The 2025 Best of CU Award winners were first published in The Daily Illini.
Many on- and off-campus bars, restaurants and coffee shops are among those ranked the “Best of CU,” in an awards program from The Daily Illini.
Each year, The Daily Illini polls University of Illinois students and Champaign-Urbana community members for all of their favorite things. From coffee shops to workout spots, the Best of CU encompasses all aspects of our community.
Voting was publicly available on The Daily Illini website from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5. Results were announced on March 6.
Here are the food and drink-related Best of CU winners:
Best Dining Hall: Ikenberry Dining Hall
By Thomas O’Sullivan, Senior Arts & Entertainment Writer, The Daily Illini
The dining hall offers several different dining options such as pasta at Penne Lane, meat and seafood at Don’s Chophouse and vegan options at Soytainly. It also includes allergy-friendly and gluten-free options at Inclusive Solutions, ensuring everyone has a great meal.
Ikenberry Dining Hall has seating on the first floor and additional options on the upper level, allowing for a larger capacity of student diners. Large windows on the lower level offer a great view of the courtyard near Ikenberry Commons.
The dining hall is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for breakfast, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch, 1:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m. for light lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner. Its hours shift slightly on the weekends, offering continental breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with hours remaining the same as the week for dinner.
(Photo by B. Aoki/The Daily Illini)
Best Study Spot & Best Coffee Shop: Caffe Paradiso
By Mariana Quezada, Senior buzz Reporter, The Daily Illini
Students chatting, spoons clinking and coffee brewing — this is Caffe Paradiso, an eclectic yet homey coffee shop in the heart of Urbana. With its cozy ambiance and strong community feel, this spot rightfully earns its title as the best study spot in the area.
Beyond its menu options, the café boasts a welcoming atmosphere that draws in students, locals and coffee enthusiasts alike. The warm lighting, artsy décor and inviting seating make it an ideal spot for just about everything, from deep conversations with friends to quiet afternoons unwinding with a book.
More than just your regular coffee shop, Caffe Paradiso offers a strong selection of pastries and light bites that pair perfectly with any beverage, making it great for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Best Date Spot & Best Sandwich: The Bread Company
By Maaike Niekerk, Managing Editor, The Daily Illini
A consistent winner of the Best Date Spot category, The Bread Co.’s atmosphere is hard to beat.
An Urbana staple, the authentic Swiss and European restaurant provides a warm, romantic dinner spot perfect for you and your special someone.
The restaurant’s unique layout and artwork provide a great backdrop for smooth or incredibly awkward conversations. Close to the Main Quad, the space is always at a comfortable level of business, perfect for disguised friends to snoop on you and your latest prospect.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Bread Co. menu has something delicious for everyone. From its mouth-watering French onion soup to its various pizzas and sandwiches, whatever you and your date select will likely be large enough to share. The venue also offers gelato and cookies for a sweet treat.
Best Fine Dining: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor, The Daily Illini
With a menu that provides a variety of dishes at relatively affordable prices for a sit-down restaurant, Biaggi’s appeals to both students and townies alike. Between their soups, pizzas, appetizers, desserts, bruschetta and signature classic pasta, everyone is sure to find something they will enjoy.
The atmosphere of Biaggi’s is sophisticated, with ambient lighting, white tablecloths and a nice bar, all accompanied by the pleasant buzz of conversation. However, it’s family-friendly at the same time, allowing diners to either dress up or down.
Best Family Restaurant: The Courier Café
By Maidely Davila, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
If you’re looking for a cozy restaurant that can satisfy the entire family, look no further than The Courier Cafe in downtown Urbana. For the second year in a row, the historic café proved itself as the best dining for you and your loved ones.
From breakfast to dinner, the menu of mouthwatering dishes is fit for any and every occasion. Craving French toast and flapjacks? The all-day breakfast has got you covered. Feeling more like a burger? Try The Courier Burger, a charbroiled patty topped with melted cheese and crunchy bacon on a lightly toasted bun.
If you still have room for dessert after the main course, there’s an assortment of delicious hand-dipped milkshakes and sundaes you won’t be able to resist. One of the tastiest treats in Champaign-Urbana, the desserts provide a perfect way to wrap up your meal.
