Champaign-Urbana, Hub of East Central Illinois

Sister cities Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, are located about 2 ½ hours straight south of Chicago on Interstate 57. Referred to by locals simply as C-U, the cities are best known as the home of The University of Illinois but offer a variety of excellent dining, entertainment and cultural options as well.

Fine Dining abounds in C-U, with every type of cuisine imaginable, from the chic Silvercreek at 402 N. Race in Urbana, to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, 2235 S. Neil in Champaign. For fans of Asian cuisine, one can enjoy Miko, 407 W. University Ave. in Urbana, or Kamakura at 715 S. Neil in Champaign. Fans of Mexican fare will love the authentic dishes served at Champaign's Fiesta Cafe, 216 S. First, or Real Hacienda at 912 W. Bloomington Rd. For a more casual (but equally delicious!) dining experience, The Courier Cafe, tucked away at 111 N. Race in Urbana, offers tasty and affordable selections. One of C-U’s best-kept secrets is Farren’s Pub and Eatery at 308 N. Randolph in Champaign. You just can’t find a tastier or more unique, freshly prepared hamburger. Farren’s “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” location is well worth the effort of seeking out. The similarly low-profile and casual Crane Alley at 115 W. Main in Urbana offers an extensive selection of beer and wine, fine-restaurant-quality food and four professional-grade pool tables to test your skills! For steak lovers, it’s Alexander’s Steak House, 202 W. Anthony Drive in Champaign. Choose and cook you own steak if you like or have a chef prepare it for you. Champaign’s North Prospect Avenue, directly off of Interstate 74, is lined with restaurants like Lonestar Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Chile’s, Applebee’s, HomeTown Buffet and Ruby Tuesday’s, just to name a few!