CHAMBANA EATS

for the University of Illinois Community

Daily Illini Dining Guide

Illinois students explain campus’ most beloved food spots

Many say food is a universal language of love, of some sort of deep human connection and that good food can never fail to bring people together.  Champaign-Urbana is almost a 154-year-old community, and with about 44,000 students on campus, food is at the heart of this town for many. Commercial chain restaurants are everywhere,...

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Champaign coffee shop eludes national worker shortage

A stroll down Green Street in Campustown highlights Champaign-Urbana’s reflection of the widespread restaurant staffing problems that are occurring throughout the nation. The multiple “Now Hiring” signs posted on doors and myriad of job applications available online are indicative of the numerous C-U restaurants that are experiencing their own labor shortages.  The National Restaurant Association...

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Sophomores sigh at missing out on dining experience

As you walk past the reception desk at ISR, you are greeted with a scene reminiscent of a massive shopping mall, a heavily gentrified, stinky and minimalistic mall, but a spacious environment nonetheless brimming with life and inexpensive food courts. College students come to enjoy meals between classes, rent library books and soak in the...

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Bake Lab cooks up high quality pastries, coffee in Urbana

On Fifth and Green streets stands a small, quaint coffee shop that offers both a classic coffee menu featuring artisan drinks and a space for quiet studying that University students are always taking advantage of. The place, of course, is Brew Lab. Harry Alexander Krigel, the store’s general manager, said he found out about Brew...

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Navigate college food while being gluten-free

If you have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance or just want to cut gluten out of your diet, you might know how difficult finding food options can be. Maintaining a gluten-free diet may even seem more difficult in college, which isn’t exactly known for being the hub of gluten-free options. Luckily, this doesn’t have to...

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Fall for these autumn-inspired foods on campus

Rarely does good food ever go out of season, but with fall approaching, our campus offers several specific fall food options for students to delve into this semester. Whether you are a passionate foodie or a part-time connoisseur, Champaign-Urbana has tons of sweet treats to satisfy whatever your autumnal cravings are. These fall-themed food selections...

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Follow the astrology sign to your next dinner destination

People often say eating out is bad for you, but there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself once in a while. People also say your food choices say a lot about you, which has some hidden truth. The universe determines our preferences, life experiences and feeling at any given time. Whether you’re experiencing an existential crisis,...

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Implement community farmers markets into your grocery routine

While the current state of the world and COVID-19 has led to canceled events, one thing has remained open and accessible: the humble farmers market. The Urbana Market on the Square is going strong Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon until the end of October in the parking lot of Lincoln Square Mall. The...

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Local cooking competition hopes to improve food economy

The Artisan Cup & Fork is a culinary competition that has fought to stop food insecurity in Champaign-Urbana for five years. Each year, local restaurants compete and prepare cuisines for guests with tickets, each ticket getting a person three locally sourced meals with a dessert. This year’s competing restaurants include Neil St. Blues, Red Herring...

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CU restaurants allow students to get their veg on

With the restrictions that COVID-19 has caused, it can be challenging for individuals to find foods that adhere to their alternative eating styles. Thankfully, there are many restaurants in Champaign-Urbana to try, including restaurants with delicious vegetarian and vegan foods. Here are some favorites within the C-U community.  The Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant The Red...

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Get takeout based on your favorite movie genre

Everybody loves takeout as well as sitting back and watching a movie, so why not do both? The activity is perfect after a long day, but it can be a pain to figure out what to order. However, getting the ideal takeout is essential for a fantastic night in of watching some flicks. Here are...

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Budget empty? Your stomach doesn’t have to be

If you’re looking for a nearby, budget-friendly restaurant, there are plenty of options available around campus. Campustown boasts a cluster of inexpensive eateries where students can find delicious food.  Fat Sandwich Company Situated between Campus Ink and Underground Printing, Fat Sandwich Company has an impressive menu of sandwiches, burgers and sides. At this sandwich shop,...

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Delivery options provide dinner when leaving the house is too much work

My favorite social interactions are those in which a delivery man knocks on my door and says,  “Here’s your food!” And I say, “Thank you, kind sir. Many blessings upon you and your first born child.” So yes, I do like food of many flavors, colors and varieties — but I especially like it when...

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Hidden gems of C-U dining

While students and locals alike may flock to popular restaurants like Black Dog and Papa Del’s, Champaign-Urbana offers many wonderful dining options off the beaten path for the adventurous eater. Huaraches Moroleon Tucked away deep in residential Urbana, far from the eyes of casual campus eaters, Huaraches Moroleon embodies the hidden in hidden gems.  Right...

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The Hub provides new spot for dining, nightlife

The Hub, a new restaurant and bar, opened on the corner of First and Healey streets in September. Located on the first floor of Healey Place, a new apartment building that started leasing in fall 2016, The Hub successfully combines a fun atmosphere, great food and an extensive list of beers and cocktails. My mom...

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Campus coffee shops are both convenient and cozy

People often speak of soulmates. I always thought this was a falsehood. There was no way that someone out there was specially made for me! This is how I went through life this way until one fateful day. Destiny found me, and I have been in love, deeply in love ever since. The day I...

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Hammerhead Coffee opens in Champaign

A new coffee spot has come to Champaign: Hammerhead Coffee opened Saturday, Sept. 17 on the first floor of the new Latitude apartments at 608 E University Ave. Hammerhead Coffee is named after Hammerhead Records, a local record company that signed artists in the Champaign-Urbana area from 1993-2000. In a corner of the coffee shop sits...

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It’s a date: dining locations to take your significant other

College is a place where romantic encounters happen. If you think you may have already met the love of your life or you are holding out hope that you’ll meet them soon, these restaurants will help you have the perfect date. Choosing the restaurant can set the entire tone of your date. Do you want...

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