The Courier Cafe, home to a newspaper of the same name once, has been serving families for more than 40 years. It’s well-known for its calming, low-lit atmosphere and vintage decor, which create the perfect nostalgic vibe for a family outing.
Most Unique Restaurant: The Space
By Maaike Niekerk, Managing Editor, The Daily Illini
For the second year running, The Space has proven the most unique dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Spicing up downtown Champaign since April 2023, the eatery and performance venue combo continues to bring more to the table each year.
As it approaches its second anniversary, The Space continues to wow customers with its scrumptious food, spectacular artwork and endless supply of evening entertainment. The variety and outright weirdness of the restaurant are what give it that perfect uniqueness, unmatched by any other C-U venue.
One step inside the door is all you need to smell the great food The Space has to offer. The lunch and dinner menus are complete with signature smash burgers — all with titles ending in “McSmashFace” — grilled octopus, pork belly and more.
With live music every week, The Space never runs out of things to offer, from touring artists to local bands and open mic nights. Each show brings something different to C-U, including drag, comedy and trivia.
Best Food Truck: Mo’s Burritos
By Lauren Castaldo, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Whether you’re seeking a late-night bite, a quick post-class snack or you stumbled upon the Mo’s Burritos truck by pure happenstance, the University community voted in favor of the infamous authentic food truck.
Food trucks are a campus staple scattered across Champaign-Urbana, visited by students on their way to classes or when they’re stumbling home after a long night. There is something special about a high-quality meal being prepared before your eyes in a motorized vehicle.
Mo’s Burritos offers a variety of authentic Mexican food. While it specializes in burritos, the menu remains equipped with something for everyone, featuring various tacos, quesadillas, nachos, elotes, the fan-favorite quesabirria and much more.
Best Drunk Food & Best Munchies: Merry Ann’s Diner
By Ben Fader, The Daily Illini
The diner is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every single day of the year. While its cream pies, milkshakes and ice cream soda floats may be better when there isn’t alcohol resting in your stomach, the entrée list is sure to satisfy customers.
It has every breakfast option a diner could provide, but the best way to address your drunken needs is with one of the burgers or sandwiches. With so many different options to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong.
Best Bakery: BakeLab Pâtisserie and Café
By Makenna Norman, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
BakeLab offers classic items like the pain au chocolate or butter croissant, as well as pastries that are hard to find elsewhere, such as canelés — small cakes with chewy, custard-like interiors — or kouign-amanns, croissant-like pastries with flaky, buttery textures and caramelized exteriors.
BakeLab is also known for adding unique flavors to its pastries, such as its pistachio croissant, thai tea caramel canelé or pear brûlée cake. Though some items are a bit pricey, the quality is worth the cost. Anyone looking to treat themselves should make the trip to BakeLab for a pastry that tastes as if it’s straight from a French pâtisserie.
Best Breakfast Place: The Original Pancake House
By Maaike Niekerk, Managing Editor, The Daily Illini
A restaurant titled “The Original Pancake House” truly has no choice but to live up to its name. If you’re going to be the original, you have to be the best. Since 1976, The Original Pancake House has offered just that — the best breakfast in Champaign-Urbana.
Lovingly dubbed “OHOP” by locals, The Original Pancake House has that perfect, cozy vibe for a nice breakfast with friends, family or that special someone. The homey restaurant has a friendly staff and opens bright and early for anyone looking to start the day right.
No aspect of The Original Pancake House’s menu disappoints. Beverages include steaming cups of coffee, overflowing mugs of hot chocolate and flavorful fruit juices to start your meal. Not to mention, there’s the enormous Belgian waffles and various pancakes stuffed and loaded with every topping imaginable.
Best Vegetarian Food & Best Middle Eastern Food: Shawarma Joint
By Andy Cho, Senior Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
With numerous delicious food choices, Shawarma Joint’s vegetarian selections are the restaurant’s standout feature.
While shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern cuisine that normally serves meat as the main course, Shawarma Joint provides customers with a substitute. Their alternative option is a flavorful falafel, a Middle Eastern specialty made with beans, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Customers can create their dishes with a bowl, wrap or pita, along with several vegetarian toppings, including fried cauliflower, fried eggplant and chickpea salad. You can also try their preselected joint signature combinations, like the vegetarian plate.
Best Boba: Kung Fu Tea
By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Kung Fu Tea displays a wide selection of customizable teas and refreshments. You can build your drink with many delicious toppings to fulfill your sweet tooth.
