By Emily Harrington
I know Oberweis mostly for the glass jugs of milk. When the coming soon signs for Oberweis began popping up at the former Atlanta Bread Co. location, I was intrigued. Sitting at 1905 S. Neil St. in Champaign is a much-needed restaurant spot—complete with a cute outdoor patio.
This is a two-for-one deal, too. Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store works side-by-side with That Burger Joint. Created by the Oberweis company, this is a fast-casual burger/shakes/fries joint.
When it opened in the spring, I knew it was a place we would frequent. Typically, I’m not a big burger girl. I always go for chicken sandwiches. This was no exception.
We started with dinner first. That Burger Joint’s menu is very short and sweet. So short in fact, there’s no menu for kids. You’ll find a few different types of burgers, a patty melt and a chicken sandwich—all on different types of buns ($6-$9). You can also get a hot dog and chicken tenders ($4-$4.50). Fries are $2 extra. Try the Oberweis bottomless chocolate or white milk ($2). (All of their premium milk is hormone free.)
My friend got the plainest burger. Each are a ¼ pound/patty. Grilled right in front of you, it’s a basic, high-quality thinner patty on a bakery level brioche bun. It’s only basic, however, until you add one of the provided seasonings (Cajun or smokey). You can also try one of the many free toppings/sauces. These range from grilled cremini mushrooms to “Petal Sauce.” Consider this their special sauce. Upgrade to a pretzel bun for .30, cheese for .50 or bacon for .80.
The chicken sandwich was hot, fresh and crispy. The fries were the same. I got mine sprinkled with Cajun seasoning. When your food is ready, they call your name to pick up.
OK, so we got the dinner done. Now, for the fun stuff. We moved to the other side of the restaurant—the Oberweis side. It’s lighter and brighter, and it’s staged like an ice cream parlor. The other side is darker and rustic.
The menu features “Frostbites” think Blizzards (regular $4.69), ice cream/sorbet (one scoop $3.79), shakes (regular $5.69), smoothies ($4.69), soft serve (single $2.09) and sundaes ($4.79-$7.99). There’s also a retail area that has milk and pre-packed ice cream.
The ice cream fountain part of this space really caters to kids. There were balloons, coloring sheets and GAMES. If you give them an ID, you can borrow board, card or games for kids. There was even a group of adults playing a board game. There’s a free jukebox to play music! They also have kid sizes (lower prices) of everything!
My friend tried cookie dough and peanut butter, and I had lemon blackberry. She loved her ice cream. Although, she’s pregnant, and she likes any ice cream. Not a fair judge. The real story—DAMN GOOD ice cream. Flavorful and fresh tasting. Rich and creamy. This is QUALITY stuff.
We’ve visited the drive-thru—many times. It sells both sides of the restaurant. A LOT. My husband dreams of the blueberry pie ice cream. I have also had their shakes. They come with this adorable Pirouline straw. They serve great plain flavors, and they offer common combinations. You won’t find avocado-lentil ice cream. You will, however, find a perfect mint chip or cookies and cream. Add different toppings, mix-ins and cone options to customize your selection.
After you order, they bring the ice cream to you.
Go in or visit the drive-thru this fall—Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m and Friday/Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
One-stop shop. Get your ultimate cheat meal under one roof.
Emily Harrington is a Chambana townie. She left her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job in communications so that she could be a 24/7 mom to two busy boys. Still interested in writing, Emily uses some of naptime to practice her passion and keep her mind right. Emily is a happy wife with a happy life because she fell for a fellow townie. Emily usually finds herself engulfed in balls, blue and belly laughs.