Mother’s Day is May 12, and because it falls on UIUC’s graduation weekend, now is the time to plan
If you are looking for restaurants to dine at with mom or any other special women in your life, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s face it, in many families, women often do the majority of meal prep. And many moms would appreciate having a respite from the kitchen — and a bit of pampering — on this special day.
Here is a list of some of our favorite Champaign-Urbana area spots as well as some out-of-town options if you’re looking to avoid crowds and waiting in lines. We recommend getting a reservation ASAP — especially with Mother’s Day coinciding with the University of Illinois’ commencement weekend.
In addition to getting a scrumptious meal that is as special as mom, we also have ideas for things to do on Mother’s Day. Check out our calendar as events may be added in the next few weeks.
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Know of a spectacular Mother’s Day food option we missed? Please email us. Check back often as Mothers Day specials will be added as we receive them.
IN CHAMPAIGN-URBANA
Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage, 300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana: Baldarotta’s is featuring a special Mother’s Day Menu on May 12. Check its social media for the details.
Baxters American Grille, 100 Trade Center Dr., Champaign: Full brunch buffet on Mother’s Day, 9:30am-2pm. Includes prime rib & ham carving stations, waffle station, omelet station, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, full dessert bar and more. Reservations required.
Big Grove Tavern,1 E. Main Street, Champaign: In the past, Big Grove has served a special full brunch menu on Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It also may have a special grad/Mother’s Day Weekend All-Day Menu. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call (217) 239-3505 to save a table.
Hamilton Walker’s, 201 N. Neil St., Champaign: Take Mom out to dinner from 4-8 p.m. The full menu will be available. Call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation, or head to the website.
Harvest Market Farmhouse Restaurant, 2029 S. Neil St., Champaign: Come enjoy the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Mother’s Day at Harvest Market from 9am to 2pm. The bar will be serving special $6 Mom-osas in addition to their regular craft cocktails. The Farmhouse Restaurant, coffee bar and mezzanine bar will only be serving the buffet on Mother’s Day and will close at 2pm. Reservations and to-go orders will not be available.
Industrial Donut, 501 Commerce Dr., Savoy: Special Mother’s Day (and grad) donuts will be available anytime during open business hours (while supplies last). Place a preorder here and ensure donuts for Mom!
Silvercreek, 402 N. Race St, Urbana: Due to increased demand during grad weekend, there will be no brunch served on Mother’s Day. Instead, make reservations for dinner. Reservations are being accepted now by calling (217) 328-3402. A fixed menu will be available.
Sun Singer, 1115 Windsor Road, Champaign: Sun Singer will be serving brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Reservations are available for an indoor table by calling (217) 351-1115. It plans to have a special menu for the day.
POPULAR MOTHER’S DAY CHOICES ELSEWHERE IN THE AREA
3 Ravens, 108 S. Charter St., Monticello: Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at the family-owned, full service restaurant in downtown Monticello, which claims to feature the best selection of Irish whiskey in downstate Illinois. Daily specials are listed on its website. Want more Monticello fun? We list Five Best Kept Secrets in Monticello.
Beef House Restaurant, 16501 N, IN-63, Covington, Ind.: Located just past the Illinois/Indiana border (insider tip: don’t forget the time difference — Indiana is one hour ahead of us), the Beef House Restaurant is less than an hour’s drive from Champaign and worth the trip for its famous rolls, jam, apple butter and, of course, steaks. Hours on Sundays are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (ET) and you can make your reservation by calling (765) 793-4770. See our review of the Beef House here.
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, 14274 E. 600 North Road, Georgetown: Expected to be serving Mother’s Day brunch. Big Thorn will be featuring a special menu from the truck as well as ultra-delicious, giant beermosas. No reservations are required.
Epiphany Farms, 220 E. Front St., Bloomington: Epiphany Farms offers farm-to-table cooking and will be open on Mother’s Day from 4-9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged by calling (309) 635-8707.
Firefly Grill, 1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham: Firefly Grill is about an hour and 10 minutes south of Champaign, has a garden on-site and is committed to buying locally to give its diners a complete farm-to-table experience. Situated next to a pond, Firefly Grill offers a great atmosphere as well as a delicious menu. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m for $36.95 per person. According to Firefly’s social media, Mother’s Day is its busiest day of the year so make those reservations now by calling (217) 342-2002. Want to make a day of it exploring Effingham? We have an article for that.
Kickapoo TeaRoom, 102 S. Seminary, Downs: Special brunch reservations available on May 11-12 for Mother’s Day. For Saturday reservations, visit its website. For Sunday, you may make reservations by email ONLY; email info@kickapootearoom.com with the following info: 1) name (first and last), 2) party size, 3) requested time (slot in 15 minute increments between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. are available) and 4) phone number. You will receive an email response.