In addition to boba, Kung Fu Tea serves a variety of food, including appetizers, sushi rolls and build-your-own poke bowls. With such a diverse menu, Kung Fu Tea is the go-to spot to indulge in a tasty drink and meal.
Kung Fu Tea introduces new drinks and flavors with every new season. Its seasonal drinks make for a fun visiting experience, and there is always something new to try.
Best BBQ: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
By Addisen Woolsey, Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House continues to impress Champaign-Urbana with its delicious food and charming atmosphere. Located in downtown Champaign on the corner of Chestnut and Main streets, this train-depot-turned-restaurant is a local favorite.
Its menu features everything from tender ribs to slow-cooked burnt ends, which sell out quickly. Complete your entrée with one of its barbecue sauces, like the mild Texas Sauce or the hot Georgia Peach. Don’t forget to throw in a few sides — the house cornbread and twice-baked potato casserole are must-tries.
While this barbecue joint is known for its selection of freshly prepared meats, it also provides several vegetarian options, ensuring something for everyone.
Best Burger: Smith Burger Company
By Kailib Keblys, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
It offers various sports bar-like food options, and the helpful staff is always happy to give suggestions based on your appetite.
The highlight of Smith Burger Co. is its impeccable smash burgers — specifically, the All American smash burger, one of the shop’s most popular items.
The mouthwatering sandwich includes two patties cooked to perfection and topped with bacon and American cheese, adding to the immaculate flavor. The patties are sandwiched within a toasted brioche bun, contributing to the fluffiness and warmth.
A side of fries pairs well with any of the restaurant’s burgers, adding a great balance of crispy and salty.
Best Pizza: Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas
By Rhea Hechanova, Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
The Best of CU voters chose Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas as the go-to option for a slice around town.
When you enter, the aroma of sizzling pizza greets you, fresh out of the oven and ready for a customer to grab.
This restaurant offers unmatched flavors, from goat cheese mixed with gorgonzola to vegetables cooked with parmesan and red pesto sauce. If you’re feeling creative, you can even assemble your own pizza.
Even so, pizzas are not the only delicious item served, as Manolo’s empanadas are also an absolute delight. Regardless of the stuffing, whether San Telmo Carne or Inferno Chicken, the first bite melts in your mouth.
(Photo by R. Nichols/The Daily Illini)
Best Ramen: Oozu Ramen
By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor, The Daily Illini
Oozu Ramen boasts a warm atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious ramen, making it an excellent spot to go with friends, a date or even alone.
As you step into the restaurant, smiling staff and soft lighting welcome you and create a friendly environment to enjoy your meal.
On the menu, there are options for everyone, including vegetarian ramen, chicken ramen and ramen tonkatsu. The flavorful noodles, submerged in a rich broth, are packed with seasonings that deliver a bold rush of flavor with every bite.
Not only does Oozu have numerous ramen options, but it also has a wide array of appetizers such as edamame, seaweed salad and fried pork gyoza.
Best Doughnut: Pandemonium Doughnuts
By Patrick Herr, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Established in 2013, Pandamonium Doughnuts has cemented itself as one of the prime doughnut and coffee stops in the area. With an off-campus location and its famous pink and purple food truck — which can be found at 8 a.m. every day between the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and Espresso Royale on Oregon Street — Pandamonium Doughnuts is here to fulfill all your delicious sugar and dough needs.
Its roster of daily changing doughnut flavors and a host of beverages guarantees you’ll find exactly the kind of morning pick-me-up you’re looking for, and the exceptionally friendly staff will be more than happy to help.
If you happen to be struggling with the many delicious options, the chocolate crumble doughnut blends the perfect mixture between richness and levity and is a testament to the skill of Pandamonium’s expert doughnut artisans.
Best Milkshake & Best Ice Cream: Jarling’s Custard Cup
By Amelia Benson, Slotter, The Daily Illini
Custard is made fresh daily and available for walk-in, takeout and delivery orders, making Jarling’s an easy and convenient way to satiate sweet treat cravings. If you can’t decide whether to enjoy your custard by the spoonful or sip it through a straw, the soft and creamy consistency of Jarling’s milkshake allows for both.
