Restaurants in Champaign
Best Restaurants
“Love this restaurant. We try to dine at Hamilton Walkers every time we come to visit our son at college. Food is always amazing and at a great price point for an upscale dining experience. Fantastic ambiance, service and location. The cocktail shrimp and bacon wrapped dates appetizers are recommended. As are there steaks and fish and meat loaf and garlic mashed potatoes. Really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.”
“Very good service and free yummy sides!Very clean so I think all the people saying that it's really dirty are a bunch of bot accounts.Kid-friendliness: Very nice and sometimes free snacks + drink!”
“The food and service is excellent! Wait times are usually long and expected due to the quality of food but after waiting over two hours for a table to celebrate a birthday, it would have been appropriate for them to tell us that their liquor license hadn’t been reactivated post COVID before they actually seated us. We would have found another restaurant with alcohol since a birthday celebration. I felt they should have been more forthright. So be aware! They had delicious cocktails and sake pre-Covid!”
“Kenny, our server, made our wedding anniversary meal so very special. The steaks were amazing! Highly recommend the Baxters Salad too. The delicious and beautifully presented complimentary dessert (gooey butter cake) was so very appreciated and the time our server took with us to capture a great photo of the moment meant everything to us! Highly recommend this restaurant!”
“I had an amazing dining experience at this Chinese grill fish restaurant. Their signature dish, the grilled fish, was an absolute delight. The perfect combination of traditional Chinese spices and seasonings made each bite a flavorful journey. The fish itself was tender and flaky, practically melting in my mouth. It's definitely a taste of home, and I highly recommend this spot for a comforting meal shared with loved ones or a solo indulgence in delicious Chinese cuisine.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Great food and service! David was excellent and attentive. He recommended the Takoyaki-octopus Ball. I was skeptical as I had never eaten something like that, but they were amazing! I would also recommend the Tuna tartar. We got a level 2 spice for the Ramen, (we love spicy foods), but it was SO spicy I couldn't imagine doing a level 3 or 4. In total, we ordered Shiitake Mushrooms, Takoyaki-octopus Ball, Tempura Brussel Sprouts, Creamy Crabby Jalapeño, Tuna Tartar, and Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen. This was more than enough food for 2 people and we spent just as much money as we would ordering 2 entrees at another fine dining restaurant. The inside was gorgeous, but I would agree with other reviews that it was almost too bright.”
“My boyfriend and I love trying new places and this was our choice last night. It was very good! I had the fried catfish, collard greens and french fries, he had the creole fettuccine pasta and we shared the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls as an appetizer. The egg rolls were so good, they came with a sweet n sour sauce you wouldn’t think would go together, but wow, it was a great mix. His pasta was cooked perfectly and with so many good flavors in the sauce and in the shrimp, I tried a bite and my tastebuds were dancing. The catfish was fried to perfection with a delicious light and crunchy breading which paired great with the collard greens. Not everyone had the talent to make good greens and well they do! We didn’t try the dessert because we were full from the generous portions served for dinner but it all sounded good. The staff was extremely friendly and our waitress was great too. We will be going back they had so much too choose from that sounded so delicious.”
“TR is always a solid 10. Service, Food, Friendliness... always leave with a smile on my face and a warm goodbye from many of their staff. Jeff, their GM is a great leader. You can tell by how well the staff treat their customers.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I have seen a number of great reviews and recommendations of Smith Burger Co. I finally had an opportunity to try it tonight and I would have to agree, their burgers are great! I look forward to getting it again sometime.”
“CU foodies, rejoice! If you are a fan of perfectly balanced aromatics, flavorful potatoes, spicy sauces, and food that is totally filling without feeling heavy, this is what you’ve been looking for. There’s a plethora of vegetarian and vegan friendly options, and my husband and I were so pleased with the spice blends we shouted with joy a couple of times. We started with a potato bolani, a bread stuffed with potatoes, onion, and cilantro which came with an incredible chutney. For $6, we could have filled up on that. For our mains, I got chicken karahi/kadai, and he got the mantu, which are beef dumplings topped with various herbs and yogurt sauce. We traded back and forth so many times, I almost lost track of who ordered what. Also, my husband is diabetic, and our choices had him holding at a 130bg an hour after. Your mileage may vary, obviously, but legume and protein-rich stuff tends to work well for a lot of folks with those dietary issues and he was thrilled he could eat a *little* more than he probably should have. I can’t wait to go back and try everything else. We like trying many cuisines, and Afghan food is our new favorite!”
“One of our favorite places in Champaign, and we only recently stumbled upon the restaurant before hearing about the food truck. The tortas are to die for; grilled, warm, full of flavor, and delicious. They will occasionally try new veggies for the vegetarian version, which keeps things interesting:) Service has always been beyond pleasant! Highly recommend checking this place out however you are able.”
“Very kind staff. I wish that I could remember her name. Great service is definitely part of a "Best Around Me" experience!!! Dave's Hot Chicken is a Best Around Me, am I right?”
“Love this restaurant. We try to dine at Hamilton Walkers every time we come to visit our son at college. Food is always amazing and at a great price point for an upscale dining experience. Fantastic ambiance, service and location. The cocktail shrimp and bacon wrapped dates appetizers are recommended. As are there steaks and fish and meat loaf and garlic mashed potatoes. Really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.”
