CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Champaign-Urbana has a ton of unique eats, however, we made a list of some specifically funky and delicious tastes specific to the area. You won’t want to skip out on these tasty bites!

  1. The Korean BBQ Tacos at Maize Mexican Grill
  2. The Duck Confit Poutine at Big Grove Tavern
  3. . The Pork Belly Bahn Mi at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
  4. The Gnocchi with Wild Boar Ragu at Nando Milano Trattoria
  5.  The Ramen Burger at Sakanaya
  6. The Bison Burger at Farren’s Pub & Eatery

Which one of these would you try! Check our food scene page for more suggestions on what to try around Champaign-Urbana.


Spring has sprung in Southern, Illinois. Now that the weather is getting nicer here are 10 nature reserves near Champaign-Urbana to enjoy.

1. **Allerton Park and Retreat Center**: Located in Monticello, this park features extensive natural areas, gardens, and sculptures.

2. **Meadowbrook Park**: Situated in Urbana, Meadowbrook Park offers walking trails, prairie restoration areas, and organic gardens.

3. **Busey Woods**: A natural area in Urbana with trails and woodlands, Busey Woods is managed by the Urbana Park District.

4. **Kickapoo State Recreation Area**: Located in Oakwood, this park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating amidst scenic natural surroundings.

5. **Homer Lake Forest Preserve**: Situated in Homer, this forest preserve features trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities around Homer Lake.

6. **Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve**: Found in Mahomet, this preserve offers hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a museum, all set around Lake of the Woods.

7. **Middle Fork River Forest Preserve**: Located in Penfield, this preserve features the scenic Middle Fork River, hiking trails, and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.

8. **Sangamon River Forest Preserve**: Situated in Fisher, this forest preserve offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the Sangamon River.

9. **River Bend Forest Preserve**: Found in Mahomet, this preserve offers hiking trails, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities along the Sangamon River.

10. **Heritage Lake Park**: Located in Leroy, this park offers fishing, boating, and hiking trails around Heritage Lake.

These nature reserves provide a variety of outdoor experiences and opportunities for exploration near Champaign-Urbana.


CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)-  Champaign-Urbana has a diverse food district filled with options, to narrow down your choices we created a list of 5 breakfast places we love, good food at a good price! Here’s our list of 5 breakfast places to check out:

 1. The Original Pancake House: We strive to offer the highest quality food and best service in town. We have so many “regulars” that we all feel as if OPH is our second family. It is a fun place to work and our customers can tell that by how long most of us have been working here. Every customer is important to us and we try to go out of our way to show that. Many people have said, “It’s not just the food that keeps us coming back, it’s the people!”, and we never get tired of hearing that!

2. The Courier Cafe: The historic Courier Café has been an Urbana charm since 1980, and is famous for its pleasant vintage setting. The café is open for a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. Urbana Garden Family Restaurant: Urbana Garden Family Restaurant has been in business successfully for nearly 30 years. At our restaurant you can choose among different healthy breakfast options. From omelettes and pancakes to sandwiches and side orders, we have them all. Enjoy a satisfying lunch with your friends and family. We guarantee you that your food will be served fresh and hot. You can choose from a wide variety of burgers, appetizers, melts and steak. 
4. Le Peep Champaign:  Locally owned restaurants with friendly service and a focus on food At Le Peep we care about freshness, and quality, and take pride in the fact that our food is prepared fresh daily. We don’t do this to be different, We do it to be better! Taste what makes us great!

5. Merry Ann’s Diner: Merry-Ann’s Diner, home of the famous Diner Stack, has been cooking’ it up in Champaign-Urbana since 1983.  The diner was founded by Stacy Pomonis in loving memory of his wife Merry-Ann Pomonis, who passed away that same year.  The restaurant is still family owned and operated to this day.

Which one of these would you try! Check our food scene page for more suggestions on what to try around Champaign-Urbana.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Champaign is filled with coffee and bakery options, here’s five top-rated coffee shops we love with sweet-treats and hot drink options you’re sure to love.

1. Flying Machine Coffee: 202 S 1st St Champaign, IL 61820

The Flying Machine is a locally owned cafe located in Midtown Champaign. Established in 2017 The Flying Machine is a perfect study area for local college students or a place to work remotely. With a cozy atmosphere, a selection of baked goods, and a variety of brews. The Flying Machine is one of Champion’s best Cafes.  We Recommend 4

 ​​2. Café Kopi (Downtown): 109 North Walnut Champaign, IL 61820  Café Kopi (Gies) 515 East Gregory Champaign, IL 61820

The Cafe Kopi has been a local staple since 1993, a popular spot for locals and college students alike. Offering freshly baked goods from local businesses. Known for its coffee, and baked goods, at two local locations, Cafe Kopi is sure to exceed your expectations. The cafe often hosts live music events, poetry readings, and other community activities leaving an unmistakable mark on the community. 

