out with everyone else's? Sure, I may have wanted something else, but not when everybody at my table is already eating. Seriously? To top it off, the salmon burger and salad (which was nothing but greens, a few rings of raw onion, and one tomato wedge) was billed as--I kid you not--$14.95. The salmon burger on the menu, which comes with fries, is listed as $12.95. Sooo, I paid two extra dollars for an order they screwed up, that came without the promised guacamole, MINUS fries, and plus a salad that was worth maybe 50 cents? Umm, WHAT? Basically, the experience has totally pissed me off and I'm not in any mood to go back, not even for brunch. Tired of this place overcharging for lame food. Thanks for nothing, Medici!
(2)
Kayce C.

I give Medici a Woohoo! As good as it gets! 5 star rating because of a number of factors: Neighborhood atmosphere Cute Interior with the permission to graffitti on almost everything! Good Food Excellent Service BYOB and an Outdoor patio on the roof sandwiched between taller buildngs I've been here twice for dinner and both experiences were wonderful. The reason for our initial visit was the closing of our favorite spot Florrian Cafe. Medici happens to replace it very well and has become our new go to eatery for casual dinner. The burgers are huge! and can almost make for two meals, more recently I ordered their grilled cheese. Let me desribe this mouth watering sandwich for you. thick grilled buttery bread enveloping a luciously melted cheesyness mixed with....Pesto. Yes pesto on my grilled cheese. Omg it was genius and something I must now add to every homemade grilled cheese in the future. I also love their hummus, its pretty awesome considering the rest of the menu is typical American fare. I've never had problems with the service. The outdoor patio is lovely when weather permits and the BYOBness of the joint is easy on the budget.
(5)
Philip T.

This is a Sunday breakfast favorite. One server in particular remembers my order everytime i come in (breakfast #2, with chicken sausage, eggs scrambled and diet pop)! Food is good and comes fast.
(4)
Chelsea P.

This place is practically an extension of the UChicago campus. The food is solid, though the salads are over-priced. Most people come here for good coffee (fair trade!), tasty pizza, and delicious milkshakes. All in all, it's a good neighborhood place, and one of the only places in Hyde Park to get a cup of coffee after 9pm (a necessity when you're a student at UChicago!).
(4)
Daphne L.

Growing up in Hyde Park the Med was a regular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorite thing to do was to sit in a booth and write my name on the wall, while enjoying a garbage pizza and a chocolate shake. We were all a bit disappointed when they moved from their original spot on 57th street, but, much of the flavor and ambiance made it to the "new" spot a few blocks West. It was pretty much a rite of passage that you work at the Med if you could, and I put in my time here, as well as the now closed Harper Court location. It was like a family with Hans the ever-present leader of the clan who expected and demanded the best from his family and the food. Good times! I don't get over there as much anymore, but, whenever I'm in the 'hood I stop in for a burger, or brunch on the weekends (seriously some of the best eggs benedict around) and enjoy the atmosphere. It's an acquired taste, the Med, which is staffed mostly with U of C students, some who have more book sense than people smarts, and it's reflected in their customer service. That's okay, though, as I'm not expecting white glove service at a college hang. Plus, Hyde Parker's are a little different, which makes them that much more lovable. You have to make a point to have a chocolate croissant, a piece of apple pie, or one of the other delicious desserts at the hands of Gracie. I don't know if she's still there (I hope she is, what up Gracie!!) but if not I'm sure her recipe still lives on. 57th st. Medici, you'll always hold a special place in my heart.
(4)
Kate G.

Medici is not the sort of restaurant that you would crave. You won't wake up in the middle of the night, shake awake whoever is sleeping next to you and say: "We MUST go get a salad/brunch/pizza from Medici!!!" It's one of those places you go because it's one of the only restaurants in the neighborhood that isn't Pan-Asian cuisine (which I love, but if you don't feel like pad see ew or paneer makhani, Hyde Park is a restaurant desert). Brunch is not life-changing, nor is it horrible. Dinner is not drool-inducing, but you'll leave happy. I gave it a 4th star instead of just the average 3 because the Mexican hot chocolate shake at Medici is the BEST shake. Maybe ever? It's seriously really good. Thick, chocolate-y, with a spicy aftertaste. Delish.
(4)
Vineet S.

Great bakery stuff, everything very fresh. They have really good fruit tarts and turnovers. It's better to go in early morning when everything just comes out fresh from the bakery. Maybe next time will try coffee also.
(5)
Jess L.

I miss this place so much! I got the ensalata kimba about a million times. The floats and shakes were divine. The garbage burger introduced my tastebuds to a whole new level of tasty messiness. Definitely a college hang out, great at any time.
(4)
Eeeee L.

I adore Medici - both the main restaurant and the short-order cafe. I have eaten more lunches here than anywhere in Hyde Park / UofC area over the years...not because it is always close, but because it is reliably fantastic. The outdoor area and folding glass walls are great. In the Summer, don't miss out on the berry smoothie with yogurt. So refreshing. My favorite sandwiches are the Mozz (like a caprese), the California Wrap, and the Cranberry Turkey. The calzones get me through the winter months. Seriously, they are the perfect size and have great crust, partially crunchy/partially rich and doughy. I think one of the specials with pepperoni, pesto, and goat cheese (maybe called "Nicole's Favorite" or something) saved me from some bone-cold days. Speaking of which, the Grilled Veggie Chili is killer good. Add a grilled cheese to that, and you're in business. We always get the burgers, too. The chicken tenders are HUGE and juicy, as every good tender should be. The lasagna is very good...just beware that it sometimes take a long time to cook if you're in a hurry on on a lunch break. The waitstaff and deli team here are terrific. From the cheerful-but-not-fake-cheerful hostesses to the super nice guy who refills your water, they are the best. Shout out to Yazzie and Sam!
(5)
Fe T.

well, first you should note that if it is Hyde Park, to convert to the normal Chicago scale, you should take a star off. On the other side, I commend Medici for choosing Hyde Park to run their business. Mediocre would suddenly become fantastic. Anyway, despite being a college and very safe neighborhood, everything closes at 10, even grocery stores. So I really appreciate Medici for closing later than the rest. The atmosphere is very warm. They got nice music playing (yes that's a plus if the owner knows the types of music that improve your appetite)and they sell ice cream and decent baked goods. I've tried their garbage thin crust pizza, which is oddly pleasant. Staffs are nice too. Compared to Istria, which has good bakery and gelato but stops selling gelato in the winter, Medici is cheaper with way wide selection. Besides I am odd enough to only crave ice cream on the coldest, most stormy days so yay to Medici today for offering me some ice cream at 10pm on a cold stormy, rainy day. bottom line: decent food, nice staffs but nothing spectacular.
(4)
Rob K.

I had birthday lunch here. The atmosphere is wonderful. Maybe the most perfect looking place we've ever eaten. The food itself is fine, workmanlike bar/grill food, but really it's all about soaking up the environment, trying to make out all the graffiti. Loved it.
(4)
Rodger W.

The Pan Pizza is the best in Chicago. Forget the BLAND "As Seen on TV" crap from Lou Malnatis. If you want Pan Pizza this is the one. Savory sauce, perfect crust, fresh toppings. Also, the fresh lemonade and milkshakes are fantastic.
(5)
Ericka J.

I fell in love with Mexican Hot Chocolate at a small cafe in Pasadena... I'll be writing a review for them next.. Back to the story - I am always hoping to find great Hot Chocolate, not too watery, not too bitter, but very chocolate-y. Medici's has just that - Mexican Hot Chocolate that tastes great! Get the Whipped Cream. It's worth it. A bit pricey but this drink is pricey. Good place to warm up on a rainy day too... if you can find a table.
(4)
Tina B.

