OK, so if you don't know, Jake launched and is running a food and drink website in Champaign-Urbana called ChambanaEats.com.

Below are some recs, but please check ChambanaEats.com and Smile Politely for more.

What you will not see here is recommendations for on-campus eats. If you want to brave college students, there are a number of excellent eateries (even ones that were featured in the New York Times) along Green Street. That said, I (Jake) will not be going on campus during my wedding, and while I love these students, I probably wouldn't recommend you do that either.

Urbana, IL (near Hotel Royer, Welcome Drinks, Farmer’s Market, Rehearsal Dinner Location & Farewell Brunch)

Encanto Restaurant & Bar

115 W Main St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Encanto is a great, spacious spot for Peruvian/Mexican food. Your typical American-Mexican classics are here, as well as some outstanding Peruvian staples like Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina and more. Reservations are almost always unnecessary, and they have seating for both small groups and larger groups. You are welcome to call and ask though!

Siam Terrace

212 W Main St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Siam Terrace is one of our go-to spots. We eat there regularly, and probably order from there at least twice a month. The cuisine is Thai and you can’t go wrong with pretty much anything on the menu. It’s a smaller place with fewer large-group options, but the service is fast, very casual and solid. Reservations are almost always unnecessary, but you are welcome to call and ask.

The Courier Cafe

111 N Race St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Courier Cafe is a great diner-esque family restaurant. It gets crowded fast for brunch/breakfast and does NOT accept reservations. I’m not sure how dinner works. Don’t expect gourmet food, but expect classic, simple, diner food (but not like thousand-page menu, just the hits).

Masijta Grill Korean BBQ

202 N Race St

Urbana, IL

61801

We have yet to have a less than amazing experience at Masijta. The move here is the unlimited Korean barbecue (requires a full-table-opt-in), but they do have other options. They’re very diligent about not having food waste, so be cautious when ordering, but you can always (always!) order more. It’s got a mix of sizes for seating, and again, like most places on this list, reservations are probably unnecessary.

Bunny’s Tavern

119 W Water St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Bunny’s is your classic dive bar with dive bar food. It’s not Michelin Star, but it is exactly what you want for a night of drinking. Think classic American bar food — likely fried, incredibly fast and fun. This is a townie spot, so there are people who have been occupying those barstools at Bunny’s for years. The food is solid, and they have a lot of space.

Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage

208 W Griggs St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Baldarotta’s has the best sandwiches in C-U. Full stop. This classic Italian deli-style spot has incredibly heavy and delicious sandwiches, all along with some wings, pizzas, gelato and more. The dining environment is relatively unassuming, but the food makes up for it. Pro move here is to order it to go and grab a beer at 25 O’Clock Brewing next door. We go to 25 every single week on Fridays. We love ‘em.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

201 N Broadway Ave

Urbana, IL

61801

OK, Texans. We know your barbecue is superior, but let me tell you: Black Dog is where it’s at. Their newly-reopened Urbana location is their original spot and they serve a completely different menu than their Champaign location. Great daily specials, really solid smoked meats, and a good bar menu. Black Dog is the kind of place in our town where we ask “why don’t we go here more?” Highly recommend.

Silvercreek

402 N Race St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Silvercreek is yet another American-ish spot with all of the classics you’d expect, along with a good bar. It’s a slightly nicer experience, and is probably the “fanciest” spot on this list, but is just as good for casual hangs as it is for good food. It’s spacious and there’s a lot of room, but if you’re looking for a meal that will be good and also pleasing to everyone, this is probably where you want to end up.

The Yard on Broadway (Farewell Brunch location)

401 N Broadway Ave

Urbana, IL

61801

While we don’t recommend doubling up on spots, our Farewell Brunch location is a really solid choice for good eats in Urbana. With a taco spot, fried chicken joint, burger place, ice cream vendor, coffee shop and bar, this food hall is great if no one can decide on what they want. It’s incredibly spacious, and is good for a longer hang or a quick in and out.

Writer’s Room at Hotel Royer

210 S. Race St.

Urbana, IL

61801

Writer’s Room is solid. I don’t have a glowing review of it, but it’s a good hotel bar restaurant. Here’s where you should go if you are people’d out and not particularly ecstatic about getting to see places in Urbana. You won’t be upset with the food, but you probably have (and will) eat better elsewhere. That said, it’s a great place to unwind with a cocktail and a quick meal before sleeps (especially if you’re staying at the Royer, I probably wouldn’t go if I wasn’t).

For Drinks:

Yellow Rabbit, 136 W Main St., Urbana — Speakeasy! Enter through the bookshelf. Great vibes, great drinks.

Analog Wine Library, 129 N Race St., Urbana — Wine bar! Great selection, cool, artsy vibes.

25 O’Clock Brewing Company, 208 W Griggs St., Urbana — Favorite local brewery. Great selection, BYOF (bring your own food), billiards, lots of space, great staff

Gallery Art Bar, 119 W Main St., Urbana — cocktail bar with great NA options. Normally live music, small place. Loud, but cool vibes.

Fast Casual/Takeout/Quick:

Culver’s, 201 W University Ave., Urbana — Good takeout burger.

Shawarma Joint, 102 E University Ave., Urbana — Amazing Palestinian-owned Shawarma/rice bowl/Mediterranean spot.

Wood N’ Hog BBQ, 101 W University Ave., Urbana — Best BBQ in C-U. Black-owned. Simple, Crushable.

Patricio’s Pizza & More, 300 S Broadway Ave., Urbana — Inside Lincoln Square mall. Great pizza, calzones, etc. Great excuse to go see Lincoln Square Mall (the weirdest, coolest mall in America maybe?)

Champaign, IL (near Hyatt Place, The Space)

Blind Pig Brewpub

Big Grove Tavern

Seven Saint’s

Neil St. Blues

Sticky Rice

Watson’s Shack & Rail

Nando Milano

Hamilton Walker’s

The Literary

Esquire Lounge

Farren’s at the Inman

Pizzeria Antica

Sam’s Cafe

Hound’s Rest/Court

Maize

Other Notable Area Spots to Visit (probably only if you have a car):

Huaraches Moroloen

Riggs Beer Company

Good Judy’s Bagel & Espresso Bar

Sun Singer

San Maru

Houlihan’s