Whether you’re new in town or already familiar with the Champaign-Urbana food scene, eating and drinking up and down the Campustown drag can be an intimidating experience. Braving the crowds of Green Street revelers, avoiding massive lines but still having a quality experience is key to making anyone — student or not — feel like a regular.
Champaign-Urbana already stands out as a burgeoning food scene (why do you think this site exists?), but the area’s abundance of good food makes it so much more than a college town.
Here are five spots in Campustown that stand out for their ability to appeal to locals and students alike:
(Photo by Yichen Liu/The Daily Illini)
Shawarma Joint
Shawarma Joint made a big splash in the C-U food scene after opening on campus in 2021. Quality Middle Eastern cuisine can be difficult to find in the cornfields of the Midwest, but with Shawarma Joint, this search is made easy.
Not only does the restaurant serve large portions — potentially enough for a couple of meals — but they provide a 20% discount for University students carrying their i-Card, putting their food at a very reasonable price.
The variety offered by Shawarma Joint is what hqw made it such a hit in C-U, providing vegan and vegetarian options as well as a wide array of beverages, candies and snacks at the counter. Meals are easily customizable for you to make exactly what you want, making it a popular restaurant selection for all types of eaters.
The company also has an off-campus location on University Avenue in Urbana.
(Photo by Thomas Cai/The Daily Illini)
Spoon House Korean Kitchen
Spoon House packs endless great flavor combinations into each of their meals, bringing Korean flavors to the heart of Campustown.
Fresh and unique menu items make the restaurant a top spot for local high school students on lunch breaks, as well as anyone looking to try something new.
From fusion dishes like burritos and quesadillas to ramen and bibimbap, it’s hard to find something you won’t enjoy at Spoon House. The eclectic menu makes it stand out in the community, something difficult for many spots on Green Street.
With a friendly staff and generous portions, Spoon House is hugely convenient for University students, in a prime location on Green Street that Champaign and Urbana residents can easily access. The cozy and bright interior has made it a popular spot among locals.
(Photo by Jacoby Banks-Hull/The Daily Illini)
Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas
Tucked away behind The Canopy Club and conveniently across the street from Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Manolo’s is a staple for any local fresh out of a show that evening.
The tiny pizza shop is bursting with flavor and personality, from unique pizzas to their trademark empanadas. Pizzas range from the traditional cheese, pepperoni and sausage to their iconic Spotted Goat, Spicy Vegetarian Curry and Chicken Modena options.
The sweet or savory empanadas can make your meal, or be thetreat you take home afterwards. Options like Raspberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Brownie are the perfect balance to savory BBQ Pork, Mushroom Spinach Manicotti and San Telmo Carne.
But what really makes Manolo’s as a local hotspot is its atmosphere. The small restaurant is ideal for grabbing-and-going, placing you right in the middle of the best art and action C-U has to offer. Easily missed to the passing eye, Manolo’s is one of the brightest culinary spots in Campustown.
(Photo by Angel Saldivar/The Daily Illini)
Murphy’s Pub
Since 1969, Murphy’s has built itself into one of the most symbolic spaces in the surrounding community. The pub is covered in history — quite literally in the scratches on the wooden tables and the wear-and-tear that gives the restaurant that nice, cozy feel.
In addition to the great vibe brought by the restaurant, good deals on quality food and drinks can be found throughout the week. Half-price burgers on Monday evenings are a particular advantage for hungry students looking for an affordable meal.
Not sporting as high of a profile as the infamous college bars such as Kam’s and The Red Lion, Murphy’s is a place that is understandably loved by locals. With trivia nights on Sundays and entertainment in the basement from billiards to video games, the pub is a great spot for all occasions, from a night out with friends to birthdays or reunions.
(Photo by Thomas Cai/The Daily Illini)
Cocomero
There’s no better way to end than with dessert. Campustown sees somewhat of an unfortunate lack of ice cream venues, but the always reliable Cocomero has been holding down the fort since 2009.
Cocomero has a way of bringing people together — from college students getting their honorary “sweet treat” after a long week, to families stopping by after a kid’s successful piano recital. Fun and colorful, Cocomero provides a bright spot to light up your nights in C-U.
Formerly housing Garcia’s pizza, the venue’s iconic structure makes it a great spot for people-watching or gathering with friends. Cocomero is a great way to break the ice over the endless options of sweet treats, from rotating frozen yogurt flavors to coffees, boba teas and waffles.
The trademark C-U location shows you the area’s best, from the Alma Mater statue across the street to the blend of cultures it brings together. A childhood to adulthood favorite for locals, sometimes a little fun is what you need — and this sweet spot is a perfect place to find it.
Maaike Niekerk is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Managing Editor of The Daily Illini.