We were pleasantly surprised to find The Courier Cafe is still serving a great breakfast. We used to visit as students in almost 40 years ago.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes
Mireya Hernandez
Honestly it’s very cute but the food is just regular diner food nothing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Dina Seifert
With all the varied dining options in the Champaign Urbana area with wait staff who at least appear to enjoy their job I can honestly say I will not be returning to this establishment. The food was mediocre at best. Had the Dagwood sandwich which had an off taste to it so didn’t eat it. the salad bar—nothing note worthy. The basic lettuce and a couple of additional items. The server didn’t crack a smile once while taking out order and never came back to check to see if everything was ok. Had to wave to ask for the check.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Casey Taylor
Menu is smaller than it used to be. Not bad but not my favorite breakfast.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Edward
UPDATE: It saddens me to have to write this. As a pre-pandemic regular, I've given new ownership numerous opportunities over these months to prove itself and it has not. The food has been substandard at best. I tried all the items that were once on the menu and they just did not taste right. Food being the focus of a restaurant, this is a major failing. Service is the next measure of a restaurant. Once again, Courier failed miserably. Servers scurried all over the place but rarely looked at customers. My coffee cup sat empty and my server never looked my way. I finally had to flag down a different server to get coffee. None of the servers I observed attempted to make any connection with their customers. No rapport. The feeling was that they were working there until something better came along. As a one-time trucker and a biker, you can tell the professional server from the temporaries. It's not just being called "Honey" or "Sweetheart", it is the ease with which they navigate their section and their patter, all noticeably absent now at Courier. The decor remains the same but the atmosphere is different. Basically, it's not the Courier of old. For me, it is the end of an era. I shall miss the place and the people who I had come to know. My thanks go to Nancy and Allen Strong for the years of great food and service and wish them well in whatever they do.----------------------------------Before the pandemic hit, for many years I was a three- or four-times a week breakfast regular. Knew all the then staff and the then owners and they knew me. Even had my own special server. Food was great as were the prices and the service was excellent. Never had an empty cup of coffee. Finally returned recently after a requisite COVID hiatus. New owners, no familiar faces, higher prices. Ordered my favorite menu item on three separate occasions and was disappointed each time. The hash tasted like it came straight out of the can. In the past, I was never disappointed whether choosing from the breakfast or lunch menu. The only other food "disappointment" was their Reuban sandwich. My fault for expecting one like they serve at Katz's Deli in New York. BIG difference but understandable. Anyway, to make a long story longer, I intend to continue to frequent Courier. I just like the place. Get to know the new staff and find a new favorite breakfast order. They have gone to breakfast all day, so there are many opportunities. I say give it a try.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bonifacia Rivera
Cute place, breakfast was great! Coffee sucks!!! Sorry, I'm a coffee lover and it was weak.
Rick Houtteman
Fall from grace. Sat down at 1 pm. No one acknowledged me. Left at 1:20 pm. Sad.
Luke Alpe
50 dollars for two lukewarm sandwiches with no side is criminal, service was fine. Will not be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Liz C.
I have family out this way and during our last visit, we came here for breakfast. We were seated quickly and our server was on top of things. I loved the buffalo chicken wrap, and everyone else was happy with their meal too. I really enjoyed looking at the decor, especially the antique cash register up front. It's quite a piece.
William Harrison
Careful of one of the waiters. Incredibly rude to my co worker and I. Super sarcastic and made us uncomfortable. We got up and left. Only go for breakfast.