Shakes are available in more than just chocolate and vanilla. Jarling’s offers unique flavors such as lemon and strawberry — and a flavor of the week, like mint, cake batter, cherry, key lime and more.
Jarling’s also offers an endless list of mix-in options to upgrade shakes into Snowstorms. If that doesn’t root-beer-float your boat, its selection of novelties and small-town creamery classics is sure to please even the pickiest customers.
Best On-Campus Bar: KAMS
By Bryana Perez, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
KAMS has once again earned the title of Best On-campus Bar, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the “Home of the Drinking Illini,” KAMS is a favorite hangout where the best nights come with a theme.
From Time Warp Tuesdays’ classic hits to the vibrant energy of Friday Latin nights, there is always something to keep the party going and plenty of Blue Guys to pass around.
This year, KAMS introduced a temporary disco dance floor with flashing lights, drawing even more energy to the spot. Although it was a temporary feature, the addition still made lasting impacts by giving bar-goers the times of their lives.
Best Off-Campus Bar: Rose Bowl Tavern
By Sam Gregerman, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Illini
Urbana’s hometown tavern has offered a classic “honky-tonk dive bar” experience since its establishment in 1946. With a wide array of entertainment opportunities, the Rose Bowl Tavern is a local hotspot for live music.
The bar features a rotating schedule of bands, singers and other performers, promising something new every night.
For those who prefer routine in their live performances, the weekly Urbana Hootenanny is a classic Monday night tradition musicians can join for a “hang out on stage.” You can also rely on Wednesdays for Trivia Night and Jazz Jam.
(Photo by A. Khandavalli/The Daily Illini)
Best Alcoholic Drink: Red Lion Fuck It Bucket
By Mackenzie Wranovics, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
The Fuck It Bucket can be found exclusively at The Red Lion, a staple University bar located at the intersection of Third and Green streets. The drink itself can definitely lead to some of the best and most eventful nights on campus.
The drink consists of a combination of vodka, cranberry juice, ginger ale and a Topo Chico seltzer flipped upside down into the pitcher. The concoction is sweet enough to mask the alcohol, making it appealing to those who don’t enjoy the taste of liquor.
The size and price contribute to the drink’s popularity, as the buckets usually range from $5-8. They’re cheapest — and most popular — during happy hour on Fridays.
Best Chinese Food: Chopstix
By Stephanie Orellana, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Chopstix is a small take-out venue with menus plastered on the walls, perfect for anyone indecisive about their potential order. If you’re afraid of waiting a long time for your meal, don’t be; at Chopstix, your order will come out warm and ready in no time.
There are plenty of appetizers to choose from, including fried wontons, dumplings and even a serving of powdered donuts. Not only is there a variety of rice dishes, but there is also a diverse array of poultry to choose from. Chopstix’s generous portions like the tangy orange chicken, spicy kung pao chicken and fried rice leave customers’ taste buds satisfied.
This is Chopstix’s second year winning the Best Chinese Food award, showing that no one can escape their food cravings once they pass this restaurant while walking on East Green Street.
Best Indian Food: The Himalayan Chimney
By Amartya Nalluri, Senior Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
The Himalayan Chimney serves a wide variety of Indian dishes from the country’s many regions. The restaurant’s juicy, rich and spicy biryani set it apart from competitors and keep customers returning for more. Alongside the heat-packed food selection are masterful samosas packed with traditional fillings.
Each dish is seasoned to perfection, making the food accessible to those unaccustomed to the typical Indian heat. Diners who want to explore international cuisine will find an ideal spot here.
Best Italian Food: Mia Za’s Cafe
By Sonya Luebbers, Senior Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
From baked mac and cheese to pasta and baked sandwiches, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose palette won’t be satisfied with an item from its menu.
The restaurant’s desserts seem to be of particular interest, with varieties of cakes, cheesecakes and tiramisu to choose from. Mia Za’s even offers an artistic rendition of its infamous tiramisu as a sticker for the avid eater’s purchase.
However, the pizza is truly Mia Za’s shining star. Patrons have the option to choose one of its pre-made flavor combinations, consisting of a variety of delicious choices. Diners can also create their own dish from an extensive assortment of fresh toppings.
(Photo by Ruhi Haryadi/The Daily Illini)
Best Japanese Food: Sakanaya
By Nicolas Roacho, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Sakanaya translates to “fish market,” and there’s a reason the name stands out. According to the restaurant’s website, Sakanaya orders more fish than any other Champaign restaurant.
