I wouldn't stay in a hotel by the 17
sleep east of Central.
Food near the hospital- north mountain brewery has really good lumpia.
Cocktails, butler's easy.
Dive bar rumrunners. North Central sports bar is neat but heavy on the smoke smell and depending on when you go the crowd can be a little rough.
1227 taproom is a cool hangout place, you can bring food there. Nearby: dilla libre or taco mich #4
Dawns bakery took over the old Karl's location and pretty good.
If you travel via 7th st (or ave as well) during the week make sure you understand the suicide lane hours.
I live near there, it's not as sketch as it has been in the past but I have met more than one person who got shot in the area.
There's a little o's ohso offshoot, foods ok.
If you're willing to drive farther I second the rec for dick's hideaway. In the same intersection texaz grill is good, Bluewater grill, orchard tavern.
Linger longer for their ein parken sandwich. There's a pie snob next door that has a pie atm.