Park 52: User Reviews

Slow, Slow , Slow
By rsalaysay8560 from Kenwood, May 10, 2009

Overall rating:

Park 52 is a nice looking space, but that's about it. Looks like Room 21, Opera, etc. Booked reservation on Opentable.com but the hostess was still confused and it took her a while to give us the second worst table in the restaurant (table next to front door - behind hostess stand). The other issue was that employees were all so soft spoken that you couldnt here what they were saying half the time. Now to the food. I would say that our entrees all would have been ok if the waiter (must have been his first day - really confused), would have brought our food out quicker. My pork chop was hard as a rock. My partner tenderloin was tough as well. The risotto looked like it had a dry film over it and the pasta dish looked dried out as well. Needless to say, our food was sitting around way to long in the kitchen. Had high hopes for this restaurant since Hyde Park has limited restaurants to choose from. Will not be recommending Park 52 to anyone.

Awesome Food and Decor
By idontcook from river west, February 11, 2009

Overall rating:

Went to Park 52 with friends for dinner and we were all impressed. Great food and service, and really cool room. We did the $44 Obama prix fixe dinner and it was AWESOME! Great deal!

Loved it!
By Elle from Streeterville, February 11, 2009

Overall rating:

I went this past weekend and absolutely loved it. The staff was friendly but not too overbearing. The sommelier was very helpful with pairing a good wine with my meal. I started with a crab cake (im from Maryland so its hard to impress me, but it was great). I also had the steak and a dessert. everything was presented well and tasted great. I stayed for drinks after and really enjoyed the after dinner vibe. Great people watching and great drinks.

Worth the trip from downtown!

Unbelieveable 5 STARS!!!!
By mbran@yahoo.com from wicker park, February 3, 2009

Overall rating:

I've been before and noticed that there's been a change (for the better) in management. The gentleman whos the GM is a Sommelier and recommended some outstanding one of a kind wines. The service was great from the minute we walked in til the time we left. And the food was outstanding. I noticed some new things on the menu including Risotto and a sliced Steak that were to die for. I'm a regular now, BIG THUMBS UP!!! GO GO GO. Also a great picture of our new First Lady and blocks away from their house

First time @ Park 53
By danseur23 from South Shore, January 9, 2009

Overall rating:

Went for a birthday dinner. Impressed with the decor and that's about it. The server warmed up to us but seemed aloof at first. Thought the menu was overpriced, no vegetarian or vegan options like the menu states, and expected a better presentation for the price. I had the tortilla soup and the butternut squash pasta both of which were tasty. I thought the pasta looked bland and needed some color to it everything in it was monotone, but looks were deceiving. It was also a sunday evening and I guess they needed to get out of there because the bar closed while guests were still dining.

Disappointed
By Tauny from Hyde Park, January 7, 2009

Overall rating:

I read somewhere that Jerry Kleiner has parted company with Park 52 and it shows. My fiance and I ate there tonight and were really disappointed by the changes in the menu and the wine list. (The rib and rock shrimp appetizers are sorely missed!) He enjoyed his steak, but I found the scallops in my scallop-short rib ragout to be a tad rubbery. But what really killed it for me was the 20% gratuity added to our tab. I know that's standard for large parties, but it was just the 2 of us! What's that about? I had high hopes when they first came to the neighborhood, but this experience had me longing for Bar Louie!

Pre-theatre disappointment
By M. Canard from Lincoln Park, Chicago, November 9, 2008

Overall rating:

As long-time subscribers to Court Theatre, we're glad there's finally a second restaurant in Hyde Park where we may dine before the performance. That said, last night's food was disappointing. First, despite the fact the wine list is quite short, they were out of the one we ordered. OK, that happens. Then my first course was disappointing: a crab cake on a bed of celery-root salad that was astringent and lacked the creaminess it should have. The worst, however, was my main course: the swordfish that was the evening's fish special. I liked the sauce a lot: nicely seasoned and copious, but the fish was so over-cooked it was like eating a piece of rubber. If we hadn't been under time constraints because of the theatre, I would have sent it back. Then the Key lime pie turned out to more like a light cheese cake. All told, quite disappointing. If it's not better next time, we're heading back to La Petite Folie.

Going Downhill Fast
By SJSJr from Hyde Park, November 3, 2008

Overall rating:

I just ate at Park 52 for the fifth time. My first experience, shortly after the restaurant opened, was great; but sadly, since then, both the food and the service have gone steadily downhill. I don't expect to return. The menu has become very limited. Last night, the waitress asked if were ready for dessert, when we had just finished our salads and were waiting for the main course. One person at the table was served a salad missing all the ingredients but spinach.

BOO T FUL
By Retro84 from Hyde Park, September 7, 2008

Overall rating:

I had a good time. The place looks very top of the line. Good seats, good food and the service was the best. Just wish it had more items on the menu, but very romantic and a nice spot to eat or grab a drink.

Excellent additon to Hyde Park!
By KeithHarrison from South Shore, June 22, 2008

Overall rating:

My wife and I were glad we decided to dine at Park 52 for our most recent date night. It's a great restaurant with very friendly service. We both tried the chef's specials, so we'll have to return (soon) to try an entree from the regular menu. The shrimp appetizer was very, very good!! I found the wine selection to be fabulous, and the meal was delicious and nicely presented. We've already recommended it to others in the area.