This contributes to its wide variety of delectable dishes, including its bento boxes, poke bowls and ramen soups. Sakanaya also provides vegetarian options to cater to a variety of customers, such as vegetarian ramens and rolls.
Best Korean Food: Jip Bap
By Gibson Asselmeier, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Slinging noodles and rice bowls with snappy service and a vibrant atmosphere, Jip Bap is a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner — if not both.
It’s hard to overstate the convenience and value of Jip Bap’s meals, with wait times reliably under five minutes and receipts rarely over $15. The portions merit mention as well — Jip Bap doesn’t skimp on the protein.
The quick, compact dishes Jip Bap offers are the perfect combination of filling and fresh. Students can’t help going for their steaming rice and kimchi bowls to warm up during the winter and refreshing soups for the summertime.
While Jip Bap’s menu has no shortage of options, it’s hard not to come back to the No. 5 Combo — a bibimbap bowl with beef, chicken, pork and kimchi, topped with sriracha mayo over a bed of rice and noodles. The amount of protein and blend of flavors make a great combo.
(Photo by A. Khandavalli/The Daily Illini)
Best Mexican Food: Maize Mexican Grill
By Helen Maurer, Senior Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
When you walk into Maize, the vibrant atmosphere draws you in with its dim lighting and attentive waiters.
The restaurant’s chips and salsa flight is a must-try, with dipping blends of varying spice levels.
Flavor overflows from Maize’s burritos alongside the complimentary chips and salsa served with each entrée. This restaurant is perfect for a quick carryout dish or a hearty meal with friends after a long day.
The steak burritos and guacamole are stand-out favorites and continuously make Maize one of C-U’s top Mexican restaurants.
Best Thai Food: Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911
By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911, the first recommendation to locals as well as any campus newcomer, sits in a cozy alcove at the corner of Green and Fifth streets.
The location is a slice of comfort in the chaos of college life, offering an array of Thai curries, noodle dishes and appetizers, as well as pho.
Vibrant murals of sunsets and palm trees cover the walls, and red, cushiony seats litter a lively dining room. It’s nothing fancy or pretentious, and perhaps it is this approachability that makes it so beloved.
Bangkok Thai’s popularity may also be attributed to the generous portions, affordable prices and the varying spice levels it offers.
A heaping serving of fried rice or a bowl of steaming pho delivers any weary student the warmth to persist through even the coldest of midwestern winters.
Best Small Business: The Literary
By Sam Gregerman, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Illini
Books. Kitchen. Bar. Café. Small businesses are a hallmark of Champaign-Urbana’s vibrant culture. However, one storefront takes the (coffee) cake. The Literary, a cozy bookstore-café-bar hybrid, is tailored to every bookish niche.
After its grand opening in 2021, The Literary introduced C-U’s inaugural “indie bookshop” to the colorful college town.
This cozy small business is located at 122 N. Neil St. in the heart of downtown Champaign. Its branded LED window light, which is impossible to miss, adds color and brightness to the streets of C-U.
From weekly children’s story times to various monthly book clubs, The Literary boasts community programming for all ages. Beyond book-related events, regular craft nights and educational opportunities occupy its monthly calendars.
Best Grocery Store: Harvest Market
By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer, The Daily Illini
A health-focused grocery store with a café, bakery, food bar and deli, Harvest Market offers artisanal and organic products for any occasion, and the produce is often sourced from local farms.
Fresh sourdough is baked daily, and the dining area is popular among both community members and college students alike.
Against the backdrop of ambient chatter and fluorescent lighting, one can enjoy reasonably priced burgers and fried chicken with the knowledge of where their food comes from.
Best New Business: Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar
By Eleanor Henricksen, Senior Copy Editor, The Daily Illini
Locally owned and operated, this new establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where comfort and community can unite over one common interest: bagels.
Its menu features fresh handmade bagels, including sweet options like Java Chip and Honey Oat, while not forgetting savory delights like the Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich.
The menu doesn’t stop there. You might as well complement your bagel with one of its specialty beverages, with options ranging from Columbia Street Roastery coffee to freshly brewed tea.
For more of the Best of CU, check out the digital version of The Daily Illini’s 2025 Best of CU Magazine.