Absolutely horrible. order 2 blts, both came with 2 peices of bacon each, mega tomatoes, and a skimpy peice of lettuce. I ordered "fries". i recieved 10 potato wedges. i ordered a "side Cesar salad". i received a tiny container of a few pieces of lettuce, cucumbers, carrot shavings, and get this, it was completely dry! not a single speck of cesar dressing. i go back inside and ask for cesar dressing, they confess they do not have any dressing. mind you, i would not have ordered it had they let me know beforehand. i spent a grand total of 35$, 30 minutes, and the cost of my dignity. I will not even comment on the attire worn, although it felt a little unprofessional. do not go here. I am deeply disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
James O'Dunlaing
Went to lunch with friends 2/17/2024. Service extremely slow. Food was okay, but not outstanding. I got a burger with a side of onion rings. Waitress said it was an up charge of $2:00 with the burger. I said that was fine. She brought the food out and put a plate of 10 onion rings on the table. Got the bill and she had charged me $9.50 (for 10 onion rings). I asked the server why the onion rings were that much when it was supposed to be only $2.00 more. She said she gave me the appetizer portion, which is $9.50. I said I didn’t order the appetizer, just a side of rings. She said she couldn’t do anything. Went up and showed the cashier and she tried to rationalize what the waitress said. I said that almost $10 for 10 onion rings is ridiculous. She said she would “just” charge me $4.50 for a side of rings. I was so frustrated, I just wanted to get out of there. Probably won’t be back. Really liked that place before it changed hands.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Hvob T.
Absolutely horrible. order 2 blts, both came with 2 peices of bacon each, mega tomatoes, and a skimpy peice of lettuce. I ordered "fries". i recieved 10 potato wedges. i ordered a "side Cesar salad". i received a tiny container of a few pieces of lettuce, cucumbers, carrot shavings, and get this, it was completely dry! not a single speck of cesar dressing. i go back inside and ask for cesar dressing, they confess they do not have any dressing. mind you, i would not have ordered it had they let me know beforehand. i spent a grand total of 35$, 30 minutes, and the cost of my dignity. I will not even comment on the attire worn, although it felt a little unprofessional. do not go here. I am deeply disappointed.
James Stephen Dowling
Really disappointed with the service and the food is only average. Went with friends on 2/17/2024. Server was busy but even when things slowed down, she was nowhere to be found. My friend had to walk over to the coffee station to fill her coffee cup after asking for a refill 15 minutes before that. Server brought the check and found that she had charged me $9.50 for the side of onion rings I had asked for to accompany my $14.50 burger. The waitress said before I ordered that there would be a $2 upcharge for onion rings. I said that was okay. When I questioned her about it, she said I had gotten the appetizer version of onion rings and not a side. I told her I hadn't ordered that. She said she couldn't do anything about it. When I pointed out that there were exactly 10 onion rings on a plate and they were charging $9.50 was ridiculous. Server just shrugged and smiled and said, "yes, they are expensive." I took a menu (which I had to get from the coffee bar that was unoccupied) and took it up to the cashier and told her that I had not asked for the appetizer and she said that my bill said I did. I told her the waitress said there was a $2 charge for onion rings. After a little bit of discussion, she reluctantly "just" charged me for a $4.50 side of onion rings. Seems like things at the Courier have declined since the new ownership. Prices are high and nothing is included with the meal like most restaurants. Probably won't return. I loved the Courier over the years. Sad that it's declined in quality.
James O.
Really disappointed with the service and the food is only average. Went with friends on 2/17/2024. Server was busy but even when things slowed down, she was nowhere to be found. My friend had to walk over to the coffee station to fill her coffee cup after asking for a refill 15 minutes before that. Server brought the check and found that she had charged me $9.50 for the side of onion rings I had asked for to accompany my $14.50 burger. The waitress said before I ordered that there would be a $2 upcharge for onion rings. I said that was okay. When I questioned her about it, she said I had gotten the appetizer version of onion rings and not a side. I told her I hadn't ordered that. She said she couldn't do anything about it. When I pointed out that there were exactly 10 onion rings on a plate and they were charging $9.50 was ridiculous. Server just shrugged and smiled and said, "yes, they are expensive." I took a menu (which I had to get from the coffee bar that was unoccupied) and took it up to the cashier and told her that I had not asked for the appetizer and she said that my bill said I did. I told her the waitress said there was a $2 charge for onion rings. After a little bit of discussion, she reluctantly "just" charged me for a $4.50 side of onion rings. Seems like things at the Courier have declined since the new ownership. Prices are high and nothing is included with the meal like most restaurants. Probably won't return. I loved the Courier over the years. Sad that it's declined in quality.
