It’s that time of year. In true pay-it-forward fashion, second years are meeting up with first years for a ton of “coffee chats” to talk recruiting, summer internships, and all things Booth. After sitting on both sides, I know two things for sure: there aren’t enough tables in the Winter Garden for all ~1100 of us, and every chat is better with good food and drinks.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, here are my top five Hyde Park meet-up locations, all within walking distance from the Harper Center.
1. True North (pictured above) – 1323 E 57th St
Distance from Harper: 4-minute walk
What to expect:
- Industrial-cool vibe
- Lots of coffee, tea and blended drinks
- Breakfast and lunch menus with fresh ingredients and interesting veggie options
- Order at the counter and they bring it to your seat while you chat
- Room to get on the wi-fi and stay a while
What to order:
- Kale Me Maybe Smoothie
- Loaded bagel with goat cheese, tomato and arugula
2. The Pub (@ Ida Noyes) – 1212 E. 59th St
Distance from Harper: 30-second walk
What to expect:
- Dim pub lighting creates a grungy, yet charming, vibe for a relaxed chat in the basement of Ida Noyes (right next to Harper!)
- Surprisingly lengthy draught list, plus traditional pub fare
- Grad students from all over the University, and trivia some afternoons
- Pool and shuffleboard tables
- You need a UChicago ID to get in, and the first time you go each year, you have to register and pay the $5 annual membership fee
What to order:
- Tater tots
- Local beers like Revolution’s Rosa
3. Te’amo Boba Bar – 1155 E. 55th St
Distance from Harper: 10-minute walk
What to expect:
- Turn your coffee chat into a Bubble Tea chat instead
- Jars filled with tapioca balls submerged in colorful tea
- Modern decor and plenty of space to sit and talk
- Bonus: there’s another location at 520 N. Michigan if you want to do your chat in the Loop instead
What to order:
- Jasmine Milk Tea
- Macaroons
4. The Nile – 1162 E. 55th St
Distance from Harper: 10-minute walk
What to expect:
- If you have the time to make your coffee chat a (platonic) professional lunch date, the Nile is perfect
- Quick turnaround Middle Eastern sit-down restaurant
- Best value lunch special in Hyde Park (sorry, Kovler)- $8.75 for a an appetizer and an entrée
What to order:
- Hummos app (it’s huge)
- Fattoush salad (omnivores can add Chicken!)
5. Seven Ten Lanes – 1055 E. 55th St
Distance from Harper: 11-minute walk
What to expect:
- An activity-based chat is definitely a way to switch things up as you discuss future life paths– this place has pool tables and bowling lanes in addition to a bar/restaurant area
- Super friendly staff and not very busy during the day, so you can hang out for a while
- If you actually bowl, you have to keep track of score by hand
What to order:
- Build-your-own pizza with up to four ingredients at the same price
- Root beer float or Thursday wine specials
