Park 52
5201 S Harper Ave. , Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-241-5200
1
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Neighborhood > Hyde Park
Categories > Restaurants
Type > Contemporary
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Short Description:
Located in Hyde Park, Park 52 is a friendly, casual, comfortable dining destination located near the University of Chicago.
Full Details:
Park 52, located minutes from downtown Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood, is a restaurant serving American bistro fare. Designer/Owner Jerry Kleiner again teams with Marc Brooks (ROOM21) on this latest establishment for Chicago.
Park 52 boasts a Kleiner-esque space, welcoming guests into a warm wonderland of colors, fabrics, art and metals. The space has vibrant green, square-patterned wall, plum scrolled wall, and another with hand-painted gold damask patterns. Playful “polka dot” chairs in multi-colored velveteen with colored leather seats and hand-forged metal legs tuck away at each table. Deep red velvet draperies frame the large, glass mahogany doors which include rich tassels and Kleiner’s signature “HP” metal tie backs. Additional panels of the velvet are found adorning the four wood columns centering the room, placed near a double-sided red leather tufted banquette. Multiple grand palm trees are sprinkled throughout the room, as are dark wood floors and hints of black and white octagon tiles.
The long, and very large bar, welcomes cocktails on the thick, deep green granite. Red leather and brushed metal barstools align the bar, which displays liquor and décor on glass shelves. One plasma television screen is mounted on the wall. Near the bar is a curved, tufted banquette with round table - making for a perfect, cozy corner setting. Additional tables are placed along the front wall, adjacent to the massive glass, wood doors. Kleiner has once again included a circular rotating main door, as seen in many of his properties. Park 52’s entrance is framed in velvet, tassels and luxurious trim.
Another Kleiner signature are the grand, hand-made, silk shantung lighting fixtures in a variety of bright colors. There are different sizes and color combinations throughout the room, including within the recessed ceiling. The art selections have been framed in silvers and golds, featuring high fashion and celebrity photography in black and white and color.
The small private dining room offers a hand-painted paisley wall in greens and golds, another in a deep red hue, grand gold mirror and framed photography. The room secludes itself with rich, tasseled and trimmed draperies.
Next to Park 52’s open kitchen is the chef’s table. The table may be split for small parties or set for a larger party. An oversized, funky, metal-framed mirror assures all dining guests have a view of Chef Barron’s kitchen: those seated with their backs to the kitchen can absorb the action from the reflection in the mirror. The back wall next to this area is custom built with mahogany grids, welcoming a variety of items to be displayed, such as vases, bottles and art.
Executive Chef Chris Barron (Opera, Red Light, Ritz Carlton, Beverly Hilton, Border Grill, Park Hyatt) and Sous Chef Matt Moss (Cascina Langa Italy, Crofton on Wells, Butter) present an American bistro dinner menu with a variety of selections, such as appetizers, soups and salads, steaks and fish, chicken and pork, ribs, side dishes and dessert. The chefs will take great pleasure from shopping Hyde Park’s weekly Farmer’s Market for fresh, local ingredients, beginning in June. Highlighted dinner menu items include the Lump Crab Cakes; Mini Wedge Salad; Spicy Rock Shrimp; BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib; Chicken Fried Pork Tenderloin; Hand Cut Curly Fries and the Ricotta Cheesecake. The complete menu is listed below. A daily, special menu item and cocktail will be offered.
Chef Barron has created custom blend coffee for Park 52. The local Sarica (regular and decaffeinated) coffee consists of 50% Java, 25% Costa Rican and 25% Sumatra blend. The strong coffee has depth, without the strong taste. The Sarica company is also behind Park 52’s iced tea.
The domestic focused wine list is affordable, similar to the dinner menu and cocktail menu. The glass pours range from $6 to $12, bottles from $24 to $48. The full wine list is listed below. Park 52’s signature drinks and martinis are classic and creative cocktails,
Park 52 is so pleased to be Hyde Park’s new, neighborhood destination. The friendly, comfortable atmosphere with a loungey vibe welcomes diners for both a sophisticated “night on the town” and the weeknight dinner with family. With a variety of beats from funky to retro, servers in black on black attire and a courtyard setting, Park 52 is the perfect venue and location for pre and post sporting events (Bears, Sox), museum campus visitors, the University community and all Chicago area diners in search of a beautiful space with good service and great food. Park 52 is just off Lake Shore Drive and the 47th Street Ramp (left at Lake Park Blvd, right onto 52nd; the restaurant is two blocks down on the left side). Valet Parking is available for $9.
Park 52 is open Sunday-Thursday, 5:00pm-10:00pm and Friday and Saturday, 5:00pm-11:00pm.
