7 University Of Illinois Restaurant Essentials
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Restaurants Every University Of Illinois Student Should Visit In The Champaign-Urbana Area

This list of hot spots for University students explains why the freshman 15 is not just a mythical expression, but rather something to believe in!

303
7 Restaurants Every University Of Illinois Student Should Visit In The Champaign-Urbana Area
Orla Willman

The Champaign-Urbana campus has a variety of different restaurants and dining styles to choose from. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat after a long night out or a fancier dining spot to take parents and friends to, this list of tasty spots in the area should cover all your needs.

If these restaurants don't entice you, make sure to do some research on the unique restaurants the University of Illinois has to offer on-campus or nearby.

1. Maize Mexican Grill

Dancing taco cartoon

Eat it Dance party GIF

media.giphy.com

I have tried multiple Mexican spots in the area as well as famous places in Los Angeles where I am from, and I genuinely can say without a doubt in my mind that Maize Mexican Grill located on 60 E Green Street is the best.

They have an extremely flavorful and well-priced menu and is a popular sit-down/ take-out restaurant for U of I students.

Their chicken tacos are probably my favorite item on the menu, but everything is worth trying! Definitely a spot to bring visitors and parents too if you are looking to get a quick bite to eat!

2. Seven Saints

Sloth eating sliders

White Castle Space GIF

media.giphy.com

This hot spot is located in downtown Champaign which is only about a seven-minute drive from the heart of campus. It is American tavern-style food with an upscale twist and menu.

The most popular items on the menu are their unique variety of sliders.

My favorite item on the menu is the Seven Saints Ding Dong Tribute Cake! This is definitely a fun birthday dinner place or a great place to bring your dad or mom on parent's weekends.

3. Sakanaya

Sushi sleeping

Sushi Sleeping GIF

media.giphy.com

Most would argue that Sakanaya is the best sushi restaurant in town! It is located right on Green Street so it is easily accessible from campus.

The inside of Sakanaya is quaint and can definitely be a place to dress up for if you are in the mood, but also can be completely casual.

They have some of the tastiest rolls I have ever had and sushi combo plates if you want a lot of food for your buck. If sushi and raw fish aren't exactly your cup of tea, they also have ramen and cooked meat options!

4. Merry Ann's Diner

Baby wants blueberry pancakes

Pancakes Eat GIF

media.giphy.com

Whether you're looking for food after a night out or you're just in the mood for a greasy breakfast platter of classic bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, and pancakes, Merry Ann's Diner is the place to be! Depending on where you are living, there are two convenient locations, one on Neil Street in Champaign and another on Gregory in Urbana.

There is no need for a reservation or any special attire.

Come to Merry Ann's in your favorite pajamas or comfiest sweatpants and enjoy the comfort food this breakfast place has to offer!

5. Bangkok Thai Restaurant

Shrimp dancing

Shrimp GIF

media.giphy.com

This hidden restaurant also located on Green Street is tiny, but makes up for its little size in its incredible tasting Thai food. There are a few tables inside, but most people pick up their food for take-out.

Their shrimp or chicken fried rice is an unbeatable dish and my go-to order, along with the dozens of other items on their menu.

This is definitely a fan favorite for many students at the University.

6. The Dancing Dog

Carrot Flexing

Vegan Cooking

media.giphy.com

This little vegan health food hot spot is one of the best eatery and juicers in the Urbana area. It is located on West Main Street and is the perfect place for a cute Sunday brunch with friends and family.

My favorite item on the menu is the weekly vegan deep dish pizza that they only serve on Saturdays.

There is truly nothing like it! They also have delicious smoothies and vegan wine! Be sure to check this place out.

7. Hamilton Walkers

Spongebob and Patrick dressed up like steaks

Season 4 The Lost Mattress

media.giphy.com

This upscale old-fashioned steak house is located in the heart of little downtown Champaign serving a classic American style menu.

The dim lighting and romantic atmosphere is the perfect place to bring a significant other. Their steak-burger is one of my favorite things on the menu and a must-try!

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58860
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37997
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959520
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195472
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments