Our Top Spots in Urbana-Champaign
Food Scene
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
320 N Chestnut StBBQ heaven.
Just slightly out of town — this unsuspecting spot has delicious meals that are made with care.
The Wheelhouse
109 N Main St Just slightly out of town — this unsuspecting spot has delicious meals that are made with care.
Only open on Thursday for take out now! Authentic Mexican food with the friendliest owners you've ever met working it all behind the scenes. Feels like you're in the family's home.
El Taco Tako Mexican Food
202 S Chestnut StOnly open on Thursday for take out now! Authentic Mexican food with the friendliest owners you've ever met working it all behind the scenes. Feels like you're in the family's home.
Armando + his staff have brought C-U the most delicious Mexican food. Check out their first location on First Street + Green and their one in downtown Champaign!
22 polecane przez mieszkańców
Maize Mexican Grill
60 East Green StreetArmando + his staff have brought C-U the most delicious Mexican food. Check out their first location on First Street + Green and their one in downtown Champaign!
Female owned roastery inside of Flying Machine Avionics. Pick up a bag of her coffee for your stay!
Page Roasting Company
202 S 1st StFemale owned roastery inside of Flying Machine Avionics. Pick up a bag of her coffee for your stay!
Locally owned friends coffee/roasting team. This is what real coffee should taste like.
7 polecane przez mieszkańców
Flying Machine Avionics
202 S 1st StLocally owned friends coffee/roasting team. This is what real coffee should taste like.
The best ramen + sushi joint around. Check wait times before you go as it is a small restaurant and there's always a decent wait — especially during the school year.
11 polecane przez mieszkańców
Sakanaya
403 E Green StThe best ramen + sushi joint around. Check wait times before you go as it is a small restaurant and there's always a decent wait — especially during the school year.
It is impossible to find another Chinese restaurant quite like Golden Harbor. Tables for 12. Get ready for huge portions + an epic menu selection.
17 polecane przez mieszkańców
Golden Harbor Authentic Chinese Cuisine
505 S Neil StIt is impossible to find another Chinese restaurant quite like Golden Harbor. Tables for 12. Get ready for huge portions + an epic menu selection.
Is it May through October? And Saturday from 7AM-noon?
Since 1979, Urbana's Market at the Square has been a mainstay for Urbana and the surrounding area by connecting the community with local growers and artisans. Shop one of the best selections of made- and grown-in-Illinois products including: produce, meat, dairy, honey, local beer and wine, flowers, handmade art and crafts, and more.
12 polecane przez mieszkańców
Market at the Square
401 S Vine StIs it May through October? And Saturday from 7AM-noon?
Since 1979, Urbana's Market at the Square has been a mainstay for Urbana and the surrounding area by connecting the community with local growers and artisans. Shop one of the best selections of made- and grown-in-Illinois products including: produce, meat, dairy, honey, local beer and wine, flowers, handmade art and crafts, and more.
The Bread Company
706 S Goodwin AveMelted raclette, fondue, and bread — oh my.
El Oasis
510 N Cunningham AveYummy paletas + helados. Popsicles + ice cream. In almost every homemade flavor.
Huaraches Moroleon has a cute little outdoor patio for margaritas + Mexican cuisine. Plus, they are one of the few restaurants in town that serve breakfast!
16 polecane przez mieszkańców
Huaraches Moroleon
805 Philo RdHuaraches Moroleon has a cute little outdoor patio for margaritas + Mexican cuisine. Plus, they are one of the few restaurants in town that serve breakfast!
Terrific Indian food in downtown Champaign. Reasonable prices + big portions.
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge
6 E Columbia AveTerrific Indian food in downtown Champaign. Reasonable prices + big portions.
Do you like tamales? This spot has perfect veggie, chicken + pork ones.
9 polecane przez mieszkańców
Rick's Bakery
124 W Main StDo you like tamales? This spot has perfect veggie, chicken + pork ones.
Serve up a great cup of coffee and excellent home baked goods.
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hopscotch Bakery + Market
802 W John StServe up a great cup of coffee and excellent home baked goods.
Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage
Sandwiches to make you drool.
Parks & Nature
Allerton Park & Retreat Center
515 Old Timber RdIntense sculpture garden, lookout tower + long trails through the Prairie.
30 polecane przez mieszkańców
Meadowbrook Park
2808 S Race StIntense sculpture garden, lookout tower + long trails through the Prairie.
Hessel has a wonderful assortment of play structures for children of all ages and a water splash pad. Places to grill out for families, too.
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hessel Park
1400 Grandview DrHessel has a wonderful assortment of play structures for children of all ages and a water splash pad. Places to grill out for families, too.
If you're looking for a chill day at the pool or a paddleboat/kayak around the lake, check out Crystal Lake Park.