“Great place to come grab a quick bite of some of the most delicious Mexican food they have to offer.My dad is a big fan on there Pupusas! The tacos are #1, the meat is not to chewy nor hard. Service is fantastic, always attentive. They are also pretty fast!”
“My 3 year old wanted sprinkles on her pancakes. We asked the waitress and she said she didn’t think they had any but they’d check. Then she came back and said someone what running to the store to get sprinkles. I thought I misheard her, but when my daughter’s pancakes come out, they had sprinkles! She was so excited and I will be a life long patron. They went above and beyond to make our breakfast enjoyable!”
“My go to place whenever I am on campus! Fast pace spot to grab a quick meal on my lunch break. Amazing flavorful food! Always cooked fresh and the portions are massive.”
“If you like Waffle House, you'll feel right at home here. It's a very typical diner setting. Probably one of the last places to have a smoking section back when it was acceptable (it doesn't anymore). Food was great. Great view of a busy street area for slight entertainment. There was even a homeless/sign holder guy out there on the corner. So you really get the full city feel, but in a diner setting. Excellent. The 4-star was because there's a juke box (completely unnecessary in an already packed house), that decided to turn itself on and really ruin the moment while me and my wife were trying to have lunch together. Get rid of it. It's a diner not a bar. Otherwise good place.”
“definitely my favorite sushi place in CU! the place may be small, but its always nice and clean. the menu has so many options to choose from! And the food itself, especially the sushi, its amazing. definitely a place to go to if you dont know what to ”
“Love absolutely everything. Love the salad with shrimp, the shrimp in a blanket, crab Rangoon, fried rice, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, the Thai iced coffee. Literally everything. Perfect for date night, take out, comfort food, impressing your visitors, all of the things. And the most friendly service in town!”
“Had some amazing brisket, pit beans, and cornbread; all were among the best I've ever tried. I'll definitely be visiting this place again when I'm in town.”
“DR has been our go to for Mexican food for 30 years. The prices have gone up by almost 50% since the pandemic so it has kept us from going as often as we used to. Nothing bad can be said about the place and we will continue to frequent when we can.”
“Very good service and free yummy sides!Very clean so I think all the people saying that it's really dirty are a bunch of bot accounts.Kid-friendliness: Very nice and sometimes free snacks + drink!”
“First visit and first time trying Korean food. Everything was super tasty and fresh! The kimchi is amazing. The server was very helpful in helping us decide what to order and the food came out very quickly. Very friendly and helpful staff! Will be back for sure.”
“Came back to town over the holiday break and this is hands down the best cocktail bar in town! Such cute ambiance, and a very extensive drink menu. Pictured below - the pisco sour”
“Good upscale bar and grill. Had the hickory burger, but the kitchen did not cook it enough. The burger was still really good. The service was very good. Looks like they have a wonderful large patio for when the weather is warmer. Central location with lots of metered parking that are in force through 9pm and parking garage nearby.Parking: Meters say they are in force through 9PM”
“Tried this place by request of my 4yr old. Was VERY tasty! Ziwen was helpful and explained how everything works to a group of 6 novices. Looking forward to going back!”
Online Reservation Available
“So cute, delicious tarts! We bought a variety and they were all excellent, highly recommend the fruit tart and the mocha tart. Can't believe we haven't been here before, an absolute Champaign ”
“I strongly recommend Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge. I believe this is the most prestigious & delicious Indian Restaurant in Champaign IL. As their Royalty Customer, you're entitled to the most Luxurious Food Menu & Prestigious Services. Their Professional personnel will assist you with a smile & make sure you have a unique experience. I strongly recommend Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge.”
“Went to lunch with 3 friends here and all of us loved our food. The little bowls of soup to start out was a nice touch. Everything was fresh and tasty with great service! Can’t wait to come back.”
“Kenny, our server, made our wedding anniversary meal so very special. The steaks were amazing! Highly recommend the Baxters Salad too. The delicious and beautifully presented complimentary dessert (gooey butter cake) was so very appreciated and the time our server took with us to capture a great photo of the moment meant everything to us! Highly recommend this restaurant!”
“I had an amazing dining experience at this Chinese grill fish restaurant. Their signature dish, the grilled fish, was an absolute delight. The perfect combination of traditional Chinese spices and seasonings made each bite a flavorful journey. The fish itself was tender and flaky, practically melting in my mouth. It's definitely a taste of home, and I highly recommend this spot for a comforting meal shared with loved ones or a solo indulgence in delicious Chinese cuisine.”
“My boyfriend and I love trying new places and this was our choice last night. It was very good! I had the fried catfish, collard greens and french fries, he had the creole fettuccine pasta and we shared the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls as an appetizer. The egg rolls were so good, they came with a sweet n sour sauce you wouldn’t think would go together, but wow, it was a great mix. His pasta was cooked perfectly and with so many good flavors in the sauce and in the shrimp, I tried a bite and my tastebuds were dancing. The catfish was fried to perfection with a delicious light and crunchy breading which paired great with the collard greens. Not everyone had the talent to make good greens and well they do! We didn’t try the dessert because we were full from the generous portions served for dinner but it all sounded good. The staff was extremely friendly and our waitress was great too. We will be going back they had so much too choose from that sounded so delicious.”
“TR is always a solid 10. Service, Food, Friendliness... always leave with a smile on my face and a warm goodbye from many of their staff. Jeff, their GM is a great leader. You can tell by how well the staff treat their customers.”
