8 Great Patios to Try in Downtown Champaign
With summer coming to a close next month, now’s the time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Champaign before patio season bids us adieu! Check out these 8 delicious restaurants, bars, and coffee shops with patios for you to soak up the sun!
Located at 419 N. Neil Street, Bentley’s is a downtown bar with a neighborhood vibe and cozy atmosphere that features craft beer and house-infused cocktails. Don’t miss their signature “White Lie” while you sip on their back outdoor terrace! Check out their cocktail menu and read about their legendary history in Downtown Champaign.
Head over to 1 E. Main Street to Big Grove Tavern: a classic tavern with a modern twist. Big Grove is open all day for lunch or dinner and weekend brunch, where you can enjoy thoughtfully-crafted food and drink inspired by the community and bounty of Champaign-Urbana. Their spacious outdoor seating area has great views of the Friday Night Live action.
3. DESTIHL
Check out this gastrobrewery and eat their great artisan foods and beers on their outdoor patio, facing the lively center of Downtown Champaign! Enjoy this Downtown favorite before its 2020 move to Carle at the Fields.
Who doesn’t love this classic Champaign favorite? Hang out in the patio space near the famous Mr. Eggwards statue and snack on pizza, appetizers, and more! Enjoy their expansive drink selection of beers and cocktails too! Visit Esquire at 106 N. Walnut Street.
Hamilton Walker’s is a classy American steakhouse with specialty cocktails and a retro vibe in a circa-1880s building. Their front patio seating next to lush flower planters offers prime views of Neil Street and a great vantage point to take in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Champaign.
6. KoFusion
Enjoy some fun foods near the water well at KoFusion’s Downtown Champaign location at 1 E. Main Street! Their menu features both signature sushi and a unique blend of contemporary American and Asian cuisine. KoFusion also has an extensive beer and wine menu and offers a full array of sakes and house cocktails.
7. Pekara
Have a latte or pastry at 116 N. Neil Street! Pekara has wifi and a delightful outdoor patio in the back alleyway, near the “Outside of Ordinary” mural! Pekara serves delicious all-day breakfast: omelettes from local, organic eggs, traditional crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. Their lunch and dinner menu features sandwiches built on their artisan breads, salads, and soups. Get your work done in the sun and in the heart of Downtown Champaign.
Experience 28 pour-your-own taps featuring beers, ciders, meads, and wines… all poured by you, one ounce at a time! Try all of your beers on the spacious outdoor patio that opened earlier this season, then trying your hand at outside games like bag toss and more! If you haven’t yet tried the pour-your-own experience which made its debut in Champaign a year ago, now’s your chance!
By Melinda Sevilla, Contributing Writer
