Medici On 57th

3.5 star rating
322 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bakeries, Delis

1327 E 57th St
(between Kenwood Ave & Kimbark Ave)
Chicago, IL 60637
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(773) 667-7394
Hours:

Mon-Thu 7 am - 10 pm

Fri 7 am - 11 pm

Sat 9 am - 11 pm

Sun 9 am - 10 pm

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Note: It's all about the spinach and goat cheese pizza." (in 5 reviews)
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"Barack Obama eats here." (in 27 reviews)
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"Mexican hot chocolate is the bomb." (in 7 reviews)
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321 reviews in English

  • Review from Heather S.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here

    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!

  • Review from Gino W.

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    • 6 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/18/2011 5 photos 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Ms G.

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    • 4 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Park Ridge, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/22/2011

    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!

  • Review from Helena G.

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    • 7 friends
    • 124 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/4/2012

    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)

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review:

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/29/2011

      They have good food and the staff is very helpful.
      I recommend the burguers, pizza and pecan pie.

      Was this review …?

  • Review from Kumari D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    2/4/2012

    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.

  • Review from Brittany F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Sparta, TN

    3.0 star rating
    2/3/2012

    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.

  • Review from Yaniv K.

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    • 33 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Miami, FL

    5.0 star rating
    1/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    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!

  • Review from Rick V.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/13/2012

    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?

  • Review from Kellee K.

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    • 2 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Grand Rapids, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    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!

  • Review from Lara Z.

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    • 15 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    12/18/2011

    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.

  • Review from Lisa K.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/1/2011

    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.

  • Review from Wesley S.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    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 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. 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 same 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.

  • Review from Anne L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    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.

  • Review from Salone B.

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    • 15 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/21/2011

    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.

  • Review from aisha h.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    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.

  • Review from J U.

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    • 1 friend
    • 26 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2011

    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.

  • Review from Emily C.

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    8/2/2011

    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.

  • Review from Matt G.

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    • 18 friends
    • 105 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    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

  • Review from Rits M.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/31/2011

    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

  • Review from Audrey S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Issaquah, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/7/2011

    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.

  • Review from Sean H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Grayslake, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/9/2011

    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.

  • Review from John S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/26/2011

    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.

  • Review from Ben N.

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    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.

  • Review from Taste M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Claremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    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.

  • Review from Scott H.

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    • 1 review

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2011

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

  • Review from David Z.

    Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/5/2011

    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.

  • Review from Sarah K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    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.

  • Review from sandra t.

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    • 80 friends
    • 146 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Mh W.

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    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Tucson, AZ

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2011

    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?

  • Review from Courtney D.

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    • 10 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Cook, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    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!

  • Review from Michael K.

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    • 1 friend
    • 29 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Kayce C.

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    • 37 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/30/2011

    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.

  • Review from Dana F.

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    3/1/2011

    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?

  • Review from Marilynn L.

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    • 6 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    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.

  • Review from Fe T.

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    • 1 friend
    • 53 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2011

    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.

  • Review from Chelsea P.

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    • 5 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    9/19/2011

    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!).

  • Review from Jessica M.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2011 8 photos

    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!

  • Review from Sarah I.

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    • 17 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    2/20/2011

    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!

  • Review from Ahz I.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    Great food, and service! Really nice cozy rooftop as well.

  • Review from Kate G.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/29/2011

    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.

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