9 polecane przez mieszkańców
Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
1401 N Broadway AveIf you're looking for a chill day at the pool or a paddleboat/kayak around the lake, check out Crystal Lake Park.
The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a 24.5-mile trail that follows the former CSX (Conrail prior to CSX) railroad from East Urbana to Kickapoo State Park outside of Danville. It passes through the communities of Mayview, St. Joseph, Ogden, Fithian, and Oakwood. It is open to the public for hiking, biking, and other non-motorized uses.
Kickapoo Rail Trail
The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a 24.5-mile trail that follows the former CSX (Conrail prior to CSX) railroad from East Urbana to Kickapoo State Park outside of Danville. It passes through the communities of Mayview, St. Joseph, Ogden, Fithian, and Oakwood. It is open to the public for hiking, biking, and other non-motorized uses.
A lovely, quiet retreat around a large pond. There's a wide circular walking path around the lake and a more rugged path down to the Sangamon River.
Collins Pond Trail
2563 County Rd 1200 NA lovely, quiet retreat around a large pond. There's a wide circular walking path around the lake and a more rugged path down to the Sangamon River.
Arts & Culture
American architect, Max Abramovitz, designed Lincoln Center in NYC and our very own, Krannert Center.
24 polecane przez mieszkańców
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 S Goodwin Ave American architect, Max Abramovitz, designed Lincoln Center in NYC and our very own, Krannert Center.
KAM is the 2nd largest fine art museum in the state of Illinois. It houses the University of Illinois' art collection. Free entry!
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Krannert Art Museum
500 E Peabody DrKAM is the 2nd largest fine art museum in the state of Illinois. It houses the University of Illinois' art collection. Free entry!
Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
1103 S 6th StA sweet little nature center that children will love — with wooded trails nearby and a nature playscape that is unbeatable during great weather.
Anita Purves Nature Center
1505 N Broadway Ave A sweet little nature center that children will love — with wooded trails nearby and a nature playscape that is unbeatable during great weather.
Just walk in and experience all of its gorgeousness. If you have children + it's nasty outside, check out their fantastic playspace for the littles to run it all off, too.
Champaign Public Library
200 W Green StJust walk in and experience all of its gorgeousness. If you have children + it's nasty outside, check out their fantastic playspace for the littles to run it all off, too.
Located in the heart of downtown Urbana at the corner of Race and Green. Even if you are not a cardholder you can use the library (and check out). The UFL is home to The Champaign County Historical Archives. This room will support your research of local history and genealogy with both physical and online resources. There's also a coffee shop inside + a sweet little children's playscape.
Urbana Free Library
210 W Green StLocated in the heart of downtown Urbana at the corner of Race and Green. Even if you are not a cardholder you can use the library (and check out). The UFL is home to The Champaign County Historical Archives. This room will support your research of local history and genealogy with both physical and online resources. There's also a coffee shop inside + a sweet little children's playscape.
Shopping
Independently owned boutique stocked with the best of women's shoes, clothing + accessory in the heart of downtown Champaign.
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Circles Boutique
114 N Neil StIndependently owned boutique stocked with the best of women's shoes, clothing + accessory in the heart of downtown Champaign.
So many floors of books. You could get lost in here for hours.
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Jane Addams Book Shop
208 N Neil StSo many floors of books. You could get lost in here for hours.
Art Mart has been a staple of Champaign-Urbana for over a half-century. From the ever-expanding assortment of artisanal cheeses and meats; to the best selection of wine + beers and gifts.
14 polecane przez mieszkańców
Art Mart
1705 S Prospect AveArt Mart has been a staple of Champaign-Urbana for over a half-century. From the ever-expanding assortment of artisanal cheeses and meats; to the best selection of wine + beers and gifts.
Exile on Main Street
100 N Chestnut StAudiophiles and vinyl lovers shop here!
More antiques than you might know what to do with them. Lots of local goods and variety from an assortment of vendors.
Antiques & More Staley Road
606 S Staley RdMore antiques than you might know what to do with them. Lots of local goods and variety from an assortment of vendors.
Trinkets, baby gifts, women's clothing, designer furniture + more at this modern, friendly, and fun rolled spot into a shop.
Checkered Moon
2007 S Neil StTrinkets, baby gifts, women's clothing, designer furniture + more at this modern, friendly, and fun rolled spot into a shop.
Bohemia is a unique boutique with vintage home decor, new women’s apparel and artist's creations with a vintage vibe right in the center of downtown Urbana.
Bohemia
135 W Main StBohemia is a unique boutique with vintage home decor, new women’s apparel and artist's creations with a vintage vibe right in the center of downtown Urbana.
Art supplies galore + more at this locally, female and artist owned store inside the Lincoln Square Mall.
art coop, inc
150 Lincoln SquareArt supplies galore + more at this locally, female and artist owned store inside the Lincoln Square Mall.