“Authentic chinese food that’s on campus. I ordered the yangzhou fried rice which was delicious. It’s cheaper if you pay in cash (I paid like 9.5 ish cash) and they have free cold water and hot tea. It’s pretty spacious and overall a great placeAtmosphere wise, it’s definitely okay for a meal, but definitely not a place with good enough atmosphere to go on a date.Overall, really great place. I suggest coming here after a cbtf test (which is what I do)”
“Good upscale bar and grill. Had the hickory burger, but the kitchen did not cook it enough. The burger was still really good. The service was very good. Looks like they have a wonderful large patio for when the weather is warmer. Central location with lots of metered parking that are in force through 9pm and parking garage nearby.Parking: Meters say they are in force through 9PM”
“Stango is quickly becoming one of our go-to places for comfort food! The staff is super friendly and the wait time is short. The greens and nshima are my favorite sides; the goat is great when it's in ”
“I love the weekly special, especially their South Indian spl on Wednesdays. very authentic. But I feel very expensive for the quantity offered. Recently ordered mini samosa Chaat and was disappointed. sweet sauce, yogurt and the sev were missing.”
“This place is literally the best in town. There is pure love in the food and the family that owns it are wonderful people. So thankful for good food Everytime we go and we usually go weekly.”
“Tried this place by request of my 4yr old. Was VERY tasty! Ziwen was helpful and explained how everything works to a group of 6 novices. Looking forward to going back!”
“The food was amazing. I've never been here before but I'll definitely be coming back. I'd love to try entry naan they have on the menu. The plain ones were amazing.”
“Lao Sze offers authentic Sczechuan dishes with absolutely awesome flavors and a wide array of menu choices. I had the shrimp with garlic sauce, which I would highly recommend. Can't wait to return to try other delicious selections from the menu which offers a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. The excellent food, along with a friendly welcome by the charming owner, makes Lao Sze a dining "must" in Champaign-Urbana.”
“The food was amazing. I've never been here before but I'll definitely be coming back. I'd love to try entry naan they have on the menu. The plain ones were amazing.”
“Good food! They encourage no waste but we had more than enough that we love having leftovers. Service was excellent!Vegetarian options: They do cater to vegetarians just ask.Dietary restrictions: Musk ask and they will eliminate certain things from your menu or refer you to something else in the menu that is a great substitute.Parking: Plenty of parkingKid-friendliness: If you have kids that love sushi this is a great place! If you have kids that wanted chicken nuggets and fries they are not offered in their menu.Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs.”
“The food here is really good. The portion size is great. They aren't great about getting refills on drinks but I think that is just because they get really busy at times and not a lot of help.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“We always seem to come at the oddest hours like 1 am, 3am, etc... But every time the young female manager working is so wonderful and double checks our order Everytime for accuracy, we just love her . But the new hostess with the blood hair, she just stood their and watched me stand at the front as she ignored me and three other people to continue to clean off a few tables for ten minutes then finally helped us work our to go orders ..”
“This franchise is a good mix of quality, quick service, and a pleasant modern environment. Many workers are very helpful, during the right times the location is very relaxed and quiet, good for remote work. There are outlets at nearly every table. Restaurant stays clean.”
“The food is always delicious. Sometimes, things are a little bit spicy in ways I'm not expecting, but they are always able to adapt a dish to be less spicy if I ask. The service is good. Sometimes, it's hard to find your server if you happen to need something, but even with a party of 10, our water glasses were always full (which shows that the waiter stopped by regularly). I'm still not sure about the remodel. I liked the quiet coziness of the prior decor, but it's growing on me. The only complaint I can offer is that one cannot get a small side salad. It would be really nice to be able to add some leafy greens without getting a meal sized salad.”
“Our server, Conner E, was amazing! He was great! Attentive, brought food quickly, and generally was a great server. We need more servers like him in the world.Dietary restrictions: Plenty of foods for those with gluten or meat intolerance, in my opinion.Kid-friendliness: Seems pretty kid friendly.”
“Wow. Overwhelming huge and gigantic vegan and vegetarian menu. Best and most authentic Asian food I've had in the USA. BEST. Dishes are labeled when they come out, and placed on a giant turntable to share with everyone. Also meat, fish, you name it. Place your own order and wait for the fun to arrive! Got the tofu spinach dumpling starter, fried General Stop tofu, fried eggplant with basil (my favorite) and okra, and jalapeno bok choi. STUFFED. Bring friends, bring Tupperware!!Vegetarian options: Giant GIANT dedicated vegetarian menu!!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Some of the best Ramen we've had and we have visited places in Chicago and it's suburbs. Spicy miso was amazing, couldn't get enough. Their grilled pork chasu plate was really good, the meat thinly sliced but grilled well and flavorful. Too much rice and not very filling. Apps such as chicken karaage was really yummy and the wife loved the fried oysters. Overall great experience, nice ambience, prices were slightly high for my plate but the Ramen bowls were fairly priced. Definitely visit again dive.”
“Excellent food, excellent service!! We spent a few days in Champaign and this was the best food and service of our visit! First time to visit and will definitely be our go to for breakfast!!”
“The Kabocha Pan was amazing, as was the chocolate cream puff! My favorite was the Lemon cake. The staff were friendly and very helpful explaining what everything was. Will definitely be back!”