We were pleasantly surprised to find The Courier Cafe is still serving a great breakfast. We used to visit as students in almost 40 years ago.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes
Honestly it’s very cute but the food is just regular diner food nothing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
With all the varied dining options in the Champaign Urbana area with wait staff who at least appear to enjoy their job I can honestly say I will not be returning to this establishment. The food was mediocre at best. Had the Dagwood sandwich which had an off taste to it so didn’t eat it. the salad bar—nothing note worthy. The basic lettuce and a couple of additional items. The server didn’t crack a smile once while taking out order and never came back to check to see if everything was ok. Had to wave to ask for the check.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Menu is smaller than it used to be. Not bad but not my favorite breakfast.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
UPDATE: It saddens me to have to write this. As a pre-pandemic regular, I've given new ownership numerous opportunities over these months to prove itself and it has not. The food has been substandard at best. I tried all the items that were once on the menu and they just did not taste right. Food being the focus of a restaurant, this is a major failing. Service is the next measure of a restaurant. Once again, Courier failed miserably. Servers scurried all over the place but rarely looked at customers. My coffee cup sat empty and my server never looked my way. I finally had to flag down a different server to get coffee. None of the servers I observed attempted to make any connection with their customers. No rapport. The feeling was that they were working there until something better came along. As a one-time trucker and a biker, you can tell the professional server from the temporaries. It's not just being called "Honey" or "Sweetheart", it is the ease with which they navigate their section and their patter, all noticeably absent now at Courier. The decor remains the same but the atmosphere is different. Basically, it's not the Courier of old. For me, it is the end of an era. I shall miss the place and the people who I had come to know. My thanks go to Nancy and Allen Strong for the years of great food and service and wish them well in whatever they do.----------------------------------Before the pandemic hit, for many years I was a three- or four-times a week breakfast regular. Knew all the then staff and the then owners and they knew me. Even had my own special server. Food was great as were the prices and the service was excellent. Never had an empty cup of coffee. Finally returned recently after a requisite COVID hiatus. New owners, no familiar faces, higher prices. Ordered my favorite menu item on three separate occasions and was disappointed each time. The hash tasted like it came straight out of the can. In the past, I was never disappointed whether choosing from the breakfast or lunch menu. The only other food "disappointment" was their Reuban sandwich. My fault for expecting one like they serve at Katz's Deli in New York. BIG difference but understandable. Anyway, to make a long story longer, I intend to continue to frequent Courier. I just like the place. Get to know the new staff and find a new favorite breakfast order. They have gone to breakfast all day, so there are many opportunities. I say give it a try.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cute place, breakfast was great! Coffee sucks!!! Sorry, I'm a coffee lover and it was weak.
Fall from grace. Sat down at 1 pm. No one acknowledged me. Left at 1:20 pm. Sad.
50 dollars for two lukewarm sandwiches with no side is criminal, service was fine. Will not be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
I have family out this way and during our last visit, we came here for breakfast. We were seated quickly and our server was on top of things. I loved the buffalo chicken wrap, and everyone else was happy with their meal too. I really enjoyed looking at the decor, especially the antique cash register up front. It's quite a piece.