Furniture Lounge
11 E University AveFind your retro home goods + clothing flair here!
I.D.E.A. Store will get your creative juices flowing. Located in downtown Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall — it is a nonprofit organization that fosters creativity, education, environmental stewardship, and community through reuse. All materials are donated by the community.
The I.D.E.A. Store
125 Lincoln SquareI.D.E.A. Store will get your creative juices flowing. Located in downtown Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall — it is a nonprofit organization that fosters creativity, education, environmental stewardship, and community through reuse. All materials are donated by the community.
Looking for a sweet plant to take back home with you or to cheer up those you're here visiting? Matthis at Plant Mode can help you pick the best one for the space.
Plant Mode
113 E Chester StLooking for a sweet plant to take back home with you or to cheer up those you're here visiting? Matthis at Plant Mode can help you pick the best one for the space.
The Literary
122 N Neil StBooks and wine!
Furniture Lounge
11 E University AveBest vintage finds!
Entertainment & Activities
This has to be the coolest gem in central Illinois — it is about a 45 minute drive from our house and so worth it if you love pinball and arcade games!
Arcadia: America's Playable Arcade Museum
107 S Hamilton StThis has to be the coolest gem in central Illinois — it is about a 45 minute drive from our house and so worth it if you love pinball and arcade games!
Great spot to bring children to for a full day of activities. We travel all over the country + the Children's Discovery Museum is the best we've experienced by far!
23 polecane przez mieszkańców
Children's Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort StGreat spot to bring children to for a full day of activities. We travel all over the country + the Children's Discovery Museum is the best we've experienced by far!
Do you like escape rooms? These are some of our favorites here in Urbana.
Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space
302 N Broadway AveDo you like escape rooms? These are some of our favorites here in Urbana.
Catch a play at The Station Theatre — a small independent dramatics theatre located in downtown Urbana, Illinois. It was converted into a theatre from a Big Four Railway passenger station in 1967.
Station Theatre
223 Broadway AveCatch a play at The Station Theatre — a small independent dramatics theatre located in downtown Urbana, Illinois. It was converted into a theatre from a Big Four Railway passenger station in 1967.
The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College in West Champaign is one of the 37 major planetaria in the United States. Discover the universe at the second largest planetarium in Illinois, located on the campus of Parkland College. Catch a Pink Floyd fulldome light show!
William M. Staerkel Planetarium
2400 W Bradley AveThe William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College in West Champaign is one of the 37 major planetaria in the United States. Discover the universe at the second largest planetarium in Illinois, located on the campus of Parkland College. Catch a Pink Floyd fulldome light show!
Sholem Aquatic Center
2205 Sangamon DrSwim time!
Swim time — set inside of a lovely, expansive park with boating and kayaking.
9 polecane przez mieszkańców
Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
1401 N Broadway AveSwim time — set inside of a lovely, expansive park with boating and kayaking.
Hop in a tube, kayak, or stand up paddle board and float down the River for the day!
Kickapoo Adventures
1 Clear PondHop in a tube, kayak, or stand up paddle board and float down the River for the day!
Getting Around
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois station
45 E University AveThe local way to get around town for $1.
7 polecane przez mieszkańców
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD)
1101 E University AveThe local way to get around town for $1.
Essentials
Harvest Market is a grocery store, restaurant, bakery, deli, and a bar. Phew!
11 polecane przez mieszkańców
Harvest Market
2029 S Neil StHarvest Market is a grocery store, restaurant, bakery, deli, and a bar. Phew!
This grocery is a cooperatively owned store in downtown Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall that promotes local and organic production, fosters conscious consumerism, and builds community. Though they are community-owned, membership is not required to shop in the store.
20 polecane przez mieszkańców
Common Ground Food Co-operative
300 S Broadway AveThis grocery is a cooperatively owned store in downtown Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall that promotes local and organic production, fosters conscious consumerism, and builds community. Though they are community-owned, membership is not required to shop in the store.
El Progreso has two locations (one in Champaign + another in Urbana). Find all of your Mexican food + drink needs here!
El Progreso
1017 1/2 W Bloomington RdEl Progreso has two locations (one in Champaign + another in Urbana). Find all of your Mexican food + drink needs here!
AM-KO Oriental Foods & Gifts
101 E Springfield AveFully stocked oriental foods right in the heart of Midtown.
International food store in Midtown that sells a great variety of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese foods. Plus, they have roasted duck, fresh fish, hot bar, and packaged foods to go.
Fresh International Market
505 S Neil StInternational food store in Midtown that sells a great variety of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese foods. Plus, they have roasted duck, fresh fish, hot bar, and packaged foods to go.
Their fresh baked sourdough, seeded baguettes are the best staple to start your day.
World Harvest International & Gourmet
306 W Springfield AveTheir fresh baked sourdough, seeded baguettes are the best staple to start your day.
the best of africa's food store
208 W Griggs StAll the variety of food from Africa you could hope for.