Hope's Guidebook
Food scene
This is in the middle of the neighborhood on the other side of Prospect, so a quick drive, or a nice walk. Pop in for coffee and pastries for breakfast, and check out artisan goods from local vendors and artists
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hopscotch Bakery + Market
802 W John StThis is in the middle of the neighborhood on the other side of Prospect, so a quick drive, or a nice walk. Pop in for coffee and pastries for breakfast, and check out artisan goods from local vendors and artists
This is a local favorite that is right down the street and has amazingly curated selections of a little bit of everything! Start at the cafe and deli (a fresh ham and swiss croissant is a must) and then meander through the vast wine selection, quirky gifts, boutique, and unique toys.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Art Mart
1705 S Prospect AveThis is a local favorite that is right down the street and has amazingly curated selections of a little bit of everything! Start at the cafe and deli (a fresh ham and swiss croissant is a must) and then meander through the vast wine selection, quirky gifts, boutique, and unique toys.
Wine bar with small plates, soups, salads, and sandwiches during the day, and farm to table for dinner. The crispy brussels sprouts are my must try item. The deli sells a wide variety of meats, cheeses, and their homemade sides. Their wine expert, Laurent, will help you find the perfect bottle to take home with you.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sun Singer Restaurant, Wine & Spirits
1115 W Windsor RdWine bar with small plates, soups, salads, and sandwiches during the day, and farm to table for dinner. The crispy brussels sprouts are my must try item. The deli sells a wide variety of meats, cheeses, and their homemade sides. Their wine expert, Laurent, will help you find the perfect bottle to take home with you.
Located in downtown Champaign, Seven Saints is packed with plenty of vintage ambiance (the story goes that the backdrop to the bar is an antique chocolate churning wheel)! Their mix and match soup, salad, and slider menu offers something for everyone. The outdoor patio/beer garden is perfect for a leisurely lunch, or drinks at night. Check their socials for live music schedules. Must try: the cheese curds!
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seven Saints
32 E Chester StLocated in downtown Champaign, Seven Saints is packed with plenty of vintage ambiance (the story goes that the backdrop to the bar is an antique chocolate churning wheel)! Their mix and match soup, salad, and slider menu offers something for everyone. The outdoor patio/beer garden is perfect for a leisurely lunch, or drinks at night. Check their socials for live music schedules. Must try: the cheese curds!
Located in a super cool old building downtown, locals and visitors come here to enjoy great barbeque and craft brews in a warm and casual setting. This place has been rated among the top in the country for BBQ! Come early to get a seat, and even earlier if you want to try the burnt ends. Must try: burnt ends or pulled pork with a flight of sauces. Don’t skip the cornbread!
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
320 N Chestnut StLocated in a super cool old building downtown, locals and visitors come here to enjoy great barbeque and craft brews in a warm and casual setting. This place has been rated among the top in the country for BBQ! Come early to get a seat, and even earlier if you want to try the burnt ends. Must try: burnt ends or pulled pork with a flight of sauces. Don’t skip the cornbread!
The perfect locale for casual fine dining. Experience a vast array of tasteful delicacies such as fresh fish and juicy steaks, along with enticing vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free dishes. Lunch and dinner is excellent, but the real show stopper here is the Sunday brunch buffet and if your trip brings you to town on that day, it is an absolute must before you go home! In addition to the usual suspects, there are made to order omelette and waffle stations, prime rib that will be cut right onto your plate, and more.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Silvercreek
402 N Race StThe perfect locale for casual fine dining. Experience a vast array of tasteful delicacies such as fresh fish and juicy steaks, along with enticing vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free dishes. Lunch and dinner is excellent, but the real show stopper here is the Sunday brunch buffet and if your trip brings you to town on that day, it is an absolute must before you go home! In addition to the usual suspects, there are made to order omelette and waffle stations, prime rib that will be cut right onto your plate, and more.
Ribeyes, steak frites with truffle fries, and a weekend TWO-POUND tomahawk ribeye that will make your eyes pop! Mushroom risotto, spicy shrimp and scallop pasta, fabulous salads and decadent desserts…and on weekends they feature fresh-shucked oysters and shrimp & scallop ceviche, as well as brunch. Must Try: steak frites with truffle fries & the watermelon margarita!
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Grove Tavern
1 E Main StRibeyes, steak frites with truffle fries, and a weekend TWO-POUND tomahawk ribeye that will make your eyes pop! Mushroom risotto, spicy shrimp and scallop pasta, fabulous salads and decadent desserts…and on weekends they feature fresh-shucked oysters and shrimp & scallop ceviche, as well as brunch. Must Try: steak frites with truffle fries & the watermelon margarita!
If you’re craving a burger, this is your spot! BONUS: boozy slushies.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Farren's Pub & Eatery
117 N Walnut StIf you’re craving a burger, this is your spot! BONUS: boozy slushies.
Located in the historic Courier Newspaper building in downtown Urbana, this is the place for classic American fare. Must try: the reuben!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Courier Cafe
111 N Race StLocated in the historic Courier Newspaper building in downtown Urbana, this is the place for classic American fare. Must try: the reuben!
Located in the Heart of Downtown Champaign, Watson’s serves fried and Rotisserie Chicken, and strives to serve as much local food as possible.
They also have a full bar with craft beer, handmade cocktails, and a killer bourbon list.
AND Don’t Forget their Unique Adult Slushies!
MUST TRY: Chelsea’s Shameless Plea (fried chicken & waffles). Start with the pimento cheese & crackers!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Watson's Shack & Rail
211 N Neil StLocated in the Heart of Downtown Champaign, Watson’s serves fried and Rotisserie Chicken, and strives to serve as much local food as possible.
They also have a full bar with craft beer, handmade cocktails, and a killer bourbon list.
AND Don’t Forget their Unique Adult Slushies!
MUST TRY: Chelsea’s Shameless Plea (fried chicken & waffles). Start with the pimento cheese & crackers!
Succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails, right in the heart of downtown Champaign.
This is a great special occasion spot! Belly up to the bar for an old fashioned before heading to the dining room. MUST TRY: twin petite filets. Don’t skip the sauce and crust add ons!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hamilton Walker's
201 N Neil StSucculent steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails, right in the heart of downtown Champaign.
This is a great special occasion spot! Belly up to the bar for an old fashioned before heading to the dining room. MUST TRY: twin petite filets. Don’t skip the sauce and crust add ons!
Your go-to for thin crust pizza. Pro tip: try dipping it in their famous sweet & tart french dressing!
Monical's Pizza
102 W Vine StYour go-to for thin crust pizza. Pro tip: try dipping it in their famous sweet & tart french dressing!
A Champaign staple for deep dish pizza, located in a 100 year-old building that was once a Coca-Cola factory. MUST TRY: Their original Sicilian pan pizza with your choice of toppings. This is deep dish with the sauce on top.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Papa Del's
1201 S Neil StA Champaign staple for deep dish pizza, located in a 100 year-old building that was once a Coca-Cola factory. MUST TRY: Their original Sicilian pan pizza with your choice of toppings. This is deep dish with the sauce on top.
If I ever move away from the area, I would come back just for Custard Cup… I’m not kidding! MUST TRY: cold fudge sundae in a waffle basket
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jarling's Custard Cup
309 W Kirby AveIf I ever move away from the area, I would come back just for Custard Cup… I’m not kidding! MUST TRY: cold fudge sundae in a waffle basket
Industrial Donut
501 Commerce DrMade to order gourmet donuts
Fresh & authentic Mexican food. There is a location downtown in the old train station and a campus location on Green Street, as well a food truck.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maize at the Station
100 N Chestnut StFresh & authentic Mexican food. There is a location downtown in the old train station and a campus location on Green Street, as well a food truck.
This is made from scratch comfort food at its best! The menu changes daily. MUST TRY: Chicken & noodles or the fried chicken, if you make it on the right day!
Apple Dumpling
2014 N High Cross RdThis is made from scratch comfort food at its best! The menu changes daily. MUST TRY: Chicken & noodles or the fried chicken, if you make it on the right day!
We have an abundance of Chinese restaurants given our international student population, but it’s nice that this one isn’t on campus, and you can dine in. My favorite is the chicken and green beans with white rice!
Rainbow Garden
1402 South Neil StreetWe have an abundance of Chinese restaurants given our international student population, but it’s nice that this one isn’t on campus, and you can dine in. My favorite is the chicken and green beans with white rice!
Always parked on the corner of Prospect & Bradley. MUST TRY: steak quesadilla and the corn in a cup!
Mo's Burritos
40 126893Always parked on the corner of Prospect & Bradley. MUST TRY: steak quesadilla and the corn in a cup!
Thai & Japanese cuisine. MUST TRY: pad thai with peanut sauce and crab rangoons (they have the thinnest, crispiest wontons and divine house made dipping sauce!)
Siam Terrace
212 W Main StThai & Japanese cuisine. MUST TRY: pad thai with peanut sauce and crab rangoons (they have the thinnest, crispiest wontons and divine house made dipping sauce!)
A family owned Italian joint with the best Italian dressing you’ve ever had! You can’t go wrong with any of their pastas and a side salad, and fresh from the oven bread.
Manzella's Italian Patio
115 S 1st StA family owned Italian joint with the best Italian dressing you’ve ever had! You can’t go wrong with any of their pastas and a side salad, and fresh from the oven bread.
Gourmet donuts. If you visit the store front, be sure to head to the other end of the building to grab the best chai latte you’ve ever had from Sweet I diligence! You can also catch their food truck at the Urbana farmer’s market at Lincoln Square on Saturday mornings.
Pandamonium Doughnuts
1105 Windsor RdGourmet donuts. If you visit the store front, be sure to head to the other end of the building to grab the best chai latte you’ve ever had from Sweet I diligence! You can also catch their food truck at the Urbana farmer’s market at Lincoln Square on Saturday mornings.
Entertainment
Sight seeing, activities, and watering holes
This local brewery has bags, bands, special events, and food trucks (or you can bring your own snacks). Perfect for a group or a date night! Check their socials for an events calendar.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riggs Beer Company
1901 S High Cross RdThis local brewery has bags, bands, special events, and food trucks (or you can bring your own snacks). Perfect for a group or a date night! Check their socials for an events calendar.
State Farm Center
1800 S 1st StLocally owned with a wonderfully curated selection of books. And they have Prosecco on tap!
The Literary
122 N Neil StLocally owned with a wonderfully curated selection of books. And they have Prosecco on tap!