Bring the Whole Crew: Family- & Group-Friendly Spots for Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week is back January 30–February 7, and it's a great excuse to get everyone out of the house and around the table together. Whether you’re wrangling the family for some quality time or planning a long-overdue friends' night out, these restaurants make it easy to share good food and good company.
Here are a few must-try spots!
Billy Barooz Pub & Grill
2521 Village Green Place, Champaign
Billy Barooz, located at the Crossing, is a solid pick when you've got a mix of tastes at the table. Start light and bright with Pacific coast ceviche, tuna tartare, or one of their fresh, vibrant salads—perfect for sharing around the table. For mains, there's a vegetarian kale-stuffed portobello with risotto, shrimp- and crab-stuffed pasta, and kaeng kari grilled salmon. It’s the kind of menu that keeps everyone at the table happy.
Jupiter’s at the Crossing
2511 Village Green Place, Champaign
Just down the way, Jupiter's is always an easy "yes" for groups. Their dinner-for-two specials are ideal for date night or bestie meetup—bruschetta appetizer, Caesar salad, pasta, Cinna Sticks, and soft drinks (with the option to add wine, if that's your thing). Bringing more people? Order bruschetta, salad, cinna sticks, and their hand-tossed “Sweet & Spicy” pizza (little cupping pepperoni, red onions, ricotta, basil, and hot honey) à la carte and share everything. Once you’re fueled up, challenge your group to skee-ball—or take your kids to the all-ages arcade.
Houlihan’s
1902 S. First St., Champaign
Houlihan's is a definite go-to for groups who want options—and a little bit of flair. Their three-course tasting menus are a delicious way to mix things up for dinner. You get to pick your flavor trip: Italian or French. If you're meeting up earlier in the day, their lunch specials, like the Italian Combo sandwich or Monte Cristo (if you've never had one, prepare yourself for a treat!), make it easy to turn a quick lunch into a mini occasion.
Neil St. Blues
301 N. Neil St., Champaign
Equal parts heart and soul, Neil St. Blues in downtown Champaign is all about Southern comfort with a polished twist. While their Restaurant Week specials are still under wraps (keep checking for updates!), you can count on made-from-scratch dishes with big flavor and generous portions. Pass plate around the table, or if you'd rather not share, settle in with your own—both are acceptable choices. On some nights, there's live music, which is a vibrant option if you want dinner to really feel like a night out.
Po’ Boys
202 E. University Ave., Urbana
If you’re rolling in with a hungry squad, Po'Boys in Urbana is ready. Their specials make it easy—BBQ sandwich combos, a hearty BBQ sampler, pizza with house salad, and calzones that are absolutely worth planning around. Feeling adventurous? Don’t miss their dill pickle pizza (the much-awaited delicacy ONLY available during Restaurant Week!). And here’s a big bonus: for this celebration only, you can try any pizza with their famous garlic sauce. Straightforward, filling, shareable—this is seriously good food.
The Ribeye
1701 S. Neil St., Champaign
For over 40 years, The Ribeye has been a Champaign classic, and it’s a slam dunk for families and groups who love a good old-fashioned steakhouse experience. Dinner specials include fried baby button mushrooms, dippin’ chicken, and a special marinated kebob dinner that includes unlimited trips to their famous salad bar, your choice of side, and signature fresh-baked bread. It’s the kind of place where everyone leaves full and happy.
Start Planning Your Feast!
Mark your calendar for Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week, January 30–February 7! Grab your people, pick your spots, and try something new together.
Check out all the Restaurant Week menus and participating restaurants here:
experiencecu.org/events/restaurant-week
Sponsors
Our 10th Annual Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week is generously supported by:
Chef's Table
Entrée SPONSORS
Appetizer SPONSORS
