Where to Dine Outside in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond

Where To Dine Outside in Champaign-Urbana: Readers Recommend Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

Beautiful summer 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 locally that fit the bill. (And beautiful fall evenings, too!)

We asked you, our readers, to recommend your favorite spots to eat outdoors in Champaign-Urbana and beyond, and you responded with gusto. The list below was generated by personal recommendations from chambanamoms.com Facebook fans who are so passionate about eating outdoors.

Editor’s note: Chambanamoms.com does not endorse or recommend the following businesses. All opinions below are those of chambanamoms.com readers and came from input on our Facebook page.

Crane Alley, 115 W. Main St., Urbana – Crane Alley features an Instagram worthy eating area. You’ve told us that they have amazing burgers, a great selection of beer on tap, fantastic sweet potato fries, and that the pretzel bites are to die for.

Big Grove Tavern, 1 E. Main St., Champaign– Big Grove offers a beautiful patio scene right near Downtown Champaign. Children’s entrees are free with the purchase of an adult entree Sunday night through Thursday night (as of this writing; always ask.)

Destihl, 301 N. Neil St., Champaign – Destihl also offers a fun outdoor location looking onto Downtown Champaign. Earlier this year, they announced plans to relocate to southwest Champaign at the Fields where they will continue to offer an outdoor seating option; they plan to open in their new location in summer 2020. You’ve made sure to tell us to try their deep fried bacon. (Destihl closed in April of 2020.).

Casa Del Mar, 2870 S. Philo Rd, Urbana – Casa del Mar in Urbana has a great outdoor covered patio overlooking a pond and green space. They are kid friendly and affordable. You’ve told us that they have friendly service and great food.

Guidos Bar & Grill, 2 E. Main St., Champaign – Known for their burgers, onion rings, and sides, Guidos also boasts a nice patio view in Downtown Champaign.

Seven Saints, 32 E. Chester St., Champaign – Seven Saints offers dining outdoors along University Avenue overlooking the train station, or they also have a newly opened beer garden area along Chester Street that is used for special activities.

Watson’s Shack and Rail, 211 N. Neil St., Champaign – Enjoy a boozy slushie in their outdoor seating area and have prime seating for Friday Night Live.

Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana – Riggs features a large outdoor patio and many beers, including their own brew. While they do not serve food at Riggs, patrons are allowed to bring their own food on site, or there are often food trucks parked there. A large playground for children is near the outdoor seated area allowing for parents to indulge in a beverage or two while also supervising their children.

Strawberry Fields, 306 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana – Featuring a hot lunch buffet that consists of 6 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.

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 their patio s well as along the west side of the building along Neil Street. Readers have commented that the staff are accommodating to children. They offer foods such as pizzas, burgers, grilled chicken, etc.

A few other area restaurants that offer outdoor dining include:

Farrens Pub & Eatery, locating soon to 117-119 N. Walnut, Champaign – known for their delicious burgers, salads, and truffle chips, Farrens’ new location on North Walnut Street offers outdoor seating as a compliment to their fares.

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

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

Sun Singer, 1115 Windsor Rd, Champaign – Sun Singer offers many wines, mixed beverages, entrees, and more either in their indoor or outdoor seating area.

J.T. Walker’s, 401 E. Main St., Mahomet – Featuring a rooftop seating area, J.T. Walker’s provides a unique eating experience overlooking downtown Mahomet.

Breaking Taco, 608 E. Main St., Mahomet – Popular for sporty families on the go, Breaking Taco offers outdoor seating to enjoy their 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.

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

The Dome at Allerton, Allerton Park, Monticello – Fun for a date night, family event, or dinner with friends, domes are available for rent. They allow you to experience the beauty of Allerton Park in a covered, dome structure. Patrons may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, or they may purchase a catered meal through the Greenhouse Cafe with some grown-up beverages available for purchase. (Currently unavailable, but stay tuned.)

(Visited 8 times, 1 visits today)