I totally did an embarrassingly public, but amazingly satisfying three-way with two hot croissants in my car in front of the bakery. But I'll start at the beginning. It was about 6 or so in the morning and I was sleepy as hell and hungry as hell, because, unfortunately, I'm usually rolling like that. Both of that. And rolling meaning in the car, I pointed my wheels toward Medici. I'd never been here in the morning before, but I figured they're a bakery and they serve coffee, so makes sense. Business was bustling with other half asleep carb whores, so I knew I was in the right spot. Their meat filled croissants were my agenda and sadly I couldn't find any. Oh. Wait. They did have them - on the fucking baking sheet still! Oh. Oh my. But for almost $5 each? Hell. I'll have one. Hell. Okay. I'll have one of each, fuck, just put them in the damn bag already... One was a spicy and sassy bitch with spicy turkey and cheddar inside and the other was a calmer, more collected bitch with ham and swiss cheese oozing out its ends. I started off all aloof, pissed off and broke and cheaply annoyed ("Almost $10 fucking dollars on two croissants! What was I thinking? I am not a fucking Cosby kid!") And then, in the front seat of my janky Honda, I devolved into some shit people on the street had to shield their kids from: I bit into both of them at the same time, a blanket of buttery flakes covered my ample chest and cheese mingled and dribbled down my chin. A dude walked by and looked at me and then looked away and then stole another peek before he walked right into the bakery to get himself some of the exact same stuff. My eyes glazed the hell over afterward and I had to go home and take a nap. Fresh morning bakery action is always hot, but this shit here is a whole nother realm. (PS, note to Yelp - I know there are already like 70 reviews on here, but y'all got to figure out how to separate the bakery from the restaurant as two separate listings - they are two entirely different things, with different entrances - Solid and straight up 5 stars for that hot bitch of a bakery and a 4 for the restaurant (some days a 3.5 even...))
(5)
Beth M.

I swung by the deli for lunch with a friend. The deli's Veggie Sub is actually vegan without any modifications! It has most of the standard fillings, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, bell peppers and baby greens. But I must say, it's a big step up from Subway; the bread and vegetables are fresh and lack the refrigerator taste.The pepperoncini and balsamic-pesto Kimba dressing bump it up a notch. There is also a vegetarian Mediterranean Wrap with hummus and tabouli. I wonder how it would be without the feta cheese. You can also make your own sandwich from a number of bread and veggie options, but it will be a little more expensive. For less than $5, the Veggie Sub is a great deal. While the deli line can go out the door at lunchtime, service is fairly quick.
(4)
Jodi T.

Deliciousness in Hyde Park (I personally like the sandwiches better than those at Z&H). And I had excellent service.
(4)
Kate C.

There are so many things I like about Medici, including that it's BYOB, the delicious Moroccan ragout, BLT, and veggie chili. I used to really like the garbage salad, but then I ordered it for take out and got a mess of bad tomatoes and a weird substance I couldn't identify. It's weird they don't have a normal vinaigrette salad dressing, and their food is a bit over priced. I do enjoy having dinner here, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere and good service. It's just not amazing.
(3)
Bobby B.

Okay, so it has finally happened. The B-o-double-b...why?! Has finally made it into Medici in Hyde Park. The negative reviews are somewhat surprising, as I've heard nothing but great things from many friends about this place. We went in after a museum trip, and I have to say, it was pretty awesome. The shakes and malts are outstanding (I had a banana nut fudge shake, my girlfriend had a chocolate malt.) The baked goat cheese appetizer is amazing. We tried a bacon blue cheese burger (hand patty of course) and that too was really tasty. The medici spinach pan pizza was really good. The ingredients were really fresh, the crust was tasty, though the sauce was about average at best. Overall this place is definitely worth stopping by.
(5)
Alex B.

The Med's ok. I've been here often over the past three years, and in that time my enthusiasm for Medici evolved from *high* to *medium* to *I only go here if I'm with someone who really wants to.* The good things: the physical space is cool: high ceilings, outdoor seating in the summertime, cozy wooden booths. The pizza is my favorite menu item; it's decent in a better-than-average way, especially given the other pizza options in the neighborhood. The bread from their bakery next door is very good, and I occasionally go out of my way to pick up a loaf. It's also not too expensive. Still, the Med is consistently underwhelming. The staff are generally indifferent and the food is heavy and uninventive. There's seriously some *oomph* missing here. When I pay to eat at a sit-down restaurant I want it to taste better than something I could have made at home, and Medici just doesn't quite get there.
(2)
Tiffany K.

This spot is close to campus and has been around for a long time. However, when you take this restaurant outside of Hyde Park, it is just Average. Service is meh, the food is your standard fare (but a tad bit overpriced). Nothing is really unqiue about the place, except for maybe the cool wooden interior and the patio. The patio is great - but that's probably the only good thing about this place. A must if you are a student, but it's really nothing special.
(2)
Paul C.

Great little place near the University when I grabbed a quick breakfast. I had the #2 Breakfast which was 2 eggs, sausage and french toast. It was well-done. Sausage links were tasty and cooked to a good crisp. Eggs were just right and the toast was delicious. Service was prompt and courteous and the price, with a drink, was $10. Not bad. I'll be back.
(4)
Robert S.

I tend to frequent this as it is one of the few places in the area that stays open late. There are plenty of meaty options on the menu, and although I can't speak to their quality, my companions enjoy them more often than not. As far as the vegetarian options go: Moroccan Ragout is excellent and the sandwiches and wraps are serviceable, the veg chili is weak and absolutely stay away from the black bean burger; it is a garbage patty on a bun with avocado slices. Of note: -The wait staff is usually excellent and attentive. -Plenty of tasty shakes and the like, a must try! -(apparently) Obama eats here too
(3)
Jan E.

My new favorite place. Great service. Awesome food. Fantastic ambiance. Excellent prices. We had the Moroccan ragout and beef chili, but every dish that passed us on the way to other customers - pizza, salads, eggs, sandwiches, pastries - looked amazing. Go.
(5)
Marilynn L.

I've been here twice because my sister goes to U of C and it pretty much is the closest place around. The place looks pretty hip with dim lights and writing all over the seats and tables. Both times I have eaten here, I have had pizza. The garbage pizza was pretty good and the chili fries were probably the best part of my meal. I don't recommend the garlic bread because it had sort of a flat taste to it and not the way 'garlic' flavored bread should taste. It did take the waiter a while to get our order but everything was smooth after that. The place is nothing overly special but it is decent enough when you are in need of a (not so) quick bite to eat or if your sister goes to U of C and its the closest place around.
(3)
Courtney S.

One of my top three Chicago pizza spots! I love the decore- you can write on the tables and the wall. It is always crowded and loud, but a great spot to catch up with friends. The outdoor terrace is nice, romantic at night.
(3)
Coby H.

great ambience and pecan pie that I would drive a few hundred miles for. Entrees are kind of blah, but certainly passable. Waitress was really nice and helpful.
(3)
Tina H.

I absolutely love this place! I save going there for special mornings to get delicious coffee and the BEST croissants I have had in the US (no joke). If you go there for a sit down meal, they have fun drinks (like almond soda floats) and delicious sandwiches for pretty reasonable prices. This is by far the best bakery I have found in Chicago!
(5)
Alexis G.

A good old place. We used to go here all the time in high school. In fact, I went here as a little kid and my mom helped us carve our names into the booth (a Medici passtime)... so I have to admit nostalgia also contributes to my coming back here. It's gotten more expensive since then (restaurants these days!) but it's still a decent spot. The pizza is good, and they have some amazing homemade salad dressing-- the creamy Parmesan is fantastic. Also their shakes and baked goods are fabulous. Their mocha or chocolate shakes are to die for. You should also try the chocolate croissants. It's true service can be slow, and I get that the Obama t-shirts are a little over the top-- but as someone who used to eat here when Obama was just a senator and he would come in and eat there, it's pretty cool to brag about it! :) You shouldn't expect a fantastic meal, but go with good company and enjoy some solid good food.
(4)
Melanie R.

