There may be no better example of a business that represents the uniqueness of Hyde Park than Valois. A Hyde Park icon since the 1920s, Valois has served up great breakfasts and cafeteria-style comfort food to generations of Hyde Parkers. The long-time tradition has been for people to sit wherever there’s an open seat – so you may find yourself debating existentialism or last night’s game with a friendly local. Order the Obama special, and don’t forget to leave a tip.