Illini Grill is a family-friendly place for breakfast or lunch.
by Laura Weisskopf Bleill
Several weeks ago, I happened to pass by my computer early one morning and looked at my Twitter feed. Just at that moment, WCIA morning show anchor Anne Dill tweeted the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant for the first person who responded.
I was lucky enough to win — and off to Illini Grill we went. I had been to the restaurant before, and thought a gift certificate would be a great opportunity (and perfect excuse) to review the restaurant in this space. (And, as it so happens, that tweet exchange led to our appearance on The Morning Show, but I digress).
There are few meals more appealing to me than eating a big, well-balanced, hot breakfast that someone else cooks (of course). So it’s always a treat to go out for my favorite meal of the day, and Illini Grill didn’t disappoint.
Here’s what I love about Illini Grill: the staff is super friendly and accommodating to families with children; the food comes out quickly and hot; portions are generous; coffee refills are abundant and always nearby. The menu is fairly priced — for our family of three, we spent less than the $25 we had on our gift certificate — even though we ordered liberally and didn’t even look at the prices.
The kids menu items average about $3.50, and kids drinks are priced at 90 cents. My 3-year-old daughter scarfed down her Mickey Mouse pancake, even the ears. I have heard that the “South of the Border” specialties are quite good, but I ordered more conservatively with an egg scramble.
Illini Grill isn’t much to look at. Located in a former El Toro, the restaurant is owned by the same restaurant family. The decor is somewhat dated, but the restaurant is clean. With lots of windows, it was bright and cheerful even on a cold and dingy day. The food is far from gourmet, but it satisfied my non-foodie family.
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Illini Grill & Pancakes
2312 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign
351-3110
Hours: 6 A.M. to 3 P.M., Daily
Serving Lunch and Dinner Only
217-351-3110
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A friend and I tried out the Illini Grill for breakfast many weeks ago, and we really enjoyed it. We liked the coffee, and we liked the option for the “Healthy Scramble” — it includes chicken with the eggs, for extra protein, as well as a good variety of veggies.
I’ve also had the pork chops and eggs – a favorite of mine that’s not served in many local breakfast places. It was yummy.
We haven’t yet been there with the kids, but we’ve found all restaurants owned by the family that owns the Illini Grill are family-friendly.
If you like breakfast, you’ll like Illini Grill.
Anne — That’s funny, I had the same thing (the healthy scramble)!
During holiday break three Mom took 8 kids total to Illini Grill. I was hoping to go to the Pancake House, but I went with the flow and went with everyone else. I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful staff who took care of all of our kids, the fantastic food and great prices. The kids loved their Mickey Mouse pancakes and I enjoyed scrambled eggs, french toast and REAL bacon…..MMMMMMMMMmmmmmm. We’ll definitely go there again.
p.s. I was wondering if the owners of El Toro were the same owners. We have to give El Toro thumbs up too!