I ordered the California wrap. My peeve is that they gave me a pre-made one, and it was clearly made long before I ordered it. The sprouts were going brown (ick!) and the avocado was looking a little mushy. The flavor was good, but if I wanted a pre-made sandwich, I could have easily grabbed one from the cooler near the front door.
(3)
Charles T.

Ah, the Medici. This place is without doubt a Hyde Park and University of Chicago establishment. What you will find: burgers, pizza, salads, and small neighborhood charm. You will also see lots of shirts and things that say "Obama Eats Here." You definitely feel like you have stepped into someone's home. The Medici is considered a neighborhood treasure and its mark on Hyde Park certainly extends beyond the restaurant. Right next door is the Medici Bakery and they also run The Pub in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall on the UofC campus. Some ADVICE: If you want pizza its fine, but there are more traditional pizza joints in Hyde Park such as Edwardo's. Rather, I recommend the burgers and in particular the Garbage Burger! Don't ask how many calories are in it - I am sure you don't want to know, but it is simply delicious! Try it with a side of onion rings rather than fries because the rings are thick and delicious! But if greasy burgers are not your style, then you should probably have one of their HUGE salads - and I do mean huge. One will be more than enough for you and you will probably have to take some home. Besides their greasy food, if you come to the Medici you should have one of their traditional, hand dipped shakes or malts. They will certainly complete your meal and they are oh so yummy. Just be aware, although the place feels like a small neighborhood dive in a quaint college area, the prices are a little bit higher than you might want to pay if you are a student on a dime and given that the quality is just average. Still, it is probably a place you will want to frequent every now and then. Just be prepared to also put on a few extra pounds.
(3)
Clif P.

Medici is ok. The food isn't bad, but isn't great either. The prices are a tad bit high. Also, Hyde Park restaurants usually don't have alcohol. For the neighborhood, go for it. Not worth coming from far to eat here.
(3)
Marilynn L.

Chai latte was far too sweet. Cashier lady was not so sweet either. I think it's your only good option in the area and they take advantage of that (you have no were else to go). Extra star because food looked good and was creative.
(3)
Jessica M.

While visiting Chicago on a long weekend, I met Medici. Not a fan of their shoe string fries, but their onion rings rock. My favorite dish- The Garbage Burger ( bacon, mushrooms, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, grilled onions) = delicious!!! Must try this burger, definitely worth writing home about. If I dare come to Chicago again I will definitely come back to Medici.
(4)
Carol K.

I gave this place 3 stars for a few reasons, there isn't anything wrong with the food, but there also isn't anything really profound or unique about it either. It's pretty good, it's fairly healthy if you order properly, reasonably priced and normal American lunch/dinner fare. Nothing surprising, but a lot of people like that sort of thing. I do too some of the time. Apparently Prez Obama has eaten there some time in the distant past, it's an easy assumption, I'm not totally buying it. Is is a reason to go? Let's just say, don't hold your breath. None the less ambiance is family-y, energetic, fun and there's a great sun porch out back. If you feel like checking it out it's not a bad idea, it's not a spectacular idea, it just is what it is. Plus you'll get to banter over whether the statue is rotating or not and either feel crazy or be amused.
(3)
Bora U.

The Med is definitely the go-to spot for my co-workers and I (along w/ the whole UChicago community and Hyde Park residents). Both the restaurant and the bakery next door offer something for everyone. The main restaurant can get very busy during lunch time from noon - 1pm but I've never waited more than 5 minutes for a table there. If I go with a group of my co-workers usually we end up splitting one of their fantastic pizzas. If you don't have a lot of time, go for the thin crust - Veggie and Goat Cheese/Spinach are my two favorites. I also LOVE their milkshakes - particularly the Fudge-banana nut milkshake. It's like a meal in a glass. I've had the burger, chicken fingers and fries (I usually ask for onion rings instead), and other standard lunch items. In the winter I like the Fidel's Chicken Soup. Filled with chunks of chicken, rice and veggies. If you're eating on the run and don't need table service, the bakery next door has fantastic sandwiches. I love the Smokey Joe and the Arrabiata. They have many options for the bread for your sandwich. Sandwiches range from $5-7. You can also make your own. I also enjoy the tomato ciabatta - it's basically a pizza with caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes layered on top of a fresh ciabatta loaf. I usually have half for lunch and take home the rest for a light dinner. I've also popped by the bakery after work to pick up their miniature pies for picnics in Millennium Park. Their pecan pie and apple pie are so rich and decadent. They're small, but heavy and loaded with flavor. I'd say each little pie is enough to serve two. The Med is definitely a great place to have a casual lunch or to pick up items for dinner at home.
(4)
Hannah J.

I went to U of C, and so used to go to the Med all the time. I always thought they had pretty good food and pretty good prices. I like the atmosphere: writing all over the walls, families, students, casual. BUT I was back in the neighborhood this week and went to the Med for lunch, and it was not good. I was excited to see a spicy black bean burger on the menu, but it was the frozen black bean patties they sell at Costco. I buy those all the time, and they are cut in a distinct pattern, so I definitely recognized it. They dressed it up with some avocado, but I'm still not happy paying $11 for a frozen Costco black bean burger. Come on, Med, you can do better.
(2)
Sarah R.

the atmosphere is awesome here! this was my first Chicago style pizza! so yummy! their crust was soo soo soo yummy!!!!!! very reasonably priced
(4)
Rebecca S.

Typical brunch place. Apparently they do bottomless cups of coffee, which my friend loves but I got one of their Cafe Mocha's and it was unlike anything I had ever seen. Huge glass, Cafe Mocha with a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top. YUM!!! Is it hot, is it cold? It's whatever you want it to be! And for a Sunday bunch, the place was not packed by any means. Tons of tables available and we were seating quickly. Got typical breakfast food (pancakes, eggs and sausage) and everything was fine, not to memorable. The decor was a little grungy but service was great and super helpful. I am so hipster, I love places like this.
(4)
Greg D.

This review is only for the bakery. We stopped by there Friday night after leaving Edwardo's pizza next door. They have an excellent large selection of pastries and coffee. I had a Mexican style hot chocolate which was nice. The employees are all wearing black T-shirts that say "Obama Eats Here!" on the back. When asked about that, they said that Obama ate there in September, and they even gave us directions to his house on 51st and Greenwood. Their directions were correct and we went by Obama's house the next day and took some pictures (a few uploaded). This is a really nice place to stop for coffee and or desert after visiting Edwardo's next door. Service was friendly and the pastry menu is complex with some items only available on certain days of the week. Heck, if Obama eats here (which is true), it's gotta be good eh? :)
(4)
Jonathan J.

I have been here about ten times, all out of necessity. I either needed a place to study with coffee late night or a meeting place for a group project or something similar. The food on every given visit was 2-Stars. The service was crappy almost every time. When it comes 30-minutes to closing, you can be sure the wait staff are all going to be watching for you to leave like buzzards. In fact, after we ordered a couple coffees and milkshakes one evening, we were asked to leave when the place was pretty full because they were closing soon. Our waitress was watching us leave from a little side door and window and awkwardly ducked away when she saw that we saw her watching us leave. Rather than sending a manager over to boot us out, she could have easily said we're closing soon, just giving you a head's up. It was just weird the way the manager handled it and the waitress was watching us so oddly. The almost $10 grilled cheese is actually not too bad, if you end up here on accident or by force. Avoid the disgusting burgers, though, at all costs! And I'll second the people who say the pastries and bread, for a place that claims to be an artisan bakery, is really crappy. Especially the awful pizza crust. Yuck. I won't be going back again. Lots of better options on that block. PS--my three reviews are 2-stars back in 2011, 2-stars in 2012, and finally 1-star in 2013.
(1)
Jack B.

