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Cheese Curd Trail around Champaign-Urbana

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In times of uncertainty, Champaign-Urbana embraces its cheese curds

When a local teacher asks a question, the Internet owes him an answer. Especially now, at the tail end of 2020’s Teacher Appreciation Week.

Mike Slagor, a special education teacher at Champaign Central High School, turned to the Facebook group Champaign County Rallies Around Restaurants, Retailers, Small Businesses on May 10 with a burning question: “Where can I get cheese curds? …Asking for a friend that happens to be myself.”

Let’s just say that in times such as these, a community’s priorities come sharply into focus. THE MAN NEEDS SOME CHEESE CURDS! And so, it seems, do the rest of us:

  • “Following. For reasons.”
  • “We must know alllll about the cheese.”
  • “I will make the post link into an icon on my smartphone.”

Champaign Urbana Cheese Curd Trail

It turns out that even for non-Wisconsonites, a lot of Central Illinois residents feel very strongly about our cheese curds. What follows are the recommendations shared on Facebook, including a shocking revelation about “off-menu curds” at a downtown Champaign institution.

(Note that following the example of previous Food Trail posts, we avoid listing chains with 10+ locations. Chambanamoms.com does not endorse the businesses listed here.)

Seven Saints, Champaign: Cheese Curd Ground Zero for many local readers. “They are HUGE and full of the awesome, gooey, cheesiness we all love in a cheese curd. Mmmm!” and “Fantastic with their tomato basil soup!”

Farren’s Pub, Champaign: BREAKING NEWS about cheese curds from owner Carolyn Morton Farren, “They aren’t on the regular menu, but Farren’s has them all the time. Small secret.” (The Internet responds: “OMG. Game changer.”)

Ko Fusion, Champaign: I was today years old when I learned that “Tempura fried cheese curds” is an actual item on Ko Fusion’s menu.

Smith Burger Co., food truck: “New and amazing cheese curd discovery! People NEED to know!” (formerly The Burgersmith)

Also in Champaign, check out the cheese curd offerings at Sun Singer and Collective Pour. When Watson’s Shack & Rail returns to its full menu, cheese curds will hopefully return too.

Bunny’s Tavern, Urbana: “Wisconsin cheese curds in a spicy breading, so good.” “I second Bunny’s they are super yummy.” “Bunny’s Tavern has spicy cheese curds. So addictive!”

Hickory River Smokehouse, Urbana: “I had some last night and they were fabulous.”

Project 47 Smokehouse, Mahomet: “Yummy cheese curds!” (“And they have good tater tots!!”)

The Wheelhouse, St. Joseph: “If you’re able to make it to St Joe — The Wheelhouse has some fabulous cheese curds.” “The best!” “These are the best… Hands down!” “Delicious curds with beer mustard.” “Great flavor on the breading and nice melted cheese. Not like others that are rubbery. They’re melt-in-your mouth amazing!!” (“And if you like the curds, get the poutine.”)

Possum Trot Supper Club, Oakwood: “The best ones ever are from Possum Trot in Oakwood.”

 

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