Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Brunch Spots

Going out for brunch in Champaign-Urbana is a special treat, even with the kids in tow

Brunch is the stuff summer Sundays are made of. Okay, also non-summer Sundays — and probably Saturdays too. Brunch seems decadent and has the veneer of being a luxury, especially when there are grown-up drinks involved. But it’s possible to get good bang for your brunch buck, especially in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Always call ahead to confirm operating or menu details, as those are subject to change often and without notice.

Here is our list of Champaign-Urbana’s favorite restaurants to have brunch, with or without kids. Many of these places offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, but we encourage you to please confirm before heading out, as menus can differ between Saturday and Sunday, too.

Big Grove Tavern, Champaign: One of our favorite places to see families of all generations enjoying brunch together. They keep their brunch menu fresh, and we feel the current menu is larger than ever. Try the hangover burger and don’t skip ordering the churros to share as a table. Note: Saturday breakfast is a different menu than Sunday brunch

Courier Cafe, Urbana: A long-time downtown Urbana staple, Courier is open seven days a week. All your classic breakfast dishes can be found here. Special shout-out to the pancakes; your kids will love them. No alcohol.

Lazy Daisy Cafe & Diner, Urbana: The newest addition to the Champaign-Urbana brunch scene, Lazy Daisy is in Lincoln Square Mall. There’s a coffee shop in addition to the diner. The pancakes are so large they fall off the plate and you can find a range of kid-favorites to sophisticated culinary delights.

Maple & Yolk, Urbana: Also a newer addition to the Champaign-Urbana brunch scene, Maple & Yolk features fresh-squeezed orange juice in addition to all of the great menu items. There are plenty of indulgently sweet options, in addition to some lighter, protein-packed dishes on the menu. You may feel like you’re at a big-city brunch when you’re at Maple & Yolk! Waitlist encouraged on the weekends.

Original Pancake House, Champaign: No secrets here; The Original Pancake House is one of our team’s favorite spots for breakfast/brunch. Another spot where we encourage you to utilize the waitlist. Without a doubt, this one will come up In conversation when you talk to Champaign-Urbana families about where to go for breakfast or brunch, seven days a week. No alcohol

The Literary, Champaign: Don’t let the fact that the Lit is a more casual location dissuade you from heading here for brunch. Some unique items like matcha pancakes and a tofu scramble, in addition to a classic bagel with lox and salmon.

Maize, Champaign: Find brunch at The Station on the weekends. Same Maize flavors, different dishes!

The Space, Champaign: We’ve definitely stopped into The Space with our kids for a quick brunch. If you have picky eaters, this might not be the stop for you, as there are some creative dishes on the menu. More adventurous eaters will love the funky atmosphere and flavorful plates.

Le Peep, Champaign: Another spot we see many generations enjoying breakfast and brunch together. The classics abound here all week long. No alcohol

Neil St. Blues, Champaign: Brunch often features a live DJ! Not to mention an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, Southern favorites like fried fish, fried chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy and so much more.

Neil St. Blues shrimp n grits — Photo credit: Michael Ujcich

Pekara, Champaign: If you are looking for a place to meet with some co-workers and enjoy delicious morning eats together, Pekara might be a good option. No alcohol.

Silvercreek, Urbana: They’ve re-launched their brunch, but if you’re thinking of the buffet days of yesteryear, it looks different than it used to. The ala carte menu is top notch though, and Silvercreek brunch is everything you’re looking for in brunch. Visit during the first hour (10 -11 a.m.) for an “early bird” brunch discount.

Sun Singer, Champaign: Find a robust brunch menu at Sun Singer, along with a long list of brunch cocktails, too. We like Sun Singer’s challah, so it is no surprise that the challah french toast is delectable. Expect to leave stuffed, depending on what you order.

Watson’s Shack & Rail, Champaign: While we love anything Watson’s puts on a plate (or in a styrofoam container), their avocado toast is one of the best in town. If you want a Southern classic, Watson’s makes an incredible chicken and waffle combo, called Chelsea’s Sunday Plea.

The Wheelhouse, St. Joseph: This is worth the short drive from C-U. There is a kiddie menu for brunch, or you can just order some sides for the kids to enjoy. Try the sticky bun french toast.

Honorable mention

If you’re willing to drive a little bit further, we have some brunch recommendations for you.

Destihl, Normal: Served at both the restaurant and the beer hall, Destihl brunch is positively wonderful. The menu is different between the beer hall and the restaurant, but we’ve enjoyed brunch at both spots. Though brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday, you can only get the fried chicken on Sunday.

Firefly, Effingham: Another team chambanamoms favorite, Firefly Grill in Effingham delivers a stellar brunch. Perhaps a day trip for a special occasion? We love their lemon curd, which can be found in the french toast dish. Also, there is a mimosa flight!

Milktooth, Indianapolis: The farthest option on our list, still doable to drive there and back in a day just for brunch (we certainly won’t judge). This might just be the best brunch you’ve ever had!

Did we miss your favorite spot to brunch? Email us and let us know where you’ve found great brunch around Champaign-Urbana.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Brunch Spots

Going out for brunch in Champaign-Urbana is a special treat, even with the kids in tow

Honorable mention

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