Sorry to all the fans, but this place is terrible. Went in for a weekday lunch, overpaid for a mediocre veggie sandwich (my companion felt the same about his sandwich), waited FOREVER, and then was told by the woman behind the counter that we weren't allowed to sit down because it was "carry-out only," despite the fact that other people were sitting there eating. I have no idea what that was about -- we were two normal-looking, reasonably polite people, so I don't exactly know what her problem with us was. I wanted to give this place a second chance, because I've heard their croissants described as The Greatest In The World, so I did go back a few weeks later for a croissant. They were fine, nothing special, and the service was once again rude (though not as bad). Will never go back.
(1)
Tina W.

Shame on me, in my three odd years in Chicago, I had never been to Hyde Park. So when I went to watch a movie at DOC films at U of C, I asked a friend for a recommendation. Apparently the culinary options in the area are meager. So Medici on 57th it is. My friend and I sat in the outdoor patio which was pleasant enough. The chairs and tables were more than a little rickety. Our waiter, though friendly, sure took his time! We must have waited 10+ minutes for every step of the dining process: menus (10), orders (10), food (10), bill (10). That's 40 minutes of waiting that ended up making us very late for our movie. The food was good though. I had a chicken breast salad with balsamic pesto vinaigrette. The lettuce and vegetables tasted fresh, the chicken was grilled to perfection, and the vinaigrette was to die for. Seriously, where do they get their dressing, because I want that on every salad I have from now on. The extras to salad ratio was good too. So: food 4 stars, service just barely 2 stars, and a decent atmosphere bring up the score to a solid 3 stars.
(3)
Ignacio M.

Ate there on a Wednesday afternoon. Atmosphere is great and family friendly. Our waitress was really nice and provided great service. I had a burger and while I cannot say it is the best burger I've had, I was satisfied with the huge burger. Definitely a restaurant one should visit while in hyde park
(4)
Jason S.

Our favorite tarts in Chicago! Also enjoyed lunch there with a large group, no trouble getting a table! Service is always friendly and warm, and everything you order tastes great!
(5)
Bryan F.

When I was in college in the mid 90's I used to love coming to this place, pretty great pizza, dug the feel of the place, etc. After moving away I'd occasionally stop by when in town and found the service more spotty than I remember and the food only being good, not great... In the past few years I've stopped by a few times and had bad service and so-so food. It's pretty disappointing as this could and should be a great place. Sad to see a place roll downhill... It's still decent but it's not a place I seek out like I used too.
(3)
Risa C.

Great Bread, Fun food combinations. Good for burgers/ sandwiches and pizza. Try the green tea at the Medici bakery next door.
(3)
Rick V.

Good food and an inviting atmosphere. Pity that they close so early. I had barely finished my almond soda with chocolate ice cream when we were basically being rushed out the door. Maybe it would be better if they were open until 11 or 12?
(3)
Yaniv K.

Quite possibly the best place to get a sandwich, a croissant or a dessert in Hyde Park. This is a mandatory stop for me, a graduate student at uchicago, on the way to school to and fro. Their bagels are toasted to perfection; the coffee is never burned; and the sandwiches are readily available for purchase. Medici is simply one of those places that are indispensable for the social fabric of a neighborhood. In this case, the best deli in Hyde Park!
(5)
Nicole W.

One of my favorite places in Hyde Park! I've only been to the bakery side but I've heard great things about the restaurant side. I ordered a bacon grilled cheese here once and it was delicious and cheap. Some of the best ice cream I've had. Delicious flavors with a smooth and creamy texture. My favorite is definitely Pirate's Booty. The milkshakes are also delicious, not icy or too watery. I would try the Mexicana for a little different spin on a chocolate milkshake. And for coffee the Chocafe is the best on the menu, if you like chocolate that is. It is definitely my favorite thing on the menu. All in all, a fantastic place to stop for goodies on a hot or cold day. They have outdoor and indoor seating and they also bake right on location so the goodies are fresh and fantastic. It can be a bit pricey, but a worthy splurge.
(5)
Gfiddy F.

Simply outstanding.
(5)
Claire F.

Medici...hmm.......Well, Medici is pretty good. I live in Hyde Park, so if I don't want to make a trip downtown or North for dinner, this is usually where I go. The food is good, but nothing amazing. The service is pretty good, but they are usually pretty bad about refilling drinks. The atmosphere is cute and casual. I like it enough to have been here 3 times this year, but it's not amazing. Here is the main problem with Medicie: After you eat your meal, you will think, " Gee...I could have made that at home" The food is a little greasy, and nothing you couldn't make yourself.
(3)
Kumari D.

Sometimes you have to wait for a table would be my only regret. This is a fine place to take kids or meet friends or eat a fast or leisurely meal. Perfect for brunch or pizza. I especially love the Mexican Hot Chocolate.
(5)
CE K.

Pizza. Burgers. Salads. Coffee. Pastries. Ice cream. Hot chocolate. I like it all. The Med is a staple for any U of C student, faculty, staff, etc. The convenient store has a good deli in the back if you need to grab a quick lunch. I haven't been in long time (sadly), but I'll always have fond memories of pizza night with my girl friends, late night coco runs with my friend L, and the salad dinners I always craved when the weather warmed up.
(4)
Chris V.

This place is a total Hyde Park/University of Chicago staple! The food and service are pretty good, and the place is always packed with people. It has a nice neighborhood feel to it, and it is always a nice place to visit. The burgers and the fettuccine are great. Also, the Apple Pie dessert is absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended!
(4)
D'Sheadra B.

I do a lot of work at UofC and this resturant is the best when I want to be with other career students. Food is good and average prices. The baked goods are the best.
(5)
Norma R.

Everybody is on target. love this place and all the food mentioned but.....nobody has mentioned da bomb Wings, sauce`on the side with fries or onion rings or the Grilled Chicken Breast salad with the white French dressing, oh I'm doing a Pavlov, I think I'm set up my dinner.
(5)
Justine U.

The food here is great, sometimes the pizza can be a bit greasy, but I've eaten here many times with no complaints about the food. The brunch is fabulous - lox plate is good, as are the sweet potato pancakes. Their bread is delicious so that makes the sandwiches even better (I suggest the veggie one with roasted red pepper, goat cheese and spinach). My office has become obsessed with the Mediterranean pizza, we've started ordering it once a month for a pizza party! Their lemonade and floats are fabulous as well. The service on the other hand is usually mediocre. The servers can mostly be rude and many don't seem to be there to serve the customer. As someone who waited tables for years, I know what I'm talking about when I say that they just aren't good servers. Not all of them are terrible, but there are a few that I hope I never get seated at their table.
(4)
R M.

I wish I could give the restaurant more starts but I'm so disappointed with their fries.. Everytime we're ready to order- its' the first thing that comes up.. ugh those fries.. they are thin and just bad- they get soggy with all the food and well it would be nice if they had better fries. Our alternative was the potato skins but they took those off the menu.. They have good food but what accompanies their dish is blahhh and many times decides on whether we're going to eat there or not.. The burgers, steak sandwich, strawberry Lemonade, chicken strips are great!
(3)
Sarah S.

Oh, the Med. The first restaurant every first year at University of Chicago is told to go to, the staple of 57th St. Unfortunately, the Med has gone down in quality significantly, I think, in the last 2 or 3 years. The portions got smaller and the food got pricier. Best bets for food are definitely the burgers - they're served on wonderful fresh-baked buns. The salads are also wonderful and big - best Caesar salad in Hyde Park. Skip the Mexican food and pasta. All in all, the food is fine, but nothing to write home about, at least not anymore. The one exception to this are the milkshakes and floats, which are both unusual (the "Mexicana" cinnamon one is to die for) and truly tasty. So go in a late afternoon, grab a milkshake, breathe in the great atmosphere, write on the walls in permanent marker, and then go somewhere else for dinner.
(3)
Derek K.

If "Obama Eats Here", as their T shirts profess, I wonder what he thought of the food. The interior is fine, two levels with an outdoor patio that is open during the warm months. Service can be hit or miss, sometimes great, sometimes they forget about you. I don't dislike their food but I don't like it either. You certainly won't be walking out of here with your taste buds in a trance. Most of the items on the menu are fine, eatable but I have yet to try anything that I would recommend to others. You have your standard salads, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and other items. Prices are reasonable. They charge for refills - when you sell Rite and Diet Rite as your flagship beverage you have no right to charge for refills. One thing that irks me is that the plates they serve their food on are never hot, or warm for that matter. By the time your meal arrives, it is lukewarm at best. I don't know about you but I'm not a fan of cold french fries. I think Medici's owes their "success" not so much to the food or atmosphere but rather to the lack of places to eat in the area. Obama may eat here but it is probably out of necessity rather than by choice.
(2)
Katie T.

Being a UChicago student, the praises about the Med have been sung for many a month before I finally ventured out to this local eatery.. One thing is for sure, the milkshakes are godly..making the one dollar shakes at the Einstein Brothers bagel shop every Wednesday (another UChicago staple) seem like churned milk with flavor. They are a must have for anybody venturing out to the Med. Their pizzas are good; I like the Mediterranean one especially but everything else on the menu seems to leave much to be desired...definitely come for the staples if you want something amazing or noteworthy but don't stray from there. Aside from food, the atmosphere at the Med is great. I take all of my friends who visit from other schools there and it's always a favorite.
(3)
Nefertiti O.

Hey, so Medici's is a good bakery! Restaurant, not so much. The food is so so, with the exception of the salmon burger special. Other than that I am hard pressed to find something on the menu that I feel matches the price. So, I ordered a croissant sandwich for delivery and it was 10$ and change and comes with no sides. Furthermore, the chicken salad taste like my little brother made it. Disappointing to say the least. I only wish I was in the restaurant so that I could send it back. Medici's you have great potential. Please step your flavor game up!
(2)
Jonathan S.

Jimmy Johns makes me a sandwich in 20 seconds. I waited for my sandwich at Medici's bakery for 20 minutes. It's empty in here and I can see 4 employees sitting idly in the kitchen. The food is decent, but the service is the only thing that sticks with me when I leave (this has happened the last three times I was here). Won't be back for a good while.
(1)
Krsna V.

The three stars are for the food. Their goat cheese pizza is the best. That alone makes it worth visiting Medici. Now, the minus two stars is for the service. I have been there many times and the service can be a hit or miss. I have experienced pleasant to terribly rude wait staff. Wish I could give 5 stars but the service leaves much to be desired.
(3)
Quinn K.

I used to live right by this place until recently. I tried to go there as often as possible. I thought it was only a bakery. The actual restaurant is hard to find. Once you do though, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The inside is cute and cozy. It has a nice outdoor area as well and seats right by large, sunny windows. The shakes there are delicious. I always get their almond shake and I actually want one right now thinking about it. To be honest I don't remember much about what I got besides being satisfied. Everything is homemade and it was tasty. My guests from out of town were pleased as well. It's actually a favorite of my sister's and she's a vegetarian. I'd go there again if it weren't so damned cold out and far away.
(5)
Lara Z.

Mediocre at best. Yes, the shakes are yummy and the pizza is decent, but other than that nothing to write home about. Sub-par service most of the time and overpriced for the quality of food.
(2)
Jo W.

Fellow Yelpers, today I fell in Love. With a capital L. First I fell in love with adorable Hyde Park. (Yes, it was my first time.) And then, Medici on 57th wandered into my life. (Ok, actually I wandered into theirs.) My friend and I accidentally walked into the bakery first. I had to immediately leave because my brain started freaking out at all the delicious baked goods. I might have to come back for that. We went next door to the restaurant, and I think I may have died and gone to heaven. We were seated in a cute booth covered in graffiti - part of Medici's charm. We tried to leave our mark, but our pens sucked. But right in front of me was a man's note to the world - that his girlfriend had the most beautiful eyes in the universe. I mean, how can you not swoon over that? If you didn't just say "awwww!" you are dead inside. We ordered a thin crust pizza with pepperoni and green peppers from our lacksidasical server (the only reason this place didn't get 5 stars). Folks, let me tell you right now - this is THE BEST pizza I've had in Chicago. If you like thin crust, you have GOT to make the trip down here, because it is SO worth it. The pepperoni is the biggest I have ever seen, and it is delicious. The green peppers were so fresh I think they have a garden out back. The crust OH MY GOD THE CRUST is to die for. While I enjoy a nice thin crust, I have to admit the thick crust I spied at other tables looked amazing as well. Actually, ALL of the food I spied at other tables looked amazing. It will be hard to come back and try something different though, because that pizza was super delicious. When we left we used the super cute restrooms - instead of marking them "men/women" they marked them "boys/girls" and the little people on the signs were cute. The coolest part about the bathroom area? One sink out in the open, and a wall covered in that awesome chalkboard paint with chalk for you to leave a message to the world. My message? "All we need is love." Because really, that IS all we need.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Um, so I defaced a table. And I think I broke the server's pen. So, yeah, that's how my meal ended. Ooops. The good news is that it seems defacing tables and the walls, and just about any flat surface seems to be encouraged! This was further evidenced when said server produced a lovely Sharpie to make my defacing of the table THAT much easier. All anecdotes aside, the food is fantastic here. We started with the baked goat cheese, which is presented with some homemade toast. It was so good, we had to get more toast to polish it off. We each tried an individual pizza for our entrees, which seemed to be a good bet. He tried the pan pizza ala garbage (it was called the garbage pizza, doi), and I had the Hans's smoked German ham. His was a bit too meaty (never thought I'd say THAT), but mine was just perfect with red onions, ham and Granny Smith apples. We pined over the french fries and the onion rings we saw carried to other tables, so I envision a return trip. Most definitely, it will be to sit outside with a bottle of wine. It wasn't quite warm enough for us to venture out on the day we visited. Service was pretty good, but could have been slightly more attentive. We ate a very late lunch/very early dinner, so we could have been between shifts. In any event, any forgetfulness was forgiven with the sweetness of our waiter and the root beers he continued to bring for my boyfriend. Loved the lay-out of this place, loved that it's BYOB, and loved the writing on the walls. This is a great casual date place, a fantastic spot for a family meal, and a good spot for old friends to catch up. I can't wait to come back. (Oh, and sorry about your pen, dude. But thanks for the Sharpie so I could really express myself on your table!)
(4)
Taylor E.

The University of Chicago admissions office tends to direct visiting prospective students and their parents here, and it's not hard to see why: it has quaint but welcoming atmosphere, the food is solid, and the menu is unlikely to alienate any palates. However, I find that Medici's, while well-balanced, lacks any truly inspired dishes: I've had many meals here that I've liked, but none that I've truly loved. The menu highlights are the burgers and the pizzas; these are prepared competently but rely heavily on tried-and-true (to the point of boring) flavor combinations, and the ingredients used, while certainly not bad, are not quite up to the level of quality that would bump this place up a notch. The atmosphere, though, is pretty nice, and definitely stands out in the Hyde Park dining scene, which consists primarily of dives and a handful of up-market places; Medici's is one of the few decent mid-market places. All of the wooden surfaces in the restaurant are heavily graffitied, but in a charming, 'hip' sort of way: if this restaurant and a tour of the University of Chicago are your first introduction of the neighborhood, you'll definitely come away with a different impression of the neighborhood than the locals - something I think that the University is pretty aware of. The spinach and goat cheese pizza is pretty good (especially if you ask to add sun-dried tomatoes) and the floats are tasty with some interesting choices - the almond soda/chocolate ice cream float in particular is delicious. If Yelp allowed half stars I'd give this place a 3.5 - there's nothing really bad about it, but nothing except for the atmosphere really stands out either.
(3)
Brent L.

I love this restaurant, but I must confess that I haven't tried many items on the menu other than their steak burrito, their pizza, and their burgers. But everything I try is just so good, and I'm a creature of habit. If you need a suggestion, get the steak burrito, splurge for the guacamole (not the best guac imaginable, but good), and get a Mexicana shake. You're welcome.
(4)
Emily N.

