Hyde Park Produce: A South Side Grocery Paradise

By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 28, 2008 4:00PM

Above the deli case at Hyde Park Produce, there is a long maroon awning. This awning, visible from the store entrance, is inscribed “Welcome to Our Dream.” The love and hard work of the owners has paid off, and HPP should become a prime destination for all South Siders interested in great food. The store has been beautifully renovated - anyone who remembers the old 53rd Street branch of the Co-Op (the previous tenant of the space) will be amazed at the changes.

Hyde Park residents have relied on the locally-owned Hyde Park Produce for years. They could be counted on to have fresh, inexpensive produce and deli products during the many times when the (now defunct) Hyde Park Co-Op was having difficulties. They also served sandwiches and homemade dishes, including the best salsa that we’ve found in Chicago.

HPP’s new location sticks to its roots. The produce section takes up almost half the store, and while selection has increased dramatically, the prices haven’t changed at all. HPP now stocks a much larger range of packaged staples, as well as meats, dairy products and baked goods. But the real standout is the deli counter, which runs along the entire back of the store. Here you can find individual desserts, cookies, Boar’s Head meats sliced to order, the famous salsa and guacamole, cheeses and many other prepared foods - all at very reasonable prices. Even if you don’t live on the South Side, Hyde Park Produce is worth a trip. Just be sure not to go between 5-6:00 PM. Since it is currently Hyde Park’s only major grocery store, HPP gets very crowded in the early evenings.

Hyde Park Produce is located at 1226 E 53rd St.