3. Page Roasting Company: 202 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820

Known for their carefully high-end brews and friendly service, Page Roasting Company. provides high-quality, ethically sourced specialty coffees in Champaign, while also fostering collaborations with local small businesses to boost the community. The Cafe works to empower women and marginalized individuals through employment opportunities and community engagement as a woman-owned and operated business. 

4. Espresso Royale: 1301 Springfield Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

A local favorite, with eight locations in the Champaign-Urbana area, the Cafe is known for its wide selection of brews and bites. The Cafe offers convenient delivery but they also pride themselves on their comfortable seating and relaxing ambiance.  

Check our food scene page for more suggestions on what to try around Champaign-Urbana.


CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Champaign has a vibrant bar and brewery scene, here are a few of our favorites.

  1. The Blind Pig Brewery: “We love to brew. We’re even doing it right now. Our brewmasters are constantly creating new flavor combinations to keep you on your toes. You’ll likely see them brewing at our Neil St. location.  We also brew regularly at our production facility in downtown Champaign on Market Street. Our core beers, as well as our barrel-aged beers and certain special brews, are produced here, kegged and bottled here, and released out into the wild from here!”
  2. Crane Alley: Crane Alley was founded in 2003 and has been a local cornerstone in Downtown Urbana going on two decades. Serving an eclectic GastroPub style menu and the area’s largest craft beer selection, Crane Alley creates a unique and comfortable atmosphere enjoyed by all walks of life.
  3. The Red Lion: Since the decision had been made to open an English pub, the next logical question was, “Where?” John Cordwell wanted to stay in Lincoln Park close to his home. He knew Lincoln Park, and he knew its people. With the help of a real estate agent, he hunted high and low. One spot on Lincoln Avenue, just north of Wrightwood seemed to be right. However, “Seemed” was not close enough. The building was a three-flat, and Jon could not make the plan fit the reality of the building, nor the location. “Not enough traffic,” he announced. So that site was tossed aside. The next site was suitable, but still too far away. Tired, early one morning, he was having a cup of coffee at a French bakery just next door to the Biograph Theater on Lincoln Avenue. He happened to look out the window and saw that a building with a bar was for sale just across the street. The sign of the establishment read “Dirty Dan’s Western Saloon” and it was, too. A meeting was arranged between the owner, John and Colin. The place was smoke-ridden, rat-infested, filthy, grimy, but it was unpleasant. The owner, Dan Danforth was an old, alcohol-sadden, toothless gem, without one redeeming defect. A price was set, combining the building and the business. The purchase was made, and The Red Lion Pub was born.
  4. Esquire Lounge: Founded in 1975, Esquire Lounge has been a mainstay in downtown Champaign for nearly 50 years. Situated in the heart of downtown Champaign, Esquire is conveniently located next to some of Champaign’s most unique small businesses. With over ten beers on tap, a full food menu, four pool tables, two patios, and plenty more seating inside, Esquire is your one-stop business location for food, drink, and gaming. Boasting ten big-screen televisions along with the complete NFL package, you’ll never miss a game or event. Check out our 360 virtual tour for a complete look at our establishment.
  5. Brass Rail: “We are a Live Music Dive Bar that’s one of the oldest operating bars in Fort Wayne. Our bar is a welcoming and inclusive space for all people. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable and safe here, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other personal characteristic. We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and violence. If you experience any of these things at our bar, please report it to a staff member immediately. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all people. Thank you for choosing our bar.”

Stop into any of this location for great eats, better drinks, and an incredible atmosphere. Check our food scene page for more suggestions on what to try around Champaign-Urbana.


CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Champaign-Urbana has an extensive business community filled with small and local organizations. We put together a list of some of our favorite small businesses in the area you should consider supporting.

  1. Jane Addams Book Shop: An independent bookstore specializing in used and rare books.
  2. Pekara Bakery & Bistro – A locally-owned bakery and bistro serving fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
  3. Common Ground Food Co-op – A cooperatively owned grocery store focusing on locally sourced and organic products.
  4. Cocomero – A frozen yogurt shop known for their unique array of flavors and toppings.
  5. Paradiso – An Italian market and restaurant offering a range of homemade pasta, sauces, and imported ingredients.
  6. Strawberry Fields – A natural food store and cafe emphasizing health, wellness, and sustainable living.
  7. Bohemia – A boutique shop featuring handmade, unique gifts and accessories from local and global artisans.
  8. Red Bicycle Ice Cream – An artisanal ice cream shop serving homemade ice cream in creative flavors made with locally sourced ingredients.

Check our food scene page for more suggestions on what to try around Champaign-Urbana.