The Champaign-Urbana Restaurant Scene: What Has Opened and Closed
The carousel ride that is the restaurant scene in Champaign-Urbana shows no signs of slowing down. But it seems as if new eateries are opening with regularity in C-U. So here’s our latest update on the comings and goings, minus Campustown (with one exception, as you’ll see below).
Thanks to our friends at Lodgic Everyday Community for presenting our compilation of restaurants that have opened or closed. One thing’s for sure, Lodgic Everyday Community opened with two new restaurants under one roof back in 2018 and they are here to stay! This truly unique non-profit means you can enjoy craft food and drink from either Clever Moose Market Cafe or Everyday Kitchen Restaurant & Bar, and 100% of profits are reinvested locally, and nationally at Mooseheart Child City & School. Food that fills your belly and your soul? Yes, please!
Local closings:
Who: Salad Meister
When: December 2019
What happened: Simply not enough business, the owners have said. It was in business for more than two years but ownership was divided on expansion plans.
Who will miss it: A small but dedicated group of patrons who enjoyed salads and other healthy offerings.
Any hope for future: The owners did not close the door on the possibility of re-opening under different owners but nothing has been announced.
Who: Pizza Hut
When: Will close March 31, 2020
What happened: Located at 411 E. Green St. in Campustown, the pizza place was a University of Illinois staple for decades but its franchisee apparently has run into financial trouble. The building is available for lease.
Who will miss it: Hungry college kids, particularly those who spent the evening at a nearby bar and end up with a case of the munchies. (Welcome to college, kids.)
Any hope for the future: Given its prime location, you’d have to figure that another restaurant would be interested in this spot.
Local openings:
Who: Cao’s Chinese Restaurant
When: November 2019
Where: 2312 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign
Description: It is, according to at least one review, an unlimited hot pot restaurant with good quality.
Why we’re excited: C-U has a vibrant Chinese food scene but competition is a great thing and we’re always up for another option. Not all Chinese food is created equal; let’s see if Cao’s can offer a new twist.
Who: Golden Crab Seafood & Bar
When: August 2019
Where: 902 Meijer Dr., Champaign
Description: Seafood with a bit of a Cajun flair. Early reviews have been a bit mixed but nearly all have raved about the service.
Why we’re excited: The spot Golden Crab occupies would seem to be prime real estate on the North Prospect corridor (adjacent to the AMC movie theater). A HuHot Mongolian Grill previously failed in that spot. Let’s hope it’s not cursed.
Who: Jumbo Crab
When: September 2019
Where: 2028 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign
Description: A Cajun seafood restaurant, Jumbo Crab has two other Illinois locations (Tinley Park, Bolingbrook). Menu items include crab, lobster and shrimp gumbo, along with a variety of chicken dishes. There is a kids menu ($6.99-8.99) that includes something rarely seen on a kids menu: fried calamari.
Why we’re excited: A case can be made that the seafood market in C-U is underserved. And Cajun seafood? Even better.
Who: King Kuma at The Fields
When: October 2019
Where: 3401 Fields South Dr., Champaign
Description: King Kuma is a poké bowl restaurant that is an offshoot of the Broadway Food Hall stall in Urbana. The concept is the same; patrons fill out a form so they can customize their own poké bowl. (Pronounced po-kay, the sushi-meets-salad-bar dish was popularized in Hawaii but originated in Polynesia; it has exploded in popularity in the last 3-4 years.)
Why we’re excited: Two reasons — first, poké is becoming very popular; second, it is another addition to The Fields, which is an exciting development for those who live in southwest Champaign and don’t want to drive across C-U to get poké in Urbana.
Who: Niro’s Gyros
When: August 2019
Where: 401 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
Description: You’re well-acquainted with Niro’s, which has three other locations in C-U. The newest, at 401 W. Kirby Ave., becomes the upteenth business to occupy the space adjacent to Jarling’s Custard Cup. (Let’s see, there was Bagelmen’s, Kafe K, Vinny’s Pizza, Krekel’s … what are we missing?) Surely, at some point, one of these will have staying power, right? If not Niro’s, then who?
Why we’re excited: Convenience. In terms of geography, Niro’s newest location will make it a shorter drive for patrons who live in southern Champaign and Savoy.
Who: Sushi Siam
When: January
Where: Old Farm Shops, Champaign
Description: Sushi Siam has a very large menu that features Thai delicacies – curry and noodle favorites, soups and more. In addition it has a full sushi menu (including poke bowls). It is owned by the same restauranteur behind Sushi Rock (located in Campustown on Green Street).
Why we’re excited: More sushi! Many foodies love sushi, so there’s that. And Thai food in general tends to do very well in C-U. One important note: Sushi Siam’s space is small and intimate. Keep that in mind if you have a large party or it’s a busy night.
Who: Yellow Canary Cafe
When: September 2019
Where: Lincoln Square, Urbana
Description: It’s soul food with numerous specialties, including baked barbecue chicken, turkey, smothered pork chops, greens, candied yams and mac ‘n cheese.
Why we’re excited: We’re always excited when an eatery opens at Lincoln Square, which, let’s be frank, can always use the help. And, in offering soul food, Yellow Canary adds to the great variety and culture of the C-U culinary scene.
Who: Baldarotta’s Porketta and Sicilian Sausage
When: August 2019
Where: Lincoln Square, Urbana
Description: In a short time, Baldarotta’s has gained a loyal following for its unique (for C-U, anyway) cuisine. You’ll find cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches and “Sicilian Street Food” like arancini, panzerotti and scacciata.
Why we’re excited: In addition to the reason listed above with Yellow Canary, we are jazzed to experience some truly Italian-inspired sandwiches.
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