Helping Hyde Park Restaurants

[Note: This article was written by a University of Chicago College fourth-year, Amanda, who has started to write about Hyde Park's restaurants. This is her first article! -Sid Colton]

Helping Hyde Park Restaurants

It’s no secret that restaurants in Hyde Park—and across the country— have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. It has been somewhat difficult to keep track of the regulations placed on restaurants throughout the past year. During some periods, take-out is the only option; during others, dine-in is possible with restrictions. No matter what, these businesses are not getting as many orders as they are used to. Non-chain restaurants have little to fall back on, and have suffered the worst. Hyde Park has experienced the following closures: Cafe Corea (permanent), Vanille Pâtisserie (permanent), Aloha Poke (permanent), and Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery (temporary). It’s safe to say that many other restaurants in Hyde Park are not thriving, but surviving. Vaccines appear to be the light at the end of the tunnel, but distribution has not been very efficient and the path to “herd immunity” is not as straightforward as many hope.

Still, the university community has something to look forward to. In recent emails from the University, we have learned that, “Most students will be eligible for vaccination as part of Phase 2, which is expected to begin in Chicago in May (dependent on vaccine supply).” Though external help is on the way, the university community should continue doing its part to support others through these rough times. Local businesses and restaurants need a final push to get them through the home stretch. Common advice is to buy gift cards to be used later, or tip well if you decide to dine-in.

Another boon is on it’s way: according to the University of Chicago College Council, “Dining has agreed to expand the Maroon Dollars program to cover non-University contracted businesses, contingent on negotiations with selected restaurants.” For those who might be unaware, Maroon Dollars are funds which are loaded onto the school IDs of those on a University Dining Meal Plan. (They can also be purchased. One Maroon Dollar equals $1.) Maroon Dollars can normally only be used at establishments on campus. Thanks to this new policy, off-campus restaurants have more of a chance to attract customers from the University.

I believe this is an excellent idea being implemented. As a fourth year, I am well aware that there are two types of students: those who spend all of their Maroon Dollars within weeks of the start of each quarter (most commonly spent on coffee or other drinks), and those who rack up Maroon Dollars because the offerings on campus are not tantalizing enough. By partnering up with local restaurants, The College will excite students with added diversity in their diets, while helping Hyde Park restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic and beyond.

Hyde Park is a wonderful community, full of a diverse assortment of restaurants. My advice: explore that diversity! I recently sat down at Strings Ramen on E. 53rd St. and tried their Unagi Bowl. It is now one of my favorite meals. Understandably, you might not be a fan of eel. In that case, order some ramen— that is what the restaurant is named for! If you decide to dine-in, I’m sure you will also enjoy the atmosphere and excellent service I experienced there. All in all, make sure you try new food in Hyde Park. You can satiate your appetite while helping restaurants recover from all the challenges they have faced throughout this past year. It’s a win-win situation.