Where to Eat in Urbana: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Hector Krause

Urbana /ɜːrˈbænə/ is a city in and the county seat of Champaign County, Illinois, United States. The population was 41,250 at the 2010 census. Urbana is the tenth-most populous city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is included in the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area.
Things to do in Urbana

1. Jarling's

309 W Kirby Ave, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-7207 Takeout, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards American SGD 3 - SGD 8 +1 217-352-2273
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Jarling's

Custard Cup was first started in 1949. It was originally opened by George and Helen Potter at 2507 N. Vermilion St. in Danville, IL. There they started selling the Custard that Mr. Potter had developed a recipe for. Business started slow, and it was not uncommon to see George and Helen sitting out back playing cards while they waited for customers to come in. The Potter’s also created our signature Cold Fudge, to solve the problem of Custard melting when hot fudge was put on it. They owned the business for 20 years and then decided that they were ready to retire. The Potter’s had no children, so they sold “The Cup” to the Wilmer and Dorotha Jarling in 1969.Mr. and Mrs. Jarling watched as the number of customers grew, after school, after church on Sundays, and on the weekends it started turning into “the place” to go on a weekend night for a treat. As it grew, the Jarling’s made some changes to the business, such as adding cash registers and an extra two windows in 1980.Another change the Jarling’s made to the business was expanding the menu. Originally only three flavors of custard were available; Vanilla, Chocolate, and Lemon. Strawberry was added, and later so was Orange. They sold the classic soda shop favorites like Sundaes, Old Fashioned Sodas, Shakes and Malts. Also other menu items began to develop, such as Banana Splits, and Custard Sandwiches.Wilmer and Dorotha Jarling retired in the early 1980’s to have time to enjoy hobbies and travel. After a two year battle with cancer, Dorotha Jarling passed away in 1995. Wilmer Jarling passed on in 2002 at age 85. The Danville Custard Cup is now owned by their children; Doug Jarling, Larry Jarling, Nancy Smart, and grandchild Rodney Smart. On April 28, 1983 Jarling’s Custard Cup opened its doors at 309 W. Kirby Ave. in Champaign. It was opened by Doug and Christy Jarling, who had worked and helped to manage the Danville store for several years. The Champaign location featured the same products as the Danville store, as well as new creations like frozen pies, and The Snowstorm. In 1993, Doug and Christy Jarling purchased the secret recipe from Wilmer and Dorotha. Since then both locations have continued to change their menus slightly, keeping the favorite treats and working to add new creations from what they've heard from their customers.

Reviewed By Princerman - Otsego, Minnesota

I saw this place on the Big Ten Network as a place to get a good dessert. They were right, I had the peanut butter fudge shake. It was delightful but very expensive for the size I got.

2. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

201 N Broadway Ave, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-2706 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 560 reviews

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Reviewed By FeatFan_77 - Monticello, IL

You'll almost never be able to walk in and be seated immediately due to the venue's small size. But the menu is worth the wait. While the smoked meats deservedly get top billing, the sides are equally fantastic. The cornbread with meat morsels is outstanding! Also love the excellent rotating craft beer selection. Something for every beer snob.

3. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

301 N Neil St, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-3163 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Brew Pub, Gastropub, American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 13 - SGD 41 +1 217-356-0301
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 662 reviews

Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

DESTIHL(R) Restaurant - Champaign is two amazing worlds merged into one: the fusion of craft beer and artisan foods. We are a growing gastrobrewpubTM concept which creatively combines and reinvents craft beer and full-flavored dishes from America's melting pot using many local ingredients and both modern and traditional techniques. Our mission is to fill our gastrobrewpubs with fun, energy and passion for great artisan food and beers while providing a 'down to earth', high level of service.

Reviewed By FlyByRV - Springfield, Missouri

Was greeted warmly by first person behind the reception desk, but when the fellow wearing the tie heard me say, "Seven people please," that fellow asked if I had a reservation. Telling him no, he retorted, "it will be at least 1.5 hours wait for...MoreFlyByRV, Our sincerest apologies about the interaction you had with our team member. We'd appreciate being about to speak with you about this further. Please contact our GM, Justin Kelley, at [email protected] or 217.356.0301 at your earliest convenience. Kind Regards.

