While the U of I campus features many restaurants of all different styles and formats, this is a quick guide to the restaurants in the Champaign-Urbana area that go beyond your typical chain that you should know about and check out.
Za's
Za's is located in the heart of Campustown, across Wright St. from the Union and the Quad. Za's has quite an elaborate menu of thin crust pizza, hot sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes that can and should be complimented by theirfantastic garlic bread. Za's is a great escape from the mundane typical college food and comes at a very reasonable price, rarely surpassing $8 or $10. If nothing on the menu suits your fancy, you may also create your own entree from a long list of ingredients. If you have a car on campus and wish to get away for a quick meal, try one of Za's off-campus locations, either off of Springfield, about a block west past Mattis or on Neil St., across from the Mall.
Recommended: Any meal + garlic bread
Biaggi's
Biaggi's has the best Italian food in the campus area. While many students have the perception that going to Biaggi's with friends or a date will cost them, this restaurant is very reasonable on its pricing given the quality of the food and the atmosphere. If you can't get a ride over to Neil St., make your parents take you when they come to visit.
Recommended: Chicken Parmesan - fill up on the excellent bread and eat half, save the other half for a meal the next day.
Antonio's
A great place to grab a slice of pizza of your choosing at any time of the day. Also located in the heart of Campustown, Antonio's is convenient whether you are walking home from class or in between bars on a barcrawl. Despite Antonio's large assortment of pies, from the classics to some unusuals, a major drawback is the price you will pay for your slice.
One World
When it is late on Green St. and you are craving a quick pizza, this is the place. Pizzas are usually ready when you order, just be prepared to get sausage or pepperoni (you probably will have to wait for a plain cheese pizza). Try to split one with a friend. This should satisfy your late night munchies and you do not want to eat this stuff warm or cold the next day.
La Bamba
If it is late and you are craving a burrito ‘as big as your head' or a huge platter of nachos, this is the place. La Bamba's is a staple of CampusTown and a must-try for students.
Murphy's Pub
Murphy's is one of the best bars in the campus area to have a meal. The menu has your typical Irish Pub staples, mainly focused around their burgers, but also has some semi-unique items such as their Irish Nachos (a heap of waffle fries covered in cheese, sour cream, and peppers). Murphy's takes pride in their fresh cut french fries, but they leave something to be desired, especially when they offer waffle fries in other menu items. The daily food specials are typically a great deal that should be taken advantage of.
Recommended: Bacon Mega-burger special on Wednesdays.
Legends
Very similar to Murphy's, but with more of a sports bar theme. The atmosphere can be electric when a big game is on, especially if a Chicago team is playing, but also quite dull at times. However, Legends also exhibits good daily food specials and has excellent burgers as well as fish sandwiches.
Pita Pit
When you get sick and tired of regular sandwiches, try Pita Pit. Here they pack their pita shell with ham, roast beef, turkey, chicken, falafel, or any other standard item and allow you to pick any extras you so desire. One pita will fill you up just right and is nutritionally a great substitute to pizza and regular sandwiches. They are open late and also offer fast delivery. To order, call 217-337-7482.
Recommended: Chicken breast with lettuce and honey mustard.
Papa Del's
Papa Del's features the best original pizza/Italian menu on campus. The pan and deep dish pizza are excellent, but will fill you up after a slice or two. The bill will be higher than most campus restaurants so be sure to order just enough pizza for you and your friends. Papa Del's is fairly accommodating to large parties such as dinner with your club or celebrating a birthday. Be sure to pre-order your pizza or wait 45 minutes while your pizza cooks.
Recommended: If you get stuck waiting, try the garlic bread with cheese as an appetizer, but don't waste your appetite!
Niro's Gyros
Another restaurant that will satisfy your hunger any time of the day. Arguably the best gyro/beef joint on campus, Niro's offers gyros, italian beef, sausages, hot dogs, and hot fries among other classic items. You can find Niro's at Green St. and Third St., across from Station 211
Alexander’s Steakhouse
Cook your own steak and enjoy the included all you can eat salad bar, baked potatoes, and Texas toast. Alexander’s also offers fresh seafood and pork chops that you can grill on the large pits inside the restaurant. You can also have the grill side chef cook your meat for an extra fee. While the ‘cook your own steak’ experience can be diminished a bit at peak times when the pits are crowded, Alexander’s does have excellent cuts of meat and is a great place to go with friends or visiting family. You can find Alexander’s on W. Anthony Drive, right off of Neil St.
Recommended: The 11 ounce Filet
Dos Reales
Dos Reales is a huge hot spot for U of I students who are tired of Taco Bell and looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. The food and service are always quality and the prices are very reasonable. You can expect to spend around $8-$10 for your email. There are two locations in the CU area. The newest location is on University Avenue near the far side of the Engineering Campus. The other location is located on Prospect Avenue, a few blocks away from I-74.
Recommended: Chicken Fajita Quesadilla and the Cheese Dip for chips
Boston’s Gourmet Pizza
Boston’s is a cross between the gourmet, specialized pizzas of California Pizza Kitchen and the sports, relaxed atmosphere of Buffalo Wild Wings. The pizza is very good, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and the servers are always pleasant. Boston’s is a nice alternative to your typical sports-themed eatery that will not be nearly as loud and crowded on game day. This is also a great off-campus restaurant to take the visiting parents to because the pizza is good and you will not have to put up with the wait time you otherwise would at Papa Dels. Boston’s is located on Prospect Avenue by the Beverly Movie Theater and Meijer.
Recommended: Start your meal off with Garlic Twist Bread and ask them to combine the alfredo and marinara sauce.
