The eclectic Hyde Park neighborhood, home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, is full of restaurant institutions as well. But recent openings, upgrades to perennial favorites and a big-buzz newbie on the horizon add fresh dining options.

Hyde Park Grill
Jerry Kleiner has been teasing us with this new Harper Court restaurant for ages; the current target date is August or September. When it finally opens, look for a menu of American fare like barbecued ribs, grilled pork chops, burgers and steaks (think T-bone and porterhouse). 5201 S. Harper Ave., phone not yet available.

HomeMade Pizza Co.
This pizza chain debuted its Hyde Park Shopping Center outpost at the end of last year. We like the pies here because we bake 'em ourselves (no cold, clammy carryout). Choose toppings such as ricotta and prosciutto, or pick a signature pie like the BLT, with hickory-smoked bacon, spinach and parmesan ($14.25-$16.75). Staffers make the pizzas to order and send you on your way with cooking instructions. 1546 E. 55th St. 773-494-2000.

Veggies to Go
This vegan-vegetarian spot has become a local favorite since it opened in April; owners are even planning a second outpost in Lincoln Park (scheduled to open by early August near Clark Street and Fullerton Parkway). Try the blackened tofu Cajun wrap ($5.49), a meatless meatball sandwich ($4.99) or a veggie burger ($4.99). Need a midday boost? Slurp a protein energy smoothie ($4.99-$5.49). 1375 W. 53rd St. 773-677-8344.

Istria Cafe
This cafe gets plenty of action from Metra commuters--it's right under the tracks in the 55th-56th-57th Street station. In addition to coffee, Istria offers housemade small-batch gelato, a scarce commodity in these parts ($2.65-$5.95). Owners doubled the outdoor seating this year, plus expanded the hours so you can enjoy a gelato at dusk. This fall, look for a second cafe in the Hyde Park Art Center (5020 S. Cornell Ave.). 1520 E. 57th St. 773-955-2556.

The Medici on 57th
This BYOB has been drawing crowds since the '60s (it's been at this address since 1989) for burgers ($7.25-$8.95) and signature spinach pizza ($7.95-$21.95). Part of the attraction is scribbling on the tables. Owner Hans Morsbach has been adding new hand-crafted tables made with wood from his Wisconsin farm to the seating mix; manager Kirsten Esterly says she's trying to discourage graffiti, but we spotted "art" on some of 'em already. More news: The adjacent Medici Bakery, which opened in 2002, is getting a new sidewalk cafe later this summer. 1327 E. 57th St. 773-667-7394.

Bar Louie
Yeah, we know it's a chain, but we have to give this Louie a mention for its new amenity. This summer you can finally enjoy our Philly steak sliders ($7.99), and chicken Vesuvio melt ($8.99) on an outside patio--and even toast the suckers stuck in traffic on South Shore Drive from your alfresco perch. 5500 South Shore Drive. 773-363-5300.

Hyde Park summer happenings


Museum of Science and Industry
Skip the reruns and check out "CSI: The Experience" instead. This exhibit, based on the TV show, gives wannabe crime scene investigators a chance to solve the case (through Sept. 3).

Hyde Park Art Center
Get down and dirty with a mound of clay at the Cocktails and Clay event held from 8 p.m-midnight the second Friday of each month. For a $15 suggested donation, check out the exhibits and get schooled on clay techniques from the center's pros while DJs spin beats and the cocktails flow (cash bar). Although this event is open to everyone, we hear it attracts plenty of arty singles. Who knows? You might really get down and dirty afterward.

Midway Plaisance Park
Enjoy live alfresco blues at 7 p.m. July 18 when Willie White takes the stage, or watch Pitt, Clooney and crew in the outdoor screening of "Ocean's Eleven" at 8 p.m. August 1.

Smart Museum
"Living Modern: German and Austrian Art and Design, 1890 1933," which opened in June, features paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs and household designs from several design movements (through Sep. 16).

Hyde Park Farmers Market
Forget the supermarket chains and snag farm-fresh stuff from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays in Harper Court (through October 25). Harper Ct. and 52nd Place