“Visiting Son from out of town . Great place with great menu choices and prices. Very happy with the service and food. Several screens for sports game viewing! Will look forward to our return visit here.”
“Modern coffee shop with modern flavors, experimental drinks, and a nice and quiet atmosphere for work or study.Great if you’re wanting to just chill, read, or draw with a tasty drink to compliment your vibe.”
“The food and service is excellent! Wait times are usually long and expected due to the quality of food but after waiting over two hours for a table to celebrate a birthday, it would have been appropriate for them to tell us that their liquor license hadn’t been reactivated post COVID before they actually seated us. We would have found another restaurant with alcohol since a birthday celebration. I felt they should have been more forthright. So be aware! They had delicious cocktails and sake pre-Covid!”
“I ordered a Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich (on the restaurant week's menu) to go. It was delicious! The sandwich contained a big chicken cutlets, and mozzarella (kind of herb seasoned), and was just suitable for feeding me full during dinner. People here were so nice and friendly! I see that it's only open during dinner time through Thursday to Saturday. I think students would be happy if Dee-Dee's Beef could expand its opening hours to lunch throughout the week! Looking forward to that to happen!”
“Bobo’s Barbecue recently catered our daughter’s wedding reception. They were punctual and efficient. The pulled pork, smoked turkey, mac & cheese, and green beans were delicious. We had SO MANY compliments on the food! We would definitely recommend Bobo’s.”
“Best coffee on green street. Serves drinks you would not necessarily find elsewhere, such as macchiato and cortado. good ambiance but nothing fancy. The pastries are well made enough but not the highlight.”
“I have been to the Space three times. Each time was better than the last - the edges of the burgers lacier and more crisp, the sauces more satisfying and complex, the cook looking more and more like Trevor Moore of Whitest Kids U Know (rip) - and I now fear if I go again that they’ll be the only place I want to get burgers. Dangereuse. Go immediately.”
“I was there after what I assume is the busy time, so I had the dining room to myself. There was a steady stream of folks in the drive thru though. The "Deluxe Single Basket" was more than enough to fill me up. I had to buy a take-home pint, too full for dessert. The staff were friendly and at least one was always cleaning something.”
“We order bulks for our office and it is by far the best, fresh coffee I had in years. And if you do fresh bean grind to espresso or whatever coffee machine you have, you know you'll need a good roasters. THIS is the place.FYI, for those who are concerned of higher price than before (i.e. smaller packages with same price etc... ) its because the global bean price has risen significantly after COVID.”
“Been going to Billy’s for 3 years now, ever since we moved into the neighborhood. I have had some outstanding meals there, equally important, I have never had a bad meal there! Meaning, the consistency at Billy Barooz is nothing short of phenomenal! Stand out meals I’ve had there include: the salmon, (in all its forms), the pasta dishes, the ribeye sandwich (which is my personal favorite), the Caesar salad, the fries, and wow, the sweet potato fries! I could go on but you get the point. As for the service, it is also exceptional. I have never had an issue with how my meal arrives or how I’m treated. Billy’s is, in my opinion, the “fine dining” version of a sports bar. In a town that has very few actual fine dining establishments, it’s nice to know that there is a handful of casual dining places that won’t disappoint when it comes to tasty meals in a comfortable, fun environment. Billy’s is that type of place!”
“Always genuinely amazing food. Tortas are the best I've ever had. I think they pan fry the bread with cheese to get this really crispy, savory cheese layer on it. It's so good. Employees are always super nice and efficient too. Best prices in town as well. 11/10 I've brought every friend who's visited me to this truck.”
“Great food and service! David was excellent and attentive. He recommended the Takoyaki-octopus Ball. I was skeptical as I had never eaten something like that, but they were amazing! I would also recommend the Tuna tartar. We got a level 2 spice for the Ramen, (we love spicy foods), but it was SO spicy I couldn't imagine doing a level 3 or 4. In total, we ordered Shiitake Mushrooms, Takoyaki-octopus Ball, Tempura Brussel Sprouts, Creamy Crabby Jalapeño, Tuna Tartar, and Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen. This was more than enough food for 2 people and we spent just as much money as we would ordering 2 entrees at another fine dining restaurant. The inside was gorgeous, but I would agree with other reviews that it was almost too bright.”
Thai • $$
“Great food. They also know how to explain their foods and help you choose if you are unfamiliar with Thai food.Kid-friendliness: They actually have a kids meal option. It comes with a juice instead of soda.”
“I've been to kofusion previously and liked it a lot but I am not entirely crazy about their new location. The ambience is decidedly different at this new location - it almost seems too upscale for the cu community. Though I think their sushi and sashimi is pricey as opposed to some of my favorite LA and Seattle spots, I wanted to take my new-to-sushi experience brother and sister-in-law so we attempted to visit Wednesday night, arriving at about 8:20pm only to be told the kitchen was closed and that they were at last call for the bar. Being from places where one doesn't even go out until 7:30-8pm, I hadn't realized they closed so early and that's entirely my fault, but just now I checked the hours and learned Wednesday night closing time is 8:45pm. I'll remember that next time I go back, IF I bother to go back.”
