Odyssey II — Restaurant in Hyde Park Township

I want to tell you a story. One gloomy Saturday afternoon I caught a “taste” for some Harold’s. If you’re from Chicago, you will be able to appreciate this unquenchable NEED to find the nearest Harold’s Chicken Shack and order whatever you order (for me, it’s a small perch with mild and lemon pepper—ginger ale on the side).

This particular afternoon I happened to be on the boulevard, and I couldn’t find a parking spot to get to Harold’s. I pondered so myself “Self?” And myself said, “Hmm?” Why are all these cars over here? The block seemed bland—almost desolate—but there were Mercedes and Acuras lined up outside. I parked near the corner and walked in the drizzling rain toward the West end of the block so I could tame the little Harold’s baby inside.

As I approached the restaurant, I noticed a visibly-seasoned saint enter a door. Granted, there was no sign, he seemed familiar with this unspectacular cream door. I continued on my route to the chicken shack (yes, I’m pescatarian and ordered my fish from a chicken restaurant—sue me). I was told my food would take approximately ten minutes. So, I said, “let me go check out this Home Depot-issued cream door that has 80’s soul music piercing from behind.”

When I entered Odyssey II, I immediately thought to myself, “okay now!” My people were in here deep on a Saturday afternoon. Stemware was affluent and smiles were demanded by the pleasant ambiance. I found a seat at the bar, soon was greeted with a smiling bar tender who was old enough to be my mother—yet sexy enough to be my girlfriend (and I’m not even straight). My top-shelf Long Island was stronger than it needed to be, and for $17 I couldn’t see how they made a profit. Not my business! I was having a great time.

More folks came in—Black excellence at its best. “Ms. Jackie,” my bar tender, frequently checked in with me and reminded me that THIS IS THE GROWN FOLKS BAR. As a single dad, it’s hard to find a place to go and let my hair down (figuratively speaking). 😂

Today was a gift. A good drink, good company, no drama, and a music playlist for which I’d be willing to sell a kidney. Who knew this still existed in Chicago? A bar without an ego. A watering hole so suave that they can be full without having a name on the edifice? This is my little secret, and I hope you...

The bartender, Jackie, was nice and personable. She poured the drinks strong and long!...the bar is not much to look at. Could definitely use some upgrades and cosmetics. This is a spot for an older crowd. I'd say at least 35 and up, if not 40+. The music played from a newer jukebox that you can buy tokens from through an app and play your own choice of music. The day I went, there was a live DJ, so the music was on point. I'd definitely go back. Parking was pretty easy to find and free. The location is on a...

This is a fun, neighborhood dive bar with aunties and uncles from the family reunion vibes. The drinks are STRONG and AFFORDABLE and the laughter and sense of community was flowing, which was perfect. Jackie was serving...she was a hoot! Their jukebox has an app so everyone can select music from their seats and keep the party going. You can bring in food to soak up the booze, and Harold's is conveniently...