Champaign is a pretty interesting city
with some pretty interesting restaurants. While reading Yelp reviews, I’ve realized that I’ve only skimmed the surface when it comes to eating at these fine establishments.  You’d be surprised by the opinions that people on Yelp have about these different places, and if you’re in need of a new place to eat or just a good laugh look no further.  

Maize Mexican Grill

Five Stars

“Anything you get here is great. Really. I always tend towards the pastor because I am a pork fan, but the chicken or steak is great too. Whenever someone visits me from out of town, the two places I take them to eat are here and Black Dog.  “The only person I have ever known who doesn't like Maize was one of my old roommates... but he also used to put ketchup and cheese on bread and call it a meal, so take that with a grain (or heaping mound) of salt.” Source  

Cracked the Egg Came First

Five Stars

“Every bite of a morning bender is a spiritual experience. It doesn't matter when I get one; be it 9 a.m., 2 p.m. or after midnight, the cracked truck does not disappoint. I could actually live on these sandwiches and look forward to seeing this radical food truck at the Urbana farmers market starting next Sunday!”  Source

Antonio’s Pizza

Five Stars

“Let's be honest, graduate school is hard and often horrible.  There are times when you are reading nine hundred pages, writing a ridiculous paper or four and teaching classes.  Sometimes life becomes simply unbearable. This is why there is Antonio's.  Antonio's is a tiny space of joy in a world that can be excessively painful.  I imagine it as an island of tranquility, if that tranquility comes equipped with some of the most ridiculous pizza ideas ever and a host of smooth nineties slow jams.  And that is what I need every Monday afternoon, when Antonio's has a buy one slice get one free special.  So I pay about $3 for two huge slices of pizza and a half hour of belting out Toni Braxton, Babyface, maybe if I'm lucky a little Alicia Keys?  Hell yes. The slices themselves range from inspired to bizarre to terrifying, but they generally mange to pull of the crazy flavor combinations.  They have gyro, nachos, fresh mozzarella with pesto, potato wedges and bacon and any number of other combinations.   So on a Monday afternoon, you can find me sitting over a double slice of heaven, singing "You'll Always Be My Baby."  And I wouldn't have it any other way, Antonio's.”  Source

Espresso Royale

Five Stars

“Dear girl working at espresso, I am so sorry I barged into your store a half hour before you opened on a Saturday and practically demanded you make me a large vanilla latte so that I could make it through 11 hours of volunteering. I'm not very good without caffeine before 10 a.m., hence my inability to read a clock correctly. You were nicer than you should have been and your drink helped me get through two lectures on nuclear science with a room of 20 young boys.  Thank you so much.” Source  

Fat Sandwich Company

Four Stars

“A true American icon. People ask where our culture is, and I point to Fat Sandwich. Nothing better encapsulates the uniquely American perspective that, if things are good independently, they must be better together. In high school civics you called it the melting pot. Now that you're in college, call it a Fat Sorostitute, tzatziki and hot sauce.  Some day you'll know it as manifest destiny. God Bless America.” Source  

Wingin Out

Five Stars

“I'm sorry, what's with the negative reviews? Can you say DRUNK FOOD?   This place is heaven at 1-2am any night of the week, its delicious and potentially nutritious. You can tell from the outside you're not going to get the fanciest wing eating experience, but for what it is you're going to get your fill. (I suggest splitting with friends)   OmNomNom   BONUS: going after a night of drinking is like dinner theater: Wings + watching Red Lion chaos across the street.   5 STARZ” Source  

Papa Del’s Pizza

Five Stars

“I ate this pizza for ten straight hours, and when I was done, I applauded. It was far, far better than the best pizza I could possibly imagine, and it has restored my faith in God.” Source  

Jarling’s Custard Cup

Five Stars

“Just went to Jarling's after lunch at Yellowfin. Urgent update:   They now have gummy bears.   I'm going to pretend that they started carrying gummy bears just because Jarling's loves me. Regardless of the real reason, I will now have a mandatory once-a-week Nerds and gummy bear snowstorm (made with strawberry custard).   THANK YOU, JARLING'S. Pardon my brevity, but I need to go start shopping for some bigger pants.. Something with an elastic waist, perhaps...”   Source  

Tortica’s Grill

Five Stars

“If I die young, bury me in queso.   Queso from Burrito King (or Torticas, or the Burrito King truck...) will easily be the most delicious queso you have ever had in your entire life. The queso dreams are made of. The queso that makes the world go round. The queso that Burrito King smothers on everything...   I love this place. Fantastic staff, good chips and salsa, big portion sizes and veggie options. And did I mention the queso? Whether it's 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., this is the place to be. And if it happens to be sometime in between 2 and 2, they have a bunch of different flavors of margaritas, but they are a little pricey.   Tip for the wise (or drunk, or reaaaaally hungry): if it's one of those nights that everybody has the same great idea as you and the restaurant is packed, order your food to-go! They'll even let you snack on chips while you wait - the best.   Another thing to note: The Burrito King truck only accepts cash. Don't get mad, don't cry about it, the restaurant is literally a block away. Seriously, don't cry about. Seriously.   Five stars 'cause I'm in love.” Source