Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is sure to please even the toughest critics of the household — kids and adults alike

We’ve all experienced the difficulty of a toddler, child — or adult friend, ahem — who has a difficult time making up their mind when it comes to deciding where to eat. We can’t make up your mind for you, or promise that everyone in your household will be happy, but we can guide you in the direction of some of the Champaign-Urbana area’s best restaurant mac and cheese.

If there is one thing that we know about this cheesy dish is that it isn’t just for kids. Some days call for a good hearty dish of this favorite comfort food.

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Biaggi’s, Champaign: Biaggi’s does pasta well, and their mac and cheese is no exception (pictured above). If you want a giant bowl of creamy and delicious cheesiness, you may want to head to Biaggi’s.

Black Dog, Champaign: Did you know you can order Black Dog’s mac and cheese with extra cheese? Neither did we. Definitely recommend trying this.

Farren’s Pub & Eatery, Champaign: Apparently a special gouda mac and cheese finds its way onto the menu on special occasions and from what we’ve heard, it’s delicious. Mac and cheese is always on the kids’ menu though.

Hamilton Walker’s, Champaign: Featuring macaroni and cheese topped with delectable garlic parmesan breadcrumbs (or without the breadcrumbs for kids), this stands out as one of the top dishes of mac and cheese you can order in Champaign-Urbana.

Harvest Market, Champaign: Available for carryout, as an accompaniment to your next home cooked meal, or for dine-in, Harvest Market has good mac and cheese at their deli counter.

Hickory River Smokehouse, locations in Champaign and Urbana: Hickory River has a tried and true mac and cheese on the menu that will have kids and adults alike giving it a two thumbs up.

Mamma D’s Smokehouse Restaurant & Catering, food truck: Mamma D’s food truck has an incredible mac and cheese on the menu. Get it “classic” for just a few bucks, or top it with one of their smoked meats, still making it an affordable meal, chock full of delicious.

Neil St. Blues, Champaign: One reader calls this the best mac and cheese she’s ever had. We have to agree that Neil St. Blues’ mac and cheese is one of the best around.

Noodles, Champaign: A chain, we know. But kids love to stop at Noodles when on campus for mac and cheese. Get it to go for the kids and go try any one of the other more adventurous places to eat on campus for a pieced-together family meal.

Project 47 Smokehouse, Mahomet: Customization for the mac and cheese lover in your family. Choose from elbow macaroni, a three cheese blend, and your choice of bacon, chicken, pulled pork, turkey, ham or polish sausage. It also features a kid’s mac and cheese without the extras.

Silvercreek, Urbana: How can you go wrong with lobster, cheese, and pasta? This is an elevated mac and cheese, so don’t go expecting the basics here. We think it is a stand-out based on the sheer uniqueness of the dish!

Watson’s Shack & Rail, Champaign: Featuring a green chili and white cheddar mac and cheese, Watson’s side dish could easily become your entire meal.

Wood ‘N Hog, locations in Champaign and Urbana: Offering its signature baked mac and cheese for catering or as an addition to your meal, this homemade mac and cheese tastes like it was just whipped up in your childhood kitchen.

Did we miss your favorite mac and cheese? Email us and let us know!

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is sure to please even the toughest critics of the household — kids and adults alike

Looking for more favorite foods around Champaign-Urbana?