4. The Dancing Dog Eatery & Juicery

126 W Main St, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-2715 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +1 217-552-1344
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

The Dancing Dog Eatery & Juicery

Reviewed By Dale P - Kingston, NY

We absolutely LOVE this ALL VEGAN restaurant and its laid back atmosphere. Reliably tasty, moderately priced, occasionally surprising and always fun! Desserts are exceptionally good, and even non-vegan's enjoy the wide array of entree choices. This place is highly recommended as a place to introduce non-vegans to the possibilities of plant-based living!

5. Seven Saints

32 E Chester St, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-4019 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 217-351-7775
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

Seven Saints

Reviewed By petlovr67 - ILLINOIS

Stopped here for the first time for dinner. Staff were so friendly and accommodating, helpful with offering selections and in a very humorous mood. We liked the atmosphere of this place, reminded me of some of the old time restaurants that were classy with a bar. The food here was very good, thought the prices were reasonable and about the same as other places. Would certainly come here again when in the area.

6. The Courier Cafe

111 N Race St, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-2625 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 217-328-1811
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 303 reviews

The Courier Cafe

Reviewed By mkj50 - Macungie

The building is beautiful and we were looking forward to a delicious lunch after reading positive reviews. We all ordered different entrees and we were all disappointed. The sandwiches here honestly looked and tasted like they came from an elementary school cafeteria. They claim that the bread is freshly made but that was not our experience. We did order the skinny dippers which came out covered in dried chives. Nothing fresh at this place.

7. Farren's Pub & Eatery

308 N Randolph St, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-3516 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 217-359-6977
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 242 reviews

Farren's Pub & Eatery

Reviewed By Traveling_M0M_of_3 - Dallas, Texas

We don't get back to Illinois very often but one of our must stops is Farren's. The burgers and fries are always top notch and our kids fully enjoyed the Farren's experience on this visit. The portions were large and priced very reasonably. The staff was very efficient and polite. We will be back every time we are in town. Love it!

8. Silvercreek

402 N Race St, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-2632 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +1 217-328-3402
Excellent
57%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Silvercreek

Reviewed By christine792016 - Chicago, Illinois

The temperature had plummeted to just above zero when we entered Silvercreek for dinner on the night before New Year’s Eve. Soon after, we were sitting before a cozy fire, enjoying a cassis-based kir (me) and a hearty beer (my husband). Great way to erase all memories of Winter in the Midwest! For an appetizer, we then shared the exceptional salad of greens layered with orange-marinated beets, roasted sweet potatoes, green apple slices, cranberries and feta with an apple-Dijon dressing. For entrees I enjoyed the whitefish in a citrus cream sauce with mushrooms and carrots while my husband chose the herb-marinated lamb with spinach and au gratin potatoes. For dessert, I opted for the trio of house-made chocolate-dipped caramels with their almost-liquid centers. Two were boxed to accompany me after I enjoyed one for dessert. We read that Silvercreek has been around since 1989. When our children attended the University of Illinois, we often enjoyed the wonderful Sunday Brunch. Now, as on this night after attending a U of I basketball game, it was great to be able to enjoy a “couple’s dinner” at a restaurant we knew would provide exceptional food, service and atmosphere!

9. Urbana Garden Family Restaurant

810 W Killarney St, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-1017 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 217-328-1514
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 138 reviews

Urbana Garden Family Restaurant

Reviewed By jodyt821 - Mahomet, Illinois

I resisted going to Urbana Gardens for Thanksgiving dinner - I assumed most of their food was frozen based on prior visits but my husband wanted to go. They had a nice choice of special meals for the day including Turkey, prime rib, ribs, fish, etc. My husband had the prime rib which he felt was good. I ordered the Turkey and dressing dinner with mashed potatoes/gravy, a roll, and a piece of pumpkin pie. The Turkey was very good, way too much to eat and the dressing and mashed potatoes tasted home made. Their salad bar was small but had everything you could want. The only change I would make is to offer a vegetable or cranberry sauce. I would go there again for a holiday meal and will try it again for other dinners.

10. Huaraches Moroleon

805 Philo Rd, Urbana, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801-4440 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Latin, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast +1 217-344-6772
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Huaraches Moroleon

Reviewed By Jeff M - Danville,Il.

This place has been around a while and We have been here yet.A little busy on Sunday evening. If they are busy parking can be a challange.Iordered mexican style tacos and rice.looks like homemade chips and salsa.4 types of salsa.All so good!very good tacos and rice. I ordered too much food and couldn't finish it all. My friends enjoyed their food as well.
They have a T.V.

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