One of my girlfriends and I used to come here about once a month for the spinach lasagna. It's soooo good. We'd also split the ensalata kimba. That thing is also awesome. I mean granny smith apples, blue cheese, pecans... how could that not be awesome. And the lemonade, so refreshing. The space is pretty cool too. Rustic, artsy, graffitied. Service has always been good. As for the bakery? Oh God. Bring on the sinfully scrumptious feta and spinach croissant. This thing is definitely going to be included in my last meal menu. I am so addicted to them that I absolutely cannot eat this in the bakery. If I did it would a vicious cycle of me ordering the croissant and a chocolino. I would sit down and demolish the delectable pastry and gulp down my coffee, get up, return to the counter and repeat my order, sit, eat, drink, reorder.... you get the idea. I'm pretty sure that this would continue until I ran out of money or they closed for the day. Whichever comes first. Oh right, I mentioned the chocolino. Espresso, chocolate milk, whipped cream. Know about it. Oh, and if that cunt of a bartender who always manages to give me the warmest beer in the place (you know who you are) happens to be reading this, just know that you're phone number is permanently sharpied somewhere in here next to a description of you love anal in haiku form. HA!
(4)
Brian G.

I went here once several years ago with a friend, and just a couple of weeks ago with some coworkers. The only difference between then and now is Obama fever. Now you can buy a shirt that says, "The President eats here," or some such nonsense. Hey, I'm as much of an Obama-phile as anyone else, but I'll be damned if I let that sway my gustatory bearings. Remember: A Yelp review is a f*cking valuable thing. We can't be handing out five star reviews due to politics. Luckily, Medici earns its five stars easily. It's just awesome. I had a steak salad--yes, I eat like a chubby, menopausal woman--and it was great from top to bottom: Perfectly cooked steak, appropriate amount of dressing, and it came in a timely manner. Though Medici was swamped with other diners we had little problem getting a table, too, which was appreciated, and our server was top tier. I'm a bit bummed I didn't get a coffee, but I'll have to check that out next time. If you're skeptical about the South Side then Medici marks the perfect entree for you. Come on. Check it out. Then when you've found your sea legs start wandering around Hyde Park, Kenwood, Bridgeport, and Bronzeville. It's like a separate city within the city, and it never disappoints in my estimation.
(5)
Sara P.

On my list of things I regret doing this weekend, eating breakfast food instead of lunch food at Medici would be near top of my list. Crazy, I know. If only I had read my fellow yelper reviews. Starving from a long bike ride, we got here around 1130a or so on a Sunday. Luckily, we were seated right away, as we were all starving. We started with the cinnamon roll, which was very tasty. I had the eggs with chicken sausage and french toast. Everything was just eh. The eggs were fine, the french toast definitely lacked something...breading maybe? It was just so dry. The chicken sausage had a strange barbecue-ish flavor that left me wondering, but not really in such a good way. I saw a few lunch items pass by our table and was a little jealous, knowing I had made the wrong decision. I'm willing to go again, this time for lunch. But I definitely do not recommend eating breakfast here, as it's just not that great.
(2)
Lauren M.

Now to all those enthusiastic parents: I'm sure you're awesome. I'm sure (in theory) your kids are awesome. Please think of the good of humanity and don't bring a group of 4 or more really young kids who are unable to control the natural high that is sugar in a rather small, cramped area. I'm just saying. Back to the point, you can get many awesome sandwiches. You can get a burger (which I for some reason fail to find on the menu). And ice cream! And some sort of beverage! What can I say, I'm easily impressed by a good hard salami sandwich. Though I would never want to eat here inside, I would just die. And the people who work there seem pretty miserable. It's a good place to stop for a little lunch (a sandwich, OBVIOUSLY) to take to the park and be casual. It's not haute cuisine, but it's tasty and not stale or anything, so it should hit the spot on summer day.
(4)
Rafael C.

Thanks Colleen for office hours at Medici! This is my first foray in Hyde Park and it was both memorable and fun. I love the setup at Medici. From the wood based decor to the two stories and patios, Medici has plenty of potential for more fun times ahead. So the pastries lined up for us were pretty good to look at but I didn't partake in them as I had another bakery to go to afterwards for a croissant. Other Yelpers seem to like them though so I'm sure they are good. Their drink selections were top notch. The coffee was pretty good and strong. I also had a specialty lemonade that was very good too. Others had various other drinks and were happy to have ordered them. As for the service, they were very friendly, accommodating and attentive to our big group. So I plan to get back here when the weather is warmer and we'll see if my experience here is repeated ... I'm thinking outside patio action!
(4)
Laurie S.

The Med is pretty hit-or-miss. Love the pizzas and disgustingly large basket (bucket) of onion rings for $5. Everything else is pretty much take it or leave it. If you find yourself needing to eat something on the 57 block between Kenwood and Kimbark, the Med is a safe bet. Better for groups than Noodles. AVOID EDWARDO'S OH GOD.
(3)
Brent W.

My cousin was in town to see her brother who just started at U of C so we decided on the lore laden Medici. It was pretty good overall, service was very spotty but a good lunch experience nonetheless. Started w. the Hummus which could have included more Pita and the carrots were noticeably un-fresh. She had the veggie skewers, good size portion and definitely tasty. I went with the Shrimp Fett with a chipotle tomato creme and it was excellent...just a hint of chipotle, just enough so you knew it was there but no so much to take away from the rest of the dish. The vibe, ambiance was old world Italian with a decidedly Tag-infused attitude on the walls and tables....get your Gino's on, I say.
(3)
Courtney D.

I love Medici!! I do feel that some of the items are a bit pricey.. especially seeing where they are located. But they make up for it with the food! I always get the chicken quesadillas, which are amazing! They do not skimp on the ingredients, and even if you get the appetizer portion you will be satisfied. The salsa is also made fresh as well! I definitely think this is a great place to chill, and have a bite to eat!
(4)
Theresa C.

I was here yesterday for the office hours, so I'll admit I didn't have a typical experience here, but I liked it, probably enough to make the LONG trip back down to Hyde Park, at least a couple more times, for this place. The service was very good, I'm pretty sure they had assigned two or three people just to the yelp party and there weren't very many of us at the beginning. I had an Irish Breakfast tea, it was as good as tea can be, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The samples of baked goods were really good. There was some sort of little custard cup that was great and the brownie was super chocolatey. I really liked the atmosphere, there's customer writing all over the walls, the room was very sunny and open with lots of windows and I hear there is a patio that I will be checking out this summer. I rarely have a reason to do anything in Hyde Park, but now I have a little place to stop when I visit the museum. YAY!
(4)
JS K.

Food quality was mediocre. I thought the pizza I got was bland and didn't taste very strong. The price to quality ratio is rather low. I wouldn't stop by again if I had to choose.
(2)
Saeid B.

You don't have a lot of choices around UChicago campus. Medici is one of the best, variety of tasty meals in addition to shakes and bakeries. Everytime that I go there for something not meals, I have " Strawberry Banana Shake". So delicious and it will guarantee energy and happy feeling for rest of the day. I also suggest "Eveything Pizza" as dinner and "Cajun Turkey" as light lunch.
(4)
Joe P.

Descriptive phrase: trendy, grownup-hipster brunch joint. Medici On 57th in Hyde Park is a bakery/restaurant catering to the upperclass crowd the surrounds it. They know their clientele. Medici seems like a trendy graduate student's loft that they decided to turn into a restaurant and now they're 37 and clinging to their youth through food. The outdoor patio on the second floor is a fantastic place to have a meal, and the dark wood throughout makes you feel like you're in a Pacific Northwest bungalow. But then you remember you had to walk past the entrance with its college posters and papers, and up the staircase with names graffitied all over the walls and banister. The menu continues this feeling. It features some usual brunch fare, but all with a hip new twist. Cafe au lait in neat little bulbs, breakfast with sweet potatoes, French words abound. But my Mexican Omelet ($9) just doesn't please. There was no discernible taste; it was just eggs with possibly some chorizo and other things inside. No spice, no heat, no creaminess, just bland. The potatoes at least added some grease. I don't know how I feel about Medici. I loved the patio setting, and I liked the variety they have in food options, but the taste itself wasn't there. Maybe try something else, or maybe just have a coffee. Meh, I've experienced better.
(2)
Lina D.

