Where to Dine Outdoors in Champaign-Urbana

Where to find the best outdoor dining in Champaign-Urbana

Dining out is always a treat, but dining outside with the perfect weather is beyond fantastic

Beautiful summer — and fall … and spring — evenings are made that much more enjoyable when dining outside with family and friends. Looking for opportunities to dine al fresco in the Champaign-Urbana area? We happen to have quite a variety of establishments here that fit the bill.

Chambanamoms.com thanks Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar for presenting this resource

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar features a vibrant atmosphere and irresistible American cuisine. Located on the hotel’s main floor, this contemporary restaurant in Champaign includes an energetic dining room, a bustling bar, and a cozy outdoor patio to dine al fresco during warmer weather with live music on Thursdays in the summer.

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Big Grove Tavern, Champaign — Big Grove offers a beautiful patio scene in downtown Champaign. A must-visit if you enjoy outdoor dining, for sure. Dog friendly too!

Billy Barooz, Champaign — Featuring an outdoor seating area in southwest Champaign, Billy Barooz is known for its nachos, black bean burgers, and sweet potato fries.

The Bread Company, Urbana — Looking for a romantic date evening? You can dine outdoors and enjoy the cheesy goodness of its raclette. If you don’t know what that is, trust us, you want to go check it out.

Breaking Taco, Mahomet — Popular for sporty families on the go, Breaking Taco offers outdoor seating to enjoy its faire of tacos, chips, and tasty daily specials.

Briks Pizzeria, Mahomet — The outdoor fenced-in green space at Briks has been a hit with area families (above). Make plans to meet up and let the kids play while you enjoy some pizza and cold drinks (their fresh juices are fantastic).

Buffalo Wild Wings, Savoy — Featuring a large outdoor eating space and TVs, this is a spot for the sports enthusiasts in your family.

Casa Del Mar, Urbana — Casa del Mar in Urbana has a great covered patio overlooking a pond and green space (see above.) It is kid-friendly and affordable. You’ve told us that it has friendly service and great food. (And we are big fans of the blueberry margaritas, bonus!)

El Toro at the Fields, Champaign — El Toro at the Fields boasts an expansive outdoor eating area complete with walk-up bar. Flights of margaritas and grown-up capri suns (a.k.a. fruity drinks in a bag) make the outdoor experience even more enjoyable. Many of the area El Toro restaurants feature comfortable outdoor seating amenities.

Esquire Lounge, Champaign — The Esquire Lounge offers outdoor dining on its patio as well as the west side of the building along Neil Street. Readers have commented that the staff is accommodating to children. Its offerings include pizzas, burgers, grilled chicken, etc.

Farren’s at the Inman, Champaign — Known for its delicious burgers, salads, and truffle chips, Farren’s offers outdoor seating as a complement to its fares.

Hickory River Smokehouse, Champaign — Hickory River’s Champaign location has outdoor seating (above). Order at the counter, an easy family outing. Then take a walk around the wide paths at Carle at the Fields.

Houlihan’s, Champaign — Houlihan’s is a “best kept secret”; on Thursdays it has live music and its patio landscaping gives a very peaceful vibe.

Jupiter’s at the Crossing, Champaign — Known for its various pizza creations, Jupiter’s boasts a large amount of outdoor space from covered patio to rooftop seating.

KoFusion, Champaign — When KoFusion moved to a new location, it also came with a perfect patio in the heart of the hustle and bustle of downtown. This is one of our favorites, to be sure!

Maize at the Station, Champaign — Other than a few trains passing by (depending on your timing), it’s easy to forget that you’re right next to the tracks at this outdoor oasis beyond Maize. The food is delightful and we love the new water feature. Does guacamole just taste better when you’re al fresco?

Riggs Beer Company, Urbana — Riggs features a large outdoor patio and many beers, including its own brew. While it does not serve food, Riggs allows patrons to bring their own food on site, and there are often food trucks parked there. A large playground for children near the outdoor seated area allows parents to indulge in a beverage or two while also supervising their children.

Seven Saints, Champaign — Seven Saints offers outdoor dining in a beer garden area along Chester Street that is used for special activities. Picturesque!

Seven Saints dining outside 2025 — Dining out at Seven Saints in 2025. Chambanamoms photo

Strawberry Fields, Urbana — Featuring a hot lunch buffet that consists of six main entrees that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and carnivorous fans, Strawberry Fields offers a lunch option that is pocketbook friendly. It features outdoor seating on the long covered porch in the front of the store.

Sun Singer, Champaign — Sun Singer offers many wines, mixed beverages, entrees, and more either in its indoor and outdoor seating areas. A favorite place to lunch especially outdoors.

Watson’s Shack and Rail, Champaign — Enjoy a boozy slushie in its outdoor seating area and have a prime seating location for downtown’s Friday Night Live programming.

And just two more …

A bit of a drive from C-U, the best patio a distance away has to be Firefly Grill in Effingham. You can even feed the koi fish while eating some of the best food in Central Illinois.

A runner up to Firefly, Destihl Beer Hall + Barrel Room in Normal has a scenic outdoor patio and indoor area, too. It is well worth the drive and the food is delicious too. Our vote is to visit for brunch.

Where to find the best outdoor dining in Champaign-Urbana

Dining out is always a treat, but dining outside with the perfect weather is beyond fantastic

And just two more …

Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana: