Just Outside CU: Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week Specials Across Our Region
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week is a celebration of the incredible food scene all across our communities. They’re a big part of what makes this region such a great place to eat, and Restaurant Week is the perfect time to show them some love.
Consider this your friendly nudge to add a few of these standout spots—in Mahomet, Rantoul, St. Joseph, Paxton, and Monticello—to your Restaurant Week itinerary.
The Main Scoop, Mahomet, Monticello, Paxton, and Downtown Urbana
Ice cream in winter? Absolutely. Especially with premium flavors like cold brew stracciatella, Mediterranean sea salt caramel, and peaches and cream (along with a selection of dairy-free options). With locations in Mahomet, Monticello, Paxton, and downtown Urbana, the Main Scoop is easy to work into your plans—whether it’s for dessert or the main event. During Restaurant Week, you can share an ice cream flight sampler for two, sip on a craft soda float for two, or go big with a party package that includes a pint of ice cream and four homemade waffle cones or bowls—consider it a celebration kit for making it through the week.
Briks Pizzeria, Mahomet
Pizza night just got promoted. Briks is serving up a Restaurant Week menu for two that’s basically a warm hug with burrata on top—aka the “Brrrrrrrata It’s Cold Out” special. You’ll start with an entrée salad featuring fire-roasted tomato, burrata, and a house-made lemon hot honey vinaigrette. Then it’s on to the main event: a 12” pizza topped with pesto aioli, burrata, prosciutto, basil, arugula, and lemon-infused olive oil. Oh, and you get two unlimited soft drinks. Bring your favorite person and prepare to share!
Hacienda Rebollo, Mahomet
If your winter routine needs a little spicy somethin'-somethin', Hacienda Rebollo is calling with their Mexican-modern Restaurant Week specials. For $15 lunch, you can dig into options like a birria skillet, beer-battered shrimp tacos, or a Hacienda burger—plus a soft drink. For $25 dinner, go for something standout like a piña volcan, carne asada, or a burrito bowl. Dinner also includes a soft drink and your choice of cheese dip or guac (decisions, decisions!).
Los Zarapes, Mahomet
We've got even more $15 lunch and $25 dinner specials at nearby Los Zarapes. Whether you’re craving something classic or something you haven’t tried yet, there are plenty of tempting options like burrito el mono, pollo tapatio, molcajete, fajitas poblanas, and paella seafood. Margarita not included, but highly recommended!
Project 47 Smokehouse, Mahomet
If your cravings include smoky, saucy, and wildly satisfying, head to Project 47 Smokehouse. For Restaurant Week, expect a bold menu with options like smoked pulled pork green chili, trashed ribs with raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce, birria tacos, and a decadent stuffed quesadilla—and that's just naming a few. Pro tip: save room for flan!
ET’s Downtown, Rantoul
Settle in at ET's for good company, local brews on tap, and a bourbon selection that’s not messing around. Their Restaurant Week specials bring the comfort: think a house-smoked mac & cheese BBQ skillet (a warm blanket in food form) plus options like brisket, pulled pork, or Buffalo chicken strips. And just when you think you’re done? Italian cream mini cupcakes, which are totally included with your Restaurant Week meal.
Flavor Fusion, Rantoul
Oh, Flavor Fusion—what can't you do with a smashburger? Their three-course Restaurant Week meal for $25 is what dreams are made of. Start with homemade mozzarella sticks (a strong opening act), then choose your main: the Cuban smashburger—inspired by a Cuban-style torta with Mexican sausage, grilled ham, and crispy bacon—or the mar y tierra smashburger, stacked with seasoned shrimp, melted cheese, crunchy onion rings, and more. For the grand finale: homemade churros. You can't skip them. You can't!
The Wheelhouse, St. Joseph
If you're looking for a Restaurant Week dinner that feels special without being stuffy, you gotta check out The Wheelhouse in St. Joseph. Their prix fixe menu is a total win, especially if you love keeping it local. Start with a winter greens salad or a cozy bowl of cream of potato soup, then choose your main: portobello and porcini ravioli, braised beef short rib, or lemon crab pasta. Keep the indulgence going with an Alaskan ice cream waffle loaded with strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream. Want to make it extra-extra? Add a wine pairing and see where the evening goes.
These spots outside Champaign-Urbana bring big flavor, cozy vibes, and specials that make the short drive totally worth it—so get going!
Start Planning!
Mark your calendar for Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week, January 30–February 7!
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