“We got the teriyaki-chicken dinner box. It was pretty good and filling. I would’ve liked more chicken then rice but besides that I really enjoyed this meal. The price was a little high but I would still come back.The setting was a little small and not like the pictures from other reviews.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Don't lose your investment in forex trade/bitcoin. Go with a proven legitimate trader that allows your unrestricted access to your account. I recommend Mrs Craig Vanessa for anyone in need of a reliable account manager because she has really helped me and got me restored from previous losses and it's been cool all the way. Invest with her today and enjoy a profitable trading experience. Now I am making profit of $5,500 weekly. Contact her through Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa”
“Best fast food in Champaign/Urbana. You can tell the owner/operator is there. You get nothing but smiles, quick service and no attitude. Laugh at the people in the portillos line across the street as it crawls at a snails pace while Chick Fil A whirlwinds the cars through. I've waited in portillos line for 40min+ with 3 cars ahead of me. They are AWFUL! Go here instead, you'll thank me later.”
“Really fresh, tasty food. I'm a big fan of the fish sandwich. This location offers the view of trains on the route from Chicago to Carbondale, Memphis, and New Orleans.”
“The atmosphere here is great. Good coffee, a little pricey. There's a fireplace and board games available for the customers. Great place for a study group or something along those lines.”
“I refused to move to missouri from California unless there was a Wienerschnitzel nearby. Well my husband found one and it’s a six hour round trip drive but sooooooooo worth it! My food is always made correctly and is hot and so good. This is my comfort food! They’re now starting to remember me when I come in every three months or so. They always take care of me and make me a ton of food to bring home”
“Stopped in on or way back from Chicago and had a great tasting espresso and coffee right off I-57. Thanks to Sarah for making good coffee and a tasty salad & sandwich for us! Friendly and helpful service!”
“Great people that work at this place always respectful the food is always correct and just in general a great experience Everytime I do business here. I am always happy when I leave. Thank you Papa Murphy's.”
“service was great! the staff friendly and helpful. The manager very welcoming and delightful. The place was very clean and nice. Food Bomb!! The Burger was cooked to Perfection! Juicy and absolutely delicious! Fries crispy and they make their own Ranch which is thick and creamy and tasty Price is high for Burgers but you gotta pay for quality. Overall great dining experience!”
“Great Food Look Forward to the next time l will be going there it is a little on the pricey side but lf you want great Food you won't mind paying a little more for quality ”
“These guys are awesome always ! They make my special drink special and my little fur girl loves her pup cup when she isn't with me they always ask about her. GREAT CUSTOMER CARE .”
“Ice Cream and Peal Valley Eggs are pretty Awesome!!Love how you can get basic groceries and a couple pints of ice cream as well!!Their milk tastes so much better in the glass jars than you can get in the stores!! We buy quite a few gallons for our family and trust the high end quality of the milk and the effort to produce a superior product..My kids love this place …”
“Do not go through the drive through here! It's horrible! We eat here a lot inside but the drive through is horrible. Ex: today attempted it and there was only 1 car in line ordering. I guess they didn't know what they wanted at first so they took a really long time to figure out what they wanted. Then they pulled up and we are right behind them. I kid you not we waited about 20 minutes behind this 1 car! so I called the store letting them know they need to get this drive through going cuz there's a huge line behind us now. They could have easily had this car pull to the side in order to service the other vehicles. Well some one eventually came out to put up the other cars orders. It's just ridiculous really. Please get a better system going for the drive through. Food and inside service is great!”
“I had a target gift card and decided to treat myself while I shopped. The baristas here were very patient with a Starbucks newbie and made me a 1/3 caf shaken oat milk espresso drink that was AMAZING. I’m admittedly not a big Starbucks fan as I prefer to make my own coffee or visit small businesses. Just wanted to give a shout-out for excellent service!”
“We absolutely love this place. Stop here on our way to Florida. The food was so delicious. My husband got a Chilli cheese dog and I got a cheese burger and a Corn dog. It was just like we remembered it. The inside looks like it was from the 80s inside and out. It really brought a lot of memories for us. Also they play a lot of 8os music. We also did a video of the place. Be sure to check it out. Our channel is called Adventures of Scott and Michelle.”
“I was expecting to be disappointed since this location is at a food court, but, instead, I was pleasantly surprised. The food was hot and flavorful! It was one of the better tasting Panda Express locations in the area for sure.”
“I ordered Shrimp your Way - 3 Choices. I ordered shrimp scampi, Walt's shrimp, shrimp Alfredo. It was delivered and I got shrimp scampi and a shrimp skewer with rice and French fries. I called and they issued me a full refund that will be within the next 2 weeks. I am disappointed that this happened, but very happy with their customer service.”
“Not sure if they're under new management or what, but our last few visits have been great. We've had a few incidents in the past with cold fries and a dirty atmosphere, but they've really stepped up their game! The food was hot and the tables were clean. The staff was also really helpful and polite.”
“Naya has a great atmosphere and wonderful staff. They were very attentive and were a good time. The Naya pizza was delicious, and the two appetizers were a great addition. Definitely going to come back and try their brunch menu!”
Cheap Eats
“So glad we decided to stay in Champaign and have dinner at Las Palmas on our way to Ohio. We ordered the El Volcan and it was visually stunning and delicious. I would go out of my way to eat there again. We highly recommend this restaurant and dish. The staff were so friendly and answered all of our questions. I have never seen El Volcan on a menu and we go to a lot of Mexican restaurants. Attached is a picture.”
“Huber's is the best neighborhood bar South of Chicago! There are no strangers here. Great vibe and great live music on the weekends! And the bartenders are top knotch!”
