In the past few years, Champaign-Urbana has really exploded in the restaurant scene. Now, the town is sprinkled with restaurants on every street corner. So, if you're planning a night on the town or a morning out with friends, here are four restaurants you have to try!
1. Big Grove Tavern
If you’re looking for quality, upscale American cuisine, Big Grove Tavern is the place to be. The interior design is quirky, the waitstaff is great and the food fantastic. The restaurant prides itself as a “farm-to-table” style eatery, and features a great brunch, lunch and dinner menu with items varying from seared scallops and pesto flatbread, to french toast bread pudding and chilaquiles. Featuring a full bar and great beer and wine list, Big Grove is the perfect spot for a date-night, or for bottomless mimosas and Sunday brunch. If you haven’t yet tried this warm and welcoming tavern, make a reservation soon and experience all Big Grove Tavern has to offer.
2. Escobar
Bright and bold in both food and decor, Escobar offers fresh dishes with a Latin flair. Escobar offers brunch, lunch, early-bird dinner and dinner with competitive prices. It's honestly one of the best brunches I've had, and I've had a lot of brunch experiences. Escobar has both indoor and outdoor seating, so as the weather continues to warm up, definitely take a trip here, soak-up some sun on the patio, and enjoy the amazing food.
3. Sun Singer
Nestled away on Windsor road, Sun Singer is a dynamite find. One of my favorite places for soup and sandwiches, you're in for a wonderful lunch or dinner experience. Sun Singer highlights itself as a "touch of Tuscany" in central Illinois. Your dinning experience is sure to be unique in this cafe. You'll enjoy your meal nestled between the huge beer and wine selection. The cafe also has a deli counter, snack-food available for purchase, and a quirky selection of both beer and wine. There is a full-service wine counter where you can enjoy tastings of over 30 wines-by-the-glass. If you're looking for a quality meal, great experience and fantastic wine, your next outing needs to be at Sun Singer.
4. Watson's Shack & Rail
This dynamic chicken joint just opened in February, but has definitely been rocking since then. Watson's specializes in farm to table style chicken, with a southern kick. The menu highlights both friend and rotisserie style chicken, including Nashville Hot Chicken. Honestly, the best chicken and slaw I've had in a while. The portions are huge, the prices are great, and the atmosphere is lively. The restaurant features live performances from local musicians who play bluegrass, blues, funk, country, folk, & American genres. Besides the crispy chicken, Watson's has a great sides menu including biscuits, pies, coleslaw, mac n' cheese and so much more. Stop by Watson's for a great date night and enjoy the craft beers, friend chicken and good company.