The Medici is OVERRATED! The restaurant is popular with UofC students, and usually has a pretty long wait to get in on weekends, but don't buy into the hype! The food here pretty pricy, but lacks in flavor and quality. I honestly do not think that I have had a dish there that has been above average. For example,on my most recent visit, a friend and I split the chicken fingers and the fettuccine alfredo. Both were disappointedly bland, and I honestly felt like the food quality you could find at the university dining halls. I have friends who swear by Medici's milkshakes. Of the one's I've tried, the fudge-banana-nut is my favorite. I like that it has real peanut pieces to give it texture and it is my favorite item that the Med offers. On the other hand, the strawberry banana is average, and the Mexicana tastes like it has artificial cinnamon flavoring rather than the real thing. I would say skip the Medici; there are better places in Hyde Park!
(2)
Orr R.

Awesome pizza, ordered the goat cheese and spinach pizza to split with my boyfriend. It was gooey, chewy, cheesy, garlicky, doughy... everything you expect out of a perfect deep dish pizza. He ordered the spicy black bean burger. The burger was not amazingly flavorful, but the toppings were well appointed and plentiful, so overall it was pleasing. The service was great -- the waitress decided that our fries weren't hot enough when they arrived (we didn't really notice...) so she brought us fresh extra fries just because!
(4)
Melissa M.

Medici. Oh, Medici. What an amazing bakery cafe. Excellent breads, pastries, and cookies, as well as great to-go sandwiches and coffee. In the restaurant, I've only gotten take-out, and it's relatively quick, but it is pricey. Black bean burger, skewers, and pizza are outstanding. I also love that they allow you to make your own pizza and sandwiches - for picky eaters this is a godsend!
(4)
Teri M.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I've eaten in the restaurant (downstairs and upstairs as well as the outdoor patio), and I have ordered delivery. The restaurant is super cute and the food is great. They make their own bread and pizza crust, which I love. If you are ordering for delivery, would stick to pizza or entrees without fries. The fries don't travel well. The delivery man is very nice. I've tried a significant portion of the menu, but my favorites are: baked goat cheese appetizer, Arrabiata sandwich, Margarita pizza, and Mediterranean pizza. The drink menu is also good with hot drinks, shakes, smoothies, etc. The place is BYOB. I recently moved, but would make a special trip to eat here next time I am in Chicago.
(5)
Yanping T.

Like it more and more over the years.
(5)
Michelle S.

I love the shrimp quesadillas on flour, their Moroccan Ragout is outstanding (extra cucumber sauce), and their Mexicana shakes. So yum.
(5)
Hannah W.

The food is delicious and the service was great! I highly recommend the goat cheese appetizer. Sat on the rooftop and saw someone order pizza and I will definitely come back to try it!!
(5)
Stephen S.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon at lunch time. I enjoyed: The outdoor patio, great space on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Offering both the breakfast and lunch menu. I hate it when places restrict your meal by offering menus at particular times only. The diversity of options The misses: My food was so-so. I shared the Moroccan ragout and the ensalta kimba. The stew was really more soup like than stew like to me and lacked any sense of heartiness. The kitchen. From our waiter's report they're rigid and inconsistent. We asked if things could be split in the back "They really won't do that in the kitchen." Fine. One of my friends ordered the tuna sandwich and there was a long discussion on how to order it because apparently sometimes their medium well comes out one way, sometimes it's another. Maybe it'll have some pink, maybe not, who knows? He end with medium rare and there was no pink left in that fish at all. Overall, Medici's is all right but the inconsistency and the uncertainty are a little beyond my tolerance. Just remember to repeat "no whammies" if you decide to spin this wheel.
(2)
Darcy W.

This place is very cute, I love the outdoor seating. The flowers are beautiful! We had a wonderful breakfast, and great coffee drinks. The fresh bake goods were awesome! The menu looks nice... I would go back if I was at University of Chicago again.
(4)
Cheryl L.

One of my favorite casual dinning choices. And there's no wine corkage fee! The pizza is delicious, the breakfast is excellent and filling and the salad selection will get you eating your veggies. ..as you should.
(5)
Mack M.

En route to the Robie House, THIS is the place for refreshments. The bakery isn't Parisian quality, but it's dam good. Dam good. You're here in the middle of nowhere, and want something that's really good - this is the place. I wish I had this place in my neighborhood!
(5)
Jane M.

An old standby here in Hyde Park. Funky atmosphere, great service and decent food. The deep dish is great - when I'm feeling hungry, I go for the Garbage Pizza. The thin crust pizza isn't much to speak of, especially since there's so much cheese you can't pick up the slice. But this is Chicago, after all. Chips (made fresh) with guacamole are a great appetizer, and I'm very partial to the Moroccan ragout as an appetizer or light meal. And the bakery is awesome. The coffee's decent and the tea and pastries are great. I often drop by with friends in the late afternoon.
(4)
David B.

Three awesome things about Medici: 1) Stopping to get a ham and cheese pastry for breakfast on my walk to the UChicago campus. 2) Enjoying a black bean burger on the outdoor patio in the summer. First place I ever had a black bean burger! 3) The sketch of the Sepkoski curve of the Phanerozoic change in taxonomic diversity of marine invertebrates, among the graffiti on the second floor. Wow!
(4)
Shannon M.

After a visit to the Oriental Institute around the corner, my companion and I walked around the corner to Medici on 57th, a happy spot with summer light pouring in from the second floor patio. This is a college spot, clearly 2nd home to lots of U Chicago students (witness generous hours and the graffitied walls and tables, which we happily added to!) Given that, you'd think they might slide by on crap food. Not so. We started with the soup of the day, which was rosemary potato: pretty good, with a strong kick of rosemary, though also laden with an unexpected mix of pallid looking vegetables that had clearly once been denizens of the frozen foods aisle. Why they were in this soup I can't say, and I eventually started fishing them out. Still, it was a decent choice. We each got a personal pan pizza, with a thick, soft crust: he a Mediterranean, with pesto rather than marinara sauce; me a self-made creation with American bacon and red onion. There was a LOT of sauce that wanted to escape from underneath everything else, but this was still good eating, and enough that there was half to take home. I augmented the meal with a lemonade, which tasted fresh as a summer day, and for dessert we split the Mexicana shake: chocolate and cinnamon = exotic party in my mouth!! Overall, good food, not a lot of $$, and apparently Obama eats there, if you believe the shirts that the staff were sporting. And with the bakery next door as a bonus, it's certain that Medici reigns the dining experience in Hyde Park!
(4)
Rick B.

Medici - 3 Stars: a two-part restaurant - one side (the smaller storefront to the east) is a nice bakery/deli with all sorts of delicious items. Has great coffee and seating for maybe 8-10 people in the window. This side is really for a quick stop, usually for picking up coffee and a roll on the way to the University of Chicago. The other part (right next door on the west) is a two-story sit down restaurant with an extensive menu. Known largely for its pizza, they also have excellent breakfast during the week. Parking for both is usually available on 57th Street which the restaurant fronts.
(3)
E W.

With a pal I went again, willing to give it another try. I'm bumping it up one star because the feta and spinach pizza was truly delicious. Our server was very helpful. But ugh, the girl in front was mean mugging; she really seems to hate customers. Send her ass to the back and put her on dish duty!
(3)
Tristan U.