“The verde sauce is the best I have ever had anywhere. Get a cup per taco. Mexican style tacos are the go to here. We have tried everything on the menu. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t suggest. All depends on what you are feeling. My wife and I had this taco truck 5 nights in 1 week, they’re only open 6. We LOVE this taco truck. The best in CU, but we have a few great ones here. Fernando’s and Maize are great as well. But this for me is my go to spot.”
“I always love going to Sammy's! The staff are always friendly and the food is always good. It's definitely one of my favorites and the best breakfast restaurant in Chambana. My go-to is typically the Tennessee Skillet but today I tried the Stuffed Biscuits and Gravy. YUM!”
“Ingridients were very fresh compared to other campus Thai restaurants. I would recommend this place if you haven't tried it out.Vegetarian options: All fried rice and Thai curry options come with tofu if you choose to get that or can go just veggies.”
“Maize has the best Al pastor I’ve ever had (both locations) and also one of the best hit salsas with their hot tomatillo salsa. Whether it is a tostada, burrito, or traditional taco… Maize is the best around.”
“We had three combos: each had half a sandwich/slider and a salad. The food was some of the best we have had on campus, which is great to know!Given my family members dietary restrictions and their pickiness, it was amazing how thoughtful Otto, our server was. I greatly appreciate their attentive and remarkable service on a busy Saturday. Thanks so much, Seven Saints! I'll be coming back again with the parentals!”
“The brunch at Le Peep is hands down our favorite. When I'm here it's not the atmosphere or price range I live - it's the quality of food. My UIUC students and I make it a priority every time I visit to go to Le Peep.”
“The chicken here is unbelievably good! It's well seasoned and crunchy and moist. I love it. There are lots of side options too. Drive past that nasty Popeyes and come here instead. You won't regret it!”
“I’ve been coming to the Italian Patio since I was a kid. I loved it when Frank would give me a balloon on my birthday! I love the atmosphere, the staff is always friendly, and most importantly the food is delicious!”
“I have been to this restaurant twice. First, I got the tomato egg dry noodle, which was very sweet but had a nice savory complement. The second time I went I had the spicy beef soup. It was so spicy I couldn't eat much of it, but I have low spice tolerance. I personally don't like their noodles, I think they're a little soggy and I prefer chewier noodles, but overall good restaurant and nice atmosphere for a quick meal with friends.”
“The food was delicious! I got some al pastor tacos for myself and a torta for my boyfriend! Similar prices to other trucks in the area. The owner was very friendly and told me about how he recently opened his truck! Very sweet person and gave me a punch card with 2 (out of 5) punches for my next visit!”
“Excellent food! I got a sope, taco, and corn, and all 3 were super delicious. I loved the red and green sauce too, nice kick to it (if you're a spice lightweight it might burn you a new butthole). Very pleasant people and great customer service.”
“I've ordered here a lot and gotten a lot of different ones, danger zone and roni zoni are my favorites food is always great, and they are always super nice. The cookies are crazy good.”
“The oil for chicken is overheated or old oil because skin too hard and chicken undercookedThe French Fries were excellentTalked to owner on phone and in person when picking up food she never said "thank you"You need customers the customers don't need youand the woman should wear hair nets, long hair always gets in food”
“You're going to have a hard time finding a better hibachi place. and I've been to a ton of hibachi places. This is definitely tied for my favorite of all time. Seriously, this is consistently one of the best. And although I always come here for the hibachi, the shrimp on fire roll probably one of the best sushi rolls you will ever have as well.”
“Food was fantastic. We had shrimp, salmon, chicken, potatoes, sweet potato, asparagus, brussel sprouts, house salad, & lava cakes. Everything was wonderfully seasoned & cooked perfectly. Restaurant was quiet so we could converse. Bathrooms were clean & nice. Food was a bit slow and arrived in 3 trips for 4 diners. I would definitely come here again.”
“New customer to Sam's Club.Good deal on Michelin tires, installation was great, lifetime rotation/roadside assistance program is great, tire/auto personnel are super friendly and also great. All around very positive experience.Thank you”
“Food was so yummy. Service was so lovely. Could not have had a better experience! The dish pictured is the best thing I've ever tasted! Super vegetarian friendly.”
“Ok, so it's a hotel restaurant. You might expect the food and service to be somewhat of an "afterthought" and average at best. On the contrary. Both are quite good. Have been here on three different occasions and have never been disappointed. The food is fresh and delicious. The portions generous. Service is efficient and always delivered with a smile. The American Grill is a great option for lunch or alight dinner!”
“When people ask me what are my favorite restaurants the CU area, Shiquan is one of them! I could come here to just eat bowls and bowls of wontons with friends! My favorite wontons are mapo, green pepper, and hot chili oil wontons. My second favorite item is the sliced spicy pork belly dish! When you arrive, you scan the menu from your phone and order at your table. The food comes out relatively quickly. The max number of people I've come with is 6, so if you have a party of more than 6 you might have to split up into smaller tables.”
“I was expecting to be disappointed since this location is at a food court, but, instead, I was pleasantly surprised. The food was hot and flavorful! It was one of the better tasting Panda Express locations in the area for sure.”
“Customer service is above and beyond. Super friendly and helpful staff. Our server Fruia (?) went as far as going with me outside in the snow to assist me with parking. The manager also showed me the proper way to eat soup steamed dumplings. Food was really tasty and reasonably priced.”
