As the No. 12 nationally-ranked Fighting Illini welcome the Western Illinois Leathernecks for the 2025 season opener in Champaign, the one-two punch of thousands of new students and football fans might make both the Campustown and areas surrounding Memorial Stadium a little too chaotic for some.
But thankfully, our region is big enough for everyone.
Here’s where you should plan on eating and drinking to avoid crowds this weekend.
Kickoff for the game at Memorial Stadium is at 6:30 p.m., meaning that crowd-averse eaters and drinkers should plan on avoiding the area around the stadium and Campustown starting as early as 4 p.m. (or maybe even earlier?).
Catch the game at Blind Pig Brewpub
I’m considering posting up Friday night at the newly-opened Blind Pig Brewpub in Champaign. The pub has TVs and a decent amount of space inside. Owner Matt Monaghan specifically told Chambana Eats that he wants the brewpub to be a place to watch the Illini. Here’s to hoping it’s “new kid on the block status” means that it won’t be too, too packed for a pre-game pint.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
In addition to a great running selection of taps, Blind Pig Brewpub has a solid food menu as well, including wood-fired pizzas and more. This is the spot to grab a beer, watch the team and get dinner.
Grab a quick nightcap at Sun Singer
Just before the game lets out (and hopefully when we’re pretty certain the Illini are on their way to victory), it’s time to get out of downtown Champaign before the post-game crowd shows up.
For me, that means heading into West Champaign to Sun Singer on Windsor Road. Sun Singer is open until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, so it will hopefully time up well to stop by as crowds are letting out of Memorial Stadium. Pro-tip: Take West University Avenue out of downtown and hang a left on Prospect to avoid game traffic on Windsor.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
Sun Singer is probably known for their massive wine collection, but the true move here is a cocktail. I like their Vieux Carre, but their Black Walnut Manhattan will hit the spot if you’re looking for something slightly sweet to end the night.
OK, so picture this. The Illini have won their first game of the season, but move-in crowds and excited fans probably remain in town, meaning Campustown is the place to avoid now.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
Start your day at Urbana’s Market at the Square
If it’s Saturday between May and October, I’m at the farmer’s market.
Here’s your flow: Stop by NitroCup for a coffee, hit Six Red Chairs for an almond loaf (or Crystal Prairie Farms for a gluten free option), then Roth Produce and Moore Family Farm for your week’s worth of vegetables.
OK, now I’m hungry.
Get breakfast, lunch or brunch at Lazy Daisy Diner and Cafe
Just a short walk off the main market is the Lazy Daisy Diner and Cafe. Whether you go to the market at 7 a.m. or 11 a.m., the Daisy has you covered for an accessible meal without having to pop back in the car.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
Normally after the market, I’m already pretty ready for lunch, so I’ll be diving into their reuben, which the staff calls “a new contender for the best Reuben in all of CU.” I’ll contemplate whether or not it is while I sip some coffee (from their special Columbia Street Roastery blend) and maybe grab a GrünBaum salad for a fresh bite.
Road trip…to Mahomet
Nourished from a great sandwich and a solid salad, I’ll hit the road for Mahomet. I prefer the scenic route heading down 150 instead of the highway. From there, I’ll pop into YoYo’s Coffee & Bar for a fun latte before I take a walk in the woods at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve.
I’ve probably hit my caffeine limit at this point between the NitroCup, Daisy coffee and now latte, but it’s worth it to take advantage of (hopefully) stunning weather and get some fresh air.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
Dive deep into some chicken katsu don at Tenkyu
With the caffeine finding its way out of my system, I’ll mosey back to Champaign and stop at Tenkyu on Church and Neil. My go-to order here is their chicken katsu curry rice bowl. The jammy soft egg is perfect, and cuts the richness of the curry in a great way. Depending on how early (or late) it is, I might even consider an offering from their full bar.
Keep the vibe going at Ladro Enoteca
Full from some curry rice, I’ll walk across Neil Street and past Big Grove Tavern and stop at Ladro Enoteca. Ladro is Champaign’s top-notch downtown wine shop and go-to spot for natural and small family wineries.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
I’ll get their house gin and tonic, and if I am still somehow hungry, maybe I’ll grab a charcuterie board. But I probably won’t be hungry, right? Right? OK, I’m getting the board.
End the night early as Yellow Rabbit opens
Yellow Rabbit, Urbana’s speakeasy cocktail bar, is a treat no matter what time you go. But for me, I like going right at opening (5 p.m.). The downstairs, dark environment gives you some lighting that will make it feel like you’re burning the midnight oil, even though when you get upstairs to make your way home it’ll still be daylight.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
At Yellow Rabbit, I like a Manhattan, but they’ve got an outstanding Paper Plane and can swing pretty much any classic cocktail. The bar staff is great, so you’re guaranteed a nice, relaxing time to end your night.
Early night on Saturday, means late morning on Sunday. At least it does for me.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
I’ll lazily kick off Sunday morning at home, puttering around and maybe making something fresh with some ingredients I bought at the Market yesterday. Then, I’ll confront the impending Sunday Scaries with a walk in Meadowbrook Park.
Sipping a variety of beers at Triptych
After that, I’ll head down to Savoy to grab a beer at Triptych Brewing. I’m a big fan of the variety at Triptych — we’re incredibly lucky to have a number of great breweries in our area. They all provide something different, and Triptych is your spot for a wide range of creative, surprising and interesting beers.
(Photo by Jake Williams)
Incredible Mexican takeout
On my way home, I’ll stop by Huaraches Moroleon in Urbana for takeout for me and my household. When I first moved here, I could not get enough of Huaraches.
Now, I almost always grab a Plato Ranchero Dinner. It’s incredibly filling, and so flavorful. The perfect way to end a filling and flavorful weekend of avoiding crowds and experiencing some of the best of Chambana Eats.
Jake Williams is a journalist, editor and publisher, as well as the CEO of the Illini Media Company.