‘Eat your greens’ takes on a whole new meaning for a couple weeks each March
Find festive St. Patty’s Day eats at local and chain establishments throughout Champaign-Urbana
From Shamrock Shakes to specialty donuts, one way everyone loves celebrating the Luck of the Irish is through their stomach. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day foods available for a limited time in C-U.
For more St. Patrick’s Day fun, check out some events.
Pre-order meals
Piato, Urbana: Choose from Classic Corned Beef, Shepherd’s Pie or Lentil Shepherd’s Pie. All dinners served with Guinness beef stew or a Vegetarian Irish stew, Irish soda bread and mint swirl cheesecake. All orders must be placed by noon on Mar. 13. They must be picked up between 2-6 p.m. on March 17; delivery is available for a $10 fee. St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookies also available by the dozen.
More options for St. Patrick’s Day food around Champaign-Urbana
Locally owned:
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, Georgetown: Last year, it featured Emerald Isle-themed items from The Truck the whole week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, including a Reuben Smashburger and Full Irish Breakfast. We know Big Thorn has the Corned Beef Reuben already (at designated times). Get details here.
ET’s, Rantoul: There will be special food, Irish dancing and green beer from Riggs, plus the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ET’s.
Martinelli’s Market, Champaign: Last year, we found the coolest shamrock sugar cookies in the case at Martinelli’s Market in Downtown Champaign. Swing by to see what green goodies it has available through the 17th.
Houlihan’s, Champaign: ShamROCK your taste buds later this March. Houlihan’s usually serves up St. Patrick’s Day specials including its Reuben Sandwich, Corned Beef with Cabbage, Irish Cream Coffee, Jameson Irish Mule, and Guinness.
Pekara, Champaign: You might find a tasty St. Patrick’s themed sugar cookie. Last year, we saw pot-of-gold cookies and shamrock cookies.
National chains:
McDonald’s, various locations: Of course, one can’t let March pass without enjoying a Shamrock Shake or two. Get one before they’re gone after St. Patrick’s Day.
Dairy Queen, various locations: It’s never too cold for ice cream! Grab a mint Oreo Blizzard to celebrate.
Costco, 2002 N. Neil St., Champaign: If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day fete, Costco is your go-to. An end cap in the food section held corned beef, green ravioli, and side dishes fit for an Irish feast.
Did we miss anything? Let us know if your favorite local or chain business has something special on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day!