Plein Air Cafe

"This European-style cafe on the University of Chicago campus features a full assortment of coffee drinks and pastries, plus breakfast, lunch, and wine. It's a collaboration between Kevin Heisner (Heisler Hospitality) and former Little Branch partner Soo Choi. The patio affords nice views of the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House. It’s a tiny space, so be prepared to compete with University of Chicago students pulling all nighters to secure a table." - Ashok Selvam

"This cafe on the University of Chicago’s campus is open to the public. As you’d guess, the prices are aimed at thrifty college students, and if you can find a seat that’s not being used by bookworms, you’ll find quality food and affordable prices. Even the coffee is worth noting, undercutting chains. A continental breakfast is $8.50. There are plenty of veggie-friendly options — the veggie quesadillas are simple but flavorful. Don’t let the students have all the fun." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"This cafe feels light and airy, and is located right on campus in a building with a university bookstore. Come here for French-inspired tartines, salads, and kind of healthy grain bowls. The food is fresh and good, and it’s a nice change from hanging out on beanbag chairs surrounded by last night’s pizza boxes." - adrian kane

"The communal tables at this bright, airy cafe are often packed with all sorts of Hyde Park folks: UChicagoans cramming for class, couples on a reading date, and the occasional freelancer trying to break the record for most words typed per minute. But besides the collegiate atmosphere (a university bookstore next door helps), Plein Air has tasty French-inspired bistro food and beer and wine to go or by the glass. It’s a nice change from reading Kafka on a beanbag chair surrounded by last night’s pizza boxes." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"This Hyde Park cafe is light, airy, and located right on campus in a building with a university bookstore. Plein Air is perfect if you need to do anything remotely school-related, and also want the option to eat some very good tartines, salads, and grain bowls at the same time. It’s always busy, but never too crowded to get a seat with an outlet, and the food is way better than your go-to spot with a display case full of cake pops and egg white sandwiches." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru