10/05/05

Downward spiral

by city_searcher_42

The Medici rolled out a new menu this summer, along with increased prices. Recent experiences: The "Garbage Burger," advertised as being topped with cheddar, bacon, jalapeno, and grilled onion, omitted the latter two ingredients. Grilled chicken pizza (available but not on the menu) with exactly two broccoli florets. Overly literal interpretation of "spartan" on the brunch potato front. It is perhaps time to change the name to "The Hubris."

03/09/08

Medici, Hyde Park...I still dream about it...literally!

by cahcadden

I've lived in Boston for 8 1/2 years now, after living in Chicago's Hyde Park for 10 years, previously. I miss three Chicago-area restaurants...Pockets (one on 53d Street), Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder (on North Clark Street), and Medici (in Hyde Park).

I loved the deep-dish pizza, the chocolate cheesecake, the fudge-banana nut milkshakes, and the big salads. I haven't been back to Chicago since my husband and I left in 1999, but, if I ever make a trip back, I'll definitely be making at least one trip back to Medici!!!

• Pros: pizza, big salads, fudge/banana-nut milkshake, chocolate cheesecake
• Cons: can't think of any! I haven't been for almost 9 years...want to go back!

11/19/07

Deplorable customer service, even by Hyde Park standards.

by hgkar

The service is obnoxious, especially at the bakery. On several occasions, the servers I have come across are extremely rude to the extent that they might even ridicule you on your face for amusing fellow servers. The food is not bad but I'd rather go to a place which has a pleasant environment. It seems having an attitude is a prerequisite for the job at Medici.

• Pros: The croissants are good
• Cons: The staff is ill-bred

02/16/07

Don't use them for delivery orders!

by jchee

I ordered a caesar salad and a pizza ("please go light on the cheese"). Although the delivery person was nice, and the food arrived within a reasonable time, the food itself was bad. The romaine lettuce in my salad had dirt on it. It clearly had not been washed. Also, the pizza was definitely not light on the cheese; it was smothered in greasy, full-fat cheese. A request to "go light on the cheese" isn't so difficult - either use low-fat cheese or put less cheese on the pizza - Medici did neither. The same thing happened when I ordered from them in the restaurant.

Student hangout in Hyde Park draws a local crowd with comfortable ambience, pizza and--most important--budget-friendly prices.

by Contributor

U of C students and middle-aged Hyde Park townies crowd into this casual spot, grabbing seats at graffiti-covered wood booths or heading upstairs and outside to the picturesque dining patio. The main menu attraction is Medici's gourmet pizza, available in pan and thin-crust styles with toppings ranging from spinach and goat cheese to smoked German ham. Dessert favorites include the "Vaguely Reminiscent," a rich mocha pie with rum-flavored whipped cream.

01/14/06

Fed Up

by uc_alum

I'm writing in response to treatment at the Medici Bakery rather than the Med itself. The bakery has the absolute worst service I have ever had, which is unfortunate because their croissants are amazing. This morning, I ordered a mixed berry muffin and received a carrot muffin. I've been made fun of for ordering a "grande" coffee instead of a large. The servers don't put lids on or cuffs around the coffee cups. I was yelled at once for ordering 12 pastries (I didn't call ahead). The servers often are talking amongst themselves; I've even had to order by breaking into a heated discussion between a server and his friend. The service is appalling. I have to admit, however, that the baked goods are so tasty that I get yens for them and brave the bad service to pick up a croissant. And my carrot muffin is pretty delicious.

• Pros: pastries
• Cons: SERVICE!!!

07/14/05

socialism at its best

by hydeparkpete

taking advantage of the meager alternatives available to UC students, the Med is allowed to exist when, under normal competitive circumstances, it would go out of business. the food is acceptable, but the service is at best average; at worst rude and condescending; and usually nonchalant. Hyde Park's lack of alternative eateries is pathetic. the Med is symptomatic of the general Hyde Park anti-competitive market. if this is the result of sustaining the 'charm' of the neighorhood, UC students suffer the ill effects of this misguided attempt. whoever runs Hyde Park (and the UC community) has missed the memo. please, for the sake of UC students sick and tired of being jealous of the alternatives available to Northwestern, DePaul, and IUC students, allow *egads* franchises into HP, let 'charming' establishments compete fairly with other outlets, and observe the level of service, food, and prices improve.

• Pros: better than starving
• Cons: horrible service, mediocre value, attitude

03/16/05

User review by elby19

by elby19

I know that the Med is a Hyde Park staple, but that doesn't mean it's good. The pizza is horrible and service is worse!

01/27/05

Mediocre

by metagame

I recently read some article in the Reader about the "best restaurants in Chicago," and somebody listed the Med as their favorite. Then I checked here and saw the Med's very high rating.

To be honest, I am very nonplussed by this praise. Sure, the Med's a good place to eat if you're a University of Chicago student that doesn't want to leave Hyde Park, but by any other standards the restaurant is mediocre. The ambience is fine for college students but it's pretty dismal otherwise. For instance, the ceiling seems to be decaying around a statue that has been bolted to it.

The pizza is good but the burgers are tough--the meat seems low-quality. Their desserts (especially apple pie and bread pudding) are also far too buttery. I cannot stress enough that the Med is not worth the trip if you live anywhere other than Hyde Park.

• Pros: pizza, open late
• Cons: relatively overpriced, their beef

01/21/05

great

by imanulewis

I have eaten pies from this place since I was twelve and walking to The Museum and spending the whole day running the streets and Washington Park. Better yet after playing baseball for the Blue Gargoyle, we would go to eat there. Keep makin the pies!