The veggie chili cheese fries are brilliant. The pan pizza is good half the time, when they don't undercook it. The atmosphere is great. The servers are mostly arrogant hipsters who seem to think that their very presence is enriching your life. The way I see it, they're simply saving me money on the tip that I would have given them for reasonable service.
(3)
Lyndsey M.

Updating my review to note that service has generally improved over the last two years. I still can't quite upgrade to the four-star "Yay! I'm a fan" just yet, but the Med is still a reliable, albeit slightly pricey lunch place. It's an OK bet for a place to take your parents or a friend. The pasta and pizza are always safe, and there are lots of vegetarian options. However, my experiences trying some of the more mysterious novelty menu items have been spotty: I'm not sure if the vegetarian tortilla soup is still a thing, but I found it to be unpleasantly smoky-flavored.
(3)
D T.

Visited Medici on a Friday afternoon and the wife and I were given the option of sitting in the booths next to the kitchen or waiting 20 minutes to be seated in the main dining room. We opted for the latter as the booths next to the kitchen are in a high traffic, high kitchen smoke/heat area. About ten minutes later another couple arrives and is asked the same question, they too opt to wait...another 5 minutes goes by and the hostess proceeds to seat them even though my wife and I had been waiting longer... on to the food. I ordered the steak sandwich (med-rare) w/fries and a chocolate shake. My wife decided on the fettuccine alfredo. My shake arrived first and the texture was very grainy almost as if a cookie or something had been dropped into it. The flavor itself was just ok but I couldn't get over the texture. Our entrees arrived and I found that when they say steak sandwich they mean it. It was a very gristly ,very bland tough hunk of steak. On the other hand the bread it came on was freaking awesome!! That poor excuse for a steak did not deserve to be between those two slices of perfectly crusty bread. The fries are shoestring and were over cooked to the point they started absorbing the oil they were fried in. My wife commented that her fettuccine alfredo was on par with Applebees or your run of the mill P.J. O' Pootertoots type restaurants that throws a meatless pasta on their menu to appease the vegetarians. Did I mention they don't serve liquor or that our server didn't check on us during the entire meal? Don't think I'll be back to the restaurant but I would check out the bakery to pick up some bread.
(2)
Michelle W.

Yum. I wish I could still eat pizza with cheese because it looked and smelled fabulous. We had an absolutely fabulous waitress! She was very accomodating with my vegan subsitutions and brought me soy milk for my coffee. SO... I am a coffee SNOB, big time. I would drink their coffee any day! Their decaf- I could do without. I had portobella mushroom sandwhich with no mayo- instead I put mustard & A1 on it. Got a side of mustard vinegrette and had it on my backed potato, which was oddly brown on the inside, but tasted yummy. While the veggies on the sandwhich weren't farmer's maret tasty fresh, as a whole the sandwhich was very good. We had these tortilla chips with guac and salsa. They were greasy in all the best ways. The guac and salsa, as the hummus we also shared, were a bit pedestiran.
(4)
Tracey Z.

I. Love. This. Place. I've eaten here a good 3-4 times now, and I've only been to Chicago 3 times!! I've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, and all of them have been AMAZING. I'm actually sad I won't be living in HP next year simply because I'll be a 45 minute ride away from this place. Or maybe that'll be good, for my wallet AND my gut. Their shoestring fries here are incredible. The burgers are HUGE and almost impossible to finish. I also have a huge food-boner for their steak sandwich now. Peppers, medium rare steak, some steak sauce and those fries....oh man. Be still my beating heart. They do seem to have some issues with the checkout process for groups splitting checks, though, so if you're planning on doing that, let them know in advance. It's maybe a little more expensive, but the portions are enormous (consistently good for 2 meals) so it's really not an issue. The next time I go, I'm going to try ordering a milkshake. My friend got the Amaretto Shake and it looked absolutely delectable.
(5)
Peggy T.

My friend just moved to Hyde Park, so I came down to her neighborhood to have brunch with her this past Sunday. We visited Medici's and both instantly fell in love. We had a choice of sitting outside or in, but with the weather being chilly, we opted for a small indoor booth. The tables and walls have writing on them from guests which makes it feel like an artsy/urban pub. It's actually super cute! I was told it was BYOB but we didnt bring any. They have bakery next door that all their breads are made at. My friend and I split Guacamole & Chips for an app and got the BLAT Sandwich and the Roasted Vegetable Personal Pizza. EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME! We ate it all. Upon leaving, we saw that you can squeeze your own fresh OJ, Ill have to do that next time. Our Server was a little slow on refilling our water and bring ketchup, but it was no biggie. Definetly will return
(5)
Sarah T.

This place is glorious! The cinnamon raisin bread was so good. I only wish it was setup for breakfast times, too. The walk-in bakery was too casual and the restaurant was too fancy (and maybe not open? I didn't check.)
(4)
Miss B.

The food was good. the space was pretty tightly packed and filled with lots of tourists. We all just ordered pastas, none of which I can remember now, which speaks volumes.
(3)
M D.

So....it can be noisy, full of full-of-themselves college students....but I've enjoyed their sandwiches, salads, burgers, pie....and still have to go back to try their pizza. One of the better/reasonably priced for the quality of food options in Hyde Park...but don't recommend for anything remotely resembling a date night / evening out (which, admittedly, was entirely my own mistake)! Regardless, I'll be back.
(4)
Marki L.

I believe I have eaten everything on there menu. I prefer their lunch and dinner menu. But my all time favorite would be the Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with a backup plan for the Bar-B-Que Chicken Pizza. Very consistent and I have been a fan for over 20 years. Save room for the apple pie.
(3)
Martin P.

This is our "go to" restaurant. There are not a lot of restaurants that I prefer in the Hyde Park area, but it is close to home, so this is where we go when we want a good consistently flavorful meal...the pizza is our favorite in the area, the burgers are above average, and it has descent service (with the exception of one waitress who seems in need of development in a great way) most often when we dine in. They have a good bakery which is a plus in my opinion. My last dine in experience I enjoyed some chicken soup. It was a smaller portion, but quite delicious. This is one place I will continue call my "go to" restaurant.
(4)
Bart H.

Loved it! Fidel's Chicken Soup was amazing. It had just enough spice to make you want to have more. Bread for sandwiches was homemade. I recommend the Napoli Sub (prosciutto & fresh mozzarella) and the Turkey Sandwich (turkey, cranberry sauce and Brie).
(4)

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Address : 1327 E 57th St
Chicago, IL, 60637
Phone (773) 667-7394
Website https://medici57.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Medici On 57th

1327 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637

Medici On 57th Menu

Appetizers

Soups & Chilies

Fresh Salads

Entrees

Dessert - Cakes & Pies

Healthy Meal suggestions for Medici On 57th

Appetizers

Soups & Chilies

Fresh Salads

Entrees

Dessert - Cakes & Pies

Jaclyn C.

Lena G.

Frank Z.

Jasmin T.

Katie L.

Austin Y.

Michelle W.

Emily H.

Frank O.

Jaden L.

Ian L.

Rebecca S.

Izzi B.

Liz T.

Tamara J.

Stacy O.

Ankur N.

Tavi J.

Amanda D.

Amoxtli C.

Patrick A.

Naureen R.

Chiedozie O.

Kailin L.

Sandy C.

BhreeAnna B.

S. R.

Johnny C.

Kasia R.

Mariko M.

Michael C.

Bri B.

Melissa C.

J. Michael E.

Ruth W.

Sarah G.

Sheri M.

Angela Z.

Mika S.

Maggi K.

Stacey G.

Erica B.

Diane B.

Tamara M.

Phil S.

Danny S.

Blair H.

Keerthana K.

Tom H.

Symone B.

Far K.

Ethan R.

Loretta P.

Richard H.

Jason D.

Kellye H.

Caty H.

Crista F.

J L.

Hannah R.

Nicole H.

Melissa C.

Nathan M.

Maria I.

Julianne Z.