“I love Houlihan’s the one near me closed and I constantly miss it. They had an amazing spinach and artichoke appetizer with Lavosh crackers and a stuffed chicken entree that I’ve tried to recreate at home tons of times. Always got speedy service and the restrooms were clean.”
“Brothers had moved. I greatly enjoyed the cleanliness, sitting setup, the games, and pricing. Excellent style all around. This is now a serious contender for one of the best bars in the area. Feels like a resort. I wish Brother's all the best in their future endeavors.Parking: Why are you driving to a bar? Walk here.Wheelchair accessibility: Excellent accessibility for persons with limited ability”
“Good sushi, friendly staff. It can get expensive, if you aren't eating what you order. Coming in for lunch we spent a total of $35 for two people to eat. Again, good food, good and friendly service. We will come back.”
“I'm new to the smoothie world but I must say I've had 6 smoothies so far and I've only had 1 bad one and it was at the Orland Park, Illinois smoothie king. The staff at the Champaign location is Always polite and fast& its a nice thick smoothie (not a cup of watery mix) The smoothies are Great there.”
“Bartender was a little shy but that's okay because the drinks made up for that. Nice and cold and delicious. This area in the hotel has a very soft mood setting. Lights are dem, no major music, tvs not blaring, 5 seats at the bar, then some open table with a few booths.Very clam and relaxing. Makes for a good time to wind down at the hotel.”
“New management is a game changer. The Smoothies come out quickly and the service is out of this world compared to previous employees I’ve encountered. If you had a bad experience before this will change your mind!!”
Latest Reviews
“It was Arbys. Looked like 2 people working hard to keep the store putting out food. A little slow but cashier was cheerful if tired. They did their best and it was all together an ok experience made better but super hard workers.”
“The food and service is excellent! Wait times are usually long and expected due to the quality of food but after waiting over two hours for a table to celebrate a birthday, it would have been appropriate for them to tell us that their liquor license hadn’t been reactivated post COVID before they actually seated us. We would have found another restaurant with alcohol since a birthday celebration. I felt they should have been more forthright. So be aware! They had delicious cocktails and sake pre-Covid!”
“Bobo’s Barbecue recently catered our daughter’s wedding reception. They were punctual and efficient. The pulled pork, smoked turkey, mac & cheese, and green beans were delicious. We had SO MANY compliments on the food! We would definitely recommend Bobo’s.”
“I've been coming to this Starbucks for a while now and have always had a good experience. Overall, the drink quality is very consistent, and the employees are ALWAYS kind and helpful. On the one occasion there was an issue with my order (ordered a hot tea latte, received a plain hit tea), they fixed it immediately, no questions asked. 10/10 service!”
“On June 2 we went there for our first time . We had a very nice server named Ryan. The menu was huge and the meals were delicious too full for dessert. The hostess was very nice and the food came out nice and hot. We can’t wait to go back there again.”
“Went to Black Bull on Mother's Day for breakfast. No wait when we got there. Waiter was rather confused and had to ask us a couple of times what we were getting after we gave our orders. Food was great as always. Owners make you feel welcome, will definitely go again. I was pleasantly surprised that they painted the walls a bright yellow since I was there last. They use to have dark gray walls with a black ceiling and floor. The yellow is a major update, so cheery.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We always seem to come at the oddest hours like 1 am, 3am, etc... But every time the young female manager working is so wonderful and double checks our order Everytime for accuracy, we just love her . But the new hostess with the blood hair, she just stood their and watched me stand at the front as she ignored me and three other people to continue to clean off a few tables for ten minutes then finally helped us work our to go orders ..”
“Had some amazing brisket, pit beans, and cornbread; all were among the best I've ever tried. I'll definitely be visiting this place again when I'm in town.”
“We had three combos: each had half a sandwich/slider and a salad. The food was some of the best we have had on campus, which is great to know!Given my family members dietary restrictions and their pickiness, it was amazing how thoughtful Otto, our server was. I greatly appreciate their attentive and remarkable service on a busy Saturday. Thanks so much, Seven Saints! I'll be coming back again with the parentals!”
“Do not go through the drive through here! It's horrible! We eat here a lot inside but the drive through is horrible. Ex: today attempted it and there was only 1 car in line ordering. I guess they didn't know what they wanted at first so they took a really long time to figure out what they wanted. Then they pulled up and we are right behind them. I kid you not we waited about 20 minutes behind this 1 car! so I called the store letting them know they need to get this drive through going cuz there's a huge line behind us now. They could have easily had this car pull to the side in order to service the other vehicles. Well some one eventually came out to put up the other cars orders. It's just ridiculous really. Please get a better system going for the drive through. Food and inside service is great!”
“Very kind staff. I wish that I could remember her name. Great service is definitely part of a "Best Around Me" experience!!! Dave's Hot Chicken is a Best Around Me, am I right?”
“Best deep dish pizza anywhere hands down! I order take out anytime I am back in Champaign -Urbana. Yes there can be a wait but if you plan ahead ( ie order early on Fridays and Saturdays) it’s never an issue”
“OMG. I love this place. It's so lively and warm. Chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had. We came here for a friend's birthday and service was great and split the bill across multiple people. One of my favorite spots around UIUC!”
