Many Champaign-Urbana food favorites are coming together at The Yard on Broadway to bring families the ultimate destination for a night of food and fun
The Yard on Broadway will feature Champaign-Urbana favorites like Smith Burger, Watson’s, The Main Scoop, Columbia Street Roastery and Fernando’s Tacos
Imagine a night out where the whole family got exactly what they wanted to eat — plus desserts, drinks for the parents and entertainment for the kids that allowed parents to finish all (or some of?) the conversations uninterrupted. Now that The Yard on Broadway is opening, achieving a night like this just became a possibility!
The Yard on Broadway is a long-awaited food hall located across from newly opened H Mart. As you enter The Yard, you will understand why people have been so excited about its opening. On the right side of the restaurant is a row of eateries, each in their own space, everything from a full bar to a cafe. On the left is a plethora of games and entertainment that is perfect for kids and adults alike. You may find yourself standing in the doorway thinking you just struck restaurant gold — and we’d be inclined to agree with you.
A major draw to this Urbana food hall is the variety. The Yard features seven establishments under one roof: Smith Burger Co, Watson’s Shack & Rail, Fernando’s Tacos & More, Regal Pig Social, Columbia Street Cafe, The Main Scoop, and a full bar, Public House 1833.
If you are wondering how different The Yard feels compared to the former Broadway Food Hall, the answer would be significantly different. The hall has been completely renovated with families and groups in mind, now more of a destination to spend a few hours than a spot to get a quick bite and maybe catch up on a few emails.
The owners of The Yard, Drew and Jessica Smith, are the owners of Smith Burger Co., with a food truck that roams C-U and a walk-up location inside Collective Pour in Champaign. This will be the third place Champaign-Urbana families can find a Smith Burger in town (aside from opportunities at State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium during sporting events).
In addition to food, there is a long indoor “lawn” where you can play corn hole, air hockey and foosball. Behind the giant mural — which is sure to draw the attention of all Mario-loving kids — is an area with pinball, arcade games, and a few claw machines. After introducing your kids to the art of pinball, you can head across the “lawn” and move on to skeeball, giant Tetris, or Connect Four.
We imagine The Yard will be a popular place to gather for families, couples, and even large groups. There is plenty of seating, including high tops, bar seating, and standard tables that can accommodate groups of many sizes. It would be a great place to catch a game as the restaurant has several TVs playing a variety of different sports. The Yard is a fitting location to catch up with friends at any time of day — Columbia Street Cafe features a breakfast menu and espresso drinks. Alongside the other lunch, dinner, and dessert options, it seems to us that any time of day is a good time to visit The Yard on Broadway.
Know Before You Go
Hours
The hours for each vendor inside The Yard are going to vary by business, and there may be a couple days The Yard is completely closed while it finishes opening touches. Follow along on social to see operating hours.
Parking
Parking might be the challenge here at The Yard as it opens. There are a limited number of spots right outside The Yard. Other options include the H Mart parking lot and across the street and various downtown Urbana parking lots and meters a short walk away. Patrons are asked not to park at CU Adventures in Time and Space.
More info on dining around Champaign-Urbana available here!
