Give yourself the night off from cooking and order a family-style meal
We know that one of Champaign-Urbana’s favorite pastimes is eating at restaurants and supporting our local food ecosystem.
The start of the school year can be such a busy time. We know that time with our children is a precious commodity and sometimes, you just have a practice that you need to rush off to or a game to attend. Taking the night off from cooking can make things a little easier on everyone. Whether your family budget allows take-out food to be a regular occurrence or a rare treat, ordering family-style can be easier on everyone’s psyche.
We’ve put together this resource of Champaign-Urbana area restaurants offering family-style takeout options. There is a range of pricing — one family value meal is as little as $3.50 per person, while others are around $8-10 per person.
Please note that each family pack is defined differently. Some meals may be for four people; others might be for six. If you have two adults and two teenagers, you might need more food than a family that has kids under 10. Most restaurants also have other options available, as we all know those families who have the outliers that won’t eat what the rest of you are eating.
This list came into being during the pandemic, is updated repeatedly, and is subject to change at any time. While restaurants are doing their best to serve customers, many are changing hours, menus, or delivery method (third-party delivery, curbside pickup, etc.) with fluidity according to public health guidance and state restrictions. For more ideas, check out the Champaign County Rallies group on Facebook.
CHAMPAIGN
Biaggi’s: The Biaggi’s Pronto Pack is pretty much a lifesaver anytime and they now feature a gluten-free pasta option. Serves 4-5 people. Pasta, pizza, or entree; salad; and Biaggi’s bread. $30-$50. Curbside and delivery.
Big Grove: Offers a rotating assortment of family meals, which change daily; range from Korean BBQ pork belly to short ribs to pizza to taco platters. Family meals feed four. Pricing: around $45.
Dish Passionate Cuisine: Family meals serve four for $35 and $40 (recent example: roasted vegetable lasagna. For $40, get lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and toasted ravioli. For $35, get two pounds of pulled pork with buns; creamy mac and cheese; green beans with onions; southern coleslaw). Menu changes weekly. A 24-hour notice is required for Monday-Friday orders and 48-hour notice is required for Saturday-Sunday orders.
Hamilton Walker’s: $75 to feed “an average family of 4.” Takeout only. Choose between blackened salmon, signature meatloaf, steak pasta or penne seafood. Each dinner comes with pre-selected sides and one whole fresh-baked baguette. Meals for two are also available.
Harvest Market: Offering weekly special “Meal Kits” from its store dietician (past examples include pasta ratatouille, chicken salad sammies, Greek orzo salad). Can often customize with vegetarian or gluten-free options, alternate ingredients, or number of servings (usually two or four). Order online, pick up ingredients curbside, and follow instructions (or even a Facebook Live demo) to cook at home.
Maize at the Station: The menu offers several family platters for $40-45 and feature tacos, chile rellenos, carne asada, and fajitas. Meals are accompanied by your choice of two sides and chips, salsa, and tortillas. Vegetarian options available. You know what else is available? Homemade margaritas. Just saying.
Mia Za’s: Choose from any combination of its “Fresh Fast Meal Kits” with a choice of sides: Made from Scratch Pasta Meal Kit, Gourmet Flat Bread Pizza Meal Kit, Fresh Tossed Salad Meal Kit. Each kit feeds four hearty or six average appetites. Kits available for pickup or delivery.
Red Lobster: Offering a wide variety of family meals including shrimp, crab legs, whitefish, chicken, and pastas. Range in price from $19.99 to $45, with sides and biscuits; each meal is different.
FARMER CITY
Party in a Pinch Catering: Get as many meals as you would need, as they are priced per person $6-9. Head to Facebook for recent menu updates. Meals will be available for pick-up or for delivery.
MAHOMET
Filippo’s Pizza and Italian Food: Wednesdays feature a Family Spaghetti Special — spaghetti with meat sauce, garden salad, dressing, parmesan, and bread. Feeds a family of six and costs $45. Add six home made meatballs for an additional $15.
PHILO
Philo Tavern: In addition to the regular menu, Philo Tavern offers a family dinner option of the day. Feeds two for $12.50, feeds four for $25 (add a family salad for $5 more). See its Facebook page for the nightly family dinner option; past family dinners have featured tacos, pulled pork, and chicken pasta. Curbside carryout and local delivery are available.
SAVOY
Industrial Donut: The Family Fun Mini-Donut Bar is now legendary. Two icings, plus three toppings and a dozen plan donuts, ready for dipping, are $19.99. Call ahead at least one hour before pick-up. (Closed Sundays).
URBANA
Hickory River: Family pack includes two pounds of pit meat (your choice), choice of bread, and sides. $44.
Casa Del Mar: Family meals include options such as tortillas, tacos with rice, chicken on the beach, fajitas, and chips and salsa.
Toro Loco: Prices for dinners for four range from $32 to $44 and include choices like nacho bar, taco bar, fajita dinner, etc. For an additional fee add cheese dip or guac. Margarita kits also on the menu! Available for pickup.
Have a suggestion for this list? Let us know.