“Best fast food in Champaign/Urbana. You can tell the owner/operator is there. You get nothing but smiles, quick service and no attitude. Laugh at the people in the portillos line across the street as it crawls at a snails pace while Chick Fil A whirlwinds the cars through. I've waited in portillos line for 40min+ with 3 cars ahead of me. They are AWFUL! Go here instead, you'll thank me later.”
“My 3 year old wanted sprinkles on her pancakes. We asked the waitress and she said she didn’t think they had any but they’d check. Then she came back and said someone what running to the store to get sprinkles. I thought I misheard her, but when my daughter’s pancakes come out, they had sprinkles! She was so excited and I will be a life long patron. They went above and beyond to make our breakfast enjoyable!”
“Our server was excellent. She was very attentive and took care of everything we needed, especially with one person needing a gluten-free menu. The manager stop by twice, once before to verify how they handle gluten-free items and then the second time to verify that everything came out okay. Our food came out perfect and was very tasty!Dietary restrictions: Their menu explains what is gluten-free which makes it very easy.”
“Food is always good, service is usually good, sometimes less than ideal but not a deal breaker.Parking: Parking lot is small and tight. Additional parking across the streetKid-friendliness: Kids meal available, a couple options.”
“I’ve always enjoyed the food here. On Saturday evenings it is busy, that’s an indication of how good the food is.An hour drive, but good food is worth it.Parking: Handicap parking in front.”
“Don't lose your investment in forex trade/bitcoin. Go with a proven legitimate trader that allows your unrestricted access to your account. I recommend Mrs Craig Vanessa for anyone in need of a reliable account manager because she has really helped me and got me restored from previous losses and it's been cool all the way. Invest with her today and enjoy a profitable trading experience. Now I am making profit of $5,500 weekly. Contact her through Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa”
“I always love going to Sammy's! The staff are always friendly and the food is always good. It's definitely one of my favorites and the best breakfast restaurant in Chambana. My go-to is typically the Tennessee Skillet but today I tried the Stuffed Biscuits and Gravy. YUM!”
“Jupiter's was nice. I was there with a basketball group. I ordered food and drinks separately and was charged gratuity for my bill for 4 but it is noted on their menu so it wasn't an issue. The issue and reason for 1 less star is the server took forever to bring drinks. Our drinks came after our food after I had to ask and remind him. Other than that, everything else was fine. The food was ok. Didn't really visit the arcade because the boys enjoyed the billiards.”
New Restaurants
“I really enjoyed this restaurant. They have enough unique dishes on their menu to be just enough different than every other Hispanic Mexican restaurant that is in the area. The food was delicious. The salsa was very flavorful. The cheese sauce has flavor as well. We went as a family and you'll pay what you expect for a sir down restaurant. Every dish was great and the atmosphere was very fun. I would say my only complaint is that the seats are very close together and it was harder to get out to use the restroom. Also the higher chairs are not very comfortable.”
“I recently tried the new Asian restaurant and it exceeded my expectations! The diverse menu, featuring ramen, sushi tacos and burritos, dumplings, boba tea, and more, offers a delightful variety. Ordering and waiting at your table is convenient, eliminating the need for a waiter. The fair prices and generous portions make it a great value. The food arrived quickly, and was delicious! The restaurant's clean and Naruto/Anime-themed decor added a unique touch. The friendly staff contributed to a positive experience. We'll be back to explore more of their offerings!”
“They are always so friendly and my order is correct 95% of the time. (we all make mistakes!) Service is always super quick. I stopped going to the "other place" when I have a 7Brew around ♡”
“Had a lovely first visit to Casa Margaritas tonight! We had a party of 7 that was easily handled, which was awesome! A few ordered margaritas and they all proclaimed them to be excellent- we got a half pitcher of lime and half pitcher of mango. Started with some queso dip and chips and salsa, and then I ordered a chicken Fajita Quesadilla. You may see from the photo that there was cheese on the outside, which was quite, well, cheesy! The menu was longer than that first page, but I'll have to come back to photograph it. The interior was very colorful with lots of "Margaritaville" signage, but clean and friendly. Check it out if you want a tasty marg!”
“I ordered a Purple Taro Milk Tea with Boba and Salted Cheese. I literally love it! The cheese was at the bottom, so it was really amazing at the first several sips. The price was reasonable as well. The shop was small but clean and neat inside. It would be a good place to get a cup of milk tea on campus, but I guess it will be full of people waiting in line during spring or fall semester.”
“CU foodies, rejoice! If you are a fan of perfectly balanced aromatics, flavorful potatoes, spicy sauces, and food that is totally filling without feeling heavy, this is what you’ve been looking for. There’s a plethora of vegetarian and vegan friendly options, and my husband and I were so pleased with the spice blends we shouted with joy a couple of times. We started with a potato bolani, a bread stuffed with potatoes, onion, and cilantro which came with an incredible chutney. For $6, we could have filled up on that. For our mains, I got chicken karahi/kadai, and he got the mantu, which are beef dumplings topped with various herbs and yogurt sauce. We traded back and forth so many times, I almost lost track of who ordered what. Also, my husband is diabetic, and our choices had him holding at a 130bg an hour after. Your mileage may vary, obviously, but legume and protein-rich stuff tends to work well for a lot of folks with those dietary issues and he was thrilled he could eat a *little* more than he probably should have. I can’t wait to go back and try everything else. We like trying many cuisines, and Afghan food is our new favorite!”