Careful of one of the waiters. Incredibly rude to my co worker and I. Super sarcastic and made us uncomfortable. We got up and left. Only go for breakfast.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely horrible. order 2 blts, both came with 2 peices of bacon each, mega tomatoes, and a skimpy peice of lettuce. I ordered "fries". i recieved 10 potato wedges. i ordered a "side Cesar salad". i received a tiny container of a few pieces of lettuce, cucumbers, carrot shavings, and get this, it was completely dry! not a single speck of cesar dressing. i go back inside and ask for cesar dressing, they confess they do not have any dressing. mind you, i would not have ordered it had they let me know beforehand. i spent a grand total of 35$, 30 minutes, and the cost of my dignity. I will not even comment on the attire worn, although it felt a little unprofessional. do not go here. I am deeply disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Went to lunch with friends 2/17/2024. Service extremely slow. Food was okay, but not outstanding. I got a burger with a side of onion rings. Waitress said it was an up charge of $2:00 with the burger. I said that was fine. She brought the food out and put a plate of 10 onion rings on the table. Got the bill and she had charged me $9.50 (for 10 onion rings). I asked the server why the onion rings were that much when it was supposed to be only $2.00 more. She said she gave me the appetizer portion, which is $9.50. I said I didn’t order the appetizer, just a side of rings. She said she couldn’t do anything. Went up and showed the cashier and she tried to rationalize what the waitress said. I said that almost $10 for 10 onion rings is ridiculous. She said she would “just” charge me $4.50 for a side of rings. I was so frustrated, I just wanted to get out of there. Probably won’t be back. Really liked that place before it changed hands.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Absolutely horrible. order 2 blts, both came with 2 peices of bacon each, mega tomatoes, and a skimpy peice of lettuce. I ordered "fries". i recieved 10 potato wedges. i ordered a "side Cesar salad". i received a tiny container of a few pieces of lettuce, cucumbers, carrot shavings, and get this, it was completely dry! not a single speck of cesar dressing. i go back inside and ask for cesar dressing, they confess they do not have any dressing. mind you, i would not have ordered it had they let me know beforehand. i spent a grand total of 35$, 30 minutes, and the cost of my dignity. I will not even comment on the attire worn, although it felt a little unprofessional. do not go here. I am deeply disappointed.
Really disappointed with the service and the food is only average. Went with friends on 2/17/2024. Server was busy but even when things slowed down, she was nowhere to be found. My friend had to walk over to the coffee station to fill her coffee cup after asking for a refill 15 minutes before that. Server brought the check and found that she had charged me $9.50 for the side of onion rings I had asked for to accompany my $14.50 burger. The waitress said before I ordered that there would be a $2 upcharge for onion rings. I said that was okay. When I questioned her about it, she said I had gotten the appetizer version of onion rings and not a side. I told her I hadn't ordered that. She said she couldn't do anything about it. When I pointed out that there were exactly 10 onion rings on a plate and they were charging $9.50 was ridiculous. Server just shrugged and smiled and said, "yes, they are expensive." I took a menu (which I had to get from the coffee bar that was unoccupied) and took it up to the cashier and told her that I had not asked for the appetizer and she said that my bill said I did. I told her the waitress said there was a $2 charge for onion rings. After a little bit of discussion, she reluctantly "just" charged me for a $4.50 side of onion rings. Seems like things at the Courier have declined since the new ownership. Prices are high and nothing is included with the meal like most restaurants. Probably won't return. I loved the Courier over the years. Sad that it's declined in quality.
Really disappointed with the service and the food is only average. Went with friends on 2/17/2024. Server was busy but even when things slowed down, she was nowhere to be found. My friend had to walk over to the coffee station to fill her coffee cup after asking for a refill 15 minutes before that. Server brought the check and found that she had charged me $9.50 for the side of onion rings I had asked for to accompany my $14.50 burger. The waitress said before I ordered that there would be a $2 upcharge for onion rings. I said that was okay. When I questioned her about it, she said I had gotten the appetizer version of onion rings and not a side. I told her I hadn't ordered that. She said she couldn't do anything about it. When I pointed out that there were exactly 10 onion rings on a plate and they were charging $9.50 was ridiculous. Server just shrugged and smiled and said, "yes, they are expensive." I took a menu (which I had to get from the coffee bar that was unoccupied) and took it up to the cashier and told her that I had not asked for the appetizer and she said that my bill said I did. I told her the waitress said there was a $2 charge for onion rings. After a little bit of discussion, she reluctantly "just" charged me for a $4.50 side of onion rings. Seems like things at the Courier have declined since the new ownership. Prices are high and nothing is included with the meal like most restaurants. Probably won't return. I loved the Courier over the years. Sad that it's declined in quality.