The Medici

The Medici in Hyde Park: 'Obama Eats Here'

Founded in 1955 as a small art gallery that happened to sell coffee, The Medici fast became popular with University of Chicago students. By the 1960s, its Hyde Park neighborhood was electrified with the anti-war movement.  Bookstores flourished, demonstrations took place daily — and there was no better hangout than The Medici.

Traditions die hard in Hyde Park, where The Medici thrives as both a restaurant and café. This local staple is a throwback to days when graffiti slogans appeared throughout the town. The exposed brick walls and old wooden booths at The Medici are swathed in names, dates, political slogans, caricatures and other dalliances.

Hyde Park is where President Obama maintains his Chicago home. While he was in the senate, the owners and staff at The Medici honored one of their favorite customers by wearing “Obama Eats Here” T-shirts. The tradition continues.

On warm days, owners open the popular second-level outdoor café. If you want to dine al fresco, be sure to get to The Medici by 6 p.m.

Both students and locals dine at The Medici, which is known for its deep dish Garbage Pizza — a mix of sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, peppers, onions and mushrooms. It's $15.95 for a medium.

Double-fisted burgers include the Stroganoff (sour cream, sautéed mushrooms and onions, $7.99). Generous salads — steak, Caesar, spinach —  are $8 to $11. Everything from pasta, chili catfish, and Moroccan Ragout is on the menu.

For those with a sweet tooth, there's the Mexicana shake (vanilla ice cream with Mexican chocolate), Fudge Banana-Nut Shake and the Orzata Float (almond soda with chocolate ice cream.)

Before you head home, be certain to stop next door at The Medici Bakery, which boasts  great cinnamon rolls, breads and the best croissants this side of Paris. Everything at the bakery and restaurant is made from scratch.

With its colorful past, The Medici remains one of the most comfortable and welcoming places to brunch, lunch or dine in Hyde Park.