Best Restaurants in Champaign, IL
Are you looking for a restaurant to satisfy your food cravings in Champaign, Illinois? This great area has great food to offer to everyone. Here are some of the best local restaurants you should visit in Champaign.
Maize Mexican Grill
Picture Link: http://markbittman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/mexican-grilled-corn-e1431623174678.jpg
Maize Mexican Grill is a spot you must visit when in Champaign. This amazing spot has been visited by the Food Network’s own Guy Fieri and left him amazed. It’s no surprise to us locals that this authentic Mexican spot surprises every one of its customers. This Mexican restaurant also serves up some of the best handmade corn tortillas in Illinois and has a variety of choices on the menu. Don’t forget to try some of the Mexican drinks Maize has to offer. You’ll want to go back for their horchata and Mexican sodas.
Food style: Mexican
Open: Monday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Location: 60 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820
Google Review: 4.6 stars
Perks:
- Call to Order
- Fresh Food
- Vegan Options
Local Favorites:
- Corn Tortillas
- Gorditas
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
Tips & Tricks
Make sure to visit Maize Mexican Grill with a hungry stomach. It can get busy from time to time, but you should be able to grab a bite in a short amount of time.
Timpone’s
Timpone’s does an excellent job at serving its customers top-quality Italian food. Timpone’s loves to give its food a genuine Italian taste while creating regional-inspired plates. Their plates are always neatly and carefully prepared with fine ingredients. This Champaign restaurant will surely leave you feeling the Italian authenticity next time you walk in.
Food style: Italian Cuisine
Open:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
Location: 710 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
Google Review: 4.3 stars
Perks:
- Wine & Beer Selections
- Reservations and Walk-ins
- Private Parties
- Lunch and Dinner Menu
Local Favorites:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Wine
Tips & Tricks:
Please make sure you reserve your spot at Timpone’s to make your life easier. They always welcome walk-ins, but it’s better if you inform them about your visit in advance.
Destihl
Destihl is a brewery that also provides our area with great food. Their one-of-a-kind restaurant focuses on its signature drinks while serving up some innovative items. Destihl is perfect in case you want to sit back and enjoy a good meal and some drinks with your friends or family. They carry a wide variety of drinks, including spirits and wine. Make sure to try some of the highlighted fan favorites from their restaurant menu. The restaurant also offers a vegan menu.
Food style: Brewery/Restaurant
Open:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Location: 301 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
Google Review: 4.5 stars
Perks:
- Handcrafted Beers
- Reservations
- Catering
- Vegan/Gluten-Free options
Local Favorites:
- Beer
- Spirits
- Cheese Curds
- Beer-Battered Asparagus
Tips & Tricks:
Call ahead of time to reserve your spot at Destihl. This way, you can have a table waiting for you by the time you arrive.
Thara Thai
Thara Thai has an amazing selection of Thai food. They are very good at cooking noodles, curry, and fried rice to perfection. Thara Thai will hit the spot and is a great place to eat at if you’re in the area and want to try something different. They also offer awesome lunch specials, which means the restaurant is usually busy during lunch hours.
Food style: Asian Cuisine
Open:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon–9 p.m.
Location:
912 1/2 W. Bloomington Road, Champaign, IL 61821
Google Review: 4.7 Stars
Perks:
- Specials
- Call to Order
Local Favorites:
- Mama Noodle Soup
- Curry Specials
- Seafood Dishes
Tips & Tricks:
Call and order your food for pickup. This will save you a good amount of time to stop by and pay for what you ordered.
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House makes some of the best pancakes in Illinois. This breakfast spot is widely known for its large portions of food and service. They serve every traditional American breakfast you can think of, and they do it well. Not to mention their cool e-club. The Original Pancake House will certainly fill you up next time you decide to dine in.
Food style: American Breakfast/Pancake House
Open:
- Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: 1909 W. Springfield Ave. # B, Champaign, IL 61821
Google Review: 4.6 Stars
Perks:
- Large Servings
- Membership Discounts
- Bulk Orders
Local Favorites:
- Birthday Pancakes
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Coffee
Tips & Tricks:
Make sure you sign up for the Original Pancake House’s e-club. The restaurant offers great deals to its members, including free coffee!
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House is in downtown Champaign. They cook up some of the best barbecue in town at a reasonable price. They make sure to slow cook all their barbecue to perfection. Black Dog’s also has sweet potato fries that will leave you wanting more. If you’re looking for a tender barbecue meal, stop by Black Dog’s and enjoy their great menu.
Food style: BBQ Restaurant
Open:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: 320 N. Chestnut St., Champaign, IL 61820
Google Review: 4.7 Stars
Perks:
- Bulk Order Discounts
- Online Orders
Local Favorites:
- Pulled Pork
- Beef Brisket
- Rib Platters
Tips & Tricks:
Make sure you take a plastic straw because the restaurant only provides its customers with paper ones. You can get a discount if you are ordering for a large group of people. Also, try ordering online if you’re on the go to save some time.
Sakanaya
It is not unusual to find such a great restaurant like Sakanaya in Champaign. This Japanese cuisine is well known for its popular seafood dishes. Although it can get a bit pricey, the satisfaction is well worth the money. Try some of their fine sushi or fresh ramen next time you visit Sakanaya. The restaurant also serves its food quickly even though it’s a busy spot.
Food style: Japanese Cuisine
Open:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: 403 E. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820
Google Review: 4.6 Stars
Perks:
- Catering
Local Favorites:
- Sushi
- Ramen
- Fried Rice
Tips & Tricks:
Make sure you arrive at Sakanaya before rush hour. It tends to get pretty busy, but they always making sure every customer is helped as quickly as possible.
Kohinoor
You might be in the mood to try something different. The Kohinoor restaurant is the perfect experience dining in Champaign in a different way. Kohinoor introduces the Indian culture to this town in an fine way. The tastes and spices on every plate are mixed to perfection. Make sure you don’t overlook this restaurant! This North Indian cuisine is sure to give you a big surprise. Who knows, you might even turn into a regular.
Food style: Indian Restaurant and Lounge
Open:
- Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: 6 E Columbia Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Google Review: 4.4 Stars
Perks:
- Catering
- Carry-Out
- Food Specials
- Private Reservations
- Vegan Selection
Local Favorites:
- Mountain Chicken
- River Shrimp
Tips & Tricks:
Although the food is amazing, be sure to ask the waiter whether the plate you want to order is spicy. We want you to enjoy your food and not run into some sudden surprises.
The best time to pick up or dine in for some Indian Cuisine is in the morning time and a little after 4:30 p.m.
Conclusion:
We know your restaurant experience in Champaign will be a lot better after visiting one of our suggested spots. Try to explore and discover what other types of restaurants and cultures are in town. There are plenty of grub spots that will turn you into a regular or at least a fan. Also, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. We want to know just how much you enjoyed the food!