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Finding the Best Outdoor Dining Options in Champaign-Urbana

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Where to find the best outdoor dining in Champaign-Urbana

 

Dining out is always a treat, but dining outside with the perfect weather is beyond fantastic

 

Beautiful summer — and fall … and spring — evenings are made that much more enjoyable when dining outside with family and friends. Looking for opportunities to dine al fresco in the Champaign-Urbana area? We happen to have quite a variety of establishments here that fit the bill.

The patio at the former Blind Pig Brewery in downtown Champaign. Now called Hound’s Court, it is undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in summer 2024.

Big Grove Tavern, 1 E. Main St., Champaign — Big Grove offers a beautiful patio scene in downtown Champaign. A must-visit if you enjoy outdoor dining, for sure. Dog friendly too!


Billy Barooz, 2521 Village Green Place, Champaign — Featuring an outdoor seating area in southwest Champaign, Billy Barooz is known for its nachos, black bean burgers, and sweet potato fries.

The Bread Company, 706 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana — Looking for a romantic date evening? You can dine outdoors and enjoy the cheesy goodness of its raclette. If you don’t know what that is, trust us, you want to go check it out.

Breaking Taco, 608 E. Main St., Mahomet — Popular for sporty families on the go, Breaking Taco offers outdoor seating to enjoy its faire of tacos, chips, and tasty daily specials.

Buffalo Wild Wings, 1335 Savoy Plaza Dr., Savoy — Featuring a large outdoor eating space and TVs, this is a spot for the sports enthusiasts in your family.

Casa Del Mar, 2870 S. Philo Road, Urbana — Casa del Mar in Urbana has a great covered patio overlooking a pond and green space. It is kid friendly and affordable. You’ve told us that it has friendly service and great food.

Chophouse on Main, 401 E. Main St., Mahomet — Featuring a rooftop seating area, Chophouse provides a unique eating experience overlooking downtown Mahomet.

Chophouse on Main

Cowboy Monkey, 6 E. Taylor St. Champaign — Our recommendation is to head to Cowboy Monkey for brunch, but any time is a good time to sit on its picturesque Chambana patio in downtown Champaign. Bonus if there’s live music happening downtown!

El Toro at the Fields, 3401 Fields South Dr., Champaign — El Toro at the Fields boasts an expansive outdoor eating area complete with walk-up bar. Flights of margaritas and grown-up capri suns (a.k.a. fruity drinks in a bag) make the outdoor experience even more enjoyable. Many of the area El Toro restaurants feature comfortable outdoor seating amenities.

Esquire Lounge, 106 N. Walnut St., Champaign — The Esquire Lounge offers outdoor dining on its patio as well as the west side of the building along Neil Street. Readers have commented that the staff is accommodating to children. Its offerings include pizzas, burgers, grilled chicken, etc.

Farren’s Pub & Eatery, 117-119 N. Walnut, Champaign — Known for its delicious burgers, salads, and truffle chips, Farren’s offers outdoor seating as a compliment to its fares.

Guido’s Bar & Grill, 2 E. Main St., Champaign — Known for its burgers, onion rings, and sides, Guido’s also boasts a nice patio view in downtown Champaign.

Hickory River Smokehouse, 3514 Fields South Dr., Champaign — Hickory River’s Champaign location — not the Urbana one — has outdoor seating.

Houlihan’s, 1902 S. First St., Champaign — Houlihan’s is a “best kept secret”; it often has live music and its patio landscaping gives a very peaceful vibe.

Jupiter’s at the Crossing, 2511 Village Green Place, Champaign — Known for its various pizza creations, Jupiter’s boasts a large amount of outdoor space from covered patio to rooftop seating.

KoFusion, 30 E. Main St., Champaign — When KoFusion moved to a new location, it also came with a perfect patio in the heart of the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Road, Urbana — Riggs features a large outdoor patio and many beers, including its own brew. While it does not serve food, Riggs allows patrons to bring their own food on site, and there are often food trucks parked there. A large playground for children near the outdoor seated area allows parents to indulge in a beverage or two while also supervising their children.

Seven Saints, 32 E. Chester St., Champaign — Seven Saints offers outdoor dining along University Avenue overlooking the train station and also has a beer garden area along Chester Street that is used for special activities.

Strawberry Fields, 306 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana — Featuring a hot lunch buffet that consists of six main entrees that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and carnivorous fans, Strawberry Fields offers a lunch option that is pocketbook friendly. It features outdoor seating on the long covered porch in the front of the store.

Sun Singer, 1115 Windsor Road, Champaign — Sun Singer offers many wines, mixed beverages, entrees, and more either in its indoor and outdoor seating areas.

Watson’s Shack and Rail, 211 N. Neil St., Champaign — Enjoy a boozy slushie in its outdoor seating area and have a prime seating location for downtown’s Friday Night Live programming.

And just one more …

A bit of a drive from C-U, the best patio a distance away has to be Firefly Grill in Effingham. You can even feed the koi fish while eating some of the best food in Central Illinois.

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